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II]

Like all men you have a foolish wandering heart.

[Slowly] Well, you spoke at last. You chose the right moment.

[Leans forward.] Robert, not like this. For us two, no. Years, a whole life, of friendship. Think a moment. Since childhood, boyhood No, no. Not in such a way—like thieves—at night. [Glancing about him.] And in such a place. No, Robert, that is not for people like us.

What a lesson! Richard, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to me that you have spoken—that the danger is passed. Yes, yes. [Somewhat diffidently.] Because there was some danger for you, too, if you think. Was there not?

What danger?

[In the same tone.] I don't know. I mean if you had not spoken. If you had watched and waited on until

Until?

[Bravely.] Until I had come to like her more and more (because I can assure you it is only a lightheaded idea of mine), to like her deeply, to love her. Would you have spoken to me then as you have just now? [ is silent. goes on more boldly.] It would have been different, would it not? For then it