Part 17 (1/2)

_Warland_. I beg your pardon.

_Isabel_. Oh, it was only a subterfuge to conceal the fact that I have no distinct recollection of my reasons. The fact is, a girl's motives in marrying are like a pa.s.sport--apt to get mislaid. One is so seldom asked for either. But mine certainly couldn't have been mercenary: I never heard a mother praise you to her daughters.

_Warland_. No, I never was much of a match.

_Isabel_. You impugn my judgment.

_Warland_. If I only had a head for business, now, I might have done something by this time. But I'd sooner break stones in the road.

_Isabel_. It must be very hard to get an opening in that profession. So many of my friends have aspired to it, and yet I never knew any one who actually did it.

_Warland_. If I could only get the secretarys.h.i.+p. How that kind of life would suit you! It's as much for you that I want it--

_Isabel_. And almost as much for the butcher. Don't belittle the circle of your benevolence. (_She walks across the room_.) Three o'clock already--and Marian asked me to give orders about the carriages. Let me see--Mr. Oberville is the first arrival; if you'll ring I will send word to the stable. I suppose you'll stay now?

_Warland_. Stay?

_Isabel_. Not go to Was.h.i.+ngton. I thought you spoke as if he could help you.

_Warland_. He could settle the whole thing in five minutes. The President can't refuse him anything. But he doesn't know me; he may have a candidate of his own. It's a pity you haven't seen him for so long--and yet I don't know; perhaps it's just as well. The others don't arrive till seven? It seems as if--How long is he going to be here? Till to-morrow night, I suppose? I wonder what he's come for. The Merringtons will bore him to death, and Adelaide, of course, will be philandering with Lender. I wonder (_a pause_) if Darley likes boating. (_Rings the bell_.)

_Isabel_. Boating?

_Warland_. Oh, I was only thinking--Where are the matches? One may smoke here, I suppose? _(He looks at his wife.)_ If I were you I'd put on that black gown of yours to-night--the one with the spangles.--It's only that Fred Langham asked me to go over to Narragansett in his launch to-morrow morning, and I was thinking that I might take Darley; I always liked Darley.

_Isabel (to the footman who enters)_. Mrs. Raynor wishes the dog-cart sent to the station at five o'clock to meet Mr. Oberville.

_Footman_. Very good, m'm. Shall I serve tea at the usual time, m'm?

_Isabel_. Yes. That is, when Mr. Oberville arrives.

_Footman (going out)_. Very good, m'm.

_Warland (to Isabel, who is moving toward the door)_. Where are you going?

_Isabel_. To my room now--for a walk later.

_Warland_. Later? It's past three already.

_Isabel_. I've no engagement this afternoon.

_Warland_. Oh, I didn't know. (_As she reaches the door_.) You'll be back, I suppose?

_Isabel_. I have no intention of eloping.

_Warland_. For tea, I mean?

_Isabel_. I never take tea. (_Warland shrugs his shoulders_.)

II