Yes, now it is too late! Had I felt then as I do now, I would not have resisted you---- George. Marie, do you know what you are saying? Marie. [_Breaking out_.] Oh I don't care, I don't care! It is my fate. You must rule and govern--and I--I must serve; and in the end--we both must die---- George. Marie, you should be loved, you must be loved--beyond all senses--loved beyond all measure! Marie. [_Pointing towards R_.] He loves me! George. He?--Bah!!! Marie. Don't be angry, George dear; you don't dare love me yourself. You can never be anything to me! George. No, never; for this house must be kept clean. No, no, this house must not be soiled. We would both suffocate in our shame. But we can think of what might have been; that is not sin, is it? Marie. What were your words? "They are the wild birds of paradise, that have escaped us." That was it, was it not? How beautiful! George. I don't remember! Marie. But I am not a wild bird, George; I am tame--so tame---- George. You are tame? Marie. For you, George dear, only for you!!! George. _Marie_, my love! [_Strokes her hair affectionally, then moves away_.] No, no, we must be strong! Only a few minutes ago, Gertrude came softly down those stairs; if she should come again--my God----! Marie. What did she want? George. You can imagine---- Marie. The poor thing! But you will love her? George. As well as possible! But then I must not think of you. Marie. But you must not think of me--and I will try and not think of you! George. Never, Marie? Marie. Only occasionally--on holidays---- George. Only then? Marie. And on St. John's eve---- George. When the fires are burning? Marie. Yes, and when the fires are out, then I shall cry---- George. Marie!!!! Marie. No, no, George, sit still--I will sit here. Some one might be in the garden, after all. George. They are all sound asleep! Marie. Even so! We must be brave; not for mine--but for your sake, George. George. Why did you say that? What do you think of me?