- Amy Dorrit: [Holding Clennam's discarded shirt button and hears John Chivery approach] John, is it you?
- [Sees his appearance and turns and hides button]
- John Chivery: I - I'm afraid... Did I disturb you? I took the liberty of walkin' this way because Mr. Dorrit chanced to mention you might be here.
- Amy Dorrit: Did he?
- [Turns away]
- John Chivery: Have I done something to upset you?
- Amy Dorrit: [Looks at him and shakes head no]
- John Chivery: [Takes off top hat] We've always been good friends, you and I haven't we, Amy?
- Amy Dorrit: Yes, we have. And I hope we will continue so, nothing change.
- John Chivery: Ah, but things do change, Amy. Is the way of things, and the way things should be.
- Amy Dorrit: [Turns to leave] I think I should go back now, John.
- John Chivery: Amy, please. Let me say what I have to say. I should go mad if I don't.
- [She stops and turns around]
- John Chivery: I th - I think you know I've always loved you, ever since we were play fellows.
- Amy Dorrit: And I've always been fond of you, John.
- John Chivery: I'd do anything for you. I - I'd fling myself off that parapet if it would give you a moment's joy.
- Amy Dorrit: Please don't do that, John.
- John Chivery: Then put me out of my misery and say you'll be my wife.
- Amy Dorrit: I'm sorry. I can't do that, John. I am fond of you, but I could never feel about you that way, the way you'd like me to.
- John Chivery: Well... You might come to?
- Amy Dorrit: No. Sorry, John. I know I never shall.
- John Chivery: Th-then I must ask, is there someone else?
- Amy Dorrit: No. That is, I don't expect I shall ever marry, and in truth I'm quite contented as I am looking after father.
- [Grabs his hand]
- Amy Dorrit: But I hope you'll have a good wife one day. Because you deserve one.
- [John leans down and kisses her hand. Pause]
- Amy Dorrit: Please don't cry.
- John Chivery: I can't help it, Amy. I set my heart on you. G - good-bye.
- [Walks away and tosses top hat in basket]
- John Chivery: Here lie the mortal remains of John Chivery, never anything worth mentionin', who died of a broken heart, requested with his last breath that the word "Amy" be inscribed over his ashes which was accordingly directed to be done by his afflicted father.