Yes, go out to Sioux Falls, get a divorce there on respectable
grounds, and settle a sum of money on Maggie.
GEOFFREY. But I can't do that!
AUSTIN. Why not?
GEOFFREY. I can't do anything that would give publicity, and that
divorce would.
AUSTIN. Any divorce would; you can't get rid of that.
GEOFFREY. I tell you I can't have publicity. Ruth--Miss Chester--would
hear of it.
AUSTIN. Well, if she loves you, she'll forgive your wild oats,
especially as every one sees now what a steady, straight fellow you've
become.
GEOFFREY. It's Ruth! But I can't do that. No, Jack, you must help--you
will, won't you? Oh, _do_, for Jinny's sake! Help me to persuade Maggie
to keep silent for good, tear up that certificate of marriage. I was
only twenty; it's hardly legal, and I'll settle a good sum--
[_Interrupted._
AUSTIN. [_Going straight to him, puts his hand heavily on his
shoulder._] Good God, you're proposing bigamy! You've done enough; don't
stoop to _crime_!
[_The two MEN face each other a moment. GEOFFREY'S head drops._
AUSTIN. Forget you ever said that; do what I tell you when Jinny and I
have gone abroad, so she will be away from it a little, and if you want
money, let me know.
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