Perhaps you found in me a little more
character and strength of will and independence than in most of
the folk at home here. And then we kept it secret between us;
nobody could make fun of your bad taste.
Bernick: Lona, how can you think--?
Lona: But when you came back--when you heard the gibes that were
made at me on all sides--when you noticed how people laughed at
what they called my absurdities...
Bernick: You were regardless of people's opinion at that time.
Lona: Chiefly to annoy the petticoated and trousered prudes that
one met at every turn in the town. And then, when you met that
seductive young actress--
Bernick: It was a boyish escapade--nothing more; I swear to you
that there was no truth in a tenth part of the rumours and gossip
that went about.
Lona: Maybe. But then, when Betty came home--a pretty young girl,
idolised by every one--and it became known that she would inherit
all her aunt's money and that I would have nothing!
Bernick: That is just the point, Lona; and now you shall have the
truth without any beating about the bush. I did not love Betty
then; I did not break off my engagement with you because of any
new attachment.
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