Mrs. Arbuthnot. [To Hester.] But has he found indeed another love?
Hester. You know I have loved him always.
Mrs. Arbuthnot. But we are very poor.
Hester. Who, being loved, is poor? Oh, no one. I hate my riches. They are a burden. Let him share it with me.
Mrs. Arbuthnot. But we are disgraced. We rank among the outcasts. Gerald is nameless. The sins of the parents should be visited on the children. It is God’s law.
Hester. I was wrong. God’s law is only Love.
Mrs. Arbuthnot. [Rises, and taking Hester by the hand, goes slowly over to where Gerald is lying on the sofa with his head buried in his hands. She touches him and he looks up.] Gerald, I cannot give you a father, but I have brought you a wife.
Gerald. Mother, I am not worthy either of her or you.
Mrs. Arbuthnot. So she comes first, you are worthy. And when you are away, Gerald . . . with . . . her—oh, think of me sometimes. Don’t forget me. And when you pray, pray for me. We should pray when we are happiest, and you will be happy, Gerald.
Hester. Oh, you don’t think of leaving us?