Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honor Part 130

JOHN.

What is the matter?

JENNY.

Will you tell me the truth if I ask you something?

JOHN.

Of course.

JENNY.

On your oath?

JOHN.

On my oath.

JENNY.

[_After a momentary pause._] Is there anything between Basil and Mrs.

Murray?

JOHN.

[_Aghast._] No. Certainly not.

JENNY.

How d'you know? Are you sure? You wouldn't tell me, if there was. You're all against me because I'm not a lady.... Oh, I'm so unhappy.

[_She tries to restrain her tears, she is half-hysterical._ JOHN _stares at her, surprised, at a loss for words_.

JENNY.

If you only knew what a life we lead! He calls it a dog's life, and he's right.

JOHN.

I thought you got on so well.

JENNY.

Oh, before you we've always kept up appearances. He's ashamed to let you know he regrets he ever married me. He wants to separate.

JOHN.

What!

JENNY.

[_Impatiently._] Oh, don't look so surprised. You're not an utter fool, are you? He proposed it to-day before you came in. We'd been having one of our rows.

JOHN.

But what on earth is it all about?

JENNY.

G.o.d knows!

JOHN.

It's nonsense. It can only be a little pa.s.sing quarrel. You must expect to have those.

JENNY.

No, it isn't. No, it isn't. He doesn't love me. He's in love with your sister-in-law.

JOHN.

It's impossible.

JENNY.

He's always there. He was there twice last week and twice the week before.

JOHN.

How d'you know?

JENNY.

I've followed him.

JOHN.

You followed him in the street, Jenny?

JENNY.

[_Defiantly._] Yes. If I'm not ladylike enough for him, I needn't play the lady there. You're shocked now, I suppose?

JOHN.

I wouldn't presume to judge you, Jenny.

JENNY.