Ernest
Nonsense. Nothing could do that.... And besides, think of our poor horrified families! Think of the world's view!
Helen
Aren't we sacrificing enough for the world—money, comforts, even children? Must we also sacrifice each other to the world? Must we be hypocrites because others are? Must we, too, be cowards and take on the protective coloring of our species?
Ernest
Our ideas may be higher than society's, but society rewards and punishes its members according to its own ideas, not ours.
Helen
Do you want society's rewards? Do you fear society's punishment?
Ernest
[jubilantly enfolding her]