Part 27 (1/2)
”It amuses you to be cruel,” said Scaraether, stepping briskly to war air Awhile they went in silence, yet each furtively observing the other
”And so, you findthe fact that the accusation had struck home
He looked at her with a half smile ”Will you deny it?”
”You are the first man that ever accused me of that”
”I dare not suppose myself the first man to whom you have been cruel
That were an assu to myself I must prefer to think that the others suffered in silence”
”Mon Dieu! Have you suffered?” She was between seriousness and raillery
”I place the confession as an offering on the altar of your vanity”
”I should never have suspected it”
”How could you? Am I not what your father calls a natural actor? I was an actor long before I becahed I often do when I am hurt When you were pleased to be disdainful, I acted disdain in my turn”
”You acted very well,” said she, without reflecting
”Of course I ae?”
”In response to the change in you You have groeary of your part of cruel madam--a dull part, believe me, and unworthy of your talents Were I a worace, Climene, I should disdain to use therace!” she echoed, feigning ae was mollified ”When was it that you discovered this beauty and this grace, M Scara the sprightly beauty of her, the adorable femininity that from the first had so irresistibly attracted hi a love-scene with Leandre”
He caught the surprise that leapt to her eyes, before she veiled theaze
”Why, that was the first time you saw me”
”I had no earlier occasion to remark your charms”
”You ask me to believe too much,” said she, but her tone was softer than he had ever known it yet
”Then you'll refuse to believe race and beauty that deter me to join your father's troupe”
At that she becaer any question of finding an outlet for resentotten
”But why? With what object?”