E. (with feeling). I have made a great many mistakes in my life—suffered a great deal of unhappiness—because I have been afraid of being cloying. (Aside.) Am I mad, that I should tell him the foolish truth!
H. (rising). I should say it was a fault to which you were not constitutionally inclined. (Aside.) That sounds much firmer than I feel.
E. No, but on that very account people should have borne with me more than they have! (Still with feeling.) Things might have been different.
H. (going toward her). Esther! (A bell.)
E. (hurriedly). Never mind! There is the door-bell! Things are going to be different! (With a faint smile.) I told you he did not like any sweet at all in his.
H. (impetuously). And have I not had my full allowance of bitter? It is time you began dispensing sweets—so let him stay away.
E. (laughing nervously). But—but it wasn’t my idea to get rid of him.
H. The plan is ready for your acceptance. You were going to tell me you were engaged to-morrow—tell him so to-day, instead!
E. (glancing at clock). I cannot. His engagement was made with me a week ago.
H. And mine five years ago. (She hesitates.) Besides, he is late—half an hour late. What is it about a lover who is late? He has divided his time into more than “the thousandth part of a minute.”