The Eldest Son by John Galsworthy
page 91 of 93 (97%)
page 91 of 93 (97%)
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SIR WILLIAM. I didn't suppose you were, Studdenham. It appears to rest with your daughter. [He suddenly takes out his handkerchief, and puts it to his forehead] Infernal fires they make up here! LADY CHESHIRE, who is again shivering desperately, as if with intense cold, makes a violent attempt to control her shuddering. STUDDENHAM. [Suddenly] There's luxuries that's got to be paid for. [To FREDA] Speak up, now. FREDA turns slowly and looks up at SIR WILLIAM; he involuntarily raises his hand to his mouth. Her eyes travel on to LADY CHESHIRE, who faces her, but so deadly pale that she looks as if she were going to faint. The girl's gaze passes on to BILL, standing rigid, with his jaw set. FREDA. I want--[Then flinging her arm up over her eyes, she turns from him] No! SIR WILLIAM. Ah! At that sound of profound relief, STUDDENHAM, whose eyes have been following his daughter's, moves towards SIR WILLIAM, all his emotion turned into sheer angry pride. STUDDENHAM. Don't be afraid, Sir William! We want none of you! She'll not force herself where she's not welcome. She may ha' slipped her good name, but she'll keep her proper pride. I'll have no charity marriage in my family. |
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