[Helenoffers her hand in farewell toLucy, butJohnshields her fromHelen'stouch, then toJean.RexshieldsJeanfrom contamination, butJeanweeps.
[Helenoffers her hand in farewell toLucy, butJohnshields her fromHelen'stouch, then toJean.RexshieldsJeanfrom contamination, butJeanweeps.
Judge
[barring the way. ToErnest]
Stop! You cannot! The very tie that binds you to this woman binds you to us and to the whole world with hooks of steel! [The lovers are still going,Judgeascends steps, facing them.] For the last time! before too late!Ernest!Youknowthat in the eyes of God youaretaking this woman to be your wife.
Ernest
In the eyes ofGod, Idotake Helen to be my wife—but——
Judge
You, Helen! Speak, woman, speak!
Helen
I take Ernest to be my husband in the eyes of God, but——
Judge
[raises his hand augustly and in a voice of authority]
Then, since you, Ernest, and you, Helen, have made this solemn declaration before God and in the presence of witnesses, I, by the authority vested in me by the laws of this State do now pronounce you man and wife!
[Mr.andMrs. Hamiltonlook at each other bewildered. Meanwhile the silence has been pierced, first by a little hysterical scream fromJean, then the others all wake up and crowd about the happy pair, congratulating them. The women who had snubbedHelenbefore cover her with kisses, for now she is fit for their embraces.
[Mr.andMrs. Hamiltonlook at each other bewildered. Meanwhile the silence has been pierced, first by a little hysterical scream fromJean, then the others all wake up and crowd about the happy pair, congratulating them. The women who had snubbedHelenbefore cover her with kisses, for now she is fit for their embraces.
John
[toTheodore]
Saved! Saved! Respectable at last, thank God. [Raising his glass and hammering for attention.] Here's to the bride and groom.
[Allcheer, raise glasses, and drink.
Ernest
[when the noise dies down. As the others kissHelen]
A moment ago you were a bad woman. Now [to all] behold! she is a good woman. Marriage is wonderful.
[JohnandLucyrun toJudgeand shake hands.
Judge
[toJohnandLucy, his wife]
Yes, Respectability has triumphed this time, but let Society take warning and beware! beware! beware!
PRINCETON STORIES (1895).THE ADVENTURES OF A FRESHMAN (1899).THE STOLEN STORY, AND OTHER NEWSPAPER STORIES (1899).NEW YORK SKETCHES (1902).THE DAY-DREAMER (1906). (Being a novelization of the four-act comedy, "The Stolen Story."THE GIRL AND THE GAME, AND OTHER COLLEGE STORIES (1908).THE MARRIED LIFE OF THE FREDERIC CARROLLS (1910).REMATING TIME (1916).WHY MARRY? (1918). New edition of "And So They Were Married."
PRINCETON STORIES (1895).
THE ADVENTURES OF A FRESHMAN (1899).
THE STOLEN STORY, AND OTHER NEWSPAPER STORIES (1899).
NEW YORK SKETCHES (1902).
THE DAY-DREAMER (1906). (Being a novelization of the four-act comedy, "The Stolen Story."
THE GIRL AND THE GAME, AND OTHER COLLEGE STORIES (1908).
THE MARRIED LIFE OF THE FREDERIC CARROLLS (1910).
REMATING TIME (1916).
WHY MARRY? (1918). New edition of "And So They Were Married."