Cadwell: Yet, madam, what would have happened today, had I not by a miracle understood and brought the truth to your eyes? I would have lost forever a heart that my fidelity ought to have preserved for me eternally. Can I be for a moment without mortal uncertainty in the future? Things pass through my head, each one more bizarre than the rest. I feel I'd rather not see you ever again in my life than to be so cruelly forsaken even once. Me—faithless to my dear Laura! Madam, if you don't assure me against all that can tempt you against me; if you don't promise to shut the mouths of those who slander me before you—you will see me die of despair.
Laura:
You don't love anyone but me, Cadwell?
Cadwell:
I hate all that is not you.
Laura:
Ah, Cadwell! Don't deceive me!
Cadwell:
Why would I do that, madam?
Laura: How do I know? To pile conquest on conquest—to satisfy a ridiculous vanity that all men pride themselves on these days. Such easy things don't do you honor, Cadwell.
Cadwell:
Ah, madam, I prefer to die.
Laura:
What are you doing today?
Cadwell:
Madam, my brother has asked me to visit him.
Laura:
Are you going?