Carteret. You didn't fall in love at first sight as I did.
Rachel. But I was as quick as I could. Before we had been married a month I adored you.
Carteret. Did you really, Rachel?
Rachel. You know I did.
Carteret. Yes, I know it too, but I like hearing you say it.
Rachel. You ought to believe it by this time without having to be told.
Carteret. Of course I do. Oh, Rachel—I wonder if you know the absolute trust I have in you. How I love and reverence you more than I can put into words, and how I wonder every day at the great gifts that have come to me from you and the child. My life is overflowing with happiness—and when I think of those lonely days when I was going ahead thinking I had got all I wanted, and I had nothing!—darling, I must try to be worthy of it all.
[He stands up by her. She holds out her hand to him. He takes it in both his, then they part as the maid comes in with a letter. Carteret takes it, looks at it, and throws it down on the table].
Rachel [speaking very lightly as the maid goes out]. Nothing for me; how dull the evening post always is.
Carteret. You shall have half of mine; it looks fearfully dull, too.