Why Marry? Part 57

REX

[_recoiling_]

Oh! Jean! I never supposed _you_ were that sort!

JEAN

[_with distaste_]

Oh, I don't make a habit of it! I'm not _that_ sort. But ... well, this isn't all I could tell you about myself, Rex.

REX

Don't!... Oh, what do you mean--quick.

JEAN

Oh, I've merely been handled, not hurt. Slightly shop-worn but as good as new.

REX

[_after a pause, quietly_]

Jean, what makes you say such horribly honest things to me?

JEAN

Yesterday I did you a great unkindness, Rex. I deserve to suffer for it.... You don't suppose I enjoy talking this way about myself?

REX

I never heard a girl--a nice girl--talk like this before.

JEAN

Naturally not. Usually "nice" girls hide it. It's an instinct in women--to keep up their value.... Often I've had thoughts and feelings which "nice" girls of your artificial ideal are supposed never to have at all. Perfectly natural, too, especially girls of my sort. We have so little to occupy our minds, except men! To have a useful, absorbing occupation--it rubs off the bloom, lowers our price in the market, you see.

REX

Oh, stop!... If you're not going to marry me, say so, but----

JEAN

But I am!... I am not going to be a dependent old maid. [_REX, bewildered, only gazes at her._] But, first, I want you to know exactly what you're getting for your money. That seems only businesslike.

REX

[_recoils_]

Would you only marry me for that?

JEAN

I told you I loved another man. Do you want me?

REX

[_with jealousy returning_]

Do I want you! He shan't have you.

[_He comes close._

JEAN

Then take me.

REX

[_seizes her pa.s.sionately_]

I'll make you love _me_! [_Kisses her triumphantly._] I'll bring a different light into those cold eyes of yours. Wait until you're married! Wait until you're awakened. I'll make you forget that man, all other men. You are to be mine--all mine, all mine! [_During this embrace JEAN is quite pa.s.sive, holds up her cheek to be kissed, and when he seeks her lips she shuts her eyes and gives him her lips. He suddenly stops, chilled; holding her at arms length._] But I don't care to marry an iceberg. Can't you love me a little? Haven't you any sentiment in your cynical little soul ... you irresistible darling!

JEAN

In my soul? Yes! It's only my body I'm selling, you know.

[_Then deliberately--clearly without pa.s.sion--throws her arms about his neck, clinging close and kissing him repeatedly until REX responds._

REX