Why Marry? Part 29

[_Takes out pencil to mark on proof._

HELEN

[_s.n.a.t.c.hing proofs away_]

Object? Why, this makes my reputation in the scientific world.

ERNEST

Well, didn't you make mine?

HELEN

[_still glowing with pride, but touched by his unexpected generosity_]

You can't imagine what this means to me. It's so hard for a woman to get any recognition. Most men have but one use for us. If we get interested in anything but _them_ it is "unwomanly"--they call it "a fad." But they've _got_ to take me seriously now. My name with Ernest Hamilton's!

[_Points to her name and swaggers back and forth._

ERNEST

[_bantering_]

But then, you see, you are a very exceptional woman. Why, you have a mind like a man.

HELEN

Like a man? [_Coming close to him, tempting him._] If you had a mind like a woman you would know better than to say that to me!

[_Re-enter JUDGE from garden. He smiles and glances at them. The lovers keep quiet as he crosses to the door. Then they look at each other and smile. JUDGE has gone into the house. It is nearly dark. The moon is rising._

ERNEST

[_raises eyebrows_]

They all take for granted that I want to make love to you.

[_Smiles but avoids her eyes._

HELEN

[_avoids his_]

Well, you took for granted that I wanted you to!... You are about the most conceited man I ever knew.

ERNEST

How can I help it when you admire me so?

HELEN

I? Admire you?

ERNEST

You're always telling me what great things I'm going to do--stimulating me, pus.h.i.+ng me along. Why, after you left, everything went slump. Tell me, why did you leave? Was I rude to you? Did I hurt your feelings?

HELEN

Not in the least. It was entirely out of respect for _your_ feelings.

ERNEST

_My_ feelings? [_Laughing._] Oh, I see. You got it into your head that _I_ wanted to marry _you_!

HELEN

Men sometimes do.

ERNEST

[_looks away_]

I suppose they do.

HELEN

It's been known to happen.

ERNEST

Talk about conceit! Well, you needn't be afraid! I'll never ask you to marry _me_.