staying have done? They'd only have hanged us both.

JUDITH (with reproachful earnestness). Richard Dudgeon: on your
honour, what would you have done in his place?

RICHARD. Exactly what he has done, of course.

JUDITH. Oh, why will you not be simple with me--honest and
straightforward? If you are so selfish as that, why did you let
them take you last night?

RICHARD (gaily). Upon my life, Mrs. Anderson, I don't know. I've
been asking myself that question ever since; and I can find no
manner of reason for acting as I did.

JUDITH. You know you did it for his sake, believing he was a more
worthy man than yourself.

RICHARD (laughing). Oho! No: that's a very pretty reason, I must
say; but I'm not so modest as that. No: it wasn't for his sake.

JUDITH (after a pause, during which she looks shamefacedly at
him, blushing painfully). Was it for my sake?

RICHARD (gallantly). Well, you had a hand in it. It must have
been a little for your sake. You let them take me, at all events.

JUDITH. Oh, do you think I have not been telling myself that all
night? Your death will be at my door. (Impulsively, she gives him
her hand, and adds, with intense earnestness) If I could save you