Mrs. D. Staying with him and fulfilling my wifely vows.
Wheeler. (vexed) I thought we had parted never to meet again.
Mrs. D. (astonished) Why, George, what have I done to merit this cruelty? What is the meaning of this? (with pathos) In Heaven's name, speak! (Wheeler hesitates) Tell me, or my heart will break. (places hand affectionately upon Wheeler's shoulder)
Wheeler. (removing her hand) Upon your own head be the consequences of your rash request. (speaks vehemently) You have destroyed every vestige of manliness in my character; you have changed my nature and caused me to become a gambler, a thief and a blackleg; with your artful smile you cajoled me into marrying you; taught me to loathe myself, shun society, and spurn my true friends——
Mrs. D. George!
Wheeler. You drove me from home, by convincing me that I did not love you, into scenes of revolting crime and iniquity; and now, after a lapse of over two years—spent in the prostitution of the nobler traits of my character, at the gaming table, in drinking revelries and in fast society—just as the sun is beginning to shed its rays upon a pathway leading to my reclamation, you—you, who have been the bane of my life, cross it, and your fitful shadow hisses in my ear, "stop, or I'll destroy you."
Mrs. D. George, let me beseech you to desist. What demon possesses you thus to accuse me, who am innocent of ever having injured you by word, thought or deed. Oh, George, I love you too dearly to believe that you mean the bitter things you have just uttered.
Wheeler. But I do mean them. You alone are responsible for the hatred I bear you.
Mrs. D. Hate me! I, who sacrificed home, friends, wealth, position and parent for you! (places hand upon shoulder) Am I awake, or is this some frightful hallucination? I cannot believe it. George, husband, father of my child, in mercy's name recall your cruel words!