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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Man from Home, by Booth Tarkington and
+Harry Leon Wilson, Illustrated by Luther S. White
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Man from Home
+
+
+Author: Booth Tarkington and Harry Leon Wilson
+
+Release Date: May 18, 2005  [eBook #15855]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAN FROM HOME***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Suzanne Shell, Josephine Paolucci, Joshua Hutchinson,
+and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 15855-h.htm or 15855-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/8/5/15855/15855-h/15855-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/8/5/15855/15855-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+THE MAN FROM HOME
+
+by
+
+BOOTH TARKINGTON and HARRY LEON WILSON
+
+With Illustrations from Scenes in the Play
+
+Harper & Brothers
+
+1908
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE MAN FROM HOME]
+
+
+
+
+
+TO
+
+WILLIAM HODGE
+
+THE MAN FROM HOME
+
+
+
+
+ORIGINAL CAST OF CHARACTERS IN
+_THE MAN FROM HOME_
+BY
+BOOTH TARKINGTON and HARRY LEON WILSON
+PRESENTED UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF LIEBLER & CO.
+AT THE STUDEBAKER THEATRE, CHICAGO
+SEPTEMBER 29, 1907,
+WHERE IT RAN FOR A YEAR; THEN OPENED IN NEW YORK
+AT THE ASTOR THEATRE
+AUGUST 17, 1908
+
+
+CHARACTERS AND PLAYERS
+
+DANIEL VOORHEES PIKE                    WILLIAM HODGE
+THE GRAND DUKE VASILI VASILIVITCH       EBEN PLYMPTON
+THE EARL OF HAWCASTLE                 E. J. RATCLIFFE
+THE HON. ALMERIC ST. AUBYN            ECHLIN P. GAYER
+IVANOFF                                  HENRY HARMON
+HORACE GRANGER-SIMPSON                  HASSARD SHORT
+RIBIERE                                 HARRY L. LANG
+MARIANO                                 ANTHONY ASHER
+MICHELE                               ANTONIO SALERNO
+CARABINIERE                            A. MONTEGRIFFO
+VALET DE CHAMBRE                         C. L. FELTON
+ETHEL GRANGER-SIMPSON                   OLIVE WYNDHAM
+COMTESSE DE CHAMPIGNY                   ALICE JOHNSON
+LADY CREECH.                               IDA VERNON
+
+TIME: THE PRESENT
+
+PLACE: SORRENTO, SOUTHERN ITALY
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+THE MAN FROM HOME
+
+"OH NO! SHE ACCEPTED ME"
+
+"YES, SIR, DANIEL VOORHEES PIKE, ATTORNEY AT LAW, KOKOMO, INDIANA"
+
+"_THIS_ IS MR. ST. AUBYN"
+
+"THE NEW CHAUFFEUR FOR THE MACHINE, FROM NAPLES"
+
+"YOU'RE AFTER SOMETHING THERE ISN'T ANYTHING TO"
+
+"IVAN! DON'T KILL ME!"
+
+"MY FRIEND, THERE IS SAND IN YOUR GEAR-BOX"
+
+The illustrations are from photographs of scenes in the play made
+especially for the book by Mr. Luther S. White.
+
+
+
+
+CHARACTERS
+
+
+MEN
+
+DANIEL VOORHEES PIKE
+Of Kokomo, Indiana
+
+THE GRAND-DUKE VASILI VASILIVITCH
+
+THE EARL OF HAWCASTLE
+
+THE HON. ALMERIC ST. AUBYN
+Son of Lord Hawcastle
+
+IVANOFF
+
+HORACE GRANGER-SIMPSON
+
+RIBIERE
+The Grand-Duke's secretary
+
+MARIANO
+Maitre d'hotel
+
+MICHELE
+A waiter
+
+Two carabiniere
+
+A valet de chambre
+
+Several Sorrentine musicians and fishermen
+
+
+WOMEN
+
+ETHEL GRANGER-SIMPSON
+
+COMTESSE DE CHAMPIGNY
+
+LADY CREECH
+Sister-in-law of Hawcastle
+
+ACT I.--The terrace of the Hotel Regina Margherita on the cliff at
+Sorrento. Morning.
+
+ACT II.--The entrance garden. Afternoon.
+
+ACT III.--An apartment in the hotel. Evening.
+
+ACT IV.--The terrace. Morning.
+
+The time is the present.
+
+The scene is Sorrento, in Southern Italy.
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST ACT
+
+
+SCENE: The terrace of the Hotel Regina Margherita, on the cliff at
+Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples.
+
+There is a view of the bay and its semi-circular coast-line, dotted with
+villages; Vesuvius gray in the distance. Across the stage at the rear
+runs a marble balustrade about three feet high, guarding the edge of the
+cliff. Upon the left is seen part of one wing of the hotel, entrance to
+which is afforded by wide-open double doors approached by four or five
+marble steps with a railing and small stoop. The hotel is of pink and
+white stucco, and striped awnings shield the windows. Upon the right is
+a lemon grove and shrubberies. There are two or three small white wicker
+tea-tables and a number of wicker chairs upon the left, and a square
+table laid with white cloth on the right.
+
+As the curtain rises mandolins and guitars are heard, and the
+"Fisherman's Song," the time very rapid and gay, the musicians being
+unseen.
+
+MARIANO, maitre d'hotel, is discovered laying the table down R.C. with
+eggs, coffee, and rolls for two. He is a pleasant-faced, elderly man,
+stout, swarthy, clean shaven; wears dress-clothes, white waist-coat, and
+black tie. He is annoyed by the music.
+
+MARIANO [calling to the unseen musicians crossly]. Silenzio!
+
+[MICHELE enters from the hotel. He is young, clean-shaven except for a
+dark mustache, wears a white tie, a blue coat, cut like dress-coat, blue
+trousers with red side stripes, brass buttons; his waistcoat is of
+striped red and blue.]
+
+MICHELE [speaking over his shoulder]. Par ici, Monsieur Ribiere, pour le
+maitre d'hotel.
+
+[RIBIERE enters from the hotel.]
+
+[MICHELE immediately withdraws.]
+
+[RIBIERE is a trim, business-like young Frenchman of some distinction of
+appearance. He wears a well-made English dark "cutaway" walking-suit, a
+derby hat, and carries a handsome leather writing-case under his arm.]
+
+RIBIERE. [as he enters]. Ah, Mariano!
+
+MARIANO. [bowing and greeting him gayly]. Monsieur Ribiere! J'espere que
+vous etes--
+
+[He breaks off, turns on his heel toward the invisible musicians, and
+shouts.]
+
+Silenzio!
+
+[He turns again quickly to RIBIERE.]
+
+RIBIERE. [with a warning glance toward hotel]. Let us speak English.
+There are not so many who understand.
+
+MARIANO. [politely]. I hope Monsieur still occupy the exalt' position of
+secretar' to Monseigneur the Grand-Duke.
+
+RIBIERE. [sits and opens writing-case, answers gravely]. We will not
+mention the name or rank of my employer.
+
+MARIANO. [with gesture and accent of despair]. Again incognito! Every
+year he come to our hotel for two, three day, but always incognito.
+
+[He finishes setting the table.]
+
+We lose the honor to have it known.
+
+RIBIERE. [looking at his watch]. He comes in his automobile from Naples.
+Everything is to be as on my employer's former visits--strictly
+incognito. It is understood every one shall address him as Herr von
+Groellerhagen--
+
+MARIANO [repeating the name carefully]. Herr von Groellerhagen--
+
+RIBIERE. He wishes to be thought a German.
+
+[Takes a note-book from case.]
+
+MARIANO. Such a man! of caprice? Excentrique? Ha!
+
+RIBIERE. You have said it. Last night he talked by chance to a singular
+North American in the hotel at Napoli. To-day he has that stranger for
+companion in the automobile. I remonstrate. What use? He laugh for half
+an hour!
+
+MARIANO. He is not like those cousin of his at St. Petersburg an'
+Moscowa. An' yet though Monseigneur is so good an' generoso, will not
+the anarchist strike against the name of royalty himself? You have not
+the fear?
+
+RIBIERE [opening his note-book]. I have. He has _not_. I take what
+precaution I can secretly from him. You have few guests?
+
+MARIANO [smiling]. It is so early in the season. Those poor musician'
+[nodding off right] they wait always at every gate, to play when they
+see any one coming. There is only seex peoples in the 'ole house! All of
+one party.
+
+RIBIERE. Good! Who are they?
+
+MARIANO. There is Milor', an English Excellency--the Earl of Hawcastle;
+there is his son, the Excellency Honorabile Almeric St. Aubyn; there is
+Miladi Creeshe, an English Miladi who is sister-in-law to Milor'
+Hawcastle.
+
+RIBIERE [taking notes]. Three English.
+
+MARIANO. There is an American Signorina, Mees Granger-Seempsone. Miladi
+Creeshe travel with her to be chaperone. [Enthusiastically.] She is
+young, generosa, she give money to every one, she is multa bella, so
+pretty, weeth charm--
+
+RIBIERE [puzzled]. You speak now of Lady Creeshe?
+
+MARIANO [taken aback]. Oh no, no, no! Miladi Creeshe is ol' lady
+[tapping his ears]. Not hear well. Deaf. No pourboires. Nothing. I speak
+of the young American lady, Mees Granger-Seempsone who the English
+Honorabile son of Milor' Hawcastle wish to espouse, I think.
+
+RIBIERE. Who else is there?
+
+MARIANO. There is the brother of Mees Granger-Seempsone, a young
+gentleman of North America. He make the eyes [laughing] all day at
+another lady who is of the party, a French lady, Comtesse de Champigny.
+Ha, ha! That amuse' me!
+
+RIBIERE. Why?
+
+MARIANO. Beckoss I think Comtesse de Champigny is a such good friend of
+the ol' English Milor' Hawcastle. A maitre d'hotel see many things, an'
+I think Milor' Hawcastle and Madame de Champigny have know each other
+from long, perhaps. This dejeuner is for them.
+
+RIBIERE. And who else?
+
+MARIANO. It is all.
+
+RIBIERE. Good! no Russians?
+
+MARIANO. I think Milor' Hawcastle and Madame de Champigny have been in
+Russia sometime.
+
+RIBIERE [putting his note-book in his pocket]. Why?
+
+MARIANO. Beckoss once I have hear them spik Russian togezzer.
+
+RIBIERE. I think there is small chance that they recognize my employer.
+His portrait is little known.
+
+MARIANO. And this North American who come in the automobile--does _he_
+know who he travel wiz? Does he know his Highness?
+
+RIBIERE. No more than the baby which is not borned.
+
+MARIANO [lifting his eyes to heaven]. Ah!
+
+RIBIERE [looking at his watch]. Set dejeuner on the terrace instantly
+when he arrive: a perch, petit pois, iced figs, tea. I will send his own
+caviar and vodka from the supplies I carry.
+
+MARIANO. I set for one?
+
+RIBIERE. For two. He desires that the North American breakfast with him.
+Do not forget that the incognito is to be absolute.
+
+[Exit into hotel.]
+
+MARIANO. Va bene, Signore!
+
+[Puts finishing-touches to the table.]
+
+[Enter from the grove, LORD HAWCASTLE. He is a well-preserved man of
+fifty-six with close-clipped gray mustache and gray hair; his eyes are
+quick and shrewd; his face shows some slight traces of high living; he
+carries himself well and his general air is distinguished and high-bred.
+He wears a suit of thinly striped white flannel and white shoes, a
+four-in-hand tie of pale old-rose crape, a Panama hat with broad ribbon
+striped with white and old-rose of the same shade as his tie. His accent
+is that of a man of the world, and quite without affectation. He comes
+at once upon his entrance to a chair at the table.]
+
+[MICHELE enters at same time up left, with a folded newspaper.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [as he enters]. Good-morning, Mariano!
+
+MARIANO [bowing]. Milor' Hawcastle is serve.
+
+[Takes HAWCASTLE'S hat and places it upon a stool behind table.]
+
+MICHELE [hands HAWCASTLE newspaper from under his arm]. _Il Mattino_,
+the morning journal from Napoli, Milor'.
+
+HAWCASTLE [accepting paper and unfolding it]. No English papers?
+
+MICHELE. Milor', the mail is late.
+
+[Exit up left.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [sitting]. And Madame de Champigny?
+
+[MARIANO serves coffee, etc.]
+
+[As HAWCASTLE speaks the COMTESSE DE CHAMPIGNY enters from hotel. She is
+a pretty Frenchwoman of thirty-two. She wears a fashionable summer
+Parisian morning dress, light and gay in color, a short-sleeved little
+Empire jacket, and long gloves. She carries a parasol. Her elaborately
+dressed hair is surmounted by a jaunty Parisian toque.]
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [lifting her hand gayly as she enters, and striking
+a little attitude before she descends the steps]. Me voici!
+
+HAWCASTLE [half rising and bowing]. My esteemed relative is still
+asleep?
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [speaking gayly, with a very slight accent, as she
+crosses to a chair at the table]. I trust your beautiful son has found
+much better employment--as our hearts would wish him to.
+
+HAWCASTLE. He has. He's off on a canter with the little American, thank
+God!
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [interjecting the word]. Bravo!
+
+[She turns the hands of her gloves back and sips coffee, MARIANO
+serving.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [continuing]. But I didn't mean Almeric. I meant my august
+sister-in-law.
+
+[He reads the paper.]
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [smiling]. The amiable Lady Victoria Hermione
+Trevelyan Creech has dejeuner in her apartment. What you find to read?
+
+HAWCASTLE. I'm such a duffer at Italian, but apparently the people
+along the coast are having a scare over an escaped convict--a Russian.
+
+MARIANO [starting slightly, drops a spoon noisily upon a plate on the
+table]. Pardon, Milor'!
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [setting down her coffee abruptly]. A Russian?
+
+HAWCASTLE [translating with difficulty]. "An escaped Russian bandit has
+been traced to Castellamare--"
+
+[Pauses.]
+
+MARIANO [awe-struck]. Castellamare--not twelve kilometres from here!
+
+HAWCASTLE [continuing]. "--and a confidential agent"--[looking
+up]--secret-service man, I dare say--"has requested his arrest. But the
+brigand tore himself"--[repeating slowly]--"tore himself"--What the
+deuce does that mean?
+
+MARIANO [bowing]. Pardon, Milor'--if I might--
+
+HAWCASTLE. Quite right, Mariano!
+
+[Handing him the paper.]
+
+Translate for us.
+
+MARIANO [reading rapidly, but with growing agitation which he tries to
+conceal]. "The brigan' tore himself from the hands of the carabiniere
+and without the doubts he conceal himself in some of those grotto near
+Sorrento and searchment is being execute'. The agent of the Russian
+embassy have inform' the bureau that this escaped one is a mos'
+in-fay-mose robber and danger brigand."
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [quickly]. What name does the journal say he has?
+
+MARIANO [hurriedly]. It has not to say. That is all. Will Milor' and
+Madame la Comtesse excuse me? And may I take the journal? There is one
+who should see it.
+
+HAWCASTLE [indifferently]. Very well.
+
+MARIANO. Thank you, Milor'!
+
+[Bows hastily and hurries out up left.]
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [gravely, drawing back from the table.] I should
+like much to know his name.
+
+HAWCASTLE [smiling, and eating composedly]. You may be sure it isn't
+Ivanoff.
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [not changing her attitude]. How can one know it is
+not [pauses and speaks the name very gravely] Ivanoff?
+
+HAWCASTLE [laughing]. He wouldn't be called an infamous brigand.
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [very gravely]. That, my friend, may be only Italian
+journalism.
+
+HAWCASTLE. Pooh! This means a highwayman--[finishes his coffee
+coolly]--not--not an embezzler, Helene.
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [taking a deep breath and sinking back in her chair
+with a fixed gaze]. I am glad to believe it, but I care for no more to
+eat. I have some foolish feeling of unsafety. It is now two nights that
+I dream of him--of Ivanoff--bad dreams for us both, my friend.
+
+HAWCASTLE [laughing]. What rot! It takes more than a dream to bring a
+man back from Siberia.
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY. Then I pray there has been no more than dreams.
+
+[Music of mandolins and guitars heard off to the right with song--"The
+Fisherman's Song."]
+
+[Enter ETHEL gayly and quickly from the grove, her face radiant. She is
+a very pretty American girl of twenty. She wears a light-brown linen
+skirted coat, fitting closely, and a country riding-skirt of the same
+material and color, with boots, a shirt-waist, collar and tie, and
+three-cornered hat. She carries a riding-crop. She is followed by three
+musicians (two mandolins and a guitar), who laughingly continue the
+song. They are shabby fellows, two of them barefooted, wearing shabby,
+patched velveteen trousers and blue flannel shirts open at the throat,
+with big black hats, old and shapeless. One makes a low and sweeping bow
+before ETHEL; she takes money from her glove and gives it to him, the
+other two not discontinuing the song; the three immediately 'bout face
+and go out gleefully, capering and still singing.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [who has risen]. The divine Miss Granger-Simpson!
+
+ETHEL [with a pronounced "English accent"]. The divinely happy Miss
+Granger-Simpson!
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [rising, running to her, and kissing her]. Oh, I
+hope you mean--
+
+HAWCASTLE [with some excitement in his voice]. You mean you have made my
+son divinely happy?
+
+[ETHEL, as he speaks, extricates herself laughingly from MADAME DE
+CHAMPIGNY.]
+
+ETHEL. Is not every one happy in Sorrento--[with a wave of her
+riding-crop]--even your son?
+
+[Exit laughingly and hurriedly into the hotel.]
+
+[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY goes to stool behind table and gets her parasol, as
+HAWCASTLE resumes his seat.]
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY. Ah! that is good. Listen!
+
+[A piano sounds from the room ETHEL has just entered, breaking loudly
+and gayly into Chaminade's "Elevation." ETHEL'S voice is heard for a
+moment, also, singing.]
+
+She has flown to her piano. It looks well, indeed--our little
+enterprise.
+
+HAWCASTLE [grimly]. It's time. If Almeric had been anything but a clumsy
+oof he'd have made her settle it weeks ago!
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [quickly]. You are invidious, mon ami! My affair is
+not settled--am _I_ a clumsy oof?
+
+HAWCASTLE [leaning toward her across the table and speaking sharply and
+earnestly]. No, Helene. _Your_ little American, brother Horace, is so in
+love with you, if you asked him suddenly, "Is this day or night?" he
+would answer, "It's Helene." But he's too shy to speak. You're a
+woman--you can't press matters; but Almeric's a man--he can. He can urge
+an immediate marriage, which means an immediate settlement, and a direct
+one.
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [seriously, quickly]. It will not be small, that
+settlement?
+
+[He shakes his head grimly, leaning back to look at her. She continues
+eagerly.]
+
+You have decide' what sum?
+
+[He nods decidedly.]
+
+What?
+
+HAWCASTLE [sharply, with determination, yet quietly]. A hundred and
+fifty thousand pounds!
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [excited and breathless]. My friend! Will she?
+
+[Turns and stares toward ETHEL'S room, where the piano is still heard
+softly playing.]
+
+HAWCASTLE. Not for Almeric, but to be the future Countess of Hawcastle.
+My sister-in-law hasn't been her chaperone for a year for nothing. And,
+by Jove, she hasn't done it for nothing, either!
+
+[He laughs grimly, moving back from the table.]
+
+But she's deserved all I shall allow her.
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [coldly]. Why?
+
+HAWCASTLE [rising]. It was she who found these people. Indeed, we might
+say that both you and I owe her something also. [Comes around behind
+table to MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY.] Even a less captious respectability than
+Lady Creech's might have looked askance at the long friendship [kisses
+her hand] which has existed between us. Yet she has always countenanced
+us, though she must have guessed--a great many things. And she will help
+us to urge an immediate marriage. You know as well as I do that unless
+it is immediate, there'll be the devil to pay. Don't miss _that_
+essential: something must be done at once. We're at the
+breaking-point--if you like the words--a most damnable insolvency.
+
+[Enter ALMERIC from the grove. He is a fair, fresh-colored Englishman of
+twenty-five, handsome in a rather vacuous way. He wears white duck
+riding-breeches, light-tan leather riding-gaiters and shoes, a
+riding-coat of white duck, a waistcoat light tan in shade, and a high
+riding-stock, the collar of which is white, the "puffed" tie pink; a
+Panama hat with a fold of light tan and white silk round the crown.
+Carries a riding-crop.]
+
+ALMERIC [as he enters]. Hello, Governor!
+
+[His voice is habitually loud and his accent somewhat foppish, having a
+little of the "Guardsman" affectation of languor and indifference.]
+
+Howdy, Countess!
+
+[He drops into a chair at the breakfast-table with a slight effect of
+sprawling.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [sharply]. Almeric!
+
+ALMERIC. Out riding a bit ago, you know, with Miss Granger-Simpson.
+Rippin' girl, _isn't_ she?
+
+HAWCASTLE [leaning across the table toward him, anxiously]. Go on!
+
+ALMERIC [continuing, slapping his gaiters carelessly with his crop].
+Didn't stop with her, though.
+
+HAWCASTLE [angrily]. Why not?
+
+ALMERIC. A sort of man in the village got me to go look at a
+bull-terrier pup. Wonderful little beast for points. Jolly
+luck--_wasn't_ it? He's got a _head_ on him--
+
+HAWCASTLE [bitterly]. We'll concede his _tremendous_ advantage over you
+in that respect.
+
+[Throws his cigar disgustedly into one of the coffee-cups on the table.]
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [eagerly]. Is that _all_ you have to tell us?
+
+ALMERIC. Oh no! She accepted me.
+
+[HAWCASTLE drops into a chair with a long breath of relief.]
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [waving her parasol]. Enfin! Bravo! And will she let
+it be soon?
+
+ALMERIC [sincerely]. I dare say there'll be no row about that; I've made
+her aw'fly happy.
+
+HAWCASTLE. On my soul, I believe you're right--and thank God you are!
+
+[Rises as he speaks and walks up centre. Breaks off short as he sees
+HORACE.]
+
+[Illustration: "OH NO! SHE ACCEPTED ME"]
+
+Here's the brother--attention now!
+
+[HORACE enters the hotel. He is a boyish-looking American of twenty-two,
+smooth-shaven. He wears white flannels, the coat double-breasted and
+buttoned, the tie is light blue "puffing" fastened with a large pearl.
+He wears light-yellow chamois gloves, white shoes, a small, stiff
+English straw hat with blue-and-white ribbon. When he speaks it is with
+a strong "English accent," which he sometimes forgets. At present he is
+flushed and almost overcome with happy emotion. As he comes down the
+steps MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY rushes toward him, taking both his hands.]
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [excitedly]. Ah, my dear Horace Granger-Simpson! Has
+your sister told you?
+
+HORACE [radiant, but almost tearful]. She has, indeed. I assure you I'm
+quite overcome.
+
+[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, dropping his hands, laughs deprecatingly, and
+steps back from him.]
+
+Really, I assure you.
+
+HAWCASTLE [shaking hands with him very heartily]. My dear young friend,
+not at all, not at all.
+
+HORACE [fanning himself with his hat and wiping his brow]. I assure you
+I am, I assure you I am--it's quite overpowering--_isn't_ it?
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY. Ah, poor Monsieur Horace!
+
+ALMERIC. I say, don't take it that way, you know. She's very happy.
+
+HORACE [crossing and grasping his hand]. She's worthy of it--she's
+worthy of it. I know she is. And when will it be?
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY. Enchanting.
+
+HAWCASTLE. Oh, the date? I dare say within a year--two years--
+
+[COMTESSE starts to exclaim, but HAWCASTLE checks her.]
+
+HORACE. Oh, but I say, you know! Isn't that putting it jolly far off?
+The thing's settled, isn't it? Why not say a month instead of a year?
+
+HAWCASTLE. Oh, if you like, I don't know that there is any real
+objection.
+
+HORACE. I do like, indeed. Why not let them marry here in Italy?
+
+HAWCASTLE. Ah, the dashing methods of you Americans! Next you'll be
+saying, "Why not here at Sorrento?"
+
+HORACE. Well, and why not, indeed?
+
+HAWCASTLE. And then it will be, "Why not within a fortnight?"
+
+HORACE. And why should it not be in a fortnight?
+
+HAWCASTLE. Ah, you wonderful people, you are whirlwinds, yet I see no
+reason why it should not be in a fortnight.
+
+ALMERIC [passively]. Just as you like, Governor, just as you like.
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY. Enchanting.
+
+HAWCASTLE. My son is all impatience!
+
+ALMERIC [genially]. Quite so!
+
+HAWCASTLE [gayly]. Shall we dispose at once of the necessary little
+details, the various minor arrangements, the--the settlement?
+
+[Interrupts himself with a friendly laugh.]
+
+Of course, as a man of the world, of _our_ world, you understand there
+_are_ formalities in the nature of a settlement.
+
+HORACE [interrupting eagerly and pleasantly, laughing also]. Quite so,
+of course, I know, certainly, perfectly!
+
+HAWCASTLE [heartily]. We'll have no difficulty about _that_, my boy.
+I'll wire my solicitor immediately, and he'll be here within two days.
+If you wish to consult your own solicitor you can cable him.
+
+HORACE [with some embarrassment]. Fact is, I've a notion our
+solicitor--Ethel's man of business, that is--from Kokomo, Indiana, where
+our Governor lived--in fact, a sort of guardian of hers--may be here
+almost any time.
+
+HAWCASTLE [taken aback]. A sort of guardian--_what_ sort?
+
+HORACE [apologetically]. I really can't say. Never saw him that I know
+of. You see, we've been on this side so many years, and there's been no
+occasion for this fellow to look us up, but he's never opposed anything
+Ethel wrote for; he seems to be an easygoing old chap.
+
+HAWCASTLE [anxiously]. But would his consent to your sister's
+marriage--or the matter of a settlement--be a necessity?
+
+HORACE [easily]. Oh, I dare say; but if he has the slightest sense of
+duty toward my sister, he'll be the first to welcome the alliance, won't
+he?
+
+HAWCASTLE [reassured]. Then when my solicitor comes, he and your man can
+have an evening over a lot of musty papers and the thing will be done.
+Again, my boy [taking HORACE'S hand], I welcome you to our family. God
+bless you!
+
+HORACE. I'm overpowered, you know--really overpowered.
+
+[Fans himself again and wipes his forehead.]
+
+HAWCASTLE. Come, Almeric.
+
+[Aside to MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, whom he joins for a moment.]
+
+Let him know it's a hundred and fifty thousand pounds.
+
+[Exit into hotel, followed immediately by ALMERIC.]
+
+[HORACE turns toward MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY; she gives him both hands.]
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [smiling]. My friend, I am happy for you.
+
+HORACE [joyously]. Think of it, at the most a fortnight, and dear old
+Ethel will be the Honorable Mrs. St. Aubyn, future Countess of
+Hawcastle!
+
+[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, lightly, at the same time withdrawing her hands
+and picking up her parasol from the chair where she has left it.]
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY. Yes, there is but those little arrangement over the
+settlement paper between your advocate and Lord Hawcastle's; but you
+Americans--you laugh at such things. You are big, so big, like your
+country!
+
+HORACE. Ah, believe me, the great world, the world of yourself,
+Countess, has thoroughly alienated me.
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [coming close to him, looking at him admiringly].
+Ah, you retain one quality! You are big, you are careless, you are
+free.
+
+[She lays her right hand on his left arm. He takes her hand with his
+right hand. They stand facing each other.]
+
+HORACE [smiling]. Well, perhaps, in _those_ things I am American, but in
+others I fancy I should be thought something else, shouldn't I?
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [earnestly]. You are a debonair man of the great
+world; and yet you are still American, in that you are ab-om-i-nab-ly
+rich. [She laughs sweetly.] The settlement--Such matter as that, over
+which a Frenchman, an Italian, an Englishman might hesitate, you laugh!
+Such matter as one-hundred-fifty thousand pounds--you set it aside; you
+laugh! You say, "Oh yes--take it!"
+
+HORACE [his eyes wide with surprise]. A hundred and fifty thousand
+pounds! Why, that's seven hundred and fifty thous--[He pauses, then
+finishes decidedly.] She couldn't use the money to better advantage.
+
+[Enter ETHEL from the hotel. She has one thick book under her arm,
+another in her hand.]
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [to HORACE, with deep admiration]. My friend, how
+wise you are!
+
+[She perceives ETHEL'S entrance over HORACE'S shoulder, and at once runs
+to her, embraces her, and kisses her, crying.]
+
+Largesse, sweet Countess of Hawcastle! Largesse! and au revoir! Adieu! I
+leave you with your dear brother. A rivederci.
+
+[She runs gayly out, waving her parasol to them as she goes.]
+
+HORACE [going to ETHEL]. Dear old sis, dear old pal!
+
+[Affectionately gives her hand a squeeze and drops it.]
+
+ETHEL [radiant]. Isn't it glorious, Hoddy!
+
+HORACE. The others are almost as pleased as we are.
+
+[He leans back in chair, knees crossed, hands clasped over knees, and
+regards her proudly.]
+
+ETHEL [opens the books she carries, laying them on one of the
+tea-tables]. This is Burke's _Peerage_, and this is Froissart's
+_Chronicles_. I've been reading it all over again--the St. Aubyns at
+Crecy and Agincourt [with an exalted expression], and St. Aubyn will be
+_my_ name!
+
+HORACE [smiling]. They want it to be your name _soon_, sis.
+
+ETHEL [suddenly thoughtful, speaks appealingly]. _You're_ fond of
+Almeric, aren't you, Hoddy--_you_ admire him, don't you?
+
+HORACE. Certainly. Think of all he represents.
+
+ETHEL [enthusiastically]. Ah, yes! Crusader's blood flows in his veins.
+It is to the nobility that _must_ be within him that I have plighted my
+troth. I am ready to marry him when they wish.
+
+HORACE. Then as soon as the settlement is arranged. It'll take about all
+your share of the estate, sis, but it's worth it--a hundred and fifty
+thousand pounds.
+
+ETHEL [earnestly]. What better use could be made of a fortune than to
+maintain the state and high condition of so ancient a house?
+
+HORACE. Doesn't it seem impossible that we were born in Indiana!
+
+[He speaks seriously, as if the thing were incredible.]
+
+ETHEL [smiling]. But isn't it good that the pater "made his pile," as
+the Americans say, and let us come over here when we were young to find
+the nobler things, Hoddy--the _nobler_ things!
+
+HORACE. The nobler things--the nobler things, sis. When old Hawcastle
+dies I'll be saying, quite off-hand, you know, "My sister, the Countess
+of Hawcastle--"
+
+ETHEL [thoughtfully]. You don't suppose that father's friend, my
+guardian, this old Mr. Pike, will be--will be QUEER, do you?
+
+HORACE. Well, the governor himself was rather _raw_, you know. This is
+probably a harmless enough old chap--easy to handle--
+
+ETHEL. I wish I knew. I shouldn't like Almeric's family to think we had
+queer connections of any sort--and he might turn out to be quite
+shockingly American [with genuine pathos]. I--I couldn't bear it, Hoddy.
+
+HORACE. Then keep him out of the way. That's simple enough. None of
+them, except the solicitor, need see him.
+
+[Instantly upon this there is a tremendous though distant commotion
+beyond the hotel--wild laughter and cheers, the tarantella played by
+mandolins and guitars, also sung, shouts of "Bravo Americano!" and
+"Yanka Dooda!" The noise continues and increases gradually.]
+
+ETHEL [as the uproar begins]. What is that?
+
+HORACE. Must be a mob.
+
+[LADY CREECH, flustered and hot, enters from the hotel. She is a
+haughty, cross-looking woman in the sixties.]
+
+ETHEL [going to LADY CREECH, speaks close to her ear and loudly]. Lady
+Creech--dear Lady Creech--what is the trouble?
+
+LADY CREECH. Some horrible people coming to this hotel! They've made a
+riot in the village.
+
+[The noise becomes suddenly louder. MARIANO, immediately upon LADY
+CREECH'S entrance, appears in hotel doors, makes a quick gesture toward
+breakfast-table, and withdraws.]
+
+[MICHELE, laughing, immediately enters by same doors, goes rapidly to
+the breakfast-table and clears it. The others pay no attention to this.]
+
+HORACE [at steps up left]. It's not a riot--it's a revolution.
+
+LADY CREECH [sinking into a chair, angrily]. One of your horrid
+fellow-countrymen, my dear. Your Americans are really too--
+
+ETHEL [proudly]. Not _my_ Americans, Lady Creech!
+
+HORACE. Not _ours_, you know. One could hardly say that, _could_ one?
+
+ALMERIC [heard outside laughing]. Oh, I say, what a go! [Enters from the
+hotel, laughing.] Motor-car breaks down on the way here; one of the
+Johnnies in it, a German, discharges the chauffeur; and the other Johnny
+[he throws himself sprawling into a chair], one of your Yankee chaps,
+Ethel, hires two silly little donkeys, like rabbits, you know, to pull
+the machine the rest of the way here. Then as they can't make it, by
+Jove, you know, he puts himself in the straps with the donkeys, and
+proceeds, attended by the populace. Ha, ha! I say!
+
+[HORACE, gloomy, comes down and sits at tea-table.]
+
+LADY CREECH [angrily, to ALMERIC]. Don't mumble your words, Almeric. I
+never understand people when they mumble their words.
+
+[RIBIERE, who looks anxious, appears in the hotel doorway, then stands
+aside on the stoop for MARIANO and MICHELE; they enter and pass him with
+trays, fresh cloth, etc., for table down right, which they rapidly
+proceed to set. A valet de chambre enters up left, following them
+immediately. He carries a tray with a silver dish of caviar and a
+bottle of vodka. As he enters he hesitates for one moment, looking
+inquiringly at RIBIERE, who motions him quickly toward MARIANO and
+MICHELE, and withdraws. Valet rapidly crosses right to table, sets
+caviar and vodka on the table, and exits up left. The others pay no
+attention to any of this.]
+
+ALMERIC. I went up to this Yankee chap, I mean to say--he was pullin'
+and tuggin' along, you see, don't you?--and I said, "There you are,
+three of you all in a row, _aren't_ you?"--meanin' him and the two
+donkeys, Ethel, you see.
+
+LADY CREECH [who has been leaning close to ALMERIC to listen]. Dreadful
+person!
+
+ALMERIC [continuing]. All he could answer was that he'd picked the best
+company in sight.
+
+ETHEL [annoyed, half under her breath]. Impertinent!
+
+ALMERIC. No meanin' to it. I had him, you know, I rather think, didn't
+I?
+
+[HAWCASTLE enters with MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, a number of folded
+newspapers under his arm. Simultaneously loud cheers are heard from the
+village and a general renewal of the commotion.]
+
+HAWCASTLE. Disgusting uproar!
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [to ETHEL]. But we know that such Americans are not
+of your class, cherie.
+
+ETHEL. A dreadful person, I quite fear.
+
+HAWCASTLE. The English papers.
+
+[Lays papers on one of the tea-tables.]
+
+ALMERIC. I'll take the _Pink 'Un_, Governor. I'm off.
+
+[Starts to go, the _Pink 'Un_ under his arm.]
+
+ETHEL [rather shyly]. For a stroll, Almeric? Would you like me to go
+with you?
+
+ALMERIC [somewhat embarrassed]. Well, I rather thought I'd have a quiet
+bit of readin', you know.
+
+ETHEL [coldly]. Oh!
+
+[Exit ALMERIC rapidly up left.]
+
+LADY CREECH [in a deep and gloomy voice]. The _Church Register_!
+
+[HAWCASTLE gives her a paper. HORACE takes the London _Mail_. HAWCASTLE
+takes the _Times_.]
+
+[ETHEL and MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY walk back to the terrace railing,
+chatting. The others seat themselves about the tea-tables to read.]
+
+HORACE [unfolding his paper, speaks crossly to MARIANO]. Mariano, how
+long is this noise to continue?
+
+MARIANO [distractedly]. How can I know? We can do nothing.
+
+MICHELE [smilingly, looking up from table where he has continued to
+work]. The people outside will not go while they think there is once
+more a chance to see the North American who pull the automobile with
+those donkeys.
+
+MARIANO. He have confuse' me; he have confuse' everybody. He will not be
+content with the dejeuner till he have the ham and the eggs. And he will
+have the eggs cooked only on one side, and how in the name of heaven can
+we tell which side?
+
+RIBIERE [appearing in the hotel doorway, speaks sharply but not loudly].
+Garcon!
+
+[MICHELE and MARIANO instantly step back from table and stand at
+attention, facing front, like soldiers. RIBIERE exits quickly again into
+hotel.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [looking up from paper]. Upon my soul, who's all this?
+
+MARIANO [not turning his head, replies in an awed undertone]. It is Herr
+von Groellerhagen, a German gentleman, Milor'.
+
+HAWCASTLE [amused, to HORACE]. Man that owned the automobile. Probably
+made a fortune in sausages.
+
+VASILI [heard within the hotel, approaching]. Nein, nein, Ribiere! 'S
+macht nichts!
+
+[He enters from the hotel. He is a portly man of forty-five, but rather
+soldierly than fat. His hair, pompadour, is reddish blond, beginning to
+turn gray, like his mustache and large full beard; the latter somewhat
+"Henry IV." and slightly forked at bottom. His dress produces the effect
+rather of carelessness than of extreme fashion. He wears a
+travelling-suit of gray, neat enough but not freshly pressed, the
+trousers showing no crease, the coat cut in "walking-coat style," with
+big, slanting pockets, in which he carries his gloves, handkerchief,
+matches, and a silver cigarette-case full of Russian cigarettes. On his
+head is a tan-colored automobile cap with buttoned flaps. He is followed
+by RIBIERE, who, anxious and perturbed, wishes to call his attention to
+the item in the Neapolitan morning paper.]
+
+VASILI [waving both RIBIERE and the paper aside, in high good-humor].
+Las' mich, las' mich! Geh'n sie weg!
+
+[RIBIERE bows submissively, though with a gesture of protest, and exit
+into the hotel. The group about the tea-table watch VASILI with
+hostility.]
+
+LADY CREECH. What a dreadful person!
+
+[VASILI crosses to his seat at the breakfast-table in front of MARIANO
+and MICHELE, who bows profoundly as he passes.]
+
+VASILI [lifting his hand in curt, semi-military salute, to acknowledge
+the waiters' bows]. See to my American friend.
+
+[MICHELE immediately hastens into the hotel. VASILI sits, and MARIANO
+serves him.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [to LADY CREECH, in her ear]. Quite right; but take care, he
+speaks English.
+
+LADY CREECH [glaring at VASILI]. Many thoroughly objectionable persons
+do!
+
+VASILI [apparently oblivious to her remark, to MARIANO]. My American
+friend wishes his own national dish.
+
+MARIANO [deferentially, and serving VASILI to caviar]. Yes, Herr von
+Groellerhagen, he will have the eggs on but one of both sides and the
+hams fried. So he go to cook it himself.
+
+[Loud shouts and wild laughter from the street. HORACE, ALMERIC, and
+LADY CREECH set their papers down in their laps and turn toward the
+door.]
+
+MARIANO. Ha! He return from the kitchen with those national dish.
+
+ETHEL [glancing in the doorway]. How horrid!
+
+[MICHELE backs out on the stoop from the doorway laughing, carrying a
+platter of ham and eggs.]
+
+MICHELE. He have gone to wash himself at the street fountain.
+
+[Tumult outside reaches its height, the shouts of "Yanka Dooda!"
+predominating.]
+
+VASILI [laughing, clapping his hands]. Bravo! Bravo!
+
+ETHEL. Horrible!
+
+[PIKE enters from the hotel. He is a youthful-looking American of about
+thirty-five, good-natured, shrewd, humorous, and kindly. His voice has
+the homely quality of the Central States, clear, quiet, and strong, with
+a very slight drawl at times when the situation strikes him as humorous,
+often exhibiting an apologetic character. He does not speak a dialect.
+His English is the United States language as spoken by the average
+citizen to be met on a daycoach anywhere in the Central States. He is
+clean-shaven, and his hair, which shows a slight tendency to gray, is
+neatly parted on the left side. His light straw hat is edged with a
+strip of ribbon. The hat, like the rest of his apparel, is neither new
+nor old. His shirt, "lay-down" collar, and cuffs are of white,
+well-laundered linen. He wears a loosely knotted tie. A linen
+motor-duster extends to his knees. His waistcoat is of a gray mixture,
+neither dark nor light. His trousers are of the same material and not
+fashionably cut, yet they fit him well and are neither baggy at the
+knees nor "high-water." His shoes are plain black Congress gaiters and
+show a "good shine." In brief, he is just the average well-to-do but
+untravelled citizen that you might meet on an accommodation train
+between Logansport and Kokomo, Indiana. As he enters he is wiping his
+face, after his ablutions, with a large towel, his hat pushed far back
+on his head. The sleeves of his duster are turned back, and his
+detachable cuffs are in his pocket. He comes through the doors rubbing
+his face with the towel, but, pausing for a moment on the stoop, drops
+the towel from his face to dry his hands. All except VASILI and the
+waiters stare at him with frowns of annoyance.]
+
+PIKE [beamingly unconscious of this, surprised, and in a tone of
+cheerful apology, believing all the world to be as good-natured and
+sensible as Kokomo would be under the circumstances]. Law! I didn't know
+there was folks here. I reckon you'll have to excuse me.
+
+[As he speaks he dries his hands quickly.]
+
+Here, son!
+
+[He hands the towel to MICHELE. PIKE rapidly descends the steps, goes to
+the breakfast-table, joining VASILI and taking the seat opposite him.]
+
+VASILI [gayly]. You're a true patriot, my friend. You allow no profane
+hand to cook your national dish. I trust you will be as successful with
+that wicked motor of mine.
+
+PIKE [chuckling]. Lord bless your soul, I've put a self-binder together
+after a pony-engine had butted it half-way through a brick deepoe!
+
+[Tucks his napkin in collar of his waistcoat and applies himself to the
+meal.]
+
+[HORACE and HAWCASTLE read their papers, now and then casting glances of
+great annoyance at PIKE.]
+
+[LADY CREECH lets her periodical rest in her lap, and without any
+abating or concealment, fixes PIKE with a basilisk glare which
+continues. He is unconscious of all this, his back being three-quarters
+to their group.]
+
+VASILI [no pause]. You have studied mechanics at the University?
+
+PIKE [smiling]. University? Law, no! On the old man's farm.
+
+[VASILI nods gravely.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [blandly, to HORACE]. Without any disrespect to you, my dear
+fellow, what terrific bounders most of your fellow-countrymen are!
+
+HORACE [greatly irritated]. Do you wonder sis and I have emancipated
+ourselves?
+
+HAWCASTLE. Not at all, my dear lad.
+
+VASILI [to PIKE]. Can I persuade you to accept a little of one of my own
+national dishes--caviar?
+
+PIKE. Caviar? I've heard of it. I thought it was Rooshian.
+
+VASILI [disturbed, but instantly recovering, himself]. It is German,
+also. Will you not?
+
+[He motions MARIANO to serve PIKE. MARIANO places a spoonful of caviar
+on a silver dish at PIKE'S right.]
+
+PIKE. I expect I'd never get to the legislature again if the boys heard
+about it. Still, I reckon I'm far enough from home to take a _few_
+risks.
+
+[He loads a fork with caviar, and with a smile places it in his mouth.
+The smile slowly fades, his face becomes thoughtful, then grave; he
+slowly sets the fork upon his plate, his eyes turn toward VASILI with a
+look both puzzled and plaintive, his mouth firmly closed, his jaw moving
+slightly.]
+
+VASILI. I fear you do not like it. A few swallows of vodka will take
+away the taste.
+
+[Gives him a glass, which PIKE accepts, drinking a mouthful in haste,
+VASILI watching him, sincerely concerned and troubled. PIKE swallows the
+vodka, quietly sets the glass down on the table, his eyelids begin to
+flutter, he bends a look of suffering and distrust upon VASILI, slowly
+rises and closes his eyes, then slowly sits and opens them. Gradually a
+faint, distrustful smile appears on his face.]
+
+PIKE [in the voice of a convalescent]. I never had any business to leave
+Indiana!
+
+VASILI. I am sorry, my friend.
+
+[PIKE takes another large forkful of caviar.]
+
+VASILI [observing this]. But I thought you did not like the caviar?
+
+PIKE. It's to take away the taste of the vodka.
+
+VASILI [laughing]. I lift my hat to you.
+
+PIKE. You never worked on a farm in your own country, Doc?
+
+VASILI. That has been denied me.
+
+PIKE. I expect so. Talk about things to drink! Harvest-time, and the
+women folks coming out from the house with a two-gallon jug of ice-cold
+buttermilk!
+
+[Sets down the glass and whistles softly with delight.]
+
+[HORACE shows increasing signs of annoyance.]
+
+VASILI. You still enjoy those delights?
+
+PIKE. Not since I moved up to our county-seat ten years ago and began to
+practice law. Things don't taste the same in the city.
+
+VASILI. You do not like your city?
+
+PIKE [not with braggadocio, but earnestly, almost pathetically]. Like
+it? Well, sir, for public buildings and architecture, I wouldn't trade
+our State insane asylum for the worst-ruined ruin in Europe--not for
+hygiene and real comfort.
+
+VASILI. And your people?
+
+PIKE. The best on earth. Out _my_ way folks are neighbors.
+
+[HORACE snaps his paper sharply.]
+
+VASILI. But you have no leisure class.
+
+[VASILI is looking keenly at HAWCASTLE and HORACE as he speaks.]
+
+PIKE. Got a pretty good-sized colored population.
+
+VASILI. I mean no aristocracy--no great old families such as we have,
+that go back and back to the Middle Ages.
+
+PIKE [genially]. Well, I expect if they go back that far they might just
+as well set down and stay there. No, sir, the poor in my country don't
+have to pay taxes for a lot of useless kings and earls and first grooms
+of the bedchamber and second ladies in waiting, and I don't know what
+all. If anybody wants _our_ money for nothin' he has to show energy
+enough to steal it. I wonder a man like you doesn't emigrate.
+
+VASILI. Bravo!
+
+HAWCASTLE [to HORACE]. Your countryman seems to be rather down on us!
+
+HORACE. This fellow is distinctly of the lower orders. We should cut him
+as completely in the States as here.
+
+VASILI. I wonder you make this long journey, my friend, instead of to
+spend your holiday at home.
+
+PIKE. Holiday! Why, _I_ never had time even to go to Niagara Falls!
+
+VASILI [to MARIANO]. Finito!
+
+[Sets his napkin carelessly on table and lights a Russian cigarette.]
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY. What is it he does with his serviette?
+
+PIKE [moving his chair back from the table slightly, and folding his
+napkin]. No, _sir_, you wouldn't catch me puttin' in any time in these
+old kingdoms unless I had to.
+
+LADY CREECH [loudly, to HAWCASTLE]. Hawcastle, can you tell me how much
+longer these persons intend to remain here listening to our
+conversation?
+
+[PIKE half turns to LADY CREECH, innocently puzzled.]
+
+HAWCASTLE. Oh, it isn't that; but it's somewhat annoying not to be
+allowed to read one's paper in peace.
+
+HORACE. Quite beastly annoying!
+
+LADY CREECH. I had a distinct impression that the management had
+reserved this terrace for our party.
+
+VASILI [quietly]. I fear we have disturbed these good people.
+
+PIKE [in wonder]. Do you think they're hinting at us?
+
+VASILI. I fear so.
+
+PIKE [gently and with sincere amazement]. Why, _we_ haven't done
+anything to 'em.
+
+VASILI. No, my friend.
+
+PIKE [smiling]. Well, I guess there ain't any bones broken.
+
+HORACE [throws down paper angrily on tea-table]. I can't stand this. I
+shall go for a stroll.
+
+PIKE [rising]. I expect it's about time for me to go and find the two
+young folks I've come to look after.
+
+VASILI. You are here for a duty, then?
+
+PIKE [with gravity, yet smiling faintly]. I shouldn't be surprised if
+that was the name for it. Yes, sir, all the way from Indiana.
+
+[ETHEL utters a low cry of fear.]
+
+[HORACE, having secured his hat, is just rising to go, drops back into
+his chair with a stifled exclamation of dismay.]
+
+[HAWCASTLE lays his paper flat on table. All this instantaneous.]
+
+HAWCASTLE. By Jove!
+
+[They all stare at PIKE.]
+
+PIKE [continuing]. I expect, prob'ly, Doc, I won't be able to eat with
+you this evening. You see--[he pauses, somewhat embarrassed]--you see,
+I've come a mighty long ways to look after her, and she, prob'ly--that
+is, _they'll_ prob'ly want me to have supper with _them_.
+
+[The latter part of this speech is spoken rather breathlessly, though
+not rapidly, and almost tremulously, and with a growing smile that is
+like a confession.]
+
+VASILI. Do not trouble for me. Your young people, they have a villa?
+
+PIKE. No; they're right here in this hotel.
+
+HORACE. I must get away!
+
+[He says this huskily, almost in a whisper, as if to himself. His face
+is tense with anxiety.]
+
+VASILI [with a gesture of dismissal, though graciously]. Seek them. I
+finish my cigarette.
+
+PIKE. Guess I better ask.
+
+[HORACE is crossing, meaning to get away through the grove.]
+
+PIKE [addressing him]. Hey, there! Can you--
+
+[HORACE, proceeding, pays no attention.]
+
+PIKE [lifting his voice]. Excuse me, son, ain't you an American?
+
+[More decidedly, to MARIANO.]
+
+Waiter, tell that gentleman I'm speaking to him.
+
+MARIANO [to HORACE]. M'sieu', that gentleman speak with you.
+
+HORACE [agitated and angry]. What gentleman?
+
+[MARIANO bows toward PIKE.]
+
+PIKE [at same time genially]. I thought from your looks you must be an
+American.
+
+HORACE [turning haughtily]. Are you speaking to _me_?
+
+PIKE [good-humoredly]. Well, I shouldn't be surprised. Ain't you an
+American?
+
+HORACE. I happen to have been born in the States.
+
+PIKE [amiably]. Well, that _was_ luck!
+
+HORACE [turning as if to go]. Will you kindly excuse me?
+
+PIKE. Hold on a minute! I'm looking for some Americans here, and I
+expect you know 'em--boy and girl named Simpson.
+
+HORACE. Is there any possibility that you mean Granger-Simpson?
+
+[His tone is both alarmed and truculent.]
+
+PIKE [much pleased]. No, sir; just plain Simpson. Granger's their middle
+name. That's for old Jed Granger, grandfather on their ma's side.
+
+[He pronounces "ma" with the broad Hoosier accent--"maw."]
+
+I want to see 'em both, but it's the girl I'm rilly looking for.
+
+HORACE [trembling, but speaking even more haughtily]. Will you be good
+enough to state any possible reason why Miss Granger-Simpson should see
+you?
+
+PIKE [in profound surprise, yet mildly]. Reason--why, yes--I'm her
+guardian.
+
+[ETHEL lifts her hand to her forehead as if dizzy. MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY
+puts an arm around her. ETHEL recovers herself and stands rigidly,
+staring at PIKE.]
+
+HORACE [staggered]. What!
+
+PIKE [smiling]. Yes, sir, Daniel Voorhees Pike, attorney at law, Kokomo,
+Indiana.
+
+[HORACE falls back from him in horror.]
+
+[HAWCASTLE, excited but cool, makes a quick, imperative gesture to LADY
+CREECH, who majestically sweeps up to ETHEL, kisses her on the forehead
+in lofty pity, and sweeps out.]
+
+[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY kisses ETHEL compassionately on cheek and follows
+LADY CREECH off.]
+
+[MARIANO and MICHELE, having cleared the table, exeunt.]
+
+HORACE [hoarse with shame, to PIKE; slight pause after PIKE'S last
+speech.] I shall ask her if she will consent to an interview.
+
+PIKE [at same time, astounded]. "Consent to an interview"? Why, I want
+to _talk_ to her!
+
+HAWCASTLE [quickly and earnestly to ETHEL]. This shall make no
+difference to _us_, my child. Speak to him at once.
+
+[Exit into the hotel.]
+
+PIKE [to HORACE]. Don't you understand? I'm her _guardian_.
+
+HORACE [with a desperate gesture]. I shall never hold up my head again!
+
+[Rushes off.]
+
+VASILI [gravely, to PIKE]. When you have finished your affairs, my
+friend, remember my poor car yonder.
+
+[Illustration: "YES, SIR, DANIEL VOORHEES PIKE, ATTORNEY AT LAW, KOKOMO,
+INDIANA"]
+
+PIKE [with a melancholy smile]. All right, Doc, I'm kind of confused
+just now, but I reckon I can still put a plug back in a gear-box.
+
+VASILI [at same time]. Then _au revoir_, my friend.
+
+[Strolls off through the grove.]
+
+PIKE [watching him go, thoughtfully]. Yes, _sir_!
+
+ETHEL [haughtily, yet with the air of confessing a humiliating truth,
+her eyes cast down]. I am Miss Granger-Simpson.
+
+[As she speaks he turns and lifts his hand toward her as if suddenly
+startled. He has not seen her until now. He stands for a moment in
+silence, looking at her with great tenderness and pride.]
+
+PIKE [with both wonder and pathos in his voice]. Why, I knew your pa
+from the time I was a little boy till he died, and I looked up to him
+more'n I ever looked up to anybody in my life, but I never thought he'd
+have a girl like you!
+
+[She turns from him; he takes a short step nearer her.]
+
+He'd 'a' been mighty proud if he could see you now.
+
+ETHEL [quickly, and with controlled agitation]. Perhaps it will be as
+well if we avoid personal allusions.
+
+PIKE [mildly]. I don't see how that's possible.
+
+ETHEL [sitting]. Will you please sit down?
+
+PIKE. Yes, ma'am!
+
+[ETHEL shivers at the "ma'am."]
+
+[He sits in the chair which HORACE has occupied, still holding his hat
+in his hand.]
+
+ETHEL [tremulously, her eyes cast down]. As you know, I--I--
+
+[She stops, as if afraid of breaking down; then, turning toward him,
+cries sharply.]
+
+Oh, are you _really_ my guardian?
+
+PIKE [smiling]. Well, I've got the papers in my grip. I expect--
+
+ETHEL. Oh, I KNOW it! It is only that we didn't fancy, we didn't
+expect--
+
+PIKE. I expect you thought I'd be considerable older.
+
+ETHEL. Not only _that_--
+
+PIKE [interrupting gently]. I expect you thought I'd neglected you a
+good deal [remorsefully], and it _did_ LOOK like it--never comin' to see
+you; but I couldn't hardly manage the time to get away. You see, bein'
+trustee of your share of the estate, I don't hardly have a fair show at
+my law practice. But when I got your letter, eleven days ago, I says to
+myself: "Here, Daniel Voorhees Pike, you old shellback, you've just got
+to _take_ time. John Simpson trusted you with his property, and he's
+done more [his voice rises, but his tone is affectionate and shows deep
+feeling]--he's trusted you to look out for _her_, and now she's come to
+a kind of jumpin'-off place in her life--she's thinking of gettin'
+married; and you just pack your grip-sack and hike out over there and
+stand _by_ her!"
+
+ETHEL [frigidly]. I quite fail to understand your point of view. Perhaps
+I had best make it at once clear to you that I am no longer _thinking_
+of marrying.
+
+PIKE [leaning back in his chair and smiling on her]. Well, Lord-a-Mercy!
+
+ETHEL. I mean I have decided upon it. The ceremony is to take place
+within a fortnight.
+
+PIKE. Well, I declare!
+
+ETHEL. We shall dispense with all delays.
+
+PIKE [slowly and a little sadly]. Well, I don't know as I could rightly
+say anything against that. He must be a mighty nice fellow, and you must
+think a heap _of_ him!
+
+[With a suppressed sigh.]
+
+That's the way it should be.
+
+[He smiles again and leans toward her in a friendly way.]
+
+And you're happy, are you?
+
+ETHEL [with cold emphasis, sitting very straight in her chair].
+Distinctly!
+
+[PIKE'S expression becomes puzzled, he passes his hand over his chin,
+looks at her keenly. Then his eyes turn to the spot where HORACE stood
+during their interview, and he starts, as though shocked at a sudden
+thought.]
+
+PIKE. It ain't that fellow I was talkin' to yonder?
+
+ETHEL [indignantly]. That was my _brother_!
+
+PIKE [relieved, but somewhat embarrassed]. Lord-a-Mercy!
+
+[Recovering himself immediately and smiling.]
+
+But, naturally, I wouldn't remember him. He couldn't have been more than
+twelve years old last time you were home. Of course, I'd 'a' known
+_you_--
+
+ETHEL. How? You couldn't have seen me since I was a child.
+
+PIKE. From your picture. Though now I see--it _ain't_ so much like you.
+
+ETHEL. You have a photograph of _me_?
+
+PIKE [very gently]. The last time I saw your father alive he gave me
+one.
+
+ETHEL [frowning]. _Gave_ it to you?
+
+PIKE. Gave it to me to look at.
+
+ETHEL. And you remembered--
+
+PIKE [apologetically]. Yes, ma'am!
+
+ETHEL [incredulously]. Remembered well enough to _know_ me?
+
+PIKE. Yes, ma'am!
+
+ETHEL. It does not strike me as possible. We may dismiss the subject.
+
+PIKE. Well, if you'd like to introduce me to your [laughing feebly and
+tentatively, hesitates]--to your--
+
+ETHEL. To my brother?
+
+PIKE. No, ma'am; I mean to your--to the young man.
+
+ETHEL. To Mr. St. Aubyn? I think it quite unnecessary.
+
+PIKE. I'm afraid I can't see it just that way [with an apologetic
+laugh]. I'll _have_ to have a couple of talks with him--sort of look him
+over, so to speak. I won't stay around here spoilin' your fun any longer
+than I can help. Only just for that, and to get a letter I'm expectin'
+here from England. Don't you be afraid.
+
+ETHEL. I do not see that you need have come at all. [Her lip begins to
+tremble.] We could have been spared this mortification.
+
+PIKE [sadly]. You mean _I_ mortify you? Why, I--I can't see how.
+
+ETHEL. In a hundred ways--every way. That common person who is with
+you--
+
+PIKE [gently]. _He_ ain't common. You only think so because he's with
+_me_.
+
+ETHEL [sharply]. Who is he?
+
+PIKE. He told me his name, but I can't remember it. I call him "Doc."
+
+ETHEL. It doesn't _matter_! What _does_ matter is that you needn't have
+come. You could have _written_ your consent.
+
+PIKE [mildly]. Not without seeing the young man.
+
+ETHEL. And you could have arranged the settlement in the same way.
+
+PIKE [smiling]. Settlement? You seem to have _settled_ it pretty well
+without me.
+
+ETHEL. You do not understand. An alliance of this sort always entails a
+certain settlement.
+
+PIKE. Yes, ma'am--when folks get married they generally settle down
+considerable.
+
+ETHEL [impatiently]. Please listen. If you were at all a man of the
+world, I should not have to explain that in marrying into a noble house
+I bring my _dot_, my dowry--
+
+PIKE [puzzled]. _Money_, you mean?
+
+ETHEL. If you choose to put it that way.
+
+PIKE. You mean you want to put aside something of your own to buy a lot
+and fix up a place to start housekeeping--
+
+ETHEL. No, _no_! I mean a settlement upon Mr. St. Aubyn directly.
+
+PIKE. You mean you want to _give_ it to him?
+
+ETHEL. If that's the only way to make you understand--_yes_!
+
+PIKE [amused]. How much do you want to give him?
+
+ETHEL [coldly]. A hundred and fifty thousand pounds.
+
+PIKE [incredulously]. Seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars!
+
+ETHEL. _Precisely_ that!
+
+PIKE [amazed]. Well, he _has_ made you care for him! I guess he must be
+the Prince of the World, honey! He must be a great man. I expect you're
+right about me not meetin' _him_! I prob'ly wouldn't stack up very high
+alongside of a man that's big enough for you to think as much of as you
+do of him. [Smiling.] Why, I'd have to squeeze every bit of property
+your pa left you.
+
+ETHEL. Is it _your_ property?
+
+PIKE [gently]. I've worked pretty hard to take care of it for you.
+
+ETHEL [rising impulsively and coming to him]. Forgive me for saying
+that.
+
+PIKE [smiling]. Pshaw!
+
+ETHEL. It was unworthy of me, unworthy of the higher and nobler things
+that life calls me to live up to [proudly]--that I _shall_ live up to.
+The money means nothing to me--I am not thinking of that. It is merely a
+necessary form.
+
+PIKE. Have you talked with Mr. St. Aubyn about this settlement--this
+present you want to make him?
+
+ETHEL. Not with him.
+
+PIKE [amused]. I thought not! You'll see--he wouldn't take it if I'd let
+you give it to him. A fine man like that wants to make his own way, of
+course. Mighty few men like to have fun poked at 'em about livin' on
+their wife's money.
+
+ETHEL [despairingly]. Oh, I _can't_ make you understand! A settlement
+isn't a gift.
+
+PIKE [as if humoring her]. How'd you happen to decide that just a
+hundred and fifty thousand pounds was what you wanted to give him?
+
+ETHEL. It was Mr. St. Aubyn's father who fixed the amount.
+
+PIKE. His _father_? What's _he_ got to do with it?
+
+ETHEL. He is the Earl of Hawcastle, the head of the ancient house.
+
+PIKE. And he asks you for your property--asks you for it in so many
+words?
+
+ETHEL. As a _settlement_!
+
+PIKE [aghast]. And your young man _knows_ it?
+
+ETHEL. I tell you I have not discussed it with Mr. St. Aubyn.
+
+PIKE [emphatically]. I reckon not! Well, sir, do you know what's the
+first thing Mr. St. Aubyn will do when he hears his father's made such a
+proposition to you? He'll take the old man out in the back lot and give
+him a thrashing he won't forget to the day of his death!
+
+[The roll of drums is heard, distant, as if sounding below the cliff;
+bugle sounds at the same time.]
+
+[MARIANO and MICHELE run hurriedly from the hotel and lean over
+balustrade at back, as if watching something below the cliff.]
+
+[RIBIERE enters quickly with them, takes one quick glance in same
+direction, and hurries off.]
+
+[PIKE and ETHEL, surprised, turn to look.]
+
+MARIANO [calling to ETHEL as he enters]. A bandit of Russia,
+Mademoiselle! The soldiers think he hide in a grotto under the cliff!
+
+[ALMERIC comes on rapidly from the hotel, carrying a shot-gun.]
+
+ALMERIC [enthusiastically, as he enters]. Oh, I _say_, fair sport, by
+Jove! Fair sport!
+
+PIKE [to ETHEL, indicating ALMERIC, chuckling]. I saw _him_ on the road
+here--what's he meant for?
+
+ALMERIC. Think I'll have a chance to pot the beggar, Michele?
+
+[He joins MICHELE at balustrade.]
+
+MICHELE. No, Signore, there are two companies of carabiniere.
+
+[PIKE, delighted, chuckles aloud.]
+
+ETHEL [angry, calling]. Almeric!
+
+ALMERIC [turning]. Hallo!
+
+ETHEL [frigidly]. I wish to present my guardian to you. [To PIKE.]
+_This_ is Mr. St. Aubyn.
+
+[Illustration: _THIS_ IS MR. ST. AUBYN]
+
+ALMERIC [coming down]. Hallo, though! It's the donkey man, isn't it? How
+very odd! You'll have to see the Governor and our solicitor about the
+settlement. I've some important business here. The police are chasing a
+bally convict chap under the cliffs over yonder, so you'll have to
+excuse me. I'll have to be toddling.
+
+[Goes up to terrace wall overlooking cliffs.]
+
+You know there's nothing like a little convict shooting to break the
+blooming monotony--what?
+
+[The bugle sounds. ALMERIC turns and rushes off.]
+
+Wait for me, you fellows! Don't hurt him till _I_ get there!
+
+[His voice dies away in the distance.]
+
+PIKE [turning to ETHEL with slow horror]. _Seven hundred and fifty
+thousand dollars for_--How much do they charge over here for a _real_
+man?
+
+[She is unable to meet his eye. She turns, with flaming cheeks, and runs
+into the hotel. He stands staring after her, incredulous, dumfounded, in
+a frozen attitude.]
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST ACT
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND ACT
+
+
+Scene: Entrance garden of the hotel.
+
+In the distance are seen the green slopes of vineyards, a ruined castle,
+and olive orchards leading up the mountainside.
+
+An old stone wall seven feet high runs across the rear of the stage.
+This wall is almost covered with vines, showing autumn tints, crowning
+the crest of the wall and hanging from it in profusion. There is a broad
+green gate of the Southern Italian type, closed. A white-columned
+pergola runs obliquely down from the wall on the right. The top of the
+pergola is an awning formed by a skeleton of green-painted wooden strips
+thickly covered by entwining lemon branches bearing ripening lemons.
+Between the columns of the pergola are glimpses of a formal Italian
+garden: flowers, hedges, and a broad flat marble vase on a slender
+pedestal, etc. On the left a two-story wing of the hotel meets the wall
+at the back and runs square across to the left; a lemon grove lies to
+the left also. The wall of the hotel facing the audience shows open
+double doors, with windows up-stairs and below, all with lowered
+awnings. There is a marble bench at the left among shrubberies; an open
+touring-car upon the right under the awning formed by the overhang of
+the pergola; a bag of tools, open, on the stage near by, the floor
+boards of the car removed, the apron lifted.
+
+As the curtain rises, PIKE, in his shirt-sleeves, his hands dirty, and
+wearing a workman's long blouse buttoned at neck, is bending over the
+engine, working and singing, at intervals whistling "The Blue and the
+Gray." His hat, duster, and cuffs are on the rear seat of the tonneau.
+
+[Enter HORACE from the garden. He is flushed and angry; controls himself
+with an effort, trying to speak politely.]
+
+HORACE. Mr. Pike!
+
+PIKE [apparently not hearing him, hammering at a bolt-head with a
+monkey-wrench and singing].
+
+"One lies down at Appomattox--"
+
+HORACE [sharply]. Mr. Pike! Mr. Pike, I wish a word with you.
+
+PIKE [looks up mildly]. Hum!
+
+[He moves to the other side of the engine, rubbing handle of
+monkey-wrench across his chin as if puzzled.]
+
+HORACE. I wish to tell you that the surprise of this morning so upset me
+that I went for a long walk. I have just returned.
+
+PIKE [regarding the machine intently, sings softly].
+
+"One wore clothes of gray--."
+
+[Then he whistles the air. Throughout this interview he maintains almost
+constantly an air of absorption in his work and continues to whistle and
+sing softly.]
+
+HORACE [continuing]. I have been even more upset by what I have just
+learned from my sister.
+
+PIKE [absently]. Why, that's too bad.
+
+HORACE. It _is_ too bad--absurdly--monstrously bad! She tells me that
+she has done you the honor to present you to the family with which we
+are forming an alliance--to the Earl of Hawcastle--her fiance's father--
+
+PIKE [with cheerful absent-mindedness--working]. Yes, sir!
+
+HORACE [continuing]. To her fiance's aunt, Lady Creech--
+
+PIKE. Yes, sir! the whole possetucky of them. [Singing softly.] "She was
+my hanky-panky-danky from the town of Kalamazack!" Yes, sir--that French
+lady, too.
+
+[He throws a quick, keen glance at HORACE, then instantly appears
+absorbed in work again, singing,]
+
+"She ran away with a circus clown--she never did come back--Oh, Solomon
+Levi!"
+
+[Continues to whistle the tune softly.]
+
+HORACE. And she introduced you to her fiance--to Mr. St. Aubyn himself.
+
+PIKE [looking up, monkey-wrench in hand]. Yes, sir [chuckles]; _we_ had
+quite a talk about shootin' in Indiana; said he'd heard of Peru, in his
+school history. Wanted to come out some day, he said, and asked what our
+best game was. I told him we had some Incas still preserved in the
+mountains of Indiana, and he said he'd like a good Inca head to put up
+in his gun-room. He _ought_ to get one, _oughtn't_ he?
+
+[Starts to work again, busily.]
+
+HORACE [indignantly]. My sister informs me that in spite of Lord
+Hawcastle's most graciously offering to discuss her engagement with you,
+you refused.
+
+PIKE. Well, I didn't see any need of it.
+
+HORACE. Furthermore, you allege that you will decline to go into the
+matter with Lord Hawcastle's solicitor.
+
+PIKE. What matter?
+
+HORACE [angrily]. The matter of the settlement.
+
+PIKE [quietly]. Your sister kind of let it out to me awhile ago that you
+think a good deal of this French widow lady. Suppose you make up your
+mind to take her for richer or poorer--what's _she_ going to give _you_?
+
+HORACE [roaring]. Nothing! What do you mean?
+
+PIKE. Well, I thought you'd probably charge her [with a slight drawl] a
+_little_, anyhow. Ain't that the way over here?
+
+[Turns to work again, humming "Dolly Gray."]
+
+HORACE. It is impossible for you to understand the motives of my sister
+and myself in our struggle _not_ to remain in the vulgar herd. But can't
+you try to comprehend that there is an Old-World society, based not on
+wealth, but on that indescribable something which comes of ancient
+lineage and high birth? [With great indignation.] You presume to
+interfere between us and the fine flower of Europe!
+
+PIKE [straightening up, but speaking quietly]. Well, I don't know as the
+folks around Kokomo would ever have spoke of your father as a "fine
+flower," but we thought a heap of him, and when he married your ma he
+was so glad to get her--well, I never heard yet that he asked for any
+_settlement_!
+
+HORACE. You are quite impossible.
+
+PIKE. The fact is, when she took him he was a poor man; but if he'd a
+had seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars, I'll bet he'd 'a' given
+it for her.
+
+[Starts to hammer vigorously, humming "Dolly Gray."]
+
+HORACE. There is no profit in continuing the discussion.
+
+[Turns on his heel, but immediately turns again toward PIKE, who is
+apparently preoccupied.]
+
+And I warn you we shall act without paying the slightest attention to
+you. [Triumphantly.] What have you to say to that, sir?
+
+[PIKE'S answer is conveyed by the motor-horn, which says: "Honk! Honk!"
+HORACE throws up his hands despairingly. PIKE'S voice becomes audible in
+the last words of the song: "Good-bye, Dolly Gray."]
+
+[Enter LADY CREECH and ALMERIC through the gates.]
+
+HORACE [meeting them]. The fellow is hopeless.
+
+LADY CREECH [not hearing, and speaking from habit, automatically].
+Dreadful person!
+
+[PIKE continues his work, paying no attention.]
+
+ALMERIC [to HORACE]. Better let him alone till the Governor's had time
+to think a bit. Governor's clever. He'll fetch the beggar about somehow.
+
+LADY CREECH [with a Parthian glance at the unconscious PIKE]. I sha'h't
+stop in the creature's presence--I shall go up to my room for my forty
+winks.
+
+[Exit into the hotel.]
+
+ALMERIC [as she goes out]. Day-day, aunt! [To HORACE.] I'm off to look
+at that pup again. You trust the Governor.
+
+HORACE [as ALMERIC goes]. I do, I do. It is insufferable, but I'll wait.
+
+[Exit into the garden.]
+
+[PIKE stands for a moment, contemplating the car in some despondency,
+still humming or whistling.]
+
+[LADY CREECH, after a few moments, appears at a window in the upper
+story of the hotel. Unseen by PIKE, she pulls up the awning for a better
+view, and drops lace curtains inside of window so as to screen herself
+from observation. Sits watching.]
+
+[Immediately upon HORACE'S exit MARIANO, flustered, enters hurriedly
+from the hotel, goes to the gates, and fumbles with the lock. At the
+same time VASILI enters from the garden, smoking.]
+
+VASILI. You make progress, my friend?
+
+PIKE. Your machine's like a good many people--got sand in its gear-box.
+
+VASILI [to MARIANO]. Are you locking us in?
+
+MARIANO [excitedly coming down and showing a big key which he has taken
+from the lock]. No, Herr von Groellerhagen, I lock some one _out_--that
+bandit who have not been capture. The carabiniere warn us to close all
+gates for an hour. They will have that wicked one soon. There are two
+companies. [In a lower tone to VASILI.] Monsieur Ribiere has much fears.
+
+VASILI. Monsieur Ribiere is sometimes a fool.
+
+MARIANO [in a hoarse whisper]. Monsieur, this convict is a Russian.
+
+[VASILI waves him away somewhat curtly.]
+
+[Exit MARIANO, shaking his head, carrying the key with him.]
+
+PIKE. Two companies of soldiers! A town marshal out my way would 'a' had
+him yesterday.
+
+VASILI. My friend, you are teaching me to respect your country, not by
+what you brag, but by what you do.
+
+PIKE. How's that.
+
+VASILI [significantly]. I see how a son of that great democracy can
+apply himself to a dirty machine, while his eyes are full of visions of
+one of its beautiful daughters.
+
+PIKE [slowly and sadly, peering into the machine]. Doc, there's sand in
+your gear-box.
+
+VASILI [laughing]. So?
+
+PIKE. You go down to the kitchen and make signs for some of the help to
+give you a nice clean bunch of rags.
+
+VASILI [surprised into hauteur]. What is it you ask me to do?
+
+PIKE. I need some more rags.
+
+VASILI [amused]. My friend, I obey.
+
+[Makes a mock-serious bow and starts.]
+
+PIKE. I won't leave the machine--'twouldn't be safe.
+
+VASILI [halting, laughs]. You fear this famous bandit would steal it?
+
+PIKE. No; but there's parties around here might think it was a
+settlement.
+
+VASILI. I do not understand.
+
+PIKE [chuckling]. Doc, that's where we're in the same fix.
+
+VASILI. Weidersehn, my friend.
+
+[Exit into hotel.]
+
+[PIKE kneels on the foot-board of machine above gear-box, begins to
+clean, using an old rag, singing "Sweet Genevieve." A distant shot is
+heard. PIKE looks up at this, ceasing to sing. Then he continues his
+work and music. LADY CREECH leans out from her window, staring off to
+the right with opera-glasses. There is a noise at the gates as some one
+hastily but cautiously tries to open them. PIKE looks up again, turns
+toward the gates, and, after a short pause, again begins to sing and
+work, but very softly.]
+
+[IVANOFF appears on top of the wall at back, climbing up cautiously from
+lane below. He creeps from the wall to the top of pergola and cautiously
+along that through the foliage to above PIKE. He peers over the foliage
+at PIKE.]
+
+[PIKE looks up slowly, and, as slowly, stops "Sweet Genevieve," his
+voice fading away on a half syllable as he encounters IVANOFF'S gaze.
+They stare at each other, LADY CREECH observing unseen.]
+
+[IVANOFF is a thin, very fragile-looking man of thirty-eight. His
+disordered hair is prematurely gray, his beard is a grizzled four days'
+stubble. He is exceedingly haggard and worn, but has the face and look
+of a man of refinement and cultivation. He has lost his hat; his shoes
+and trousers are splashed with dried mud, and brambles cling to him here
+and there. He wears a soiled white shirt and collar, and a torn black
+tie, black waistcoat and trousers. He is covered with dust from head to
+foot; one sleeve of his shirt has been torn off at the elbow. He wears
+no coat.]
+
+IVANOFF [in a voice tremulous with tragic appeal]. Et ce que vous etes
+un homme de bon coeur? Je ne suis pas coupable--
+
+PIKE [very gravely]. There ain't any use in the world your talkin' to me
+like that!
+
+IVANOFF [panting]. You are an Englishman?
+
+PIKE [quietly, rising and stepping back]. That'll do for _that._ You
+come down from there!
+
+IVANOFF [in a voice that lifts, almost cracks, with sudden hope]. An
+American?
+
+PIKE. They haven't made me anything else yet.
+
+IVANOFF [swinging himself down to the ground]. Thank God for that!
+
+[He leans against the car, exhausted.]
+
+PIKE. I do. What makes _you_ so glad about it?
+
+IVANOFF. Because I have suffered in the cause your own forefathers gave
+their lives for. I am a Russian political fugitive, and I can go no
+farther. If you give me up I shall not be taken alive. I have no weapon,
+but I can find a way to cut my throat.
+
+PIKE [with humorous incredulity]. Are _you_ the bandit they're lookin'
+for?
+
+IVANOFF. They call me that. Do I look like a bandit?
+
+PIKE. How close are they?
+
+IVANOFF [with despairing gesture]. There!
+
+PIKE. Did they see you climb that wall?
+
+IVANOFF. I think not.
+
+[There comes a loud ringing at the gates. At the sound IVANOFF starts
+violently, throwing one arm up as if to shield his face from a blow.]
+
+IVANOFF. Oh, my God! it is they!
+
+[He staggers back against the machine.]
+
+PIKE [hastily stripping off his working blouse]. Do you know anything
+about gear-box plugs?
+
+[The ringing continues.]
+
+IVANOFF. Nothing in the world.
+
+PIKE. Then you're a chauffeur. [Puts blouse on him.] Take a look at this
+one. [With emphatic significance.] It's _underneath_ the machine.
+
+[Quickly sets his hands on IVANOFF'S shoulders, having forced the blouse
+on him, and pushes him beneath the car.]
+
+MARIANO [within the hotel, calling]. Subito! Subito! Vengo, Signore!
+Vengo!
+
+[PIKE at same time rapidly wipes his hands on a rag, puts on his hat,
+cuffs, and coat, which have been lying on the seat.]
+
+MARIANO [running on, flustered]. Corpo de St. Costanzo! Non posso essere
+dapertutto allo stesso tempo. Vengo, vengo!
+
+[He hastens to the gates with his key, unfastening busily. Meanwhile
+PIKE lights a cigar.]
+
+MARIANO. Ecco! [Throws open gates and falls back in astonishment.] Dio
+mio!
+
+[Two carabiniere, good-looking, soldierly men in the carabiniere
+uniform, cocked hats, white cross-belts, etc., are disclosed, their
+carbines slung over their arms, their long cloaks thrown back. Behind
+the carabiniere stand some fishermen in red caps, dirty flannel shirts,
+and trousers rolled up to the knee; also a few ragged beggars.]
+
+FIRST CARABINIERE [as gate is opened]. Buon giorno!
+
+[The two carabiniere enter briskly.]
+
+MARIANO. [springing forward and closing gate, calling to crowd outside].
+No, no!
+
+FIRST CARABINIERE. Ceerchimo l'assassino Russo.
+
+MARIANO. Dio mio! Non nell' Albergo Regina Margherita.
+
+SECOND CARABINIERE [coming to PIKE]. Avete visto un uomo scavalcare il
+muro?
+
+PIKE [genially]. Wishing you many happy returns, Colonel!
+
+MARIANO [greatly excited]. It is the robber of Russia. They think he
+climb the wall, the assassin. The other carabiniere, they surround all
+yonder. [Gesturing right and left.] These two they search here. They ask
+you, please, have you see him climb the wall.
+
+PIKE. No.
+
+FIRST CARABINIERE. Ae quelcuno passato de qui?
+
+MARIANO. He say has any one go across here?
+
+PIKE. No.
+
+FIRST CARABINIERE [pointing under the car]. Chi costui?
+
+MARIANO. He want to know who that is.
+
+PIKE. The new chauffeur for the machine, from Naples.
+
+MARIANO. E lo chauffeur di un illustre personaggio padrone dell'
+automobile.
+
+FIRST CARABINIERE [bowing to PIKE]. Grazia, Signore. [To MARIANO.]
+Cerchereremo nel giardino.
+
+[Exit swiftly FIRST CARABINIERE to the right through pergola; SECOND to
+the left.]
+
+MARIANO. Dio mio! but those are the brave men, Signore. Either one shall
+meet in a moment this powerful assassin who may take his lifes.
+
+[Murmur of voice from back arises, sounds of running feet and shrill
+whistles and pounding on gates.]
+
+[MARIANO runs back, opens the gates, showing excited and clamoring
+fishermen and beggars in the lane. They try to come in. He drives them
+back with a napkin, which has been hanging over his arm, crying: "Vate,
+vate! Devo dire al maresciallo di cacciarvi?"]
+
+[Meanwhile VASILI has entered from the hotel, a bundle of clean white
+rags in his hand.]
+
+VASILI. Is there a new eruption of Vesuvius?
+
+PIKE [meeting him and taking the rags]. No; it's an eruption of colonels
+trying to arrest a high-school professor. I've got him under your car
+there.
+
+VASILI [astounded]. What!
+
+PIKE. I told them he's your new chauffeur.
+
+VASILI. My friend, do you realize the penalty for protecting a criminal
+from arrest?
+
+PIKE. We'll be proud of the risk.
+
+[Speaks in an undertone to IVANOFF.]
+
+This man owns the car. You can trust him the same as your own father.
+
+VASILI [remonstrating]. My friend, my friend!
+
+[Illustration: "THE NEW CHAUFFEUR FOR THE MACHINE, FROM NAPLES"]
+
+PIKE [quietly]. Look out, the Governor's staff is coming back.
+
+MARIANO [closing the gates and wiping his face]. Lazzaroni!
+
+[At the same time FIRST CARABINIERE enters from right; SECOND
+CARABINIERE from left.]
+
+SECOND CARABINIERE. Niente!
+
+FIRST CARABINIERE. Niente la!
+
+[The two CARABINIERE cross briskly to each other as they speak, and
+stand conferring.]
+
+MARIANO. Grazia Dio! He has gone some other place!
+
+PIKE [very casually to VASILI]. You'll have to get a new off front tire,
+Doc. That one is pretty near gone. Better have Jim, here, put on the
+spare when he gets through.
+
+[The CARABINIERE beckon to MARIANO and speak to him.]
+
+VASILI [seriously, stepping toward PIKE]. Do you know what you are
+asking me to do?
+
+PIKE [watching CARABINIERE]. To put on a new tire.
+
+[VASILI, with exclamation and gesture of despair grimly tinged with
+humor, turns away, greatly disturbed.]
+
+MARIANO [addressing PIKE with an embarrassed bow]. The carabiniere with
+all excuses beg if you will command the chauffeur to step forth from the
+automobile.
+
+PIKE. _No_, sir; I worked on that machine myself for three hours. He's
+got his hands full of nuts and screws and bolts half fastened. If he
+lays them down now to come out I don't know how long it'll take to get
+them back in place. We want to get this job finished. [Continues with a
+plaintive uplift of voice.] This is _serious_! Tell them to go on up
+Main Street with their Knights of Pythias parade, and come around some
+day when we haven't got our hands full.
+
+MARIANO [meekly]. I tell them--yes, sir.
+
+[Turns and confers with the CARABINIERE.]
+
+PIKE. It'll be your turn in a minute, Doc; be mighty careful what you
+say.
+
+MARIANO. Because the chauffeur have been engaged only to-day and have
+just arrived, the carabiniere ask ten thousand pardons, but inquire how
+long he have been known to his employer.
+
+[He bows to VASILI with embarrassment.]
+
+PIKE. How long? Why, he was raised on his father's farm.
+
+[He faces VASILI, and stretches his arm out toward him as if for
+corroboration.]
+
+MARIANO [to VASILI]. Oh, if that is so!
+
+PIKE. It _is_ so; ain't it, Doc?
+
+VASILI [to. MARIANO, with dignity]. You have heard my friend say it.
+
+MARIANO [to VASILI, in a serious undertone]. Monseigneur graciously
+consents that I reveal his incognito to the carabiniere.
+
+VASILI. Is it necessary?
+
+MARIANO. Otherwise I fear they will not withdraw; they have suspicion.
+
+VASILI [with a gesture of resignation]. Very well, tell them. I rely
+upon them to preserve my incognito from all others.
+
+MARIANO [bowing deeply]. Monseigneur, they will be discreet.
+
+[Goes up to CARABINIERE and speaks to them.]
+
+PIKE [aside to IVANOFF]. Make a noise--keep busy. [Then with more
+emphasis.] But don't you unscrew anything!
+
+MARIANO [to VASILI, smiling]. Monseigneur, they withdraw.
+
+[The CARABINIERE, with great deference and gravity, salute VASILI. He
+returns the salute curtly.]
+
+FIRST CARABINIERE. Mille grazias, Signore!
+
+[MARIANO throws the gates open, the two CARABINIERE go rapidly out,
+sweeping the crowd away. MARIANO closes the gates.]
+
+PIKE [giving MARIANO a coin]. You're pretty good. MARIANO. It required
+but the slightest diplomacy, Signore. Thank you, Signore!
+
+[Exit into the hotel.]
+
+PIKE [puzzled]. He must have mesmerized the militia.
+
+VASILI [glancing off]. It is quite safe for the time.
+
+PIKE [going to the car]. It's all right, old man!
+
+[Extends his hand to IVANOFF and helps him up from beneath the machine.]
+
+IVANOFF. I will pray God for you all my life.
+
+PIKE. Wait till we get you plumb out of the woods.
+
+IVANOFF [to VASILI]. And you, sir, if I could speak my gratitude--
+
+VASILI [crisply]. My American friend yonder has placed himself--and
+myself--in danger of the penal code of Italy for protecting you. Perhaps
+you will be so good as to let us know for what we have incriminated
+ourselves.
+
+IVANOFF [looking at him keenly]. You are a Russian?
+
+PIKE. Don't be afraid--he's only a German.
+
+IVANOFF [bitterly]. The Italian journals call me a brigand, inspired by
+the Russian legation in Rome. My name is Ivanoff Ivanovitch.
+
+PIKE [reassuringly]. All right, old man!
+
+IVANOFF. I was condemned in Petersburg ten years ago. I was a professor
+of the languages, a translator in the bureau of the Minister of Finance.
+I was a member of the Society of the Blue Fifty, a constitutionalist.
+
+PIKE. Good for you.
+
+IVANOFF. I was able to do little for the cause, though I tried.
+
+VASILI. How did you try?
+
+IVANOFF. I transferred funds of the government to the Society of the
+Blue Fifty. Never one ruble for myself. [Strikes himself on the breast.]
+It was for Russia's sake--not mine!
+
+VASILI [sharply]. But you committed the great Russian crime of getting
+yourself caught?
+
+IVANOFF. Through treachery. There was an Englishman who lived in
+Petersburg. He had contracts with the government--I thought he was my
+best friend. I had married in my student days in Paris--ah, it is the
+old story [bitterly]! I knew that this Englishman admired my wife; but I
+trusted him--as I trusted her--and he made my house his home. I had
+fifty thousand rubles in my desk to be delivered to my society. The
+police came to search; they found only me--but not my wife nor my
+English friend--nor the fifty thousand rubles! I went to Siberia. Now I
+search for those two.
+
+VASILI [gravely]. Was it they who sent the police?
+
+IVANOFF. After they had taken the money and were beyond the frontier
+themselves. That is all I have against them.
+
+PIKE [gently]. Looks to me like it would be enough.
+
+VASILI. Then, by your own confession, you are an embezzler and a
+revolutionist.
+
+PIKE [going to VASILI quickly]. Why, the man's down; you wouldn't go
+back on him now.
+
+[With a half chuckle.]
+
+Besides, you've made yourself one of his confederates.
+
+VASILI. Upon my soul, so I have.
+
+[Bursts into laughter and lays his hands on PIKE'S shoulders.]
+
+My friend, from my first sight of you in the hotel at Napoli I saw that
+you were a great man.
+
+PIKE [grinning]. What are you doing, running for Congress?
+
+VASILI [after a grave look at IVANOFF, turns to PIKE again]. I do not
+think that the carabiniere went away without suspicion.
+
+IVANOFF. Suspicion! They will watch every exit from the hotel and its
+grounds. What can I do, until darkness--
+
+PIKE [motioning toward the hotel]. Why, Doc's got the whole lower floor
+of this wing--you're his chauffeur--
+
+VASILI [quickly, grimly]. I was about to suggest it. I have a room that
+can easily be spared to Professor Ivanoff.
+
+IVANOFF [going to them, greatly touched]. My friends, God bless both of
+you!
+
+[As he speaks he shakes hands with PIKE and turns to offer his hand to
+VASILI, who, apparently without noticing it, goes up toward the hotel.]
+
+PIKE. Don't waste time talkin' about that. I shouldn't be surprised if
+you were hungry.
+
+[Takes him by elbow and walks him to door of hotel.]
+
+IVANOFF. I have had no food for a day.
+
+VASILI [grimly]. My valet de chambre will attend to Professor Ivanoff's
+needs. No one shall be allowed to enter his room.
+
+PIKE. And don't you go out of it, either.
+
+VASILI. He shall not. This way.
+
+[The three go into the hotel. Immediately on their disappearance LADY
+CREECH'S curtains are whisked aside; she pops out of the window with the
+suddenness of Punch, leans far out with her head upside down, at the
+risk of her neck, trying to watch them even after they have entered the
+hotel. Laughter of MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY heard at left. LADY CREECH waves
+her hand as if signalling in that direction and withdraws from window.]
+
+[Enter HORACE and MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY from the garden, he carrying her
+parasol and looking into her eyes. She is laughing.]
+
+[Enter LADY CREECH from the hotel, wildly excited.]
+
+LADY CREECH. Have you seen my brother--where is Lord Hawcastle?
+
+HORACE. On the other side of the hotel, Lady Creech; down there on the
+last terrace just as far as you can go.
+
+[Exit LADY CREECH down left.]
+
+HORACE. Ah, but you laugh at me, chere Comtesse!
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [gently]. It is because I cannot believe you are
+always serious.
+
+HORACE. Serious? Like a lady to her knight of old, set me some task to
+prove how serious I am. [Deliriously.] Anything!
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY. Ah, gladly! Complete those odious settlement!
+Overcome the resistance of this bad man who so trouble your sweet
+sister!
+
+HORACE. You promise me when it is settled that I may speak to you
+[becomes suddenly nervous and embarrassed]--that I may speak to you--
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [sweetly]. Yes--speak to me--
+
+HORACE. Speak as--as you must know I want to speak--as I hardly dare--
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [softly, her eyes upon the ground]. Ah, that shall
+be when you please, dear friend.
+
+HORACE [almost choked with gratitude]. Oh!
+
+[He kisses her hand.]
+
+[HAWCASTLE and LADY CREECH enter from the garden, LADY CREECH talking
+excitedly.]
+
+[ALMERIC enters through the gates.]
+
+LADY CREECH. I tell you I couldn't hear a word they said, they mumbled
+their words so. But upon my soul, Hawcastle, if I couldn't hear, didn't
+I _see_ enough?
+
+HAWCASTLE. Upon my soul, I believe you did.
+
+ALMERIC. Quite a family pow-wow you're havin'.
+
+HAWCASTLE. Is there anything unusual in the village?
+
+ALMERIC. Ra-ther! Carabiniere all over the shop--still huntin' that
+bandit feller.
+
+LADY CREECH. Don't mumble your words!
+
+ALMERIC [shouting]. Lookin' for a bally bandit.
+
+[She screams faintly.]
+
+HAWCASTLE. Be quiet!
+
+ALMERIC. He's still in this neighborhood, they think.
+
+LADY CREECH [to HAWCASTLE]. What did I tell you? Now, how long--
+
+HAWCASTLE. You shall not repeat one word of what you saw. Almeric, find
+your betrothed and ask her to come here.
+
+ALMERIC. Rumbo! I don't mind, pater!
+
+[Exit into the hotel.]
+
+HORACE. What's the row?
+
+HAWCASTLE. My dear young man, I congratulate you that you and your
+sister need no longer submit to an odious dictation.
+
+[Enter PIKE briskly from the hotel.]
+
+PIKE [as he enters, genially]. Looks to me like it was going to clear up
+cold.
+
+[LADY CREECH haughtily stalks off into the garden.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [pleasantly]. Good-afternoon, Mr. Pike.
+
+PIKE [going to the motor]. Howdy!
+
+[Begins touching different parts of the engine.]
+
+[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY and HORACE haughtily follow LADY CREECH.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [suavely, to PIKE]. Mr. Pike, it is an immense pity that there
+should have been any misunderstanding in the matter of your ward's
+betrothal.
+
+PIKE [looking up for a moment, mildly]. Oh, I wouldn't call it a
+misunderstanding.
+
+HAWCASTLE. It would ill become a father to press upon the subject of his
+son's merits--
+
+PIKE [plaintively]. I don't want to talk about _him_ with you--I don't
+want to hurt your feelings.
+
+HAWCASTLE. Perhaps I might better put it on the ground of your ward's
+wishes--of certain advantages of position which it is her ambition to
+attain.
+
+PIKE [troubled]. I can't talk about it with anybody but her.
+
+[Enter MARIANO from the hotel with a letter on a tray. Goes to PIKE.]
+
+HAWCASTLE. There is another matter--
+
+[PIKE stands examining envelope of the letter in profound thought.]
+
+I fear I do not have your attention.
+
+[MARIANO goes into the hotel.]
+
+PIKE [looking up]. Go ahead!
+
+HAWCASTLE. There is _another_ matter to which I may wish to call your
+attention.
+
+PIKE [genially]. Oh, I'll talk about anything _else_ with you.
+
+HAWCASTLE [suavely]. This is a question distinctly different
+[with a glance at the hotel, his voice growing somewhat
+threatening]--distinctly!
+
+[ETHEL enters from the hotel.]
+
+ETHEL [to HAWCASTLE, in a troubled voice]. You wished me to come here.
+
+HAWCASTLE [going to her and taking her hand]. My child, I wish you to
+have another chat with our strangely prejudiced friend on the subject so
+near to all our hearts. And I wish to tell you that I see light
+breaking through our clouds. Even if he prove obdurate, do not be
+downcast--all will be well.
+
+[Turns and goes out into the garden, his voice coming back in benign,
+fatherly tones.]
+
+All will be well!
+
+[PIKE stands regarding ETHEL, who does not look up at him.]
+
+PIKE [gently]. I'm glad you've come, Miss Ethel. I've got something here
+I want to read to you.
+
+ETHEL [coldly]. I did not come to hear you read.
+
+PIKE. When I got your letter at home I wrote to Jim Cooley, our
+vice-consul at London, to look up the records of these Hawcastle folks
+and write to me here about how they stand in their own community.
+
+ETHEL [astounded]. What!
+
+PIKE. What's thought of them by the best citizens, and so on.
+
+ETHEL [enraged]. You had the audacity--_you_--to pry into the affairs of
+the Earl of Hawcastle!
+
+PIKE. Why, I'd 'a' done that--I wouldn't 'a' stopped at anything--I'd'
+'a' done that if it had been the Governor of Indiana himself!
+
+ETHEL. You didn't consider it indelicate to write to strangers about my
+intimate affairs?
+
+PIKE [placatingly]. Why, Jim Cooley's home-folks! His office used to be
+right next to mine in Kokomo.
+
+ETHEL. It's monstrous--and when _they_ find what you've done--Oh, hadn't
+you shamed me enough without this?
+
+PIKE. I expect this letter'll show who ought to be ashamed. Now just
+let's sit down here and try to work things out together.
+
+ETHEL [with a slight, bitter laugh]. "Work things out together!"
+
+PIKE. I'm sorry--for _you_, I mean. But I don't see any other way to do
+it, except--together. Won't you?
+
+[She moves slowly forward and sits at extreme left of the bench. He
+watches her, noticing how far she withdraws from him, bows his head
+humbly, with a sad smile, then sits, not quite at the extreme right of
+the bench, but near it.]
+
+PIKE. I haven't opened the letter yet. I want you to read it first, but
+I ought to tell you there's probably things in it'll hurt your feelings,
+sort of, mebbe.
+
+ETHEL [icily]. How?
+
+PIKE. Well, I haven't much of a doubt but Jim'll have some statements
+in it that'll show you I'm right about these people. If he's got the
+facts, I _know_ he will.
+
+ETHEL. _How_ do you know it?
+
+PIKE. Because I've had experience enough of life--
+
+ETHEL. In Kokomo?
+
+PIKE. Yes, ma'am! there's just as many kinds of people in Kokomo as
+there is in Pekin, and I didn't serve a term in the legislature without
+learning to pick underhand men at sight. Now that Earl, let alone his
+havin' a bad eye--his ways are altogether too much on the stripe of T.
+Cuthbert Bentley's to suit me.
+
+[He opens the envelope slowly, continuing.]
+
+T. Cuthbert was a Chicago gentleman with a fur-lined overcoat. He opened
+up a bank in our town, and when he caught the Canadian express, three
+months later, all he left in Kokomo was the sign on the front door. That
+was _painted_ on. And as for the son. But there--I don't know as I have
+a call to say more.
+
+[Takes the letter from the envelope.]
+
+Here's the letter; read it for yourself.
+
+[Gives it to her, watching her as she reads.]
+
+ETHEL [reading]. "Dear Dan: The Earldom of Hawcastle is one of the
+oldest in the Kingdom, and the St. Aubyns have distinguished themselves
+in the forefront of English battles from Agincourt and Crecy to
+Sebastopol.
+
+[She reads this in a ringing voice and glances at him.]
+
+[PIKE looks puzzled and depressed.]
+
+"The present holder of the title came into it unexpectedly through a
+series of accidental deaths. He was a younger son's younger son, and had
+spent some years in Russia in business--what, I do not know--under
+another name. I suppose he assumed it that the historic name of St.
+Aubyn might not be tarnished by association with trade. He has spent so
+much of his life out of England that it is difficult to find out a great
+deal about him. Nothing here in his English record is seriously against
+him; though everything he has is mortgaged over its value, the entail
+having been broken.
+
+[ETHEL pauses and looks at PIKE, who, much disturbed, rises, and crosses
+the stage.]
+
+"As to his son, the Honorable Almeric, there's no objection alleged
+against his character. That's all I've been able to learn."
+
+[She finishes with an air of triumphant finality, and rises with a
+laugh.]
+
+A terrible indictment! So that was what you counted on to convince me of
+my mistake?
+
+PIKE [distressed]. Yes--it _was_!
+
+ETHEL. Do you assert there is _one_ word in this seriously discreditable
+to the reputation of Lord Hawcastle or Mr. St. Aubyn?
+
+PIKE [humbly]. No.
+
+ETHEL. And you remember, it is the testimony offered by your own friend
+[scornfully]--by your own detective!
+
+PIKE [ruefully]. Oh, if I wanted a detective I wouldn't get Jim
+Cooley--at least, not any _more_!
+
+[His attitude is thoroughly crestfallen.]
+
+ETHEL [triumphantly, almost graciously]. I shall tell Lord Hawcastle
+that you will be ready to take up the matter of the settlement the
+moment his solicitor arrives.
+
+PIKE. No, I wouldn't do that.
+
+ETHEL [in a challenging voice]. Why not?
+
+PIKE [doggedly]. Because I won't take up the matter of settlements with
+him or any one else.
+
+ETHEL [angrily]. Do you mean you cannot see what a humiliation your
+interference has brought upon you in this?
+
+PIKE. No; I see that plain enough.
+
+ETHEL. Have you, after this, any further objections to my alliance with
+Mr. St. Aubyn?
+
+PIKE. It ain't an alliance with Mr. St. Aubyn that you're after.
+
+ETHEL. Then what am I [pauses and lays scornful emphasis on the next
+word] _after_?
+
+[Illustration: "YOU'RE AFTER SOMETHING THERE ISN'T ANYTHING TO"]
+
+PIKE [slowly]. You're after something there isn't anything to. If I'd
+let you buy what you want to with your money and your whole life, you'd
+find it as empty as the morning after Judgment Day.
+
+[She turns from him, smiling and superior.]
+
+You think because I'm a jay country lawyer I don't understand it and
+couldn't understand _you_! Why, we've got just the same thing at home.
+There was little Annie Hoffmeyer. Her pa was a carpenter and doing well.
+But Annie couldn't get into the Kokomo Ladies' Literary Club, and her
+name didn't show up in the society column four or five times every
+Saturday morning, so she got her pa to give her the money to marry Artie
+Seymour, the minister's son--and a _regular_ minister's son he was!
+Almost broke Hoffmeyer's heart, but he let her have her way and went in
+debt and bought them a little house on North Main Street. That was two
+years ago. Annie's workin' at the depoe candy-stand now and Artie's
+workin' at the hotel bar--in front--drinking up what's left of old
+Hoffmeyer's--settlement!
+
+ETHEL [outraged]. And you say you understand--you who couple the name of
+a tippling yokel with that of a St. Aubyn--a gentleman of distinction.
+
+PIKE. Distinction? I didn't know he was distinguished.
+
+ETHEL [in a ringing voice]. His ancestors have fought with glory on
+every field of battle from Crecy and Agincourt to the Crimea.
+
+PIKE. But you won't _see_ much of his _ancestors_.
+
+ETHEL. He bears their name.
+
+PIKE [with authority and dignity]. Yes--and it's the _name_ you want.
+Nobody could look at you and not know it wasn't _him_. It's the _name_!
+And I'd let you buy it if it would make you happy--if you didn't have to
+take the people with it.
+
+[A deepening of color in the light shows that it has grown to be late
+afternoon, near sunset.]
+
+ETHEL [angrily]. The "people"?
+
+PIKE. Yes; the whole gang. Can't you see how they're counting on it?
+It's in their faces, in their ways! This Earl--don't you see he's
+counting on living on you? Do you think the son would get that
+settlement? Why, a Terre Hut pickpocket could get it away from
+_him_--let alone his old man! What do _you_ think would become of the
+"settlement"?
+
+ETHEL. Part of it would go to the restoration of Hawcastle Hall and part
+to Glenwood Priory.
+
+PIKE. Glenwood Priory?
+
+ETHEL. That is part of the estate where Almeric and I will live until
+Lord Hawcastle's death.
+
+PIKE. Then mighty little settlement would come around "Glenwood Priory"!
+
+[Speaks the name as though grimly amused, and continues.]
+
+And this old lady--this Mrs. Creech you been travelling with--
+
+ETHEL [sharply]. Lady Creech!
+
+PIKE. All right! Don't you think _she's_ counting on it? And this French
+lady that's with them; isn't she trying to land your brother? The whole
+crowd is on the track of John Simpson's money.
+
+ETHEL. Silence! You have no right to traduce them. Do you place no value
+upon heredity, upon high birth?
+
+PIKE. Why, I think so much of it that I know John Simpson's daughter
+doesn't need anybody else's to help her out.
+
+[He comes toward her, looking at her with honest admiration.]
+
+She's fine enough and I think she's sweet enough--and I know from the
+way she goes for me that she's _brave_ enough--to stand on her own feet!
+
+ETHEL. This is beside the point; I know exactly what I want in
+life--[she has been somewhat moved by his last speech, is agitated, and
+a little breathless]--and I could not change now if it were otherwise. I
+gave Almeric my promise, it was forever, and I shall keep it.
+
+PIKE. But you can't; I'm not going to let you.
+
+ETHEL. I throw your interference to the winds. I shall absolutely
+disregard it. I shall marry without your consent.
+
+PIKE [looking at her steadily]. Do you think _they'd_ let you?
+
+ETHEL [in same tone]. I think _you'll_ let me [laughing], especially
+after this terrible letter.
+
+PIKE. By-the-way, did you finish it?
+
+[ETHEL looks at the letter, which she has continued to hold in her
+hand.]
+
+ETHEL. I think so. [Turns the page.] No--it says "over."
+
+[She turns the sheet--looks at it attentively for a moment--looks up,
+casts a quick glance of astonishment at PIKE.]
+
+PIKE. Well, read it, please!
+
+ETHEL. It appears to concern a matter quite personal to yourself.
+
+[Embarrassed, assuming carelessness. Turns toward left as if to leave,
+replacing the letter in the envelope.]
+
+PIKE [advancing to her, smiling]. I don't think I've got any secrets.
+
+ETHEL [coldly]. Please remember, I have not read anything on the last
+page.
+
+PIKE. Well, neither have I.
+
+[Reaching his hand for the letter.]
+
+ETHEL [more embarrassed]. Oh!
+
+[She drops the letter on the bench.]
+
+[PIKE picks it up and walks slowly toward right, taking it from
+envelope. She stands looking after him with breathless amazement, far
+from hostile, yet half turned as if to go at once. PIKE, taking the
+letter out of the envelope, suddenly looks back at her. At this she is
+flustered and starts, but halts at sound of the "Fishermen's Song" in
+the distance. The sunset is deepening to golden red; the "Fishermen's
+Song" begins with mandolins and guitars, and then a number of voices are
+heard together.]
+
+ETHEL. Listen: those are the fishermen coming home.
+
+[PIKE stands in arrested attitude, not having looked at the letter. The
+song, beginning faintly, grows louder, then slowly dies away in the
+distance. The two stand listening in deepening twilight.]
+
+PIKE [as the voices cease to be heard]. It's mighty pretty, but it's
+kind of foreign and lonesome, too. [With a sad half-chuckle.] I'd rather
+hear something that sounded more like home. [A growing tremulousness in
+his voice.] I expect you've about forgot everything like that, haven't
+you?
+
+ETHEL [gently]. Yes.
+
+PIKE. Seems funny, now; but out on the ocean, coming here, I kept kind
+of looking forward to hearing you sing. I knew how high your pa had you
+educated in music, and, like the old fool I was, I kept thinking you'd
+sing for me some evening--"Sweet Genevieve" mebbe. You know it--don't
+you?
+
+ETHEL [slowly]. "Sweet Genevieve?" I used to--but it's rather
+old-fashioned and common, isn't it?
+
+PIKE. I expect so; I reckon mebbe that's the reason I like it so much.
+
+[With an apologetic and pathetic laugh.]
+
+Yes'm, it's my favorite. I couldn't--I couldn't get you to sing it for
+me before I go back home--could I?
+
+ETHEL. I--I think not.
+
+[She looks at him thoughtfully, then goes slowly into the hotel.]
+
+[PIKE sighs, and begins to read the last page of the letter.]
+
+PIKE [reading]. "I am sorry old man Simpson's daughter thinks of buying
+a title. Somehow I have a notion that that may hit you, Dan.
+
+[Poignant dismay and awe are expressed in his voice as he continues.]
+
+"I haven't forgotten how you always kept that picture of her on your
+desk. The old man thought so much of you I had an idea he hoped she'd
+come back some day and marry a man from home."
+
+I don't wonder she said she hadn't read it!
+
+[His face begins to light with radiant amazement.]
+
+But she _had_--and she didn't go away--that is, not _right_ away!
+
+[LORD HAWCASTLE and HORACE enter from the hotel.]
+
+HORACE [speaking as they enter]. But, Lord Hawcastle, Ethel says Mr.
+Pike positively refuses.
+
+HAWCASTLE. Leave him to me. Within ten minutes he will be as meek as a
+nun.
+
+[HORACE goes into the hotel.]
+
+My dear Pike, there is a certain question--
+
+PIKE [in his mildest tone]. I don't want to seem rough with you, but I
+meant what I said.
+
+HAWCASTLE. Imagining I did not mean _that_ question--
+
+PIKE. Then it's all right.
+
+HAWCASTLE. Late this afternoon I developed a great anxiety concerning
+the penalty prescribed by Italian law for those unfortunate and
+impulsive individuals who connive at the escape or concealment--[he
+speaks with significant emphasis and a glance at the hotel, where lights
+begin to appear in the windows]--of certain other unfortunates who may
+be, to speak vulgarly, wanted--by the police.
+
+PIKE [coolly]. You're anxious about that, are you?
+
+HAWCASTLE. So deeply that I ascertained the penalty for it. You may
+confirm my information by appealing to the nearest carabiniere--strange
+to say, many of them are very near. The minimum penalty for one whose
+kind heart has thus betrayed him--[he turns up sharply toward the
+lighted windows of hotel, then sharply again to PIKE, his voice
+lifting]--is two years' imprisonment, and Italian prisons, I am credibly
+informed, are quite ferociously unpleasant.
+
+PIKE [gently]. Well, being in jail _any_ place ain't much like an Elks'
+carnival.
+
+HAWCASTLE. There would be no escape, even for a citizen of your
+admirable country, if his complicity were established, especially if he
+happened to be--as it were--caught in the act!
+
+PIKE [grimly]. Talk plain; talk plain.
+
+HAWCASTLE. My dear young friend, imagine that a badly wanted man appears
+upon the pergola here and makes an appeal of I know not what nature to
+one of your fellow-countrymen, who--for the purposes of argument--is at
+work upon this car. Say that the too-amiable American conceals the
+fugitive under the automobile, and afterward, with the connivance of a
+friend, deceives the officers of the law and shelters the criminal, say
+in a room of that lower suite yonder.
+
+[His voice shows growing excitement as a man's shadow appears on the
+shade of the window nearest the door.]
+
+Imagine, for instance, that the shadow which at this moment appears on
+the curtain were that of the wanted man--_then_, would you not agree
+that a moderate and reasonable request of your fellow-countryman might
+be acceded to?
+
+PIKE [swallowing painfully]. What would be the nature of that request?
+
+HAWCASTLE. It would concern a certain alliance; _might_ concern a
+certain settlement.
+
+PIKE. If the request were refused, what would the consequences be?
+
+HAWCASTLE. Two years, at least, for the American, and the friend who had
+been his accessory. Altogether I should consider it a disastrous
+situation.
+
+PIKE [thoughtfully]. Yes; looks like it.
+
+HAWCASTLE [with sharp significance]. If this fellow-countryman of yours
+were assured that the law would be made to take its course if a
+favorable answer were not received--say, by ten o'clock to-night--what,
+in your opinion, would his answer be?
+
+PIKE [plaintively]. Well, it would all depend upon which of my
+countrymen you caught. If it depended on the one I know best, he'd tell
+you he'd see you in _hell_ first!
+
+[The two remain staring fixedly at each other as the curtain slowly
+descends.]
+
+
+END OF THE SECOND ACT
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRD ACT
+
+
+SCENE: A handsome private salon in the hotel the same evening. There are
+cabinets against the walls, buhl tables, luxurious tapestried chairs,
+etc. At back, double doors, wide open, disclose a brilliantly lit
+conservatory and hall with palms and oleanders in bloom. On the left a
+heavily curtained window looks out upon the garden; on the right is a
+closed door. Unseen, an orchestra is playing an aria from "Pagliacci."
+
+The rise of the curtain discloses PIKE sitting in a dejected attitude in
+an arm-chair. He wears a black tie, collar and linen as before, black
+trousers, a white waistcoat, cut rather low, and a black
+frock-coat--"Western statesman" style--not fashionably cut, but
+well-fitting and graceful.
+
+MARIANO passes through the conservatory at back bearing a coffee-tray.
+LADY CREECH, in an evening gown of black velvet and lace, follows with
+stately tread. HORACE, in evening clothes, follows, with MADAME DE
+CHAMPIGNY on his arm; she is in a handsome, very Parisian, decollete
+dress. They are deep in tender conversation.
+
+ETHEL follows, on the arm of ALMERIC. She wears a pretty evening gown,
+ALMERIC in evening clothes; her head is bent, her eyes cast down.
+
+A valet de chambre enters the salon from the hall. He touches an
+electric button on wall near door. RIBIERE comes quickly and noiselessly
+from the room to the right. They stand bowing as VASILI enters through
+the conservatory. Valet immediately closes the doors. VASILI wears an
+overcoat trimmed with sables, a silk hat, evening clothes, and white
+gloves; order ribbon in his button-hole.
+
+PIKE [as VASILI enters]. I'm mighty glad you've come--I've been waiting.
+
+VASILI [to RIBIERE, and speaking in undertone]. You have telegraphed for
+the information?
+
+RIBIERE. Yes, sir.
+
+[Valet, with coat, hat, etc., goes out, followed by RIBIERE.]
+
+VASILI. I have dined with an old tutor of mine. Once every year I come
+here to do that.
+
+[Valet returns with vodka and cigarettes, which he places on a table,
+immediately withdrawing.]
+
+VASILI [with a keen glance at PIKE]. And you; I suppose you dined with
+the charming young lady, your ward, and her brother, as you expected?
+
+PIKE [turning away sadly]. Oh no, they've got friends of their own
+here.
+
+VASILI. So I have observed.
+
+[Sips vodka.]
+
+PIKE. Oh, I don't mind their not asking me.
+
+[With an assumption of cheerfulness.]
+
+Fact is, these friends of hers are trying to get me to do something I
+can't do--
+
+VASILI. You need not tell me that, my friend. I have both eyes and ears;
+I understand.
+
+PIKE [troubled, coming near him]. I wish you understood the rest,
+because it ain't easy for me to tell you. Doc, I'm afraid I've got you
+into a pretty bad hole.
+
+VASILI [smiling]. Ah, that I fear I do not understand.
+
+PIKE [remorsefully]. I'm afraid I have. You and Ivanoff and me--all
+three of us. This Hawcastle knows, and he knows it as well as I know
+you're sittin' in that chair, that we've got that poor fellow in yonder.
+
+[Pointing to the door on the right.]
+
+VASILI. Surely you can trust Lord Hawcastle not to mention it. He must
+know that the consequences for you, as well as for me, would be, to say
+the least, disastrous. Surely you made that clear to him.
+
+PIKE [grimly]. No; he made it clear to me. Two years in jail is the
+minimum, and if I don't make up my mind by ten o'clock [VASILI looks at
+his watch] to do what he wants me to do--
+
+VASILI. What does he want you to do?
+
+PIKE. The young lady's father trusted me to look after her, and if I
+won't promise to let her pay seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars
+for that--well, you've seen it around here, haven't you--
+
+VASILI. I have observed it--that is, if you refer to the son of Lord
+Hawcastle.
+
+PIKE. Well, if I don't consent to do that, I reckon Ivanoff has to go
+back to Siberia and you and I to jail.
+
+VASILI. He threatens that?
+
+PIKE. He'll _do_ that!
+
+VASILI [looking at him sharply]. What do _you_ mean to do?
+
+PIKE. There wouldn't be any trouble about it if it was only me. That
+would make it easy. They could land me for two years [swallowing
+painfully] or twenty. What makes it so hard is that I can't do what they
+want, even to let you and Ivanoff out. It ain't my money. All I can do
+is to ask you to forgive me, and warn you to get away before they come
+down on me. This feller's _got_ me, Doc. Don't you see how it stands?
+Ivanoff can't get away--
+
+VASILI. No; I think he can't.
+
+PIKE. They've got this militia all around the place.
+
+VASILI. I passed through the cordon of carabiniere as I came in.
+
+PIKE. [urgently]. But you could get away, Doc. Up to ten o'clock you can
+come and go as you choose.
+
+VASILI [rising]. So can you. You have not thought of that?
+
+PIKE. No; and I won't think of it. But as for you--
+
+VASILI. As for me [rings bell near door]--I shall go!
+
+PIKE. That's part of the load off my mind. I can't bear to think of the
+rest of it. I haven't known how to tell that poor fellow in there.
+
+[Valet enters.]
+
+VASILI [to valet, indicating the door on the right]. Appellez le
+Monsieur la.
+
+[Valet goes to the door, opens it, bowing slightly to IVANOFF, who
+appears. Valet withdraws.]
+
+[IVANOFF is very pale and haggard looking, but his clothes have been
+mended and neatly brushed. He comes in slowly and quietly.]
+
+VASILI [in the tone of a superior]. You may come in, Ivanoff. Some
+unexpected difficulties have arisen. Your presence here has been
+discovered by persons who wish evil to this gentleman who has protected
+you. He can do nothing further to save you unless he betrays a trust
+which has been left to him.
+
+[IVANOFF swallows painfully, and looks pitifully from VASILI to PIKE.]
+
+PIKE [coming down to IVANOFF, standing before him humbly]. It's the
+truth, old man. I can't do it.
+
+[IVANOFF'S head falls forward on his chest.]
+
+IVANOFF [in a low voice]. I thank you for what you have tried to do for
+me.
+
+[Gives PIKE his hand. PIKE turns away.]
+
+VASILI. You have until ten o'clock. [Valet appears in the doorway.]
+
+Mon chapeau et pardessus.
+
+[Exit valet.]
+
+In the meantime my friend believes Naples a safe place for me.
+
+[Valet returns with his coat, hat, and gloves.]
+
+And so, auf weidersehn.
+
+[Dismisses the valet with a gesture.]
+
+PIKE [going to him and shaking hands heartily]. Good-bye, Doc, and God
+bless you!
+
+VASILI. To our next meeting.
+
+[Exit briskly through the upper doors. As they close behind him,
+IVANOFF'S manner changes. He goes rapidly to a table, picks up the
+cigarettes, which are in a large silver open box, and touches the bottle
+of vodka significantly.]
+
+IVANOFF. I thought so--Russian!
+
+PIKE. What!
+
+IVANOFF. That man, your friend, who calls himself Groellerhagen, is not a
+German--he is a Russian--not only that, he is a Russian noble. I see it
+in a hundred ways that you cannot.
+
+PIKE. Whatever he is, he helped us this afternoon. I'd trust him to the
+bone.
+
+IVANOFF. I have felt it inevitable that I should go back to Siberia. A
+thousand times have I felt it since I entered these rooms.
+
+[He goes down toward the window.]
+
+PIKE. I know you feel mighty bad, but perhaps--perhaps--
+
+IVANOFF. There is no perhaps for me. There was never any perhaps after I
+met Helene.
+
+PIKE [scratching his head]. Helene!
+
+IVANOFF. Helene was my wife, she who sent me to Siberia, she and my
+dear, accursed English friend.
+
+PIKE [thoughtfully]. What was his name?
+
+IVANOFF. His name--it was Glenwood. I shall not forget that name soon.
+
+PIKE. What was he doing in Russia?
+
+IVANOFF. I have told you he had contracts with the Ministry of
+Finance--he supplied hydraulic machinery to the government. Does the
+name Glenwood mean anything to you? Have you heard it?
+
+PIKE [profoundly thoughtful, pauses, looking at IVANOFF sharply]. No.
+[Then to himself.] And there must be a million Helenes in France.
+
+IVANOFF. I prayed God to let me meet them before I was taken. But I talk
+too much of myself. I wish to know--you--you will be safe. They can do
+nothing to you, can they?
+
+PIKE [with assumed cheerfulness]. Oh, I'm all right--don't worry about
+me.
+
+[Loud knock at the upper doors.]
+
+IVANOFF [despairingly]. It is the carabiniere.
+
+PIKE. Steady. [Looks at watch.] Not yet. Go back. We won't throw our
+hands into the discard until we're called. We'll keep on raising.
+
+[Exit IVANOFF through door on the right, closing it after him.]
+
+[PIKE scratches his head and slowly says: "Helene." Then calls: "Come
+in!"]
+
+[MARIANO opens the upper doors from without and bows.]
+
+MARIANO. Miladi Creesh--she ask you would speak with her a few minutes?
+
+PIKE. All right! Where is she?
+
+MARIANO. Here, sir.
+
+PIKE. Come right in, ma'am!
+
+[LADY CREECH enters.]
+
+LADY CREECH [frigidly]. I need scarcely inform you that this interview
+is not of my seeking. [She sits stiffly.] On the contrary, it is
+intensely disagreeable to me. My brother-in-law feels that some one well
+acquainted with Miss Granger-Simpson's ambitions and her inner nature
+should put the case finally to you before we proceed to extremities.
+
+PIKE. Yes, ma'am!
+
+LADY CREECH [crossly]. Don't mumble your words if you expect me to
+listen to you.
+
+PIKE [cordially]. Go on, ma'am!
+
+LADY CREECH. My brother-in-law has made us aware of the state of
+affairs, and we are quite in sympathy with my brother-in-law's attitude
+as to what should be done to you.
+
+PIKE [in a tone of genial inquiry]. Yes, ma'am; and what do you think
+ought to be done to me?
+
+LADY CREECH. If, in the kindness of our hearts, we condone your offence,
+we insist upon your accession to our reasonable demands.
+
+PIKE [sardonically]. By ten o'clock!
+
+LADY CREECH. Quite so.
+
+PIKE. You say he told all of you? Has he told Miss Ethel?
+
+LADY CREECH. It hasn't been thought proper. Young girls should be
+shielded from everything disagreeable.
+
+PIKE. Yes, ma'am; that's the idea that got me into this trouble.
+
+LADY CREECH. I say, this young lady, who seems to be technically your
+ward, is considered, by all of us who understand her, infinitely more
+_my_ ward.
+
+PIKE. Yes, ma'am! Go on.
+
+LADY CREECH [loftily]. She came to me something more than a year ago--
+
+PIKE [simply]. Did you advertise?
+
+LADY CREECH [stung]. I suppose it is your intention to be offensive.
+
+PIKE [protesting]. No, ma'am; I didn't mean anything. But, you see,
+I've handled all her accounts, and her payments to you--
+
+LADY CREECH [crushingly]. We will omit tradesman-like references! What
+Lord Hawcastle wished me to impress on you is not only that you will
+ruin yourself, but put a blight upon the life of the young lady whom you
+are pleased to consider your ward. We make this suggestion because we
+conceive that you have a preposterous sentimental interest yourself in
+Miss Granger-Simpson.
+
+PIKE [taken aback]. Me?
+
+LADY CREECH. Upon what other ground are we to explain your conduct?
+
+PIKE. You mean that I'd only stand between her and you for my own sake?
+
+LADY CREECH. We can comprehend no other grounds.
+
+PIKE [solemnly]. I don't believe you can! But you _can_ comprehend that
+I wouldn't have any hope, can't you?
+
+LADY CREECH. One never knows what these weird Americans hope. Hawcastle
+assures me you have some such idea, but my charge has studied under my
+instruction--deportment, manners, and ideals--which has lifted her above
+the mere American circumstance of her birth. She has ambitions. If you
+stand in the way of them she will wither, she will die like a caged
+bird. All that was sordid about her parentage she has cast off. We have
+thought that we might make something out of her.
+
+PIKE [in a clear voice, looking at her mildly]. Make _something_ out of
+her--yes, _ma'am!_
+
+LADY CREECH [quickly]. Make something _better_ of her. We offer her this
+alliance with a family which for seven hundred years--
+
+PIKE. Yes, ma'am--Crecy and Agincourt--I know.
+
+LADY CREECH. With a family never sullied by those low ideals of barter
+and exchange which are the governing impulses of your countrymen.
+
+PIKE. Seven hundred years--[fumbling in coat-pocket]--why, look here,
+Mrs. Creech!
+
+[At this LADY CREECH half rises from her chair with a profound shudder,
+sinks back again; PIKE continues.]
+
+I've got a letter right here [takes letter from pocket] that tells me
+your brother-in-law was in business--and I respect him for it--only a
+few years ago.
+
+LADY CREECH [angrily]. A letter from whom?
+
+PIKE. Jim Cooley, our vice-consul in London. Jim ain't the wisest man in
+the world, but he seems to have this all right, and _he_ says Mr.
+Hawcastle--
+
+LADY CREECH [exploding]. _Mr._ Hawcastle!
+
+PIKE [placatingly]. Well, I can call a person Colonel or Cap or Doc or
+anything of that kind, but I just plain don't know how to use the kind
+of words you have over here for those things. They don't seem to fit my
+mouth, somehow. Just let me run on my own way. I don't mean to hurt your
+feelings. Anyway, Jim says your brother-in-law was in business in
+Russia.
+
+[Up to this point he has gone on rapidly, but after the word "Russia" he
+pauses abruptly as if startled by a sudden thought and slowly repeats.]
+
+"In business in Russia!"
+
+[He rises.]
+
+LADY CREECH. This is beside the point entirely!
+
+PIKE. It _is_ the point! Now, between us, ain't Jim right? Ain't it the
+truth?
+
+LADY CREECH [angry and agitated]. Since some of your vulgar American
+officials have been spying about--
+
+PIKE [with controlled excitement]. Your brother-in-law was in business
+in Russia; so far, so good.
+
+[Leans upon back of chair watching her, eager, but smiling cordially.]
+
+I don't say he was peddling shoe-strings on the corner or selling
+weinerwursts--
+
+[LADY CREECH gives a slight scream of indignation.]
+
+PIKE [continuing]. Probably something more hifalutin' and dignified than
+that. He was probably agent for a wooden butter-dish factory.
+
+LADY CREECH [enraged]. He had contracts with the Russian government
+itself!
+
+PIKE (staggering back, recovers himself immediately, and, speaking
+sharply, but in a voice of great agitation). _Not_ for mining--_not_ for
+hydraulic machines!
+
+LADY CREECH. And even so he protected the historic name of St. Aubyn.
+
+PIKE. By God, I believe you!
+
+LADY CREECH. Don't mumble your words!
+
+PIKE. Had he ever lived at Glenwood Priory?
+
+LADY CREECH [indignantly]. Is your mind wandering? The priory belonged
+to Hawcastle's mother. Can you state its connection with the subject?
+
+PIKE. That's how he protected the historic name of St. Aubyn! That's the
+name he took--Glenwood!
+
+LADY CREECH. What of that?
+
+PIKE [awe-struck]. God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform!
+
+LADY CREECH. Oblige me by omitting blasphemous allusions in my
+presence. What answer are you prepared to make to Lord Hawcastle?
+
+PIKE [in a ringing voice]. Tell your brother-in-law that he can have my
+answer in ten minutes--and he can come to me _here_ for it! I'll give it
+in the presence of the young lady and her brother.
+
+LADY CREECH [turning to go]. Her brother--certainly! He is in perfect
+sympathy with our attitude. As for Miss Granger-Simpson's knowing
+anything of this most disagreeable affair--no!
+
+PIKE. I beg your pardon.
+
+LADY CREECH. I shall not permit her to come near here. As her chaperone
+I refuse. We all refuse!
+
+PIKE. All right; refuse away.
+
+LADY CREECH. I shall tell Lord Hawcastle--
+
+PIKE. Ten minutes from now and in this room.
+
+LADY CREECH. But Miss Granger-Simpson under no condition whatever.
+
+[Sweeps out haughtily.]
+
+[PIKE closes the doors behind her, touches an electric button over the
+mantel, then sits at desk and writes hurriedly. Knock at upper doors.]
+
+PIKE. Come in!
+
+[Enter MARIANO.]
+
+PIKE. Mariano, I want you to take this note to Miss Simpson.
+
+[Quickly enclosing note in envelope and addressing it.]
+
+MARIANO. To Mees Granger-Seempson?
+
+PIKE. Do you know where she is?
+
+MARIANO. She walks on the terrace alone.
+
+PIKE. Give it to her yourself--to no one else--[emphatically]--and do it
+now.
+
+[Gives him the note.]
+
+MARIANO. At once, sir!
+
+[Going.]
+
+PIKE. Hurry!
+
+[Almost pushes him out of the upper doors and closes them. He goes
+quickly to the door on the right, opens it, and calls.]
+
+Ivanoff!
+
+[IVANOFF opens the door and comes out apprehensively.]
+
+IVANOFF [as he enters]. Have they come?
+
+PIKE. Not yet! Ivanoff, you prayed to see your wife and your friend
+Glenwood before you went back to Siberia.
+
+IVANOFF [falling back with a cry]. Ah!
+
+PIKE. If that prayer is answered through me, will you promise to
+remember that it's my fight?
+
+IVANOFF. Ah! it is impossible--you wish to play with me!
+
+PIKE. Do I look playful?
+
+[A bugle sounds sharply outside the window.]
+
+IVANOFF [wildly]. The carabiniere--for me.
+
+[The two rush together to the window.]
+
+PIKE [thrusting IVANOFF behind him]. Don't show yourself!
+
+IVANOFF. [looking out of the window over PIKE'S shoulder]. Look! Near
+the lamp yonder--there by the doors--the carabiniere.
+
+PIKE. They've been there since this afternoon.
+
+[Shading his eyes from the light of the room with one hand.]
+
+Look there--who on earth--who's that they've got with them?--Why, good
+Lord! it's Doc!
+
+[Astounded.]
+
+IVANOFF. It is Herr von Groellerhagen! Did I not tell you he was a
+Russian? He has betrayed me himself. He was not satisfied that others
+should. [Bitterly.] I knew I was in the wolf's throat here!
+
+PIKE. Don't you believe it! They've arrested poor old Doc. They got him
+as he went out.
+
+IVANOFF [pointing]. No; they speak respectfully to him. They bow to
+him--
+
+PIKE [grimly]. They'll be bowing to us in a minute. That's probably the
+way these colonels run you in.
+
+[Sharp knock on upper doors.]
+
+PIKE [urging him toward the door on the right]. You wait till I call
+you, and remember it's my fight.
+
+IVANOFF [turning, half hysterically]. You _promise_ before I am taken
+that I shall see--
+
+[MARIANO enters at upper doors.]
+
+PIKE [domineeringly, as he sees MARIANO]. And don't you forget what I've
+been telling you--you get the sand out of that gear-box first thing
+tomorrow morning, or I'll see that you draw your last pay Saturday
+night.
+
+[IVANOFF bows meekly and exit to right, closing door after him.]
+
+MARIANO. Miss Granger-Seempson!
+
+[Exit.]
+
+PIKE. All right, Mariano!
+
+[ETHEL enters haughtily.]
+
+I'm much obliged to you for taking my note the right way. I've got some
+pretty good reasons for not leaving this room.
+
+[She is icy in manner, but her hands fidget with the note he has sent
+her, crumpling it up.]
+
+ETHEL [sitting]. Your note seemed so extraordinarily urgent--
+
+PIKE. It had to be. Some folks who want to see me are coming here, and I
+want you to see them--here. They'd stopped you from coming if they
+could.
+
+ETHEL [holding herself very straight in her chair]. There was no effort
+to prevent me.
+
+PIKE. No; I didn't give 'em time.
+
+ETHEL. May I ask to whom you refer?
+
+PIKE. The whole kit and boodle of 'em!
+
+ETHEL [not relaxing her coldness]. You are inelegant, Mr. Pike.
+
+PIKE. I haven't time to be elegant, even if I knew how.
+
+ETHEL. Do you mean that my chaperone would disapprove?
+
+PIKE. I shouldn't be surprised. I reckon the whole fine flower of Europe
+would disapprove. "Disapprove?"--they'd _sand-bag_ you to keep you away!
+
+ETHEL [rising quickly]. Oh, then I can't stay.
+
+PIKE [going between her and the upper doors, speaks with ring of
+domination]. Yes you can, and you will, and you've got to!
+
+ETHEL [angrily]. "Got to!" I shall not!
+
+PIKE. I'm your guardian, and you'll do as I say. You'll obey me this
+once if you never do again.
+
+[She looks at him defiantly; he faces her with determination, and
+continues without pause.]
+
+You'll stay here while I talk to these people, and you'll stay in spite
+of anything they say or do to make you go.
+
+[Slight pause; she yields and walks back to her chair. PIKE continues.]
+
+God knows I hate to talk rough to you. I wouldn't hurt your feelings for
+the world, but it's come to a point where I've got to use the authority
+I have over you.
+
+ETHEL [with a renewal of her defiance]. Authority? Do you think--
+
+PIKE. You'll stay here for the next twenty minutes if I have to make
+Crecy and Agincourt look like a Peace Conference!
+
+[She looks at him aghast, sinks into chair by table; he continues after
+a very slight pause.]
+
+You and your brother have soaked up a society-column notion of life
+over here; you're like old Pete Delaney of Terry Hut--he got so he'd
+drink cold tea if there was a whiskey label on the bottle. They've
+fuddled you with labels. It's my business to see that you know what kind
+of people you're dealin' with.
+
+ETHEL [almost in tears]. You're bullying me! I don't see why you talk so
+brutally to me.
+
+PIKE [sadly and earnestly]. Do you think I'd do it for anything but you?
+
+ETHEL [angrily]. You are odious! Insufferable!
+
+PIKE [humbly]. Don't you think I know you despise me?
+
+ETHEL. I do not despise you; if I had stayed at home, and grown up
+there, I should probably have been a provincial young woman playing
+"Sweet Genevieve" for you to-night. But my life has not been that, and
+you have humiliated me from the moment of your arrival here. You have
+made me ashamed both of you and of myself. And now you have some
+preposterous plan which will shame me again, humiliate both of us once
+more, before my friends, these gentlefolk.
+
+[A loud noise without. LADY CREECH'S voice is heard shouting.]
+
+PIKE [dryly]. I think the gentlefolk are here.
+
+[The upper doors up centre are thrown open; LADY CREECH hurriedly
+enters, with MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY and HORACE, followed by ALMERIC.]
+
+LADY CREECH. My dear child, what are you doing in this dreadful place
+with this dreadful person?
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY. My dear, les convenances!
+
+HORACE. Ethel, I'm extremely surprised; come away at once!
+
+ALMERIC. Oh, I say, you know, really, Miss Ethel! You can't stay here,
+you know, _can_ you?
+
+PIKE. I'm her guardian; she's here by my authority, she'll stay by my
+authority.
+
+[LORD HAWCASTLE appears in the open doors and bows sardonically to
+PIKE.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [suavely]. Ah, good-evening, Mr. Pike!
+
+HORACE. Lord Hawcastle, will you insist upon Ethel's leaving? It's quite
+on the cards we shall have a disagreeable scene here.
+
+HAWCASTLE [smiling]. I see no occasion for it; we're here simply for Mr.
+Pike's answer. He knows where we stand and we know where he stands.
+
+PIKE [with a grim smile]. I reckon you're right so far.
+
+HAWCASTLE [continuing]. And his answer will be yes.
+
+PIKE [with quiet emphasis]. But you're wrong there!
+
+HAWCASTLE [to HORACE, with sudden seriousness]. Perhaps you are right,
+Mr. Granger-Simpson. Painful things may be done. Better the young lady
+were spared them. Take your sister away.
+
+[He motions HORACE toward the door.]
+
+ALMERIC. For God's sake do--it may be quite rowdy.
+
+LADY CREECH [to ETHEL at the same time]. My dear, you positively must!
+
+HORACE. Ethel, I command you!
+
+[ETHEL, troubled, half rises as if to go]
+
+PIKE [imperiously, to ETHEL]. You stay right where you are!
+
+ALMERIC [angrily]. Oh, I say!
+
+LADY CREECH. Oh, the lynching ruffian!
+
+HORACE. Ethel, do you mean to let this fellow dictate to you?
+
+ETHEL [breathlessly and loudly, as if resistance were hopeless].
+But--he says I _must_!
+
+[She sinks back into her chair.]
+
+PIKE [to HAWCASTLE]. You're here for an answer, you say?
+
+HAWCASTLE [on the defensive]. Yes!
+
+PIKE. An answer to what?
+
+HAWCASTLE [painfully resuming his suavity]. An answer to our request
+that you accede to the wishes of that young lady.
+
+PIKE. And if I don't, what are you going to do?
+
+HORACE. Ethel, you _must_ go!
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY. This man is an Apache!
+
+LADY CREECH [simultaneously]. Barbarian!
+
+PIKE [to HAWCASTLE]. I'll leave it to you to tell her.
+
+HAWCASTLE. A gentleman would spare her that.
+
+PIKE. _I_ won't! Speak out! Why do you come here sure of the answer you
+want?
+
+HAWCASTLE [intensely annoyed]. Tut, tut!
+
+LADY CREECH. Don't mumble your words!
+
+PIKE. I'll make it even plainer than you like.
+
+HORACE. I protest against this!
+
+ALMERIC. Throw the rotter out of the window!
+
+PIKE [particularly addressing ETHEL]. This afternoon I tried to help a
+poor devil--a broken-down Russian running away from Siberia, where he'd
+been for nine years.
+
+[She rises; her eyes eagerly meet his.]
+
+A poor weak thing, hounded like you've seen a rat in the gutter by dogs
+and bootblacks. Some of your friends here saw us bring him into this
+apartment; they know we've got him here now. If I don't agree to hand
+over you and seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars of the money John
+Simpson made, it means that the man I have tried to help goes back to
+rot in Siberia and I go to an Italian jail for two years, or as much
+longer as they can make it.
+
+HAWCASTLE [violently]. Nonsense!
+
+ETHEL [stepping toward PIKE, indignantly]. I knew that you had only a
+further humiliation in store for me--
+
+HAWCASTLE [following her and trying to interrupt]. But my dear--
+
+ETHEL [with dignity]. No--you need make no denial for yourselves.
+
+[To PIKE, haughtily.]
+
+Do you think I would believe that an English noble would stoop--
+
+PIKE [with passionate indignation]. Stoop! Why, ten years ago in St.
+Petersburg there was a poor revolutionist who, in his crazy patriotism,
+took government money for the cause he believed in. He made the mistake
+of keeping that money in his house, when this man [pointing at
+HAWCASTLE] knew it was there. He also made the mistake of having a wife
+that this man coveted and stole--as he coveted and stole the money. Oh,
+he made a good job of it! Don't think that to-night is the first time he
+has given information to the police. He did it then, and the husband
+went to Siberia--
+
+HAWCASTLE [staggered and enraged]. A dastardly slander!
+
+PIKE [in a ringing voice].--and he'll do it again to-night. I go to an
+Italian jail [he suddenly swings his outstretched hand to point to
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, continuing without pause] and, by the living God,
+that same poor devil of a husband goes back to Siberia!
+
+[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, with an ejaculation of horror and fright, staggers
+back.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [in extreme agitation]. It's a ghastly lie!
+
+PIKE. You came for your answer. Here it is.
+
+[Calls sharply.]
+
+Ivanoff!
+
+[IVANOFF appears in the doorway on the right. He advances, lifts both
+clinched fists above MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY'S head.]
+
+[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, with a shuddering cry, falls on her knees in an
+attitude of fright and abasement.]
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY. Ivan!--oh, Mother of God!--Ivan! Don't kill me--
+
+[IVANOFF shudders with weakness, trembles violently, collapses into
+chair, she still at his feet. IVANOFF sobbing.]
+
+HORACE [starting toward her in extreme agitation]. Helene!
+
+PIKE [sternly to HORACE]. You keep back, she's his wife.
+
+[Pointing to HAWCASTLE.]
+
+And there stands his best friend!
+
+HAWCASTLE. It's a lie! I never saw the man before in my life.
+
+PIKE [grimly, with a gesture toward MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY]. The lady seems
+to recognize him.
+
+HAWCASTLE. Almeric, go for the police. Call them quickly!
+
+[His voice loud and hoarse.]
+
+MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY [springs to her feet, protesting]. No--no--I can't!
+
+PIKE [with his hand on IVANOFF'S shoulder]. Call them in--we're ready.
+
+[To ETHEL.]
+
+But I want _you_ always to remember that I considered it cheap at the
+price.
+
+[ETHEL, in an agony of shame, turns from him. At same time MADAME DE
+CHAMPIGNY, never taking her eyes from IVANOFF'S face, and showing great
+fear, moves back near HAWCASTLE.]
+
+ALMERIC [opening the upper doors and calling]. Tell that officer to
+bring his men in here!
+
+[VASILI enters briskly from the hall.]
+
+[RIBIERE enters immediately after from the same direction.]
+
+VASILI [in a loud, clear voice]. There will be no arrests to-night, my
+friends.
+
+HAWCASTLE [violently, to ALMERIC]. Do as I say! This man [meaning
+VASILI] goes, too.
+
+VASILI [curtly]. The officer is not there, the carabiniere have been
+withdrawn.
+
+[To PIKE, gravely and rapidly.]
+
+For your sake I have relinquished my incognito.
+
+[To HAWCASTLE.]
+
+The man Ivanoff is in my custody.
+
+[Illustration: "IVAN! DON'T KILL ME!"]
+
+HAWCASTLE [violently]. By whose authority? Do you know that you are
+speaking to the Earl of Hawcastle?
+
+RIBIERE [in a ringing voice, advancing a step]. More respectful, sir!
+You are addressing his Highness, the Grand-Duke Vasili of Russia.
+
+[HAWCASTLE falls back, stricken.]
+
+PIKE [thunderstruck]. Respectful! Think of what _I've_ been calling him!
+
+VASILI. My friend, it has been refreshing. [To RIBIERE]. Ribiere, I
+shall take Ivanoff's statement in writing. Bring him with you.
+
+[VASILI turns on his heel, curtly, and passes rapidly out through the
+door on the right.]
+
+[RIBIERE touches IVANOFF on shoulder, indicating that he must follow
+VASILI.]
+
+[IVANOFF starts with RIBIERE; MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY shrinks back with a
+low exclamation of fear.]
+
+IVANOFF [hoarsely to her]. I would not touch you--not even to strangle
+you!
+
+[With outstretched hand, pointing to HAWCASTLE.]
+
+But God will let me pay my debt to the Earl of Hawcastle!
+
+[Goes rapidly out with RIBIERE.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [choked with rage, advancing on PIKE]. Why, you--
+
+PIKE [genially]. Oh! I hated to hand you this, my lord. I didn't come
+over here to make the fine flower of Europe any more trouble than
+they've got. But I had to _show_ John Simpson's daughter.
+
+[Movement from HORACE and ETHEL.]
+
+And I reckon now she isn't wanting any alliance with the remnants of
+Crecy and Agincourt.
+
+ETHEL [tremulously, coming close to PIKE]. But I have no choice--I gave
+Almeric my promise when I thought it an honor to bear his name. Now that
+you have shown me it is a _shame_ to bear it, the promise is only more
+sacred. The shame is not _his_ fault. You--you--want me to
+be--honorable--don't you?
+
+PIKE [after a long stare at her, speaks in a feeble voice, very slowly].
+Your father--and mother--_both_--came--from Missouri, didn't they?
+
+
+END OF THE THIRD ACT
+
+
+
+
+THE FOURTH ACT
+
+
+SCENE: The same as in Act I. The morning of the next day. Upon the steps
+leading to the hotel doors is a pile of bags, hat-boxes, and rugs.
+
+As the curtain rises HAWCASTLE, in a travelling suit and cap, is
+directing a porter who is adjusting a strap on a travelling bag. ALMERIC
+enters from the hotel, smoking a cigarette.
+
+ALMERIC. Ah, Governor; see you're moving!
+
+HAWCASTLE. I may.
+
+[His manner is nervous, apprehensive, and wary. Porter touches his cap
+and goes into hotel.]
+
+It depends.
+
+ALMERIC. Depends? Madame de Champigny took the morning boat to Naples,
+and your trunks are gone. Shouldn't say that looked much like dependin'.
+
+HAWCASTLE [nervously]. It does, though, with that devilish convict--
+
+ALMERIC. Oh, but I say, Governor, you're not in a funk about him! You
+could bowl him over with a finger.
+
+HAWCASTLE [glancing over his shoulder]. Not if he had what he didn't
+have last night, or I shouldn't be here to-day.
+
+ALMERIC. You don't think the beggar'd be taking a shot at you?
+
+HAWCASTLE [fastening clasp of hat-box]. I don't know what the crazy fool
+mightn't do.
+
+ALMERIC. But, you know, he's really quite as much in custody as you
+could wish. That Vasilivitch chap has got him fast enough.
+
+[LADY CREECH enters from the hotel.]
+
+HAWCASTLE [sharply]. The Grand-Duke Vasili has the reputation of being a
+romantic fool. I don't know what moment he may decide to let Ivanoff
+loose.
+
+LADY CREECH [with triumphant indignation]. Then I have the advantage
+over you, Hawcastle. He's just done it.
+
+HAWCASTLE [startled]. What?
+
+LADY CREECH [continuing]. Got him a pardon from Russia by telegraph.
+
+HAWCASTLE. You don't mean that!
+
+LADY CREECH. Ethel has just told me.
+
+HAWCASTLE. My God!
+
+[He springs forward and touches a bell on wall.]
+
+LADY CREECH. An outrage! Our plans all so horribly upset--
+
+HAWCASTLE [turning and coming down steps]. No, they're not.
+
+[MARIANO appears in the doorway.]
+
+HAWCASTLE. Mariano, I'm off for Naples. Sharp's the word!
+
+MARIANO. It is too late for the boat, Milor'. You must drive to
+Castellamare for the train.
+
+HAWCASTLE. There's a carriage waiting for me at the gate yonder. Get
+these things into it quick--quick!
+
+[MARIANO beckons porters from the hotel. Porters enter sharply and carry
+bags, etc., off.]
+
+[Meanwhile, HAWCASTLE, without pause, continues rapidly and in an
+excited voice to ALMERIC and LADY CREECH.]
+
+You must see it through; you mustn't let the thing fail; what's more,
+you've got to hurry it, just as if I were here. This girl gave her word
+last night that she'd stick.
+
+LADY CREECH. But she's behaving very peculiarly this morning.
+Outrageously would be nearer it.
+
+HAWCASTLE. How?
+
+LADY CREECH. Shedding tears over this Ivanoff's story. What's more, she
+has sent that dreadful Pike person to him with assistance.
+
+HAWCASTLE. What sort of assistance?
+
+LADY CREECH. Money. I don't know how much, but I'm sure it was a lot.
+
+ALMERIC [with a sudden inspiration]. By Jove! Buying the beggar off,
+perhaps, to keep him from making a scandal for us.
+
+HAWCASTLE [excitedly]. That's what she's trying to do!
+
+LADY CREECH. Then why do you go?
+
+HAWCASTLE. Because I'm not sure she can. [Going to steps.] Wire me at
+the Bertolini, Naples. [Turning at stoop.] This shows she means to
+stick.
+
+LADY CREECH. For the sake of her promise.
+
+HAWCASTLE [emphatically]. Yes, and for the sake of the name.
+
+[He runs out rapidly.]
+
+[PIKE enters from the grove, smoking.]
+
+PIKE [thoughtfully]. Your pa seems in a hurry.
+
+[LADY CREECH and ALMERIC turn, startled. LADY CREECH haughtily sweeps
+away, entering the hotel.]
+
+ALMERIC [cheerfully]. Oh yes, possibly--he's off, you know--to catch a
+train. He's so easily worried by trifles.
+
+[PIKE looks at ALMERIC with a sort of chuckling admiration.]
+
+PIKE. Well, you don't worry--not too easy; do you, son?
+
+ALMERIC. Oh, one finds nothing in particular this morning to bother one.
+
+PIKE [assenting]. Nothing at all.
+
+ALMERIC. Not I. Of course, Miss Ethel is standing to her promise?
+
+PIKE [grimly]. Yes, she is.
+
+ALMERIC. The Governor only thought it best to clear out a bit until we
+were certain that she manages to draw off this convict chap.
+
+PIKE [puzzled]. Draw him off?
+
+ALMERIC. What you Americans call "affixing him," isn't it?
+
+PIKE. "Affixing him?" Don't try to talk United States, my son. Just tell
+me in your own way.
+
+ALMERIC. She's been giving him money, hasn't she? You took it to him
+yourself, didn't you? Naturally, we understood what it was for. She's
+trying to keep the beggar quiet.
+
+PIKE. So that's what she sent this poor cuss the money for, was it?
+
+ALMERIC. Why, what other reason could there be?
+
+PIKE. Well, you know I sort of gathered it was because she was sorry for
+him--thought he'd been wronged; but, of course, I'm stupid.
+
+ALMERIC. Well, ra-_ther_! I don't know that it was so necessary for her
+to hush him up, but it showed a very worthy intention in her, didn't it?
+
+PIKE [slowly]. Would you mind my being present when you thank her for
+it?
+
+ALMERIC. Shouldn't in the least if I intended thanking her. It simply
+shows she considers herself already one of us. It's perfectly
+plain--why, it's plain as _you_ are!
+
+[Chuckles.]
+
+PIKE. Oh! if I could only get it over to Kokomo! And that's why you're
+not worrying, is it, son?
+
+ALMERIC. Worrying? My good man, do you mind excusing me. I saw a most
+likely pup yesterday; I'm afraid some other chap'll snatch him up before
+I do. I should have taken him at once. Good-morning!
+
+[Exit through the grove with a sprightly gait and a wave of his stick.]
+
+[PIKE gazes after him, shaking his head with a half-admiring,
+half-sardonic chuckle.]
+
+[Enter ETHEL from the hotel. She wears a pretty morning dress and hat;
+her face is very sad.]
+
+ETHEL. I hear that Lord Hawcastle has left the hotel.
+
+PIKE [dryly]. Yes; I saw him go.
+
+ETHEL. He left very quickly?
+
+PIKE. He did seem to be forgetting the scenery.
+
+ETHEL [decidedly]. He was afraid of Ivanoff.
+
+PIKE. I shouldn't be surprised. Ivanoff wants to thank you. May I bring
+him?
+
+ETHEL. Yes.
+
+[PIKE goes off into the grove.]
+
+[MARIANO and a file of servants enter from the hotel, form a line, and
+bow profoundly as VASILI enters. They withdraw at a sign from him.]
+
+ETHEL [making a deep curtsy]. Monseigneur!
+
+VASILI [to ETHEL]. Not _you_! You see, I must fly to some place where an
+incognito will be respected. If I stay here it will be--what you
+call--fuss and feathers and revolutionary agents. I have come to make
+my adieu to your guardian. Incognito or out of it, he is my very good
+friend--no matter if he is an egoist.
+
+ETHEL. An egoist! That is the last thing in the world he should be
+called.
+
+VASILI. Ah, so; what do you call him?
+
+ETHEL. I? I call him--
+
+[She begins bravely, but at a keen glance from him stops abruptly,
+blushing.]
+
+VASILI. Bravo! I call him an egoist because he is so content to be what
+he is he will not pretend to be something else! I respect your country
+in him, my dear young lady; and he cares nothing whether I am a king or
+a commoner. Everywhere the people bow and salaam half on their knees to
+me; but _he_--
+
+ETHEL. No, I can't quite imagine _him_ doing that.
+
+[Enter PIKE from the grove, followed by IVANOFF.]
+
+VASILI [to PIKE]. I have come to bid you goodbye, my friend. Life is a
+service of farewells, they say; but if you ever come to St. Petersburg
+when I am there you will be made welcome. Your ambassador will tell you
+where to find me.
+
+PIKE. I know I'd be welcome; and if you ever get out as far as Indiana,
+don't miss Kokomo--the depot hackman will tell you where to find me, and
+the boys will help me show you a good time. You'd like it, Doc--
+
+[He stops, horrified at his slip of the tongue.]
+
+VASILI. I _know_ that.
+
+PIKE. I don't know how to call you by name, but I reckon you'll
+understand I do think an awful lot of you.
+
+VASILI [as they shake hands]. My friend, I have confided to you that you
+are a great man. But a great man is sure to be set upon a pedestal by
+some pretty lady. [ETHEL turns away.] It is a great responsibility to
+occupy a pedestal. On that account I depart in some anxiety for you.
+
+PIKE. What do you mean?
+
+VASILI. Ah, you do not understand? Then, my friend--what is it you have
+taught me to say?--ah, yes--then there is sand in your gear-box.
+
+[VASILI gives his hand to IVANOFF quietly, bows deeply to ETHEL, and
+goes quickly into the hotel.]
+
+IVANOFF [turning to ETHEL]. Dear, kind young lady, your guardian has
+known how to make me accept the help you granted. He has known how
+because his heart is like yours, full of goodness. I shall go to London
+and teach the languages. There I shall be able to repay you--at least
+what you have given me in money.
+
+ETHEL. Professor Ivanoff, are you following Lord Hawcastle and your
+wife?
+
+IVANOFF. My wife exists no longer for me.
+
+ETHEL. But Lord Hawcastle? Do you mean to follow him?
+
+IVANOFF [with great feeling]. No, no, no! I could not hurt his body--I
+could not. The suffering of a man is here--here! What is it _he_ has of
+most value in this world? It is that name of his. Except for that, he is
+poor, and that I shall destroy. He shall not go in his clubs; he shall
+not go among his own class, and in the streets they will point at him.
+His story and mine shall be made--ah, but too well known! And that name
+of which he and all his family have been so proud, it shall be disgrace
+and dishonor to bear.
+
+ETHEL [sadly]. Already it is that.
+
+IVANOFF. But I forget myself. I talk so ugly.
+
+ETHEL. It is not in my heart to blame you. Your wrongs have given you
+the right.
+
+IVANOFF [kissing her hand]. God bless you always!
+
+[Illustration: "MY FRIEND, THERE IS SAND IN YOUR GEAR-BOX"]
+
+[He takes PIKE'S hand, tries to speak, but chokes up and cannot. He
+goes into the hotel.]
+
+PIKE. There _are_ some good people over here, aren't there?
+
+ETHEL. When you're home again I hope you will remember _them._
+
+PIKE. I will.
+
+ETHEL. And I hope you will forget everything I've ever said.
+
+PIKE. Somehow it doesn't seem as if I very likely would.
+
+ETHEL [coming toward him]. Oh yes, you will! All those unkind things
+I've said to you--
+
+PIKE. Oh, I'll forget _those_ easy!
+
+ETHEL [going on eagerly, but almost tearfully]. And the other things,
+too, when you're once more among your kind, good home folks you like so
+well--and probably there's one among them that you'll be so glad to get
+back to you'll hardly know you've been away--an unworldly girl--[she
+falters]--one that doesn't need to be cured--oh! of all sorts of
+follies--a kind girl, one who's been always sweet to you. [Turns away
+from him.] I can see her--she wears a white muslin and waits by the gate
+for you at twilight [turns to him again]--isn't she like that?
+
+PIKE [shaking his head gravely]. No; not like that.
+
+ETHEL. But there _is_ some one there?--some one that you've cared for?
+
+PIKE [sadly]. Well, she's only been there in a way. I've had her picture
+on my desk for a good while. Sometimes when I go home in the evening she
+kind of seems to be there. I bought a homey old house up on Main Street,
+you know; it's the house you were born in. It's kind of lonesome
+sometimes, and then I get to thinking that she's there, sitting at an
+old piano, that used to be my mother's, and singing to me--
+
+ETHEL [smiling sorrowfully]. Singing "Sweet Genevieve"?
+
+PIKE. Yes--that's my favorite. But then I come to and I find it ain't
+so, no voice comes to me, and I find there ain't anybody but me
+[swallows painfully], and it's so foolish that even Jim Cooley can write
+me letters making fun of it!
+
+ETHEL. You'll find her some day--you'll find some one to fulfil that
+vision--and I shall think of you in your old house among the
+beech-trees. I shall think of you often with her, listening to her voice
+in the twilight. And I shall be far away from that sensible, kindly
+life--keeping the promise that I have made [falters], and living out--my
+destiny.
+
+PIKE [gravely]. What destiny?
+
+ETHEL. I am bound to Almeric in his misfortune, I am bound to him _by_
+his misfortune.
+
+[She goes on with a sorrowful eagerness.]
+
+He has to bear a name that will be a by-word of disgrace, and it is my
+duty to help him bear it, to help him make it honorable again; to
+inspire him in the struggle that lies before him to rise above it by his
+own efforts, to make a career for himself; to make the world forget the
+disgrace of his father in his own triumphs--in the product of his own
+work--
+
+PIKE [aghast]. Work!
+
+ETHEL. Oh, I am all American to-day. No matter how humbly he begins, it
+will be a beginning, and no matter what it costs me I must be by his
+side helping him, with all my energy and strength. Can you challenge
+that? Isn't it true?
+
+PIKE. I can't deny it--that's what any good and brave woman ought to
+feel.
+
+ETHEL. And since it has to be done, it must be done at once. I haven't
+seen Almeric since last night; I must see him now.
+
+PIKE [grimly]. He's not here just now.
+
+[HORACE enters; stands in the doorway unobserved, listening.]
+
+ETHEL. I've shirked facing him to-day. He has always been so light and
+gay, I have dreaded to see him bending under this blow, shamed and
+overcome. Now it is my duty to see him, to show him how he can hold up
+his head in spite of it!
+
+PIKE. I agree, it's your duty--
+
+ETHEL [eagerly, but tremulously]. That means that you--as my
+guardian--think I am right?
+
+PIKE. I agree to it, I said.
+
+ETHEL [excited]. Then that must mean that you consent--
+
+PIKE. It does--I give my consent to your marriage.
+
+ETHEL [shocked and frightened]. You _do_?
+
+PIKE. I place it in your hands.
+
+HORACE [vehemently interrupting]. I protest against this. She's talking
+like a romantic schoolgirl. And I for one won't bear it--and I won't
+allow it!
+
+ETHEL. Too late--he's consented.
+
+[With a half-choked, sudden sob she runs into the hotel.]
+
+HORACE [turning furiously on PIKE]. I tell you I shall not permit her to
+throw herself away!
+
+PIKE. Look here, who's the guardian of this girl?
+
+HORACE. A magnificent guardian you are! You came here to protect her
+from something you thought rotten; now we all know it's rotten, you hand
+her over!
+
+[Turns with a short, bitter laugh, walks up stage, then comes back.]
+
+By Jove! I shouldn't be surprised if you consent to the settlement, too!
+
+PIKE [solemnly]. My son, I shouldn't be surprised if I did.
+
+HORACE. Is the world topsy-turvy? Have I gone crazy?
+
+[With accusing finger pointed at PIKE.]
+
+I'll bet my _soul_ that'll disgust her as much as it does me!
+
+PIKE. My son, I shouldn't be surprised if it would.
+
+HORACE [staring at him]. By the Lord, but you play a queer game, Mr.
+Pike!
+
+PIKE. Oh, I'm jest crossing the Rubicon. Your father used to have a
+saying: "If you're going to cross the Rubicon, cross it. Don't wade out
+to the middle and _stand_ there; you only get hell from both banks."
+
+[Enter LADY CREECH from the hotel.]
+
+LADY CREECH [testily]. Mr. Granger-Simpson, have you seen my nephew?
+
+HORACE. No; I've rather avoided that, if you don't mind my saying so.
+
+LADY CREECH. Mr. Granger-Simpson!
+
+HORACE. I'm sorry, Lady Creech, but I've had a most awful shaking-up,
+and I'm almost thinking of going back home with Mr. Pike. I rather think
+he's about right in his ideas. You know we abused him, not only for
+himself, but for his vulgar friend; yet his vulgar friend turned out to
+be a grand-duke--and look at what our friends turned out to be.
+
+[Goes rapidly into the hotel.]
+
+[ALMERIC'S voice is heard from the grove. "Come along! There's a good
+fellow!"]
+
+LADY CREECH. Isn't that Almeric?
+
+PIKE. Here he comes, shamed and bending under the blow!
+
+[ALMERIC enters from the grove, leading a bull terrier pup.]
+
+ALMERIC. Mariano, Mariano--I say, Mariano! I say, Aunty, ain't he
+rippin'? Lucky I got there just as I did--a bounder wanted to buy him
+five minutes later.
+
+[MARIANO enters from hotel.]
+
+Mariano, do you think you could be trusted to wash him?
+
+MARIANO. Wash him!
+
+ALMERIC. Tepid water, you know; and mind he doesn't take cold; and just
+a little milk afterward--nothing else but milk, you understand. You be
+deuced careful, I mean to say.
+
+MARIANO [with dignity]. I will give him to the porter.
+
+[He carries the animal into the hotel.]
+
+LADY CREECH. Almeric, really, there are more important things, you know.
+
+ALMERIC. But you don't seem to realize I might have missed him
+altogether. I think I'm rather to be congratulated, you know. What?
+
+PIKE. I think you are, my son. I have given my consent.
+
+ALMERIC. Rippin'!
+
+LADY CREECH. And the settlement?
+
+PIKE. The settlement also--everything!
+
+[ETHEL enters from the hotel, followed by HORACE.]
+
+LADY CREECH [greatly relieved and overjoyed, starting toward ETHEL].
+Ethel, my dear!
+
+ALMERIC [cheerfully]. I told you it would all be plain sailing, Aunty.
+There was nothing to worry about.
+
+LADY CREECH [continuing, to ETHEL]. All shall be forgiven, my child. I
+am too pleased, too overjoyed in your good-fortune to remember any
+little bickerings between us. The sky has cleared wonderfully.
+Everything is settled.
+
+ETHEL. Yes; it's all over; my guardian has consented.
+
+ALMERIC. Of course _I_ never worried about it--but I fancy it will be a
+weight off the Governor's mind. I'll see that a wire catches him at
+Naples--and he'll be glad to know what became of that arrangement about
+the convict fellow, too.
+
+ETHEL [very seriously]. Almeric, I think it's noble to be brave in
+trouble, but--
+
+ALMERIC [puzzled]. I say, you know, you've really _got_ me!
+
+ETHEL. I mean that I admire you for your pluck, for seeming unconcerned
+under disgrace, but--
+
+ALMERIC. _Disgrace_? Why, who's disgraced--not even the Governor, as I
+see it. You got that chap called off, didn't you?
+
+ETHEL. Whom do you mean?
+
+ALMERIC. Why, that convict chap--didn't you send him away? You bought
+him off, didn't you, so that he won't talk? Gave him money not to bother
+us?
+
+ETHEL [rising, and turning on him indignantly]. Why, Heaven pity you! Do
+you think that?
+
+ALMERIC. Oh--what?--he wouldn't agree to be still? Oh, I say, that'll
+be rather a pill for the Governor--he'll be a bit worried, you know.
+
+ETHEL. Don't you see that it's time for you to worry a little for
+yourself? That you've got to begin at once to do something worthy that
+will obliterate this shame--to begin a career--to work--to work!
+
+ALMERIC [puzzled]. But? But I mean to say, though--but what _for_? What
+possible need will there be for an extreme like that? Don't you see, in
+the first place, there's the settlement--
+
+ETHEL [aghast]. Settlement! You talk of settlement, _now_.
+
+LADY CREECH [angrily]. Settlement, _certainly_ there's the settlement!
+
+ETHEL. What for?
+
+LADY CREECH. Why, don't you understand--you're to be the Countess of
+Hawcastle, aren't you?
+
+ALMERIC. Why--hasn't he told you?--the only obstacle on earth between us
+was this fellow's consent to the settlement, and he's just given it.
+
+ETHEL [dazed and angry]. Do you mean to say he's consented to that!
+
+ALMERIC. Why, to be sure--he's just consented with his own lips--didn't
+you?
+
+PIKE [gravely]. I did.
+
+LADY CREECH. Don't you see, don't you hear that--he's consented? He
+didn't mumble his words--don't you hear him?
+
+ETHEL. I do, and disbelieve my own ears. Yesterday, when I wanted
+something I thought of value--and that was a name--he refused to let me
+buy it--to-day, when I know that that name is less than nothing, worse
+than nothing--he bids me give my fortune for it. What manner of man is
+this! And _you_ [to LADY CREECH and ALMERIC], what are you that after
+last night you come to me and ask a settlement?
+
+LADY CREECH [angrily]. Certainly we do--would you expect to enter a
+family like this and bring nothing?
+
+ALMERIC. _I_ can't see that the situation has changed since yesterday. I
+don't stick out for the precise amount the Governor said. If it ought to
+be less on account of that little affair last night--why, we should be
+the last people in the world to haggle over a few thousand pounds--
+
+ETHEL [with a cry of rage and relief]. Oh! That is the final word of my
+humiliation! I felt that you were in shame and dishonor, and, because of
+that, I was ready to keep my word--to stand by you, to help you make
+yourself into something like a man--to give my life to you. That you
+permitted the sacrifice was enough! Now you ask me to PAY for the
+privilege of making it, I am released! I am free! _I am not that man's
+property to give away!_
+
+LADY CREECH [violently]. You're beside yourself. Isn't this what we've
+been wanting all the time?
+
+ALMERIC. But slow up a bit--didn't you say you'd stick?
+
+ETHEL. Any promise I ever made to you is a thousand times cancelled.
+This is final!
+
+[With concentrated rage, turning to PIKE.]
+
+And as for you--never presume to speak to me again!
+
+ALMERIC [to LADY CREECH]. Most extraordinary girl--she's rather
+dreadful, _isn't_ she?
+
+LADY CREECH [with agitation]. Give me your arm, Almeric.
+
+[They go into the hotel.]
+
+ETHEL [to PIKE]. What have you to say to me?
+
+[PIKE raises his hands slowly, with palms outward, and drops them.]
+
+ETHEL. What explanation have you to make?
+
+PIKE. None.
+
+ETHEL. That's because you don't care what I think of you. [Bitterly.]
+Indeed, you've already shown that, when you were willing to give me up
+to those people, and to let me pay them for taking me! You let me
+romanticize to you about honor and duty and sympathy--about my efforts
+to make that creature a man--and you pretended to sympathize with me,
+and you knew all the time it was only the money they were after!
+
+PIKE [humbly]. Well, I shouldn't be surprised.
+
+ETHEL. Didn't you have the faint little understanding of me enough to
+see that their asking for money, now--would horrify me? Didn't you know
+that your consenting to it, leaving me free to give it to them, would
+release me--make me free to deny everything to them?
+
+PIKE [slowly]. Well, I shouldn't be surprised if I _had_ seen that.
+
+ETHEL [staggered]. You mean you've been saving me again from myself,
+from my silliness, from my romanticism, that you've given me another
+revelation of the falsity, the unreality of my attitude toward these
+people, and toward life.
+
+PIKE [placatingly]. No, no!
+
+ETHEL [vehemently]. You'd always say that, you'd always deny it--it's
+like you. You let me make a fool of myself and then you show it to me,
+and after that you deny it! [Angrily.] You're always exhibiting your
+superiority! Would you do that to the dream girl you told me of, to the
+girl at home who plays dream songs for you in the empty house among the
+beeches? Do you think _any_ girl could love a man for that? Go back to
+your dream girl, your lady of the picture!
+
+PIKE [disconsolately]. She won't be there.
+
+ETHEL [stubbornly]. She _might_ be.
+
+PIKE. No, there ain't any chance of that. The house will still be empty.
+
+ETHEL [almost crying]. Are you _sure_?
+
+PIKE [sadly]. There ain't any doubt of it now.
+
+ETHEL. You might be wrong--for once!
+
+[She gives him a look between tears and laughter, then runs into the
+hotel.]
+
+[PIKE stands sadly, his head bent, every line of his body expressing
+dejection; then from within the hotel come the sounds of a piano in the
+preliminary chords of "Sweet Genevieve." ETHEL'S voice is lifted in the
+song, at first faint, somewhat tremulous and quavering, then rising
+strongly and confidently. PIKE'S face, slowly upraised, becomes
+transfigured. He crosses the stage spellbound, to the hotel door with
+the look of a man in a dream. He falls back a step, looking in.]
+
+
+
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