Blanche. What I say—I learned it then from a paper of my father's. I shouldn't have kept my knowledge to myself—I see that now; but I did, for your sake, not for love of you—the love went for good that day. But here, a moment ago, I realized for the first time that my old friend did love me, love me with an ideal devotion the noblest woman in the world might be proud of! I didn't tell him then I loved him, but now I take this chance, I take it Gladly before you!—forced by you! I tell him now, what perhaps he has already guessed, I love him with all my heart—I love him! I love him!
Sterling. Damn you both! then it's the end of me!
[He pulls out a pistol and tries to put it to his temple.
Blanche. [Cries out.] Ned!
Warden. [Seizes Sterling, catches his arm, and wrenches the pistol from him.] So that's what you planned to do, is it—make a wretched scene like that?
[It begins to snow more heavily.
Sterling. [In utter collapse and shame.] Why did you stop me? I'm better out of the world. I'm crazy with shame. First I disgraced and now I've insulted—degraded—the only living thing I care for,—that's my wife.
[A moment's pause.
Blanche. [Speaks quietly.] Come back to the house. Mr. Mason is looking for you; he has something to tell you.
Sterling. I know—more bad news.