Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honour. Maugham William Somerset
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Название: Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honour
Автор: Maugham William Somerset
Издательство: Public Domain
Жанр: Зарубежная драматургия
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My dear papa, we must be prepared for everything.
In my youth young ladies did not refer to things of that sort.
Well, I don't suppose they're any the worse for having an elementary knowledge of natural history. Personally I doubt whether ignorance is quite the same thing as virtue, and I'm not quite sure that a girl makes a better wife because she's been brought up like a perfect fool.
I am old-fashioned, Lady Frederick; and my idea of a modest girl is that when certain topics are mentioned she should swoon. Swoon, madam, swoon. They always did it when I was a lad.
Well, father, I've often tried to faint when I wanted something that you wouldn't give me, and I've never been able to manage it. So I'm sure I couldn't swoon.
And with regard to this ridiculous discussion as to which University your son is to be sent, you seem to forget that I have the right to be consulted.
My dear Admiral, I don't see how it can possibly matter to you.
And before we go any further I should like you to know that the very day Rose was born I determined that her son should go to Cambridge.
My dear papa, I think Gerald and I are far and away the best judges of our son's welfare.
The boy must work, Rose. I will have no good-for-nothing as my grandson.
Exactly. And that is why I'm resolved he shall go to Dublin.
The important thing is that he should have really nice manners, and that they teach at Oxford if they teach nothing else.
Well, don't you think you'd better wait another twenty years or so before you discuss this?
There are some matters which must be settled at once, Lady Frederick.
You know, young things are fairly independent nowadays. I don't know what they'll be in twenty years' time.
The first thing the boy shall learn is obedience.
Rose. Certainly. There's nothing so hateful as a disobedient child.
I can't see my grandson venturing to disobey me.
Then you're all agreed. So that's settled. I came to tell you your carriage was ready.
Go and put on your bonnet, Rose. [To Lady Frederick.] Are you coming with us?
I'm afraid I can't. Au revoir.
A tout à l'heure.
Have you ever seen in your life any one so entirely delightful as Rose?
[Laughing.] Only when I've looked in the glass.
My dear Elizabeth, how vain you are.
You're very happy, my Gerald.
It's such a relief to have got over all the difficulties. I thought it never would come right. You are a brick, Elizabeth.
I really think I am rather.
The moment you promised to arrange things I felt as safe as a house.
I said I'd do my best, didn't I? And I told you not to worry.
[Turning round suddenly.] Isn't it all right?
No, it's about as wrong as it can possibly be. I knew Cohen was staying here, and I thought I could get him to hold the bills over for a few days.
And won't he?
He hasn't got them any more.
[Startled.] What!
They've been negotiated, and he swears he doesn't know who has them.
But who could have been such a fool?
I don't know, that's just the awful part of it. It was bad enough before. I knew the worst Cohen could do, but now… It couldn't be Paradine.
And then there's Montgomerie.
I shall see him to-day.
What are you going to say to him?
I haven't an idea. I'm rather frightened of him.
You know, dear, if the worst comes to the worst…
Whatever happens you shall marry Rose. I promise you that.
May I come in?
[Gaily.] It's a public room. I don't see how we can possibly prevent you.
I'm just going to take a stroll.
Do.
Well? How are things going?
Quite well, thank you.
I've left Charlie with his mother. I hope you can spare him for a couple of hours.
I told him he must spend the afternoon with her. I don't approve of his neglecting his filial duty.
Ah!.. I saw Dick Cohen this morning.
[Quickly.] Did you?
It seems to interest you?
Not at all. Why should it?
[Smiling.] Nice little man, isn't he?
[Good humouredly.] I wish I had something to throw at you.
[With a laugh.] Well, СКАЧАТЬ