Roger. (With feeling) Love you! But isn’t it my duty to love you? As a relative, as a tutor, as an honest man? Love you! When I read that letter I don’t know what happened to me—then I understood how deep my feelings were—yes, I love you, my dear child, my divine creature! More than I ever imagined I did! And I want you to know—(Tenderly)—don’t you feel that I love you deeply, dear little Suzanne?
Suzanne. (A little surprised at his vehemence) Yes—Roger——
Roger. The way you look at me—I frightened you—you don’t believe me—I’m not used to—I’m not used to saying tender things, I’m awkward—I don’t know how to say those things—one’s emotions are influenced by maternal training and you know my mother; she has made a dryasdust scientist of me. Science has been my sole preoccupation—You have been my sole distraction—the one ray of sunshine in my dreary youth. You have only me and I have only you—and I, my dear child, whom else have I to love but you?—And I didn’t know! You have charmed me as one is charmed by a child!—With your simplicity, with your grace! I was your teacher, but your pupil as well. While I was nursing your mind to blossom forth into thought, you were planting seeds of tenderness in my heart. I taught you to read, you taught me to—love! It was your tiny pink fingers, the silk of your golden hair that woke my heart to its first kisses! You crept into my heart then, and you have grown now until your soul has filled mine! (Pause) Now do you believe me?
Suzanne. (Moved, she rises and speaks in a low voice) Let’s go!
Roger. Why?—Where?
Suzanne. (Troubled) Away from here.
Roger. But why?
Suzanne. It’s so dark!
Roger. But, just a moment ago——
Suzanne. A moment ago I didn’t see what you meant——