Mr. Jarvis—Have you ever heard about the expulsive power of a new—interest.
Miss Paysley (aside)—The pill. (With reflection.) I’ve heard of changing one’s mind.
Mr. Jarvis (holding up his hand, which is large and powerful)—And my hand shows indecision of character?
Miss Paysley (aside)—He’s jesting. They’re all alike—men. Keen for praise. (Aloud.) I didn’t say indecisive. You know what you want, but you often don’t value what you have. You are ready to pay for a thing of lesser value with the one of greater.
Mr. Jarvis—So few things have a fixed value; it’s what they seem worth to you. You can only measure the worth of any given thing by the pleasure it gives you.
Miss Paysley—The selfish man’s creed. (Glancing at his hand.) You are abominably selfish, you know—selfish and self-indulgent! You will sacrifice anything to attain something you want, except your own comfort!
Mr. Jarvis (with a fine air of impartiality)—I don’t think that’s altogether true.
Miss Paysley (studying his hand intently)—Yes, and you will sacrifice not only anything but anybody!
Mr. Jarvis (modestly)—That is what has always endeared me so to my friends. I’m a sort of modern Moloch!
Miss Paysley (raising her eyes suddenly)—Don’t joke about it. It may be true. (There is a strained eagerness in her manner that is quite convincing.)