Elizabeth. After three years?
Arnold. I’m so proud of you. I admire you so much. When I see you at a party, so fresh and lovely, and everybody wondering at you, I have a sort of little thrill because you’re mine, and afterwards I shall take you home.
Elizabeth. Oh, Arnold, you’re exaggerating.
Arnold. I can’t imagine this house without you. Life seems on a sudden all empty and meaningless. Oh, Elizabeth, don’t you love me at all?
Elizabeth. It’s much better to be honest. No.
Arnold. Doesn’t my love mean anything to you?
Elizabeth. I’m very grateful to you. I’m sorry to cause you pain. What would be the good of my staying with you when I should be wretched all the time?
Arnold. Do you love that man as much as all that? Does my unhappiness mean nothing to you?
Elizabeth. Of course it does. It breaks my heart. You see, I never knew I meant so much to you. I’m so touched. And I’m so sorry, Arnold, really sorry. But I can’t help myself.
Arnold. Poor child, it’s cruel of me to torture you.