Warden. And I've more good news for you, Mrs. Sterling—the Godesbys, too; they will be silent.
Blanche. You're sure?
Warden. We have their word!
Blanche. [Pointedly.] Mr. Mason again?—
[Warden bows his head in assent.] He was here?
Warden. Some time ago, but only for a minute. He didn't stay; he went to find your husband.
Blanche. But the Godesbys? I just met them now on the road going back. How could Mr. Mason, if he didn't stay—[Warden is embarrassed, and is silent, searching a way out of it.] Oh, no! no! it wasn't Mr. Mason! I see the whole thing clearly. Dick was too great a coward, and you did it! It was you who won over Ryder! It was you who persuaded the Godesbys!—
[Warden shakes his head and makes a movement to deny it. Blanche continues speaking, the words rushing to her lips, as her pent-up heart opens and lets all her emotions suddenly free.] Don't try to deny it; you can't make me believe you! It's to you I owe whatever promise the future has for me! It is you who have given me all the happiness I've had for years. It is you who have watched over, taken care of, me—you, the best friend any woman in this world ever had. It is you now who have saved my boy's honor. It is you who lift the weight off my shoulders, the weight off my heart! You!—you!—you!
[She sinks sobbing on the bench. It begins to snow very quietly and slowly.
Warden. [All his love bursting out into his face and into his voice, cries.] Blanche! Blanche!