Tell me, were you not absolutely certain of victory when you came?

HELEN (looking away). Oh, what was I a week ago! And what--what am I
now!

GERARDO (in a matter-of-fact way). Helen, ask yourself this question:
what choice is left to a man in such a case? You are generally known as
the most beautiful woman in this city. Now shall I, an artist, allow
myself to acquire the reputation of an unsociable lout who shuts
himself up in his four walls and denies himself to all visitors?
The second possibility would be to receive you while at the same time
pretending not to understand you. That would give me the wholly
undeserved reputation of a simpleton. Third possibility--but this is
extremely dangerous--I explain to you calmly and politely the very
thing I am saying to you now. But that is very dangerous! For apart
from your immediately giving me an insulting reply, calling me a vain
conceited fool, it would, if it became known, make me appear in a most
curious light. And what would at best be the result of my refusing the
honor offered me? That you would make of me a contemptible helpless
puppet, a target for your feminine wit, a booby whom you could tease
and taunt as much as you liked, whom you could torment and put on the
rack until you had driven him mad. (He has risen from the sofa.) Say
yourself, Helen; what choice was left to me? (She stares at him, then
turns her eyes about helplessly, shudders and struggles for an answer.)
In such a case I face just this alternative:--to make an enemy who
despises me or--to make an enemy who at least respects me. And
(stroking her hair) Helen!--one does not care to be despised by a woman
of such universally recognized beauty. Now does your pride still permit
you to ask me to take you with me?

HELEN (weeping profusely). Oh God, oh God, oh God, oh God ...

GERARDO. Your social position gave you the opportunity to make advances
to me. You availed yourself of it.--I am the last person to think ill
of you for that. But no more should you think ill of me for wishing to
maintain my rights. No man could be franker with a woman than I have
been with you. I told you that there could be no thought of any
sentimentalities between you and me. I told you that my profession
prevented me from binding myself. I told you that my engagement in
this city would end today ...

HELEN (rising). Oh how my head rings! It's just words, words, words I
hear! But I (putting her hands to her heart and thr