Carter. But you can learn. Oh, surely, you can learn to love me! I've loved you for so long! It won't be hard to show you how that love can grow. Why, ever since you were a tiny little girl, I have loved you and watched over you and taken care of you. Do you remember that day, so many years ago, when you ran away and walked far down the road to meet your father? You thought you would surprise him as he came back home from town. You never thought how far you were from home. You walked and walked until you were so tired you sat down by the road to wait. It was growing late, and you were frightened at the darkness coming on, and you began to cry--for you were such a little girl, and it was getting very dark. And then I came along and found you. You thought at first I was a bear; but when I spoke, you ran right into my arms and kissed me, and said you were so glad I'd come to take you home. Ever since that day I've loved you--loved with all my heart, with all my soul! Now, I must give this love to you. Look at me--speak to me--say you will try! Say I may keep you in my heart, as I have done ever since that day, so many years ago! [Fair has stood looking off into the sunset. She turns slowly, then speaks. [Gordon enters at gate unseen by them. Fair (in a very low voice). Carter, you know I love and trust you, and you know it's like tearing my heart strings to tell you this. But it is because I love and trust you as I do that I must tell you. (Slowly)--I cannot give my heart, or my life to you. They are not mine! Now! Carter (slowly realizing). You mean-- Fair (in agony). I love him-- Carter (in a strange voice). I may not ask you--who? Fair. Better no, my dearest Carter. Carter (turns to the house, all the life and happiness gone from his face). Will you come in? We have not long before the wedding. [Exit into house. [Gordon comes slowly to Fair who has sunk down upon the bench, sobbing softly to herself. Gordon. Fair! [She looks up quickly. Fair. Gordon! You heard--you heard what we said! Gordon. Only that your love was not for one of us. Fair (dazed). For--one--of--us. (Looking up into his face)--Gordon, do you love me, too? And you have heard! Gordon. You must forgive me, even though you find that happiness with one who is our enemy. Fair (shrinking wildly back). You know--you have found out! How have you learned that I--that we-- Gordon. It was not hard to see. (He comes nearer, laying his hand softly on her hair). Poor little pretty Fair! I saw then that he loved you; and all too clearly I see now that you love him.