Pearl. That's some comfort, isn't it?
Ray. (Enters L. H. bowing to others.) Going out, Pearl?
Pearl. Yes, we re off to Shrewsbury. Quite a party's going—four carriages—and we mean to stay and ride home by moonlight.
Ray. Couldn't you return a little earlier?
Mrs. V. D. Earlier! Pshaw! What's in you, Trafford. (The ladies and gents. go up.)
Ray. (Pearl, C.) You know that Laura will be quite alone, and she is still suffering.
Pearl. Well, she'll read and read, as she always did, and never miss me.
Ray. But, at least, she ought to have some little attention.
Pearl. Dear, dear, what an unreasonable fellow you are. Isn't she happy now—didn't you save her from drowning, and havn't I been as good to her as I can be—what more do you want?
Ray. I don't like to hear you talk so, Pearl, and remember what she and you were once. And you know that she was something else once—something that you are now to me. And yet how cheerful, how gentle she is. She has lost everything and does not complain.
Pearl. Well, what a sermon! There, I know you re hurt and I'm a fool. But I can't help it. People say she's good-looking, but she's got no heart! I'd give anything for one, but they aint to be bought.
Ray. Well, don't moan about it, I didn't mean to reprove you.
Pearl. But you do reprove me. I'm sure I havn't been the cause of Laura's troubles. I didn't tell the big, ugly man to come and take her away, although I was once glad he did.
Ray. Pearl!
Pearl. Because I thought I had gained you by it. (Ray turns away.) But now I've got you, I don't seem to make you happy. But I might as well complain that you don't make me happy—but I don't complain, I am satisfied, and I want you to be satisfied. There, are you satisfied?
Mrs. V. D. (Who with others has been promenading up and down the balcony.) Here are the carriages.
Pearl. I'm coming. Can't you get me my shawl, Ray. (Ray gets it from chair.)
Mrs. V. D. And here's your foreign admirer on horseback.
Pearl. (Up stage C.) Bye, bye, Ray. (Exit.)
Mrs. V. D. Are you not coming, Trafford?
Ray. I? No!
Mrs. V. D. Do come on horseback, here s a horse ready for you.
Pearl. (Without.) Ray! Ray!
Mrs. V. D. Pearl's calling you. Be quick or Count Carom will be before you, and hand her in the carriage.
Ray. (Taking his hat slowly.) O, by all means, let the Count have some amusement.
Mrs. V. D. (Taking Ray's arm.) You're a perfect icicle.
[Noise of whips and laughter. Plaintive music as Laura enters. L. goes to C. and gazes out at them.]
