But I should wonder at myself if it were so. Have we not been all in
all to one another from the time when we first peeped into the bird's
nest, waded in the brook, ran after the butterflies, and prattled to
each other that we would marry fine gentlemen, and played at being
fine ladies?
EVA.
That last was my Father's fault, poor man. And this lover of yours--
this Mr. Harold--is a gentleman?
DORA.
That he is, from head to foot. I do believe I lost my heart to him the
very first time we met, and I love him so much--
EVA.
Poor Dora!
DORA.
That I dare not tell him how much I love him.
EVA.
Better not. Has he offered you marriage, this gentleman?
DORA
Could I love him else?
EVA.
And are you quite sure that after marriage this gentleman will not be
shamed of his poor farmer's daughter among the ladies in his
drawing-room?
DORA.
Shamed of me in a drawing-room! Wasn't Miss Vavasour, our
schoolmistress at Littlechester, a lady born? Were not our
fellow-pupils all ladies? Wasn't dear mother herself at least by one
side a lady? Can't I speak like a lady; pen a letter like a lady; talk
a little French like a lady; play a little like a lady? Can't a girl
when she loves her husband, and he her, make herself anything he
wishes her to be? Shamed of me in a drawing-room, indeed! See here! 'I
hope your Lordship is quite recovered of your gout?' (_Curtsies_.
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