Why? Because it will be something to think of, in the
dull days ahead. Because I knew that you loved me, and wanted to be told.
Because your life lies before you, and mine is ended. Because I love you,
and insisted that you should know. You leave me now, and I have no
illusions. Paolo and Francesca are merely a poet's dream. You will
marry--of course you will marry--but this moment, at least, has been mine.
SIR GEOFFREY. [_Stretching out yearning hands._] This moment, and every
moment, in past and future!
LADY TORMINSTER. Ah, the future! Strange little syllables that hide so
much! I can see you, introducing your wife to me, a little shyly--I can
see myself, shaking hands with her--and with you.... My boy is seven
already--time travels fast.... But it's good to know that you really have
loved me, all these years....
SIR GEOFFREY. By day and by night--you, and only you!
LADY TORMINSTER. And I have loved you--ah, yes, I have loved you!... And,
having said this to each other, we will not meet again--till you bring me
your wife.
SIR GEOFFREY. Ah--then!
LADY TORMINSTER. I have loved you, and I love you, for the fine, upright,
loyal creature that you are. I love you for loving Jack; and it is Jack's
great quality in my eyes that he has been able to inspire such love. And,
my dear friend, let us not be ashamed, we two, but only very proud, and
very happy. We shall go our ways, and do our duty; but we shall never
forget this talk we have had to-night.
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