Then all this storm and suspicion will pass away, and you will be like me!
Vera.
[Starting away from her.] Like you! No, not like you! I can't be! [Elizabeth rises and comes down to her.] Oh, how did you blind yourself? Has he sucked your heart's blood and left you dead, with no will, no conscience, no power to think? [With fury.] Oh, beat him back from you! Fight him! Fight him!
Elizabeth.
Child, child! how could one fight him? You don't know what you say!
Vera.
With his own weapons. By lies, pitiless treachery! I have seen him afraid, Elizabeth! I have seen him afraid! [Starting nervously.] Ah! there is his step. Don't let him come! Keep him from me, just for one moment, Elizabeth! If he speaks to me now I can't think. [Running to the window.] Oh! here I can breathe!
[She stays with her head out of the window as before.
Enter Carlyon.