Page:Fashions for Men And The Swan Two Plays (NY 1922).pdf/240

 —Why do you say that?

—I have served my purpose.

—[Rises.] I am afraid I shouldn't have told you. How strangely you look at me! [The music stops.]

—Something is broken in me Why did you tell me?

—Shouldn't I have told you?

—Why did you tell me?

—Because I respect you. I want to be friends with you.

—Do you? How touching! Like the good princess in the fairy tale. But I am not a lad any more to believe in fairy tales.

—Are you going to punish me?

—I adore you humbly and hopelessly again. [Bitterly, earnestly, mockingly.] You needn't be afraid of me. I know my place. I am still an obedient servant to your illustrious family. And what though I may be wounded a bit and bleeding, I cannot but be honored by the exalted rôle that has been entrusted to me. It is even beginning to amuse and interest me.

—You sound insincere.

—Perhaps only bitter.

—[Uneasily.] And I thought it was a kindness to tell you the whole truth.

—You have no further need of me. The bride