Herb. Dear Flossie, I’ll leave it all to you. You are my only hope. (Vance struck with suspicion stops, then stands like a statue.)
Flo. Herbert, I shall never give you up, no matter what happens. I think of you night and day. (Vance hand to head with gesture of anguish.) Pshaw! this is no time for hesitation. (Takes off ring.) Take this! If he misses it I’ll make some excuse. It’s easy enough to put him off. (They go L.)
Vance. (With anguish, low tone.) Oh God! my ring!
Flo. (Turns, sees V., screams.) Oh! Mr. Vance, how you startle me! Why did you come in that way?
Vance. (In husky voice.) I startle you! Heaven help me! What have you done to me? Stabbed me to the heart.
Flo. Oh, Mr. Vance, please—
Vance. Save your words, false woman, traitress, shameless creature, you drove me away to meet him here. (Flo. totters back grasping chair. Vance advances in a furious passion.) Oh the shame! Woman! woman! (She shrinks back speechless.) I could strangle such a viper. (Drops his hands, head falls on breast.) No, I can’t strike her for I loved her. Traitress, farewell! (Flo. drops senseless.)
Herb. Help! Rachel! (Dropping on knees beside Flo., raises her head.) Coward! Wretch! You shall answer for this.
Vance. (With passionate scorn and deliberation.) Yes, I’ll answer, and I’ll kill you at sight like a dog.
Quick Curtain.