Eug. I hope, I trust not. As you say, I did not mean to be really bad. I was inexperienced, thoughtless, eager for the pleasures of life, and I never stopped to think of consequences. How could you have loved me—for you did love me once, Lizzie?
Liz. It was your best side you showed me, Eugene.
Eug. At first, yes; but I showed you my worst afterwards.
Liz. The flaws in her idol cannot kill a woman's love.
Eug. Lizzie, I did not mean to break your heart. Do you believe me?
Liz. I do; and, as I said, forgive you freely.
Eug. For the first time I begin to realize the happiness that might have been mine, the value of the heart I threw away.
Liz. The heart that has always been yours, Eugene.
Eug. (taking her hand). Mine! Mine now! What! Do you mean to say that you love me now, ruined and disgraced as I am, soon perhaps to be driven from my father's door, and go forth into the world penniless and alone?
Liz. How little you know of woman's love! Think you it endures only through the bright summer days of sunshine? No, Eugene. In the time of darkness and sorrow a woman's love never fails.