Part 56 (1/2)

JEAN

And if I never married at all?

JOHN

_Then_ what will you do?

JEAN

[_with a wail of despair_]

That's it--then what _should_ I do--what _could_ I do? Oh, it's so unfair, so unfair to train girls only for this! What chance, what choice have I? To live on the bounty of a disapproving brother or a man I do not love! Oh, how I envy Helen! If I only had a chance, a decent chance!

JOHN

Any sensible girl would envy your chance. You'll never have another like it. You'll never have another at all! Grab it, I tell you, grab it.

[_REX comes quietly, a determined look on his face, JOHN sees him._]

Now, think, before too late, think hard. Think what it means to be an old maid.

[_And leaves them abruptly._

[_JEAN stands alone, looking very pretty in girlish distress. REX gazes at her a moment and then with sudden pa.s.sion he silently rushes over, seizes her in his arms, kisses her furiously._

JEAN

[_indignant, struggles, frees herself, and rubs her cheek_]

Ugh! How could you!

REX

Because I love you!

JEAN

Love! It isn't even respect now.

REX

Has that fellow ever kissed you?