He cares for only one person
in the world; and that is himself. There is not in his whole nature
one unselfish spot. He would not spend one hour of his real life
with-- (a sob chokes her: she rises passionately, crying) You are all
alike, every one of you. Even my father only makes a pet of me. (She
goes away to the fireplace and stands with her back to him.)
PARAMORE (following her humbly). I don't deserve this from you: indeed
I do not.
JULIA (rating him). Then why do you talk about me with Charteris,
behind my back?
PARAMORE. We said nothing disparaging of you. Nobody shall ever do
that in my presence. We spoke of the subject nearest our hearts.
JULIA. His heart! Oh, God, his heart! (She sits down on the couch and
hides her face.)
PARAMORE (sadly). I am afraid you love him, for all that, Miss Craven.
JULIA (raising her head instantly). If he says that, he lies. If ever
you hear it said that I cared for him, contradict it: it is false.
PARAMORE (quickly advancing to her). Miss Craven: is the way clear for
me then?
JULIA (pettishly--losing interest in the conversation and looking
crossly into the fire).
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