Why Marry? Part 43

[_looks at her a moment; she returns his gaze_]

Bah!--all pose and poppyc.o.c.k! [_He abruptly touches bell._] I'll soon put a stop to this nonsense. [_Muttering._] d.a.m.nedest thing I ever heard of.

HELEN

John, I understand exactly what I'm doing. You never will. But nothing you can do can stop me now.

JOHN

We'll see about that. [_The BUTLER appears._] Ask the others to step out here at once; all except Miss Jean and Mr. Baker, I don't want them. Is Doctor Hamilton about?

BUTLER

No, sir, he went to church.

JOHN

All right. [_The BUTLER disappears._] To church! My G.o.d!

[_HELEN pays no attention. She gazes straight out into the future, head high, eyes clear and wide open._

JOHN

First of all, when the others come out, I'm going to ask them to look you in the face. Then you can make this statement to them, if you wish, and--look them in the face.

HELEN

[_with quiet scorn_]

If I were being forced into such a marriage as poor little Jean's, I would kill myself. But in the eyes of G.o.d, who made love, no matter how I may appear in the eyes of man, who made marriage, I know that I am doing right.

[_LUCY comes out, followed by the JUDGE._

JOHN

[_not seeing them. He is loud_]

Say that to Uncle Everett and Cousin Theodore! Say that to my wife, stand up and say that to the world, if you dare.

LUCY

[_to JUDGE_]

She has told him!

JOHN

[_wheeling about_]

What! did she tell you? Why didn't you come to me at once?

LUCY

[_tremulous_]

She said she wanted to tell you herself. I didn't think she'd dare!

[_They all turn to look at HELEN. THEODORE comes back from church alone._

HELEN

It had to be announced, of course.

THEODORE

[_advancing, beaming_]

Announced? What is announced?

[_All turn to him in a panic._

LUCY

[_hurriedly_]

Their engagement, Theodore!

JUDGE

[_overriding HELEN_]

Yes, John has given his consent at last--example to society.

[_Prods JOHN._