not of the essentially legal sort
worshiped by the shopkeepers, and because the newspapers made a
sensation of it, his whole mission was brought to failure. He
was laughed and derided out of the esteem of the American people.
That is what would happen to me. I should be slandered and
laughed at. My power would be gone.

{Margaret}

And even if so--what of it? Be slandered and laughed at. We will
have each other. Other men will rise up to lead the people, and
leading the people is a thankless task. Life is so short. We must
clutch for the morsel of happiness that may be ours.

{Knox}

Ah, if you knew, as I look into your eyes, how easy it would be
to throw everything to the winds. But it would be theft.

{Margaret}

(_Rebelliously._) Let it be theft. Life is so short, dear. We are
the biggest facts in the world--to each other.

{Knox}

It is not myself alone, nor all my people. A moment ago you said
no one but I had any right to you. You were wrong. Your child--

{Margaret}

(_In sudden pain, pleadingly._) Don't!

{Knox}

I must. I must save myself--and you. Tommy has rights in you.
Theft again. What other name for it if you steal your happiness
from him?

{Margaret}

(_Bending her head forward on her hand and weeping._) I have been
so lonely--and then you--you came, and the world grew bright and
warm--a few short minutes ago you held me--in your arms--a few
short minutes ago and it seemed my dream of happiness had come
true--and now you dash it from me--

{Knox}

(_Struggling to control himself now that she is no longer looking
at him._) No; I ask you to dash it from yourself. I am not too
strong. You must help me. You must call your child to your aid in
helping me. I could go mad for you now--

(_Rising impulsively and coming to her with arms outstretched to
clasp her._) Right now--

{Margaret}

(_Abruptly raising her head, and with one outstretched arm
preventing the embrace._) Wait.

(_She bows her head on her hand for a moment, to think and to win
control of herself._)

(_Lifting her head and looking at him._) Sit down--please.

(_Knox reseats himself._)

(_A pause, during which she looks at him and loves him._) Dear, I
do so love you--

(_Knox loses control and starts to rise._) No! Sit there. I was
weak. Yet I am not sorry. You are right. We must forego each
other. We cannot be thieves, even for love's sake. Yet I am glad
that this has happened--that I have lain in your arms