HE. And your body…?
SHE. It is impossible.
HE. No. It isn't impossible. But I'll tell you what is impossible. This—for me to go on loving you and despising you…. I came here today to make one last appeal to you. I don't mean it as a threat. But I am going away tonight for ever—with you, or without you. You must decide.
SHE. (rising) But—I don't want you to go, Luciano!
HE. You will miss me, I know. But don't think too much of that. You will find a new friend—if you decide against me.
SHE. And I must decide now?
HE. Yes—now.
SHE. But how can I? Oh, Luciano!
HE. I know it is hard. But I will not make it harder. Violante: I have sought to appeal to your emotion when my appeal to your will was in vain. But tonight I will leave you to make your own decision. You must come to me freely or not at all. There must be no regrets.
SHE. I cannot do it.