And here, sitting thus
side by side, we continued our discussion on this wise:
DIANA (sullenly). However, I don't want any more o' your grammar; I
gets along well enough without it--
MYSELF (interrupting). But then I want you to do much more than just
get along, Diana.
DIANA. How much more?
MYSELF. Well, I want you to live to the utmost of your capacity, to
make the very best of yourself and your life, to become the wonderful
woman you may be if only you will. And this you can never do without a
knowledge of grammar and deportment.
DIANA. And why d'ye want me to do--to be all this?
MYSELF. Because it is a duty you owe to the world and your own
womanhood. If we all strove to do our best, the world would become a
better place for everybody, at once.
DIANA (passionately). Oh, 'tis easy for you to talk so fine; you've
got friends--rich friends t' help you! But who have I got--
MYSELF. Well, Diana, his name, as I told you before, is Peregrine.
DIANA. You?
MYSELF. Precisely--
DIANA. d'ye mean--what do you mean?
MYSELF. That I will be your true friend always--to help you so long as
you need--if you will have me. My friends shall be your
friends--especially my aunt Julia, who is the noblest and best of
women--
DIANA (ungraciously). A _Kooshti para rati_--a true
_rawni_--a grand lady, I s'pose?
MYSELF. She is a truly great lady.
DIANA. And wears silk gowns that rustle, I s'pose?
MYSELF (mystified).
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