The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-15
rHE PRIDE OF TWO.
=. -

how often it had been kissed by me be-
cause 1t was his? What has made we want
to see him again? All, I suppose there will
be keen pleasure in meeting his start OF
surprise. He has never mentioned my
name so he doesn't know that Edith and
/ were schoolmates six years ago. Heish-
no! I wonder (stops and listens). How
my heart beats, Foolishl He has proba-
bly, grown fat and bald and he will say.
"Ah. Miss Cay" and be commonplace
shall thank my stats for escaping. and be-
gin to appreciate Sir Herbert with E20,0C0
a year. (Goes to glass. fiercely.) Phyllis
Gay. there are tears in your eyes. Posi-
lively. I'm ashamed, Besides he didn't
care for you: and now-tstares again.
Frampton is heard whistling outside. Phyi-
. lis shrinks into the corner and waits. her
hand pressed against her hearty
tEnter Frampton. He Is a man Of about
; thirty, with an intelligent head. careless
ly but well dressed, frock coat, top hat.
etc. He advances into room slowly
-pardon-er-good God
Phyllisl
Phyllis Qooks at him pale and smiling)
Yes
| Framptor[I don't understand.
| Phyllis-No. / knew Edith before she
was married. and I came to see her.
knew you. and / thought I would like to
| stay and see you.
| Frampton-To see how stood having
| my heart broken (bitterly)- The place
| has healed.
Phyllis (sm.l!ng. with faint contempt)-
1t was very slight wound.
Frampton (walks about room. savageiy
ignoring her)-I am like fly who has had
his wings picked of. / died a horrible
death. and reiHcarnation came. / pray
that you will leave me my L wings now.
Phyllis( coldly)- did not fear for your
heart. 1t was q large place with :.sany
compartments. the amallest of which I
filed for a time.
Frampton comes up and stands before
her with strained expression in his eyes
and speaking roughlyl-Look here. You
shall explain to me what you mean now.
/ suffered the way a man suffers-she
way a woman never knows. and I scorn-
ed explanations. / swore not to ask
you what you meant By that last letter.
It was too cruel. and saw how had es-
capped; but now-you shall not tell me
about my heart. / swear you shan't.
Phyllis( still coldly)-r will not discuss
it. Laurence Hale will tell you what I
mean IL you ike, and kindly remember also
that you have no right to tell me what
shall or shall not do.
Frampton Speaking calmly, but with
voice trembling slightly)-I stand correct
you. VIII you?
Phyllis (speaking quickly and hysteric-
ally)-Mr. Hale told me the truth. He told
me of things in your life that should make
you ashamed but you are not ashamed.
You stand there calmly and try to appear
vtrtuous. end to make out that =
Frampton (brokenly)-PhyiIis. there has
heen some terrible. terrible mistake. Hale
lied to you about me. Hale loved you him.
self
After a long pause Phyllis raises her
head slowly, very pale, and looks straight
at Frampton. He steps forward as IL to
take her hand. but she waves him of and
shakes her head dumbly.
Phyllis trepeating}-Hale lied to me.
Then 1t was all mistake-and it's too
late.
Frampton (passionately)-No! no! no!
It's not too late. Don't you see. Phyllis,
nothing can matter now? Nothing mat
tiers. You love me. love you; that's ALL
There must be no barrier; have always
only loved you.
Phyllis (backs against wall, speaking In
low voice)-You are quite, quite mad.
No. no: stop Enough has been wrecked
There are two lives broken. We have
received our knock and we are painted
and mended and seaworthy again. No
other life must be hurt. Ny dull aching
pulu ID part VI me HOW tSIDlieS
could not do without it. 1 fear, and you
mind yours! am going to marry Sir Her
bert Cray-and / am going to be very
happy.
Frampton-oh, for Gods sake, DON'T
don't
Phyllis (weakly)-I have made a mis-
take, and I am going away-and I have
been false toto your wife
champion stops suddenly In his promo
adj nd 81 ctry ~ h4r
Frampton-But-my-w ! taven't
GOT
Phyiiis-Hush, here she comesl
ENTER Mrs. Frampton)
Mrs. F. Ito Phyllis)-My dear. I am so
sorry to have been so long, but I see you
and Donald have made friends without
waiting to be formally introduced. Phyi-
lis. this is my husbands cousin, Mr. Den.
aid Frampton. and, Don. this Is Miss Phyl-
lis Gay an old schoolmate Of mine. You
know. Phyl, that both my husband and his
family name with the Framptona I'm
sorry my Don hasn't come in I wanted
you to know him SO much: he's such Q
dear. but
She looks strangely from Phyllis -
Frampton. Phyllis during the first part
Of the speech has raised her eyes to
Frampton's face with overpowering glad
ness in them. He comes over slowly -
where she Is standing and takes both 10
hands in his.)
Curtain.-Black and White.