Joy, Norton? (_Looking sharply at him_.) For me it is gone now for ever. NORTON. May I speak candidly? MELLEFONT. You may. NORTON. The reproach which I had to hear this morning of having made myself a participator in your crimes, because I had been silent about them, may excuse me, if I am less silent henceforth. MELLEFONT. Only do not forget who you are! NORTON. I will not forget that I am a servant, and a servant, alas, who might be something better, if he had lived for it. I am your servant, it is true, but not so far as to wish to be damned along with you. MELLEFONT. With me? And why do you say that now? NORTON. Because I am not a little astonished to find you different from what I expected. MELLEFONT. Will you not inform me what you expected? NORTON. To find you all delight. MELLEFONT. It is only the common herd who are beside themselves immediately when luck smiles on them for once. NORTON. Perhaps, because the common herd still have the feelings which among greater people are corrupted and weakened by a thousand unnatural notions. But there is something besides moderation to be read in your face--coldness, irresolution, disinclination. MELLEFONT. And if so? Have you forgotten who is here besides Sara? The presence of Marwood---- NORTON. Could make you anxious, I daresay, but not despondent. Something else troubles you. And I shall be glad to be mistaken in thinking you would rather that the father were not yet reconciled. The prospect of a position which so little suits your way of thinking---- MELLEFONT. Norton, Norton! Either you must have been, or still must be, a dreadful villain, that you can thus guess my thoughts. Since you have hit the nail upon the head, I will not deny it. It is true--so certain as it is that I shall love my Sara for ever so little does it please me, that I _must_--_must_ love her for ever! But do not fear; I shall conquer this foolish fancy. Or do you think that it is no fancy? Who bids me look at marriage as compulsion? I certainly do not wish to be freer than she will permit me to be. NORTON. These reflections are all very well. But Marwood will come to the aid of your old prejudices, and I fear, I fear---- MELLEFONT.