What my duty may be, I shall be able to decide after I have
spoken with her ladyship--alone.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Dear! You will see him?
FANNY. I am sorry. I have not the time.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. No. Of course. [Appealing to Bennet
for mercy] Her ladyship is tired. To-morrow -
FANNY [interrupting]. Neither to-morrow--nor any other day. [Vernon
enters, followed by Newte. She advances to meet them.] You've just
missed some old friends of yours. [She shakes hands with Newte.]
VERNON. So it seems. We were hoping to have been in time. [To
Newte] The mare came along pretty slick, didn't she?
BENNET [he has remained with his look fixed all the time on Fanny].
May I speak with your lordship a moment--in private?
VERNON. Now?
BENNET. It is a matter that needs to be settled now. [It is the
tone of respectful authority he has always used towards the lad.]
VERNON. Well, if it's as pressing as all that I suppose you must.
[He makes a movement towards the door. To Newte] Shan't be long.
FANNY. One moment. [Vernon stops.] I may be able to render the
interview needless. Who is mistress of this house?
VERNON. Who is mistress?
FANNY. Who is mistress of your house?
VERNON. Why, you are, of course.
FANNY. Thank you. [She turns to Bennet] Please tell Mrs. Bennet I
want her.
BENNET. I think if your lordship -
FANNY. At once. [She is looking at him. He struggles--looks at
Vernon.
Pages:
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88