Arms and the Man, George Bernard Shaw [comprehension books txt] 📗

honor by making me a party to your eavesdropping. And you have betrayed your mistress⁠— Louka Writhing. Please⁠— Sergius That shows that you are an abominable little clod of common clay, with the soul of a servant. He lets her go as if she were an unclean thing, and turns away, dusting his hands of her, to the bench by the wall, where he sits down with averted head, meditating gloomily. Louka Whimpering angrily with her hands up her sleeves, feeling her bruised arms. You know how to hurt with your tongue as well as with your hands. But I don’t care, now I’ve found out that whatever clay I’m made of, you’re made of the same. As for her, she’s a liar; and her fine airs are a cheat; and I’m worth six of her. She shakes the pain off hardily; tosses her head; and sets to work to put the things on the tray. He looks doubtfully at her once or twice. She finishes packing the tray, and laps the cloth over the edges, so as to carry all out together. As she stoops to lift it, he rises. Sergius Louka! She stops and looks defiantly at him with the tray in her hands. A gentleman has no right to hurt a woman under any circumstances. With profound humility, uncovering his head. I beg your pardon. Louka That sort of apology may satisfy a lady. Of what use is it to a servant? Sergius Thus rudely crossed in his chivalry, throws it off with a bitter laugh and says slightingly. Oh, you wish to be paid for the hurt? He puts on his shako, and takes some money from his pocket. Louka Her eyes filling with tears in spite of herself. No, I want my hurt made well. Sergius Sobered by her tone. How? She rolls up her left sleeve; clasps her arm with the thumb and fingers of her right hand; and looks down at the bruise. Then she raises her head and looks straight at him. Finally, with a superb gesture she presents her arm to be kissed. Amazed, he looks at her; at the arm; at her again; hesitates; and then, with shuddering intensity, exclaims, Sergius Never! And gets away as far as possible from her. Her arm drops. Without a word, and with unaffected dignity, she takes her tray, and is approaching the house when Raina returns wearing a hat and jacket in the height of the Vienna fashion of the previous year, 1885. Louka makes way proudly for her, and then goes into the house. Raina I’m ready! What’s the matter? Gaily. Have you been flirting with Louka? Sergius Hastily. No, no. How can you think such a thing? Raina Ashamed of herself. Forgive me, dear: it was only a jest. I am so happy today. He goes quickly to her, and kisses her hand remorsefully. Catherine comes out and calls to them from the top of the steps. Catherine Coming down to them. I am sorry to disturb you, children; but Paul is distracted over those three regiments. He does not know how to get them to Phillipopolis; and he objects to every suggestion of mine. You must go and help him, Sergius. He is in the library. Raina Disappointed. But we are just going out for a walk. Sergius I shall not be long. Wait for me just five minutes. He runs up the steps to the door. Raina Following him to the foot of the steps and looking up at him with timid coquetry. I shall go round and wait in full view of the library windows. Be sure you draw Father’s attention to me. If you are a moment longer than five minutes, I shall go in and fetch you, regiments or no regiments. Sergius Laughing. Very well. He goes in. Raina watches him until he is out of her sight. Then, with a perceptible relaxation of manner, she begins to pace up and down about the garden in a brown study. Catherine Imagine their meeting that Swiss and hearing the whole story! The very first thing your father asked for was the old coat we sent him off in. A nice mess you have got us into! Raina Gazing thoughtfully at the gravel as she walks. The little beast! Catherine Little beast! What little beast? Raina To go and tell! Oh, if I had him here, I’d stuff him with chocolate creams till he couldn’t ever speak again! Catherine Don’t talk nonsense. Tell me the truth, Raina. How long was he in your room before you came to me? Raina Whisking round and recommencing her march in the opposite direction. Oh, I forget. Catherine You cannot forget! Did he really climb up after the soldiers were gone, or was he there when that officer searched the room? Raina No. Yes, I think he must have been there then. Catherine You think! Oh, Raina, Raina! Will anything ever make you straightforward? If Sergius finds out, it is all over between you. Raina With cool impertinence. Oh, I know Sergius is your pet. I sometimes wish you could marry him instead of me. You would just suit him. You would pet him, and spoil him, and mother him to perfection. Catherine Opening her eyes very widely indeed. Well, upon my word! Raina Capriciously⁠—half to herself. I always feel a longing to do or say something dreadful to him⁠—to shock his propriety⁠—to scandalize the five senses out of him! To Catherine perversely. I don’t care whether he finds out about the chocolate cream soldier or not. I half hope he may. She again turns flippantly away and strolls up the path to the corner of the house. Catherine And what should I be able to say to your father, pray? Raina Over her shoulder, from the top of the two steps. Oh, poor Father! As if he could help himself! She turns the corner and passes out