Phil. Yes, Beatrice, this is my sister——
Kate. (C., breaking out) But you need not acknowledge me. I ask for nothing but to go away. Let the past be forgotten. Of what use is it to revive a sorrow that is dead, and to publish a sin that is unknown? (to Sir Peter) It cannot be right to make three beings unhappy, to do justice to one, when all that one asks is to go away.
Phil. You know, then?
Kate. Everything!
Phil. And you have said nothing!
Kate. (to R. of sofa) Because you have taught me to love you! (Philip sinks on sofa) I want you to be happy—I want to be happy myself—and if I wreck your happiness, I shall destroy my own. All I ask is to go—let me go! let me go! (goes to Sir Peter who rises and checks her, and then sits again)
Phil. It is for me to go. This place belongs to you.
Bea. (L.C.) To her? (front of table)
Phil. Yes, all I have is hers. (turning to Beatrice) Beatrice, my father was not married to my mother legally—he was married before—Kate is his lawful child—the money he left me was her mother’s—and to her it must be restored, to the last shilling.
Sir P. (rises) Nonsense! this is quixotic!