HENRICH SCHERCL.
I alzo, I was thinking.
ROSALINE.
Of what?
HENRICH SCHERCL.
If I was to tell you, you would call me "sentimental old fool."
ROSALINE.
Not _old_. Never a _fool_. (_With sudden persuasiveness_.) _Tell_ me!
HENRICH SCHERCL.
I was thinking then, of you.
ROSALINE.
Of little me? What of me.
HENRICH SCHERCL.
I was wishing I was this Mr. Tempenny.
ROSALINE.
Why? (_Realising reason, and covering her face bashfully_.) Oh!
HENRICH SCHERCL.
I mean you go to him every day, and your zociety is very fascinating.
That is all.
ROSALINE.
Of course, if you were Mr. Tempenny, you would see more of me. I should have said you would see me "_oftener_."
HENRICH SCHERCL.
Heigho!
ROSALINE.
Heigho!
HENRICH SCHERCL.
The little that I _have_ seen has made a great impression on me, Rosie--I shall never forget your face.
ROSALINE.
Really?
HENRICH SCHERCL (_eagerly_).
Yes, yes, really--it is true.
ROSALINE.
I am only a model, you know--a poor girl.
HENRICH SCHERCL.
You are a model of perfection. I zympathise with you.
ROSALINE.
You do not think the less of me because?
HENRICH SCHERCL.
I a.s.sure you I think of you the more. Nevertheless I do not like the idea.
ROSALINE.
And why?
HENRICH SCHERCL.
You must find it zo chilly in the winter.
ROSALINE.
I have got used to it. And besides I am fortunately of a warm temperament. The wind is tempered to the shorn lamb.
HENRICH SCHERCL.
I have not ever in my life seen a young lady who did make me feel for her the strange attraction that I feel for you, Rosie. I am jealous of this Mr. Tempenny.
ROSALINE.
Jealous! Do you mean you are in love with me? (_Aside_.) Oh, my goodness, what a joke!
HENRICH SCHERCL.
And if I did, would you laugh at me? Supposing I was to say to you--"Rosie, I would like to marry you," what would you answer?