Part 31 (1/2)

You are to stay at home and run the department for me.

HELEN

[_stepping back_]

Don't you want me with you?

ERNEST

[_stepping forward, with his heart in voice_]

Do I _want_ you! [_Stops._] But I am a man--you are a woman.

HELEN

What of it? Are you one of those small men who care what people say? No!

That's not your reason! [_She sees that it is not._] What is it? You must tell me.

ERNEST

[_hesitates_]

It's only for your sake.

HELEN

[_with feeling_]

Think of all I've done for _your_ sake. You wouldn't be going yourself but for me! I was the one to see you needed it, I proposed it to Metchnikoff--I urged him--_made_ him ask you--for _your sake_! And now am I to be left at home like a child because you don't care to be embarra.s.sed with me?

ERNEST

Oh, please! This is so unfair. But I simply can't take you now.

HELEN

[_with growing scorn_]

Oh! You are all alike. You pile work upon me until I nearly drop, you play upon my interest, my sympathy--you get all you can out of me--my youth, my strength, my best! And then, just as I, too, have a chance to arrive in my profession, you, of all men, throw me over! I hate men. I hate you!

ERNEST