Car. (R.) Ah! Why do I protest. I might have expected it.
Dunn. (crossing to Carrie) I did expect it. The moment I saw her, I knew you would object to her being here.
Car. What self-respecting wife would not? (cries at screen)
Dunn. (going to seat L. corner) Now we’re all at it. (sits) I knew it was useless to say who she was, or how she came.
Nio. (C.) He feared the truth, tho’ I advised it. Truth might have worked more mischief.
Dunn. No! truth couldn’t! But what’s the use of a truth which seemed like throwing down the gauntlet to Annanias.
Car. (crosses to Peter) Oh Peter! Confess you were beguiled and I’ll forgive you. (taking his face in her hands, turns his head towards her)
Dunn. I cannot criminate myself by owning up to what doesn’t belong to me. If you had been here when she arrived—if you had seen how she came, it would have been all right; you would understand that—(rises) that she is no more to me—than a sister I have not seen for years.
Goes up C. to fireplace.
Nio. (R. C.) He was near when I first drew my breath! But him in the wide world I have no one, he is my guardian, my protector.