Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 5).djvu/33

 make the discovery that you can be excessively—ahem!—unladylike.


 * It's highly amusing to hear you express an opinion on the subject of how a lady should behave. When one remembers your sisters, one is inclined to believe you were not, perhaps, brought up in a school of the very highest standard.


 * You insult my sisters! (Becomes much excited and takes her by the arm.) Repeat that again!

(Enter . Stands in amazement.)


 * For Heaven's sake, what is the matter?


 * Ask your Aunt Florence, my dear boy.


 * I feel positively ashamed that you should come upon us—upon your uncle, I mean—at a moment when he is behaving like a raving madman!


 * A raving madman! My uncle Jem!


 * Man-like, you side with a man! (With increasing agitation) I have always known your uncle to be a weak, nerveless (Enter . Looks around, dumfounded.)


 * Dear aunty! I'm frightened! You can't be well! What does this mean?


 * Only that your husband inciting mine to be abusive.


 * Impossible!


 * Woman-like, you side with a man! Let me tell you that your poor uncle is pitiable in his foolishness this morning.


 * Florence! Once for all, I assert my authority. Be silent this moment, or I shall feel obliged to ask you to return home.


 * Without you?


 * If that pleases you!


 * It would suit me remarkably well.


 * In that case—"Go!"


 * I shall, instantly; and when you desire to come home, I shall give the servants orders not to admit you

(turning to ): A man not admitted to his own house! That's rather too good, isn't it, Jem?


 * We shall see! (Turns to ) Meanwhile, Kitty, I bid you good-bye.


 * Oh! Aunty! You can't mean that! Pray don't say good-bye!

(dramatically): Yes, I mean "Good-bye"! (Brushes furiously past, and exit. makes movement to follow, but returns to  and .)

(bitterly): Don't hold her back, Kitty.

. You are mad!


 * Less mad than you, when an hour ago you told me you found life intolerable with Kitty.

(moved): He said that? Jem said that to you?


 * No, no! (Compunctious.)


 * Oh! It's an easy matter for two young people to kiss again with tears. 'Twill be a different matter between your aunt and me. Florence will have no chance, however much she may wish it. The time has come