Hilda.
It's because I love you that I shall marry Mr. Brackley.
Basil.
Oh, it's absurd. I won't let you. You're making us both utterly wretched. I won't let you sacrifice our happiness. Oh, Hilda, I love you. I can't live without you. At first I tried to resist seeing you. I used to pass your door and look up at your windows; and the door seemed as if it were waiting for me. And at the end of the street I used to look back. Oh, how I used to want to come in and see you once more! I thought if I saw you just once, I should get over it. And at last I couldn't help myself. I'm so weak. Do you despise me?
Hilda.
[Almost in a whisper.] I don't know.
Basil.
And you were so kind I couldn't help coming again. I thought I did no harm.
Hilda.
I saw you were unhappy.