I've grown quite fond of your voice. I like a right
woman's voice.
Bessie (_Averted head_). Quite fond! (_Sharply_.) Talk! Nonsense! Much
you'd care. (_Businesslike_.) Of course I would have to sometimes....
(_Thoughtful again_.) Yes. In a week--if--if only I knew you would try
to get on with him afterwards.
Harry (_Leaning against lamp-post; growls through his teeth_). More
humouring. Ah! well, no! (_Hums significantly_)
Oh, oh, oh, Rio, . . .
And fare thee well
My bonnie young girl,
We're bound for Rio Grande.
Bessie (Shivering). What's this?
Harry. Why! The chorus of an up-anchor tune. Kiss and go. A deep-water
ship's good-bye.... You are cold. Here's that thing of yours I've
picked up and forgot there on my arm. Turn round a bit. So. (_Wraps her
up--commanding_.) Hold the ends together in front.
Bessie (_Softly_). A week is not so very long.
Harry (_Begins violently_). You think that I-------
(_Stops with sidelong look at her_.) I can't dodge about in ditches and
live on air and water. Can I? I haven't any money--you know.
Bessie. He's been scraping and saving up for years. All he has is for
you, and perhaps...
Harry (_Interrupts_). Yes. If I come to sit on it like a blamed toad in
a hole. Thank you.
Bessie (_Angrily_). What did you come for, then?
Harry (_Promptly_).
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