It was enough for me. I did not ask to meet you--to
touch you--[the Bishop quickly releases her hand]. When you spoke
to my soul years ago from your pulpit, you opened the doors of my
salvation to me; and now they stand open for ever. It was enough:
I have asked you for nothing since: I ask you for nothing now. I
have lived: it is enough. I have had my wages; and I am ready for
my work. I thank you and bless you and leave you. You are happier
in that than I am; for when I do for men what you did for me, I
have no thanks, and no blessing: I am their prey; and there is
no rest from their loving and no mercy from their loathing.
THE BISHOP. You must take us as we are, Mrs Collins.
SOAMES. No. Take us as we are capable of becoming.
MRS GEORGE. Take me as I am: I ask no more. [She turns her head
to the study door and cries] Yes: come in, come in.
Hotchkiss comes softly in from the study.
HOTCHKISS. Will you be so kind as to tell me whether I am
dreaming? In there I have heard Mrs Collins saying the strangest
things, and not a syllable from you two.
SOAMES. My lord; is this possession by the devil?
THE BISHOP. Or the ecstasy of a saint?
HOTCHKISS. Or the convulsion of the pythoness on the tripod?
THE BISHOP.
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