Kate. Every word of it.
Nor. Well, it serves me right. (goes down to C.)
Kate. (advances towards him) And me as well—for listening—but I’m glad I did. Now, I know what you are, and what you want. You are for sale! Heart, soul, mind, body and estate—without reserve, and open to all bidders. I am only a governess—I have no money to buy you, and I don’t want to buy you! Knock yourself down to anyone you please! What do I care? (a step or two away)
Nor. Hear me, one moment. I have been misled. (follows)
Kate. (turns sharply on him) And so have I. I thought, at last, that I had met a man!—A man whom I could love——
Nor. Miss Derwent! (enraptured)
Kate. Whom I could honour—whom I could even obey!
Nor. Kate! (holds out his hands)
Kate. (smacks his hands down and draws back up stage, R.C., a step; during speech, she backs towards R.U.D.) Don’t call me “Kate.” It wasn’t you. It was another man altogether—a creature of my fancy—whom I had met in dreams—but whom I loved—with such a love as never entered into your sordid soul—for whom I would have died—for whom I would have worked, toiled, slaved, from morning until night—who possessed the whole heart of a woman who has never loved before, but who has cast it from him and has broken it! (at door; exit, R.U.D.)
Nor. My last appearance as Machiavelli! (goes to L.)