Minnie. Thank you, Mr. Dicey, but it is a little early for congratulations. We laugh it over between ourselves sometimes in a brotherly-sisterly sort of way without much serious consideration what marriage means. There’s nothing settled yet. Will you see Auntie to the car while I get my wrap?
Aunt. Good night, Horace.
Horace. Good night, Aunt.
Dicey. Good-night, Mr. Parker.
Horace. Good night, sir.
(Exeunt Aunt and Dicey R.)
Minnie. (Coming to L. of table and taking off her engagement ring) I think you will understand me when I say, “Here is your ring.” You have given me a glimpse of such a love-cheapening life that I have grown afraid. I believed in you, Horace, though I was never blind to your faults. I had hoped I might help you to conquer them, but I realize now the task is beyond me. A stronger spirit would have to be invoked. Without your love I should fail, and I see now you have none to offer me. The devotion of your life is for yourself and yourself alone.
Horace. And all this fuss because I don’t want you to go with a silly ass to a dance to-night.
Minnie. No. For your utter lack of consideration. I might hurt my dear friend, Kitty Clarence, by not going to her dance. Oh, that was nothing! Disappoint Auntie—nothing—give up my own pleasure—nothing—insult a visitor—nothing, nothing at all. Here it is, Horace. (Puts ring on table.) I cannot wear it. The gold seems to have gone out of it. (Exit R.)
Horace. And that’s the girl I’ve been talking to about broad views! (Working round table to paper on the floor.) Well, I’ve met some narrow-minded people in my life, but she is far and away the most narrow-minded of the lot. (Picks up paper.) It’s very disappointing, that’s what it is, very disappointing. Women are all alike. No liberality, no generosity. You think you have found an exception, you pour out all the wealth of your priceless love upon her, and the moment the shoe pinches—there you are. I suppose she will want to make it up to-morrow, then I shall have to put down my foot and come to a thorough understanding. Confound that fellow Dicey! It’s all his fault. I never ought to have allowed him to take her. I ought to have gone myself. Damn Dicey! Now for this article. I suppose I’d better read it. Don’t feel a bit like it. However, it may act as a sedative. (Settles down to read.)