Fires of St. John Part 50

Marie.

[_Nods_.]

George.

Have you arranged it so?

Marie.

You wished to speak to me, so I have arranged it!

George.

Marie, I wished to tell you. One hour more I am a free man--and my mind is made up. It is yet time to change our fates. What will you answer me?

Marie.

Answer you? Why, I don't know what you want.

George.

You know it well enough. I want _you_! Do you hear me? _You_, who belong to me for life--I want you!

Marie.

[_Softly--happily_.] I thought the fires were out--and you had forgotten me--and now you want me?

George.

[_Softly_.] Are you not mine? Are you not my wife in the eyes of heaven?

Marie.

Yes, but in the eyes of the world it is _Gertrude_!

George.

Must it, then, be so?

Marie.

[_Doubtingly_.] Go--go--you love her----

George.

Yes, I do love her. How could I help that? Do you not also love her?

Marie.

[_Bitterly_.] Ah, I don't know. A few moments ago, when I saw her in your arms--and you wept, too--only, because you love her!! Oh, but I can bear it!! I will bear it like--like--ah!---- But there--that is no one's affair but mine----

George.

So, so, that is no one's affair but yours, eh? You might have invented a sweeter torture. I meant to remain an honorable man all my life; if unable--well, there are plenty of bullets left.

Marie.

And do you wish to die?

George.

I do not want to, I must!

Marie.

_George_, then take me with you? [_He shakes his head_.] For years I have carried the wish in my heart--to kill you! Then I would kiss and love you like mad--and then follow you into eternity----

George.

Nonsense, girl, nonsense! Can't you see, how one turns round and round and round in a circle, till at last to find no other escape than death?

Marie.

I am not afraid to die; though with you, I'd rather live----

George.

To live, dear, will require more courage for both of us.

Marie.

How so?

George.

Can you ask? Here in this house, to which we owe everything--both you and I? Where they gave us food, shelter and love? After all that, would you have the courage to destroy their happiness?

Marie.

The good old pastor used to say: "You must have the courage to do everything, except to do wrong." I would even have the courage to do wrong.

George.

Shall I put you to the test?

Marie.

If you will give me your hand now and say to me: "Come, we will run away, through yonder garden gate--just as we are--now, this very moment"--you shall see how I will run!