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!_
WARDEN. Hah! There spoke the true man in you! Would to heaven the old
days of duelling were back!
STERLING. A brave wish, as you know they're not!
WARDEN. They fight in other countries still for their love and honor,
and I'm ready here, now, if you are, with any weapons you choose!
[STERLING _sneers._]
Sneer! But will you fight? We'll find a place, and something to fight
with, or fists if you'd rather! You wouldn't kill me before I'd got you
out of her way for good. Will you fight?
[_Coming closer to him._
STERLING. No!
WARDEN. [_Getting more and more enraged._] If _you lose, you go away_,
and set her free of your own will!
STERLING. _No!_
WARDEN. [_Losing entirely his self-control._] What do you want to _make_
you fight--will that?
[_He gives him a stinging blow in the face._
STERLING. Yes!
[_He springs toward_ WARDEN _as_ RUTH _and_ MASON _enter Left. The two
men stand rigid_, WARDEN _breathing heavily._
RUTH. Blanche, may I bring in--where's Blanche?
STERLING. I don't know.
MASON. Good morning, gentlemen.
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