The Gay Lord Quex by Arthur W. Pinero


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Page 47

DUCHESS.

[_Rising._] Harry, I want to see you sipping that brand of champagne
once more, while you and I sit facing one another, silently, dreamily
smoking Argyropulos.

QUEX.

[_Negatively_.] Duchess--

DUCHESS.

To end as we began! you have not the heart to refuse?

QUEX.

I--

DUCHESS.

You do refuse?

QUEX.

I do.

[_She passes him, and again sinks upon the bench._

DUCHESS.

[_Her back towards him, her shoulders heaving._] Oh! oh!

QUEX.

I--I am profoundly sorry to be obliged to speak to you in this fashion.

DUCHESS.

Oh, then I cannot go on Friday!

QUEX.

Not!

DUCHESS.

No! no! no!

QUEX.

Believe me, it would be better for you, for me, for everybody--

DUCHESS.

I cannot! [_Producing a diminutive lace handkerchief._] In the first
shock of the news of your engagement--for it was a shock--one thought
consoled me; throughout the time that has elapsed since then I have fed
upon this same thought--there will be a parting in keeping with our
great attachment! And now, you would rob me even of that!

QUEX.

But--but--but--a solemn, deliberate leave-taking! the ceremony, of all
others, to be carefully avoided!

DUCHESS.

Not by me, Harry--not by me. I wish to carry, in my breast, from this
house the numb despair of a piteous climax. I cannot drive away smugly
from these gates with the simple feelings of a woman who has been paying
a mere visit--I cannot!

QUEX.

My dear Sidonia--!

DUCHESS.

[_Decidedly._] I say I cannot!

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Books | Photos | Paul Mutton | Mon 22nd Dec 2025, 0:01