I mustn't complain; but Providence is really most unjust. Here am I, who have lived a life of temperance, in my old age----
A chronic invalid; while this old transgressor who has denied himself nothing [_COLONEL grins_], and committed every sin in the Decalogue [_COLONEL chuckles_], is as hale and as hearty as I am infirm.
But how have _you_ been, Gerald? _We_ belong to the past----
_You_ belong to the future, and the future belongs to you.
Your letters have told me a great deal--more than perhaps you know; but I have read them very carefully; and when you asked me to come home----
You told me that you had learned everything Oxford has to teach worth learning, and that you were in danger of becoming--well [_laying her hand on his head_]--shall we say, _tête montée?_
Yes, Caroline! I should certainly say, _tête montée._
Cure yourself, Gerald. Knowledge is not wisdom [_stroking his head_]. Forgive me, dear; but I have known so many men who have never survived the distinctions of their youth, who are always at Oxford, and even in their manhood play with rattles. Now, forget Oxford--go into the world--lay books aside, and study men.
[_Female voices in altercation. Re-enter WELLS, door in flat._
_Enter ENID and VICTORIA, in hot argument. They take opposite sides of the stage and continue the discussion without taking the slightest notice of anybody. LADY WARGRAVE looks from the one to the other in amazement. Exit WELLS, door in flat._
I can't agree with you! Say what you will, I can't agree with you!
That doesn't alter the fact. A woman has just as much right to a latchkey as a man.
I make no distinctions. I admit that a woman has just as much right to come home with the milk as a man: but I say, a man has no right to come home with the milk; and I say more--no woman who respects herself has any _desire_ to come home with the milk!
Bother the milk! It isn't a question of milk. It's a question of making artificial distinctions between the sexes.
I say that there ought to be _no_ distinction! Why should a man be allowed to commit sins----
Then you ought to be ashamed of yourself; there!
And _I_ say that a man, reeking with infamy, ought not to be allowed to marry a pure girl----
Certainly not! _She_ ought to reek with infamy as well.