Archibald.
Do us the justice to see that we’re really trying to do what’s right. It may be very wrong that we should be in our particular positions, and we may be quite unworthy of them. But we didn’t make society, and we’re not responsible for its inequalities. We find ourselves in a certain station, and we have to act accordingly.
Claude.
The long and the short of it is that it’s our duty to look after those whom Providence has placed in our charge. And it’s our duty to punish as well as to reward.
Grace.
Oh, how hard you are! One would think you’d never done anything in your life that you regret. [With increasing violence.] Oh, you virtuous people, I hate you. You’re never content till you see the sinner actually frizzling. As if hell were needed when every sin brings its own punishment! And you never make excuses. You don’t know how many temptations we resist for the one we fall to.
Miss Vernon.
[Grace, almost beside herself, looks at her with haggard eyes. Suddenly she gives a start, and stares at Miss Vernon with horror. She has realised that Miss Vernon knows the relations that have existed between her and Henry Cobbett. There is a pause. The Butler comes in.
Moore.