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"I shall marry Stavordale."

"What an icicle you have been to me! You never cared."

"You are hideously cruel. I loved—I love you. But your mother is right—she has saved her son. Yes, coward that you are, I loved you! I could have ruined your peace and Molly's, I could have dragged you after me, for you are weak enough to abandon her."

"Avis!"

"Leave me! Your mother kissed me. She has my promise; I am her guest; I will not betray her. Go!"

"She is a good mother, but"

"No—a wise one, which is better."

"You are right, Avis; I have been a coward to you."

"Good-bye! You will soon be consoled; yours is a light nature. Good-bye, dear!" (Leaves him without a backward glance. Lord Alfred sits down on a bench and weeps.)