Blanche monologue (Act 2) — The climbers : $b A play in four acts

But _will_ she? That's what I want to know. I ask you if you haven't her bonds, to tell us here now,--tell _us_, who have been and must be still the best friends, perhaps the only friends, you can have. Tell us where we all stand--are we the only ones to suffer or are there others who will perhaps be less generous in their treatment of you? Tell us now while there is time perhaps to save us from public scandal, from the disgrace which would stamp your wife as the wife of a thief, and send your boy out into the world the son of a convict cheat. [_She breaks down, but in a moment controls herself. There is no answer._ STERLING _sinks into a chair, his arms on the table, his head on his arms. A moment's silence._] You _love_ me--I know that. I appeal to your love; let your love of me persuade you to do what I ask. I ask it for your sake and for _mine_! Tell us here the truth now--it will spare me much to-morrow, perhaps--me whom you love--for love of me--