Part 2 — SCENE XV.—The Nurse's room. JULIAN and LILIA standing near the window.
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Julian. But do you really love me, Lilia?
Lilia. Why do you make me say it so often, Julian? You make me say I love you, oftener far Than you say you love me.
Julian. To love you seems So much a thing of mere necessity! I can refrain from loving you no more Than keep from waking when the sun shines full Upon my face.
Lilia. And yet I love to say How, how I love you, Julian!
[Leans her head on his arm. JULIAN winces a little. She raises her head and looks at him.]
Did I hurt you? Would you not have me lean my head on you?
Julian. Come on this side, my love; 'tis a slight hurt Not yet quite healed.
Lilia. Ah, my poor Julian! How— I am so sorry!—Oh, I do remember! I saw it all quite plain! It was no dream! I saw you fighting!—Surely you did not kill him?
Julian (calmly, but drawing himself up). I killed him as I would a dog that bit you.
Lilia (turning pale, and covering her face with her hands.) Oh, that was dreadful! there is blood on you!
Julian. Shall I go, Lilia?
Lilia. Oh no, no, no, do not.— I shall be better presently.
Julian. You shrink As from a murderer!
Lilia. Oh no, I love you— Will never leave you. Pardon me, my Julian; But blood is terrible.
Julian (drawing her close to him). My own sweet Lilia, 'Twas justly shed, for your defense and mine, As it had been a tiger that I killed. He had no right to live. Be at peace, darling; His blood lies not on me, but on himself; I do not feel its stain upon my conscience.
[A tap at the door.]
Enter Nurse.
Nurse. My lord, the steward waits on you below.
[JULIAN goes.]
You have been standing till you're faint, my lady! Lie down a little. There!—I'll fetch you something.