Not at all. We have said all we had to say to each other. Oh, how that girl has made me laugh!
[_Exit MRS. PARBURY, L., laughing. GUNNING shuts the door._
Indeed? I admit my position is a lowly one, but that doesn't lessen your presumption.
My dear Miss Woodward, believe me, you will not.
You don't propose using force, I suppose?
No; I think you would like me to, but unfortunately this is not our house, and one must observe the convenances.
[_Going to door, L._] Good-bye, Mr. Gunning.
Curiosity. You know you are dying to know what I have to say.
Oh yes, you are. And further, a certain womanly graciousness will prevent your going. You are saying to yourself, "Mr. Gunning has evinced a genuine interest in me. It would be cattish of me to refuse him a few minutes' talk."
[_Slowly comes to sofa and puts her books down._] I certainly don't wish to be cattish.
[_Sits on sofa._] And anyway I want to eat my piece of cake. Will you pass it, please? [_He passes the plate._] Thank you. I hope you won't mind my eating.
Not that I fear it would make any difference if you did.
No, certainly not. Go on being natural, please. [_Pause. He watches her nibbling the cake._] Shall I ring for a fresh piece?
No, thank you. I'm used to this piece now. [_She glances up at him._] You needn't be disconcerted, Mr. Gunning.
And you know you didn't detain me here to watch me eating cake.
No, although you do it very nicely. I want to ask you what you think of me.
It might be to your interest, though I don't say positively that it would be.
I think I ought first to tell you something about myself.
[_In mock alarm._] Not the story of your life, surely. My cab will be here soon.
You needn't reproach me for taking an interest in you.
I don't; but you make such a fuss about it, as if it were a sort of miracle.
[_Crossly takes plate from her lap and cake from her hand; puts them on table, R._] Oh well, I suppose I oughtn't to detain you, Miss Woodward. You are evidently anxious to get back to your twelve sisters and the hat and frock you told me about.
[_Rises._] You needn't throw the family poverty in my face, although it serves me right for giving my confidence to a comparative stranger.
Although the home may be grubby, I daresay we are as happy as you. We believe in things, anyway--you don't.