HELEN

He knows nothing about it yet. I haven't even seen him since I made my decision.

[_All exchange bewildered glances._

JOHN

[_apart to JUDGE_]

We've got to get him off to Paris. It's our only hope.

JUDGE

[_apart to JOHN_]

You can't stop her following. She's on the edge of the precipice--do you want to shove her over? You are dealing with big people here and a big pa.s.sion.

[_The BUTLER returns._

BUTLER

Doctor Hamilton asks to see Miss Helen while waiting.

JUDGE

[_calmly to BUTLER_]

Tell Doctor Hamilton that Miss Helen will see him here.

[_The BUTLER leaves._

JOHN

Are you crazy! We've got to keep 'em apart--our one chance to save her.

JUDGE

No, bring them together. _That_ is our one chance. Come, we'll go down into the garden and they'll have a nice little talk. Nothing like talk, John, honest talk, to clear these marriage problems.

[_Going._

JOHN

And let them elope? In that taxicab?--not on your life!

[_Runs to and fro._

JUDGE

Come, John, girls never notify the family in advance when they plan elopements. It's not done.

THEODORE

[_going_]

Uncle Everett is right. Ernest will bring her to her senses. He _has_ a deep religious nature.

[_JUDGE leads JOHN away to the garden._

LUCY

[_lingering--to HELEN_]

If you offer yourself on such terms to the man who loves you honorably, he'll never look at you again.

THEODORE

[_leading LUCY off to garden_]

Don't worry! She won't.

[_ERNEST rushes out to HELEN._

HELEN

Ernest!

ERNEST

At last! [_He takes her in his arms; she clings to him and gazes into his eyes; a long embrace._] Tell me that you're all right again.

HELEN