My dear, your simple-mindedness positively takes me aback.
Catherine.
[Indignantly.] How can you be so ignoble?
George Winter.
[Dropping his bantering tone, quickly and sternly.] You must know me very little, Kate. My whole life is at stake, and you think I’m going to be moved by entreaties or abuse? I’m at the most critical point of my career. Part of my strength is that I never deceive myself. I’m only an adventurer. My millions are paper millions, and I want to be in such a position that if I’m in need of half a million I can go to the big men and get it, and if one of them asks me for half a million I can afford to put it down. And now, if only I hold on, I shall get everything I want. And you come and whine before me and play the fool. What d’you think I care for your twopenny-halfpenny love-affairs? Do what you like. I don’t care, so long as you’re not flagrant.
Catherine.
[Indignantly.] Oh!
George Winter.
That anyone can be such a fool as to let love interfere with his life! It’s so unimportant.
Catherine.