Are you under the delusion that because a happy chance has freed you from a previous engagement, I’m going to seize the opportunity and leap into your arms? GERALD. You know, women are brutes. One tries to do the straight thing and behave more or less like a white man, and they make you feel as if you’d been an utter beast. MRS. DOT. Do you know why Nellie jilted you? Because you’re a bore. GERALD. [_Smiling._] I daresay I’m very stupid. I suppose that’s why I love you so much. MRS. DOT. My dear Gerald, you were cured of your passion for Nellie in a month. I have no doubt that a week in Paris will make your heart whole once more. GERALD. [_Calmly._] Are you packing me off by any chance? MRS. DOT. Marked--damaged. GERALD. [_With his tongue in his cheek._] Then Good-bye! MRS. DOT. _Bon voyage._ [_He turns to go and walks slowly to the door. She seizes a cushion and throws it at him, then turns her back on him. He stops, picks up the cushion and gravely brings it to her._ GERALD. I think you dropped something. MRS. DOT. [_Gravely._] Thank you. [_He looks at her, with a smile. She begins to laugh. Suddenly he takes her in his arms._ GERALD. You silly little fool. THE END End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Mrs. Dot, by W. Somerset Maugham