ed!

MICHAELIS.

Be careful what you say. Go on!

RHODA.

In the first hour of our meeting, and all the hours of the next day,
you swept me along and lifted me above myself, like a strong mind. I
didn't know what you were. I didn't know why I was happy and exalted.
It was so long since I had been happy, and I had never been as happy as
that, or anything like it. Then, yesterday morning, came the revelation
of what you were, like a blinding light out of the sky! And while I
stood dazed, trembling, I saw something descend upon you like a shadow.
You loved me, and that love was dreadful to you. You thought it was so
because I was a woman and stole your spirit's strength away. But it was
not that. It was because I was a _wicked_ woman.

MICHAELIS.

Why do you call yourself a wicked woman?

RHODA.

Because I am so.

MICHAELIS.

I cannot believe it.

RHODA.

It is true.

MICHAELIS.

Is that why you wanted to go away?

RHODA.

Yes, I tried to go away. You wouldn't let me go. Then I tried to tell
you the truth. I knew why I took your strength away, and I had nerved
myself to tell you why. But you began to speak--those wild words. I
could not resist you. You took me in your arms; and all the power of
your soul went from you, and your life went crashing down in darkness.

_Long pause._

MICHAELIS.

Wicked? A wicked woman?

RHODA.

I was young then, wild-hearted, pitifully ignorant. I thought that love
had come to me. Girls are so eager for love. They snatch at the shadow
of it.--That is what I did.--I am not trying to plead for myself.--Some
things are not to be forgiven.--Somewhere in my nature there was a
taint--a plague-spot.--If life is given me, I shall find it and root it
out. I only ask for time to do that. But meanwhile I have done what I
could. I have told you the truth. I have set you free. I have given you
back your mission.

_Dr. Littlefield enters, carrying his hat and medicine case. He
looks sharply at Rhoda, then turns to Michaelis. His manner towards
him is politely contemptuous, toward Rhoda it is full of covert
passion, modified by his habitual cynicism and satire._

LITTLEFIELD.

_To Rhoda._

Good morning.

_To Michaelis._

Good morning, my friend. I understood that you sent for me, last night.

MICHAELIS.

I did.

LITTLEFIELD.

Glad to accommodate a fellow practitioner, even if he is in a side
line. Some folks think your way of busine