All of you sympathize with Mr.
Minturn! All of you think him a big man worthy of every consideration and
me deserving none."
"You're putting that too strong," retorted Leslie. "You are right about
Mr. Minturn; but I won't admit that I find you 'worthy of no consideration
at all,' or I wouldn't be imploring you to give yourself a chance at
happiness."
"'Give myself a chance at happiness!'"
"Dear Mrs. Minturn, yes!" said Leslie. "All your life, so far, you have
lived absolutely for yourself; for your personal pleasure. Has happiness
resulted?"
"Happiness?" cried Mrs. Minturn in amazement. "You little fool! With my
husband practically a madman, my children incorrigible, my nerves on edge
until I can't sleep, because one thought comes over and over."
"Well you achieved it in society!" said Leslie. "It's the result of doing
exactly what you _wanted to!_ You can't say James Minturn was to blame for
what you had the money and the desire to do. You can't think your babies
would have preferred their mother to the nurses and governesses they have
had----"
"If you say another word about that I'll jump from the car and break my
neck," threatened Mrs.
Pages:
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187