The Gay Lord Quex by Arthur W. Pinero


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Page 62

Treachery?

QUEX.

You know I am under a bond of good behaviour to my old aunt and to the
Edens.

DUCHESS.

[_With a slight shrug of the shoulders._] Really?

QUEX.

Yes. [_Clenching his teeth._] And this is how I observe it. After all my
resolutions, this--this is how I observe it.

[_He rises and paces up and down the room._

DUCHESS.

[_Fretfully._] I am bound to remark that your present behaviour appears
quite unimpeachable.

QUEX.

Unimpeachable! here--alone--in your company!

DUCHESS.

[_Covering her eyes with her hand._] Oh, cruel, cruel!

QUEX.

[_Pausing._] Cruel--?

DUCHESS.

[_With heaving bosom._] But there! if you deny me the possession of real
feeling, why should you hesitate to rain blows on me?

QUEX.

[_Softening, coming to her._] My dear Sidonia, I don't--I don't mean
to--

DUCHESS.

[_Rising, and grasping his hands._] Oh, Harry!

QUEX.

Tsch! please! [_He releases himself and she sinks back upon the settee,
her eyes closed. He regards her uncomfortably for a moment; then, with
some hesitation, he produces from his coat-tail pocket a small box
covered with a pretty brocade, with which he toys uneasily._] You
expressed a wish to leave here on Friday with a sensation of despair at
your heart, Sidonia. If your feeling about our parting is really a deep
one, heaven knows I have no desire to make it more acute--

DUCHESS.

[_Partly opening her eyes._] What is in that box, Harry?

QUEX.

That is just what I was about to--to--[_Lifting the lid and closing
it._] These are the little souvenirs which have passed from you to me at
odd times.

DUCHESS.

[_With reviving interest._] Ah, yes.

QUEX.

I have had no other opportunity--[_Looking about him awkwardly for a
place to deposit the box._] Will you--? shall I--? what the devil's to
become of 'em?

DUCHESS.

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Books | Photos | Paul Mutton | Tue 23rd Dec 2025, 6:18