Adri. Sir, you will oblige me by leaving this house!
Ralph. [Aside.] That cut, did it? [To Adrienne.] Pardon me, madam, but if you will allow me to offer my sincere sympathy for your loveless married life——
Adri. Leave this house instantly, or I will call assistance to eject you forcibly!
Ralph. Ha! ha! ha! I made sure there was no one about to disturb us ere I entered.
Adri. What do you mean?
Ralph. Just this! That there is not a soul within the reach of your voice. We are alone. But listen to me, Adrienne. I do not wish you harm—on the contrary, I offer you happiness.
Adri. I do not understand you, sir!
Ralph. When you married Reginald Maitland, it was not because you loved him, but to gratify a feeling of pique. You gave him your hand, but not your heart. That belonged to me! I have watched your husband every day and have read the unhappiness and misery that he tries to conceal. Adrienne, you are unhappy in the bonds that tie you to a loveless life. Therefore, fly with me, and I will show you a life’s loving devotion—a life——
Adri. Enough! Do not pollute further the sanctity of a true and honest husband’s roof with the vile utterances of depraved villainy. My husband I adore, and I will be loyal to him and faithful unto death. Your influence over my heart is forever broken, and I would sooner suffer death, aye, a thousand times, than to listen to another word from you, whom I hate and despise—yea, whom I loathe more than a viper in my path! Go, and may Heaven have mercy on your soul! [She turns away in majestic contempt.]
Ralph. [Sees Reginald’s gun and takes it.] Curse you! Those words have sealed your doom! [He shoots. Adrienne staggers and falls.] Ha! ha! ha! Now, my proud beauty, perhaps your pride is humbled! Ha! ha! ha! [Looks around cautiously, puts out light, then gropes for door.]