Sterling. I couldn't believe it, either, when she told me. It was her first word to me to-day. I said, "You are going to divorce me," and she answered, "No."
Warden. She's sacrificing herself for some reason—her boy!
Sterling. Never mind, she won't leave me; I have her promise, and I'll win back her love!
Warden. You fool! You can't win her back! She would never have loved me if you hadn't disillusioned, dishonored her! I'm not worthy of her, but I'll never dishonor her, and, please God, never disappoint her, and so I'll keep her love.
Sterling. Well, as to that, she decides to stay, leaving love out of the question.
Warden. And you'll accept that sacrifice! You don't even love her. You're only thinking of yourself now. Love, real love, forgets itself. You, after having spoilt half her life, are willing to spoil the rest, for your own sake!
Sterling. No, for the boy's sake, and her sake—to save a scandal—the world—
[Interrupted.
Warden. [Beside himself.] Oh, damn the world! It's heaven and hell you'd better think of. Scandal! It couldn't harm her, and the hurt it would do you is a small price to pay. Those whom God has joined—yes! but it was the devil bound her to you!
Sterling. Here! I've had enough! Look out!