{Margaret} (_Bending her head forward on her hand and weeping._) I have been so lonely--and then you--you came, and the world grew bright and warm--a few short minutes ago you held me--in your arms--a few short minutes ago and it seemed my dream of happiness had come true--and now you dash it from me-- {Knox} (_Struggling to control himself now that she is no longer looking at him._) No; I ask you to dash it from yourself. I am not too strong. You must help me. You must call your child to your aid in helping me. I could go mad for you now-- (_Rising impulsively and coming to her with arms outstretched to clasp her._) Right now-- {Margaret} (_Abruptly raising her head, and with one outstretched arm preventing the embrace._) Wait. (_She bows her head on her hand for a moment, to think and to win control of herself._) (_Lifting her head and looking at him._) Sit down--please. (_Knox reseats himself._) (_A pause, during which she looks at him and loves him._) Dear, I do so love you-- (_Knox loses control and starts to rise._) No! Sit there. I was weak. Yet I am not sorry. You are right. We must forego each other. We cannot be thieves, even for love's sake. Yet I am glad that this has happened--that I have lain in your arms and had your lips on mine. The memory of it will be sweet always. (_She draws her cloak around her, and rises._) (_Knox rises._) You are right. The future belongs to the children. There lies duty--yours, and mine in my small way. I am going now. We must not see each other ever again. We must work--and forget. But remember, my heart goes with you into the fight. My prayers will accompany every stroke. (_She hesitates, pauses, draws her cloak thoroughly around her in evidence of departure._) Dear--will you kiss me--once--one last time? (_There is no passion in this kiss, which is the kiss of renunciation. Margaret herself terminates the embrace._) (_Knox accompanies her silently to the door and places hand on knob._) I wish I had something of you to have with me always--a photograph, that little one, you remember, which I liked so. (_She nods._) Don't run the risk of sending it by messenger. Just mail it ordinarily. {Margaret} I shall mail it to-morrow. I'll drop it in the box myself. {Knox} (_Kissing her hand._) Good-bye. {Margaret} (_lingeringly._) But oh, my dear, I am glad and proud for what has happened. I would not erase a single line of it. (_She indicates for Knox to open door, which he does, but which he immediately closes as she continues speaking._) There must be immortality. There must be a future life where you and I shall meet again. Good-bye. (_They press each other's hands._) (_Exit Margaret._) (_Knox stands a moment, staring at closed door, turns and looks about him indecisively, sees chair in which Margaret sat, goes over to it, kneels down, and buries his face._) (_Door to bedroom opens slowly and Hubbard peers out cautiously. He cannot see Knox._) {Hubbard}