REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Shed two.

ROSALINE.

I forgave him; I struggled to subdue the rage within me.  I forgave him, and went to see him again.  I had conquered my scorn—­my better nature had triumphed—­I went to him with all the old tenderness that I had lavished on him in the days gone by.  He was startled, even cold, but still I feel I should have won him back to me had not something happened.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Something so often happens.  It is an aggravating way of something.

ROSALINE.

His wife came between us.  All was over.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Designing wretch!

ROSALINE.

I have never seen him since; I have banished his image from my mind.  But that time has left its mark on me for ever.  It transformed a simple credulous girl into a hardened worldly woman.  I shall never feel a liking for wives again.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

One cannot blame you.

ROSALINE.

I felt you would say that. (Presses her handkerchief to her eyes.) It was cruel.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

But in my case you will not be troubled by my wife.  The sittings won’t take place here, and so she will not see you.

ROSALINE.

How is that?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Well, it is very odd, but Mrs. Tempenny has the same objection to models that you have to wives.  It is ridiculous, in fact it is wicked of her, but I find it best to humour her prejudices.  Will you go to-morrow to Sycamore Place, Number five?

ROSALINE.

I’ll be there—­on one condition.  No wives, or I throw up the job.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (alarmed).

For Heaven’s sake don’t talk of doing that—­my whole life hangs on the picture.  If you don’t sit to me I’m a ruined man.  Rosaline, I swear to you no wives shall cross your path.

MRS. TEMPENNY (off).

Rembrandt, Rembrandt.

ROSALINE.

Who’s that?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Mrs. Tempenny, but I won’t let her in.

ROSALINE (angrily).

Wives already!—­Everywhere—­wives.

MRS. TEMPENNY (off).

Rembrandt, I must see you.  Where are you—­quick!

ROSALINE.

Here, I know the pattern of this!  Let me go!

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (alarmed).

No.  No.  I’ll get rid of her. (Runs to window, and leans out—­calling.) Don’t wait, my dear.  I’m busy.  I’ll be with you soon.

ROSALINE (contemptuously).

Why, you’re scared out of your life of her I can see!  I have had enough of this,—­I don’t want the job. (As if to go.)

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

(Leaving window and running back to her).  I tell you if you don’t sit to me I’m a ruined man.  Rosaline, I implore you!