Mar. And yet, on my part, there has been no confidence; into my past life you have had no glimpse. You took me, a stranger, to your heart,——never questioned me; and, beyond the interchange of affection, myself, my fortune, and my home are strangers still.
Bess. Blind, Marcus! Blind, are you? My woman’s curiosity sought in the beginning to know you; my heart’s instinct probed you, to know if you were worthy. I found you polite, chivalrous, charitable, with a heart open to every cry of distress, a hand ever ready to proffer assistance. Oh, I tried you deeply, as your purse can show! I found you true, noble, sincere. I had no right to question further.
Mar. But you must know me, Bess.
Bess. When you please, Marcus.
Mar. Then patiently hear me; for on your judgment rest my hopes of future happiness.
Bess. Indeed! Now, Marcus, I am serious.
Mar. Bess!
(Enter Simon Stone, C., quickly.)
Sim. Beg your pardon! Don’t rise——I may be right. I may be mistaken——Don’t rise. Is this the abode of Miss Nancy Nipper?
Bess (rises quickly. Marcus sits still). Yes. Nancy is in the kitchen.