R. They probably had some one to help--to believe in them.

MARION. And haven't you?

FLETCHER. Will you believe in me enough to-- [_Looks off in ball-room
up a little_; MARION _follows. He loses his control and speaks
passionately._] Don't you understand,--I love you-- [_He embraces her;
she allows him. The embrace lasts a moment._] You can be my salvation!
Will you be?

MARION. [_In his arms, looking up at him._] I will--if I can--

FLETCHER. [_Whose eyes never quite look into_ MARION'S, _loosening the
embrace._] You will marry me?

MARION. Yes. [_Kisses him, then quickly moves down right._

FLETCHER. [_Following her. Not looking at her._] People say I'm a
blackguard!

MARION. People say a great many things that aren't true. What can a
man do with all the world against him! "People" can force him into
being as bad as they say he is.

FLETCHER. Then you won't believe them.

MARION. No, not if you deny what they say. [_He holds out his hand;
she takes it. At this moment_, MRS. LORRIMER _and_ ETHEL _appear in
ball-room, ostentatiously counting the chairs and making small
calculation about the cotillion, but really watching slyly_ MARION
_and_ FLETCHER. MARION _sees it and speaks to_ FLETCHER _quickly under
her breath._] Don't move! Don't drop my hand, but shake it as if we'd
been making a bet, and follow my lead! [_Aloud._] It's settled then!
You take my bet?

FLETCHER. [_Shaking her hand and then dropping it casually._ A box of
cigars, against a box of gloves! [_Sotto voce._] What is it?

MARION [_Sotto voce._] Mrs. Lorrimer in the next room watching us.
[_Speaks in low voce satirically to_ FLETCHER _as if she were speaking
to_ MRS. LORRIMER.] Oh, no, Emily! I am going to marry Mr. Fletcher,
but _I_ intend to be the one to announce that fact, and not you. [MRS.
LORRIMER _and_ ETHEL _turn. They see_ MARION _and_ FLETCHER _and
pretend surprise; they remain in the ball-room._]

MRS. LORRIMER. [_With trumpet._] Oh! Marion! are _you_ here?

MARION. Ahem! [_With a quick, amused side glance to_ FLETCHER.] We've
been watching you for some time; what was the matter with the chairs?

MRS. LORRIMER [_Embarrassed._] Nothing--we were merely choosing
places!

ETHEL. They lead from the other end, don't they? [_Joining_ FLETCHER.

MARION. Yes, you know Kitty is leading for me. [_Enter_ DOUGLAS. _He
joins them._] Who are you dancing with, Douglas?

DOUGLAS. No one; I'm stagging it.

MRS. LORRIMER You don't mean to