Lee. I know what you must think of me. Things looked too black against me, but, Ariel, I am not as black as I was painted. I have come down here to start all over again. I have been told that I have a brilliant future ahead of me along a certain line. I have splendid opportunity, and I am going to make good or die. Do you understand why I’m so anxious to make good? Did you understand before—before the smash came, how much I cared for you? And I dared to hope that you cared a little, too. Did you, Ariel?
Ariel (breathlessly). Oh, you mustn’t talk this way!
Lee. Can’t you give me just a word of hope to encourage me to work? I will never bother you. I will never ask anything of you until I prove to you that I am straight. Ariel, didn’t you care just a little?
Ariel (softly). Yes.
Lee (joyfully). Ariel!
Ariel. Oh, why did I say that? I have no right to offer you any encouragement.
Lee (stepping toward her). Ariel——
Ariel. Hush! I hear some one coming. (Suddenly.) Why, Lee, I was so surprised to see you that I never thought. Have you taken this house? Has Miss Cynthy gone?
Lee. Gone? Of course not! I am boarding with her.
Ariel. Boarding with Miss Cynthy? Why, you can’t be! She was going away.