[Another laugh.] But, of course, I
ought to have told you everything myself. I ought not to have wanted
a man to whom it would have made one atom of difference whether my
cousins were scullery-maids or not. Somehow, I felt that to you it
might. [Vernon winces.] It's natural enough. You have a big
position to maintain. I didn't know you were a lord--that was your
doing. George did find it out, but he never told me; least of all,
that you were Lord Bantock--or you may be pretty sure I should have
come out with the truth, if only for my own sake. It hasn't been any
joke for me, coming back here.
VERNON. Yes. I can see they've been making things pretty hard for
you.
FANNY. Oh, they thought they were doing their duty. [He is seated.
She comes up behind him, puts her hands on his shoulders.] I want
you to take them all back again. I want to feel I have made as
little commotion in your life as possible. It was just a little
mistake. And everybody will say how fortunate it was that she took
herself off so soon with that--[She was about to say "that theatrical
Johnny," thinking of Newte. She checks herself.] And you will marry
somebody belonging to your own class. And those are the only
sensible marriages there are.
VERNON. Have you done talking?
FANNY. Yes! Yes, I think that's all.
VERNON. Then perhaps you'll let me get in a word. You think me a
snob? [Fanny makes a movement.] As a matter of fact, I am.
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