Gerardo. I said that there couldn't be any question of love between us.
Helen. I can't help that. I didn't know you then. I never knew what a man could be to me until I met you. You know very well that it would come to this, otherwise you wouldn't have obliged me to promise not to make you a parting scene.
Gerardo. I simply cannot take you with me.
Helen. Oh, God! I knew you would say that! I knew it when I came here. That's what you say to every woman. And I am just one of a hundred. I know it. But, Oscar, I am lovesick; I am dying of love. This is your work, and you can save me without any sacrifice on your part, without assuming any burden. Why can't you do it?
Gerardo [very slowly]. Because my contract forbids me to marry or to travel in the company of a woman.
Helen [disturbed]. What can prevent you?
Gerardo. My contract.
Helen. You cannot....
Gerardo. I cannot marry until my contract expires.
Helen. And you cannot....