[_He seats himself._ SHE I didn't do it--and besides if I _did_ what difference does it make? I'm free white and twenty-one. HE (_with a frail attempt at humor_) How old did you say? SHE I said I was free white. HE But, Genevieve, you must admit that-- SHE Mr. Gordon! HE _Please_ call me Henry. (_In his emotion he pronounces it Hennery_) SHE I don't see why I should. HE You did last night. SHE That was different. You were Dr. Jekyll last night. HE Oh, Genevieve-- SHE You're showing your true colors tonight. HE (_appealingly_) I'm--sorry-- SHE You're a tyrant. HE I don't mean to be. I think you're wo-- SHE Now don't be personal. I'm not interested in your thoughts. HE But, Genevieve, won't you tell me why you did it? SHE I did it because--I've told you often enough I _didn't_ do it. HE (_bitterly_) Joe-- SHE Joe--what? HE Joe squeezed your hand. SHE Well, it's my hand, and besides I don't see why I should be cross-questioned by you. HE You know I'm-- [_He leans toward her and she moves away._ SHE You're what? HE I'm crazy about you. SHE Please, Mr. Gordon! HE Call me Henry! Just once. SHE I don't see why I should. HE Please, Genevieve. SHE Now don't be silly! HE Oh, Genevieve, if you only knew how it hurt me when you did it! SHE _Did_ it hurt you? HE I could have killed Joe--gladly. SHE Honest! HE You know--you must know! SHE You certainly are calm about it. HE (_in the most absurd position that hopeless love can twist a man into_) What can I do? I can't be ridiculous. SHE Did you really see us? HE Yes, I saw you. SHE You seemed terribly tied up with Ethel. HE I had to sit by her. SHE I don't see why. HE I didn't have any place else to go. SHE I knew you were looking. HE Then why did you do it? SHE Don't ask me why. I loathe why. HE But oh, Genevieve, I love you so! [_He grasps her hand, not too violently. She gasps slightly, smiles pleasantly and becomes stern._ SHE (_encouragingly_) Please, let go of my hand. [_He does so. She looks at him in mingled wonder and chagrin._ HE Genevieve, isn't there any chance for me? SHE I've never thought of such a thing. What do you mean! HE I mean I love you. SHE ... Yes? HE (_taking her scarf in his hand_) Aren't you interested? SHE Why, really, Mr. Gordon, you ask such strange questions. HE Oh, Genevieve--Genevieve-- [_He kisses the scarf gently._ SHE [_looking at him in wonder, disappointment and delight._ Don't be silly. HE When a man's in love he always does silly things. SHE Always? HE Oh, Genevieve-- [_He reaches for her hand reverently and this time she seems content to let matters rest._ SHE (_making conversation_) I have the next dance with-- [_She racks her memory._ HE Joe, I suppose. [_He rises and crosses to the far side of the centre arch._ SHE (_drawing her scarf about her and brushing against him as she passes._) Excuse me, please. HE (_torrentially_)