Eve. But, Mr. Fitz Partington, how in heaven’s name does he propose to injure my mother? What can he do to her, that he has not already done?
Fitz. He is advertising for the present Mrs. Van Brugh’s marriage certificate, and the late Mrs. Van Brugh’s burial certificate, with a view to a prosecution for bigamy.
Eve. Mamma, mamma, do you hear this? (Crosses to her.)
Mrs. V. B. Yes, I hear it. I knew that he had conceived this monstrous idea, but I have already assured him there is no ground for his suspicion. I have told him (after a pause, and with much shame) the truth.
Fitz. Yes, but he don’t believe you. Read that. (Hands newspaper to Eve, who gives it to Mrs. Van Brugh, pointing out advertisement.) Such is the snake-like and foxy character of that unparalleled old Pharisee, that he don’t believe you. Why, I am a professional skeptic at two guineas a day, and even I believe you.
Mrs. V. B. (who has been reading the advertisement). This is most shameful. This is monstrous beyond expression. I have borne my terrible punishment to this point patiently, and without undue murmur, but I will bear no more. Let that man know this. He has roused me at last, and I will meet him face to face. Let him know that, helpless and friendless as he believes me to be; crushed as I am under the weight of the fearful revelation he has extorted from me; shunned as I am, and despised even by those whom all despise but I, I am yet strong in this, that I have nothing more to lose. He has made me desperate, and let him beware. There are men in these days as hot in the defense of an insulted woman as in the days gone by, and he shall have a legion of them about his ears. I have been punished enough. I will be punished no further.
Eve. But who could have put this monstrous scheme into his head? What demon could have suggested it to him?
Fitz. I suggested it to him, but I ain’t a demon.
Eve and Mrs. V. B. You!