Smiling at grief.

JULIET.I don't flare up like you,
Helen. But wait! I've been insulted, too.

HELEN. Really? But listen! If I keep it back
A minute more, it means a nerve-attack.
Juliet—I've read a book——

JULIET.A novel?

HELEN.Yes—
A new one. But however did you guess?
It's only just out.

JULIET.Surely you can't mean——

HELEN (holding up a copy). 'Calypso and Her Loves'!

JULIET (doing likewise).By Galahad Green!
Now, that's extraordinary—the very same!

HELEN. You've read it? Oh, it makes me blush for shame.

JULIET. Stick by me—even now. I know you will.

HELEN. What? I? Dear Juliet, you can love me still!

JULIET. To see them set down—all one's little tricks....

HELEN. To have one's soul supplied at eight-and-six....

JULIET. Or hired from Mudie's, read by every clerk—

HELEN. And every sniggering waitress after dark.

JULIET. I could have stood a mere divorce. But this!

HELEN. Every one must know who Calypso is.

JULIET. Of course. I simply daren't be seen about.

HELEN. Who is this Galahad Green? I can't find out.

JULIET. A blood-sucker, a literary flea!

HELEN. I'll sue the cad for libel. Just you see!

JULIET. You dear! It ought to be my action, though.

HELEN. Yours? You can't mind as much as I, you know.

JULIET. Can't I! You think I'd stay in England now?

HELEN. What? Leave your home? No, that I can't allow.

JULIET. Won't you come, too? To-morrow I shall start.

HELEN. Of course you're sweet to take it so to heart—

JULIET. Who wouldn't—with her reputation gone?

HELEN. It must be such a bitter pill for John!

JULIET. What would John care because I'm painted black?

HELEN. You?

JULIET.In this book, this dastardly attack—
Yet, you dear noble girl, at least it's shown
That to you my misfortunes are your own.

HELEN. Juliet—what do you mean? Sometimes your gibes
Are most ill-timed. You know the book describes
Me.

JULIET. You're not serious?

HELEN.I? Of course I am....
And now that I've discovered what a sham
You were with all your sympathy, I could hurl
The foul book at your head. You heartless girl!
Is this a time to mock me, to pretend
You care so much about your slandered friend
That you won't stay in England? If that's your
Notion of fun, it isn't mine, be sure.

JULIET. I wasn't being funny—not a bit,
Really. It's simply that the cap does fit—
I am Calypso!

HELEN.Well, I never heard
Such nonsense in my life. It's too absurd.
Oh, if I could but think that one or two
Readers might fancy it was meant for you,
I'd take some pleasure in my life again,
Dance, have a feast of oysters and champagne,
Buy a new winter frock and hat, instead
Of wishing, as I do, that I were dead.
For you deserve it—you that make a joke
Out of my misery.

JULIET.Helen—when I spoke
Of being Calypso, didn't I, to my shame,
Own the wild sins that cluster round her name?
Alas, I meant it.

HELEN.Nobody could be
So blind as not to know it's me—I—me:
And since you're now my enemy, I shall go
At once. But after this, I'd have you know,
Our friendship's dead—for always! Please forget
You ever knew me.

JULIET.Helen, don't go yet....

HELEN. I must. And let