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[Thinking frightenedly]

What’s that she said? Ned? attracts?

[In same tone]

And the man should have a mind that can truly understand—a scientific mind superior to the moral scruples that cause so much human blundering and unhappiness.

She always thought Ned had a superior mind.

[Thinking frightenedly]

Did she say Ned? she thinks Ned ?

[In same tone]

The man should like and admire her, he should be her good friend and want to help her, but he should not love her—although he might, without harm to anyone, desire her.

Ned does not love her—but he used to like her and, I think, desire her. Does he now, Doctor?

[Thinking]

Does he? who is he? he is Ned! Ned is I! I desire her! I desire happiness!

[Tremblingly now—gently]

But, Madame, I must confess the Ned you are speaking of is I, and I am Ned.