Page:The Yellow Book - 01.djvu/289

Rh Lady Dol.Men take these things for granted. If the truth were known, I daresay he already regards you as his wife.

Julia.[With an inspired air.]Perhaps that is why he treats me so unkindly. I have often thought that if he were my husband he could not be more disagreeable! He has not a word for me when I speak to him. He does not hear. Oh, Lady Doldrummond, I know what is the matter. He is in love, but I am not the one. You are all wrong.

Lady Dol.No, no, no. He loves you; I am sure of it. Only be patient with him and it will come all right. Hush! is that his step? Stay here, darling, and I will go into my room and write letters.[Exit, brushing the tears from her eyes.]

Butler.His Lordship will be down in half an hour, sir. He is now having his hair brushed.

Julia.[In surprise as she looks round.]Mr. Mandeville![Pause.]I hardly expected to meet you here.

Mandeville.And why, may I ask?

Julia.You know what Lady Doldrummond is. How did you overcome her scruples?

Mandeville.Is my reputation then so very bad?

Julia.You you are supposed to be rather dangerous. You sing on the stage, and have a tenor voice.

Mandeville.Is that enough to make a man dangerous?

Julia.How can I tell? But mamma said you were invincible. You admire mamma, of course.[Sighs.]

Mandeville.A charming woman, Mrs. de Trappe. A very interesting woman; so sympathetic.

Julia.But she said she would not listen to you.

The Yellow Book—Vol. I.