Kate. Then in that respect, at least, she must be superior to a man. I am glad to hear you acknowledge even so little.
Doug. Aw—now—aw—you quite confuse me. (Aside.) I must go wight away; never could stand these strong-minded ladies. (Aloud.) Aw—I—I never argue with a lady, you know. But I am afwaid I shall have to tear myself away, as I have a very particular engagement.
Alice. I am so sorry! But we shall see you again soon?
Doug. Aw—vewy soon—aw—I should only be too happy to wemain forever in your chawming pwesence. (Kisses her hand, bows to Kate, and exit, C.)
Alice. Well, you have driven him away. It will be very convenient to have you around after he and I are married, but previously the experiment is too dangerous, and I shall have to ask you to be kind enough to keep your strange ideas exclusively for our family circle. (Exit, L. 2 E.)
Kate. Strange ideas! Is it so strange to long to be independent? Is it strange to shrink from being a burden on an already over-burdened father, or dependent upon the whims of some unloved husband? Is it strange to wish to exercise the talents and energy God has given you instead of allowing them to rust out in darkness? Does the fact of my being a woman make me content to drift along aimlessly, in a stream that leads nowhere? No! a thousand times, no!
(Enter Jennie, C.)
Jen. Dr. Endicott, miss.
Kate. Please ask him in.
Jen. Yes'm. (Aside.) He is a man what is a man. (Exit, C.)