Page 502 - The model orator, or, Young folks' speaker : containing the choicest recitations and readings from the best authors for schools, public entertainments, social gatherings, Sunday schools, etc. : including recitals in prose and verse ...

S h e {drawing hack in indignant surprise).
Too much, to simply state
A wish to look? (Aside). There must be more of fraud or hate
Than love in this. O help me, pride! (Aloud, firmly). Now look T
will,
Tho1, it should be Medusa’s head, with gaze to kill.
He (beseechingly, throwing curtain over cam/as).
1 ask you not- in three days more you shall be free
To gaze at will.
S h e {advancing).
You make me think of Bluebeard's key!
Like Fatima, I shall not know a moment’s peace
Till I have seen! (Advances').
H e (protesting).
1 warn.------
S h e .
No use; your protests cease ;
(Resolutely). I’ll have my way, (Advances nearer).
H e (desperately).
Well, then, I yield ! (Draws curtain off of canvas). You have your
way.
(Sadly). A guest within your house I can no longer stay. (Stands
dejectedly aside).
(She bends forward eagerly, sees canvas, turns hastily azvav, her fan
before her face),
H e (looks after her despairingly
So, now you know the truth of all your eyes have done!
They steal my wits, bewitch my skill, my brush outrun,
And spoil the picture of my life— a stroke of fame ■
S he (coolly).
Tf you preferred a dream to work, am I to blame?
It might have proved more flat than this, your priceless pearl!
(Pauses. H e moves toward the door. S h e drops fan and makes gesture
of bestowing).