Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honor Part 145

Basil!

BASIL.

It's too late now to keep it in. I must tell you and have done with it.

_You've_ been having it out for months--now it's my turn.

JENNY.

[_Going up to him and trying to put her arm round his neck._] But I love you, Basil. I'll make you love me.

BASIL.

[_Shrinking from her._] Don't touch me!

JENNY.

[_With a movement of despair._] I really think you loathe me.

BASIL.

For Heaven's sake, Jenny, let us finish with it. I'm very sorry. I don't wish to be unkind to you. But you must have seen that--that I didn't care for you. What's the good of going on humbugging, and pretending, and making ourselves utterly wretched?

JENNY.

Yes, I've seen it. But I wouldn't believe it. When I've put my hand on your shoulder, I've seen that you could hardly help shuddering. And sometimes when I've kissed you, I've seen you put out all your strength to prevent yourself from pus.h.i.+ng me away.

BASIL.

Jenny, I can't help it if I don't love you. I can't help it if I--if I love some one else.

JENNY.

[_Dazed and cowed._] What are you going to do?

BASIL.

I'm going away.

JENNY.

Where?

BASIL.

G.o.d knows.

[_There is a knock at the door._

BASIL.

Come in.

[_The_ BUTLER _enters with a note, which he gives to_ BASIL.

BUTLER.

Mrs. Murray told me to give you this note, Sir.

BASIL.

[_Taking it._] Thank you.

[_He opens and reads it as the_ SERVANT _goes out of the room, then looks up at_ JENNY, _who is anxiously watching him_.

[_Reading._] "You may tell your wife that I've made up my mind to marry Mr. Brackley. I will never see you again."

JENNY.

What does she mean?

BASIL.

[_Bitterly._] Isn't it clear? Some one has asked her to marry him, and she means to accept.

JENNY.

But you said she loved you.

[_He shrugs his shoulders without answering._ JENNY _goes up to him imploringly_.

JENNY.

Oh, Basil, if it's true, give me another chance. She doesn't love you as I love you. I've been selfish and quarrelsome and exacting, but I've always loved you. Oh, don't leave me, Basil. Let me try once more if I can't make you care for me.

BASIL.

[_Looking down, hoa.r.s.ely._] I'm very sorry. It's too late.

JENNY.

[_Despairingly._] Oh, G.o.d, what shall I do? And even though she's going to marry somebody else, you care for her better than any one else in the world?

BASIL.

[_In a whisper._] Yes.

JENNY.