Bishop. I imagined, Mrs. Falk, that you had no such desire, either previously or now.
Leonarda. What it rally means is that you want me to make over my property to the two young people, and disappear.
Bishop. If you choose to interpret it in that way, Mrs. Falk.
Leonarda. I presume your nephew has told you that my means are not such as to allow of my providing for one establishment here and another for myself elsewhere.
Bishop. Quite so. But could you not sell your property?
Leonarda. And all three of us leave here, your lordship means? Of course that would be possible; but the property is just now becoming of some value, because of the projected railway--and, besides, it has been so long in our family.
Bishop. It pains me deeply that things should have taken this turn.
Leonarda. Then may I not hope that the fact may influence your lordship's decision in some degree?
Bishop. My decision, madam, has nothing to do with your property.
Leonarda. During all these eight years have I offended you in any way--or any one here?
Bishop. Mrs. Falk, you know quite well that you have not.
Leonarda. Or is it on account of the way I have brought up my niece--?
Bishop. Your niece does you the greatest credit, madam.
Leonarda. Then perhaps some of my people have been laying complaints about me?--or some one has been complaining of them?
Bishop. Not even the most censorious person, my dear madam, could pretend that you have been anything but exemplary in that respect.
Bishop. You can scarcely expect me to tell a lady--
Leonarda. I will help you out. It is my past life.
Leonarda. Do you consider that nothing can expiate a past--about which, moreover, you know nothing?
Bishop. I have not seen in you any signs of a desire to expiate it, Mrs. Falk.
Leonarda. You mean that you have not seen me at confession or in church?
Leonarda. Do you want me to seek expiation by being untrue to myself?
Bishop. No; but the way I refer to is the only sure one.
Leonarda. There are others. I have chosen the way hard work and duty.
Bishop. I said the only sure way, Mrs. Falk. Your way does not protect against temptation.
Leonarda. You have something definite in your mind when you say that, have you not?--Shall I help you out again? It is General Rosen.