Page:Liliom (1921).djvu/181

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The Magistrate

[Emphatically.] Yes.


Liliom

[After an astounded pause.] The police down there never said that.


The Magistrate

You beat that poor, frail girl; you beat her because she loved you. How could you do that?


Liliom

We argued with each other—she said this and I said that—and because she was right I couldn't answer her—and I got mad—and the anger rose up in me—until it reached here [points to his throat] and then I beat her.


The Magistrate

Are you sorry?


Liliom

[Shakes his head, but cannot utter the word "no"; continues softly.] When I touched her slender throat—then—if you like—you might say—— [Falters, looks embarrassed at The Magistrate.]


The Magistrate

[Confidently expectant.] Are you sorry?