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Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honour

Год написания книги
2017
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Hilda

That's quite a new trait in you.

    [Hilda sits down and pours out tea for John. He looks at her silently.

Hilda

You've been lunching at Richmond?

John

Yes… Then I went on to Putney.

Hilda

You've been making quite a day of it.

John

[Taking the cup.] I say, old gal – you're not going to make a fool of yourself, are you?

Hilda

[Opening her eyes.] Oh, I hope not. Why?

John

I thought it might have slipped your memory that Basil was married about a year ago.

Hilda

[Freezing.] What on earth d'you mean? [Calling] Mabel.

John

One moment… You can give me a little conversation, can't you?

Hilda

I'm afraid you're going to bore me.

John

[Good-humouredly.] I assure you I'm not… Isn't Basil here rather often?

Hilda

I wonder you haven't learnt to mind your own business, John.

John

Don't you think it's rather rough on that poor little woman in Putney?

Hilda

[With a suspicion of contempt.] I went down to see her. I thought she was vulgar and pretentious. I'm afraid I can't arouse any interest in her.

John

[Gently.] She may be vulgar, but she told me her love was like music in her heart. Don't you think she must have suffered awfully to get hold of a thought like that?

Hilda

[After a pause, changing suddenly both voice and manner.] And d'you think I've not suffered, John? I'm so unhappy.

John

Do you really care for him?

Hilda

[In a low voice hoarse with passion.] No, I don't care for him. I worship the very ground he treads on.

John

[Very gravely.] Then you must do as you think best… You're playing the most dangerous game in the world. You're playing with human hearts… Good-bye.

Hilda

[Taking his hand.] Good-bye, John. You're not angry with me because I was horrid… I'm glad you told me about his wife. Now I shall know what to do.

John

Mabel.

Mabel

[Coming forward.] Yes, we really must be going. I've not seen my precious baby for two hours.

Hilda

[Taking both her hands.] Good-bye, you happy child. You've got a precious baby, and you've got a husband you love. What can you want more?

Mabel

[Flippantly.] I want a motor-car.

Hilda

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