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LAURA
The door's always open to you, Colonel.
(Exit SELLERS and LAFAYETTE,
arm in arm. LAURA walks
up & down stage.)At last! At last! The prize I have so long toiled for without humiliation, in so many ways that would have made me blush in the old days before my heart was hardened, and my soul seared, is almost mine; and now, after all that it has cost me, I care nothing for it— nothing—nothing, it so shrinks into insignificance in the presence of a matter of mightier consequence. Tomorrow, oh how far off it seems, how all Washington will ring. [Am I in my right] senses? Is this indeed I? Oh, the dread mystery of a woman's heart! Will no one save me from myself? Clay, Clay, why have you delayed? You would have given me strength and I would have put this terrible temptation away. I am going down—down— down out of the world I have held at my feet. O, George, George, if I had never seen you.
(Enter COLONEL SELBY. She is
about to throw herself into his arms.
He, by a gesture, restrains her.)COL. SELBY
I have called Laura, in obedience to your command.
LAURA
In obedience to my command? Was it not understood?
COL. SELBY
Let us understand each other at last. I had hoped to avoid this explanation, but circumstances have forced me to it.
LAURA
George, I—I do not comprehend you.
COL. SELBY
You have had time to reflect. It is not possible that you are still wild enough, foolish enough to abandon friends, to throw away name, fame, everything , and fly with me to Europe.
LAURA
To the world's end , George, if the world has an end.
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