I have come to you for help in this crisis of our
lives. Sit down. (_Gives her a chair._)
Mrs. Denham.
(_sitting_) To me! That is very magnanimous.
Denham.
No. You are the only friend I have.
Mrs. Denham.
Well?
Denham.
You bid me desert the nest?
Mrs. Denham.
Since it is cold.
Denham.
Is it so cold?
Mrs. Denham.
Need you ask? (_Shivers._) If you do not quit it, I will.
Denham.
I have no doubt you will do what you think right. The question is,
what _is_ right? (_Rises, and looks at her._)
Mrs. Denham.
(_looking away from him_) You have always held yourself aloof from
me. All my love has been powerless to gain an entrance into your
heart. Now it is too late. I give up the useless struggle.
(_Crosses_ L, _and sits in armchair crouching over fire._)
Denham.
(_passionately_) Held myself aloof! Good God! is that my fault? You
want something that you can neither excite nor reciprocate. (_With a
sudden change of manner._) No--it was my own dulness of heart. My
poor Constance! This has been a revelation for us both. But you
don't know how I have tried to conform to your ideals--to spare you
in every possible way.
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