Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honor Part 44

"The little more and how much it is.

The little less and what worlds away."

There! Now just one puff of powder, and the whole world's kind.

[_Looking at herself in the gla.s.s and sighing with satisfaction._] Ah! I feel eighteen. I think it's a success, and I shall have a happy day. Oh, Betsy, Betsy, I think you'll do. You know, you're not unattractive, my dear. Not strictly beautiful, perhaps; but then I don't like the chocolate-box sort of woman. I'll just go and take off this dressing-gown. [MERESTON _gets up._] No, don't move. I'll go into my bedroom. I shall only be one moment. [LADY FREDERICK _goes through the curtains._] Angelique.

[_The_ MAID _enters._

MAID.

Yes, miladi.

LADY FREDERICK.

Just clear away those things on the dressing-table.

MAID.

[_Doing so._] Very well, miladi.

LADY FREDERICK.

You may have a cigarette, Charlie.

MERESTON.

Thanks. My nerves are a bit d.i.c.ky this morning.

LADY FREDERICK.

Oh, blow the thing! Angelique, come and help me.

MAID.

Yes, miladi.

[_She goes out._

LADY FREDERICK.

At last.

[_She comes in, having changed the kimono for a very beautiful dressing-gown of silk and lace._

LADY FREDERICK.

Now, are you pleased?

MERESTON.

Of course I'm pleased.

LADY FREDERICK.

Then you may make love to me.

MERESTON.

You say such disconcerting things.

LADY FREDERICK.

[_Laughing._] Well, Charlie, you've found no difficulty in doing it for the last fortnight. You're not going to pretend that you're already at a loss for pretty speeches?

MERESTON.

When I came here, I had a thousand things to say to you, but you've driven them all out of my head. Won't you give me an answer now?

LADY FREDERICK.

What to?

MERESTON.

You've not forgotten that I asked you to marry me?

LADY FREDERICK.

No, but you asked me under very peculiar circ.u.mstances. I wonder if you can repeat the offer now in cold blood?

MERESTON.

Of course. What a cad you must think me!

LADY FREDERICK.

Are you sure you want to marry me still--after having slept over it?

MERESTON.

Yes.

LADY FREDERICK.

You are a good boy, and I'm a beast to treat you so abominably. It's awfully nice of you.

MERESTON.

Well, what is the answer?