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Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

"From Mine Own People"

You haven't condescended to give me your
reason yet. No! A woman could not have managed it half so well. Are there many
men like you in the world?
Capt. G. I'm sure I don't know. (To Khitmatgar.) Ohe! Simpkin do.
Mrs. H. You call yourself a man of the world, don't you? Do men of the world
behave like Devils when they do a woman the honor to get tired of her?
Capt. G. I'm sure I don't know. Don't speak so loud!
Mrs. H. Keep us respectable, O Lord, whatever happens. Don't be afraid of my
compromising you. You've chosen your ground far too well, and I've been
properly brought up. (Lowering fan.) Haven't you any pity, Pip, except for
yourself?
Capt. G. Wouldn't it be rather impertinent of me to say that I'm sorry for you?
Mrs. H. I think you have said it once or twice before. You're growing very
careful of my feelings. My God, Pip, I was a good woman once! You said I was.
You've made me what I am. What are you going to do with me? What are you going
to do with me? Won't you say that you are sorry? (Helps herself to iced
asparagus.)
Capt. G. I am sorry for you, if you WANT the pity of such a brute as I am. I'm
awf'ly sorry for you.
Mrs. H. Rather tame for a man of the world. Do you think that that admission
clears you?
Capt.


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