Part 32 (1/2)

Valentine.

VALENTINE WHITE.

Why, what have you there?

Imogen.

A modern young lady's jewel casket. Open it, please. [Kneeling, he opens the box.]

VALENTINE WHITE.

[Looking into the box.] Imogen! The tea-things! I recognize them!

IMOGEN.

You see, I've never parted with my playthings, Val.

VALENTINE WHITE.

[Dragging out a large, faded, once gaudy doll.] And here's Rosa! I helped to cut out Rosa's mantle. Battered old Rosa!

IMOGEN.

[Taking the doll from him.] Don't! Old she may be, but her s.e.x should protect her from insult.

VALENTINE WHITE.

And here are my marbles! and the top! Ah, ah! the skipping-rope!

Imogen--perhaps--I--I've done you an injustice.

IMOGEN.

Do you think so?

VALENTINE WHITE.

I feared fas.h.i.+on had put your bright little nature into tight corsets--but--I see--I see----

IMOGEN.

[Replacing the toys in the box.] You see, Val.

VALENTINE WHITE.

I see you have some affection for the time when you were not Miss Twombley, but only--little Jenny.

IMOGEN.

Ah!