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Phillips, David Graham, 1867-1911

"The Conflict"

''
Jane's heart suddenly sank. Because the unconscious blow had
hurt she struck out, struck back with the first weapon she could
lay hold of. ``But you said a minute ago that Victor was a
hypocritical demagogue.''
Davy flushed with confusion. He was in a franker mood now,
however. ``I'd like to think that,'' he replied. ``But I don't
honestly believe it.''
``You think that if Victor Dorn loved a woman of our class he'd
put her out of his life?''
``That's hardly worth discussing,'' said Davy. ``No woman of our
class--no woman he'd be likely to look at--would encourage him to
the point where he'd presume upon it.''
``How narrow you are!'' cried Jane, derisive but even more angry.
``It's different--entirely different--with a man, even in our
class. But a woman of our class--she's a lady or she's nothing
at all. And a lady couldn't be so lacking in refinement as to
descend to a man socially beneath her.''
``I can see how ANY woman might fall in love with Victor Dorn.''
``You're just saying that to be argumentative,'' said Davy with
conviction. ``Take yourself, for example.''
``I confess I don't see any such contrast between Victor and
you--except where the comparison's altogether in his favor,''
said Jane pleasantly. ``You don't know as much as he does. You
haven't the independence of character--or the courage--or the
sincerity. You couldn't be a real leader, as he is. You have to
depend on influence, and on trickery.


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