“You be the judge,” suggested Fanny to Roberto.
“It seems to me that if everyone will go off on his separate way, each individual conflict will be resolved. But apart from the moral damage you have wrought, Fanny, you have done Esther a very great material injury.”
“I’m ready to indemnify her.”
“I don’t want anything from you,” blurted Esther.
“No. Pardon me,” went on Roberto. “Pardon me for interfering in this matter. You, Fanny, possess a vast fortune, a lofty position in society; Esther, on the other hand, finds herself, and all through your fault, with her future cut off. She has to earn her living, and you don’t know what that means. But I, who do know, know how bitter and sad it is. Esther might have lived a quiet, easy life. Through your fault she has been reduced to her present position.”
“I have already said that I’m willing to indemnify her.”
“And I’ve already said that I don’t want anything from you.”
“No. You ought to let me settle this affair, Esther. May I see you tomorrow, Fanny?”
“I’ll wait for you during the whole afternoon.”