E.) Here is paper. (Sits.) What am I about to do? What will be said of me? But 1 owe a duty to myself—to society—I must perform it. (Writes.) "Laura, I have heard of all from your sister." What have I said—(crosses out last word)—"from Pearl. You know that I love you, but my mother will demand of me a wife who will not blush to own her kindred, and who is not the daughter of obscurity and crime." It is just; it is I who have been deceived. (Folds letter and addresses it). I will leave it for her. (Puts on light overcoat, which hangs on chair at back.) I must go before she returns. Her step—too late! (Crams the letter into pocket of overcoat. Laura enters R. H.)
Laura. (Gently). Ray.
Ray. Miss—Miss Courtland. (Laura looks at him a moment, smiles and then crosses C. without further noticing him, and sits down on tete-a-tete.) What have I said? What ought I to have said? (He takes a step towards her she rises, without looking at him goes to window—looks out, then looks over books on table R. H.)
Ray. Laura—I—
Laura. Pshaw, where is my book?
Ray. What book do you want, Laura.?
Laura. Sir.
Ray. (Repulsed.) Oh!—(pause)—I've been a fool. How lovely she looks. (He follows her mechanically to table L.) Can I find it for you?
Laura. Don't trouble yourself I beg.
Ray. (Coming forward and leaning over her seat.) Laura.
Laura. (Without lifting her head.) Well.
Ray. (Toiling with her hair). Look at me.
Laura. (Turns round and looks full at him.)
Ray. No, no, not that way; as you used to. You act as if I were a stranger.
Laura. They are only strangers who call me Miss Courtland. (Resumes reading.)
Ray. Forgive me, I beg you to forgive me. (Coming round and sittting beside her.) I was mad—it was so sudden—this miserable story—but I don't care what they say. O! do listen to me. I thought you hated reading.
Laura. I often wish that I were ugly. wretched and repulsive, like the heroine in this story. (Seats herself.)
Ray. (Behind her.) Why?
Laura. Because, then I could tell who really loved me.
Ray. And don't you know?
Laura. No; I do not.
Ray. Well, I know.
Laura. Do tell me then, please.
Ray. He has told you so himself a hundred times.
Laura. You.
Ray. I.
Laura. (Laughing heartily at him, then, seriously.) How happy must those women be, who are poor, and friendless, and plain, when some true heart comes and says: I wish to marry you.
Ray. Laura, you act very strangely to-night.
Laura. Will you put this book away?
Ray. (Throws it on table.) There Laura. (Seats himself beside her.)
Laura. (Rising.) There's Pearl calling me.
Ray. (Rising and taking her hand.) Laura, why don't you let me speak to you.
