There Are Crimes and Crimes by August Strindberg
page 30 of 117 (25%)
page 30 of 117 (25%)
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MAURICE. But that's horrible! And didn't it make YOU suffer?
HENRIETTE. Not at all, and that astonished me most, for I am rather sensitive to other people's sufferings. Isn't that so, Adolphe? ADOLPHE. That's right. Rather abnormally so, in fact, and not the least when animals are concerned. MAURICE. And I, on the other hand, am rather callous toward the sufferings both of myself and others. ADOLPHE. Now he is not telling the truth about himself. Or what do you say, Madame Catherine? MME. CATHERINE. I don't know of anybody with a softer heart than Monsieur Maurice. He came near calling in the police because I didn't give the goldfish fresh water--those over there on the buffet. Just look at them: it is as if they could hear what I am saying. MAURICE. Yes, here we are making ourselves out as white as angels, and yet we are, taking it all in all, capable of any kind of polite atrocity the moment glory, gold, or women are concerned--So you are a sculptor, Mademoiselle Henriette? HENRIETTE. A bit of one. Enough to do a bust. And to do one of you--which has long been my cherished dream--I hold myself quite capable. |
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