What spirit is it that seems to compel me to disobey you? I opened it against my will, and against my will I must read it!
SARA (whilst Mellefont reads to himself).
How cunningly man can disunite his nature, and make of his passions another being than himself, on whom he can lay the blame for that which in cold blood he disapproves.--The water, Betty! I fear another shock, and shall need it. Do you see what effect the unlucky note has on him? Mellefont! You lose your senses, Mellefont! God! he is stunned! Here, Betty. Hand him the water! He needs it more than I.
MELLEFONT (pushing Betty back).
Back, unhappy girl! Your medicines are poison!
SARA.
What do you say? Recover yourself! You do not recognise her.
BETTY.
I am Betty,--take it!