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. It was entirely for the sake of the money. I
needed it; I had to make sure of it.

Lona: And you have the face to tell me that?

Bernick: Yes, I have. Listen, Lona.

Lona: And yet you wrote to me that an unconquerable passion for
Betty had overcome you--invoked my magnanimity--begged me, for
Betty's sake, to hold my tongue about all that had been between
us.

Bernick: I had to, I tell you.

Lona: Now, by Heaven, I don't regret that I forgot myself as I
did that time--

Bernick: Let me tell you the plain truth of how things stood with
me then. My mother, as you remember, was at the head of the