Miss Godesby. Oh, come, don't tell a lie about it; that will only make it seem worse.
Warden. Well, suppose I were in love with her—what of it?
Miss Godesby. Nothing; only, my dear Warden, that woman—
Warden. [Interrupts.] Wait a minute! You've got me in a corner, but knowing half the truth, you mustn't guess the whole. She is even more ignorant of my love for her than you were ten minutes ago! [Miss Godesby smiles and makes a little satirical exclamation.] You don't believe that, but I'll make you. I'm going to tell you something I've never even told myself. I'm going to put you to a big test, because I've got to. Apparently, I can't help myself; but after all, somehow I believe in the human nature in you, and you've got it in your power to help or hurt the woman I love—I say those words aloud for the first time—the woman I love!
[He has finished his speech in a lowered tone throbbing with controlled feeling.
Miss Godesby. [Incredulously.] You've never told her?
Warden. Never; and you show how little you really know her when you ask that question! She loves her husband.
Miss Godesby. I'm not so sure about that!
Warden. I am, and I love her. But surely the silent love of a man, like mine, is no insult to a good woman—cannot harm her! A love that is never spoken, not even whispered, can't hurt any one, except, perhaps, the one who loves. You must acknowledge even you have never heard a hint; you showed just now your real surprise at what circumstances revealed to you! I'd die sooner than bring the slightest shadow of a scandal on her, and I've hugged my secret tight. Have you any idea what such a love means? How it grows and grows, its strength shut in, held back, doubling and redoubling its powers!—its ideality increasing, the passion suppressed, locked up! Good God! I tremble sometimes when I think—suppose some day it should burst out, break my control, master me! [A pause.] And here, now, I've told you; I'm sorry, but I had to for her sake again. Will you help me keep my secret?
Miss Godesby. [After a second's pause.] Yes, because I believe you.