Denham.
That _will_ be pretty. Good-bye.
Undine.
Good-bye. (_Kisses her hand to Denham._)
(_Exit Undine._)
Denham.
Well, it isn't such a very wicked idiot, after all. Now is it?
(_Crosses L, and sits._)
Mrs. Denham.
Oh, she is good enough when she hasn't to do what she dislikes.
(_Crosses back of table._)
Denham.
Children _are_ shockingly human, just like you and me. I wish I
could cure you of this intense irritability, Constance.
Mrs. Denham.
You have often lost your own temper with her when you have tried to
teach her anything--often enough. (_Sits L of table._)
Denham.
Yes, it was sheer stupidity. It is a bad educational method. It
involves loss of dignity on both sides. Be as stern as you please,
but not furious.
Mrs. Denham.
Furious! (_Rises_) Thank you for the word. (_Crosses R._) I
know I am making myself hated by her and despised by you; but I must
do my duty as best I can in the teeth of your cruel criticism. I
_must_ think of her future.
Denham.
(_rises, and lights pipe_) Oh, damn the future--and the past too!
You take life too seriously. You are a born self-tormentor, too full
of anxiety to live.
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