Why Marry? Part 36

Rather impertinent for a two-thousand-dollar man, I think. [_Resumes breakfast, picks up newspaper. LUCY says nothing, attending to his wants solicitously._] Bah! what does this highbrow know about the power men of my sort can use ... when we have to? [_LUCY cringes dutifully in silence. JOHN, paper in one hand, brusquely pa.s.ses cup to LUCY with other._] Helen got her own way about college, about work, about living in her own apartment--but if she thinks she can put _this_ across!

Humph! These modern women must learn their place. [_LUCY, smiling timidly, returns cup. JOHN takes it without thanks, busied in newspapers. A look of resentment creeps over LUCY'S pretty face, now that he can't see her._] Ah! I've got something up my sleeve for that young woman. [_LUCY says nothing, looks of contempt while he reads._]

Well, why don't you say something?

LUCY

[_startled_]

I thought you didn't like me to talk at breakfast, dear.

JOHN

Think I like you to sit there like a mummy? [_No reply._] Haven't you _any_thing to say? [_Apparently not._] You never have any more, nothing interesting.... Does it ever occur to you that I'd like to be diverted?... No!

LUCY

Yes.... Would you mind very much if ... if I left you, John?

JOHN

Left me? When--where--how long?

LUCY

[_gathering courage_]

Now--any place--entirely.

JOHN

[_bursts out laughing_]

What suddenly put _this_ notion in your head?

LUCY

I'm sorry--John, but I've had it--oh, for years. I never dared ask you till now.

JOHN

[_still glancing over paper_]

Like to leave me, would you?... You have no grounds for divorce, my dear.

LUCY

But _you_ will have--after I leave you.

JOHN

[_yawns_]

You have no lover to leave with.

LUCY

[_daintily_]

But couldn't I just desert you--without anything horrid?

JOHN

[_reads_]

No money to desert with.

LUCY

[_springs up_--_at bay_]

You won't let me escape decently when I tell you I don't want to stay?

When I tell you I can't stand being under your roof any longer? When I tell you I'm sick of this life?

JOHN

[_gets up calmly_]

But, you see, I can stand it. I want you to stay. I'm not sick of it.

You belong to me.

LUCY

[_shrinking away as he approaches_]