Helen
What of it? Are you one of those small men who care what people say? No! That's not your reason! [She sees that it is not.] What is it? You must tell me.
Ernest
[hesitates]
It's only for your sake.
Helen
[with feeling]
Think of all I've done for your sake. You wouldn't be going yourself but for me! I was the one to see you needed it, I proposed it to Metchnikoff—I urged him—made him ask you—for your sake! And now am I to be left at home like a child because you don't care to be embarrassed with me?
Ernest
Oh, please! This is so unfair. But I simply can't take you now.