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SCENE III.

A Library. Enter Charville, in violent Agitation, followed by Mrs. Charville and Mary.

CHARVILLE (speaking as he enters to Mrs. Charville).

No, madam; do not follow me; it is in vain to explain it. The secret is out—the guilty secret is out: he has had the boldness to acknowledge it himself—to acknowledge to my face. I am such a creature now as he need no longer keep measures with. Away, perverted woman! Do you follow me still? Do you look me in the face? (Beating his forehead.) He acknowledged it himself.

MRS. CHARVILLE.

Acknowledged it?

CHARVILLE.

Yes, madam. You disdained explanation, forsooth. Your virtuous pride was offended, and since I employed disguise in the matter, I must find it out myself. I have found it out, madam; he confessed it himself.

MARY.

My dear brother, what was it he did confess?

CHARVILLE.

Art thou a fool? Canst thou not comprehend?