human
Sorry, I forgot my bag,
gpt
Miss Jane Judd, he said earnestly,
human
What did you say?
gpt
I am at the mercy of things, I need a wife. I want you,
human
Why do you want me?
gpt
Because you are able and quiet, because you're work atmosphere, because you are the kind I need.
human
You know nothing about me, Mr. Paxton,
gpt
Are you married?
human
No. I mean you know nothing about my thoughts, my interests, my views of life.
gpt
I don't care what your views of life are. I know you don't talk about them all the time. I've known you for five years, and I ask you to marry me.
human
You think I can protect you from the other women; is that it?
gpt
I didn't mean to say----
human
Let us be quite frank about it.
gpt
That's partly it, he admitted.
human
How can I get anything done----
gpt
You think I could make you comfortable? Look after the studio, attend to the meals and other details which annoy you.
human
You're used to doing that,
gpt
Quite so. And what am I to get out of this bargain, Mr. Paxton?
human
Marrying me is not exactly a step down for you, socially,
gpt
That does not interest me especially, but I admit it. Is there anything else?
human
It would mean freedom from work, it would mean that you would have a home and be supported. It would mean leisure, and a chance to improve yourself. I think it would be a mighty good thing for you.
gpt
You are taking a risk. You don't know me at all. What you want is a dumb wife, and, if you remember the play, she was not at all a comfortable possession.
human
I'm taking no greater risk than you are.
gpt
Oh, yes. I know you. I've studied you, off and on, for five years. You have barely looked at me. Think of Mrs. Abercrombie Brendon and Miss Morton. Would you be apologetic for me with them?
human
Not a bit. I saw you handle them at the pageant.
gpt
And the studio crowd? Remember I've been a sort of servant to them.
human
They're all good sports. They all know you, and what you are. We can count on them.
gpt
I have no family. Have you any relations?
human
No.
gpt
I think we ought to face all the possibilities.
human
King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid
gpt
You don't dislike me, do you?
human
No. But I think we would better keep sentiment out of the matter, don't you? It is, after all, a business arrangement, of so much for so much.
gpt
I thought maybe you were hurt because I did not protest some affection for you.
human
Oh, not at all.
gpt
I'm afraid I've done it very badly.
human
No, on the whole, I think you've done it very well. The main thing is that we should both understand perfectly. My contention is that I understand it better than you do.
gpt
I understand that you do not think much of me or the idea,
human
On the contrary, I think highly of both. I only suggest that you ought to know more about my ideas and ambitions.
gpt
I'll take them on faith, Jane, if you will take me so.
human
Come, child, let's be about your living.
gpt
Thank you, Mr. Paxton, I will marry you,
human
Good. I hope you may never regret it,
gpt
I hope the same for you,
human
When will you--when shall we do it?
gpt
Whenever you like.
human
To-day, now. Let's get it over so I, so we, can settle down. Will you marry me to-day, Jane?
gpt
I am ready.
human
Good! That's what I like about you, Jane, no shilly-shallying, just going straight after things.
gpt
Will you remember that if you find me going after things you do not approve of?
human
Let's go get a license. Do you mind a justice-of-the-peace ceremony?
gpt
No; I prefer it.
human
Bully for you. Where's my hat?
gpt
In the bedroom closet.
human
How the deuce did it get in there?
gpt
I put it there. You kicked it under the couch when you were inspecting the pictures this morning.
human
Was that this morning? It seems years ago, he said.
gpt
Jane, you won't make me keep my hat in that closet, will you?
human
I shall not marry you to reform you,
gpt
Come on, then, if you're ready.