Jean, what makes you say such horribly honest things to me?
Yesterday I did you a great unkindness, Rex. I deserve to suffer for it.... You don't suppose I enjoy talking this way about myself?
I never heard a girl--a nice girl--talk like this before.
Naturally not. Usually "nice" girls hide it. It's an instinct in women--to keep up their value.... Often I've had thoughts and feelings which "nice" girls of your artificial ideal are supposed never to have at all. Perfectly natural, too, especially girls of my sort. We have so little to occupy our minds, except men! To have a useful, absorbing occupation--it rubs off the bloom, lowers our price in the market, you see.
Oh, stop!... If you're not going to marry me, say so, but----
But I am!... I am not going to be a dependent old maid. [_REX, bewildered, only gazes at her._] But, first, I want you to know exactly what you're getting for your money. That seems only businesslike.
I told you I loved another man. Do you want me?
I'll make you love _me_! [_Kisses her triumphantly._] I'll bring a different light into those cold eyes of yours. Wait until you're married! Wait until you're awakened. I'll make you forget that man, all other men. You are to be mine--all mine, all mine! [_During this embrace JEAN is quite passive, holds up her cheek to be kissed, and when he seeks her lips she shuts her eyes and gives him her lips. He suddenly stops, chilled; holding her at arms length._] But I don't care to marry an iceberg. Can't you love me a little? Haven't you any sentiment in your cynical little soul ... you irresistible darling!
In my soul? Yes! It's only my body I'm selling, you know.
[_Then deliberately--clearly without passion--throws her arms about his neck, clinging close and kissing him repeatedly until REX responds._
Oh, Theodore! Rex and I have come to an understanding.... Will you solemnize our blessed union?
Not unless you truly love each other. Marriage is sacred.
A large church wedding--that will make it sacred. A full choral service--many expensive flowers--all the smartest people invited--that always makes the union of two souls sacred.
Those who truly love--their friends should witness the solemn rite, but----
And my wedding gown will be white satin with a point-lace veil caught up with orange-blossoms and a diamond tiara--"the gift of the groom"--that ought to make it solemn.