114
Heartbreak House
LADY UTTERWORD
. It is long past ten. See that he goes
to bed at once, Hector. [
She goes into the garden].
HECTOR
. Is there any slavery on earth viler than this sla-
very of men to women?
RANDALL
[
rising resolutely]. I’ll not speak to her tomor-
row. I’ll not speak to her for another week. I’ll give her such
a lesson. I’ll go straight to bed without bidding her good-
night. [
He makes for the door leading to the hall].
HECTOR
. You are under a spell, man. Old Shotover sold
himself to the devil in Zanzibar. The devil gave him a black
witch for a wife; and these two demon daughters are their
mystical progeny. I am tied to Hesione’s apron-string; but
I’m her husband; and if I did go stark staring mad about her,
at least we became man and wife. But why should you let
yourself be dragged about and beaten by Ariadne as a toy
donkey is dragged about and beaten by a child? What do
you get by it? Are you her lover?
RANDALL
. You must not misunderstand me. In a higher
sense—in a Platonic sense—
HECTOR
. Psha! Platonic sense! She makes you her servant;
and when pay-day comes round, she bilks you: that is what
you mean.
RANDALL
[
feebly]. Well, if I don’t mind, I don’t see what
business it is of yours. Besides, I tell you I am going to pun-
ish her. You shall see: I know how to deal with women. I’m
really very sleepy. Say good-night to Mrs Hushabye for me,
will you, like a good chap. Good-night. [
He hurries out].
HECTOR
. Poor wretch! Oh women! women! women! [
He
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