[After the dance ends, RALPH approaches the GIRL with tense face and
speaks with great seriousness.]
Girl, though I do not even know your name,
Yet here I stand, and offer you my own;
It was for you I came, for you alone,
Across the half world. I have never known
Forgetfulness, since first your face I saw.
In coming here, I but obeyed Love's law;
I thought it fancy, passion, or caprice;
I know now it is LOVE.
FLOWER GIRL (with emotion)
I pray you, cease;
You do not understand yourself; go, go;
[Urges him towards exit.
RALPH (seizing her hand)
I will not go until I hear you say
That you remember even as I do
That brief encounter on the street one day.
[FLOWER GIRL turns her face away and tries to free her hand.]
RALPH (exultantly)
Oh, it is FATE; and Fate we must obey.
[Takes ring from his finger.]
Let the ship go; but with my heart I stay.
[Attempts to place ring on GIRL'S finger. She wrenches her hand
free, and stands with both hands behind her as she speaks with
suppressed emotion.]
The heart of every Island girl on earth
I think hides one sweet dream, and it is this;
To one day meet a man of higher birth -
To win his heart,--to feel his tender kiss -
And sail with him to some far distant land.
This too has been my dream; wherein your face
Shone like a beacon.
[Repels RALPH as he starts forward.
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