The New Woman Part 13

GERALD.

I didn't, aunt.

LADY WARGRAVE.

Between the lines.

GERALD [_laughing_].

What did I say to you between the lines?

[_Kneeling by her._

LADY WARGRAVE.

You told me that you had learned everything Oxford has to teach worth learning, and that you were in danger of becoming--well [_laying her hand on his head_]--shall we say, _tete montee?_

COLONEL.

Yes, Caroline! I should certainly say, _tete montee._

LADY WARGRAVE.

Cure yourself, Gerald. Knowledge is not wisdom [_stroking his head_].

Forgive me, dear; but I have known so many men who have never survived the distinctions of their youth, who are always at Oxford, and even in their manhood play with rattles. Now, forget Oxford--go into the world--lay books aside, and study men.

COLONEL.

_And_ women.

LADY WARGRAVE.

Yes--and _women._

[_Knock without._

GERALD [_rising_].

Just what I'm doing!

[_Female voices in altercation. Re-enter WELLS, door in flat._

WELLS.

Miss Bethune, Miss Vivash.

_Enter ENID and VICTORIA, in hot argument. They take opposite sides of the stage and continue the discussion without taking the slightest notice of anybody. LADY WARGRAVE looks from the one to the other in amazement. Exit WELLS, door in flat._

ENID.

I can't agree with you! Say what you will, I can't agree with you!

VICTORIA.

That doesn't alter the fact. A woman has just as much right to a latchkey as a man.

ENID.

But a man has no right to a latchkey.

VICTORIA.

That's ridiculous!

ENID.

Rudeness is not argument!

VICTORIA.

Why make distinctions?

ENID.

I make no distinctions. I admit that a woman has just as much right to come home with the milk as a man: but I say, a man has no right to come home with the milk; and I say more--no woman who respects herself has any _desire_ to come home with the milk!

VICTORIA.

Bother the milk! It isn't a question of milk. It's a question of making artificial distinctions between the s.e.xes.

ENID.

I say that there ought to be _no_ distinction! Why should a man be allowed to commit sins----

VICTORIA.

And woman not be given an opportunity?

ENID.

Then do you _want_ to commit sins?

VICTORIA.

I want to be allowed to do as _men_ do.

ENID.