Mary. O, do not speak ... not speak ... of it to-night. Not to-night! O, not to-night!
Leslie. I know, I know, dear heart! And do you think that I, whom you have chosen, I whose whole life is in your love—do you think that I would press you now if there were not good cause?
Mary. Good cause! Something has happened. Something has happened ... to him! Walter...! Is he ... dead?
Leslie. There are worse things in the world than death. There is ... O Mary, he is your brother!
Mary. What?... Dishonour!... The Deacon!... My God!
Leslie. My wife, my wife!
Mary. No, no! Keep away from me. Don’t touch me. I’m not fit ... not fit to be near you. What has he done? I am his sister. Tell me the worst. Tell me the worst at once.
Leslie. That, if God wills, dear, you shall never know. Whatever it be, think that I knew it all, and only loved you better; think that your true husband is with you, and you are not to bear it alone.
Mary. My husband?... Never.