John. In that case the whole scheme collapses.
Julie. And?
John. Things remain as they are now.
Julie. Do you think I’ll go on staying any longer under this roof as your mistress? Do you think I will let the people point their finger at me? Do you think that after this I can look my father in the face? No! Take me away from here, from all this humiliation and dishonor! O my God! What have I done! O my God! My God! [She cries.]
John. Ho—ho! So that’s the game—what have you done? Just the same as a thousand other people like you.
Julie.[Screams as though in a paroxysm.] And now you despise me? I’m- falling, I’m falling!
John. Fall down to my level and then I’ll lift you up again afterward.
Julie. What awful power dragged me down to you, the power which draws the weak to the strong?—which draws him who falls to him who rises? Or was it love?—love—this! Do you know what love is?
John. I? Do you really suggest that I meant that? Don’t you think I’d have felt it already long ago?
Julie. What phrases to be sure, and what thoughts!