Eloise [beside herself]. Do you dream that I meant it?
Valsin [feebly]. Meant to strangle me?
Eloise [frantic]. To give myself to you!
Valsin. In short, to—to marry me! [He splutters.]
Eloise [furiously]. It was a ruse—
Valsin [soothingly]. Yes, yes, a trick. I saw that all along.
Eloise [even more infuriated]. For their sake, beast! [She points to the other room.] To save them!
Valsin [wiping his eyes]. Of course, of course. [He rises, stepping quickly to the side of the chair away from her and watching her warily.] I knew it was to save them. We'll put it like that.
Eloise [in an anger of exasperation]. It was that!
Valsin. Yes, yes. [Keeping his distance.] I saw it from the first. [Suppressing symptoms of returning mirth.] It was perfectly plain. You mustn't excite yourself—nothing could have been clearer! [A giggle escapes him, and he steps hastily backward as she advances upon him.]