THE RETURN OF THE SOLDIER
Jenny : Of course not, Frank. I’m sorry. I never used to cry when you proposed to me, did I? I’m afraid I sometimes used to laugh. You see, I’m getting old. I can’t cope with proposals like I used. I’m out of practice for them. I get winded . . . like you at tennis.
Frank : Jenny, you needn’t make fun of me. I know you think I’m ridiculous, even when I’m proposing to you.
Jenny : I wasn’t making fun of you, Frank. I think I was making fun of myself. It’s about the only thing left to make.
[Kitty comes in L.
Kitty : Has Chris come back, Jenny?
Jenny : Not yet.
Kitty : The car’s gone?
Jenny : Yes.
Frank : Is that to fetch Mrs. Grey?
Jenny : Yes.
Kitty : You'll see her, Jenny? I can’t. At least I might be spared that humiliation.
Frank : It’s good of you to let her come here, Kitty.
Kitty (tonelessly) : Chris wants her.
Frank : You’re being very brave.
Kitty : Chris is being very . . . polite. The perfect gentleman. How beautifully he hid his disappointment over the car not being able to go this morning.
48