Mrs. V. B. You mean no pardon on earth?
Mr. S. Of course I mean no pardon on earth. What can I have to do with pardon elsewhere?
Mrs. V. B. Nothing. Mr. Smailey, when you have procured the will, I shall be ready to see you; but before you go let me tell you that I am inexpressibly shocked and pained at the terrible theory you have advanced. (He endeavors to speak.) Oh, understand me, I do not charge you with exceptional heartlessness. You represent the opinions of society, and society is fortunate in its mouthpiece. Heaven teaches that there is a pardon for every penitent. Earth teaches that there is one sin for which there is no pardon—when the sinner is a woman!
(Ruth has entered. She is quietly and decently dressed, and carries a parcel of needlework in her hand.)
Mr. S. (aside). Mrs. Van Brugh, pray be quiet; we are observed.
Mrs. V. B. By the subject of our conversation.[Exit Mrs. Van Brugh.
Ruth. I beg pardon—I thought the lady was alone. (Going.)
Mr. S. Stop, woman. (She turns and advances.) Don’t—don’t approach me—we have nothing in common. Listen at a distance. Mrs. Van Brugh has thought proper to place you on a pedestal that levels you, socially, with respectable Christians. In so doing, I consider that she has insulted respectable Christians. She thinks proper to suffer you to enter my presence. In so doing I consider that she has insulted me. I desire you to understand that when a woman of your stamp enters the presence of a Christian gentleman, she——
Ruth. (who has been looking at him in wonder during this speech). Smailey! That’s never you! (Mr. S. falls back in his chair.)