George.
To live, dear, will require more courage for both of us.
Marie.
How so?
George.
Can you ask? Here in this house, to which we owe everything--both you
and I? Where they gave us food, shelter and love? After all that, would
you have the courage to destroy their happiness?
Marie.
The good old pastor used to say: "You must have the courage to do
everything, except to do wrong." I would even have the courage to do
wrong.
George.
Shall I put you to the test?
Marie.
If you will give me your hand now and say to me: "Come, we will run
away, through yonder garden gate--just as we are--now, this very
moment"--you shall see how I will run!
George.
What?--Secretly--without telling any one? Is that what you mean?
Marie.
Don't you?
George.
[_Laughs bitterly_.] No, no!
Marie.
Well, what then?
George.
Face to face, like a man. There he stands--I here. If he will give me
back my word, 'tis well. If he refuses [_determined_], 'tis also well.
Marie.
My God! You know his temper! He will kill us--he will kill us both!
George.
'Tis death either way----
Marie.