Thats a mistake.
Tramps are often shameless; but theyre never sincere. Swells--if I
may use that convenient name for the upper classes--play much more
with their cards on the table. If you tell the young lady that you
want to jilt her, and she calls you a pig, the tone of the transaction
may leave much to be desired; but itll be less Camberwellian than if
you say youre not worthy.
BOBBY. Oh, I cant make you understand, Juggins. The girl isnt a
scullery-maid. I want to do it delicately.
JUGGINS. A mistake, sir, believe me, if you are not a born artist in
that line.--Beg pardon, sir, I think I heard the bell. [He goes
out].
_Bobby, much perplexed, shoves his hands into his pockets, and comes
off the table, staring disconsolately straight before him; then goes
reluctantly to his books, and sits down to write. Juggins returns._
JUGGINS. [announcing] Miss Knox.
_Margaret comes in. Juggins withdraws._
MARGARET. Still grinding away for that Society of Arts examination,
Bobby? Youll never pass.
BOBBY. [rising] No: I was just writing to you.
MARGARET. What about?
BOBBY. Oh, nothing. At least-- How are you?
MARGARET. [passing round the other end of the table and putting down
on it a copy of Lloyd's Weekly and her purse-bag] Quite well, thank
you. How did you enjoy Brighton?
BOBBY. Brighton! I wasnt at-- Oh yes, of course. Oh, pretty well.
Is your aunt all right?
MARGARET.
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