Jen. Yes, yes; as a boy loves a girl—but now that I am a woman it’s impossible that you can care for me.
Spread. Impossible—because you are a woman!
Jen. You see it’s so unexpected.
Spread. Unexpected?
Jen. Yes. As children it didn’t matter, but it seems so shocking for grown people to talk about such things. And then, not gradually, but all at once—in a few minutes. It’s awful!
Spread. Oh, Jenny, think. I’ve no time to delay—my having to go has made me desperate. One kind word from you will make me go away happy: without that word, I shall go in unspeakable sorrow. Jenny, Jenny, say one kind word!
Jen. (earnestly). Tell me what to say?
Spread. It must come from you, my darling; say whatever is on your lips—whether for good or ill—I can bear it now.
Jen. Well, then: I wish you a very very pleasant voyage—and I hope you will be happy and prosperous—and you must take great care of yourself—and you can’t think how glad I shall be to know that you think of me, now and then, in India. There!