_If_ I am in earnest! You know I am in earnest! (_He
strokes her hair, then, as she turns away, he puts his arm round her
waist and draws her to him._) Blanche, my beautiful Blanche! I did
not mean to say all this, but it was too strong for me.
Mrs. Tremaine.
Let me go, Mr. Denham!
Denham.
(_releasing her_) Well, go! (_Crosses L._) Go, if you can!
Mrs. Tremaine.
(_angrily_) I can and will. (_Turns to take her cloak._)
Denham.
Do you know, Blanche, I thought you loved me?
Mrs. Tremaine.
(_turning sharply_) Then you were more foolish than I thought.
(_Softening._) Perhaps I was to blame, but I meant nothing wrong.
Denham.
Oh, I acquit you completely! We drifted--that was all. Jest
sometimes turns to earnest. Well, go--go with those tears in your
eyes. There is nothing worth crying about--more than is becoming.
Mrs. Tremaine.
Don't say unkind things to me. I can't bear them, though I suppose I
deserve them. I liked you, and your admiration flattered my vanity;
and I suppose I may have made you think I cared more for you than--I
did.
Denham.
Well, you don't love me. What does it matter? _I_ love _you_; that
is the important thing to me.
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