[He comes toward her, looking at her with honest admiration.]
She's fine enough and I think she's sweet enough--and I know from the
way she goes for me that she's _brave_ enough--to stand on her own feet!
ETHEL. This is beside the point; I know exactly what I want in
life--[she has been somewhat moved by his last speech, is agitated, and
a little breathless]--and I could not change now if it were otherwise. I
gave Almeric my promise, it was forever, and I shall keep it.
PIKE. But you can't; I'm not going to let you.
ETHEL. I throw your interference to the winds. I shall absolutely
disregard it. I shall marry without your consent.
PIKE [looking at her steadily]. Do you think _they'd_ let you?
ETHEL [in same tone]. I think _you'll_ let me [laughing], especially
after this terrible letter.
PIKE. By-the-way, did you finish it?
[ETHEL looks at the letter, which she has continued to hold in her
hand.]
ETHEL. I think so. [Turns the page.] No--it says "over."
[She turns the sheet--looks at it attentively for a moment--looks up,
casts a quick glance of astonishment at PIKE.]
PIKE. Well, read it, please!
ETHEL. It appears to concern a matter quite personal to yourself.
[Embarrassed, assuming carelessness. Turns toward left as if to leave,
replacing the letter in the envelope.
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