Stuart (checking her). No, don’t interfere, Mrs. Van Tromp. Let the poor fellow take the whole dose while he’s about it.
Fred (who has gone up back and now comes down). Miss Wortley, do you realize what you are saying? In the last minute you have three times deliberately insulted me. Say you don’t love me, if that is so, but don’t impute shameful motives to my love. It is of value to me if worthless to you.
Mrs. V. T. Mr. Stevens, frankness under such circumstances is best for all. Put yourself in my place. I am an heiress, with expectations from my father. You acknowledge yourself that you are poor. Don’t blame me if I draw my own conclusions.
Fred. But I will blame you, and it is the last time I shall ever trouble you. You ask me to put myself in your place: let us try the reverse. I offer you a love as true and unmercenary as was ever offered a woman. What do I deserve at your hands? Mercy, at least. But instead, you—you have not been content to reject it—you have poisoned it forever.
[Turns and walks up stage to b. d. Mrs. Van Tromp begins to take off mask. Agnes springs from bay window, and rushes forward c.
Agnes. One moment, Mr. Stevens. (To Mrs. V. T. tearfully.) Oh, Frances, how could you?
Mrs. V. T. (taking off mask). I couldn’t. I was unmasking to show him his mistake.
[Fred stands hesitating, looking from one to the other. Stuart’s head through curtains.
Fred. You are not Miss Wortley?
Agnes (taking off mask). No, Mr. Stevens. Miss Wortley never thought you a fortune-hunter. She remembers perfectly the first time she met you. She’s glad she brought a little heaven into your life. She’s glad that you—that you—