Magda - novelonlinefull.com
You’re read light novel Magda Part 25 online at NovelOnlineFull.com. Please use the follow button to get notification about the latest chapter next time when you visit NovelOnlineFull.com. Use F11 button to read novel in full-screen(PC only). Drop by anytime you want to read free – fast – latest novel. It’s great if you could leave a comment, share your opinion about the new chapters, new novel with others on the internet. We’ll do our best to bring you the finest, latest novel everyday. Enjoy
Oh, Magda!
MAGDA.
Yes, sweet. That's the way to go through the world,--bend or break; that is, I never bend. It's the only way.
MARIE.
Oh, good Heavens!
MAGDA.
Poor child! Yes, in this house one learns quite other views. I bent, myself, yesterday disgracefully. Ah, how nice our old mamma is!
[_Earnestly, pointing to the mother's picture_.] And she up there! Do you remember her? [Marie _shakes her head_.]
MAGDA.
[_Thoughtfully_.] She died too soon! Where's papa? I want him. And yet I'm afraid of him too. Now, child, while I eat my breakfast, now you must make your confession.
MARIE.
Oh, I can't.
MAGDA.
Just show me the locket!
MARIE.
There!
MAGDA.
A lieutenant! Naturally. With us it's always a tenor.
MARIE.
Oh. Magda, it's no joke. He is my fate.
MAGDA.
What is the name of this fate?
MARIE.
It's Cousin Max.
MAGDA.
[_Whistles_.] Why don't you many the good youth, then?
MARIE.
Aunt Frankie wants a better match for him, and so she won't give him the guaranty he needs. It's abominable!
MAGDA.
_Si! C'est bete, ca!_ And how long have you loved each other?
MARIE.
I don't remember when we did not.
MAGDA.
And where does he meet you?
MARIE.
Here.
MAGDA.
I mean elsewhere--alone.
MARIE.
We are never alone together. I think this precaution we owe to our own self-respect.
MAGDA.
Come here--close--tell me the truth--has it never entered your mind to cast this whole network of precaution and respect away from you, and to go with the man you love out and away--anywhere--it doesn't matter much--and as you lie quietly on his breast, to hurl back a scornful laugh at the whole world which has sunk behind you?
MARIE.
No, Magda, I never feel so.
MAGDA.
But would you die for him?
MARIE.
[_Standing up with a gesture of enthusiasm_.]
I would die a thousand deaths for him!
MAGDA.
My poor little darling! [_Aside_.] They bring everything to naught. The most terrible of all pa.s.sions becomes in their hands a mere resigned defiance of death.
