There he sits shaken. alice waits a moment, not taking her eyes from him; then speaks.
alice. There's something else I want to scold you for. You've still given up proposing to me. Certainly that shows a lack of courage . . and of perseverance. Or is it the loss of what I always considered a very laudable ambition?
edward is hardly able to trust his ears. Then he looks into her face and his thankfulness frames itself into a single sentence.
edward. Will you marry me?
alice. Yes, Edward.
For a minute he just holds his breath with happiness. But he shakes himself free of it, almost savagely.
edward. No, no, no, we mustn't be stupid. I'm sorry I asked for that.
alice. [with serene strength.] I'm glad that you want me. While I live . . where I am will be Home.
edward. [struggling with himself.] No, it's too late. If you'd said Yes before I came into my inheritance . . perhaps I shouldn't have given myself to the work. So be glad that it's too late. I am.
alice. [happily.] There was never any chance of my marrying you when you were only a well-principled prig. I didn't want you . . and I don't believe you really wanted me. Now you do. And you must always take what you want.