_He._ And do you suppose I can allow you to associate with these fellows, who all want to make love to you?
_She_ (_aside, joyfully_). He _is_ jealous! The dear boy!
_He_ (_fiercely_). Do you think I can permit this, madam?
_She_ (_aside_). “Madam!” I could hug him for loving me enough to call me “madam” like that. But I must not give in too soon.
_He._ Have you nothing to say for yourself? Can you find no words to defend yourself, woman?
_She_ (_aside_). “Woman!” He calls me “woman!” I can forgive him anything now.
_He._ Are you dumb, woman? Have you naught to say?
_She_ (_gleefully, aside_). I had no idea I had married an Othello! (_She sees the pillow on the sofa, and, crossing to it quietly, hides the pillow behind the sofa._)
_He_ (_aside_). What did she mean by that?--(_Aloud, fiercely._) Do you intend to deny--
_She_ (_interrupting_). I have nothing to deny, I have nothing to conceal.
_He._ Do you deny that you confessed these fellows sought to make love to you?
_She._ I do not deny that. (_Mischievously._) But I never thought you would worry about such trifles.
_He._ Trifles! madam? Trifles, indeed! (_Glances in book, and quoting:_)
“Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ.”
_She_ (_surprised aside_). Where did he get his blank verse?
_He_ (_aside_). That seemed to tell. I’ll give her some more. (Glancing in pamphlet, and quoting:)
“But, alas, to make me A fixed figure for the time of scorn To point his slow, unmoving finger at!”
_She_ (_aside, jumping up with indignation_). Why, it is _Othello_ he is quoting! He is acting! He is positively playing a part! It is shameful of him! It’s not real jealousy: it’s a sham. Oh, the wretch! But I’ll pay him back! I’ll make him jealous without any make-believe.
_He_ (_aside_). I’m getting on capitally. I’m making a strong impression: I am rousing her out of her nervousness. I doubt if she will want any more private theatricals now. I don’t think I shall have to repeat the lesson. This _Guide to the Passions_ is a first-rate book: I’ll keep one in the house all the time.
_She_ (_aside_). If he plays Othello, I can play Iago. I’ll give his jealousy something to feed on. I have no blank verse for him, but I’ll make him blank enough before I am done with him. Oh, the villain!