The Tyranny of Tears Part 18

Believe me, Mrs. Parbury, you are mistaken. I didn't interfere in any way.

Mrs. Parbury.

You did worse.

Gunning.

How?

Mrs. Parbury.

You sneered.

Gunning.

Really, Mrs. Parbury, I-- Mrs. Parbury.

You aired opinions to me-pernicious opinions. I have a right to a.s.sume that you aired the same opinions to Clement, over whom you have some sort of influence.

Gunning.

I?.

Mrs. Parbury.

Not, I think, a good influence, Mr. Gunning. I've been thinking things over since midnight. Hitherto I've been obliged to think very little of serious things. Perhaps trouble sharpens the intelligence. I've discovered that your influence over Clement is the influence of ridicule-the ridicule of the untamed for the tamed.

Gunning.

Say of the disreputable for the respectable, if you like, Mrs. Parbury.

Mrs. Parbury.

Thank you. That quite expresses my present opinion. Of course it is in your power at least to modify it.

Gunning.

I should be grateful if you would show me the way.

Mrs. Parbury.

You are not sincere.

Gunning.

'Pon my word, I am. [Mrs. Parbury raises her hand protestingly.] No, but really-I a.s.sure you, dear Mrs. Parbury-I'm not nearly such a bad fellow as you think. What can I do?

Mrs. Parbury.

Something-anything to remove Miss Woodward from this house.

Gunning.

Miss Woodward! What has she to do with your quarrel with Clement?

Mrs. Parbury.

Everything. Sit down. [He does so. She makes sure that they are un.o.bserved, then takes a chair next him.] Mr. Gunning, strange as it may appear after all that has occurred, I am going to trust you.

[Lowering her voice.

Gunning.

You are very good.

Mrs. Parbury.

That wretched girl is in love with Clement.

Gunning.

[Starting from his chair as if shot.] What!

Mrs. Parbury.

Sit down! Sit down!

Gunning.

Miss Woodward is in love with-- Mrs. Parbury.

Sit down, please, Mr. Gunning.

Gunning.

[Laughs-sitting.] No, no, no; I simply can't believe it.

Mrs. Parbury.

Why not?

Gunning.

It seems such a monstrous absurdity.

[Laughs.

Mrs. Parbury.

[Drawing herself up.] I see nothing monstrously absurd in any one falling in love with my husband. I did!

Gunning.

Oh, of course-a charming chap; but she's such an original girl.

Mrs. Parbury.

[Indignant.] You infer that I am not?

Gunning.

Not at all, Mrs. Parbury. You are really most interesting.

Mrs. Parbury.

I don't think you are very tactful.

Gunning.

I'm a boor-a perfect boor.

Mrs. Parbury.

You appear to take an interest in Miss Woodward.

Gunning.

[Confused.] Only the interest of the student. I still think you must be mistaken.

Mrs. Parbury.

[Emphatically.] I caught her in the act of kissing his photograph.

Gunning.

You saw her- [Laughs.] My dear Mrs. Parbury, a day-dream!

Mrs. Parbury.

A fact. When pressed, she didn't deny it.

Gunning.

Does Clement know?

Mrs. Parbury.

No; I thought it wise not to tell him.

Gunning.

[Heartily.] You were right-very right.

Mrs. Parbury.

I'm glad you think so.

Gunning.

Some men are so weak.

Mrs. Parbury.

[Drawing herself up again.] Mr. Gunning!

Gunning.

So easily flattered.

Mrs. Parbury.

[With more emphasis.] Mr. Gunning!

Gunning.

In nine cases out of ten it's vanity that leads men astray.

Mrs. Parbury.

[With growing wrath.] Mr. Gunning, we are speaking of my husband.

Gunning.

Yes, yes, dear old Clement has his share of vanity, of course. [Aside.] d.a.m.n him!

[Rises and goes L.

Mrs. Parbury.

[Rising indignantly.] How dare you speak like that of my husband! A less vain man doesn't exist, and what small faults he has concern only him and me-and not you in any way.

Gunning.

I beg ten thousand pardons, Mrs. Parbury. Of course you know Clement far better than I do. Please don't go.

Mrs. Parbury.

I shall certainly not remain to hear my husband abused.