Then listen. I have told you of my girlhood and my dreams. I wanted to do what you are so nobly doing. And I did nothing. I could do nothing. I was not permitted. Always was I compelled to hold myself in check. It was to do what you are doing, that I married. And that, too, failed me. My husband became a henchman of the Interests, my own father's tool for the perpetuation of the evils against which I desired to fight. (_She pauses._) It has been a long fight, and I have been very tired, for always did I confront failure. My husband--I did not love him. I never loved him. I sold myself for the Cause, and the cause profited nothing. (_Pause._) Often, I have lost faith--faith in everything, in God and man, in the hope of any righteousness ever prevailing. But again and again, by what you are doing, have you awakened me. I came to-night with no thought of self. I came to warn you, to help the good work on. I remained--thank God!--I remained to love you--and to be loved by you. I suddenly found myself, looking at you, very weary. I wanted you--you, more than anything in the world. (_She holds out her arms._) Come to me. I want you--now. (_Knox, in an ecstacy, comes to her. He seats himself on the broad arm of the chair and is drawn into her arms._) {Knox} But I have been tired at times. I was very tired to-night--and you came. And now I am glad, only glad. {Margaret} I have been wanton to-night. I confess it. I am proud of it. But it was not--professional. It was the first time in my life. Almost do I regret--almost do I regret that I did not do it sooner--it has been crowned with such success. You have held me in your arms--your arms. Oh, you will never know what that first embrace meant to me. I am not a clod. I am not iron nor stone. I am a woman--a warm, breathing woman--. (_She rises, and draws him to his feet._) Kiss me, my dear lord and lover. Kiss me. (_They embrace._) {Knox} (_Passionately, looking about him wildly as if in search of something._) What shall we do? (_Suddenly releasing her and sinking back in his own chair almost in collapse._) No. It cannot be. It is impossible. Oh, why could we not have met long ago? We would have worked together. What a comradeship it would have been. {Margaret} But it is not too late. {Knox} I have no right to you. {Margaret} (_Misunderstanding. _) My husband? He has not been my husband for years. He has no rights. Who, but you whom I love, has any rights? {Knox} No; it is not that. (_Snapping his fingers._) That for him. (_Breaking down._) Oh, if I were only the man, and not the reformer! If I had no work to do! {Margaret} (_Coming to the back of his chair and caressing his hair._) We can work together. {Knox} (_Shaking his head under her fingers._) Don't! Don't! (_She persists, and lays her cheek against his._) You make it so hard. You tempt me so.