Oh, come, Mrs Knox! Girls are not so innocent as all that.
MRS KNOX. I dont say she was ignorant. But I do say that she didnt
know what we know: I mean the way certain temptations get a sudden
hold that no goodness nor self-control is any use against. She was
saved from that, and had a rough lesson too; and I say it was no
earthly protection that did that. But dont think, you two men, that
youll be protected if you make what she did an excuse to go and do as
youd like to do if it wasnt for fear of losing your characters. The
spirit wont guide you, because it isnt in you; and it never had been:
not in either of you.
GILBEY. [with ironic humility] I'm sure I'm obliged to you for
your good opinion, Mrs Knox.
MRS KNOX. Well, I will say for you, Mr Gilbey, that youre better than
my man here. Hes a bitter hard heathen, is my Jo, God help me! [She
begins to cry quietly].
KNOX. Now, dont take on like that, Amelia. You know I always give in
to you that you were right about religion. But one of us had to think
of other things, or we'd have starved, we and the child.
MRS KNOX. How do you know youd have starved? All the other things
might have been added unto you.
GILBEY. Come, Mrs Knox, dont tell me Knox is a sinner. I know
better. I'm sure youd be the first to be sorry if anything was to
happen to him.
KNOX. [bitterly to his wife] Youve always had some grudge against
me; and nobody but yourself can understand what it is.
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