What is a promise when the heart’s gone out of it?
GERALD.
Surely it is a promise.
MRS. SYLVESTER.
To an empty phrase must one sacrifice one’s life? Must one stake everything on the judgment of one’s youth? By the decision of a moment must one be bound for ever? Must one go through the world “with quiet eyes unfaithful to the truth?” Does one not owe a duty to oneself? There can be but one answer!
GERALD [absently].
Margery! [Margery winces as if struck—quite serious now. Then with energy.] But, Agnes, Margery is impossible! She’s no companion to me! I am all alone! Her very laughter grates upon me! There’s no meaning in it! It is the laughter of a tomboy, of a clown! And she will never learn! She’s hopeless, Agnes, hopeless! [Margery drops back horror-struck, but her face disappears only by degrees. Mrs. Sylvester lays her hand on him. Another pause. The curtains close.] What is one to do? [Rising.
MRS. SYLVESTER.
We are face to face with the problem! Let us confront it boldly. Gerald, do you love me?