My work may seem many-
sided, but what have I really accomplished? Odds and ends--
scraps. They would not stand anything else here. If I were to go
a step in advance of the opinions and views that are current at
the moment, I should lose all my influence. Do you know what we
are--we who are looked upon as pillars of society? We are nothing
more, nor less, than the tools of society.
Lona: Why have you only begun to realise that now?
Bernick: Because I have been thinking a great deal lately--since
you came back--and this evening I have thought more seriously
than ever before. Oh, Lona, why did not I really know you then--
in the old days, I mean?
Lona: And if you had?
Bernick: I should never have let you go; and, if I had had you, I
should not be in the position I am in tonight.
Lona: And do you never consider what she might have been to you--
she whom you chose in my place?
Bernick: I know, at all events, that she has been nothing to me
of what I needed.
Lona: Because you have never shared your interests with her;
because you have never allowed her full and frank exchange of
thoughts with you; because you have allowed her to be borne under
by self-reproach for the shame you cast upon one who was dear to
her.
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