Mr. S. My rights and her good name are bound up together, I can not claim the one without destroying the other. I only want what the law will give me, if I commence proceedings.
Ruth. (changing her tone). If you commence proceedings, wot the law will give you is fourteen year, take my word for it. I’ve spoke fair, and no good’s come of it, so I’ll speak foul. Look here, Smailey, you’ve put a plot afoot to ruin my lady. Now my lady’s got a dog, Smailey, and that dog won’t stand no plots. Do you hear that, Smailey. Stir hand or foot to harm that pure and spotless creature, and sure as my lady’s dog has a set of fangs she’ll fix them in your throat.
Mr. S. This is hard. This is very hard. Even Mrs. Van Brugh would herself at once admit the justice of my claim.
Ruth. Well, wait till she does.
Mr. S. (after a pause). There is a good deal of sound common sense in what you say, Tredgett. Still, if—if Mrs. Van Brugh should at any time make a statement of her own free will, you will surely allow me to profit by it?
Ruth. Wotever my lady does of her own free will is angels’ doin’, and is right accordin’.
Mr. S. (aside). Then I think I see my way. (Aloud.) Well, Ruth, on that understanding you have my promise.
Ruth. Promise? Your promise? Smailey, don’t you meddle with things you don’t understand. Promises are ticklish goods in your hands. They’re temptin’ things to break, and you was always easy tempted. No, no; don’t you promise. I’ll promise this time, Smailey. I’ll promise.[Exit Ruth.
Mr. S. A sin, an early sin—a sin committed twenty years ago, brought up against me now that I am an honest man, and a regular church-goer! I am absolutely bound hand and foot by it—and to what end? For the protection of a woman who has committed Heaven knows what offense against morality. If this crime were to be proved against me, what on earth would become of me? For years I have endeavored to atone for my sin against society by treating wrong-doers brought before me with the strictest and most unflinching severity. Would Society be grateful for this—Would it even take heed of it? No; my atonement would go for nothing—absolutely nothing. Ah! this is a merciless world, and one in which penitence is taken no account of. But have a care, Mrs. Van Brugh, I’ll bide my time. You shall yet see that a sin against morality is not to be wiped out by a few years of sentimental self-denial!
Enter Eve and Fred.