{Eric.} Never can write anything fluently but a cheque, and that's not always presentable. I'm an ornament, Kate, or nothing. I'm afraid I'm nothing --but your sweetheart, _(she bows her head in her hands)_ Why, Kate, this is one of your gloomy days. {Kate.} _(rises and dries her eyes with her hand-kerchief)_ I suppose, Eric, there is not the faintest ray of hope that your mother would ever forgive you for your marriage. {Eric.} Not the faintest. Poor mother, I'm the only living thing belonging to her upon earth. I once persuaded her to keep rabbits, with a view to diverting her affections--it didn't answer. _(Kate walks slowly to C. by stone. Eric follows her)_ You are not yourself, Kate; brighten up. Aren't you happy? {Kate.} _(gives a quick look round)_ Is any man's love so strong for a woman that he would beggar himself for her sake? {Eric.} Why, Kate! {Kate.} What sacrifice will you make for me? Tell me how many bright golden prospects you will blot out for the silly woman you have married. Quick! {Eric.} What is it you wish? {Kate.} _(seizing his hand)_ Eric, publish our foolish marriage of a year ago--let it be known and laughed at in every house and every inn-yard in the country. Do this for me, and for heaven's sake, do it quickly! {Eric.} _(holding her hand)_ A little silly gossip has upset you. It can't be, dear. {Kate.} Then, as surely as we stand here--man and wife--you drive me from the place where I was born--where even every weed growing on my poor poverty-stricken land has a voice for me; where the women and children love and pray for me; you, the man who has brought this ill upon my head, drive me out! _(turns up a little)_ {Eric.} What do you mean? Where are you going? {Kate.} To hide, abroad, anywhere, in any hole and corner where no soul knows me. _(comes down to front of stone C.)_ {Eric.} _(going to her)_ Kate, you have some secret --tell me it. {Kate.} _(with his hand in hers she turns from him, softly)_ Can't you guess? _(sinks on stone)_ {Eric.} _(quickly)_ Kate! {Kate.} Dear, dear husband! _(there is a pause, then Eric raises her and kisses her)_ {Eric.} Kate, my dear, fetch me pen and ink, and some writing paper. _(She crosses sadly to the steps then turns to him, half way up steps.)_ {Kate.} _(timidly)_ Husband! {Eric.} _(thoughtfully)_ Wife! _(foot on first step)_ {Kate.} Are you angry?