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LAURA
(Releasing herself from his embrace.)

Don't know? One would judge from your tone that you don't care!

COL. SELBY

I do care. But I am not yet in a position to do as I would.

LAURA

There is something of even more importance than wealth or position, George.

COL. SELBY

Will you please tell me what that something is?

LAURA
(Bowing her head.)

It is a woman's honor!

COL. SELBY
(Petulantly.)

The old story! I'm tired of it!

LAURA

And I'm tired of repeating it.

COL. SELBY

Pray, desist then.

LAURA
(Indignantly.)

Desist! Are you speaking to me, George Selby? To me— your—

COL. SELBY

Hush, Darling! Let us have no scene, but tell me, has anything happened?

LAURA

That has happened which will separate us, unless—