You have often lost your own temper with her when you have tried to teach her anything—often enough. (Sits l of table.)
Denham.
Yes, it was sheer stupidity. It is a bad educational method. It involves loss of dignity on both sides. Be as stern as you please, but not furious.
Mrs. Denham.
Furious! (Rises) Thank you for the word. (Crosses r.) I know I am making myself hated by her and despised by you; but I must do my duty as best I can in the teeth of your cruel criticism. I must think of her future.
Denham.
(rises, and lights pipe) Oh, damn the future—and the past too! You take life too seriously. You are a born self-tormentor, too full of anxiety to live. You have the worst form of the great malady of the age, conscience in the agnostic form. You suffer from the new hysteria.
Mrs. Denham.
I am not hysterical.
Denham.