Symbols, my dear fellow, not to be taken in a literal sense--time-honored and beautiful symbols.
But why insult a woman you respect--even symbolically?
We try to find the truth--and you try to hide it, eh? Well, there's one thing we have in common, anyway--one faith I'll never doubt again; I believe in Heaven now. I always shall.
Not in the least. I've been there. [_JOHN comes out to breakfast. He is scowling._] Good morning; could you spare me five minutes?
Going to be pretty busy to-day--you, too, I suppose, if you're sailing to-morrow.
I can postpone sailing. This is more important.
I should hate to see _anything_ interfere with your career.
[_LUCY also arrives for breakfast. She "always pours her husband's coffee."_
I appreciate your interest, but I'll look out for my "career." [_To LUCY._] Could you tell me when your sister will be down?
My sister is ill and won't be down at all ... until _after_ you _leave_.
[_LUCY pretends not to hear. THEODORE walks away._
I don't believe you quite understand. It is a matter of indifference to me whether we have a talk or not. Entirely out of courtesy to you that I suggest it.
Don't inconvenience yourself on my account.
[_shrugs shoulders and turns to THEODORE_]
Wait, I think I'll sit in church till train time.
Come along. I'm going to preach about marriage!
Thanks for your kindness. Will you ask the valet to pack my things, please? I'll call for them on the way to the station. [_To JOHN._] Do you understand? I have no favors to ask of you. You don't own your sister--she owns herself.
Rather impertinent for a two-thousand-dollar man, I think. [_Resumes breakfast, picks up newspaper. LUCY says nothing, attending to his wants solicitously._] Bah! what does this highbrow know about the power men of my sort can use ... when we have to? [_LUCY cringes dutifully in silence. JOHN, paper in one hand, brusquely passes cup to LUCY with other._] Helen got her own way about college, about work, about living in her own apartment--but if she thinks she can put _this_ across! Humph! These modern women must learn their place. [_LUCY, smiling timidly, returns cup. JOHN takes it without thanks, busied in newspapers. A look of resentment creeps over LUCY'S pretty face, now that he can't see her._] Ah! I've got something up my sleeve for that young woman. [_LUCY says nothing, looks of contempt while he reads._] Well, why don't you say something?