Ottoline monologue (Act 4) — The Big Drum: A Comedy in Four Acts

_Mon pauvre Philippe_, it's you, not I, who will take another view of things to-morrow. [_He makes a gesture of dissent._] Ah, come, come, come! You have never loved me as I have loved you. Unconsciously--without perceiving it--one may be half a _poseuse_; but at least I've been sincere in my love for you, and in hungering to be your wife. [_Giving him her right hand._] You're the best I've ever known, dear; by far the best I've ever known. [_He presses her hand to his brow convulsively._] But when we had our talk in South Audley Street, how did you serve me? You insisted on my waiting--waiting; I who had cherished your image in my mind for years! You guessed I shouldn't have patience--you almost prophesied as much; but still--I was to wait!