North & South quotes

Why should I be? Where have you been?

John

Just walking. [sighs as he removes his tie]

[smiles skeptically] And where have you been walking?

John

I promised you I would not go there and I did not.

But?

John

But... [sits down across from her] Mother, you know I will have to go there tomorrow, and you know what I will have to say.

Yes. You could hardly do otherwise.

John

[narrows his eyes] What do you mean?

I mean, that you are bound in honor, and she has shown her feelings for all the world to see.

John

Her feelings--?

She rushed out in front of an angry mob and saved you from danger. Or are you telling me I imagined that? Do you think none of the servants saw? Do you think it has not become the tittle-tattle of Milton?

John

She did save me. But, Mother... I dare not believe such a woman could care for me.

Don't be so foolish. What more proof do you need, that she should act in such a shameless way?

[puts her hand on his cheek] I'm sure she will take you from me. That is why I didn't want you to go and see her today. I wanted one last evening of being the first in your affections. [looks down at her sewing] I will have to change the initials in our linen. Bear her name now.

John

I know she does not care for me... but I cannot remain silent, I must ask her.