Part 2, Act 9 Summary

This final act takes place on the terrace of the Evans' expensive West Coast home. Gordon, now an athletic and handsome 19-year-old man, is consoled by Madeline after the death of his father. Their conversation reveals that Gordon is extremely resentful of Nina, who to him seemed indifferent and insensitive to both his father's illness and his death. Madeline tries to convince him Nina behaved lovingly, but Gordon reveals his belief that she never truly loved Evans, that she loved Darrell more, and that the two of them will soon be married. Madeline vows in her thoughts to always be faithful, but then she says aloud that no one can be blamed for loving.

Marsden enters without their noticing, comments in his thoughts on how disgusting he finds the physical comfort that Madeline is offering. He then berates himself for feeling...