Part 66 (1/2)

And yet is here, in consequence of my letter.

MARINELLI.

Not in consequence of your letter.

ORSINA.

He received it, you say.

MARINELLI.

Yes, but he did not read it.

ORSINA (_violently_).

Not read it! (_Less violently_.) Not read it! (_Sorrowfully, and wiping away a tear_.) Not even read it!

MARINELLI.

From preoccupation, I am certain, not contempt.

ORSINA (_with pride_).

Contempt! Who thought of such a thing? To whom do you use the term?

Marinelli, your comfort is impertinent. Contempt! Contempt! To me! (_In a milder tone_.) It is true that he no longer loves me. That is certain. And in place of love something else has filled his soul. It is natural. But why should this be contempt? Indifference would be enough.

Would it not, Marinelli?

MARINELLI.

Certainly, certainly.

ORSINA (_with a scornful look_).

Certainly! What an oracle, who can be made to say what one pleases!

Indifference in the place of love!--That means nothing in the place of something. For learn, thou mimicking court-parrot, learn from a woman, that indifference is but an empty word, a mere sound which means nothing. The mind can only be indifferent to objects of which it does not think; to things which for itself have no existence. Only indifferent for a thing that is nothing--that is as much as saying not indifferent. Is that meaning beyond thee, man?

MARINELLI (_aside_).

Alas! how prophetic were my fears?

ORSINA.

What do you mutter?

MARINELLI.

Mere admiration! Who does not know, Countess, that you are a philosopher?

ORSINA.