MRS. H. Watch! (_Sends a glance to the Vaynor man, who tries vainly to
combine a mouthful of ice pudding, a smirk of self-satisfaction, a
glare of intense devotion, and the stolidity of a British dining
countenance._)
CAPT. G. (_Critically._) He doesn't look pretty. Why didn't you wait
till the spoon was out of his mouth?
MRS. H. To amuse you. She'll make an exhibition of you as I've made of
him; and people will laugh at you. Oh, Pip, can't you see that? It's
as plain as the noonday sun. You'll be trotted about and told lies, and
made a fool of like the others. _I_ never made a fool of you, did I?
CAPT. G. (_Aside._) What a clever little woman it is!
MRS. H. Well, what have you to say?
CAPT. G. I feel better.
MRS. H. Yes, I suppose so, after I have come down to your level. I
couldn't have done it if I hadn't cared for you so much. I have spoken
the truth.
CAPT. G. It doesn't alter the situation.
MRS. H. (_Passionately._) Then she _has_ said that she cares for you!
Don't believe her, Pip. It's a lie--as bad as yours to me!
CAPT. G. Ssssteady! I've a notion that a friend of yours is looking at
you.
MRS. H. He! I _hate_ him. He introduced you to me.
CAPT. G. (_Aside._) And some people would like women to assist in making
the laws. Introduction to imply condonement. (_Aloud._) Well, you
see, if you can remember so far back as that, I couldn't, in common
politeness, refuse the offer.