- Sen. Brander: You know, Jennie, when I was much younger than I am now, the girl I loved wouldn't have me because I was too poor. Now that I have enough money, the girl I like thinks I'm too old to be romantic.
- Jennie Gerhardt: Oh, are you trying to be romantic?
- Sen. Brander: Seriously, Jennie, I'm retiring from office at the end of this term. I want to get some pleasure out of life before it's too late. I have always been a lonely sort of a person. The older I get, the less I like being alone. You do like me a little bit don't you Jennie?
- Jennie Gerhardt: How can I help it, when you've been so good to me and my family?
- Sen. Brander: Jennie, I've almost decided that I can't go on without you. Do you think you could make up your mind to... to live with me from now on?
- Jennie Gerhardt: Live with you?
- Sen. Brander: I love you, Jennie. I want you to marry me. Is it too much to ask? Will you, Jennie?
- Jennie Gerhardt: [she nods] I couldn't say anything else, when...
- Sen. Brander: Stop it! You may be marrying me out of gratitude... but if you are, I don't want to hear it.
- Mrs. Gerhardt: Well, Jennie, it can't be helped. We all have to go some time. Jennie, what is it? I didn't know you cared for him so much.
- Jennie Gerhardt: He was on his way back to marry me.
- Mrs. Gerhardt: But you haven't seen him for months. Have you?
- Jennie Gerhardt: I saw him the night Bass got out of jail.
- Mrs. Gerhardt: Your father must never know.
- Jennie Gerhardt: He'll have to know... some time.