Vera.
No, not all! Not all!
[Murmuring to herself, so as scarcely to break his speech.
Adene.
I gnashed my teeth inwardly and raged against you. [Vera draws back from him, shrinking.] You can't forgive me?
Vera.
I have nothing to forgive.
Adene.
You see what must come! I shall try to be just to your father—to spare him; but what good will it be? I shall wound you past all healing! [Breaking off.] Oh, why could not this have come to some one who did not love you? Or at least to some strong man, who could bear it and go his ways? I, Heaven help me, am a broken, crippled man; I could never ask for your love as an equal, never hope to make you my wife. [Passionately.] But some little corner of your love I must have——