Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honor Part 142

HILDA.

Oh, Basil, Basil.... [_She starts away._] Take care!

[_The_ BUTLER _comes in_.]

BUTLER.

Mrs. Kent.

[JENNY _enters hurriedly, as he gives her name.

The_ BUTLER _at once goes out_.

BASIL.

Jenny!

JENNY.

I've caught you.

BASIL.

[_Trying to be urbane_--_to_ HILDA] I think you know my wife.

JENNY.

[_In a loud angry voice._] Oh, yes, I know her. You needn't introduce me. I've come for my husband.

BASIL.

Jenny, what are you saying?

JENNY.

Oh, I don't want any of your Society shams. I've come here to speak out.

BASIL.

[_To_ HILDA.] Would you mind leaving us alone?

JENNY.

[_Also to_ HILDA, _pa.s.sionately_.] No, I want to speak to you. You're trying to get my husband from me. He's _my_ husband.

BASIL.

Be quiet, Jenny. Are you mad? Mrs. Murray, for G.o.d's sake leave us.

She'll insult you.

JENNY.

You think of her, you don't think of me. You don't care how much I suffer.

BASIL.

[_Taking her arm._] Come away, Jenny.

JENNY.

[_Shaking him off._] I won't. You're afraid to let me see her.

HILDA.

[_Pale and trembling, conscience-stricken._] Let her speak.

JENNY.

[_Going up to_ HILDA _threateningly_.] You're stealing my husband from me. Oh, you.... [_She is at a loss for words violent enough._

HILDA.

I don't want to make you unhappy, Mrs. Kent.

JENNY.

You can't get round me with polite words. I'm sick of all that. I want to speak straight.

BASIL.

[_To_ HILDA.] Please go. You can do no good.

JENNY.

[_Still more vehemently._] You're stealing my husband from me. You're a wicked woman.

HILDA.

[_Almost in a whisper._] If you like I'll promise you never to see your husband again.

JENNY.

[_With angry scorn._] Much good your promises will do me. I wouldn't believe a word you said. I know what Society ladies are. We know all about them in the City.

BASIL.

[_To_ HILDA.] You _must_ leave us alone.

[_He opens the door, and she goes out, looking away from him._