You must. I know it's better to do our duty. For my sake, dearest, go back to your wife, and don't let her ever know that you love me. It's because we're stronger than she that we must sacrifice ourselves.
[He leans his head on his hands, and sighs deeply. For a while they remain in silence. At last, with another sigh, he gets up.
Basil
I don't know any longer what's right and what's wrong. It all seems confused. It's very hard.
Hilda
[Hoarsely.] It's just as hard for me, Basil.
Basil
[Broken-hearted.] Good-bye, then. I dare say you're right. And perhaps I should only make you very unhappy.
Hilda
Good-bye, my dearest.
[He bends down and kisses her hands. Shestifles a sob. He goes slowly to the door, with his back turned to her; and then Hilda, unable to endure it, gives a groan.
Hilda
Basil. Don't go.
Basil
[With a cry of joy.] Ah! Hilda.
[He clasps her passionately in his arms.
Hilda
Oh, I can't bear it. I won't lose you. Basil, say you love me.
Basil
[In a madness of joy.] Yes. I love you with all my heart.
Hilda
I could have borne it if you'd been happy.
Basil
Now nothing can separate us, Hilda. You belong to me for ever.
Hilda
God help me! What have I done?
Basil
If we lose our souls, what does it matter? We gain the whole world.
Hilda
Oh, Basil, I want your love. I want your love so badly.
Basil
Will you come with me, Hilda? I can take you to a land where the whole earth speaks only of love – and where only love and youth and beauty matter.
Hilda
Let us go where we can be together always. We have so short a time; let us snatch all the happiness we can.
Basil
[Kissing her again.] My darling.
Hilda
Oh, Basil, Basil… [She starts away.] Take care!
[The Butler comes in.]
Butler
Mrs. Kent.
[Jenny enters hurriedly, as he gives her name.The Butler at once goes out.
Basil
Jenny!
Jenny
I've caught you.
Basil
[Trying to be urbane—to Hilda] I think you know my wife.
Jenny
[In a loud angry voice.] Oh, yes, I know her. You needn't introduce me. I've come for my husband.