HELEN

[_turns and looks at him a moment_]

You can't imagine what a weight this takes off my mind.

[_She looks away and sighs._

ERNEST

[_enthusiastically_]

Yes! I feel as if a veil between us had been lifted.

[_He looks away and sighs too. Some one begins "Tristan and Isolde" on the piano within. The moon is up._

HELEN

[_after a pause_]

Suppose we talk about--our work.

ERNEST

Yes! Our work. Let's drop the other subject. Look at the moon!

[_Music and the moonlight flooding them._

HELEN

Seriously, you promise never to _mention_ the subject again?

[_She keeps her eyes averted._

ERNEST

I promise.

[_He keeps his eyes averted._

HELEN

[_turning to him with a sudden change to girlish enthusiasm_]

Then I'll go to Paris with you!

ERNEST

[_recoils_]

What's that?

HELEN

Why, Doctor Metchnikoff--he promised me he would invite you.

ERNEST

Yes, but--

HELEN

Don't miss the chance of a lifetime!

ERNEST

No, but you--_you_ can't come!

HELEN

[_simply_]

If you need me I can, and you just said----

ERNEST

But you mustn't come to Paris with me!

HELEN

Don't you want me with you?

ERNEST