Gray. To settle this matter. Where is he?
Margaret. Leave him alone. It’s me you must punish. I’ve made up my mind. Oh, how am I to tell you? He convinced me. He—cried, Gray. [Then, as Gray makes a quick gesture] You mustn’t sneer. You must understand. He’s so unhappy. And there’s Sydney to think of. And Gray, he won’t marry us.
Gray. What’s that?
Margaret. The Rector. He’s been here.
Gray. [Furious] My God, why wasn’t I?
Margaret. And Aunt Hester—she made it worse. [Despairingly] You see what it is—they all think I’m wicked.
Gray. Damned insolence!
Margaret. But it’s not them—it’s Hilary. I did fight them. I can’t fight Hilary. I see it. It’s my own fault. I ought never to have let myself care for you.
Gray. Talk sense.
Margaret. But there it is. It’s too much for me. I’ve got to stay with him.