Douglas. For how long?
Fletcher. I can't say, but neither can you.—And besides, she loves me!
Douglas. Would she if she knew you?
Fletcher. [Smilingly.] Oh, come, Rhodes, drop it! I don't care a damn what I have done. I'm going to marry her! I haven't made any bones about myself. I've told her I've been a bad lot!
Douglas. Oh, yes, I know, you've confessed probably to having been "fast;" that nearly always appeals to a woman, heaven knows why; I suppose it's the instinct for reformation in them. But how much of your life does that word "fast" convey to a pure girl like Marion?
Fletcher. [Smiling.] Quite enough! [Serious.] But if she did know all there was to be known, Love forgives a great deal.
Douglas. But not everything. There are certain things Marion would never accept. She would refuse to take the place that was the right of another.
Fletcher. [Down to him.] Oh, that's your point, is it! Well, hunt out Jeannette Gros if you can; it'll do you no good! [Crosses.
Douglas. [Follows quickly. Angry.] You can't prove that, because it's not true!
Fletcher. [Facing Douglas. Angry too.] I'll prove she had other lovers before me. Good God, man, you don't know what Marion Wolton's love means to me! I've never loved like this before! Why, if it were possible for me to treat her as I have—the other, I couldn't. I want to marry Marion Wolton—I want to make her my wife! and I will! I've had all there can be got out of my old life, and I'm sick of it. Here's my chance at a new life, and do you think I'm going to give it up? No! [Forgetting and raising his voice.] Do you hear me, No!!