Reg. You have honored and respected me, Adrienne, but I have a right to expect even more.
Adri. I do not understand!
Reg. I have a right to expect your love! [Adrienne retreats a step, her hand pressed to her heart.] Yes, Adrienne! Marriage is a holy act which ought to be based on the rock of love; else it becomes a sordid and disgraceful bargain, devoid of sacredness and heavenly sanction. [She recoils.] When I led you to the altar it was with the firm belief that our marriage would be a holy and sacred bond, founded upon the eternal principle of love. But your manner since has caused me to doubt the sincerity of your heart.
Adri. [Haughtily.] Did I, when I accepted your hand, say that I returned your love?
Reg. No! In my eyes you were an ideal woman, of the highest and noblest sentiment—devoid of worldly ambition and desire. That was sufficient. Could I then doubt the feeling which actuated your acceptance of my heart and hand? [Slight pause.] Adrienne! say that I am not disappointed in you—say that your sacred vow at the altar, “to love, honor and obey,” was not a hollow sham—speak, Adrienne, speak! [Pause. Reginald turns away.]
Adri. [Recovering slowly.] I will be honest with you, sir! You have a right to know. Could I but recall those fatal words that bound me for life to one I can never love, I would willingly lay down my life. I refused you when you first offered yourself, because I loved another. When I witnessed his perfidy, a few moments later, in a fit of pique, I accepted you. When I recovered from the mad impulse that swayed my being, I awakened to the misery into which I had plunged myself, and I almost hated you for tempting me to this agonizing bondage.
Reg. [With intense feeling suppressed.] Madam, the die is cast! You bear my name—you are my wife—that cannot be recalled, for that is recorded above. You will ever receive at my hands the respect that is due my wife. I shall provide for and protect you as long as He, in His good mercy, does grant me life. You will always find this, my paternal home, yours to enjoy.
Adri. [Alarmed.] What would you do?
Reg. Madam, it must be evident to you that my hopes in life are blighted; that I would not weary your sight with the presence of one who would be a constant reproach to your misery and folly. I will leave you. Perhaps the day may come when your heart may change and turn toward the husband. If so, the words, “Reginald, I love you—come back,” will bring to your bosom the husband, who will always be true to his sacred vow at the altar. [Crosses to L.]
Enter Henry, Dollerclutch and Coriolanus, followed by Anastasia, Morris and Hilda, from cottage. Henry back of bench, R. Dollerclutch and Adolphus, R. Morris and Anastasia, up C. Hilda crosses to Adrienne. Adrienne is overcome. She sinks on bench, R. C.