He
keeps looking across at her, and at last their eyes meet.)
MELISANDE (putting down her book). Well, Bobby?
BOBBY (awkwardly). Well, Sandy?
MELISANDE (angrily). Don't call me that; you know how I hate it.
BOBBY. Sorry. Melisande. But it's such a dashed mouthful. And your
father was calling you Sandy just now, and you didn't say anything.
MELISANDE. One cannot always control one's parents. There comes a time
when it is almost useless to say things to them.
BOBBY (eagerly). I never mind your saying things to _me_, Sandy--I
mean, Melisande. I never shall mind, really I shan't. Of course, I
know I'm not worthy of you, and all that, but--I say, Melisande, isn't
there _any_ hope?
MELISANDE. Bobby, I asked you not to talk to me like that again.
BOBBY (coming to her). I know you did, but I must. I can't believe
that you--
MELISANDE. I told you that, if you promised not to talk like that
again, then I wouldn't tell anybody anything about it, so that it
shouldn't be awkward for you. And I haven't told anybody, not even
Jane, to whom I tell all my secrets. Most men, when they propose to a
girl, and she refuses them, have to go right out of the country and
shoot lions; it's the only thing left for them to do.
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