Clara.
To see Leonard, where else? I’ve only this one path to go in all the world.
Sec.
You love him then?
Clara (excitedly).
Love him? It is him or death. Are you surprised that I choose him? I wouldn’t do it if I were thinking of myself alone.
Sec.
Him or death? Why, girl, this sounds like despair.
Clara.
Don’t drive me mad. Don’t speak to me! You! I love you! There! There! I’ll shout it at you, as if I were already wandering beyond the grave, where no one blushes, where they all slink past one another, cold and naked, because that terrible, holy nearness of God has laid bare the thoughts of each one down to the roots.