Helen. Would you expect me to put up with such an insult?
Gerardo (to the valet). You may go. [Exit Valet. ]
Helen (lays her muff on a chair). I can no longer live without you. Either you will take me along or I shall kill myself.
Gerardo. Helen!
Helen. I shall kill myself! You cut asunder my vital nerve if you insist on our separation. You leave me without either heart or brain. To live through another day like yesterday, a whole day without seeing you,—I simply cannot do it. I am not strong enough for it. I implore you, Oscar, take me along! I am pleading for my life!
Gerardo. It is impossible.
Helen. Nothing is impossible if you are but willing! How can you say it is impossible? It is impossible for you to leave me without killing me. These are no empty words, I do not mean it as a threat; it is the simple truth! I am as certain of it as I can feel my own heart in here: not to have you means death to me. Therefore take me along. If not for my sake, do it for human mercy's sake! Let it be for only a short time, I don't care.
Gerardo. I give you my word of honor, Helen, I cannot do it.—I give you my word of honor.
Helen. You must do it, Oscar! Whether you can or not, you must bear the consequences of your own acts. My life is dear to me, but you and my life are one. Take me with you, Oscar, unless you want to shed my blood!
Gerardo. Do you remember what I told you the very first day within these four walls?