Murray monologue — The Straw

(_moved_) Don't regret it, Miss Gilpin! It has saved her--us. Oh, how can I explain what happened? I suddenly saw--how beautiful and sweet and good she is--how I couldn't bear the thought of life without her--her love---- That's all. (_Determinedly._) She must marry me at once and I will take her away--the far West--any place Stanton thinks can help. And she can take care of me--as she thinks--and I know she will grow well as I seem to grow well. Oh Miss Gilpin, don't you see? No half and half measures--no promises--no conditional engagements--can help us--help her. We love too much! (_Fiercely, as if defying her._) But we'll win together. We can! We must! There are things your doctors cannot value--cannot know the strength of! (_Exultantly._) You'll see! I'll make Eileen get well, I tell you! Happiness will cure! Love is stronger than---- (_He suddenly breaks down before the pitying negation she cannot keep from her eyes. He sinks on a chair, shoulders bowed, face hidden in his hands, with a groan of despair._) Oh, why did you give me a hopeless hope?