Poems (Duer)/Overheard in a Conservatory
OVERHEARD IN A CONSERVATORY.
He (after a pause):Dear, are you angry? She:Dear, are you angry?Yes, though not at you, But at myself. Of course, we know it's true That when a man respects a girl . . . He (interrupting):That when a man respects a girl . . .I thought You d say that. It's the nonsense girls are taught. You know, as well as I do, I revere You more than any other woman, dear. She (indignantly): You d not have done it to Elfrida Hood. He: Immortal gods! I shouldn't think I would. She (haughtily): If this but seems to you fit food for jest I say no more. Silence were plainly best. He (very seriously): Dear, if I jest, it is because I read The hopelessness of aught that I could plead In your stern eyes, which righteous wrath be tray. Were you another woman, I should say That you were fair, and I, it seems, was mad, But that the last long waltz that we had had Might very well have turned a wiser head. A hundred things like this I might have said To women who would take them as excuse. You think none possible—so what's the use? She:Then why discuss it further? Let us go. He: One minute! I should like you first to know I did not think that this would be the end When, two weeks since, you said you'd be my friend. She (reflectively): Only two weeks. He:Not long, tis true, and yet, You've stopped my doing much I should regret. Nor should I murmur that you teach how far More hard than others all good women are. She (emphatically): That is not true, indeed it is not true. Some men I could forgive this, but not you. You would go home, and smile, and think I meant—I viewed it merely as a . . . He (politely): I viewed it merely as a . . .Precedent! Was that the word? Indeed, in this respect You wrong, to say the least, my intellect. If you forgave me, I should understand Just what it meant . . . She (hastily): Just what it meant . . .Oh, please let go my hand! Here is papa, who comes, I know, to say That it is late, and time to go away. He: I do not care a bit how late it is, I only know we cannot part like this. Show me, at least, you do not doubt my sorrow. She (hesitatingly): Well come as usual at five to-morrow.
A. D.