MR. JARVIS--That I was "doing your friend dirt," for the sake of a
brazen image.
MISS PAYSLEY (_bravely_)--What else was I to think?
MR. JARVIS (_gravely_)--And for the sake of your friend you told me
what you thought of me. (_Aside._) I believe you at least do tell the
truth.
MISS PAYSLEY (_impulsively_)--I didn't tell you _all_ the truth. I
only told you the horrid part.
MR. JARVIS--And why wouldn't you tell me the rest?
MISS PAYSLEY (_in a humble little voice_)--Because I was fool enough
to think you were spoiled enough already! (_Aside._) How could
Millicent--Bobby Burke--that purple ass. Think of throwing _him_ over
for Bobby Burke!
MR. JARVIS (_aside_)--How pretty she is. (_Aloud._) Life hasn't
exactly spoiled me lately. (_Aside._) And I've been wasting time on
Mrs. Orton.
MISS PAYSLEY (_impulsively_)--And now if I had your hand to tell over
again, I would tell you all--the other things first.
MR. JARVIS--It's not too late.
MISS PAYSLEY--And I wasn't honest about another thing. We've met four
times--I remember them all. (_Aside._) I've been a beast to him. Mrs.
Orton shan't have him to hurt. And Millicent---- All women are cats!
MR. JARVIS--So do I. The first time you were nice to me, and the
second time you were nice----
MISS PAYSLEY--Because of Millicent.
MR. JARVIS--And the third time--you snubbed me. I suppose that was
because of Millicent, too.
MISS PAYSLEY (_aside_)--It was because of Mrs. Orton. (_Aloud, with
conviction and blushing._) And to-night I've been--simply horrid.
MR. JARVIS--To-night you've told me more of my fortune than you've any
idea. (_Aside._) She's adorable when she blushes!
MISS PAYSLEY (_still red_)--I've been an impertinent, meddling thing!
MR. JARVIS--You've taught me a great deal. I'm going to follow my good
impulses to the end--beginning now. So please look quickly in your own
hand and tell me if a man with a character like a layer cake has a
great influence on your life?
MISS PAYSLEY--I told you you followed the line of least resistance.