OTTOLINE.

I arrived at a decision during the night too, Phil.

PHILIP.

Yes?

OTTOLINE.

Don't--don't loathe me. [_Shaking her head gravely._] I am not going to
marry you.

PHILIP.

[_Staring at her._] You're not going to--marry me?

OTTOLINE.

No, Philip.

PHILIP.

[_After another pause._] You--you're overwrought, Otto; you've had no
sleep. Neither of us has had any sleep----

OTTOLINE.

Oh, but I'm quite clearheaded----

PHILIP.

[_Bewildered._] Why, just now you said you'd forgiven me--repeated
it----!

OTTOLINE.

I do repeat it. If I've anything to forgive, I forgive you a thousand
times----

PHILIP.

And you allowed me to--to take you in my arms----

OTTOLINE.

You shall take me in your arms again, Phil, once more, before we part,
if you wish to. I'm not a girl, though you call me one----

PHILIP.

[_Sternly._] Look here! You don't imagine for an instant that I shall
accept this! You----!

OTTOLINE.

Ssh! Try not to be hasty; try to be reasonable. Listen to me----

PHILIP.

You--you mean me to understand that, in consequence of this wretched
Titterton affair, you've changed your mind, and intend to chuck me!

OTTOLINE.

Yes, I mean you to understand that.

PHILIP.

[_Turning from her indignantly._] Oh----!

OTTOLINE.

[_Sitting in the chair by the smoking-table._] Philip--Philip--[_He
hesitates, then seats himself on the settee opposite to her. She speaks
with great firmness and deliberation._] Philip, while you were lying
awake last night, or walking about your room, didn't you--_think_?

PHILIP.

[_Hotly._] _Think----!_

OTTOLINE.

No, no--soberly, steadily, searchingly. Evidently not, _cher ami_!
[_Bending forward._] Phil, after what has happened, can't you see me as
I really _am_?

PHILIP.

As you--are?

OTTOLINE.

An incurably vulgar wom