THE CLIMBERS



of yourself now. Love, real love, forgets itself.

You, after having spoilt half her life, are willing

to spoil the rest, for your own sake!

  STERLING. No, for the boy's sake, and her

sake - to save a scandal - the world -

                                   [Interrupted.

  WARDEN. [Beside himself.] Oh, damn the world!

It's heaven and hell you'd better think of. Scandal!

It couldn't harm her, and the hurt it would do you

is a small price to pay. Those whom God has

joined-yes! but it was the devil bound her to

you!

  STERLING. Here! I've had    enough!  Look

out!

  WARDEN. [Moves toward him.] You look out

- you shan't rob her of her happiness. You - a

drunkard! A forger! A thief!

  STERLING. I'd keep her now if only to spite you!



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