Part 6 (2/2)

_Renie._ I didn't expect you to be so unsympathetic. You promised to help me!

_Dolly._ Help you! How did you expect me to help you?

_Renie._ My husband has to go to Edinburgh next week to give a course of lectures there.

_Dolly._ Well?

_Renie._ He wants me to go with him. Dearest, it would be perfectly sweet of you to ask me to stay on another fortnight here.

_Dolly._ [_Makes a little movement of indignant surprise._] I see!

_Renie._ There could be no possible harm in it now that you know our attachment is quite innocent and that you can look after me every moment. Dearest, you might oblige me in a tiny little matter like this.

_Dolly._ [_After a pause._] I'll think it over----

_Renie._ Thank you so much.

_Dolly._ Renie, you said Mr. Pilcher's sermon came just in the nick of time----

_Renie._ So it did.

_Dolly._ You don't call this the ”nick of time”?!

_Renie._ Yes, indeed. I went to church in a perfect fever. I didn't know what to do. Well, as I listened to Mr. Pilcher everything became quite clear to me. I resolved I would accept Captain Wentworth's pure unselfish devotion and make it a lever to raise all my ideals and aspirations!

_Dolly._ But there wasn't anything in Mr. Pilcher's sermon about----

_Renie._ Oh yes, there was a lot about ideals and aspirations.

_Dolly._ Yes, but not the sort of aspirations you have for Lucas. I suppose you know he makes love to every woman he comes across?

_Renie._ He told me he had been led into one or two unworthy attachments.

_Dolly._ Yes! That's quite right. So he has! One or two!

_Renie._ That was before he met me.

_Dolly._ Yes, and this will be before he meets the next lady.

_Renie._ [_Looks at_ DOLLY _severely._] My dear Dolly, with your light frivolous nature it is impossible for you to understand a pure and exalted attachment like ours. Listen! [_Taking out a letter._] This will show you his fine nature, his fine feelings--”From the first moment I saw you----”

MATT _enters._

_Renie._ [_Putting letter in pocket._] Well, have you had a pleasant walk?

_Matt._ Very pleasant--and instructive. The Professor asked me to remind you that he's waiting for you at the fish-pond.

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