] You seem to be going in for
sincerity to-day. It isn't becoming to you, really--except as an
obvious pose. Be as artificial as you are, I advise. There's a
sort of sincerity in that, you know. And, after all, you must
confess you like that better.
MILDRED--[Again affected and bored.] Yes, I suppose I do. Pardon
me for my outburst. When a leopard complains of its spots, it must
sound rather grotesque. [In a mocking tone.] Purr, little leopard.
Purr, scratch, tear, kill, gorge yourself and be happy--only stay
in the jungle where your spots are camouflage. In a cage they make
you conspicuous.
AUNT--I don't know what you are talking about.
MILDRED--It would be rude to talk about anything to you. Let's
just talk. [She looks at her wrist watch.] Well, thank goodness,
it's about time for them to come for me. That ought to give me a
new thrill, Aunt.
AUNT--[Affectedly troubled.] You don't mean to say you're really
going? The dirt--the heat must be frightful--
MILDRED--Grandfather started as a puddler. I should have inherited
an immunity to heat that would make a salamander shiver. It will
be fun to put it to the test.
AUNT--But don't you have to have the captain's--or someone's--
permission to visit the stokehole?
MILDRED--[With a triumphant smile.
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