Fletcher. [To Marion.] Do you despise me?
Marion. I can't ... I love you.
Fletcher. I didn't deceive you, did I? You will remember I confessed that before we met my life had not been fit to be lived in the same world with you.
Marion. I know, but I didn't imagine anything so bad as this.
Fletcher. Yes, I realize that now, as it is only since I have known you that I have realized how low I was. Yet, Marion, this sort of thing exists all around us; I am not the only one ... [Interrupted.
Marion. [Interrupting.] Don't—don't try to excuse it.
Fletcher. At any rate ... it was before I knew you.
Marion. [Looking up in his face for the first time, slowly.] Since you've known me have you been good and honest?
Fletcher. [Without any hesitation, looks back at her, honestly.] Yes. [They hold this position for a moment. Clergyman leaves Jeannette. She speaks after him, following.
Jeannette. This is not legal proof, you say?