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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/15855-8.txt b/15855-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e324319 --- /dev/null +++ b/15855-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4974 @@ +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-8859-1 + + +***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 +Maître d'hôtel + +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, maître d'hôtel, 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 +maître d'hôtel. + +[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'espère que +vous êtes-- + +[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 +Gröllerhagen-- + +MARIANO [repeating the name carefully]. Herr von Gröllerhagen-- + +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 maître d'hôtel see many things, an' +I think Milor' Hawcastle and Madame de Champigny have know each other +from long, perhaps. This déjeuner 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 déjeuner 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 déjeuner 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, Hélène. + +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, Hélène. _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 Hélène." 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 déjeuner 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]. +Garçon! + +[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 Gröllerhagen, 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 +Gröllerhagen, 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 fiancé's father-- + +PIKE [with cheerful absent-mindedness--working]. Yes, sir! + +HORACE [continuing]. To her fiancé'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 fiancé--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 Gröllerhagen, 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 êtes +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, décolleté +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 Gröllerhagen, 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 Hélène. + +PIKE [scratching his head]. Hélène! + +IVANOFF. Hélène 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 Hélènes 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: "Hélène." 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 Gröllerhagen! 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]. Hélène! + +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.] + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAN FROM HOME*** + + +******* This file should be named 15855-8.txt or 15855-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/8/5/15855 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. 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White</h1> +<pre> +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 <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: The Man from Home</p> +<p>Author: Booth Tarkington and Harry Leon Wilson</p> +<p>Release Date: May 18, 2005 [eBook #15855]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAN FROM HOME***</p> +<p> </p> +<h4 class="pg">E-text prepared by Suzanne Shell, Josephine Paolucci, Joshua Hutchinson,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</h4> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<div class="tei tei-text"> +<div class="tei tei-front"> +<div class="tei tei-div"> +<h1 class="tei tei-head">THE MAN FROM HOME</h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p">By</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">BOOTH TARKINGTON<br /> +AND<br /> +HARRY LEON WILSON</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">WITH ILLUSTRATIONS FROM SCENES IN THE PLAY</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">New York and London<br /> +Harpers and Brothers Publishings</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Published 1908</p> + +</div> + +<hr class="page" /> + +<div class="tei tei-div"> +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p"><a name="image01" id="image01" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<a href="images/image01.png"> +<img src="images/image01.png" height="500" alt="frontispiece" +class="tei tei-figure" /></a></p> + +</div> + +<hr class="page" /> + +<div class="tei tei-div"> + +<p class="tei tei-p">TO<br /> +WILLIAM HODGE</p> + +</div> + +<hr class="page" /> + +<div class="tei tei-div"> +<a name="toc_1" id="toc_1"></a> + +<h1 class="tei tei-head">ORIGINAL CAST OF CHARACTERS</h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-variant: small-caps" class="tei tei-hi">in</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">THE MAN FROM HOME</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-variant: small-caps" class="tei tei-hi">by</span><br /> +BOOTH TARKINGTON and HARRY LEON WILSON</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">PRESENTED UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF LIEBLER & CO.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">AT THE</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">STUDEBAKER THEATRE, CHICAGO</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">SEPTEMBER 29, 1907</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">WHERE IT RAN FOR A YEAR; THEN OPENED IN NEW YORK<br /> +AT THE<br /> +ASTOR THEATRE</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">AUGUST 17, 1908</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">CHARACTERS AND PLAYERS</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"></p><table cellspacing="0" class="tei tei-table"><colgroup span="2"></colgroup><tbody><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">Daniel Voorhees Pike</td><td class="tei tei-cell">William Hodge</td> +</tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">The Grand Duke Vasili Vasilivitch</td><td class="tei tei-cell">Eben Plympton</td> +</tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">The Earl of Hawcastle</td><td class="tei tei-cell">E. J. Ratcliffe</td> +</tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">The Hon. Alermic St. Aubyn</td><td class="tei tei-cell">Echlin P. Gayer</td> +</tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">Ivanoff</td><td class="tei tei-cell">Henry Harmon</td> +</tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">Horace Granger-Simpson</td><td class="tei tei-cell">Hassard Short</td> +</tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">Ribiere</td><td class="tei tei-cell">Harry L. Lang</td> +</tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">Mariano</td><td class="tei tei-cell">Anthony Asher</td> +</tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">Michele</td><td class="tei tei-cell">Antonio Salerno</td> +</tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">Carabiniere</td><td class="tei tei-cell">A. Montegriffo</td> +</tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">Valet de Chambre</td><td class="tei tei-cell">C. L. Felton</td> +</tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">Ethel Granger-Simpson</td><td class="tei tei-cell">Olive Wyndam</td> +</tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">Comtesse de Champigny</td><td class="tei tei-cell">Alice Johnson</td> +</tr><tr class="tei tei-row"> +<td class="tei tei-cell">Lady Creech</td><td class="tei tei-cell">Ida Vernon</td> +</tr></tbody></table> + +<p class="tei tei-p">TIME: THE PRESENT</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">PLACE: SORRENTO, SOUTHERN ITALY</p> + +</div> + +<hr class="page" /> + +<div class="tei tei-div"> +<a name="toc_2" id="toc_2"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head">ILLUSTRATIONS</h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><a href="#image01" class="tei tei-ref">THE MAN FROM HOME</a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><a href="#image02" class="tei tei-ref">"OH NO! SHE ACCEPTED ME"</a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><a href="#image03" class="tei tei-ref">"YES, SIR, DANIEL VOORHEES PIKE, ATTORNEY AT LAW, KOKOMO, INDIANA"</a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><a href="#image04" class="tei tei-ref">"<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">THIS</span> IS MR. ST. AUBYN"</a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><a href="#image05" class="tei tei-ref">"THE NEW CHAUFFEUR FOR THE MACHINE, FROM NAPLES"</a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><a href="#image06" class="tei tei-ref">"YOU'RE AFTER SOMETHING THERE ISN'T ANYTHING TO"</a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><a href="#image07" class="tei tei-ref">"IVAN! DON'T KILL ME!"</a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><a href="#image08" class="tei tei-ref">"MY FRIEND, THERE IS SAND IN YOUR GEAR-BOX"</a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">The illustrations are from photographs +of scenes in the play made especially +for the book by Mr. Luther S. White.</span></p> + +</div> + +<hr class="page" /> + +<div class="tei tei-div"> +<a name="toc_3" id="toc_3"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head">CHARACTERS</h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p">MEN</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">DANIEL VOORHEES PIKE<br /> +Of Kokomo, Indiana</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">THE GRAND-DUKE VASILI VASILIVITCH</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">THE EARL OF HAWCASTLE</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">THE HON. ALMERIC ST. AUBYN<br /> +Son of Lord Hawcastle</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">IVANOFF</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">HORACE GRANGER-SIMPSON</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">RIBIERE<br /> +The Grand-Duke's secretary</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">MARIANO<br /> +Maître d'hôtel</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">MICHELE<br /> +A waiter</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Two carabiniere</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A valet de chambre</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Several Sorrentine musicians and fishermen</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">WOMEN</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">ETHEL GRANGER-SIMPSON</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">COMTESSE DE CHAMPIGNY</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">LADY CREECH<br /> +Sister-in-law of Hawcastle</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div"> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><a href="#Act1" class="tei tei-ref">ACT I.</a>—The terrace of the Hotel Regina Margherita on +the cliff at Sorrento. Morning.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><a href="#Act2" class="tei tei-ref">ACT II.</a>—The entrance garden. Afternoon.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><a href="#Act3" class="tei tei-ref">ACT III.</a>—An apartment in the hotel. Evening.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><a href="#Act4" class="tei tei-ref">ACT IV.</a>—The terrace. Morning.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The time is the present.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The scene is Sorrento, in Southern Italy.</p> + +</div> +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-body"> +<span class="tei-pb" id="page013">[pg 013]</span> +<a name="Pg013" id="Pg013" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<a name="Act1" id="Act1" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<hr class="page" /> + +<div class="tei tei-div"> +<a name="toc_4" id="toc_4"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head">THE FIRST ACT</h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p">SCENE: The terrace of the Hotel Regina Margherita, on +the cliff at Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">As the curtain rises mandolins and guitars are heard, and +the "Fisherman's Song," the time very rapid and gay, the +musicians being unseen.<span class="tei-pb" id="page014">[pg 014]</span> +<a name="Pg014" id="Pg014" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">MARIANO, maître d'hôtel, 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.</p> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[calling to the unseen musicians crossly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Silenzio!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MICHELE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[speaking over his shoulder]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Par ici, +Monsieur Ribiere, pour le maître d'hôtel.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[RIBIERE enters from the hotel.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MICHELE immediately withdraws.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page015">[pg 015]</span> +<a name="Pg015" id="Pg015" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[as he enters]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, Mariano!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[bowing and greeting him gayly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Monsieur +Ribiere! J'espère que vous êtes—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He breaks off, turns on his heel +toward the invisible musicians, and shouts.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Silenzio!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He turns again quickly to RIBIERE.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a warning glance toward hotel]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Let +us speak English. There are not so many who understand.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[politely]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I hope Monsieur still occupy +the exalt' position of secretar' to Monseigneur the Grand-Duke.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sits and opens writing-case, answers +gravely]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">We will not mention the name or rank of my employer.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with gesture and accent of despair]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Again incognito! Every year he come to our hotel +for two, three day, but always incognito.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He finishes setting the table.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">We lose the honor to have it known.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[looking at his watch]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He comes in his +automobile from Naples. Everything is to be as on +my employer's former visits—strictly incognito. It +<span class="tei-pb" id="page016">[pg 016]</span> +<a name="Pg016" id="Pg016" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>is understood every one shall address him as Herr von Gröllerhagen—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[repeating the name carefully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Herr von Gröllerhagen—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He wishes to be thought a German.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Takes a note-book from case.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Such a man! of caprice? Excentrique? Ha!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[opening his note-book]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I have. He has +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">not</span>. I take what precaution I can secretly from him. +You have few guests?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It is so early in the season. +Those poor musician'</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[nodding off right]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.<span class="tei-pb" id="page017">[pg 017]</span> +<a name="Pg017" id="Pg017" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Good! Who are they?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[taking notes]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Three English.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">There is an American Signorina, Mees +Granger-Seempsone. Miladi Creeshe travel with +her to be chaperone.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Enthusiastically.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">She is +young, generosa, she give money to every one, she is +multa bella, so pretty, weeth charm—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[puzzled]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You speak now of Lady Creeshe?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[taken aback]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh no, no, no! Miladi +Creeshe is ol' lady </p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[tapping his ears]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Who else is there?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">There is the brother of Mees Granger-Seempsone, +a young gentleman of North America. +He make the eyes</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[laughing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">all day at another lady +who is of the party, a French lady, Comtesse de +Champigny. Ha, ha! That amuse' me!<span class="tei-pb" id="page018">[pg 018]</span> +<a name="Pg018" id="Pg018" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Beckoss I think Comtesse de Champigny +is a such good friend of the ol' English Milor' +Hawcastle. A maître d'hôtel see many things, an' +I think Milor' Hawcastle and Madame de Champigny +have know each other from long, perhaps. +This déjeuner is for them.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And who else?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It is all.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Good! no Russians?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I think Milor' Hawcastle and Madame +de Champigny have been in Russia sometime.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[putting his note-book in his pocket]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Beckoss once I have hear them spik Russian togezzer.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I think there is small chance that +they recognize my employer. His portrait is little known.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And this North American who come in +the automobile—does <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">he</span> know who he travel wiz? +Does he know his Highness?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No more than the baby which is not borned.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[lifting his eyes to heaven]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[looking at his watch]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Set déjeuner on +<span class="tei-pb" id="page019">[pg 019]</span> +<a name="Pg019" id="Pg019" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I set for one?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">For two. He desires that the North +American breakfast with him. Do not forget that +the incognito is to be absolute.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit into hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Va bene, Signore!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Puts finishing-touches to the table.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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. +<span class="tei-pb" id="page020">[pg 020]</span> +<a name="Pg020" id="Pg020" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>He comes at once upon his entrance +to a chair at the table.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MICHELE enters at same time up +left, with a folded newspaper.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[as he enters]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Good-morning, Mariano!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[bowing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Milor' Hawcastle is serve.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Takes HAWCASTLE'S hat and places +it upon a stool behind table.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MICHELE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[hands HAWCASTLE newspaper from +under his arm]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Il Mattino</span>, the morning journal +from Napoli, Milor'.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[accepting paper and unfolding it]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No English papers?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MICHELE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Milor', the mail is late.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit up left.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sitting]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And Madame de Champigny?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MARIANO serves coffee, etc.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page021">[pg 021]</span> +<a name="Pg021" id="Pg021" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>gloves. She carries a parasol. Her +elaborately dressed hair is surmounted +by a jaunty Parisian toque.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[lifting her hand gayly +as she enters, and striking a little attitude before she +descends the steps]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Me voici!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[half rising and bowing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My esteemed +relative is still asleep?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[speaking gayly, with a +very slight accent, as she crosses to a chair at the +table]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I trust your beautiful son has found much +better employment—as our hearts would wish him to.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He has. He's off on a canter with +the little American, thank God!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[interjecting the word]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Bravo!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She turns the hands of her gloves +back and sips coffee, MARIANO serving.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[continuing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But I didn't mean Almeric. +I meant my august sister-in-law.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He reads the paper.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The amiable +Lady Victoria Hermione Trevelyan Creech has déjeuner +in her apartment. What you find to read?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'm such a duffer at Italian, but +<span class="tei-pb" id="page022">[pg 022]</span> +<a name="Pg022" id="Pg022" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>apparently the people along the coast are having a +scare over an escaped convict—a Russian.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[starting slightly, drops a spoon noisily +upon a plate on the table]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Pardon, Milor'!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[setting down her coffee abruptly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A Russian?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[translating with difficulty]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"An escaped +Russian bandit has been traced to Castellamare—"</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Pauses.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[awe-struck]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Castellamare—not twelve kilometres from here!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[continuing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"—and a confidential +agent"—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[looking up]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—secret-service man, I dare +say—"has requested his arrest. But the brigand +tore himself"—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[repeating slowly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—"tore himself"—What +the deuce does that mean?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[bowing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Pardon, Milor'—if I might—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Quite right, Mariano!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Handing him the paper.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Translate for us.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[reading rapidly, but with growing agitation +which he tries to conceal]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"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'. +<span class="tei-pb" id="page023">[pg 023]</span> +<a name="Pg023" id="Pg023" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>The agent of the Russian embassy have inform' +the bureau that this escaped one is a mos' in-fay-mose +robber and danger brigand."</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[quickly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What name +does the journal say he has?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[hurriedly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[indifferently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Very well.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Thank you, Milor'!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Bows hastily and hurries out up left.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gravely, drawing back +from the table.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I should like much to know his name.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling, and eating composedly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You may be sure it isn't Ivanoff.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[not changing her attitude]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">How can one know it is not </p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[pauses and speaks +the name very gravely]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ivanoff?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[laughing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He wouldn't be called an infamous brigand.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[very gravely]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">That, my +friend, may be only Italian journalism.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Pooh! This means a highwayman—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[finishes +<span class="tei-pb" id="page024">[pg 024]</span> +<a name="Pg024" id="Pg024" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>his coffee coolly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—not—not an embezzler, Hélène.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[taking a deep breath and +sinking back in her chair with a fixed gaze]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[laughing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What rot! It takes more +than a dream to bring a man back from Siberia.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Then I pray there has +been no more than dreams.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Music of mandolins and guitars +heard off to the right with song—"The Fisherman's Song."]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page025">[pg 025]</span> +<a name="Pg025" id="Pg025" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[who has risen]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The divine Miss Granger-Simpson!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a pronounced "English accent"]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The divinely happy Miss Granger-Simpson!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[rising, running to her, +and kissing her]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, I hope you mean—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with some excitement in his voice]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You mean you have made my son divinely happy?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ETHEL, as he speaks, extricates herself +laughingly from MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Is not every one happy in Sorrento—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with +a wave of her riding-crop]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—even your son?<span class="tei-pb" id="page026">[pg 026]</span> +<a name="Pg026" id="Pg026" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit laughingly and hurriedly into the hotel.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY goes to +stool behind table and gets her +parasol, as HAWCASTLE resumes his seat.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah! that is good. Listen!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">She has flown to her piano. It looks well, indeed—our little enterprise.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[grimly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It's time. If Almeric had +been anything but a clumsy oof he'd have made her settle it weeks ago!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[quickly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You are invidious, +mon ami! My affair is not settled—am <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">I</span> a clumsy oof?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[leaning toward her across the table +and speaking sharply and earnestly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, Hélène. +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Your</span> 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 Hélène." But +<span class="tei-pb" id="page027">[pg 027]</span> +<a name="Pg027" id="Pg027" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[seriously, quickly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It +will not be small, that settlement?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He shakes his head grimly, leaning +back to look at her. She continues eagerly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You have decide' what sum?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He nods decidedly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sharply, with determination, yet +quietly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A hundred and fifty thousand pounds!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[excited and breathless]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My friend! Will she?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Turns and stares toward ETHEL'S +room, where the piano is still heard softly playing.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He laughs grimly, moving back from the table.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But she's deserved all I shall allow her.<span class="tei-pb" id="page028">[pg 028]</span> +<a name="Pg028" id="Pg028" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[coldly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[rising]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It was she who found these +people. Indeed, we might say that both you and +I owe her something also. </p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Comes around behind +table to MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Even a less captious +respectability than Lady Creech's might have +looked askance at the long friendship</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[kisses her +hand]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">that</span> essential: something +must be done at once. We're at the breaking-point—if +you like the words—a most damnable insolvency.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page029">[pg 029]</span> +<a name="Pg029" id="Pg029" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with a fold of light tan and white +silk round the crown. Carries a riding-crop.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[as he enters]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Hello, Governor!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[His voice is habitually loud and his +accent somewhat foppish, having a +little of the "Guardsman" affectation +of languor and indifference.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Howdy, Countess!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He drops into a chair at the breakfast-table +with a slight effect of sprawling.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sharply]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Almeric!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Out riding a bit ago, you know, with +Miss Granger-Simpson. Rippin' girl, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">isn't</span> she?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[leaning across the table toward him, anxiously]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Go on!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[continuing, slapping his gaiters carelessly +with his crop]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Didn't stop with her, though.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[angrily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why not?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A sort of man in the village got me to +go look at a bull-terrier pup. Wonderful little beast +for points. Jolly luck—<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">wasn't</span> it? He's got a <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">head</span> on him—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[bitterly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">We'll concede his <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">tremendous</span> +advantage over you in that respect.<span class="tei-pb" id="page030">[pg 030]</span> +<a name="Pg030" id="Pg030" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Throws his cigar disgustedly into +one of the coffee-cups on the table.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[eagerly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Is that <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">all</span> you have to tell us?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh no! She accepted me.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HAWCASTLE drops into a chair with +a long breath of relief.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[waving her parasol]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Enfin! Bravo! And will she let it be soon?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sincerely]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I dare say there'll be no row +about that; I've made her aw'fly happy.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">On my soul, I believe you're right—and thank God you are!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Rises as he speaks and walks up +centre. Breaks off short as he sees HORACE.]</span></p> + +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p"><a name="image02" id="image02" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<img src="images/image02.png" width="480" height="300" alt=""OH NO! SHE ACCEPTED ME"" class="tei tei-figure" /></p> +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p">"OH NO! SHE ACCEPTED ME"</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Here's the brother—attention now!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page031">[pg 031]</span> +<a name="Pg031" id="Pg031" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[excitedly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, my dear +Horace Granger-Simpson! Has your sister told you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[radiant, but almost tearful]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">She has, indeed. +I assure you I'm quite overcome.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, dropping +his hands, laughs deprecatingly, and steps back from him.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Really, I assure you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[shaking hands with him very heartily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My dear young friend, not at all, not at all.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[fanning himself with his hat and wiping +his brow]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I assure you I am, I assure you I am—it's +quite overpowering—<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">isn't</span> it?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, poor Monsieur Horace!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I say, don't take it that way, you know. She's very happy.<span class="tei-pb" id="page032">[pg 032]</span> +<a name="Pg032" id="Pg032" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[crossing and grasping his hand]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">She's +worthy of it—she's worthy of it. I know she is. And when will it be?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Enchanting.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, the date? I dare say within a year—two years—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[COMTESSE starts to exclaim, but HAWCASTLE checks her.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, if you like, I don't know that +there is any real objection.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I do like, indeed. Why not let them marry here in Italy?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, the dashing methods of you +Americans! Next you'll be saying, "Why not here at Sorrento?"</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, and why not, indeed?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And then it will be, "Why not within a fortnight?"</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And why should it not be in a fortnight?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, you wonderful people, you are +whirlwinds, yet I see no reason why it should not be in a fortnight.<span class="tei-pb" id="page033">[pg 033]</span> +<a name="Pg033" id="Pg033" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[passively]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Just as you like, Governor, just as you like.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Enchanting.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My son is all impatience!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[genially]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Quite so!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gayly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Shall we dispose at once of +the necessary little details, the various minor arrangements, +the—the settlement?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Interrupts himself with a friendly laugh.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Of course, as a man of the world, of <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">our</span> world, +you understand there <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">are</span> formalities in the nature of a settlement.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[interrupting eagerly and pleasantly, laughing +also]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Quite so, of course, I know, certainly, perfectly!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[heartily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">We'll have no difficulty +about <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">that</span>, 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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with some embarrassment]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.<span class="tei-pb" id="page034">[pg 034]</span> +<a name="Pg034" id="Pg034" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[taken aback]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A sort of guardian—<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">what</span> sort?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[apologetically]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[anxiously]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But would his consent to +your sister's marriage—or the matter of a settlement—be a necessity?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[easily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[reassured]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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,</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[taking HORACE'S hand]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I welcome +you to our family. God bless you!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'm overpowered, you know—really overpowered.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Fans himself again and wipes his forehead.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Come, Almeric.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Aside to MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, whom he joins for a moment.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page035">[pg 035]</span> +<a name="Pg035" id="Pg035" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Let him know it's a hundred and fifty thousand pounds.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit into hotel, followed immediately by ALMERIC.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HORACE turns toward MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY; she gives him both hands.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My friend, I am happy for you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[joyously]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Think of it, at the most a fortnight, +and dear old Ethel will be the Honorable Mrs. +St. Aubyn, future Countess of Hawcastle!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, lightly, at +the same time withdrawing her hands +and picking up her parasol from the +chair where she has left it.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, believe me, the great world, the +world of yourself, Countess, has thoroughly alienated me.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[coming close to him, +looking at him admiringly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, you retain one +<span class="tei-pb" id="page036">[pg 036]</span> +<a name="Pg036" id="Pg036" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>quality! You are big, you are careless, you are free.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She lays her right hand on his left +arm. He takes her hand with his +right hand. They stand facing each other.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, perhaps, in <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">those</span> things I +am American, but in others I fancy I should be +thought something else, shouldn't I?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[earnestly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She laughs sweetly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!"</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[his eyes wide with surprise]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A hundred +and fifty thousand pounds! Why, that's seven hundred +and fifty thous—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He pauses, then finishes +decidedly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">She couldn't use the money to better advantage.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Enter ETHEL from the hotel. She +has one thick book under her arm, another in her hand.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page037">[pg 037]</span> +<a name="Pg037" id="Pg037" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to HORACE, with deep +admiration]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My friend, how wise you are!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She perceives ETHEL'S entrance over HORACE'S shoulder, and at once runs +to her, embraces her, and kisses her, crying.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Largesse, sweet Countess of Hawcastle! Largesse! +and au revoir! Adieu! I leave you with +your dear brother. A rivederci.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She runs gayly out, waving her parasol to them as she goes.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[going to ETHEL]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Dear old sis, dear old pal!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Affectionately gives her hand a squeeze and drops it.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[radiant]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Isn't it glorious, Hoddy!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The others are almost as pleased as we are.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He leans back in chair, knees +crossed, hands clasped over knees, +and regards her proudly.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[opens the books she carries, laying them +on one of the tea-tables]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">This is Burke's <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Peerage</span>, +and this is Froissart's <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Chronicles</span>. I've been reading +it all over again—the St. Aubyns at Crecy and +Agincourt,</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with an exalted expression]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">and St. +Aubyn will be <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">my</span> name!<span class="tei-pb" id="page038">[pg 038]</span> +<a name="Pg038" id="Pg038" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">They want it to be your name <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">soon</span>, sis.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[suddenly thoughtful, speaks appealingly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">You're</span> fond of Almeric, aren't you, Hoddy—<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span> +admire him, don't you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Certainly. Think of all he represents.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[enthusiastically]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, yes! Crusader's +blood flows in his veins. It is to the nobility that +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">must</span> be within him that I have plighted my troth. +I am ready to marry him when they wish.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[earnestly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What better use could be made +of a fortune than to maintain the state and high +condition of so ancient a house?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Doesn't it seem impossible that we were born in Indiana!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He speaks seriously, as if the thing were incredible.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">nobler</span> things!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The nobler things—the nobler things, +<span class="tei-pb" id="page039">[pg 039]</span> +<a name="Pg039" id="Pg039" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sis. When old Hawcastle dies I'll be saying, quite +off-hand, you know, "My sister, the Countess of Hawcastle—"</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[thoughtfully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You don't suppose that +father's friend, my guardian, this old Mr. Pike, will +be—will be QUEER, do you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, the governor himself was rather +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">raw</span>, you know. This is probably a harmless enough +old chap—easy to handle—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with genuine pathos]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I—I couldn't bear it, Hoddy.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Then keep him out of the way. That's +simple enough. None of them, except the solicitor, need see him.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[as the uproar begins]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What is that?<span class="tei-pb" id="page040">[pg 040]</span> +<a name="Pg040" id="Pg040" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Must be a mob.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[LADY CREECH, flustered and hot, +enters from the hotel. She is a +haughty, cross-looking woman in the sixties.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[going to LADY CREECH, speaks close to her +ear and loudly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Lady Creech—dear Lady Creech—what is the trouble?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Some horrible people coming to +this hotel! They've made a riot in the village.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MICHELE, laughing, immediately enters +by same doors, goes rapidly to +the breakfast-table and clears it. +The others pay no attention to this.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[at steps up left]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It's not a riot—it's a revolution.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sinking into a chair, angrily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">One +of your horrid fellow-countrymen, my dear. Your +Americans are really too—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[proudly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Not <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">my</span> Americans, Lady Creech!<span class="tei-pb" id="page041">[pg 041]</span> +<a name="Pg041" id="Pg041" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Not <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">ours</span>, you know. One could hardly +say that, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">could</span> one?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[heard outside laughing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, I say, what +a go!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Enters from the hotel, laughing.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Motor-car +breaks down on the way here; one of the Johnnies +in it, a German, discharges the chauffeur; and the +other Johnny,</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[he throws himself sprawling into a +chair]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HORACE, gloomy, comes down and sits at tea-table.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[angrily, to ALMERIC]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Don't mumble +your words, Almeric. I never understand people +when they mumble their words.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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. +<span class="tei-pb" id="page042">[pg 042]</span> +<a name="Pg042" id="Pg042" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">aren't</span> you?"—meanin' him and the two +donkeys, Ethel, you see.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[who has been leaning close to +ALMERIC to listen]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Dreadful person!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[continuing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">All he could answer was +that he'd picked the best company in sight.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[annoyed, half under her breath]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Impertinent!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No meanin' to it. I had him, you know, +I rather think, didn't I?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HAWCASTLE enters with MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, a number of folded +<span class="tei-pb" id="page043">[pg 043]</span> +<a name="Pg043" id="Pg043" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>newspapers under his arm. Simultaneously +loud cheers are heard from +the village and a general renewal of the commotion.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Disgusting uproar!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to ETHEL]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But we +know that such Americans are not of your class, cherie.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A dreadful person, I quite fear.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The English papers.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Lays papers on one of the tea-tables.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'll take the <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Pink 'Un</span>, Governor. I'm off.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Starts to go, the <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Pink 'Un</span> under his arm.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[rather shyly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">For a stroll, Almeric? +Would you like me to go with you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[somewhat embarrassed]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, I rather +thought I'd have a quiet bit of readin', you know.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[coldly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit ALMERIC rapidly up left.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in a deep and gloomy voice]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Church Register</span>!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HAWCASTLE gives her a paper.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HORACE takes the London <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Mail</span>.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HAWCASTLE takes the <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Times</span>.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page044">[pg 044]</span> +<a name="Pg044" id="Pg044" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ETHEL and MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY +walk back to the terrace railing, +chatting. The others seat themselves +about the tea-tables to read.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[unfolding his paper, speaks crossly to +MARIANO]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Mariano, how long is this noise to continue?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[distractedly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">How can I know? We can do nothing.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MICHELE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smilingly, looking up from table where +he has continued to work]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He have confuse' me; he have confuse' +everybody. He will not be content with the déjeuner +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?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[appearing in the hotel doorway, speaks +sharply but not loudly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Garçon!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MICHELE and MARIANO instantly +step back from table and stand at +attention, facing front, like soldiers. +RIBIERE exits quickly again into hotel.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page045">[pg 045]</span> +<a name="Pg045" id="Pg045" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[looking up from paper]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Upon my soul, who's all this?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[not turning his head, replies in an +awed undertone]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It is Herr von Gröllerhagen, a +German gentleman, Milor'.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[amused, to HORACE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Man that +owned the automobile. Probably made a fortune in sausages.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[heard within the hotel, approaching]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Nein, nein, Ribiere! 'S macht nichts!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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, +<span class="tei-pb" id="page046">[pg 046]</span> +<a name="Pg046" id="Pg046" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[waving both RIBIERE and the paper aside, +in high good-humor]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Las' mich, las' mich! Geh'n sie weg!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[RIBIERE bows submissively, though +with a gesture of protest, and exit +into the hotel. The group about the +tea-table watch VASILI with hostility.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What a dreadful person!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[VASILI crosses to his seat at the +breakfast-table in front of MARIANO +and MICHELE, who bows profoundly as he passes.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[lifting his hand in curt, semi-military +salute, to acknowledge the waiters' bows]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">See to my American friend.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MICHELE immediately hastens into +the hotel. VASILI sits, and MARIANO serves him.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page047">[pg 047]</span> +<a name="Pg047" id="Pg047" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to LADY CREECH, in her ear]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Quite +right; but take care, he speaks English.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[glaring at VASILI]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Many thoroughly +objectionable persons do!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[apparently oblivious to her remark, to +MARIANO]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My American friend wishes his own national dish.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[deferentially, and serving VASILI to +caviar]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, Herr von Gröllerhagen, he will have +the eggs on but one of both sides and the hams fried. +So he go to cook it himself.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ha! He return from the kitchen with those national dish.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[glancing in the doorway]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">How horrid!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MICHELE backs out on the stoop +from the doorway laughing, carrying +a platter of ham and eggs.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MICHELE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He have gone to wash himself at the street fountain.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Tumult outside reaches its height, +the shouts of "Yanka Dooda!" predominating.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page048">[pg 048]</span> +<a name="Pg048" id="Pg048" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[laughing, clapping his hands]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Bravo! Bravo!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Horrible!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page049">[pg 049]</span> +<a name="Pg049" id="Pg049" class="tei tei-anchor"></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.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page050">[pg 050]</span> +<a name="Pg050" id="Pg050" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Law! I didn't know +there was folks here. I reckon you'll have to excuse me.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[As he speaks he dries his hands quickly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Here, son!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He hands the towel to MICHELE. +PIKE rapidly descends the steps, goes +to the breakfast-table, joining VASILI +and taking the seat opposite him.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gayly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[chuckling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Lord bless your soul, I've put +a self-binder together after a pony-engine had butted +it half-way through a brick deepoe!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Tucks his napkin in collar of his +waistcoat and applies himself to the meal.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HORACE and HAWCASTLE read their +papers, now and then casting glances +of great annoyance at PIKE.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page051">[pg 051]</span> +<a name="Pg051" id="Pg051" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[no pause]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You have studied mechanics at the University?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">University? Law, no! On the old man's farm.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[VASILI nods gravely.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[blandly, to HORACE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Without any +disrespect to you, my dear fellow, what terrific bounders +most of your fellow-countrymen are!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[greatly irritated]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do you wonder sis +and I have emancipated ourselves?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Not at all, my dear lad.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to PIKE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Can I persuade you to accept a +little of one of my own national dishes—caviar?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Caviar? I've heard of it. I thought it was Rooshian.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[disturbed, but instantly recovering, himself]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It is German, also. Will you not?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He motions MARIANO to serve PIKE. +MARIANO places a spoonful of caviar +on a silver dish at PIKE'S right.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page052">[pg 052]</span> +<a name="Pg052" id="Pg052" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">few</span> risks.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I fear you do not like it. A few swallows +of vodka will take away the taste.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page053">[pg 053]</span> +<a name="Pg053" id="Pg053" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in the voice of a convalescent]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I never had +any business to leave Indiana!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I am sorry, my friend.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE takes another large forkful of caviar.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[observing this]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But I thought you did not like the caviar?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It's to take away the taste of the vodka.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[laughing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I lift my hat to you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You never worked on a farm in your own country, Doc?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">That has been denied me.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Sets down the glass and whistles softly with delight.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HORACE shows increasing signs of annoyance.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You still enjoy those delights?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You do not like your city?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[not with braggadocio, but earnestly, almost +<span class="tei-pb" id="page054">[pg 054]</span> +<a name="Pg054" id="Pg054" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>pathetically]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And your people?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The best on earth. Out <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">my</span> way folks are neighbors.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HORACE snaps his paper sharply.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But you have no leisure class.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[VASILI is looking keenly at HAWCASTLE +and HORACE as he speaks.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Got a pretty good-sized colored population.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I mean no aristocracy—no great old families +such as we have, that go back and back to the Middle Ages.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[genially]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">our</span> money +for nothin' he has to show energy enough to steal it. +I wonder a man like you doesn't emigrate.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Bravo!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to HORACE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Your countryman seems to be rather down on us!<span class="tei-pb" id="page055">[pg 055]</span> +<a name="Pg055" id="Pg055" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">This fellow is distinctly of the lower +orders. We should cut him as completely in the States as here.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I wonder you make this long journey, my +friend, instead of to spend your holiday at home.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Holiday! Why, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">I</span> never had time even to go to Niagara Falls!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to MARIANO]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Finito!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Sets his napkin carelessly on table +and lights a Russian cigarette.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What is it he does with his serviette?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[moving his chair back from the table slightly, +and folding his napkin]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">sir</span>, you wouldn't +catch me puttin' in any time in these old kingdoms unless I had to.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[loudly, to HAWCASTLE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Hawcastle, +can you tell me how much longer these persons intend +to remain here listening to our conversation?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE half turns to LADY CREECH, innocently puzzled.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, it isn't that; but it's somewhat +annoying not to be allowed to read one's paper in peace.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Quite beastly annoying!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I had a distinct impression that +<span class="tei-pb" id="page056">[pg 056]</span> +<a name="Pg056" id="Pg056" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the management had reserved this terrace for our party.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[quietly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I fear we have disturbed these good people.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in wonder]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do you think they're hinting at us?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I fear so.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gently and with sincere amazement]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why, +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">we</span> haven't done anything to 'em.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, my friend.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, I guess there ain't any bones broken.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[throws down paper angrily on tea-table]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I can't stand this. I shall go for a stroll.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[rising]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I expect it's about time for me to go +and find the two young folks I've come to look after.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You are here for a duty, then?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with gravity, yet smiling faintly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I shouldn't +be surprised if that was the name for it. Yes, sir, +all the way from Indiana.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ETHEL utters a low cry of fear.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HORACE, having secured his hat, is +just rising to go, drops back into his +chair with a stifled exclamation of dismay.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HAWCASTLE lays his paper flat on +table. All this instantaneous.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page057">[pg 057]</span> +<a name="Pg057" id="Pg057" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">By Jove!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[They all stare at PIKE.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[continuing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I expect, prob'ly, Doc, I won't +be able to eat with you this evening. You see—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[he +pauses, somewhat embarrassed]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—you see, I've come +a mighty long ways to look after her, and she, +prob'ly—that is, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">they'll</span> prob'ly want me to have +supper with <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">them</span>.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do not trouble for me. Your young +people, they have a villa?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No; they're right here in this hotel.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I must get away!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He says this huskily, almost in a +whisper, as if to himself. His face is tense with anxiety.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a gesture of dismissal, though graciously]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Seek them. I finish my cigarette.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Guess I better ask.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HORACE is crossing, meaning to get away through the grove.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[addressing him]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Hey, there! Can you—<span class="tei-pb" id="page058">[pg 058]</span> +<a name="Pg058" id="Pg058" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HORACE, proceeding, pays no attention.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[lifting his voice]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Excuse me, son, ain't you an American?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[More decidedly, to MARIANO.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Waiter, tell that gentleman I'm speaking to him.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to HORACE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">M'sieu', that gentleman speak with you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[agitated and angry]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What gentleman?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MARIANO bows toward PIKE.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[at same time genially]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I thought from your +looks you must be an American.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[turning haughtily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Are you speaking to <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">me</span>?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[good-humoredly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, I shouldn't be surprised. +Ain't you an American?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I happen to have been born in the States.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[amiably]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, that <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">was</span> luck!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[turning as if to go]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Will you kindly excuse me?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Hold on a minute! I'm looking for some +Americans here, and I expect you know 'em—boy and girl named Simpson.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Is there any possibility that you mean Granger-Simpson?<span class="tei-pb" id="page059">[pg 059]</span> +<a name="Pg059" id="Pg059" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[His tone is both alarmed and truculent.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[much pleased]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, sir; just plain Simpson. +Granger's their middle name. That's for old Jed +Granger, grandfather on their ma's side.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He pronounces "ma" with the +broad Hoosier accent—"maw."]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I want to see 'em both, but it's the girl I'm rilly looking for.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[trembling, but speaking even more +haughtily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Will you be good enough to state any +possible reason why Miss Granger-Simpson should see you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in profound surprise, yet mildly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Reason—why, +yes—I'm her guardian.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[staggered]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, sir, Daniel Voorhees Pike, +attorney at law, Kokomo, Indiana.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HORACE falls back from him in horror.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HAWCASTLE, excited but cool, makes +<span class="tei-pb" id="page060">[pg 060]</span> +<a name="Pg060" id="Pg060" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a quick, imperative gesture to LADY +CREECH, who majestically sweeps up +to ETHEL, kisses her on the forehead +in lofty pity, and sweeps out.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY kisses +ETHEL compassionately on cheek +and follows LADY CREECH off.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MARIANO and MICHELE, having +cleared the table, exeunt.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[hoarse with shame, to PIKE; slight pause +after PIKE'S last speech.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I shall ask her if she will +consent to an interview.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[at same time, astounded]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"Consent to an +interview"? Why, I want to <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">talk</span> to her!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[quickly and earnestly to ETHEL]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">This +shall make no difference to <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">us</span>, my child. Speak to him at once.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit into the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to HORACE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Don't you understand? I'm her <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">guardian</span>.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a desperate gesture]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I shall never hold up my head again!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Rushes off.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gravely, to PIKE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">When you have finished +your affairs, my friend, remember my poor car yonder.</p> +</div> + +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p"><a name="image03" id="image03" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<img src="images/image03.png" width="480" height="285" alt=""YES, SIR, DANIEL VOORHEES PIKE, ATTORNEY AT LAW, KOKOMO, INDIANA"" class="tei tei-figure" /></p> +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p">"YES, SIR, DANIEL VOORHEES PIKE, ATTORNEY AT LAW, +KOKOMO, INDIANA"</p> + +<span class="tei-pb" id="page061">[pg 061]</span> +<a name="Pg061" id="Pg061" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a melancholy smile]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">All right, Doc, +I'm kind of confused just now, but I reckon I can +still put a plug back in a gear-box.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[at same time]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Then <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">au revoir</span>, my friend.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Strolls off through the grove.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[watching him go, thoughtfully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">sir</span>!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[haughtily, yet with the air of confessing a +humiliating truth, her eyes cast down]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I am Miss Granger-Simpson.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with both wonder and pathos in his voice]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She turns from him; he takes a short step nearer her.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He'd 'a' been mighty proud if he could see you now.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[quickly, and with controlled agitation]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Perhaps it will be as well if we avoid personal allusions.<span class="tei-pb" id="page062">[pg 062]</span> +<a name="Pg062" id="Pg062" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[mildly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I don't see how that's possible.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sitting]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Will you please sit down?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, ma'am!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ETHEL shivers at the "ma'am."]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He sits in the chair which HORACE +has occupied, still holding his hat in his hand.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[tremulously, her eyes cast down]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">As you know, I—I—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She stops, as if afraid of breaking +down; then, turning toward him, cries sharply.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, are you <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">really</span> my guardian?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, I've got the papers in my grip. I expect—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, I KNOW it! It is only that we didn't +fancy, we didn't expect—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I expect you thought I'd be considerable older.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Not only <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">that</span>—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[interrupting gently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I expect you thought +I'd neglected you a good deal,</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[remorsefully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">and it +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">did</span> 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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page063">[pg 063]</span> +<a name="Pg063" id="Pg063" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>when I got your letter, eleven days ago, I says to myself: +"Here, Daniel Voorhees Pike, you old shellback, +you've just got to <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">take</span> time. John Simpson +trusted you with his property, and he's done more</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[his voice rises, but his tone is affectionate and +shows deep feeling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—he's trusted you to look out for +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">her</span>, 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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">by</span> her!"</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[frigidly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">thinking</span> of marrying.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[leaning back in his chair and smiling on her]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, Lord-a-Mercy!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I mean I have decided upon it. The +ceremony is to take place within a fortnight.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, I declare!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">We shall dispense with all delays.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[slowly and a little sadly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">of</span> him!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[With a suppressed sigh.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">That's the way it should be.<span class="tei-pb" id="page064">[pg 064]</span> +<a name="Pg064" id="Pg064" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He smiles again and leans toward her in a friendly way.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And you're happy, are you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with cold emphasis, sitting very straight in her +chair]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Distinctly!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It ain't that fellow I was talkin' to yonder?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[indignantly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">That was my <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">brother</span>!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[relieved, but somewhat embarrassed]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Lord-a-Mercy!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Recovering himself immediately and smiling.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span>—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">How? You couldn't have seen me since I was a child.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">From your picture. Though now I see—it +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">ain't</span> so much like you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You have a photograph of <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">me</span>?<span class="tei-pb" id="page065">[pg 065]</span> +<a name="Pg065" id="Pg065" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[very gently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The last time I saw your father alive he gave me one.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[frowning]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Gave</span> it to you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Gave it to me to look at.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And you remembered—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[apologetically]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, ma'am!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[incredulously]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Remembered well enough to <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">know</span> me?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, ma'am!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It does not strike me as possible. We may dismiss the subject.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, if you'd like to introduce me to your</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[laughing feebly and tentatively, hesitates]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—to your—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">To my brother?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, ma'am; I mean to your—to the young man.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">To Mr. St. Aubyn? I think it quite unnecessary.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'm afraid I can't see it just that way</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with +an apologetic laugh]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'll <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">have</span> 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.<span class="tei-pb" id="page066">[pg 066]</span> +<a name="Pg066" id="Pg066" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I do not see that you need have come at +all.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Her lip begins to tremble.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">We could have +been spared this mortification.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sadly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You mean <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">I</span> mortify you? Why, I—I can't see how.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">In a hundred ways—every way. That +common person who is with you—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">He</span> ain't common. You only think +so because he's with <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">me</span>.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sharply]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Who is he?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He told me his name, but I can't remember it. I call him "Doc."</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It doesn't <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">matter</span>! What <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">does</span> matter is +that you needn't have come. You could have <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">written</span> your consent.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[mildly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Not without seeing the young man.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And you could have arranged the settlement in the same way.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Settlement? You seem to have +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">settled</span> it pretty well without me.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You do not understand. An alliance of +this sort always entails a certain settlement.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, ma'am—when folks get married they +generally settle down considerable.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[impatiently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Please listen. If you were at +all a man of the world, I should not have to explain +<span class="tei-pb" id="page067">[pg 067]</span> +<a name="Pg067" id="Pg067" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>that in marrying into a noble house I bring my <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">dot</span>, my dowry—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[puzzled]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Money</span>, you mean?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">If you choose to put it that way.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You mean you want to put aside something +of your own to buy a lot and fix up a place to start housekeeping—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">no</span>! I mean a settlement upon Mr. St. Aubyn directly.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You mean you want to <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">give</span> it to him?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">If that's the only way to make you understand—<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">yes</span>!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[amused]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">How much do you want to give him?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[coldly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A hundred and fifty thousand pounds.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[incredulously]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Precisely</span> that!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[amazed]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, he <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">has</span> 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' <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">him</span>! 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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Smiling.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why, I'd have to squeeze every bit +of property your pa left you.<span class="tei-pb" id="page068">[pg 068]</span> +<a name="Pg068" id="Pg068" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Is it <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">your</span> property?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I've worked pretty hard to take care of it for you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[rising impulsively and coming to him]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Forgive me for saying that.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Pshaw!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It was unworthy of me, unworthy of the +higher and nobler things that life calls me to live +up to</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[proudly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—that I <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">shall</span> live up to. The money +means nothing to me—I am not thinking of that. +It is merely a necessary form.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Have you talked with Mr. St. Aubyn about +this settlement—this present you want to make him?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Not with him.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[amused]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[despairingly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, I <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">can't</span> make you understand! +A settlement isn't a gift.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[as if humoring her]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">How'd you happen to +decide that just a hundred and fifty thousand pounds +was what you wanted to give him?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It was Mr. St. Aubyn's father who fixed the amount.<span class="tei-pb" id="page069">[pg 069]</span> +<a name="Pg069" id="Pg069" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">His <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">father</span>? What's <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">he</span> got to do with it?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He is the Earl of Hawcastle, the head of the ancient house.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And he asks you for your property—asks +you for it in so many words?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">As a <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">settlement</span>!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[aghast]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And your young man <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">knows</span> it?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I tell you I have not discussed it with Mr. St. Aubyn.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[emphatically]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[The roll of drums is heard, distant, +as if sounding below the cliff; bugle +sounds at the same time.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MARIANO and MICHELE run hurriedly +from the hotel and lean over +balustrade at back, as if watching +something below the cliff.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[RIBIERE enters quickly with them, +takes one quick glance in same direction, and hurries off.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page070">[pg 070]</span> +<a name="Pg070" id="Pg070" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE and ETHEL, surprised, turn to look.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[calling to ETHEL as he enters]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A bandit +of Russia, Mademoiselle! The soldiers think he +hide in a grotto under the cliff!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ALMERIC comes on rapidly from the hotel, carrying a shot-gun.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[enthusiastically, as he enters]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, I <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">say</span>, +fair sport, by Jove! Fair sport!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to ETHEL, indicating ALMERIC, chuckling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I saw <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">him</span> on the road here—what's he meant for?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Think I'll have a chance to pot the beggar, Michele?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He joins MICHELE at balustrade.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MICHELE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, Signore, there are two companies of carabiniere.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE, delighted, chuckles aloud.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[angry, calling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Almeric!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[turning]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Hallo!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[frigidly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I wish to present my guardian +to you.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[To PIKE.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">This</span> is Mr. St. Aubyn.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p"><a name="image04" id="image04" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<img src="images/image04.png" width="480" height="287" alt="THIS IS MR. ST. AUBYN" class="tei tei-figure" /></p> +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">THIS</span> IS MR. ST. AUBYN</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[coming down]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page071">[pg 071]</span> +<a name="Pg071" id="Pg071" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>cliffs over yonder, so you'll have to excuse me. I'll have to be toddling.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Goes up to terrace wall overlooking cliffs.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You know there's nothing like a little convict +shooting to break the blooming monotony—what?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[The bugle sounds. ALMERIC turns and rushes off.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Wait for me, you fellows! Don't hurt him till <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">I</span> get there!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[His voice dies away in the distance.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[turning to ETHEL with slow horror]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Seven +hundred and fifty thousand dollars for</span>—How much +do they charge over here for a <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">real</span> man?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p></div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">END OF THE FIRST ACT</p> + +</div> + +<a name="Act2" id="Act2" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<hr class="page" /> + +<div class="tei tei-div"> +<a name="toc_5" id="toc_5"></a> +<span class="tei-pb" id="page075">[pg 075]</span> +<a name="Pg075" id="Pg075" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head">THE SECOND ACT</h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Scene: Entrance garden of the hotel.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">In the distance are seen the green slopes of vineyards, a +ruined castle, and olive orchards leading up the mountainside.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page076">[pg 076]</span> +<a name="Pg076" id="Pg076" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Enter HORACE from the garden. +He is flushed and angry; controls +himself with an effort, trying to speak politely.]</span></p> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Mr. Pike!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[apparently not hearing him, hammering at +a bolt-head with a monkey-wrench and singing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"One lies down at Appomattox—"</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sharply]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Mr. Pike! Mr. Pike, I wish a word with you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[looks up mildly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Hum!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He moves to the other side of the +engine, rubbing handle of monkey-wrench +across his chin as if puzzled.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.<span class="tei-pb" id="page077">[pg 077]</span> +<a name="Pg077" id="Pg077" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[regarding the machine intently, sings softly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"One wore clothes of gray—."</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[continuing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I have been even more upset +by what I have just learned from my sister.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[absently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why, that's too bad.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">is</span> 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 fiancé's father—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with cheerful absent-mindedness—working]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, sir!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[continuing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">To her fiancé's aunt, Lady Creech—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, sir! the whole possetucky of them.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Singing softly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"She was my hanky-panky-danky +from the town of Kalamazack!" Yes, sir—that French lady, too.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He throws a quick, keen glance at HORACE, then instantly appears absorbed in work again, singing,]<span class="tei-pb" id="page078">[pg 078]</span> +<a name="Pg078" id="Pg078" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"She ran away with a circus clown—she never did +come back—Oh, Solomon Levi!"</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Continues to whistle the tune softly.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And she introduced you to her fiancé—to Mr. St. Aubyn himself.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[looking up, monkey-wrench in hand]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, sir;</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[chuckles]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">we</span> 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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">ought</span> to get one, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">oughtn't</span> he?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Starts to work again, busily.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[indignantly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My sister informs me that +in spite of Lord Hawcastle's most graciously offering +to discuss her engagement with you, you refused.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, I didn't see any need of it.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Furthermore, you allege that you will +decline to go into the matter with Lord Hawcastle's solicitor.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What matter?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[angrily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The matter of the settlement.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[quietly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Your sister kind of let it out to +me awhile ago that you think a good deal of this +<span class="tei-pb" id="page079">[pg 079]</span> +<a name="Pg079" id="Pg079" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>French widow lady. Suppose you make up your +mind to take her for richer or poorer—what's <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">she</span> +going to give <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span>?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[roaring]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Nothing! What do you mean?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, I thought you'd probably charge her</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a slight drawl]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">a <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">little</span>, anyhow. Ain't that the +way over here?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Turns to work again, humming "Dolly Gray."]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It is impossible for you to understand +the motives of my sister and myself in our struggle +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">not</span> 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?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[With great indignation.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You presume to interfere +between us and the fine flower of Europe!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[straightening up, but speaking quietly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">settlement</span>!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You are quite impossible.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The fact is, when she took him he was a +poor man; but if he'd a had seven hundred and +<span class="tei-pb" id="page080">[pg 080]</span> +<a name="Pg080" id="Pg080" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>fifty thousand dollars, I'll bet he'd 'a' given it for her.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Starts to hammer vigorously, humming "Dolly Gray."]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">There is no profit in continuing the discussion.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Turns on his heel, but immediately +turns again toward PIKE, who is apparently preoccupied.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And I warn you we shall act without paying the +slightest attention to you. </p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Triumphantly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What +have you to say to that, sir?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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."]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Enter LADY CREECH and ALMERIC through the gates.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[meeting them]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The fellow is hopeless.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[not hearing, and speaking from +habit, automatically]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Dreadful person!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE continues his work, paying no attention.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to HORACE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Better let him alone till +<span class="tei-pb" id="page081">[pg 081]</span> +<a name="Pg081" id="Pg081" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the Governor's had time to think a bit. Governor's +clever. He'll fetch the beggar about somehow.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a Parthian glance at the unconscious +PIKE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I sha'h't stop in the creature's presence—I +shall go up to my room for my forty winks.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit into the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[as she goes out]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Day-day, aunt!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[To HORACE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'm off to look at that pup again. You trust the Governor.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[as ALMERIC goes]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I do, I do. It is insufferable, but I'll wait.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit into the garden.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE stands for a moment, contemplating +the car in some despondency, +still humming or whistling.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Immediately upon HORACE'S exit +MARIANO, flustered, enters hurriedly +from the hotel, goes to the gates, and +fumbles with the lock. At the same +<span class="tei-pb" id="page082">[pg 082]</span> +<a name="Pg082" id="Pg082" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>time VASILI enters from the garden, smoking.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You make progress, my friend?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Your machine's like a good many people—got sand in its gear-box.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to MARIANO]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Are you locking us in?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[excitedly coming down and showing a +big key which he has taken from the lock]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, Herr +von Gröllerhagen, I lock some one <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">out</span>—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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[In a lower tone to VASILI.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Monsieur Ribiere has much fears.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Monsieur Ribiere is sometimes a fool.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in a hoarse whisper]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Monsieur, this convict is a Russian.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[VASILI waves him away somewhat curtly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit MARIANO, shaking his head, carrying the key with him.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Two companies of soldiers! A town marshal +out my way would 'a' had him yesterday.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My friend, you are teaching me to respect +your country, not by what you brag, but by what you do.<span class="tei-pb" id="page083">[pg 083]</span> +<a name="Pg083" id="Pg083" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">How's that.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[significantly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[slowly and sadly, peering into the machine]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Doc, there's sand in your gear-box.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[laughing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">So?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You go down to the kitchen and make +signs for some of the help to give you a nice clean bunch of rags.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[surprised into hauteur]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What is it you ask me to do?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I need some more rags.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[amused]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My friend, I obey.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Makes a mock-serious bow and starts.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I won't leave the machine—'twouldn't be safe.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[halting, laughs]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You fear this famous bandit would steal it?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No; but there's parties around here might +think it was a settlement.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I do not understand.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[chuckling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Doc, that's where we're in the same fix.<span class="tei-pb" id="page084">[pg 084]</span> +<a name="Pg084" id="Pg084" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Weidersehn, my friend.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit into hotel.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE looks up slowly, and, as slowly, +stops "Sweet Genevieve," his voice +<span class="tei-pb" id="page085">[pg 085]</span> +<a name="Pg085" id="Pg085" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>fading away on a half syllable as he +encounters IVANOFF'S gaze. They +stare at each other, LADY CREECH observing unseen.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in a voice tremulous with tragic appeal]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Et ce que vous êtes un homme de bon coeur? Je ne suis pas coupable—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[very gravely]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">There ain't any use in the +world your talkin' to me like that!<span class="tei-pb" id="page086">[pg 086]</span> +<a name="Pg086" id="Pg086" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[panting]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You are an Englishman?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[quietly, rising and stepping back]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">That'll +do for <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">that.</span> You come down from there!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in a voice that lifts, almost cracks, with +sudden hope]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">An American?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">They haven't made me anything else yet.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[swinging himself down to the ground]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Thank God for that!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He leans against the car, exhausted.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I do. What makes <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span> so glad about it?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with humorous incredulity]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Are <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span> the +bandit they're lookin' for?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">They call me that. Do I look like a bandit?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">How close are they?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with despairing gesture]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">There!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Did they see you climb that wall?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I think not.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[There comes a loud ringing at the +gates. At the sound IVANOFF starts +<span class="tei-pb" id="page087">[pg 087]</span> +<a name="Pg087" id="Pg087" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>violently, throwing one arm up as if +to shield his face from a blow.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, my God! it is they!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He staggers back against the machine.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[hastily stripping off his working blouse]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do you know anything about gear-box plugs?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[The ringing continues.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Nothing in the world.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Then you're a chauffeur. </p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Puts blouse on +him.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Take a look at this one.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[With emphatic +significance.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It's <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">underneath</span> the machine.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Quickly sets his hands on IVANOFF'S +shoulders, having forced the blouse +on him, and pushes him beneath the car.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[within the hotel, calling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Subito! +Subito! Vengo, Signore! Vengo!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[running on, flustered]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Corpo de St. +Costanzo! Non posso essere dapertutto allo stesso tempo. Vengo, vengo!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He hastens to the gates with his +<span class="tei-pb" id="page088">[pg 088]</span> +<a name="Pg088" id="Pg088" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>key, unfastening busily. Meanwhile PIKE lights a cigar.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ecco! </p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Throws open gates and falls +back in astonishment.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Dio mio!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p></div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">FIRST CARABINIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[as gate is opened]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Buon giorno!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[The two carabiniere enter briskly.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[springing forward and closing gate, +calling to crowd outside]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, no!</p></div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">FIRST CARABINIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ceerchimo l'assassino Russo.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Dio mio! Non nell' Albergo Regina Margherita.</p></div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">SECOND CARABINIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[coming to PIKE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Avete +visto un uomo scavalcare il muro?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[genially]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Wishing you many happy returns, Colonel!<span class="tei-pb" id="page089">[pg 089]</span> +<a name="Pg089" id="Pg089" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[greatly excited]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It is the robber of +Russia. They think he climb the wall, the assassin. +The other carabiniere, they surround all yonder.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Gesturing right and left.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">These two they search +here. They ask you, please, have you see him climb the wall.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No.</p></div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">FIRST CARABINIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ae quelcuno passato de qui?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He say has any one go across here?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No.</p></div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">FIRST CARABINIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[pointing under the car]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Chi costui?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He want to know who that is.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The new chauffeur for the machine, from Naples.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">E lo chauffeur di un illustre personaggio +padrone dell' automobile.</p></div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">FIRST CARABINIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[bowing to PIKE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Grazia, Signore.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[To MARIANO.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Cerchereremo nel giardino.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit swiftly FIRST CARABINIERE to +the right through pergola; SECOND to the left.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Dio mio! but those are the brave men, +Signore. Either one shall meet in a moment this +powerful assassin who may take his lifes.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Murmur of voice from back arises, +<span class="tei-pb" id="page090">[pg 090]</span> +<a name="Pg090" id="Pg090" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sounds of running feet and shrill +whistles and pounding on gates.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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?"]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Meanwhile VASILI has entered from +the hotel, a bundle of clean white rags in his hand.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Is there a new eruption of Vesuvius?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[meeting him and taking the rags]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No; it's +an eruption of colonels trying to arrest a high-school +professor. I've got him under your car there.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[astounded]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I told them he's your new chauffeur.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My friend, do you realize the penalty for +protecting a criminal from arrest?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">We'll be proud of the risk.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Speaks in an undertone to IVANOFF.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">This man owns the car. You can trust him the same as your own father.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[remonstrating]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My friend, my friend!</p> + +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p"><a name="image05" id="image05" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<img src="images/image05.png" width="480" height="290" alt=""THE NEW CHAUFFEUR FOR THE MACHINE, FROM NAPLES"" class="tei tei-figure" /></p> +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p">"THE NEW CHAUFFEUR FOR THE MACHINE, FROM NAPLES"</p> + +<span class="tei-pb" id="page091">[pg 091]</span> +<a name="Pg091" id="Pg091" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[quietly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Look out, the Governor's staff is coming back.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[closing the gates and wiping his face]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Lazzaroni!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[At the same time FIRST CARABINIERE +enters from right; SECOND CARABINIERE from left.]</span></p></div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">SECOND CARABINIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Niente!</p></div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">FIRST CARABINIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Niente la!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[The two CARABINIERE cross briskly +to each other as they speak, and stand conferring.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Grazia Dio! He has gone some other place!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[very casually to VASILI]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[The CARABINIERE beckon to MARIANO and speak to him.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[seriously, stepping toward PIKE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do you +know what you are asking me to do?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[watching CARABINIERE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">To put on a new tire.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[VASILI, with exclamation and gesture +of despair grimly tinged with humor, +turns away, greatly disturbed.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page092">[pg 092]</span> +<a name="Pg092" id="Pg092" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[addressing PIKE with an embarrassed +bow]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The carabiniere with all excuses beg if you will +command the chauffeur to step forth from the automobile.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">No</span>, 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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Continues with a plaintive uplift of voice.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">This is <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">serious</span>! 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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[meekly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I tell them—yes, sir.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Turns and confers with the CARABINIERE.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It'll be your turn in a minute, Doc; be +mighty careful what you say.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He bows to VASILI with embarrassment.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">How long? Why, he was raised on his father's farm.<span class="tei-pb" id="page093">[pg 093]</span> +<a name="Pg093" id="Pg093" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He faces VASILI, and stretches his +arm out toward him as if for corroboration.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to VASILI]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, if that is so!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">is</span> so; ain't it, Doc?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to. MARIANO, with dignity]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You have heard my friend say it.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to VASILI, in a serious undertone]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Monseigneur +graciously consents that I reveal his incognito to the carabiniere.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Is it necessary?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Otherwise I fear they will not withdraw; they have suspicion.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a gesture of resignation]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Very well, +tell them. I rely upon them to preserve my incognito from all others.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[bowing deeply]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Monseigneur, they will be discreet.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Goes up to CARABINIERE and speaks to them.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[aside to IVANOFF]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Make a noise—keep busy.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Then with more emphasis.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But don't you unscrew anything!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to VASILI, smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Monseigneur, they withdraw.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[The CARABINIERE, with great deference +<span class="tei-pb" id="page094">[pg 094]</span> +<a name="Pg094" id="Pg094" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and gravity, salute VASILI. +He returns the salute curtly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">FIRST CARABINIERE. Mille grazias, Signore!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MARIANO throws the gates open, the +two CARABINIERE go rapidly out, +sweeping the crowd away. MARIANO closes the gates.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[giving MARIANO a coin]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You're pretty good.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It required but the slightest diplomacy, +Signore. Thank you, Signore!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit into the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[puzzled]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He must have mesmerized the militia.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[glancing off]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It is quite safe for the time.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[going to the car]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It's all right, old man!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Extends his hand to IVANOFF and +helps him up from beneath the machine.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I will pray God for you all my life.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Wait till we get you plumb out of the woods.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to VASILI]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And you, sir, if I could speak my gratitude—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[crisply]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My American friend yonder has +placed himself—and myself—in danger of the penal +code of Italy for protecting you. Perhaps you will +<span class="tei-pb" id="page095">[pg 095]</span> +<a name="Pg095" id="Pg095" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>be so good as to let us know for what we have incriminated ourselves.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[looking at him keenly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You are a Russian?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Don't be afraid—he's only a German.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[bitterly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The Italian journals call me a +brigand, inspired by the Russian legation in Rome. +My name is Ivanoff Ivanovitch.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[reassuringly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">All right, old man!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Good for you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I was able to do little for the cause, though I tried.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">How did you try?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I transferred funds of the government +to the Society of the Blue Fifty. Never one ruble +for myself.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Strikes himself on the breast.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It was +for Russia's sake—not mine!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sharply]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But you committed the great +Russian crime of getting yourself caught?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Through treachery. There was an Englishman +who lived in Petersburg. He had contracts +with the government—I thought he was my +<span class="tei-pb" id="page096">[pg 096]</span> +<a name="Pg096" id="Pg096" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>best friend. I had married in my student days in +Paris—ah, it is the old story!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[bitterly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gravely]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Was it they who sent the police?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">After they had taken the money and +were beyond the frontier themselves. That is all I have against them.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Looks to me like it would be enough.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Then, by your own confession, you are an +embezzler and a revolutionist.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[going to VASILI quickly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why, the man's +down; you wouldn't go back on him now.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[With a half chuckle.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Besides, you've made yourself one of his confederates.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Upon my soul, so I have.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Bursts into laughter and lays his +hands on PIKE'S shoulders.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My friend, from my first sight of you in the hotel +at Napoli I saw that you were a great man.<span class="tei-pb" id="page097">[pg 097]</span> +<a name="Pg097" id="Pg097" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[grinning]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What are you doing, running for Congress?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[after a grave look at IVANOFF, turns to +PIKE again]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I do not think that the carabiniere went +away without suspicion.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Suspicion! They will watch every exit +from the hotel and its grounds. What can I do, until darkness—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[motioning toward the hotel]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why, Doc's got +the whole lower floor of this wing—you're his chauffeur—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[quickly, grimly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I was about to suggest +it. I have a room that can easily be spared to Professor Ivanoff.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[going to them, greatly touched]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My +friends, God bless both of you!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Don't waste time talkin' about that. I +shouldn't be surprised if you were hungry.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Takes him by elbow and walks him to door of hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I have had no food for a day.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[grimly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My valet de chambre will attend +<span class="tei-pb" id="page098">[pg 098]</span> +<a name="Pg098" id="Pg098" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to Professor Ivanoff's needs. No one shall be allowed to enter his room.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And don't you go out of it, either.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He shall not. This way.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Enter HORACE and MADAME DE +CHAMPIGNY from the garden, he +carrying her parasol and looking into +her eyes. She is laughing.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Enter LADY CREECH from the hotel, wildly excited.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Have you seen my brother—where is Lord Hawcastle?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">On the other side of the hotel, Lady +<span class="tei-pb" id="page099">[pg 099]</span> +<a name="Pg099" id="Pg099" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Creech; down there on the last terrace just as far as you can go.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit LADY CREECH down left.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, but you laugh at me, chere Comtesse!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It is because I +cannot believe you are always serious.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Serious? Like a lady to her knight of +old, set me some task to prove how serious I am.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Deliriously.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Anything!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, gladly! Complete +those odious settlement! Overcome the resistance +of this bad man who so trouble your sweet sister!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You promise me when it is settled that +I may speak to you</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[becomes suddenly nervous and +embarrassed]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—that I may speak to you—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sweetly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes—speak to me—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Speak as—as you must know I want to +speak—as I hardly dare—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[softly, her eyes upon the +ground]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, that shall be when you please, dear friend.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[almost choked with gratitude]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He kisses her hand.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HAWCASTLE and LADY CREECH enter +<span class="tei-pb" id="page100">[pg 100]</span> +<a name="Pg100" id="Pg100" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>from the garden, LADY CREECH talking excitedly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ALMERIC enters through the gates.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">see</span> enough?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Upon my soul, I believe you did.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Quite a family pow-wow you're havin'.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Is there anything unusual in the village?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ra-ther! Carabiniere all over the shop—still huntin' that +bandit feller.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Don't mumble your words!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[shouting]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Lookin' for a bally bandit.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She screams faintly.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Be quiet!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He's still in this neighborhood, they think.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to HAWCASTLE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What did I tell you? Now, how long—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You shall not repeat one word of +what you saw. Almeric, find your betrothed and ask her to come here.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Rumbo! I don't mind, pater!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit into the hotel.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page101">[pg 101]</span> +<a name="Pg101" id="Pg101" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What's the row?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My dear young man, I congratulate +you that you and your sister need no longer submit to an odious dictation.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Enter PIKE briskly from the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[as he enters, genially]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Looks to me like it +was going to clear up cold.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[LADY CREECH haughtily stalks off into the garden.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[pleasantly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Good-afternoon, Mr. Pike.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[going to the motor]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Howdy!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Begins touching different parts of the engine.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY and HORACE haughtily follow LADY CREECH.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[suavely, to PIKE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Mr. Pike, it is an +immense pity that there should have been any misunderstanding +in the matter of your ward's betrothal.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[looking up for a moment, mildly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, I +wouldn't call it a misunderstanding.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It would ill become a father to press +upon the subject of his son's merits—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[plaintively]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I don't want to talk about <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">him</span> +with you—I don't want to hurt your feelings.<span class="tei-pb" id="page102">[pg 102]</span> +<a name="Pg102" id="Pg102" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[troubled]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I can't talk about it with anybody but her.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Enter MARIANO from the hotel with +a letter on a tray. Goes to PIKE.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">There is another matter—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE stands examining envelope of +the letter in profound thought.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I fear I do not have your attention.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MARIANO goes into the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[looking up]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Go ahead!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">There is <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">another</span> matter to which I +may wish to call your attention.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[genially]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, I'll talk about anything <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">else</span> with you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[suavely]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">This is a question distinctly +different</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a glance at the hotel, his voice +growing somewhat threatening]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—distinctly!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ETHEL enters from the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to HAWCASTLE, in a troubled voice]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You wished me to come here.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[going to her and taking her hand]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My child, I wish you to have another chat with our +strangely prejudiced friend on the subject so near +<span class="tei-pb" id="page103">[pg 103]</span> +<a name="Pg103" id="Pg103" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Turns and goes out into the garden, +his voice coming back in benign, fatherly tones.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">All will be well!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE stands regarding ETHEL, who +does not look up at him.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'm glad you've come, Miss Ethel. +I've got something here I want to read to you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[coldly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I did not come to hear you read.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[astounded]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What's thought of them by the best citizens, and so on.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[enraged]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You had the audacity—<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span>—to +pry into the affairs of the Earl of Hawcastle!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!<span class="tei-pb" id="page104">[pg 104]</span> +<a name="Pg104" id="Pg104" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You didn't consider it indelicate to write +to strangers about my intimate affairs?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[placatingly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why, Jim Cooley's home-folks! +His office used to be right next to mine in Kokomo.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It's monstrous—and when <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">they</span> find what +you've done—Oh, hadn't you shamed me enough without this?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a slight, bitter laugh]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"Work things out together!"</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'm sorry—for <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span>, I mean. But I don't +see any other way to do it, except—together. Won't you?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[icily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">How?<span class="tei-pb" id="page105">[pg 105]</span> +<a name="Pg105" id="Pg105" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">know</span> he will.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">How</span> do you know it?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Because I've had experience enough of life—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">In Kokomo?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He opens the envelope slowly, continuing.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">painted</span> on. And as for +the son. But there—I don't know as I have a call to say more.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Takes the letter from the envelope.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Here's the letter; read it for yourself.<span class="tei-pb" id="page106">[pg 106]</span> +<a name="Pg106" id="Pg106" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Gives it to her, watching her as she reads.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[reading]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She reads this in a ringing voice and glances at him.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE looks puzzled and depressed.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ETHEL pauses and looks at PIKE, +who, much disturbed, rises, and crosses the stage.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"As to his son, the Honorable Almeric, there's no +<span class="tei-pb" id="page107">[pg 107]</span> +<a name="Pg107" id="Pg107" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>objection alleged against his character. That's all +I've been able to learn."</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She finishes with an air of triumphant +finality, and rises with a laugh.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A terrible indictment! So that was what you +counted on to convince me of my mistake?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[distressed]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes—it <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">was</span>!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do you assert there is <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">one</span> word in this +seriously discreditable to the reputation of Lord Hawcastle +or Mr. St. Aubyn?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[humbly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And you remember, it is the testimony +offered by your own friend</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[scornfully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—by your own detective!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ruefully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, if I wanted a detective I +wouldn't get Jim Cooley—at least, not any <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">more</span>!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[His attitude is thoroughly crestfallen.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[triumphantly, almost graciously]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I shall +tell Lord Hawcastle that you will be ready to take +up the matter of the settlement the moment his solicitor arrives.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, I wouldn't do that.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in a challenging voice]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why not?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[doggedly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Because I won't take up the +matter of settlements with him or any one else.<span class="tei-pb" id="page108">[pg 108]</span> +<a name="Pg108" id="Pg108" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[angrily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do you mean you cannot see +what a humiliation your interference has brought upon you in this?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No; I see that plain enough.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Have you, after this, any further objections +to my alliance with Mr. St. Aubyn?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It ain't an alliance with Mr. St. Aubyn that you're after.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Then what am I</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[pauses and lays scornful +emphasis on the next word]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">after</span>?</p> + +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p"><a name="image06" id="image06" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<a href="images/image06.png"> +<img src="images/image06.png" height="500" alt=""YOU'RE AFTER SOMETHING THERE ISN'T ANYTHING TO"" class="tei tei-figure" /></a></p> +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p">"YOU'RE AFTER SOMETHING THERE ISN'T ANYTHING TO"</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[slowly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She turns from him, smiling and superior.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You think because I'm a jay country lawyer I don't +understand it and couldn't understand <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span>! 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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">regular</span> minister's son he was! Almost broke +<span class="tei-pb" id="page109">[pg 109]</span> +<a name="Pg109" id="Pg109" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[outraged]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And you say you understand—you +who couple the name of a tippling yokel with +that of a St. Aubyn—a gentleman of distinction.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Distinction? I didn't know he was distinguished.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in a ringing voice]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">His ancestors have +fought with glory on every field of battle from Crecy +and Agincourt to the Crimea.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But you won't <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">see</span> much of his <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">ancestors</span>.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He bears their name.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with authority and dignity]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes—and it's +the <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">name</span> you want. Nobody could look at you and +not know it wasn't <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">him</span>. It's the <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">name</span>! And I'd +let you buy it if it would make you happy—if you +didn't have to take the people with it.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[A deepening of color in the light +shows that it has grown to be late afternoon, near sunset.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[angrily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The "people"?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes; the whole gang. Can't you see how +<span class="tei-pb" id="page110">[pg 110]</span> +<a name="Pg110" id="Pg110" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">him</span>—let alone his old man! What do +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span> think would become of the "settlement"?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Part of it would go to the restoration of +Hawcastle Hall and part to Glenwood Priory.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Glenwood Priory?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">That is part of the estate where Almeric +and I will live until Lord Hawcastle's death.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Then mighty little settlement would come +around "Glenwood Priory"!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Speaks the name as though grimly amused, and continues.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And this old lady—this Mrs. Creech you been travelling with—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sharply]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Lady Creech!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">All right! Don't you think <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">she's</span> 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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Silence! You have no right to traduce +them. Do you place no value upon heredity, upon high birth?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why, I think so much of it that I know John +<span class="tei-pb" id="page111">[pg 111]</span> +<a name="Pg111" id="Pg111" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Simpson's daughter doesn't need anybody else's to help her out.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He comes toward her, looking at her with honest admiration.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">She's fine enough and I think she's sweet enough—and +I know from the way she goes for me that she's +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">brave</span> enough—to stand on her own feet!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">This is beside the point; I know exactly +what I want in life—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[she has been somewhat moved +by his last speech, is agitated, and a little breathless]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—and +I could not change now if it were otherwise. +I gave Almeric my promise, it was forever, and I shall keep it.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But you can't; I'm not going to let you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I throw your interference to the winds. +I shall absolutely disregard it. I shall marry without your consent.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[looking at her steadily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do you think <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">they'd</span> let you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in same tone]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I think <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you'll</span> let me,</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[laughing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">especially after this terrible letter.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">By-the-way, did you finish it?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ETHEL looks at the letter, which she +has continued to hold in her hand.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I think so.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Turns the page.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No—it says "over."</p> + +<span class="tei-pb" id="page112">[pg 112]</span> +<a name="Pg112" id="Pg112" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She turns the sheet—looks at it attentively for a moment—looks up, +casts a quick glance of astonishment at PIKE.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, read it, please!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It appears to concern a matter quite personal to yourself.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Embarrassed, assuming carelessness. +Turns toward left as if to leave, replacing +the letter in the envelope.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[advancing to her, smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I don't think I've got any secrets.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[coldly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Please remember, I have not read +anything on the last page.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, neither have I.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Reaching his hand for the letter.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[more embarrassed]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She drops the letter on the bench.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page113">[pg 113]</span> +<a name="Pg113" id="Pg113" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Listen: those are the fishermen coming home.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[as the voices cease to be heard]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It's mighty +pretty, but it's kind of foreign and lonesome, too.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[With a sad half-chuckle.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'd rather hear something +that sounded more like home.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[A growing tremulousness +in his voice.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I expect you've about forgot everything +like that, haven't you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page114">[pg 114]</span> +<a name="Pg114" id="Pg114" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Genevieve" mebbe. You know it—don't you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[slowly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"Sweet Genevieve?" I used to—but it's rather +old-fashioned and common, isn't it?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I expect so; I reckon mebbe that's the reason I like it so much.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[With an apologetic and pathetic laugh.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I—I think not.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She looks at him thoughtfully, then +goes slowly into the hotel.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE sighs, and begins to read the +last page of the letter.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[reading]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"I am sorry old man Simpson's +daughter thinks of buying a title. Somehow I have +a notion that that may hit you, Dan.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Poignant dismay and awe are expressed +in his voice as he continues.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"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."</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I don't wonder she said she hadn't read it!<span class="tei-pb" id="page115">[pg 115]</span> +<a name="Pg115" id="Pg115" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[His face begins to light with radiant amazement.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But she <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">had</span>—and she didn't go away—that is, +not <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">right</span> away!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[LORD HAWCASTLE and HORACE enter from the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[speaking as they enter]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But, Lord Hawcastle, +Ethel says Mr. Pike positively refuses.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Leave him to me. Within ten +minutes he will be as meek as a nun.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HORACE goes into the hotel.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My dear Pike, there is a certain question—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in his mildest tone]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I don't want to seem +rough with you, but I meant what I said.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Imagining I did not mean <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">that</span> question—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Then it's all right.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[he +speaks with significant emphasis and a glance at +the hotel, where lights begin to appear in the windows]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—of +certain other unfortunates who may be, to +speak vulgarly, wanted—by the police.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[coolly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You're anxious about that, are you?<span class="tei-pb" id="page116">[pg 116]</span> +<a name="Pg116" id="Pg116" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[he +turns up sharply toward the lighted windows of hotel, +then sharply again to PIKE, his voice lifting]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—is two +years' imprisonment, and Italian prisons, I am credibly +informed, are quite ferociously unpleasant.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, being in jail <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">any</span> place ain't +much like an Elks' carnival.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[grimly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Talk plain; talk plain.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.<span class="tei-pb" id="page117">[pg 117]</span> +<a name="Pg117" id="Pg117" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[His voice shows growing excitement +as a man's shadow appears on +the shade of the window nearest the door.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Imagine, for instance, that the shadow which at +this moment appears on the curtain were that of the +wanted man—<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">then</span>, would you not agree that a +moderate and reasonable request of your fellow-countryman +might be acceded to?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[swallowing painfully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What would be the nature of that request?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It would concern a certain alliance; +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">might</span> concern a certain settlement.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">If the request were refused, what would the consequences be?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Two years, at least, for the American, +and the friend who had been his accessory. +Altogether I should consider it a disastrous situation.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[thoughtfully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes; looks like it.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with sharp significance]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[plaintively]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, it would all depend upon +<span class="tei-pb" id="page118">[pg 118]</span> +<a name="Pg118" id="Pg118" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>which of my countrymen you caught. If it depended +on the one I know best, he'd tell you he'd see you in <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">hell</span> first!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[The two remain staring fixedly at +each other as the curtain slowly descends.]</span></p> +</div> +<p class="tei tei-p">END OF THE SECOND ACT</p> + +</div> + +<a name="Act3" id="Act3" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<hr class="page" /> + +<div class="tei tei-div"> +<a name="toc_6" id="toc_6"></a> +<span class="tei-pb" id="page121">[pg 121]</span> +<a name="Pg121" id="Pg121" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head">THE THIRD ACT</h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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."</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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, décolleté +dress. They are deep in tender conversation.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">ETHEL follows, on the arm of ALMERIC. She wears a +<span class="tei-pb" id="page122">[pg 122]</span> +<a name="Pg122" id="Pg122" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>pretty evening gown, ALMERIC in evening clothes; her head +is bent, her eyes cast down.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[as VASILI enters]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'm mighty glad you've come—I've been waiting.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to RIBIERE, and speaking in undertone]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You have telegraphed for the information?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, sir.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Valet, with coat, hat, etc., goes out, followed by RIBIERE.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I have dined with an old tutor of mine. +Once every year I come here to do that.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Valet returns with vodka and cigarettes, +which he places on a table, immediately withdrawing.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a keen glance at PIKE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And you; I +suppose you dined with the charming young lady, +your ward, and her brother, as you expected?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[turning away sadly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh no, they've got +friends of their own here.<span class="tei-pb" id="page123">[pg 123]</span> +<a name="Pg123" id="Pg123" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">So I have observed.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Sips vodka.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, I don't mind their not asking me.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[With an assumption of cheerfulness.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Fact is, these friends of hers are trying to get me +to do something I can't do—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You need not tell me that, my friend. I +have both eyes and ears; I understand.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[troubled, coming near him]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, that I fear I do not understand.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[remorsefully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Pointing to the door on the right.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[grimly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No; he made it clear to me. Two +<span class="tei-pb" id="page124">[pg 124]</span> +<a name="Pg124" id="Pg124" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>years in jail is the minimum, and if I don't make up +my mind by ten o'clock</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[VASILI looks at his watch]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">to do what he wants me to do—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What does he want you to do?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I have observed it—that is, if you refer +to the son of Lord Hawcastle.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, if I don't consent to do that, I reckon +Ivanoff has to go back to Siberia and you and I to jail.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He threatens that?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He'll <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">do</span> that!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[looking at him sharply]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What do <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span> mean to do?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[swallowing painfully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">got</span> me, Doc. Don't you +see how it stands? Ivanoff can't get away—<span class="tei-pb" id="page125">[pg 125]</span> +<a name="Pg125" id="Pg125" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No; I think he can't.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">They've got this militia all around the place.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I passed through the cordon of carabiniere as I came in.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[urgently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But you could get away, Doc. +Up to ten o'clock you can come and go as you choose.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[rising]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">So can you. You have not thought of that?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No; and I won't think of it. But as for you—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">As for me</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[rings bell near door]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—I shall go!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Valet enters.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to valet, indicating the door on the right]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Appellez le Monsieur la.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Valet goes to the door, opens it, +bowing slightly to IVANOFF, who +appears. Valet withdraws.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[IVANOFF is very pale and haggard +looking, but his clothes have been +mended and neatly brushed. He +comes in slowly and quietly.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page126">[pg 126]</span> +<a name="Pg126" id="Pg126" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in the tone of a superior]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[IVANOFF swallows painfully, and +looks pitifully from VASILI to PIKE.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[coming down to IVANOFF, standing before +him humbly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It's the truth, old man. I can't do it.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[IVANOFF'S head falls forward on his chest.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in a low voice]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I thank you for what +you have tried to do for me.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Gives PIKE his hand. PIKE turns away.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You have until ten o'clock.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Valet appears in the doorway.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Mon chapeau et pardessus.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit valet.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">In the meantime my friend believes Naples a safe place for me.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Valet returns with his coat, hat, and gloves.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And so, auf weidersehn.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Dismisses the valet with a gesture.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page127">[pg 127]</span> +<a name="Pg127" id="Pg127" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[going to him and shaking hands heartily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Good-bye, Doc, and God bless you!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">To our next meeting.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I thought so—Russian!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">That man, your friend, who calls himself +Gröllerhagen, 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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Whatever he is, he helped us this afternoon. +I'd trust him to the bone.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I have felt it inevitable that I should +go back to Siberia. A thousand times have I felt +it since I entered these rooms.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He goes down toward the window.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I know you feel mighty bad, but perhaps—perhaps—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">There is no perhaps for me. There +was never any perhaps after I met Hélène.<span class="tei-pb" id="page128">[pg 128]</span> +<a name="Pg128" id="Pg128" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[scratching his head]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Hélène!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Hélène was my wife, she who sent me +to Siberia, she and my dear, accursed English friend.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[thoughtfully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What was his name?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">His name—it was Glenwood. I shall +not forget that name soon.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What was he doing in Russia?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[profoundly thoughtful, pauses, looking at +IVANOFF sharply]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Then to himself.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And +there must be a million Hélènes in France.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with assumed cheerfulness]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, I'm all +right—don't worry about me.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Loud knock at the upper doors.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[despairingly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It is the carabiniere.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Steady.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Looks at watch.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Not yet. Go +back. We won't throw our hands into the discard +until we're called. We'll keep on raising.<span class="tei-pb" id="page129">[pg 129]</span> +<a name="Pg129" id="Pg129" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit IVANOFF through door on the +right, closing it after him.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE scratches his head and slowly +says: "Hélène." Then calls: "Come in!"]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MARIANO opens the upper doors from without and bows.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Miladi Creesh—she ask you would +speak with her a few minutes?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">All right! Where is she?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Here, sir.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Come right in, ma'am!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[LADY CREECH enters.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[frigidly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I need scarcely inform +you that this interview is not of my seeking.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She +sits stiffly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, ma'am!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[crossly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Don't mumble your words +if you expect me to listen to you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[cordially]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Go on, ma'am!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My brother-in-law has made us +aware of the state of affairs, and we are quite in +<span class="tei-pb" id="page130">[pg 130]</span> +<a name="Pg130" id="Pg130" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sympathy with my brother-in-law's attitude as to +what should be done to you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in a tone of genial inquiry]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, ma'am; +and what do you think ought to be done to me?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">If, in the kindness of our hearts, +we condone your offence, we insist upon your accession +to our reasonable demands.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sardonically]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">By ten o'clock!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Quite so.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You say he told all of you? Has he told Miss Ethel?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It hasn't been thought proper. +Young girls should be shielded from everything disagreeable.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, ma'am; that's the idea that got me into this trouble.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I say, this young lady, who seems +to be technically your ward, is considered, by all of us +who understand her, infinitely more <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">my</span> ward.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, ma'am! Go on.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[loftily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">She came to me something more than a year ago—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[simply]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Did you advertise?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[stung]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I suppose it is your intention to be offensive.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[protesting]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, ma'am; I didn't mean anything. +<span class="tei-pb" id="page131">[pg 131]</span> +<a name="Pg131" id="Pg131" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>But, you see, I've handled all her accounts, +and her payments to you—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[crushingly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[taken aback]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Me?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Upon what other ground are we to explain your conduct?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You mean that I'd only stand between her and you for my own sake?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">We can comprehend no other grounds.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[solemnly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I don't believe you can! But +you <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">can</span> comprehend that I wouldn't have any hope, can't you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page132">[pg 132]</span> +<a name="Pg132" id="Pg132" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in a clear voice, looking at her mildly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Make +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">something</span> out of her—yes, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">ma'am!</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[quickly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Make something <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">better</span> +of her. We offer her this alliance with a family +which for seven hundred years—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, ma'am—Crecy and Agincourt—I know.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">With a family never sullied by +those low ideals of barter and exchange which are +the governing impulses of your countrymen.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Seven hundred years—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[fumbling in coat-pocket]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—why, +look here, Mrs. Creech!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[At this LADY CREECH half rises +from her chair with a profound shudder, +sinks back again; PIKE continues.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I've got a letter right here</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[takes letter from pocket]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">that tells me your brother-in-law was in business—and +I respect him for it—only a few years ago.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[angrily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A letter from whom?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">he</span> says Mr. Hawcastle—<span class="tei-pb" id="page133">[pg 133]</span> +<a name="Pg133" id="Pg133" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[exploding]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Mr.</span> Hawcastle!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[placatingly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"In business in Russia!"</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He rises.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">This is beside the point entirely!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">is</span> the point! Now, between us, ain't +Jim right? Ain't it the truth?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[angry and agitated]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Since some +of your vulgar American officials have been spying about—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with controlled excitement]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Your brother-in-law +was in business in Russia; so far, so good.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Leans upon back of chair watching +her, eager, but smiling cordially.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page134">[pg 134]</span> +<a name="Pg134" id="Pg134" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I don't say he was peddling shoe-strings on the corner +or selling weinerwursts—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[LADY CREECH gives a slight scream of indignation.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[continuing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Probably something more hifalutin' +and dignified than that. He was probably +agent for a wooden butter-dish factory.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[enraged]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He had contracts with +the Russian government itself!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">(staggering back, recovers himself immediately, +and, speaking sharply, but in a voice of great agitation). +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Not</span> for mining—<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">not</span> for hydraulic machines!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And even so he protected the historic name of St. Aubyn.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">By God, I believe you!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Don't mumble your words!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Had he ever lived at Glenwood Priory?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[indignantly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Is your mind wandering? +The priory belonged to Hawcastle's mother. +Can you state its connection with the subject?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">That's how he protected the historic name +of St. Aubyn! That's the name he took—Glenwood!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What of that?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[awe-struck]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">God moves in a mysterious +way his wonders to perform!<span class="tei-pb" id="page135">[pg 135]</span> +<a name="Pg135" id="Pg135" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oblige me by omitting blasphemous +allusions in my presence. What answer are +you prepared to make to Lord Hawcastle?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in a ringing voice]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Tell your brother-in-law +that he can have my answer in ten minutes—and +he can come to me <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">here</span> for it! I'll give it in the +presence of the young lady and her brother.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[turning to go]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I beg your pardon.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I shall not permit her to come +near here. As her chaperone I refuse. We all refuse!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">All right; refuse away.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I shall tell Lord Hawcastle—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ten minutes from now and in this room.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But Miss Granger-Simpson under no condition whatever.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Sweeps out haughtily.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE closes the doors behind her, +touches an electric button over the +mantel, then sits at desk and writes +hurriedly. Knock at upper doors.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Come in!<span class="tei-pb" id="page136">[pg 136]</span> +<a name="Pg136" id="Pg136" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Enter MARIANO.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Mariano, I want you to take this note to Miss Simpson.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Quickly enclosing note in envelope and addressing it.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">To Mees Granger-Seempson?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do you know where she is?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">She walks on the terrace alone.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Give it to her yourself—to no one else—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[emphatically]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—and +do it now.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Gives him the note.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">At once, sir!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Going.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Hurry!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Almost pushes him out of the upper +doors and closes them. He goes +quickly to the door on the right, opens it, and calls.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ivanoff!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[IVANOFF opens the door and comes out apprehensively.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[as he enters]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Have they come?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Not yet! Ivanoff, you prayed to see your +wife and your friend Glenwood before you went back to Siberia.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[falling back with a cry]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah!<span class="tei-pb" id="page137">[pg 137]</span> +<a name="Pg137" id="Pg137" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">If that prayer is answered through me, will +you promise to remember that it's my fight?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah! it is impossible—you wish to play with me!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do I look playful?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[A bugle sounds sharply outside the window.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[wildly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The carabiniere—for me.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[The two rush together to the window.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[thrusting IVANOFF behind him]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Don't show yourself!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[looking out of the window over PIKE'S +shoulder]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Look! Near the lamp yonder—there by +the doors—the carabiniere.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">They've been there since this afternoon.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Shading his eyes from the light of the room with one hand.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Look there—who on earth—who's that they've +got with them?—Why, good Lord! it's Doc!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Astounded.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It is Herr von Gröllerhagen! Did I +not tell you he was a Russian? He has betrayed +me himself. He was not satisfied that others should.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Bitterly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I knew I was in the wolf's throat here!<span class="tei-pb" id="page138">[pg 138]</span> +<a name="Pg138" id="Pg138" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Don't you believe it! They've arrested +poor old Doc. They got him as he went out.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[pointing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No; they speak respectfully +to him. They bow to him—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[grimly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">They'll be bowing to us in a minute. +That's probably the way these colonels run you in.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Sharp knock on upper doors.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[urging him toward the door on the right]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You wait till I call you, and remember it's my fight.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[turning, half hysterically]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">promise</span> +before I am taken that I shall see—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MARIANO enters at upper doors.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[domineeringly, as he sees MARIANO]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[IVANOFF bows meekly and exit to +right, closing door after him.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Miss Granger-Seempson!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">All right, Mariano!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ETHEL enters haughtily.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.<span class="tei-pb" id="page139">[pg 139]</span> +<a name="Pg139" id="Pg139" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She is icy in manner, but her hands +fidget with the note he has sent her, crumpling it up.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sitting]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Your note seemed so extraordinarily urgent—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[holding herself very straight in her chair]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">There was no effort to prevent me.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No; I didn't give 'em time.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">May I ask to whom you refer?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The whole kit and boodle of 'em!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[not relaxing her coldness]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You are inelegant, Mr. Pike.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I haven't time to be elegant, even if I knew how.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do you mean that my chaperone would disapprove?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I shouldn't be surprised. I reckon the +whole fine flower of Europe would disapprove. +"Disapprove?"—they'd <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">sand-bag</span> you to keep you away!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[rising quickly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, then I can't stay.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[going between her and the upper doors, +<span class="tei-pb" id="page140">[pg 140]</span> +<a name="Pg140" id="Pg140" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>speaks with ring of domination]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes you can, and +you will, and you've got to!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[angrily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"Got to!" I shall not!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'm your guardian, and you'll do as I say. +You'll obey me this once if you never do again.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She looks at him defiantly; he faces +her with determination, and continues without pause.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Slight pause; she yields and walks +back to her chair. PIKE continues.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a renewal of her defiance]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Authority? Do you think—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You'll stay here for the next twenty minutes +if I have to make Crecy and Agincourt look like a Peace Conference!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She looks at him aghast, sinks into +chair by table; he continues after a very slight pause.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page141">[pg 141]</span> +<a name="Pg141" id="Pg141" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[almost in tears]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You're bullying me! I +don't see why you talk so brutally to me.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sadly and earnestly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do you think I'd do it for anything but you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[angrily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You are odious! Insufferable!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[humbly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Don't you think I know you despise me?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[A loud noise without. LADY +CREECH'S voice is heard shouting.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page142">[pg 142]</span> +<a name="Pg142" id="Pg142" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[dryly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I think the gentlefolk are here.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[The upper doors up centre are +thrown open; LADY CREECH hurriedly enters, with MADAME DE +CHAMPIGNY and HORACE, followed by ALMERIC.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My dear child, what are you doing +in this dreadful place with this dreadful person?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My dear, les convenances!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ethel, I'm extremely surprised; come away at once!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, I say, you know, really, Miss Ethel! +You can't stay here, you know, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">can</span> you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'm her guardian; she's here by my authority, +she'll stay by my authority.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[LORD HAWCASTLE appears in the +open doors and bows sardonically to PIKE.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[suavely]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, good-evening, Mr. Pike!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Lord Hawcastle, will you insist upon +Ethel's leaving? It's quite on the cards we shall +have a disagreeable scene here.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.<span class="tei-pb" id="page143">[pg 143]</span> +<a name="Pg143" id="Pg143" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a grim smile]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I reckon you're right so far.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[continuing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And his answer will be yes.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with quiet emphasis]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But you're wrong there!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to HORACE, with sudden seriousness]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Perhaps you are right, Mr. Granger-Simpson. +Painful things may be done. Better the +young lady were spared them. Take your sister away.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He motions HORACE toward the door.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">For God's sake do—it may be quite rowdy.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to ETHEL at the same time]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My +dear, you positively must!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ethel, I command you!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ETHEL, troubled, half rises as if to go]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[imperiously, to ETHEL]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You stay right where you are!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[angrily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, I say!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, the lynching ruffian!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ethel, do you mean to let this fellow dictate to you?<span class="tei-pb" id="page144">[pg 144]</span> +<a name="Pg144" id="Pg144" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[breathlessly and loudly, as if resistance +were hopeless]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But—he says I <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">must</span>!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She sinks back into her chair.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to HAWCASTLE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You're here for an answer, you say?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[on the defensive]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">An answer to what?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[painfully resuming his suavity]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">An +answer to our request that you accede to the wishes of that young lady.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And if I don't, what are you going to do?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ethel, you <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">must</span> go!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">This man is an Apache!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[simultaneously]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Barbarian!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to HAWCASTLE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'll leave it to you to tell her.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A gentleman would spare her that.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">I</span> won't! Speak out! Why do you come +here sure of the answer you want?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[intensely annoyed]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Tut, tut!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Don't mumble your words!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'll make it even plainer than you like.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I protest against this!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Throw the rotter out of the window!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[particularly addressing ETHEL]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">This afternoon +I tried to help a poor devil—a broken-down +<span class="tei-pb" id="page145">[pg 145]</span> +<a name="Pg145" id="Pg145" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Russian running away from Siberia, where he'd been for nine years.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She rises; her eyes eagerly meet his.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[violently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Nonsense!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[stepping toward PIKE, indignantly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I knew +that you had only a further humiliation in store for me—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[following her and trying to interrupt]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But my dear—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with dignity]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No—you need make no denial for yourselves.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[To PIKE, haughtily.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do you think I would believe that an English noble would stoop—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with passionate indignation]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Stoop! Why, +ten years ago in St. Petersburg there was a poor revolutionist +who, in his crazy patriotism, took government +<span class="tei-pb" id="page146">[pg 146]</span> +<a name="Pg146" id="Pg146" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>money for the cause he believed in. He made +the mistake of keeping that money in his house, when +this man</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[pointing at HAWCASTLE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[staggered and enraged]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A dastardly slander!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in a ringing voice]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—and he'll do it again to-night. +I go to an Italian jail</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[he suddenly swings his +outstretched hand to point to MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, +continuing without pause]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">and, by the living +God, that same poor devil of a husband goes back to Siberia!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, with an +ejaculation of horror and fright, staggers back.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in extreme agitation]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It's a ghastly lie!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You came for your answer. Here it is.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Calls sharply.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ivanoff!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[IVANOFF appears in the doorway on +the right. He advances, lifts both +<span class="tei-pb" id="page147">[pg 147]</span> +<a name="Pg147" id="Pg147" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>clinched fists above MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY'S head.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY, with a +shuddering cry, falls on her knees in +an attitude of fright and abasement.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ivan!—oh, Mother of +God!—Ivan! Don't kill me—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[IVANOFF shudders with weakness, +trembles violently, collapses into +chair, she still at his feet. IVANOFF sobbing.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[starting toward her in extreme agitation]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Hélène!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sternly to HORACE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You keep back, she's his wife.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Pointing to HAWCASTLE.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And there stands his best friend!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It's a lie! I never saw the man before in my life.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[grimly, with a gesture toward MADAME DE +CHAMPIGNY]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The lady seems to recognize him.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Almeric, go for the police. Call them quickly!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[His voice loud and hoarse.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[springs to her feet, protesting]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No—no—I can't!<span class="tei-pb" id="page148">[pg 148]</span> +<a name="Pg148" id="Pg148" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with his hand on IVANOFF'S shoulder]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Call them in—we're ready.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[To ETHEL.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But I want <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span> always to remember that I considered +it cheap at the price.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[opening the upper doors and calling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Tell that officer to bring his men in here!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[VASILI enters briskly from the hall.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[RIBIERE enters immediately after +from the same direction.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in a loud, clear voice]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">There will be no +arrests to-night, my friends.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[violently, to ALMERIC]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do as I say! +This man</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[meaning VASILI]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">goes, too.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[curtly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The officer is not there, the carabiniere +have been withdrawn.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[To PIKE, gravely and rapidly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">For your sake I have relinquished my incognito.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[To HAWCASTLE.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The man Ivanoff is in my custody.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p"><a name="image07" id="image07" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<img src="images/image07.png" width="480" height="292" alt=""IVAN! DON'T KILL ME!"" class="tei tei-figure" /></p> +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p">"IVAN! DON'T KILL ME!"</p> +</div> + +<span class="tei-pb" id="page149">[pg 149]</span> +<a name="Pg149" id="Pg149" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[violently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">By whose authority? Do +you know that you are speaking to the Earl of Hawcastle?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">RIBIERE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[in a ringing voice, advancing a step]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">More respectful, sir! You are addressing his Highness, +the Grand-Duke Vasili of Russia.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HAWCASTLE falls back, stricken.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[thunderstruck]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Respectful! Think of what +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">I've</span> been calling him!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My friend, it has been refreshing.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[To +RIBIERE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ribiere, I shall take Ivanoff's statement +in writing. Bring him with you.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[VASILI turns on his heel, curtly, and +passes rapidly out through the door on the right.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[RIBIERE touches IVANOFF on shoulder, +indicating that he must follow VASILI.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[IVANOFF starts with RIBIERE; +MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY shrinks +back with a low exclamation of fear.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[hoarsely to her]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I would not touch you—not +even to strangle you!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[With outstretched hand, pointing to HAWCASTLE.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page150">[pg 150]</span> +<a name="Pg150" id="Pg150" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But God will let me pay my debt to the Earl of Hawcastle!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Goes rapidly out with RIBIERE.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[choked with rage, advancing on PIKE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why, you—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[genially]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">show</span> John Simpson's daughter.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Movement from HORACE and ETHEL.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And I reckon now she isn't wanting any alliance +with the remnants of Crecy and Agincourt.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[tremulously, coming close to PIKE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">shame</span> to bear it, the +promise is only more sacred. The shame is not <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">his</span> +fault. You—you—want me to be—honorable—don't you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[after a long stare at her, speaks in a feeble +voice, very slowly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Your father—and +mother—<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">both</span>—came—from Missouri, didn't they?</p> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">END OF THE THIRD ACT</p> + +</div> + +<a name="Act4" id="Act4" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<hr class="page" /> + +<div class="tei tei-div"> +<a name="toc_7" id="toc_7"></a> +<span class="tei-pb" id="page153">[pg 153]</span> +<a name="Pg153" id="Pg153" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head">THE FOURTH ACT</h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, Governor; see you're moving!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I may.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[His manner is nervous, apprehensive, +and wary. Porter touches his +cap and goes into hotel.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It depends.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Depends? Madame de Champigny +took the morning boat to Naples, and your trunks are +gone. Shouldn't say that looked much like dependin'.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[nervously]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It does, though, with that devilish convict—<span class="tei-pb" id="page154">[pg 154]</span> +<a name="Pg154" id="Pg154" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, but I say, Governor, you're not in +a funk about him! You could bowl him over with a finger.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[glancing over his shoulder]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Not if +he had what he didn't have last night, or I shouldn't be here to-day.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You don't think the beggar'd be taking a shot at you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[fastening clasp of hat-box]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I don't +know what the crazy fool mightn't do.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But, you know, he's really quite as +much in custody as you could wish. That Vasilivitch +chap has got him fast enough.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[LADY CREECH enters from the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sharply]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with triumphant indignation]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Then +I have the advantage over you, Hawcastle. He's just done it.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[startled]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[continuing]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Got him a pardon +from Russia by telegraph.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You don't mean that!<span class="tei-pb" id="page155">[pg 155]</span> +<a name="Pg155" id="Pg155" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ethel has just told me.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My God!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He springs forward and touches a bell on wall.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">An outrage! Our plans all so horribly upset—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[turning and coming down steps]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, they're not.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MARIANO appears in the doorway.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Mariano, I'm off for Naples. Sharp's the word!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It is too late for the boat, Milor'. You +must drive to Castellamare for the train.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">There's a carriage waiting for me at +the gate yonder. Get these things into it quick—quick!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MARIANO beckons porters from the +hotel. Porters enter sharply and carry bags, etc., off.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Meanwhile, HAWCASTLE, without +pause, continues rapidly and in an +excited voice to ALMERIC and LADY CREECH.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.<span class="tei-pb" id="page156">[pg 156]</span> +<a name="Pg156" id="Pg156" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But she's behaving very peculiarly +this morning. Outrageously would be nearer it.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">How?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Shedding tears over this Ivanoff's +story. What's more, she has sent that dreadful Pike +person to him with assistance.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What sort of assistance?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Money. I don't know how much, +but I'm sure it was a lot.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a sudden inspiration]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">By Jove! +Buying the beggar off, perhaps, to keep him from making a scandal for us.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[excitedly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">That's what she's trying to do!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Then why do you go?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Because I'm not sure she can.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Going +to steps.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Wire me at the Bertolini, Naples.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Turning at stoop.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">This shows she means to stick.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">For the sake of her promise.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HAWCASTLE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[emphatically]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, and for the sake of the name.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He runs out rapidly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE enters from the grove, smoking.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[thoughtfully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Your pa seems in a hurry.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[LADY CREECH and ALMERIC turn, +<span class="tei-pb" id="page157">[pg 157]</span> +<a name="Pg157" id="Pg157" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>startled. LADY CREECH haughtily +sweeps away, entering the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[cheerfully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh yes, possibly—he's off, +you know—to catch a train. He's so easily worried by trifles.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE looks at ALMERIC with a sort +of chuckling admiration.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, you don't worry—not too easy; do you, son?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, one finds nothing in particular this morning to bother one.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[assenting]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Nothing at all.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Not I. Of course, Miss Ethel is standing to her promise?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[grimly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes, she is.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The Governor only thought it best to +clear out a bit until we were certain that she manages +to draw off this convict chap.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[puzzled]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Draw him off?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What you Americans call "affixing him," isn't it?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">"Affixing him?" Don't try to talk United +States, my son. Just tell me in your own way.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">She's been giving him money, hasn't +she? You took it to him yourself, didn't you? +<span class="tei-pb" id="page158">[pg 158]</span> +<a name="Pg158" id="Pg158" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Naturally, we understood what it was for. She's +trying to keep the beggar quiet.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">So that's what she sent this poor cuss the money for, was it?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why, what other reason could there be?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, ra-<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">ther</span>! 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?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[slowly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Would you mind my being present +when you thank her for it?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span> are!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Chuckles.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh! if I could only get it over to Kokomo! +And that's why you're not worrying, is it, son?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Exit through the grove with a +<span class="tei-pb" id="page159">[pg 159]</span> +<a name="Pg159" id="Pg159" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sprightly gait and a wave of his stick.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE gazes after him, shaking his +head with a half-admiring, half-sardonic chuckle.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Enter ETHEL from the hotel. She +wears a pretty morning dress and +hat; her face is very sad.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I hear that Lord Hawcastle has left the hotel.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[dryly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes; I saw him go.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He left very quickly?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He did seem to be forgetting the scenery.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[decidedly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He was afraid of Ivanoff.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I shouldn't be surprised. Ivanoff wants to +thank you. May I bring him?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE goes off into the grove.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[making a deep curtsy]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Monseigneur!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to ETHEL]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Not <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span>! 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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page160">[pg 160]</span> +<a name="Pg160" id="Pg160" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">An egoist! That is the last thing in the +world he should be called.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ah, so; what do you call him?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I? I call him—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She begins bravely, but at a keen +glance from him stops abruptly, blushing.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">he</span>—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, I can't quite imagine <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">him</span> doing that.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Enter PIKE from the grove, followed by IVANOFF.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to PIKE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.<span class="tei-pb" id="page161">[pg 161]</span> +<a name="Pg161" id="Pg161" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He stops, horrified at his slip of the tongue.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">know</span> that.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I don't know how to call you by name, but +I reckon you'll understand I do think an awful lot of you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[as they shake hands]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ETHEL turns away.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It is a great +responsibility to occupy a pedestal. On that account +I depart in some anxiety for you.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What do you mean?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">VASILI</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[VASILI gives his hand to IVANOFF +quietly, bows deeply to ETHEL, and +goes quickly into the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[turning to ETHEL]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Dear, kind young +lady, your guardian has known how to make me accept +<span class="tei-pb" id="page162">[pg 162]</span> +<a name="Pg162" id="Pg162" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Professor Ivanoff, are you following Lord Hawcastle and your wife?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My wife exists no longer for me.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But Lord Hawcastle? Do you mean to follow him?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with great feeling]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, no, no! I could +not hurt his body—I could not. The suffering of a +man is here—here! What is it <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">he</span> 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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sadly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Already it is that.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But I forget myself. I talk so ugly.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It is not in my heart to blame you. Your +wrongs have given you the right.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">IVANOFF</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[kissing her hand]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">God bless you always!</p> + +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p"><a name="image08" id="image08" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<img src="images/image08.png" width="480" height="292" alt=""MY FRIEND, THERE IS SAND IN YOUR GEAR-BOX"" class="tei tei-figure" /></p> +<p style="text-align: center" class="tei tei-p">"MY FRIEND, THERE IS SAND IN YOUR GEAR-BOX"</p> + +<span class="tei-pb" id="page163">[pg 163]</span> +<a name="Pg163" id="Pg163" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He takes PIKE'S hand, tries to +speak, but chokes up and cannot. He goes into the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">There <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">are</span> some good people over here, aren't there?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">When you're home again I hope you will remember <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">them.</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I will.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And I hope you will forget everything I've ever said.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Somehow it doesn't seem as if I very likely would.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[coming toward him]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh yes, you will! +All those unkind things I've said to you—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Oh, I'll forget <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">those</span> easy!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[going on eagerly, but almost tearfully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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—</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[she falters]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Turns away from him.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I can see her—she wears +a white muslin and waits by the gate for you at twilight</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[turns to him again]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">—isn't she like that?<span class="tei-pb" id="page164">[pg 164]</span> +<a name="Pg164" id="Pg164" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[shaking his head gravely]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No; not like that.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But there <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">is</span> some one there?—some one that +you've cared for?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sadly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[smiling sorrowfully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Singing "Sweet Genevieve"?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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,</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[swallows painfully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">and it's so foolish that even Jim Cooley can write +me letters making fun of it!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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,</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[falters]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">and living out—my destiny.<span class="tei-pb" id="page165">[pg 165]</span> +<a name="Pg165" id="Pg165" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gravely]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What destiny?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I am bound to Almeric in his misfortune, +I am bound to him <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">by</span> his misfortune.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She goes on with a sorrowful eagerness.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[aghast]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Work!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I can't deny it—that's what any good and +brave woman ought to feel.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[grimly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">He's not here just now.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[HORACE enters; stands in the doorway unobserved, listening.]<span class="tei-pb" id="page166">[pg 166]</span> +<a name="Pg166" id="Pg166" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I agree, it's your duty—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[eagerly, but tremulously]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">That means +that you—as my guardian—think I am right?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I agree to it, I said.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[excited]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Then that must mean that you consent—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">It does—I give my consent to your marriage.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[shocked and frightened]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">do</span>?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I place it in your hands.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[vehemently interrupting]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Too late—he's consented.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[With a half-choked, sudden sob she runs into the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[turning furiously on PIKE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I tell you I +shall not permit her to throw herself away!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Look here, who's the guardian of this girl?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">A magnificent guardian you are! You +<span class="tei-pb" id="page167">[pg 167]</span> +<a name="Pg167" id="Pg167" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>came here to protect her from something you thought +rotten; now we all know it's rotten, you hand her over!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Turns with a short, bitter laugh, +walks up stage, then comes back.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">By Jove! I shouldn't be surprised if you consent to the settlement, too!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[solemnly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My son, I shouldn't be surprised if I did.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Is the world topsy-turvy? Have I gone crazy?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[With accusing finger pointed at PIKE.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I'll bet my <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">soul</span> that'll disgust her as much as it does me!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">My son, I shouldn't be surprised if it would.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[staring at him]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">By the Lord, but you +play a queer game, Mr. Pike!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">stand</span> there; you only get hell from both banks."</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Enter LADY CREECH from the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[testily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Mr. Granger-Simpson, have you seen my nephew?<span class="tei-pb" id="page168">[pg 168]</span> +<a name="Pg168" id="Pg168" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No; I've rather avoided that, if you don't mind my saying so.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Mr. Granger-Simpson!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">HORACE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Goes rapidly into the hotel.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ALMERIC'S voice is heard from the +grove. "Come along! There's a good fellow!"]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Isn't that Almeric?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Here he comes, shamed and bending under the blow!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ALMERIC enters from the grove, leading a bull terrier pup.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[MARIANO enters from hotel.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Mariano, do you think you could be trusted to wash him?<span class="tei-pb" id="page169">[pg 169]</span> +<a name="Pg169" id="Pg169" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Wash him!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">MARIANO</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with dignity]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I will give him to the porter.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[He carries the animal into the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Almeric, really, there are more +important things, you know.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But you don't seem to realize I might +have missed him altogether. I think I'm rather to +be congratulated, you know. What?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I think you are, my son. I have given my consent.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Rippin'!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And the settlement?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">The settlement also—everything!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[ETHEL enters from the hotel, followed by HORACE.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[greatly relieved and overjoyed, +starting toward ETHEL]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Ethel, my dear!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[cheerfully]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I told you it would all be +plain sailing, Aunty. There was nothing to worry about.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[continuing, to ETHEL]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">All shall be +<span class="tei-pb" id="page170">[pg 170]</span> +<a name="Pg170" id="Pg170" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Yes; it's all over; my guardian has consented.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Of course <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">I</span> 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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[very seriously]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Almeric, I think it's noble +to be brave in trouble, but—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[puzzled]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I say, you know, you've really <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">got</span> me!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I mean that I admire you for your pluck, +for seeming unconcerned under disgrace, but—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">Disgrace</span>? Why, who's disgraced—not +even the Governor, as I see it. You got that chap called off, didn't you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Whom do you mean?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[rising, and turning on him indignantly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why, Heaven pity you! Do you think that?<span class="tei-pb" id="page171">[pg 171]</span> +<a name="Pg171" id="Pg171" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[puzzled]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But? But I mean to say, +though—but what <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">for</span>? What possible need will +there be for an extreme like that? Don't you see, +in the first place, there's the settlement—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[aghast]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Settlement! You talk of settlement, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">now</span>.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[angrily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Settlement, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">certainly</span> there's +the settlement!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What for?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why, don't you understand—you're +to be the Countess of Hawcastle, aren't you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[dazed and angry]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Do you mean to say he's consented to that!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Why, to be sure—he's just consented +with his own lips—didn't you?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[gravely]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">I did.<span class="tei-pb" id="page172">[pg 172]</span> +<a name="Pg172" id="Pg172" class="tei tei-anchor"></a></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Don't you see, don't you hear +that—he's consented? He didn't mumble his words—don't you hear him?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 +<span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">you</span>,</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to LADY CREECH and ALMERIC]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">what are you +that after last night you come to me and ask a settlement?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[angrily]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Certainly we do—would +you expect to enter a family like this and bring nothing?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">I</span> 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—</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with a cry of rage and relief]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page173">[pg 173]</span> +<a name="Pg173" id="Pg173" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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! <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">I am not that man's property to give away!</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[violently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You're beside yourself. +Isn't this what we've been wanting all the time?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">But slow up a bit—didn't you say you'd stick?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Any promise I ever made to you is a +thousand times cancelled. This is final!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[With concentrated rage, turning to PIKE.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">And as for you—never presume to speak to me again!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ALMERIC</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to LADY CREECH]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Most extraordinary +girl—she's rather dreadful, <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">isn't</span> she?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">LADY CREECH</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[with agitation]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Give me your arm, Almeric.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[They go into the hotel.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[to PIKE]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What have you to say to me?</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[PIKE raises his hands slowly, with +palms outward, and drops them.]</span></p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">What explanation have you to make?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">None.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">That's because you don't care what I +<span class="tei-pb" id="page174">[pg 174]</span> +<a name="Pg174" id="Pg174" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>think of you.</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Bitterly.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[humbly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, I shouldn't be surprised.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[slowly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Well, I shouldn't be surprised if I <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">had</span> seen that.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[staggered]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[placatingly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, no!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[vehemently]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page175">[pg 175]</span> +<a name="Pg175" id="Pg175" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>that you deny it!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[Angrily.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">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 <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">any</span> girl could love a +man for that? Go back to your dream girl, your lady of the picture!</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[disconsolately]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">She won't be there.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[stubbornly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">She <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">might</span> be.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">No, there ain't any chance of that. The +house will still be empty.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[almost crying]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">Are you <span style="font-style: italic" class="tei tei-hi">sure</span>?</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">PIKE</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[sadly]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p">There ain't any doubt of it now.</p> +</div> + +<div style="margin-left: 2em" class="tei tei-sp"><div style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: -2em" class="tei tei-speaker">ETHEL</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p">You might be wrong—for once!</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[She gives him a look between tears +and laughter, then runs into the hotel.]</span></p> + +<p class="tei tei-p"><span class="tei tei-stage">[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 +<span class="tei-pb" id="page176">[pg 176]</span> +<a name="Pg176" id="Pg176" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>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.]</span></p> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAN FROM HOME***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 15855-h.txt or 15855-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/8/5/15855">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/8/5/15855</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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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.] + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAN FROM HOME*** + + +******* This file should be named 15855.txt or 15855.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/8/5/15855 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. 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