{Eric.} _(holds out his hand)_ Touch my hand but once. {Kate.} _(looking at him)_ We are suffering so much together, aren't we? I don't know what I've said to you, but it is no fault of yours, dear. We were wedded in happiness--we are divorced in grief. Yes --I will just take your hand. _(Without approaching too nearly, she lays her hand in his--their eyes meet.)_ {Eric.} Oh, Kate, the future! _(With a cry they go to each other, but as Eric is about to press his lips to hers, she recoils with horror.)_ {Kate.} Oh, no! I, that have prayed God to make me good all my life, what should I be if you kissed me now? {Eric.} Oh, Kate! {Kate.} Go, go. Eric, you love me too well for that, don't you? {Eric.} Heaven give me strength, yes! _(The door L., opens, and Gilbert appears with a fixed and determined look, carrying his gun.)_ {Gil.} _(L.)_ Mr. Thorndyke! _(at door)_ {Eric.} _(c. calmly)_ Well, sir. _(a pause)_ {Kate.} Why have you come back to the house? {Gil.} _(puts hat on chair and shuts door)_ I have not left the house. I come for an answer to my letter. {Kate.} _(putting her hand to her head)_ Your letter? _(the letter lies unopened upon the table, Kate sees it)_ Oh, there it is, unopened. _(Gil. walks firmly into the room, and points towards the letter.)_ {Gil.} Read it, please, _(down L. C.)_ _(Kate opens the letter, draws her hands across her eyes and reads, sitting R., of table.)_ {Kate.} _(reading)_ "Squire Kate--I will be satisfied that this Thorndyke's name is not to blacken yours in the mouths of the people of Market-Sinfield. I shall remain concealed in this house till I can speak to you alone. Remember--my love makes me desperate--one more harsh word from you may bring mischief to another. Gilbert." Mischief to another? {Eric.} _(C. slowly takes the letter from Kate)_ What gives you a right to control this lady? {Gil.} Her loneliness--my love. I was born and reared on these lands--we plucked wild flowers together, as children. {Eric.} Are you her guardian, now that she is a woman? {Gil.} I am--and of any weak soul in peril. {Kate.} _(rises)_ What do you want of me? {Gil.} Nothing; because I am face to face with _him_. {Eric.} Quickly, then, sir, your business with me? _(throws paper down)_ {Gil.} Mr. Thorndyke, you, who are supposed to be a sunshine acquaintance of our Squire's, are found here at dead of night, in the house of one whom all honest folks know as _Miss_ Verity. {Eric.} Well, sir?