Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 6).djvu/60

Fanny: It is a strange thing, when one comes to think of it, that you should find so much to admire in the mind and manners of the daughter of a dancing mistress!

Dick (surprised)

Fanny: You are surprised! Why, I remember well that mother told me Mrs. Verney really did teach dancing, until she met the Doctor, and he proposed to her. (Bites her lip as if aware of having told a fib, and then continues boldly): Yes, she was a wonderful teacher of the gavotte, the minuet, the waltz——

Dick (looks incredulous)

Fanny: You don't believe me? No! Such a thought would quite disturb your peace of mind and destroy your great ideal!

Dick (irritated)

Fanny: I beg many pardons. In future I will say no word excepting in praise of Flora. Everything she does shall be as perfect in my eyes as in yours. She may steal my husband's heart; she may tear a father away from his only child; she may bring ruin and despair upon this home, once so happy. I will not complain, I will say nothing. I will try to look upon it as thoroughly right, thoroughly natural.

Dick——

Fanny: Is not this enough for you? Or must I throw myself at the feet of Flora Verney, and tell her I admire her conduct above all things?

(Fanny stops, and this time Dick would not find it difficult to answer, but merely shrugs his shoulders, as if at the end of his tether.)

Fanny: Virtuous indignation well becomes you, since you haven't a word to say for yourself!

(Dick turns round and tries to speak; Fanny breaks in.)

Fanny: Not a word! Not a word!! Not a single word!!!

Dick (coming nearer to her)

Fanny: Do you mean to use personal violence? Ah! That is right! Quite right! I won't prevent you!

(This time Dick, beside himself, as if to put an end to such nonsense, makes for the door.)

Fanny: Ah! You haven't the courage! You are afraid I shall ring up the maids for help.

Dick (coming back)

Fanny: But you are wrong; I should be ashamed to make a scandal, and show you in your true light to our own servants.

(Dick now decides not to answer.)

Fanny (repeating): To show you in your true light to our own servants.

(Dick glances at her coldly and then provokingly down at the carpet.)

Fanny (furious): Do you hear what I say?

"You read your paper."

(He pretends not to hear, and taking up the newspaper again, settles himself comfortably in his chair.)

Fanny: Oh, you refuse to answer me! You read your paper. An easy way of shirking unpleasant truths. (She approaches him.) Some men would have the heart to speak, seeing a woman—a wife—sad, driven wretched, almost in despair—would try to reason with her by a friendly gesture, a gentle word, a look of kindness. Is it so hard to show a little pity for the woman who loves you?