The Gay Lord Quex - LightNovelsOnl.com
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QUEX.
Ha, ha, ha!
SOPHY.
Am I right? am I right, eh? [_Putting her cheek near his lips--speaking in a low voice, breathlessly, her eyes averted._] Tell me whether I'm right, my lord.
[_For the first time, a suspicion of her designs crosses his mind. He draws back slowly, eyeing her. There is a pause._
QUEX.
[_In an altered tone, but keeping her in play._] Ha, ha, ha, ha!
[_Looking at his watch._] I--I am afraid I shall have to run away to dress for dinner very soon.
SOPHY.
[_Resuming her work, disappointed._] Not yet; you've plenty of time. But there, dangerous or not dangerous, in my heart I can't help holding with what my lady-customers are continually saying.
QUEX.
[_Watching her keenly._] No? and what are your lady-customers continually saying?
SOPHY.
Why, that the young fellows of the day are such conceited, apish creatures; no man under forty-five is worth wasting a minute's time over.
QUEX.
Ho! they say that, your lady-customers?
SOPHY.
Yes; and they're good judges, they are.
QUEX.
Good judges! none better--none better.
SOPHY.
[_Laying her clipper aside suddenly, and putting her hand to her eyes with a cry of pain._] Oh!
QUEX.
[_Coolly._] What's the matter?
SOPHY.
[_Rising._] A little splinter has flown into my eye It often happens.
QUEX.
[_Rising._] Extremely painful, I expect?
SOPHY.
[_Producing her handkerchief._] Very. [_Giving him her handkerchief._]
Do you think you could find it?
QUEX.
Certainly, if it's to be found.
SOPHY.
[_Holding the lapels of his coat, her head almost upon his shoulder, her eyes closed._] Ah! please make haste and look for it!
QUEX.
Right or left?
SOPHY.
The ri--the left.
QUEX.
[_Sharply._] Raise your head. Stand up.
SOPHY.
[_Releasing his coat and raising her head._] Eh?
QUEX.
[_Sternly._] Open your eyes. Both of them. [_She opens her eyes and stares at him. He returns her handkerchief._] There! I have removed the splinter. [_She slowly backs away like a whipped child. He follows her._] Miss Fullgarney, I understand you are engaged to be married--to this young man, Valma?
SOPHY.
[_Tremblingly._] Yes, my lord.
QUEX.
Do you care for him?
SOPHY.
[_Faintly._] Yes.
