So many rich years out of my
life have been squandered by it. And out of his life, so much force,
energy--spent in battling with the shrew, the termagant he has now
fled from; strength never to be replenished, never to be repaid--all
wasted, wasted!
GERTRUDE. Your legal marriage with him might not bring further
miseries.
AGNES. Too late! We have done with marriage; we distrust it. We are not
now among those who regard marriage as indispensable to union. We have
done with it!
GERTRUDE. [Advancing to her.] You know that it would be impossible for
me, if I would do so, to deceive my brother as to all this.
AGNES. Why, of course, dear.
GERTRUDE. [Looking at her watch.] Amos must be wondering--
AGNES. Run away, then. [GERTRUDE crosses quickly to the door.]
GERTRUDE [Retracing a step or two.] Shall I see you--? Oh!
AGNES. [Shaking her head.] Ah!
GERTRUDE. [Going to her, constrainedly.] When Amos and I have talked
this over, perhaps--perhaps--
AGNES. No, I fear not. Come, my dear friend--[with a smile]--give me
a shake of the hand.
GERTRUDE. [Taking her hand.] What you've told me is dreadful. [Looking
into AGNES' face.] And yet you're not a wicked woman! [Kissing AGNES.]
In case we don't meet again. [The women separate quickly, looking
towards the door, as LUCAS enters.
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