CECIL. Well, _I_ shouldn't like it. In fact, I call it fatuous.
[_Evelyn is leaning forward pondering this philosophy with a slightly puckered brow--a slight pause_]. I say, _you_ don't look a bit comfortable like that. Lean back against the tree. It's a first-rate tree. That's why I chose it.
EVELYN [_tries and fails_]. I can't. My hat gets in the way.
EVELYN. I think I will. [_Does so._] That's better. [_Leans back luxuriously against the trunk; puts her hat down on bank beside her._]
CECIL. Much better. [_Looks at her with frank admiration._] By Jove, you _do_ look jolly without your hat!
CECIL. Yes. Your hair's such a jolly color. I noticed it the first time I saw you. You had your hat off then, you know. You were walking through the wood fanning yourself with it. And directly I caught sight of you the sun came out and simply flooded your hair with light. And there was the loveliest pink flush on your cheeks, and your eyes were soft and shining--
EVELYN [_troubled_]. Mr. Harburton, you mustn't say things to me like that.
CECIL. Mustn't I? Why not? Don't you like being told you look jolly?
EVELYN [_naïvely_]. I do _like_ it, of course. But _ought_ you...?
EVELYN. I mean, it's not _right_ for men to say those things to girls.
CECIL. I don't see that--if they're true. You _are_ pretty and your eyes _are_ soft and your cheeks--why, they're flushing at this moment! [_Triumphant._] Why shouldn't I say it?
EVELYN. Please!... [_She stops, and her eyes fill with tears._]
CECIL [_much concerned_]. Miss Rivers, what's the matter? Why, I believe you're crying!
EVELYN [_sniffing suspiciously_]. I'm ... not.
CECIL. You are, I can see the tears. Have I said anything to hurt you? What is it? Tell me. [_Much concerned._]
EVELYN [_recovering herself by an effort_]. It's nothing, nothing really. I'm all right now. Only you won't say things to me like that again, will you? Promise. [_Taking out handkerchief._]
CECIL. I promise ... if you really wish it. And now dry your eyes and let's be good children. That's what my nurse used to say when my sister and I quarreled. Shall I dry them for you? [_Takes her handkerchief and does so tenderly._]
EVELYN [_with a gulp_]. Thank you. [_Takes away handkerchief._] How absurd you are! [_Puts it away._]