If Only etc. Part 48

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I alzo, I was thinking.

ROSALINE.

Of what?

HENRICH SCHERCL.

 

If I was to tell you, you would call me "sentimental old fool."

ROSALINE.

Not _old_. Never a _fool_. (_With sudden persuasiveness_.) _Tell_ me!

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I was thinking then, of you.

ROSALINE.

Of little me? What of me.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I was wis.h.i.+ng I was this Mr. Tempenny.

ROSALINE.

Why? (_Realising reason, and covering her face bashfully_.) Oh!

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I mean you go to him every day, and your zociety is very fascinating.

That is all.

ROSALINE.

Of course, if you were Mr. Tempenny, you would see more of me. I should have said you would see me "_oftener_."

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Heigho!

ROSALINE.

Heigho!

HENRICH SCHERCL.

The little that I _have_ seen has made a great impression on me, Rosie--I shall never forget your face.

ROSALINE.

Really?

HENRICH SCHERCL (_eagerly_).

Yes, yes, really--it is true.

ROSALINE.

I am only a model, you know--a poor girl.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

You are a model of perfection. I zympathise with you.

ROSALINE.

You do not think the less of me because?

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I a.s.sure you I think of you the more. Nevertheless I do not like the idea.

ROSALINE.

And why?

HENRICH SCHERCL.

You must find it zo chilly in the winter.

ROSALINE.

I have got used to it. And besides I am fortunately of a warm temperament. The wind is tempered to the shorn lamb.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I have not ever in my life seen a young lady who did make me feel for her the strange attraction that I feel for you, Rosie. I am jealous of this Mr. Tempenny.

ROSALINE.

Jealous! Do you mean you are in love with me? (_Aside_.) Oh, my goodness, what a joke!

HENRICH SCHERCL.

And if I did, would you laugh at me? Supposing I was to say to you--"Rosie, I would like to marry you," what would you answer?