Ned. Ah, it’s all very well to talk, but you have no idea how much it would hurt the governor. (crosses to Alma) It would have cut him to the heart.
Alma. A very good reason for not marrying, but a very bad reason for concealing your marriage.
Ned. It was to spare his feelings.
Alma. Don’t flatter yourself. It was to spare your own.
Ned. Well, it’s done now, and I can’t help it.
Alma. But you can. You can tell him to-day.
Ned. (sits R. of table) That would be worse than telling him earlier.
Alma. (crosses to Ned) And better than telling him later. You’ve done wrong, and you’re doing wrong now. The only point in your favour is that you’re thoroughly ashamed of yourself. (crosses to R.C.)
Ned. Ashamed! nay——
Alma. I can see it in your face. No hoarding like a human countenance, and no bill-sticker like a guilty conscience.