Why Marry? - LightNovelsOnl.com
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HELEN
Aren't we sacrificing enough for the world--money, comforts, even children? Must we also sacrifice each other to the world? Must we be hypocrites because others are? Must we, too, be cowards and take on the protective coloring of our species?
ERNEST
Our ideas may be higher than society's, but society rewards and punishes its members according to its own ideas, not ours.
HELEN
Do you want society's rewards? Do you fear society's punishment?
ERNEST
[_jubilantly enfolding her_]
With you in my arms, I want nothing from heaven, I fear nothing from h.e.l.l; but, my dear [_shrugs and comes down to earth with a smile and releases her_], consider the price, consider the price.
HELEN
Aren't you willing to pay the price?
ERNEST
I? Yes! But it's the woman, always the woman, who pays.
HELEN
I am willing to pay.
ERNEST
I am not willing to let you.
HELEN
You'll have to be, dear. I shall go with you on my terms or not at all.
ERNEST
[_with decision_]
You will come with me as my wife or stay at home.
HELEN
[_gasping_]
Now? After all I've said, all I've done? Ernest: I've told the family! I relied upon you. I took for granted--Ernest, you wouldn't--you couldn't leave me behind now.
ERNEST
Thanks to you and what you've made of me, I must and will.
HELEN
Ernest!
[_Opens her arms to him to take her._
ERNEST
[_about to enfold her--resists_]
No! If you love me enough for that [_points to her pleading hands_]--I love you enough for this. [_He turns to go._] Come when you're ready to marry me.
HELEN
[_shrill, excited, angered_]
Do you think this has been easy for me? Do you think I'll offer myself again on any terms? Never!
ERNEST
You must marry me--and you will.
HELEN
You don't know me. Good-by!
ERNEST
