Yet there is one thing more.... You'll take me, now?—
My meaning.... You were right. For once I say it.
There is a glory of discovery [ironically]
To the black heart ... because it may be known
But once,—but once....
I wonder men will hide
Their motives all so close. If they could guess,—
It is so new to feel the open day
Look in on all one's hidings, at the end.
So.... You were right. The first was all a lie:
A lie, and for a purpose....
Now,—[she rises and stands off, regarding him abruptly],
And why, I know not,—but 'tis true, at last,
I do believe ... I love you.
Look at me!
[He stands by the fireside against the chimney-piece. She crosses to him with passionate appeal, holding out her arms. He turns his eyes and looks at her with a rigid scrutiny. She endures it for a second, then wavers; makes an effort, unable to look away, to lift her arms towards his neck; they falter and fall at her side. The two stand spellbound by mutual recognition. Then she speaks in a low voice.]
Mary.
Oh, let me go!
[She turns her head with an effort,—gathers her cloak about her, then hastens out as if from some terror.]
[The Player is alone beside the chimney-piece. The street outside is darkening with twilight through the casements and upper door. There is a sound of rough-throated singing that comes by and is softened with distance. It breaks the spell.]
The Player.
So; it is over ... now. [He looks into the fire.]
........
"Fair, kind, and true." And true!... My golden Friend.
Those two ... together.... He was ill at ease.
But that he should betray me with a kiss!
.........
By this preposterous world ... I am in need.
Shall there be no faith left? Nothing but names?
Then he's a fool who steers his life by such.
Why not the body-comfort of this herd
Of creatures huddled here to keep them warm?—
Trying to drown out with enforcèd laughter
The query of the winds ... unanswered winds
That vex the soul with a perpetual doubt.
What holds me?... Bah, that were a Cause, indeed!
To prove your soul one truth, by being it,—
Against the foul dishonor of the world!
How else prove aught?...
I talk into the air.
And at my feet, my honor full of wounds.
Honor? Whose honor? For I knew my sin,
And she ... had none. There's nothing to avenge.