Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honor Part 41

If her ladyship antic.i.p.ates a tragic situation, I would venture to recommend it. A really pathetic scene is impossible without a quant.i.ty of hair worn quite high on the head.

LADY FREDERICK.

Oh, I know. Whenever I want to soften the hard heart of a creditor I clap on every bit I've got. But I don't think I will to-day. I'll tell you what, a temple curl would just fit the case.

MAID.

Then her ladyship inclines to comedy. Very well, I say no more.

[LADY FREDERICK _takes two temple-curls from the drawer._

LADY FREDERICK.

Aren't they dears?

MERESTON.

Yes.

LADY FREDERICK.

You've admired them very often, Charlie, haven't you? I suppose you never knew they cost a guinea each?

MERESTON.

It never occurred to me they were false.

LADY FREDERICK.

The masculine intelligence is so gross. Didn't your mother tell you?

MERESTON.

My mother told me a great deal.

LADY FREDERICK.

I expect she overdid it. There. Now that's done. D'you think it looks nice?

MERESTON.

Charming.

LADY FREDERICK.

Angelique, his lordship is satisfied. You may disappear.

MAID.

Yes, miladi.

[_She goes._

LADY FREDERICK.

Now, tell me you think I'm the most ravishing creature you ever saw in your life.

MERESTON.

I've told you that so often.

LADY FREDERICK.

[_Stretching out her hands._] You are a nice boy. It was charming of you to say--what you did yesterday. I could have hugged you there and then.

MERESTON.

Could you?

LADY FREDERICK.

Oh, my dear, don't be so cold.

MERESTON.

I'm very sorry, I didn't mean to be.

LADY FREDERICK.

Haven't you got anything nice to say to me at all?

MERESTON.

I don't know what I can say that I've not said a thousand times already.

LADY FREDERICK.

Tell me what you thought of all night when you tossed on that sleepless pillow of yours.

MERESTON.

I was awfully anxious to see you again.

LADY FREDERICK.

Didn't you have a dreadful fear that I shouldn't be as nice as you imagined? Now, come--honestly.

MERESTON.