Why Marry? Part 8

Don't! [_Controls herself, then, in a low voice_] Bob is _still_ at the Law School, Helen.

HELEN

Can't you wait, dear?

JEAN

He never asked me to, Helen.

HELEN

He would, if you let him.

JEAN

It wouldn't be fair. It takes so long to get started. Everything costs so much. Why, nowadays, men in the professions, unless they have private means, can't marry until nearly _forty_. When Bob is forty I'll be forty, Helen.

HELEN

Ah, but when a girl really cares!

JEAN

Helen, do _you_ know?

HELEN

Never mind about me--you!

JEAN

Oh, we'll get over it, I suppose.... People do! Some day, perhaps, he'll smile and say: "Just think, I once loved _that_ fat old thing!"

[_Suddenly changes to sobbing._] Helen! when Rex caught me and kissed me I shut my eyes and tried to think it was Bob.

HELEN

[_takes JEAN in her arms_]

You can't keep on thinking so, dear.

JEAN

But that isn't the worst! When he held me fast and I couldn't get away, I began ... to forget Bob ... to forget everything ... [_Breaks off, overcome with shame._] But not now, not now! It's not the same thing at all. [_Buries face in HELEN'S breast and sobs it out._] Oh, I feel like the devil, dear.... And all this time he doesn't really want me--he wants you, you! I trapped him into it; I trapped him!

HELEN

And I know Rex--he's a good sport; he'll stick to it, if you do, dear--only you won't! You've caught him by playing on his worst--don't hold him by playing on his best!

JEAN

But what shall I do? I'm nearly twenty-six. I've got to escape from home in some way.

HELEN

But what a way!

[_REX returns._

REX

Ready, Jean? [_To HELEN._] Lucy and John and your Cousin Theodore are in there having a fine, old-fas.h.i.+oned family fight with the judge.

HELEN

With Uncle Everett? What about?

REX

They shut up when they saw me. All I heard was the parson--"Marriage is a social inst.i.tution." Grand old row, though. [_A BUTLER and FOOTMAN appear, wheeling a tea-wagon._] Looks as if they were coming out here.

HELEN

Then I am going in. [_Detaining JEAN._] You will follow my advice?

JEAN

[_apart to HELEN_]

Oh, I don't know. Soon or late I must follow the only profession I have learned.

[_JEAN leaves with REX. HELEN watches them, sighs, and goes in.