Part 17 (2/2)

MARWOOD (_perplexed_).

Is it possible?

SARA.

Yes, Madam, you have good cause to be surprised at this change. He forgives us everything; we shall now love each other before his eyes; he allows it, he commands it. How has this kindness gone to my very soul! Well, Mellefont? (_who returns the letter to her_). You are silent? Oh no, this tear which steals from your eye says far more than your lips could say.

MARWOOD (_aside_).

How I have injured my own cause. Imprudent woman that I was!

SARA.

Oh, let me kiss this tear from your cheek.

MELLEFONT.

Ah, Sara, why was it our fate to grieve such a G.o.dlike man? Yes, a G.o.dlike man, for what is more G.o.dlike than to forgive? Could we only have imagined such a happy issue possible, we should not now owe it to such violent means, we should owe it to our entreaties alone. What happiness is in store for me! But how painful also will be the conviction, that I am so unworthy of this happiness!

MARWOOD (_aside_).

And I must be present to hear this.

SARA.

How perfectly you justify my love by such thoughts.

MARWOOD (_aside_.)

What restraint must I put on myself!

SARA.

You too, Madam, must read my father's letter. You seem to take too great an interest in our fate to be indifferent to its contents.

MARWOOD.

Indifferent? (_takes the letter_).

SARA.

But, Madam, you still seem very thoughtful, very sad----

MARWOOD.

Thoughtful, but not sad!

MELLEFONT (_aside_).

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