Liz. But you will try? Eug. Oh, yes! I shall try. But my father,--he will surely never forgive me, will banish me from his house. Liz. Not if you tell him how penitent you are. Eug. He has not a heart like yours, Lizzie. Liz. But Kate will intercede for you. Eug. Kate, heaven bless her, I know she will. What has she not done for me already? And to think that I once set myself up as so far above her, and plumed myself on being a lord of creation,--I, a poor, weak fool, not worthy to touch the hem of her garment. Liz. Those words prove to me that you are no longer the Eugene you were. Eug. I hope, I trust not. As you say, I did not mean to be really bad. I was inexperienced, thoughtless, eager for the pleasures of life, and I never stopped to think of consequences. How could you have loved me--for you did love me once, Lizzie? Liz. It was your best side you showed me, Eugene. Eug. At first, yes; but I showed you my worst afterwards. Liz. The flaws in her idol cannot kill a woman's love. Eug. Lizzie, I did not mean to break your heart. Do you believe me? Liz. I do; and, as I said, forgive you freely. Eug. For the first time I begin to realize the happiness that might have been mine, the value of the heart I threw away. Liz. The heart that has always been yours, Eugene. Eug. (taking her hand). Mine! Mine now! What! Do you mean to say that you love me now, ruined and disgraced as I am, soon perhaps to be driven from my father's door, and go forth into the world penniless and alone? Liz. How little you know of woman's love! Think you it endures only through the bright summer days of sunshine? No, Eugene. In the time of darkness and sorrow a woman's love never fails. Eug. And would you share my fate _now_? Liz. Would I? Oh, how gladly! But you forget, I am a poor girl, a seamstress in your mother's house, and-- Eug. I would indeed be unworthy of the blessing of your love should I think of _that_. Lizzie, your love shall raise me from the depths into which I have fallen. (Embraces her as Kate enters, C.) Kate. Eugene! Lizzie! Eug. (R. C.). Do not misapprehend, Kate. Let me explain before you judge. Kate (coming down L.). Go on. Liz. (aside, R.). Dare I hope she will approve? Eug. Lizzie and I met--a year ago! Kate. What! is it possible! Liz. Do you not remember, I told you all the first day I came to your house? Kate. What do you say? Do you mean (staggers back against table for support)--can it be that it was to him--to _Eugene_ that you then referred? Liz. To whom else? It was of course Eugene. Kate. Eugene! Oh, what a cruel mistake! Oh, what a wrong I have done a noble man! Heaven forgive me! Eug. (going to her). Dear Kate, what is the matter? what do you mean?