For God's sake, Constance, don't let us lose our heads! Let us be just to each other. This was our fate. Call it our fault, if you will. We have been in the grip of a strong temptation; but we have given each other up.
(Mrs. Tremaine puts on her hat, cloak, and gloves.)
Mrs. Denham.
(coming back c) Given each other up! Do you think you can satisfy me with such phrases? I am to be your faithful wife, I suppose; content with whatever poor shreds of affection you choose to dole out to me, while all your thoughts are with another woman. It would have been more straightforward, (with withering contempt) I won't say more manly, to have told me plainly: "I cannot love you, therefore I must leave you." But this intrigue behind my back is despicable—despicable!
Denham.
(pacing about angrily) Intrigue! Yes, of course. You always knew the value of an ugly word. (Restraining himself.) Otherwise you have put the abstract morality of the thing admirably. But I am unprincipled enough not to want to desert my wife and child, merely because I love another woman.
Mrs. Denham.
Oh yes, compromise, compromise, the god that men worship! Go to your mistress, if she will have you. I renounce you.
Mrs. Tremaine.
(laughing bitterly) Excuse me, but our little comedy is played out. I am out of the story. (Exit.)