The Magistrate - LightNovelsOnl.com
You're reading novel online at LightNovelsOnl.com. Please use the follow button to get notifications about your favorite novels and its latest chapters so you can come back anytime and won't miss anything.
[_Following him out._
CHARLOTTE.
[_To AGATHA POSKET._] I'll have the first word. Really, Captain Vale, I'm surprised at you.
VALE.
There was a happy time, Miss Verrinder, when I might have been surprised at you.
CHARLOTTE.
A few hours ago it was--"By Jove, all is over." Now I find you with a bosom friend enjoying devilled oysters.
VALE.
I beg your pardon, I find you enjoying devilled oysters.
CHARLOTTE.
Horace Vale, you forget you have forfeited the right to exercise any control over my diet.
VALE.
One would think I had broken off our engagement.
CHARLOTTE.
If you have not, who has? I have your letter saying all is over between us. [_Putting her handkerchief to her eyes._] That letter will be stamped tomorrow at Somerset House. I know how to protect myself.
VALE.
Charlotte, can you explain your conduct with Gordon Bristow?
CHARLOTTE.
I could if I chose; a young lady can explain anything.
VALE.
But he is showing your gift to our fellows all over the place.
CHARLOTTE.
It was a debt of honour. He laid me a box of gloves to a pair of slippers about "Forked Lightning" for the Regimental Cup, and "Forked Lightning" went tender at the heel. I couldn't come to you with debts hanging over me. [_Crying._] I'm too conscientious.
VALE.
By Jove, I've been a brute.
CHARLOTTE.
Y-y-yes.
VALE.
Can you forget I ever wrote that letter?
CHARLOTTE.
That must be a question of time. [_She lays her head on his shoulder and then removes it._] How damp you are. [_She puts her handkerchief upon his shoulder, and replaces her head. She moves his arm gradually up and arranges it round her shoulder._] If you went on anyhow every time I discharged an obligation, we should be most unhappy.
VALE.
I promise you I won't mention Bristow's slippers again. By Jove, I won't--there.
CHARLOTTE.
Very well, then, if you do that I'll give you my word I won't pay any more debts before our marriage.
VALE.
My darling!
[_About to embrace him, but remembering that he is wet._
CHARLOTTE.
No--no--you are too damp.
ISIDORE.
[_Outside._] I beg your pardon, it is a quarter of an hour over our time.
[_AGATHA POSKET has been sitting on the sofa; suddenly she starts, listening intently._
MR. POSKET.
[_Outside._] I know--I know. I'm going directly I can get the boy away.
AGATHA POSKET.
[_To herself._] aeneas!
CIS.
[_Outside._] All right, Guv, you finish your bottle.
AGATHA POSKET.
