I am speaking to you, Julia.

Julia.

Oh, I thank you most heartily, George. It's certainly very noble of you--and--I deeply appreciate it. But after--this, I should always feel ashamed before you--I should feel that I was just being tolerated--I-- No. Thank you, George--but I couldn't stand it.

Pierre (correcting her).

That is--! (Aside to Julia.) Don't be a fool!

Wittich (without noticing Pierre).

You shall never hear a word of reproach from my lips, Julia, dear.

Julia.

But--if I should actually accept--we never could go on as we did before, you know. I must be free to do exactly as I please--to go away--come back--just as I like. There is such a thing as the sovereignty of the individuality, my dear George--you can't deny that.

Pierre.