No. I did it. Forgive me. I had to do it.

Helen

Oh, and this spoils everything!

Ernest

[comes closer]

No! It glorifies everything! [He breaks loose.] I have loved you from the first day you came and looked up at me for orders. I didn't want you there; I didn't want any woman there. I tried to tire you out with overwork but couldn't. I tried to drive you out by rudeness, but you stayed. And that made me love you more. Oh, I love you! I love you! I love you!

Helen

Don't; oh, don't love me!

Ernest

[still closer]