Mrs. V. B. Eve, I know the world too well. That man will visit my fault upon you. He will renounce you now, my poor child, and the world will say he is right.
Eve. I will believe this when I hear it from his own lips.
Mrs. V. B. You will hear it to-day. It is part of the punishment of women who sin as I have sinned, that those who are dearest to them shall suffer with them. See how I am punished. I have placed a mark of shame on you whom I love beyond all on earth. I have inflicted a lasting injury on you whom I would have died to serve. I have cursed you whom I would have blessed. I have degraded you whom I would have exalted. Eve, my darling—out of my sin has come your love for me. I have no claim to that love. I have cheated you into honoring me; for that honor comes of my sin. I do not ask for love—I do not ask for honor. Humbled, unworthy, and spirit-broken, I plead to you for pardon—only for pardon. (Kneels to Eve.)
Eve. Pardon! My mother—my gentle-hearted mother. There is no thought in my mind but of the perfect woman of the past eighteen years. The luster of those years fills my world. I can see nothing else; I will see nothing else. As you have always been to me, so shall you always be—the type of gentle charity, tender helpfulness, brave, large-hearted womanly sympathy. When the bright light of those bygone years pales in my eyes, then let me suffer ten times the sorrow of to-day, for indeed I shall have deserved it. (She rises and they embrace.)
Enter Fitz Partington cautiously, l.
Mrs. V. B. Mr. Fitz Partington?
Fitz. Yes, but don’t be alarmed. If it is open to a person in my debased position to be regarded as a friend, regard me as one.
Mrs. V. B. Mr. Fitz Partington, I did you an injustice when I saw you last—I doubted you. Will you forgive me? (Holding out her hand.)
Fitz. (much affected, takes it). Ma’am, this is the most unprofessional moment of my career. No one ever apologized to me before. It is very unmanning. It is like having a tooth out. I hope no one will ever apologize to me again.
Eve. Have you brought us any news, Mr. Fitz Partington? I am sure you are here for some kind purpose.