MRS. H. Don't tell me anything about her! She _won't_ care for you, and
when you come back, after having made an exhibition of yourself, you'll
find me occupied with--
CAPT. G. (_Insolently._) You couldn't while I am alive. (_Aside._) If
that doesn't bring her pride to her rescue, nothing will.
MRS. H. (_Drawing herself up_). Couldn't do it? _I?_ (_Softening._)
You're right. I don't believe I could--though you are what you are--a
coward and a liar in grain.
CAPT. G. It doesn't hurt so much after your little lecture--with
demonstrations.
MRS. H. One mass of vanity! Will nothing _ever_ touch you in this life?
There must be a Hereafter if it's only for the benefit of---But you will
have it all to yourself.
CAPT. G. (_Under his eyebrows._) Are you so certain of that?
MRS. H. I shall have had mine in this life; and it will serve me right.
CAPT. G. But the admiration that you insisted on so strongly a moment
ago? (_Aside._) Oh, I _am_ a brute!
MRS. H. (_Fiercely._) Will _that_ console me for knowing that you will
go to her with the same words, the same arguments, and the--the same pet
names you used to me? And if she cares for you, you two will laugh over
my story. Won't that be punishment heavy enough even for me--even for
me?--And it's all useless. That's another punishment.
CAPT. G. (_Feebly._) Oh, come! I'm not so low as you think.
MRS. H. Not now, perhaps, but you will be. Oh, Pip, if a woman flatters
your vanity, there's nothing on earth that you would not tell her; and
no meanness that you would not do. Have I known you so long without
knowing that?
CAPT. G. If you can trust me in nothing else--and I don't see why I
should be trusted--you can count upon my holding my tongue.
MRS. H. If you denied everything you've said this evening and declared
it was all in fun (_a long pause_), I'd trust you. Not otherwise. All
I ask is, don't tell her my name. _Please_ don't. A man might forget:
a woman never would. (_Looks up table and sees hostess beginning to
collect eyes._) So it's all ended, through no fault of mine--Haven't I
behaved beautifully? I've accepted your dismissal, and you managed it
as cruelly as you could, and I have made you respect my sex, haven't I?
(_Arranging gloves and fan._) I only pray that she'll know you some day
as I know you now. I wouldn't be you then, for I think even your conceit
will be hurt. I hope she'll pay you back the humiliation you've brought
on me. I hope--No. I don't. I _can't_ give you up! I must have something
to look forward to or I shall go crazy. When it's all over, come back to
me, come back to me, and you'll find that you're my Pip still!
CAPT. G. (_Very clearly._) 'False move, and you pay for it. It's a girl!
MRS. H. (_Rising._) Then it _was_ true! They said--but I wouldn't insult
you by asking. A girl! _I_ was a girl not very long ago. Be good to her,
Pip. I daresay she believes in you.
_Goes out with an uncertain smile. He watches her through the door, and
settles into a chair as the men redistribute themselves._
CAPT. G. Now, if there is any Power who looks after this world, will He
kindly tell me what I have done? (_Reaching out for the claret, and half
aloud._) What _have_ I done?