The Pigeon by John Galsworthy
page 31 of 99 (31%)
page 31 of 99 (31%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
out.
FERRAND. A real Englishman . . . . And look at me! My father was merchant of ostrich feathers in Brussels. If I had been content to go in his business, I would 'ave been rich. But I was born to roll--"rolling stone"to voyage is stronger than myself. Luck! . . And you, Ma'moiselle, shall I tell your fortune? [He looks in her face.] You were born for 'la joie de vivre'--to drink the wines of life. 'Et vous voila'! Luck! [Though she does not in the least understand what he has said, her expression changes to a sort of glee.] FERRAND. Yes. You were born loving pleasure. Is it not? You see, you cannot say, No. All of us, we have our fates. Give me your hand. [He kneels down and takes her hand.] In each of us there is that against which we cannot struggle. Yes, yes! [He holds her hand, and turns it over between his own. MRS. MEGAN remains stolid, half fascinated, half-reluctant.] TIMSON. [Flickering into consciousness.] Be'ave yourselves! Yer crimson canary birds! [MRS. MEGAN would withdraw her hand, but cannot.] FERRAND. Pay no attention, Ma'moiselle. He is a Puritan. [TIMSON relapses into comatosity, upsetting his glass, which falls with a crash.] |
|