Should I come across with you? I’m not afraid.
Clara.
I thank you as I would thank a snake that had entwined itself around me, and then left me of its own accord to follow other game. I know that I’ve been stung, and am only released because it doesn’t seem worth while to suck the bit of marrow out of my bones. But I thank you in spite of it, for now I shall have a quiet death. Yes, it is no mockery! I thank you. I feel as if I had seen through your heart into the abyss of hell, and whatever may be my lot in the terrors of eternity, I shall have no more to do with you, and that’s a comfort! And just as the unhappy creature bitten by a snake is not blamed for opening his veins in horror and disgust and letting his poisoned life well quickly away, so it may be that God of His grace will take pity on me when He sees you and what you’ve made of me.—If I had no right ever to do such a thing, how should I be able to do it?—One thing more: my father knows nothing of this, he doesn’t suspect, and in order that he may never know, I shall leave this world to-night. If I thought that you——(Takes a step wildly towards him.) But that’s folly. Nothing could suit you better than to see them all stand and shake their heads and vainly ask why it happened!
Leonard.
Such things do happen. What’s to be done? Clara!
Clara.
Away, away! He can speak! (Going.)
Leonard.
Do you think I believe you?
Clara.