human
Mr. Stornaway! Just one moment before he comes back! They want to take my baby away. I know I asked them to, but that was _before_.... You won't let them, will you? He's mine, mine! David thinks I'm saying it because I ought to, because everybody would expect me to, but I'm not! On my honour I'm not! I'd go through it again rather than let them take my baby away.
gpt
He won't be taken away, if you want to keep him, I promised her.
human
Good-night, my dear Sonia. Go straight off to sleep and don't worry about anything. If you want your child, David won't try to steal him. You're sure you want him?
gpt
David?
human
I meant the boy.
gpt
I want so much! I always have.... Oh, I know you despise me, and you're quite right. I despise myself. But I _must_ be loved, I can't get on without it. And I've been, oh! so lonely!
human
Tell me anything I can do to help you, Sonia, I said,
gpt
Lady Loring wants to get her off to sleep, I explained.
human
You and the child between you have rather excited her. If you will take my advice, you'll go back to Melton by the first train to-morrow. The two of you are wearing each other out. I'll do whatever's necessary here.
gpt
But I can't leave her yet.
human
You can and must. You've got your work to do. O'Rane, you may remember that I've advised you a good many times to face facts and end this business. In your greater wisdom you've always refused----
gpt
You never seemed to appreciate that I loved Sonia.
human
Indeed I did. But I thought we agreed that there were some tests which the greatest love in the world couldn't survive.
gpt
I thought so, too. But wouldn't it be a fair-weather love? I treated Sonia badly, and she treated me worse. Until I married, I always thought that marriage was an easy, straightforward business; you just fell in love, and there was an end of it. If I spoiled her life because _I_ hadn't the imagination, the consideration.... I'm sorry, Stornaway, I can't discuss it. One's pride is rather involved. I always _said_ that I loved her more than a man had ever loved a woman before; if I can't prove it.... But I'm boring you.
human
I'm only tired. So are you, so's everyone. We'd better all go to bed. Promise me one thing. If you go in to say good-night to--your wife, don't stay more than a moment.