Blanche. You must explain it! Your disgrace is mine.
Sterling. [Alarmed at having said so much, tries to retract a little.] Disgrace was too strong a word—I didn't mean that. I'm in trouble. I'm in trouble. Good God, can't you see it? And if you love me, why don't you leave me alone?
Blanche. How can I go on loving you without your confidence?—without ever being suffered to give you any sympathy? Doll wives are out of fashion, and even if they weren't, I could never be one.
Sterling. [Laughing.] My dear, I'd never accuse you of being stuffed with sawdust.
Blanche. Oh, and now you joke about it. Take care, Dick.
Sterling. What's this, a threat?
Blanche. Yes, if you like to call it that. You've been putting me more and more completely out of your life; take care that I don't finish your work and go the last step.
Sterling. [Seizing her roughly by the wrist.] The last step! What do you mean by that? [Holding her hand more roughly.] You dare to be unfaithful to me!
Blanche. What! You could think I meant that! Ugh! How could you?
Sterling. Well, what did you mean then? Eh?