[She cries.
Austin. You've done something very serious, and before you do more— [Speaking hardly.] —I think we'd better not stay in this evening; it would be wiser for both of us if we went out somewhere.
Jinny. No, I couldn't go out feeling this way! I've hurt you, hurt you terribly! Oh, why do I do it? Why can't I help myself?
Austin. I think one more scene to-night would finish things for us. I warn you of that, Jinny—
[He goes to the desk and sits at it, looking blankly before him. She comes slowly, almost timidly, behind his chair.
Jinny. No, don't say it! don't say it! Try to forgive me—oh, Jack, I hate myself, and I'm so ashamed of myself! I know I've disappointed you awfully, awfully! You did idealize me; I knew it when you married me, but I told you then I wasn't worth your loving me, didn't I? I never pretended to be worthy of you. I always knew I wasn't.
Austin. Hush!
Jinny. It's true! it's only too awfully true. But do you remember how you answered me then when I told you I wasn't worth your loving me?
Austin. [Coldly and without looking at her.] No.
Jinny. You took me in your arms and held me so I couldn't have got away if I'd wanted to—which I didn't—and stopped the words on my lips with your kisses. [Her throat fills. He makes no reply. She goes on very pathetically.] How I wish you'd answer me that way now!