)
Mrs. Bernick(from the coffee table): Dina, won't you--?
Dina: No, thank you. (Sits down to her sewing. MRS. BERNICK and
RORLUND exchange a few words; a moment afterwards he comes back
into the room, makes a pretext for going up to the table, and
begins speaking to DINA in low tones.)
Rorlund: Dina.
Dina: Yes?
Rorlund: Why don't you want to sit with the others?
Dina: When I came in with the coffee, I could see from the
strange lady's face that they had been talking about me.
Rorlund: But did you not see as well how agreeable she was to you
out there?
Dina: That is just what I will not stand
Rorlund: You are very self-willed, Dina.
Dina: Yes.
Rorlund: But why?
Dina: Because it is my nature.
Rorlund: Could you not try to alter your nature?
Dina: No.
Rorlund: Why not?
Dina (looking at him): Because I am one of the "poor fallen
creatures", you know.
Rorlund: For shame, Dina.
Dina: So was my mother.
Rorlund: Who has spoken to you about such things?
Dina: No one; they never do. Why don't they? They all handle me
in such a gingerly fashion, as if they thought I should go to
pieces if they---.
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