Cobbett.
[Worried and moved.] You know, it’s absurd to take it like that.
Grace.
[With increasing agitation.] Oh, what have I done! If I’d only had the strength to resist! It’s now that I see it all, the utter degradation of it, the hateful ugliness. Oh, I loathe myself. How can I take my heart to Claude when there’s you standing between us?
Cobbett.
I’m awfully sorry, Grace.
Grace.
I’d give anything in the world if I hadn’t done what I have done. I might be so happy now. I haven’t a chance. The fates are against me. What’s the good of loving Claude now—I’m not fit to be his wife.
[She is beside herself. Cobbett, not knowing what to do, stands looking at her. The sound is heard of a motor-horn blowing.
Cobbett.