Part 57 (1/2)

What is the use of seeing him? You can send Gerald, but not Gerald's heart. I have done all I can--I can't do any more. I've saved his honour--I've resigned his love. All I ask is, to be left alone with mine.

[_Turning away._

[_LADY WARGRAVE rises, and as GERALD advances, retires into the house, C._

GERALD.

Margery!

MARGERY.

Gerald!

GERALD.

I am not here to ask you to come back to me. How can I say what I have come for? I have come--because I cannot keep away from you. To ask for your forgiveness----

MARGERY.

You have that.

GERALD.

And, if it's possible, some place in your esteem. Let me say this, and I will say no more. If, for a little s.p.a.ce, my heart strayed from you, Margery--if, for a moment, words escaped my lips which cannot be recalled, that is my only infidelity. You understand me?

MARGERY.

Yes.

GERALD.

That's what I came to say--that's all!

MARGERY [_giving him her hand_].

Thank you for telling me.

GERALD [_holding her hand_].

Not all I want to say, but all I must. I am no longer a free man. My lips are sealed.

MARGERY.

What seals them?

GERALD.

Haven't you heard? Sylvester's left his wife--and it is all my doing.

MARGERY.