I cant imagine anything
more innocent and more happy. All the bad part was done by other
people: they did it out of pure devilment if you like. Anyhow, here
we are, two gaolbirds, Bobby, disgraced forever. Isnt it a relief?
BOBBY. [rising stiffly] But you know, it's not the same for a
girl. A man may do things a woman maynt. [He stands on the
hearthrug with his back to the fire].
MARGARET. Are you scandalized, Bobby?
BOBBY. Well, you cant expect me to approve of it, can you, Meg? I
never thought you were that sort of girl.
MARGARET. [rising indignantly] I'm not. You mustnt pretend to
think that _I_'m a clergyman's daughter, Bobby.
BOBBY. I wish you wouldnt chaff about that. Dont forget the row you
got into for letting out that you admired Juggins [she turns her back
on him quickly]--a footman! And what about the Frenchman?
MARGARET. [facing him again] I know nothing about the Frenchman
except that hes a very nice fellow and can swing his leg round like
the hand of a clock and knock a policeman down with it. He was in
Wormwood Scrubbs with you. I was in Holloway.
BOBBY. It's all very well to make light of it, Meg; but this is a bit
thick, you know.
MARGARET. Do you feel you couldnt marry a woman whos been in prison?
BOBBY. [hastily] No. I never said that. It might even give a
woman a greater claim on a man. Any girl, if she were thoughtless and
a bit on, perhaps, might get into a scrape.
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