Part 26 (1/2)

Yes, mother, dear.

Frau Mulbridge.

Go get a pair of lace curtains to hang over the mirrors.

Daisy.

Yes, mother, dear. (_She does not stir._)

Frau Mulbridge.

Daisy! You're not listening.

Daisy.

Yes I am, mother, dear. You asked me to-- (_Falters._)

Frau Mulbridge.

I asked you to fetch a pair of lace curtains.

Daisy.

Yes, mother, dear. (_Goes out, left._)

Frau Mulbridge.

Now that the child isn't here--tell me, Herr Kellermann, do you know anything about the cause of the duel? We're all groping in the dark here at the house.

Kellermann.

Well, they're saying all sorts of things. But the dead are my friends.

I never say anything against them. It's a business principle with me.

Frau Mulbridge.

Yes--but the man who shot him, is he still walking around free as air?

Kellermann.

Yes, that's the way with these fine folks. They fall upon one another like highwaymen. Your honour or your life! The man who survives can laugh. The man who falls--well, he falls into my arms. But, see here, getting into a duel with that fellow, that Baron Renoir--why it was nothing short of suicide! I tell you, where that man goes, no gra.s.s grows! On the turf, at the card-table, with the women--always the same story. That man shot him down like a rabbit. Oh, of course, it's always a fine thing to lay down your life for a woman. That's a phrase that----

Frau Mulbridge.

Do you really think that a woman----?

Kellermann.

s.h.!.+ Here comes your little girl. (Daisy _enters with two vases, which she is carrying very carefully._)