MICH. But—you believed he was dead. You believed he was dead—(She does not reply.) You didn’t know the night before last that your husband was living?
AUDR. Don’t I tell you to kill me and have done with it.
MICH. (horrified). You knew he was living?
AUDR. (very imploringly). I love you, I love you. Say one word to me! Say one word to me! Say you forgive me.
MICH. I forgive you. (Stands overwhelmed.) Take this letter——
(Offering it.)
AUDR. I didn’t mean to do this. Do make excuses for me. We lived unhappily together. When I came into all my money I bargained with him that we would never see each other again. It was a fair bargain—a contract. He went away to America—I gave out he was dead. From that time to this I have never had a thought of his return. He was dead to me. He has no right to come and spoil my life. Read that letter from him.
MICH. No—take it.
(Gives the letter back.)