You seem to understand all the things I don't understand; but you are a perfect baby in the things I do understand.
TANNER.
I understand how Tavy feels for you, Ann; you may depend on that, at all events.
ANN.
And you think you understand how I feel for Tavy, don't you?
TANNER.
I know only too well what is going to happen to poor Tavy.
ANN.
I should laugh at you, Jack, if it were not for poor papa's death.
Mind!
Tavy will be very unhappy.
TANNER.
Yes; but he won't know it, poor devil.
He is a thousand times too good for you.
That's why he is going to make the mistake of his life about you.
ANN.
I think men make more mistakes by being too clever than by being too good [she sits down, with a trace of contempt for the whole male sex in the elegant carriage of her shoulders].
TANNER.
Oh, I know you don't care very much about Tavy.
But there is always one who kisses and one who only allows the kiss.
Tavy will kiss; and you will only turn the cheek. And you will throw him over if anybody better turns up.
ANN. [offended] You have no right to say such things, Jack.
They are not true, and not delicate.
If you and Tavy choose to be stupid about me, that is not my fault.
TANNER. [remorsefully] Forgive my brutalities, Ann.
They are levelled at this wicked world, not at you. [She looks up at him, pleased and forgiving. He becomes cautious at once]. All the same, I wish Ramsden would come back.
I never feel safe with you: there is a devilish charm—or no: not a charm, a subtle interest [she laughs].
Just so: you know it; and you triumph in it.
Openly and shamelessly triumph in it!
ANN.
What a shocking flirt you are, Jack!
TANNER.
A flirt!!
I!!
ANN.
Yes, a flirt.
You are always abusing and offending people, but you never really mean to let go your hold of them.
TANNER.
I will ring the bell.
This conversation has already gone further than I intended.
Ramsden and Octavius come back with Miss Ramsden, a hardheaded old maiden lady in a plain brown silk gown, with enough rings, chains and brooches to show that her plainness of dress is a matter of principle, not of poverty.
She comes into the room very determinedly: the two men, perplexed and downcast, following her.
Ann rises and goes eagerly to meet her.
Tanner retreats to the wall between the busts and pretends to study the pictures.
Ramsden goes to his table as usual; and Octavius clings to the neighborhood of Tanner.
MISS RAMSDEN. [almost pushing Ann aside as she comes to Mr. Whitefield's chair and plants herself there resolutely] I wash my hands of the whole affair.
OCTAVIUS. [very wretched] I know you wish me to take Violet away, Miss Ramsden.
I will. [He turns irresolutely to the door].
RAMSDEN.
No no—