JUDITH (her voice trembling). What can I do to show you that you
are mistaken?

RICHARD. Don't trouble. I'll give you credit for liking me a
little better than you did. All I say is that my death will not
break your heart.

JUDITH (almost in a whisper). How do you know? (She puts her
hands on his shoulders and looks intently at him.)

RICHARD (amazed--divining the truth). Mrs. Anderson!!! (The bell
of the town clock strikes the quarter. He collects himself, and
removes her hands, saying rather coldly) Excuse me: they will be
here for me presently. It is too late.

JUDITH. It is not too late. Call me as witness: they will never
kill you when they know how heroically you have acted.

RICHARD (with some scorn). Indeed! But if I don't go through with
it, where will the heroism be? I shall simply have tricked them;
and they'll hang me for that like a dog. Serve me right too!

JUDITH (wildly). Oh, I believe you WANT to die.

RICHARD (obstinately). No I don't.

JUDITH. Then why not try to save yourself? I implore you--listen.
You said just now that you saved him for my sake--yes (clutching
him as he recoils with a gesture of denial) a little for my sake.
Well, save yourself for my sake. And I will go with you to the