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diff --git a/16198-8.txt b/16198-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..10fbd38 --- /dev/null +++ b/16198-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5977 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Her Own Way, by Clyde Fitch + +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: Her Own Way + A Play in Four Acts + +Author: Clyde Fitch + +Release Date: July 4, 2005 [EBook #16198] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HER OWN WAY *** + + + + +Produced by David Garcia, Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. + + + + + +HER OWN WAY + + + + +[Illustration: Macmillan Logo] + + + + +Her Own Way + +_A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS_ + +_By_ + +CLYDE FITCH + + +THE MACMILLAN COMPANY +_NEW YORK MCMVII_ +LONDON: MACMILLAN & CO., LTD. + + + + +COPYRIGHT, 1907, +BY THE MACMILLAN COMPANY. +ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. + +Set up and electrotyped. Published April, 1907. + +All acting rights, both professional and amateur, are reserved by Clyde +Fitch. Performances forbidden and right of representation reserved. +Application for the right of performing this piece must be made to The +Macmillan Company. Any piracy or infringement will be prosecuted in +accordance with the penalties provided by the United States Statutes:-- + +"SEC. 4966.--Any person publicly performing or representing any dramatic +or musical composition, for which copyright has been obtained, without +the consent of the proprietor of the said dramatic or musical +composition, or his heirs or assigns, shall be liable for damages +therefor, such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less +than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every +subsequent performance, as to the Court shall appear to be just. If the +unlawful performance and representation be wilful and for profit, such +person or persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction +be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year."--U.S. REVISED +STATUTES, Title 60, Chap. 3. + +Norwood Press +J.S. Cushing & Co.--Berwick & Smith Co. +Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. + + + + +Transcriber's Note: various printer's errors--typos and missing +punctuation--were corrected for this e-book. + + + + +TO +MAXINE ELLIOTT +AND EVERYTHING IS SAID! +C.F. 1907 + + + + +_HER OWN WAY_ + + +ACT I. THE PLAYROOM. + +_Ten days elapse._ + +ACT II. THE DRAWING-ROOM. + +_Eight months elapse._ + +ACT III. GEORGIANA'S ROOM. + +_Four weeks elapse._ + +ACT IV. THE DRAWING-ROOM. + + +PLACE--NEW YORK. + + + + +_THE PEOPLE IN THE PLAY_ + + +GEORGIANA CARLEY. +MRS. CARLEY Her step-mother. +MRS. STEVEN CARLEY Her sister-in-law, born "Coast," + and daughter of Mrs. Carley by a former marriage. +PHILIP } +CHRISTOPHER } Children of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Carley. +TOOTS } +ELAINE From next door. +LIZZIE Mrs. Carley's maid. +MISS BELLA SHINDLE "The Lady Hair-dresser." +LIEUTENANT RICHARD COLEMAN. +SAM COAST Louise Carley's own cousin. +STEVEN CARLEY Georgiana's brother. +MOLES Butler to the Carleys. +A FOOTMAN At the Carleys. + + + + +Produced at the Star Theatre, Buffalo, September 24, 1903, and on +September 28, 1903, at the Garrick Theatre, New York, with the following +cast:-- + +Georgiana Carley Miss Maxine Elliott +Mrs. Carley Miss Eva Vincent +Mrs. Steven Carley Miss Nellie Thorne +Philip Master Donald Gallaher +Christopher Miss Beryl Morse +Toots Miss Mollie King +Elaine Miss Marie Hirsch +Lizzie Miss Susanne Perry +Miss Bella Shindle Miss Georgie Lawrence +Lieutenant Richard Coleman Mr. Charles Cherry +Sam Coast Mr. Arthur Byron +Steven Carley Mr. R.C. Herz +Moles Mr. Francklyn Hurleigh +Footman Mr. B.M. Parmenter + + + + +Produced at the Lyric Theatre, London, in May, 1905, and afterward at +the Savoy Theatre, London, with the following cast:-- + +Georgiana Carley Miss Maxine Elliott +Mrs. Carley Mrs. Fanny Addison Pitt +Mrs. Steven Carley Miss Nellie Thorne +Philip Master Donald Gallaher +Christopher Miss Beryl Morse +Toots Miss Mollie King +Elaine Miss Marie Hirsch +Lizzie Miss Susanne Perry +Miss Bella Shindle Miss Georgie Lawrence +Lieutenant Richard Coleman Mr. Charles Cherry +Sam Coast Mr. James Carew +Steven Carley Mr. R.C. Herz +Moles Mr. Francklyn Hurleigh +Footman Mr. B.M. Parmenter + + + + +ACT I + + +_The nursery. Half-past two in the afternoon. A cool, delightful white +room, with a frieze of children playing in the ocean spray; shelves of +bright-colored books on the walls, and the months of a large calendar by +Elizabeth Shippen Green framed underneath. There is a deep bow-window at +the back; the principal door is at the Left, and a smaller one on the +Right. Toys of all sizes, for all ages, are scattered about with a +holiday air. There is a sofa on the Right and a hobby horse on the +Left._ + +_There are four charming though somewhat spoiled children, with +intermittent manners, with napkins tied up under their chins, sitting +around the table, which is a little to the right of the centre of the +room._ + +_The_ FOOTMAN _is busy removing the plates; the butler,_ MOLES, _who +stands behind_ PHILIP, _always takes_ PHILIP'S _plate. It is_ PHILIP'S +_birthday._ LIZZIE _stands behind_ ELAINE. _In the centre of the table +is a large cake with seven candles burning on it._ + +PHILIP. What comes next? + +CHRISTOPHER. Soup! + +[LIZZIE _and_ MOLES _suppress smiles, exchanging looks of delighted +appreciation of_ CHRISTOPHER'S _humor._ + +TOOTS. Ice cream! + +ELAINE. Don't be absurd, Christopher, we've _had_ soup. + +CHRISTOPHER. I like it! + +TOOTS. I like ice cream! + +ELAINE. [_To_ TOOTS.] Sh! + +PHILIP. What comes next, Moles? + +MOLES. I don't know, sir. + +[_He goes out._ + +ELAINE. T'ain't manners to ask, anyway, Phil. + +PHILIP. Who cares! It's my birthday! + +CHRISTOPHER. When will it be my birthday? + +[_The_ FOOTMAN _reënters with plates, followed by_ MOLES, _with silver +dish of croquettes._ + +PHILIP. Here it comes; what is it? + +MOLES. Chicken croquettes, sir. + +PHILIP. Left overs! Had chicken yesterday! Bring 'em here first! + +MOLES. No, ladies first, sir. + +[_Serves_ ELAINE. + +LIZZIE. And besides, Miss Elaine is company. + +[MOLES _serves_ CHRISTOPHER. + +PHILIP. That's all right. S'long it's Elaine, everything goes! + +ELAINE. Phil! + +[_Sliding down from her chair, she runs to him and kisses him._ + +PHILIP. [_Hopelessly embarrassed._] Don't! not in front of everybody! + +ELAINE. But I do love you, Phil, and you're my beau, and I'm so glad +it's your birthday. + +[_Goes back to her place unashamed and contented._ + +[MOLES _serves_ PHILIP. + +LIZZIE. You oughtn't to talk about beaux at your age, Miss--ought Miss +Elaine? + +[_To_ MOLES _with a knowing glance._ + +MOLES. I ain't discussing the sex with you, Lizzie, but I will say all +the girls I've known, began talking about beaux early and ended late. + +CHRISTOPHER. I heard Lizzie and Moles talking about Aunt Georgiana's +beau! + +LIZZIE. Sh! + +[FOOTMAN _goes out with the croquette dish._ + +ELAINE. Mr. Dick Coleman's Miss Carley's beau! + +PHILIP. No, he isn't! Mr. Dick's known Aunt Georgiana always, they're +just little boy and girl friends. Lizzie says she's Cousin Sammy Coast's +sweetheart. + +LIZZIE. [_Indignant, though convulsed._] I never did! + +PHILIP. Yes, you did! To Maggie when you thought I wasn't paying +attention. + +[LIZZIE _and_ MOLES _exchange amused glances._ + +ELAINE. But Mr. Coast's your auntie's cousin; and your cousin can't be +your beau. + +PHILIP. He ain't any relation to Auntie Georgiana. Mamma said so. Mr. +Coast's mamma's cousin, and grandma's nephew, but grandma isn't any real +relation to auntie. + +CHRISTOPHER. How? + +PHILIP. I don't know how, only Aunt Georgiana had a different mamma, she +didn't have grandma. + +ELAINE. And the same papa! + +PHILIP. Not all the time, mamma had another papa first. + +CHRISTOPHER. It's sort of mixy, isn't it? + +PHILIP. Yes, I guess mamma and Aunt Georgy are sort of divorced sisters! + +ELAINE. Oh! + +[_As if that explained it._ + +TOOTS. [_Beating the table._] Lemmlelade! lemmlelade! + +[MOLES _crosses to pitcher and serves_ TOOTS _first, then the others._ + +PHILIP. Toots, you're getting tipsy! + +[_The children laugh._ + +CHRISTOPHER. Cousin Sammy comes to see Aunt Georgiana nearly every day. + +PHILIP. Yes--he's begun to bring toys just like some of the others did. + +CHRISTOPHER. [_With his mouth full._] Hobby horse! Hobby horse! + +[_Pointing to the hobby horse._ + +LIZZIE. Don't talk with your mouth full, Mr. Christopher. + +PHILIP. [_Shouting._] He'll choke! He'll choke! + +[_All laugh, tremendously amused._ + +MOLES. Mr. Coast is a very fine gentleman. + +PHILIP. Oh, I know! I saw him give you a dollar the other day, when he +came to see auntie, and you advised his waiting and said auntie'd be in +by five. + +LIZZIE. Isn't he a case! + +MOLES. He certainly is. + +[_Returns pitcher to table on the Left._ + +CHRISTOPHER. I like Mr. Dick best. He's always taking us places and +things. + +TOOTS. [_Who has finished his croquette and is now ready for +conversation._] Um! Circus! + +PHILIP. And not just 'cause he's stuck on auntie. + +MOLES. You oughtn't to use that expression, Mr. Philip. + +PHILIP. Why not! you do. I heard you tell Lizzie you were stuck on her +last Sunday. + +LIZZIE. [_Blushing._] Oh, my! + +CHRISTOPHER. Mr. Dick's a soldier! + +PHILIP. Yes, siree! He helped stop a strike of street cars in Brooklyn. +His name was in the papers! + +CHRISTOPHER. He was hurted bad, and if he was dead, he'd have a +monnyment with "Hero" embroidered on it. Aunt Georgiana said so! + +ELAINE. I should think Miss Georgiana was too old, anyway, to have +beaux. + +CHRISTOPHER. Oh, awful old! + +LIZZIE. Oh! Miss Carley isn't so old! + +PHILIP. Yes, she is, too! She's our old maid aunt. + +ELAINE. If she wasn't old, she'd be married. It must be awful to be so +old. + +PHILIP. She's nearly thirty, I guess. + +ALL THE CHILDREN. Oh! + +[_Loud and long._ + +CHRISTOPHER. You'll be deader soon after thirty, won't you? + +TOOTS. [_Crying._] I don't want Auntie Georgiana to be a deader! + +PHILIP. [_Bored._] Shut up! + +LIZZIE. [_Comes to_ TOOTS _and comforts him_.] Toots, dear! + +PHILIP. I'm glad Aunt Georgiana's an old maid, 'cause I don't want her +to leave us. + +[FOOTMAN _enters and stands at the Right_.] + +She gave me my birthday party. + +MOLES. Yes, and this whole house'd miss your aunt, I can tell you that, +Mr. Philip. [_Takes away the plates._] She just keeps things going +smooth with everybody. + +PHILIP. I told her I saw you kiss Lizzie on the back stairs, Saturday. + +MOLES. What! + +[_Gives dishes to the_ FOOTMAN. + +LIZZIE. He didn't! He didn't! + +PHILIP. Yes, that's what Aunt Georgiana said, but I know better, and so +does she, I guess! + +LIZZIE. Isn't he a case! + +[MOLES _goes out with the_ FOOTMAN. + +PHILIP. Now what? + +CHRISTOPHER. Soup! + +PHILIP. Ice cream! I want ice cream! + +LIZZIE. Sh! + +ELAINE. My mamma don't let my brothers behave so at the table. + +PHILIP. Neither don't we, 'cept our birthdays. + +[MOLES _reënters with a tray and plates._ + +CHRISTOPHER. What is it? + +PHILIP. [_Screams._] Eeh! Ice cream! It's ice cream! + +LIZZIE. Sh! + +PHILIP. Go ahead, dish it out! + +[_Laughs._ + +[MOLES _serves ice cream to_ ELAINE, _then to_ PHILIP, TOOTS, _and_ +CHRISTOPHER. + +CHRISTOPHER. Mr. Dick Coleman is gooder as Cousin Sammy Coast. + +ELAINE. Aunt Georgiana is goodest as him! + +CHRISTOPHER. Aunt Georgiana is gooder as mamma! + +TOOTS. And most goodest as grandma. + +[LIZZIE _exchanges a glance with_ MOLES _and goes out Right._ + +PHILIP. Grandma! Rats! + +MOLES. [_To_ PHILIP.] Sh! + +PHILIP. [_Shouts._] Stop, Chris! He's taking too much ice cream! + +ALL THE CHILDREN. Chris! Chris! + +[_They keep up the clamor, laughing and shouting, till_ LIZZIE _comes +back._ + +LIZZIE. Children! here comes grandma. + +PHILIP. [_Disgusted._] Oh, pshaw! + +CHRISTOPHER. Don't want grandma. + +LIZZIE. Sh! + +[MRS. CARLEY _comes in from the Right. She is a middle-aged woman, of +faded prettiness and frivolous manner. Every line and bit of character +has been massaged out of her face. There is a sudden, embarrassed, and +gloomy silence on the part of the children._ + +MRS. CARLEY. Well, children, having a lovely party? + +PHILIP. [_Grudgingly._] Yes, ma'am! + +ELAINE. [_Politely._] Yes, ma'am. + +CHRISTOPHER. Aunt Georgiana's party! + +MRS. CARLEY. Yes, dear, it's too bad mamma is ill in bed. She says when +you are all through, you may come up and say how do you do, while she +kisses Phil. [_Silence._] That will be nice, won't it? + +PHILIP. [_Grudgingly._] Yes, ma'am. + +ELAINE. Yes, ma'am. + +CHRISTOPHER. Yes, ma'am. + +TOOTS. No! + +MRS. CARLEY. We are glad you could come in, Elaine, and help celebrate +Philip's birthday. + +ELAINE. Thank you, ma'am! + +[TOOTS _is mashing his ice cream strenuously with a spoon._ + +MRS. CARLEY. Toots! don't be naughty and don't mash your ice cream up +like that. + +TOOTS. I like it. + +CHRISTOPHER. Me too--it makes soup! + +[_Copying_ TOOTS. + +MRS. CARLEY. Your collar's crooked, Chris. + +[_Arranging it._ + +CHRISTOPHER. Ouch! + +[_Squirming._ + +MRS. CARLEY. Phil, shall grandma cut your cake for you? + +PHILIP. No, ma'am, Auntie Georgiana's going to cut it. + +MRS. CARLEY. Oh, very well. How's your mamma, Elaine? Is she going to +the big ball to-morrow? + +ELAINE. Yes, ma'am. + +MRS. CARLEY. We feel dreadfully. Philip's mamma's illness prevents our +going. + +ELAINE. Mamma said you weren't invited. + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Pats_ PHILIP _on the head, to his great disgust and +discomfort._] Your mamma had better mind! Your mamma is mistaken! +Good-by, children, grandma is sorry she can't stay and have a good time +with you. I am going to call, Elaine, on the Countess of Worling, Mrs. +Tom Cooley's daughter. I don't think your mother knows them. Good-by, +dears, enjoy yourselves. + +[_She goes out Left._ + +[_Silence till the door is well shut behind grandma, and then the +children break out with shouts, all of them, of "Good-by, Grandma. +Good-by," repeated ad lib. Then they calm down._ + +PHILIP. Bully! Grandma's gone! + +CHRISTOPHER. Ice cream! + +ALL THE CHILDREN. More ice cream! Ice cream! + +PHILIP. Let's see. + +[MOLES _hands him the ice cream dish._ + +CHRISTOPHER. [_To_ PHILIP.] Can I have some more, or will it make me +sick? + +PHILIP. [_Serves the children._] No, there's plenty. When there isn't +enough, mamma always says it will make us sick. + +CHRISTOPHER. And papa--when we have company unexpected, and there isn't +enough of anything, papa always says F.H.B. + +PHILIP. F.H.B. + +ELAINE. Why? + +CHRISTOPHER. He says it means Family Hold Back, and we all have to say +"No, thank you," when it comes around! Do you like grandma, Phil? + +PHILIP. Naw! Grandma's no good. + +[MOLES _goes out with the empty ice cream dish._ + +TOOTS. No good, grandma! + +[_A knock outside the door Left._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Outside._] Hello! Hello! + +PHILIP. [_Delighted._] Aunt Georgiana! + +ALL THE CHILDREN. Aunt Georgiana! + +GEORGIANA. [_Outside._] Is this a private room at Sherry's, or may an +old maid aunt come in? + +ALL. No! Yes! Come in--come on in! + +[_They clatter on the table with their spoons, and shout "Hurrah! Aunt +Georgiana!" as_ GEORGIANA _enters. She is a beautiful creature, about +thirty, and in the very height of health and spirits--an American Beauty +rose the moment before it opens. She is flushed after her quick walk in +the bracing, sunshiny winter's day. No wonder the children--and +others--adore her!_ + +GEORGIANA. What a good time! + +CHRISTOPHER. Oh, we're having the beautifulest time, Auntie! + +PHILIP. Great! + +ELAINE. Perfectly lovely! + +TOOTS. Um! Ice cream! Lots! + +GEORGIANA. That's good! Stuff all you can, Toots! Are you ready to cut +the cake? + +ALL THE CHILDREN. Yes! Yes! + +PHILIP. We waited for you. + +CHRISTOPHER. We wouldn't let grandma. + +[GEORGIANA _drops her furs on the sofa and then comes to the table._ + +GEORGIANA. There's a ring in it. Whoever gets it will be married in a +year. + +[_Starts to cut the cake._ + +TOOTS. I want the ring! + +PHILIP. Hush up, you're only a baby! + +[_A loud knock on the door Left._ + +GEORGIANA. Oh, yes, I forgot. Cousin Sam wants to wish you many happy +returns, Philip. May he come in? + +PHILIP. Pshaw! Another man! + +CHRISTOPHER. [_In a "stagewhisper" to_ ELAINE.] He's the one--auntie's +sweetheart! + +GEORGIANA. [_Amused._] Nonsense, Christopher, that's silly talk. Stop +that for good! [_Loud knocks repeated. To_ PHILIP.] May Cousin Sam come +in? [PHILIP _nods_.] All right, he's got some presents! Come in, Mr. +Coast. + +[COAST _comes in and goes straight to_ PHILIP. SAM COAST _is a tall, +slender, but strong-looking man, rather "raw-boned." He is dressed most +fashionably and most expensively,--over-dressed, in fact, and yet not +too vulgarly. A man of muscle and nerve, who makes his own code and +keeps his own counsel._ + +COAST. Shake, Phil. + +[_Shakes his hand._ + +PHILIP. [_His hand hurt._] Golly! He can squeeze, can't he, Aunt +Georgiana? + +GEORGIANA. Well, really! Miss Elaine Jackson--Mr. Coast. + +ELAINE. [_Embarrassed, rises, and curtseys._] How do you do? + +COAST. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Hello, rest of you. + +CHRISTOPHER and TOOTS. Hello! + +CHRISTOPHER. Are you Auntie Georgiana's beau? + +COAST. Yes! + +GEORGIANA. Chris! + +CHRISTOPHER. Lizzie says so! + +LIZZIE. I never! + +TOOTS, CHRISTOPHER, and PHILIP. Yes, you did! You did too! You did too! + +LIZZIE. [_To_ GEORGIANA.] I never did, miss! + +PHILIP. Yes you did, you did too! + +GEORGIANA. I hope you didn't, Lizzie. You may leave the children with me +now. + +LIZZIE. Yes, ma'am. + +[LIZZIE, MOLES, _and_ FOOTMAN _go out at Right, each taking some plates, +etc._ + +GEORGIANA. [_To_ COAST.] I hope you don't mind. + +COAST. Of course I don't. It's true as far as I'm concerned. + +GEORGIANA. [_Laughing._] It's not! + +COAST. Listen, will you bet? + +GEORGIANA. [_Laughing._] Not before the children! + +PHILIP. Come on, let's cut the cake! + +GEORGIANA. Blow out the candles! + +[_All the children blow out the candles and then get down from the +table._ + +COAST. And here's my contribution to the party. + +[_Brings out six big German mottoes from his pocket, and goes to table +with them._ + +GEORGIANA. [_In pretended excitement._] What? Mottoes! + +ALL THE CHILDREN. [_In delighted chorus_.] Oh, mottoes! + +PHILIP. Are those the silver mines? + +COAST. No! Why? + +[_Laughing and handing the mottoes around, while_ GEORGIANA _cuts the +cake._ + +PHILIP. I heard grandma say the other day, you had pockets full of +silver mines. + +GEORGIANA. The cake's ready! + +[_All take a piece of cake. The children line up and down Centre from +Right to Left:_ ELAINE, TOOTS, PHILIP, CHRISTOPHER. + +COAST. Your motto! + +[_Handing one to_ GEORGIANA. + +GEORGIANA. One for me too! Oh, thank you! + +COAST. Certainly, because I want a bit of cake. I'm after that ring. + +[_Goes up back of table for cake._ + +GEORGIANA. Don't anybody swallow the ring. + +[_All eat the cake and now speak with their mouths full._ + +CHRISTOPHER. I haven't got it yet, Auntie. + +ELAINE. Nor I. + +GEORGIANA. Don't talk. Everybody eat till some one gets it! + +TOOTS. [_Crying._] I can't eat my cake! I can't eat my cake! + +GEORGIANA. Why not, dear? + +TOOTS. 'Cause I haven't got no place! I haven't got no place to put it! + +[_Crying._ + +PHILIP. He's full up! + +GEORGIANA. Never mind, Toots, dear, you shall have a piece for supper. + +TOOTS. Will I have room then? + +CHRISTOPHER. [_A sudden loud and frightened cry._] Oh! Oh! + +ALL. What's the matter? + +[_All gather around_ CHRISTOPHER. + +GEORGIANA. [_Frightened._] What is it, Chris? + +CHRISTOPHER. [_Screaming._] Oh! + +GEORGIANA. What is it, dear? + +CHRISTOPHER. I've swallowed it! + +ALL. What? + +CHRISTOPHER. I've swallowed the ring! + +ELAINE. That isn't fair! + +PHILIP. Just like Chris, 'fraid some one else'd get it. + +GEORGIANA. No, Chris, dear! [_To_ COAST.] What will we do? + +COAST. Chris has made a mistake, here is the ring! [_Finding it in his +own piece of cake._] There weren't two, were there? + +GEORGIANA. No, that's the one! + +CHRISTOPHER. [_Smiling and greatly relieved._] Oh! I guess I 'magined +it, then. + +GEORGIANA. [_Affectionately pretending to shake him._] Well, young man, +you can imagine yourself spanked for giving us all a fright. Now, come +along, the mottoes. [_To_ COAST.] Of course the ring wasn't meant for +you. What are you going to do with it? + +COAST. Keep it. + +GEORGIANA. No, you mustn't; it's the children's! + +COAST. Philip, may I keep the ring? + +PHILIP. [_On the hobby horse._] Yes, sir. + +COAST. And I'll give each one of you a ring in place of it. What kind +will you have, Elaine? + +[_He makes movement towards each child as he asks the question._ + +ELAINE. One big pearl with two great big rubies. + +GEORGIANA. Mercy! Small order! + +COAST. Very well. And you, Phil? + +PHILIP. I don't want any ring. I want a watch and chain. + +COAST. Good! And you, Chris, do you want a ring? + +CHRISTOPHER. I want a gun! + +COAST. All right. [_Writing._] And Toots? + +TOOTS. Nanny goat! + +[_They all laugh._ MOLES _and_ FOOTMAN _enter, answering the bell which_ +GEORGIANA _has rung._ + +GEORGIANA. The table, Moles. + +MOLES. Yes, ma'am. + +[_Takes away small plates, etc.; he then goes out Right, followed by_ +FOOTMAN, _who takes everything else from the table, leaving only the +cover and a false nose left from the mottoes._ + +PHILIP. [_Crosses to_ GEORGIANA _at table._] Grandma's been up and said +we were all to go and see mamma. + +GEORGIANA. Go in your mottoes; that will be great fun! + +ALL THE CHILDREN. Oh, yes! Hurrah! + +[_Running off Left._ + +GEORGIANA. Ssh! Don't shout so; remember poor mamma's headache! + +[_All repeat, "Remember poor mamma's headache" and take hands as they +tip-toe out,_ PHILIP _first,_ ELAINE _second_, CHRIS _third_, TOOTS +_fourth, repeating "Poor mamma's headache" in a whisper till they are +all out._ + +COAST. I can't get this damned thing on. Too bad Cousin Loo's ill. + +GEORGIANA. Oh, she isn't really. Louise is never perfectly well and +happy unless she has something the matter with her, especially if she +has nothing else to do; she's bored to-day, so she's got a headache! +To-night, when there's a big ball to which she is not invited, she'll be +frightfully alarmed about herself for fear of appendicitis, but +to-morrow, when we have smart company at luncheon, she'll recover like a +shot! It's all right for Louise, but it's hard on my brother, who really +adores her. + +[_She sits beside the table._ + +COAST. Adores! Say! That's the word I want to use about you! + +[_Follows_ GEORGIANA _to table, moves chair to front, and sits._ + +GEORGIANA. Nonsense, Sam! Do you know anything about some stocks called +United Copper? + +COAST. Rotten! Don't touch it! + +GEORGIANA. My brother had a tip this morning on United Copper and wanted +me to give him some money to put in it. + +COAST. Listen! don't you do it. + +GEORGIANA. I wish you'd use your influence with Steven to help him. + +COAST. How? + +GEORGIANA. You must know how mad he is over speculation? But perhaps you +don't know that he has gone through all his own money, and, if she'll +let him, he'll go through his wife's next. [_Smiling._] Then I suppose +it would be my turn! + +COAST. Why doesn't he keep out of it? + +GEORGIANA. He can't, we must keep it out of him! Out of his blood! + +COAST. There's only one way. + +GEORGIANA. What? + +COAST. Ruin him! + +GEORGIANA. That's too anarchistic! You speculate. + +COAST. But I always win! + +GEORGIANA. Can't you teach him? + +COAST. Listen, if I could do that, I'd be the richest man in the world +before I got through. + +GEORGIANA. Can't you give Steve a tip on some sure things? + +COAST. There ain't any sure things. + +GEORGIANA. Why, other friends of Steve are always "putting him on to +something good." + +COAST. And what happens? + +GEORGIANA. [_Smiling distressfully._] Well, he does lose, usually. + +COAST. I guess so! + +GEORGIANA. But you must often have inside information. + +COAST. And how much is that worth? + +[_Takes up the false nose from table._ + +GEORGIANA. Well, it usually costs Steve all he has! But I thought you-- + +COAST. [_Interrupting._] Miss Georgiana, you see this false nose? + +GEORGIANA. Yes. + +COAST. [_Putting it on._] Well, now what do I look like? + +GEORGIANA. [_Laughing._] I shouldn't like to say! + +COAST. Exactly! Well, see? That's what I'd be if I believed in tips and +"inside information." If a man gives your brother a good tip, let him +drop it like hot lead. People with a real good tip ain't giving it away. +There's never enough to divide up and go around,--not in this +world,--and inside information that gets told to a lamb like your +brother is too damned outside information for me! + +[_He rises and moves away, half in irritation, half in humor._ + +GEORGIANA. Oh! Oh! + +COAST. Pardon. + +GEORGIANA. Are you as rich as people say? + +COAST. Richer! + +GEORGIANA. How did you get it? + +COAST. I started my dough with a mine. + +GEORGIANA. Why can't you put Steve into a mine? + +COAST. [_Laughing._] What's the use? he'll lose everything just as quick +in Wall Street. + +GEORGIANA. But I mean a good mine. + +COAST. [_Coming back to her._] Listen! I worked right in our mine with +my father when I was only eight years old! That's why I ain't better +educated--I worked for ten years there down in the dirt and muck! + +GEORGIANA. [_Interrupting._] And silver! + +COAST. [_Leaning on the back of the chair._] Yes, and silver. +[_Laughs._] Father's out there working yet--don't have to now, but he +likes it; he ain't comfortable on top of the earth--says there's too +much room. If father'd been a man like Mackay, I guess he'd been just as +rich as him to-day. + +GEORGIANA. And still you won't help Steve? + +COAST. T'ain't business. [_He puts back his chair and leans toward_ +GEORGIANA, _hand on table._] If helping him, mind you, would get you, I +might take it on. [_Humorously._] I'd pay even the price of Steve to buy +you. + +GEORGIANA. [_Taking the false nose and putting it on._] Well, I'm not +for sale. [_Rises._] But I would like to dispose of Steven. + +COAST. Go on, please take that blame thing off. + +[_Follows_ GEORGIANA _across the room to the Left._ + +GEORGIANA. No, I like it! You must understand this about my brother. +[_Taking off the nose._] He is the dearest, best fellow in the world! +kind-hearted and wouldn't do a thing that wasn't straightforward in +business. + +COAST. But you've got to be tricky if you want to succeed in our +business. I don't mind telling you right out between us, I'm tricky! + +GEORGIANA. I'm sorry to hear it. + +COAST. Louise was a pretty good liar when she was a kid. She ought to +help her husband along a little. + +GEORGIANA. That's just it! if Steve had the right sort of wife,--but all +Louise wants is social position and more money. + +[_She sits on the hobby horse, amusedly._] + +COAST. If Louise was like you! + +[GEORGIANA _puts the nose on quickly and rocks._ + +GEORGIANA. Heaven forbid! The only trouble with Steve is he's weak. He'd +have been all right if he'd been a girl--or married to a president of +Sorosis, or a daughter of the Present Revolution! + +COAST. Miss Georgiana, take off that nose and let me ask you something. + +GEORGIANA. Not at all, my dear Sammy. I know what it is you want to ask +me! I'm much obliged and I won't. + +COAST. You won't marry me! + +GEORGIANA. No! + +COAST. Why not? + +GEORGIANA. Because I don't love you. + +COAST. Who do you love? + +GEORGIANA. That's not your business! + +COAST. Do you love any one? + +GEORGIANA. [_After a moment's hesitation, lies._] No! + +COAST. [_With insinuation._] Why don't you get Dick Coleman to help +Steven? + +GEORGIANA. [_Taking off the nose._] Why do you ask me that now in that +way? + +COAST. Information! + +GEORGIANA. Dick's a lawyer. What could he do for Steven? + +COAST. That's not the information I wanted. + +GEORGIANA. But it's all the information you'll get! + +[_Gets off the hobby horse and comes down a little._ + +COAST. [_Follows her._] Georgiana, marry me, and I'll look after Steven +all the rest of his life. + +GEORGIANA. Sammy, you don't want me to marry you if I don't love you. + +COAST. Yes, I do. Listen! I'd risk your not loving me; there's nothing +on God's earth I wouldn't do to make you love me. + +GEORGIANA. That's the trouble with you men, you think you can make a +woman love you whether she wants to or not, but you can't!--neither can +you keep her from loving you if she does, whether she wants to or not. + +[_Throws nose away; crossing to the Left, sits in the rocking chair +there._ + +COAST. I'd give you everything! + +GEORGIANA. That you can buy! + +COAST. Do you mean that you'd rather be dead poor than marry me? + +GEORGIANA. No, I don't say that! When I've lost everything and Steven +and Louise are bankrupt, and we haven't a penny-- + +COAST. Yes! + +GEORGIANA. I might--I say I might-- + +COAST. Honest! + +GEORGIANA. [_Laughing._] Oh, dear, no! + +COAST. I take you at your word, anyhow. + +[_The children's voices are heard._ + +CHILDREN. [_Off Left._] Come on back to our room and have some more +fun. + +GEORGIANA. Sh! Here come the children. + +[_Rises._ + +COAST. Damn the children! + +GEORGIANA. Sam! + +[_She puts finger up,_ COAST _kisses it._ + +COAST. Pardon! But I don't give up! Understand--I'm going to marry you! + +GEORGIANA. [_Teasing him._] When? When? + +[_The children rush in screaming._ + +THE CHILDREN. Aunt Georgiana! Here's papa! Here's papa! + +[_And_ STEVEN CARLEY _enters Left. He is a slender, smooth-shaven, +young-old looking man, his voice and body almost vibrating with nerve; a +personality that so often appeals to the tenderness in women, while it +irritates men. He brings his hat and coat with him._ + +STEVEN. Hello, Sam! + +COAST. Morning! + +STEVEN. Many happy returns, Georgy. + +GEORGIANA. Oh, no, thank you! It's not for me yet, thank goodness! + +PHILIP. Now let's play hide and seek. + +THE CHILDREN. Hide and seek! + +LIZZIE. [_Entering Left._] Excuse me, please. Mrs. Jackson's maid is +here for Miss Elaine. + +PHILIP. Oh, pshaw! + +CHRISTOPHER. Don't you go! + +ELAINE. Oh, yes, I must! I'm sorry! [_She goes up stage with great +diffidence to_ STEVEN _and shakes his hand as she curtseys.]_ Good-by, +sir. [_To_ COAST _also._] Good-by, sir. [_To_ GEORGIANA.] Good-by, +ma'am, I've had a perfectly lovely time. [_Aside to_ GEORGIANA.] Phil +is my beau, but I like Mr. Coast awfully much too! + +GEORGIANA. [_Laughing._] You're beginning early! Come along, children, +we'll take Elaine down. Excuse me, everybody, please. + +PHILIP. If you've got any good tips, papa, save some for little brother. + +[_The children go out Left with_ GEORGIANA. + +STEVEN. [_Putting his hat and coat down on the sofa._] He's on to his +father early! Sam, any news? + +COAST. No. + +STEVEN. I've heard of a big thing, an absolutely straight tip,--inside +information. + +COAST. [_Sitting in the rocker._] Well, don't tell it, or you'll spoil +it. + +STEVEN. The women are so down on my speculating, Georgiana especially. + +[_Sits on the table._ + +COAST. What do the women folks know about business? Why don't you keep +what you do to yourself? + +STEVEN. But you see my money's all gone, and I need more--only to recoup +with. + +COAST. [_After a slight pause._] As I remember, you can do what you like +with Louise's money. + +STEVEN. But is it right? + +COAST. You're too blamed afraid, that's why you always lose. + +STEVEN. [_Walking up and down._] I know it. And this is the biggest +chance I've had yet. If I dared risk it, I'm sure I could make a +fortune! Not in words! I know what I'm talking about, Sam. Louise would +have everything she wanted--and the way she'd live then! She could drop +the social chip off her shoulders, go anywhere, and receive everybody. + +[_Standing beside the table, he eats a little cake._ + +COAST. Well? + +STEVEN. Do you advise me to risk it? + +COAST. [_Pretending indifference._] What? + +STEVEN. Louise's money? + +COAST. I ain't advising anything. If it went wrong, you'd blame me to +the women. + +STEVEN. Is that the kind of a man I am? + +COAST. [_Rises and goes to Steven and slaps him on the back._] No, +Steve, I take it back. You take a licking better'n any feller I ever +saw. + +STEVEN. Experience! But this thing can't go wrong! The man who told me +is the head and--I told Georgiana--didn't she give you a hint? + +COAST. [_After a slight pause._] No. + +[_Turns up to the window and stands there with his back to Steven._ + +STEVEN. My tip's a great one--safe! Now, shall I take it? + +COAST. Of course, when I feel as you do about a thing, I do it. + +STEVEN. And by George, I will too! + +COAST. Why not? + +[_Turning and facing him._ + +STEVEN. Yes! what I make's for Louise, not for myself. + +COAST. I wouldn't say anything to Louise about it. + +[_Comes down a little._ + +STEVEN. No, she'd be sure to talk it over with Georgiana. + +[_He sits by the table._ + +COAST. And, say, not a word, you know, about me in all this. + +STEVEN. I give you my word, Sam. + +COAST. Why not let the old lady in, too, Aunt Laura, if it's such a good +thing? + +[_He gives a side look at_ STEVEN. + +STEVEN. Didn't they tell you? + +COAST. What? + +STEVEN. I put mother into East Mexicos! + +COAST. Gee! + +[_Whistles, crosses to the sofa Right, and sits on_ GEORGIANA'S _furs; +jumps up quickly, moves the furs, and then sits again._ + +STEVEN. That was an extraordinary thing. No one knows how it happened, +but she lost every cent. + +COAST. But-- + +STEVEN. Dear old Georgiana pays the interest for me, and the old lady +doesn't know. + +COAST. Georgiana's a damn fine girl. + +STEVEN. She is! I'll pay her back out of this coup, too, another good +thing. + +COAST. Fine! + +STEVEN. I believe I'll go back down town now. + +[_Both rise and go Left as_ MOLES _comes in._ + +COAST. All right. Come on, we'll go together. + +STEVEN. Good! + +MOLES. Please, sir, may I speak to you a minute, Mr. Carley? + +COAST. I'll wait downstairs, Steve. + +[_He goes out Left._ + +STEVEN. Yes, Moles? + +MOLES. The champagne is out, sir. + +STEVEN. Order another case. + +MOLES. I did, three days ago, over the telephone, and I called them up +yesterday to ask about it, and they said your bill was so long +outstanding they'd please like it settled before filling any future +orders. + +STEVEN. Tell Mrs. Carley; the household bills are her affair, aren't +they? + +MOLES. She says there is some mistake. She gave you a check for the wine +bill last month, sir. + +STEVEN. Did she? Oh, of course she did. It was the day I heard about +Alabama Rails and I bought a couple on margin! They're down just now. +The wine people must wait. + +[_Dismissing him._ + +MOLES. But we've a big luncheon, sir, to-morrow and no wine. + +STEVEN. Very well, then, I'll get Miss Georgiana to give you a check. I +don't want to bother Mrs. Carley, she's got a headache. + +MOLES. The wages are due, sir, and the trades books weren't settled last +month. + +STEVEN. Well, I'll attend to it all to-morrow or next day, Moles. Give +me my coat, will you? [MOLES _gets the coat from the sofa and hands it +to_ STEVEN.] I've been short of ready money for a little while, but +things are looking up. By the way, you're a good sort; I'd like to do +you a good turn. I happen to be on to something, Moles, on to something +down in Wall Street. Would you like to make a little money? + +MOLES. [_Brightening visibly._] Indeed and I would, sir. I've got two +thousand three hundred and sixteen dollars in my savings bank, and I've +heard of how these Wall Street magnums made fortunes out of less'n that. + +STEVEN. I'll double it for you! You get it for me, Moles, and I'll make +it into five or six thousand for you, sure! + +MOLES. Thank you, sir! + +STEVEN. [_Writes in note book._] I'll put in an order to buy for you the +first thing in the morning; and you have your money down at my office +by ten o'clock, can you? + +MOLES. Yes, sir, I can get off in the morning. I can't thank you enough, +sir! + +STEVEN. Oh, that's all right,--we'll be a rich household here before we +get through, Moles. They'll be telephoning us to please send in some +orders for champagne! + +[_Puts note-book away._ + +MOLES. Oh, don't trouble about these bills, sir. I can hold off the +people a little longer, and I'll order the wine in another place. + +STEVEN. That's a good boy, Moles, then I won't have to bother my sister. + +MOLES. Yes, sir. + +[_He goes out as_ GEORGIANA _and the children enter Left._ + +GEORGIANA. Here's papa! Come along, now, Steve, I've promised the +children a game of hide and go seek! + +STEVEN. All right, I knew father wanted to do something very much,--only +couldn't think what. Of course, it was hide and seek! + +GEORGIANA. Philip must be "it" first! + +PHILIP. All right! + +[PHILIP _goes into the corner Right, with his back to the others. All +hide behind or under the different pieces of furniture_--GEORGIANA +_under the table,_ TOOTS _back of the rocker,_ STEVEN _under the sofa, +etc._ + +PHILIP. [_Impatient._] Are you ready? + +[_Pause._ + +CHRISTOPHER. Not yet! + +[_Getting behind curtains Centre window._ + +PHILIP. Now are you ready? + +[LIZZIE _comes in Left, as soon as_ STEVEN _hides under sofa._ + +GEORGIANA. Not yet! + +[_Getting under the table._ + +LIZZIE. Mr. Carley, please, sir! + +STEVEN. [_Putting his head out from under the sofa._] Yes, Lizzie? + +CHRISTOPHER. Don't turn round, Phil, it's only Lizzie. Wait! + +LIZZIE. Excuse me, but Mr. Coast sent me upstairs to see-- + +STEVEN. Oh, by George, yes! [_Coming out from the sofa._] I forgot. I +must go back down town. + +PHILIP. Oh, pshaw! + +[_About to turn._ + +GEORGIANA. Don't turn, Phil! + +CHRISTOPHER. No, the rest of us is hid! + +STEVEN. I'm sorry, children! Father'd a great deal rather play hide and +seek, but he's got to go to work. It's just like when you'd rather play +but have to study! + +PHILIP. When I get growed, I shan't never do anything I don't want to. + +GEORGIANA. Then you'd be the most wonderful person in the world, and +they'd put you in wax in the Eden Musée! + +STEVEN. [_Kissing_ PHIL, _then_ CHRIS, _then_ TOOTS.] Good-by, dears. + +THE CHILDREN. [_Dolefully._] Good-by. + +[STEVEN _crosses to the door Left._ + +GEORGIANA. Never mind, I'll finish with you. Don't turn around, Phil. + +LIZZIE. [_At the door Left._] Beg pardon, sir, but Moles has been and +told me what you was going to do for him, sir. Would you be considering +it great impertinence if I asked you to take six hundred dollars what +I've saved, sir, and do things with it? + +STEVEN. Certainly, Lizzie, send it by Moles in the morning. + +LIZZIE. [_Delighted._] Oh, thank you, sir! + +STEVEN. I'm glad to do it; you've served us faithfully for some years +now, Lizzie. + +[_He goes out._ + +LIZZIE. He's gone, miss. + +[_She goes out also._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Calls._] Ready! + +[PHILIP _turns and looks about the room, then begins to look under +things. He sees his_ AUNT GEORGIANA _first and is about to touch her, +but she laughingly motions him not to and points out_ TOOTS'S _hiding +place._ + +PHILIP. [_Finding_ TOOTS, _touches him._] You're it! + +TOOTS. [_Very pleased._] I'm it! I'm it! + +[_Jumps up and down._ + +CHRISTOPHER. [_Disappointed._] Somebody find me. + +PHILIP. Oh, come on out from behind the curtain--you're--easy. + +[CHRISTOPHER _comes out. Meanwhile_ COLEMAN _is heard calling, "Hello, +Phil, Phil," outside as he comes up the stairs._ + +PHILIP. [_By the hobby horse._] It's Mr. Dick! + +THE CHILDREN. It's Mr. Dick! + +GEORGIANA. Oh! + +[_Starts to get out from under the table, but_ COLEMAN _enters, so she +crawls back._ + +[LIEUTENANT RICHARD COLEMAN _is a handsome, finely built man of about +thirty-two. He is a West Pointer, is a good oarsman, a crack shot, and a +good fellow all around. No finicking about him, no nerves. Just a sane, +healthy, fine fellow._ + +DICK. Hello! Many happy returns, Phil. [_Shakes hands._] Where's your +Aunt Georgiana! [_Silence._] Is she out? + +PHIL. No, she's under the table! + +CHRISTOPHER AND TOOTS. [_Delighted._] She's under the table! She's under +the table! + +DICK. [_Laughing._] What! + +PHILIP. Hide and seek. + +[DICK _looks under the table; he and_ GEORGIANA _laugh._ + +DICK. Good morning, are you at home? + +GEORGIANA. [_Very embarrassed._] Oh, mercy! Do go away so I can get out! + +DICK. [_Tremendously amused._] Come on out! + +GEORGIANA. No! I can't with you there. [_Laughing_.] Please leave the +room for just one minute! + +DICK. Not if I know it! Come on out! + +GEORGIANA. Not for worlds! Go away, please! [DICK _shakes his head +"No."_] Then I shall never come out. + +DICK. Ah, but that's hardly fair, because I want to talk to you +comfortably. + +GEORGIANA. Well, then, come on under! + +DICK. Is there room? + +GEORGIANA. A cable car conductor who knew his business could seat four +more people in here. + +DICK. Still--I think I'm more comfortable up here. + +GEORGIANA. Selfish! Go on away! [DICK _shakes his head._] Children, if +you love your auntie, go for Mr. Dick with all your might and main and +push him into the hall. + +[_The children shout and rush toward_ DICK; _they catch hold of him._ + +THE CHILDREN. Go away! + +DICK. [_With mock ferocity._] The first child I get hold of I'll +_spank_! + +[_The children laugh and shout and run away from him to behind the +table._ + +THE CHILDREN. Spank! + +GEORGIANA. Ogre! Very well! After all, I'm not vain! It would take +Barnum's human snake to get out of this gracefully, anyway! + +[_Coming out, arranging her dress and hair._ + +DICK. Have some help? + +GEORGIANA. No, thank you. But still, what a horrid person you are, +aren't you? + +[_They both laugh._ + +DICK. _You_ aren't! + +GEORGIANA. O dear me! Making up now with a compliment! Well, what do +you think of my birthday antics? Playing hide and seek--or, perhaps, +trained elephants--doesn't interest you! + +CHRISTOPHER. Lelephants! Oh, Auntie! Is the _circus_ coming? + +[_The children give themselves up to transports._ PHIL _hugs_ TOOTS _and +repeats "Circus."_ + +GEORGIANA. No, darling, but this circus is going--your old-maid aunt--to +put herself to rights! + +DICK. You couldn't improve on present appearances! + +GEORGIANA. Really! Such fine speeches! But they don't go with your +manners! Would you like to join in the game? + +PHILIP. Oh, yes! Hurrah! + +[_Runs to_ DICK, _when_ MRS. CARLEY _comes in from the Left._ + +MRS. CARLEY. Well! What's going on? + +PHILIP. Birthdays! + +MRS. CARLEY. Not for me! + +GEORGIANA. Don't you want to play hide and go seek, mother? + +MRS. CARLEY. I'm playing it all the time with old age! That's enough! + +GEORGIANA. Well, excuse me, please, while I repair damages. + +[_She goes out Right._ + +DICK. [_Calls._] Come back. + +CHILDREN. [_Calling._] Come back! + +MRS. CARLEY. I want the children for a few minutes. + +THE CHILDREN. [_Disappointed._] Oh, Grannie! + +[_She goes to children and drives them off Left ahead of her._ + +THE CHILDREN. Oh, Grandma! + +MRS. CARLEY. Mrs. Vale is downstairs with the twins, to wish Phil many +happy returns. + +[_The children go out Left unwillingly._ MRS. CARLEY _comes back._ + +DICK. Going to spoil our game, Grandma? + +MRS. CARLEY. Don't you grandma me! You're old enough for me to marry +you. + +DICK. Help! + +MRS. CARLEY. Don't worry! Having lost two good husbands, I'm not going +to risk losing a third. + +DICK. I breathe freely once more. + +MRS. CARLEY. I thought Sammy Coast was here. + +DICK. Not since I came. He seems a clever chap! + +MRS. CARLEY. We think so, and we hope so. He adores Georgiana. + +DICK. Oh! + +MRS. CARLEY. Huh! huh! [DICK _walks away._] What do you say to that +match? + +DICK. You don't mean?-- + +[_Turns to_ MRS. CARLEY. + +MRS. CARLEY. Looks like it! It would be a fine thing for both of them. +Sam could give her a fortune, and Georgiana give him a big position. + +DICK. But-- + +MRS. CARLEY. He's crazy about her! Comes here every day--follows her +like a dog. + +DICK. But it isn't-- + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Interrupting._] Not yet, but we don't dare breathe! And +we're on tiptoe for the final word. + +DICK. What does Steven say? + +MRS. CARLEY. Delighted, of course. [_Walks away a little._] I hope you +haven't brought Steve any tips to-day. + +DICK. [_Laughing._] No! + +MRS. CARLEY. Thank goodness! He doesn't seem to have had any this week +and the house has been fairly quiet! [GEORGIANA _comes back._] I must go +to Mrs. Vale. [_Goes out._] + +GEORGIANA. Mother looks pleased. + +DICK. She's never very depressed, is she? + +GEORGIANA. Yes, sometimes,--in the day-time! It's largely a matter of +frocks and bonnets, and depends sometimes on the exact color of her +hair. + +DICK. I often wonder that you keep on living with Mrs. Carley and +Louise. They can't help being beastly uncongenial to you. + +GEORGIANA. But Mrs. Carley brought me up. She did her worst with the +best intentions, and you mustn't forget Steve! [_She sits beside the +table and_ DICK _leans against it to talk to her._] He's my own +brother, you know, and I'm so afraid Louise will finally disillusion him +and spoil his happiness. I'm standing on guard. + +DICK. You think a lot of Steve. + +GEORGIANA. I love him better than any one else in the world. [_She adds +in a very low voice._] Almost! + +[_A short pause._ + +DICK. Steve comes second! + +[_Pause._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Low voice and looking away._] Perhaps. + +DICK. I hope you don't mind my asking you these questions. + +GEORGIANA. No, I like it. + +DICK. I don't want you to tell me anything more than you care to. + +GEORGIANA. [_Turning and half laughing._] That's very good of you. + +DICK. But I _wish_ you'd tell me everything. + +GEORGIANA. My dear Dick, there isn't anything more for me to tell. + +DICK. Oh, very well, if you want to leave it that way. + +[_Moving away._ + +GEORGIANA. Leave what? + +DICK. I mean if that's all you want to tell me. + +GEORGIANA. Why don't _you_ tell _me_ something. + +DICK. That's what I've come to do. + +GEORGIANA. Have you? + +DICK. [_Turns and faces_ GEORGIANA.] Our regiment is ordered off to the +Philippines. + +GEORGIANA. Your regiment? + +DICK. Yes. + +GEORGIANA. [_Breathless._] Who's going? + +DICK. Who? Why, we're going, of course. + +GEORGIANA. All of you? + +DICK. Yes, all of us. There are two insurrections on a couple of +islands that must be put down, and they want some fresh men. + +GEORGIANA. But it will be awful warfare out there, won't it, unfair, +cruel, unlawful warfare? + +DICK. I suppose that's what it's likely to be with the natives until we +teach them a thorough lesson on every one of the infernal islands. + +GEORGIANA. But-- + +[_Hesitates, rises; they are both in front of the table._ + +DICK. But what? + +GEORGIANA. [_Pause._] But your business,--how can you leave your office? + +DICK. There are plenty of people who'll be only too glad to take on my +clients. + +GEORGIANA. But when you come back? + +DICK. If the worst comes to the worst, I'll have to begin all over +again. + +GEORGIANA. No! Don't go--Dick! Don't go! + +DICK. Why not? + +GEORGIANA. [_Humorously, to cover her emotion._] I don't want any one +else to get your clients. + +DICK. Oh, you were thinking of my career! That'll take care of itself if +I come back--and if I don't-- + +GEORGIANA. Please! + +DICK. They said we were a lot of dandies in the regiment, and that if it +ever came to fighting, people'd see us back down! + +GEORGIANA. But need you all go? + +DICK. That's the glory of it! It's fine, Georgy. There isn't a single +man who'll be left behind, not on any old excuse! + +GEORGIANA. Splendid! + +DICK. You do want me to go, then, don't you? + +GEORGIANA. Yes, if it's like that, I want you to go--but--I want you to +come back, too! + +[_Almost breaking down._] + +DICK. Hello! I believe you're crying. + +GEORGIANA. I'm not! + +DICK. [_Tenderly, scarcely believing._] Do you care so much as that, +Georgy? + +GEORGIANA. [_Proudly._] Of course I care! + +DICK. It's funny, isn't it--think how long we've known each other. + +GEORGIANA. [_Still with a choke and a tear._] I don't see why it's +funny. + +DICK. What I mean is, we're sentimental beasts--we people. + +GEORGIANA. Thank you, I don't care for the way you put it. + +DICK. [_Takes a long breath._] Well, I wish you joy, Georgiana. + +GEORGIANA. Much obliged. + +DICK. And good-by. + +[_Shakes hands._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Rises._] Not now, for good. + +DICK. [_Laughing._] Oh, no, we aren't off for ten days yet. But I wanted +to tell my old pal first. + +GEORGIANA. That was good of you. And you'll come in often before you go, +won't you, Dick? + +DICK. You bet! Every chance I get. + +[_Both go up to the window. He has meant to go, but she manoeuvres him +to the big seat instead._ + +GEORGIANA. And anything I can do for you? + +[_She sits._ + +DICK. [_Sitting beside her._] Oh, I don't think there can be anything. + +GEORGIANA. Oh, yes, there is always something women can do for men who +go away to fight. They make things! Let me make something for you. + +DICK. Can't think of anything. Got everything I want. + +GEORGIANA. You're a lucky man to have everything you want--and going off +to the Philippines with a jolly crowd of friends and glad you're going! +I take back all my sympathy, and I wouldn't make you anything now if you +asked me to. + +DICK. And, by George, just when I'd thought of something. + +GEORGIANA. What? + +DICK. [_Laughing._] A court-plaster case! + +GEORGIANA. You can buy one in a drug store. + +DICK. I ought to have some present to carry in my breast pocket; don't +you know bullets are always warded off that way? + +GEORGIANA. Oh, that was in the old romantic days of the nineteenth +century, and then it was a prayer book or a bunch of love letters. +To-day it's much more apt to be a cigarette case! + +[_The children run in, led by_ PHILIP. + +PHILIP. They've gone! Hurrah! They've gone! + +[GEORGIANA _and_ DICK _rise._ + +CHRISTOPHER. They've gone! They've gone! + +[TOOTS _hangs on to_ DICK. + +PHILIP. [_Taking hold of_ GEORGIANA.] Come on, now, our game, or we'll +never have it! + +CHRISTOPHER. Blindman's buff! + +TOOTS. Yes, blindman's buff! + +GEORGIANA. [_To_ DICK.] Are you game? + +DICK. Just one round, and then I must be off. I'll be blindfolded. + +[_Takes out his handkerchief._ + +TOOTS. I want to be blindfolded! + +PHILIP. No! Let Mr. Dick! + +DICK. [_Giving his handkerchief to_ GEORGIANA.] Will you blindfold me? + +GEORGIANA. [_Binds his eyes._] To my faults? + +DICK. That would be Love's Labour Lost. + +GEORGIANA. How do you mean Love's Labour Lost? + +PHILIP. Don't let him peek! + +DICK. And whoever I catch, I kiss! + +PHILIP. No, tell the name first! + +DICK. No, I must play my own game, and that is to kiss her first, and +tell the name afterwards! + +GEORGIANA. Now, turn him around three times, Christopher. [CHRISTOPHER +_does so, holding_ DICK _by the knees._] And keep away, everybody! + +CHRISTOPHER. Ready! + +[_All watch eagerly._ DICK _moves down stage, reaching his arms out as a +blindfolded person does, but always with his arms too high to catch one +of the children._ + +PHILIP. Put your arms lower! + +CHRISTOPHER. Yes, you can only catch Aunt Georgiana that way! + +[GEORGIANA, _happy, pinches_ CHRISTOPHER'S _arm playfully._ DICK _lowers +his arms for a moment, but purposely catches no one. Then he lifts his +arms a little towards_ GEORGIANA, _who cries out and moves, lifting_ +TOOTS _on the table._ DICK _follows the sound of her voice and catches +hold of_ TOOTS'S _head._ + +PHILIP. [_Excited._] Musn't move your hands! + +DICK. Make her kiss me, then. + +[GEORGIANA _leans over, holding_ TOOTS _to one side, and kisses_ DICK +_herself._ + +PHILIP. [_Delighted, calls out._] Guess who! Guess who! + +[GEORGIANA _motions to the children not to tell and moves away._ + +DICK. [_Hearing the voice from where he supposes the kiss came, he lakes +off the bandage. He sees_ TOOTS _and is disappointed._] Why--I thought +it was Georgiana! Toots! You rascal! + +CHRISTOPHER. [_Trying to tell._] But Mr. Dick, Mr. Dick! + +[TOOTS _laughs and claps hands._ GEORGIANA _gets hold of_ CHRISTOPHER +_and holds her hand over his mouth._ GEORGIANA _and_ CHRISTOPHER +_follow_ DICK _to the door Left._ + +GEORGIANA. [_To_ CHRISTOPHER, _to stop his telling._] Sh! [_To_ DICK.] +Good-by! + +DICK. Good-by! + +TOOTS. [_Wanting to tell._] But-- + +PHILIP. Good-by! Good-by! + +GEORGIANA. Good-by Dick! Come soon again! + +DICK. To-morrow! + +GEORGIANA. I'll wait in all day! + +CHRISTOPHER. But Mr. Dick, it was-- + +[GEORGIANA _hushes him with her hand over his mouth._ + +GEORGIANA. Good-by! + +DICK. Good-by! + +[_He goes out Left._ + +CHRISTOPHER, PHILIP, AND TOOTS. Good-by! + +[GEORGIANA _bursts into tears and hugs_ TOOTS _on top of the table._ + +CHRISTOPHER. But it was you, Aunt Georgiana! + +GEORGIANA. Don't any of you tell on auntie! You won't, will you? Let +auntie have her own way. + + + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +ACT II + + +_The drawing-room at the Carleys'. A handsome room in dark wood, with +tapestry on the walls and an old portrait built in over the mantle. The +furniture is gilt, Louis XVI, covered with old crimson brocade. There is +a warmth about the room, a profusion of flowers, some books and +magazines. A piano in the upper left-hand corner, a window with a +balcony at Left. Doors Right and Left._ LOUISE _and_ MRS. CARLEY _are +replacing the furniture, which has been disarranged. Out on the balcony_ +MOLES _is seen, with_ PHILIP _and_ CHRISTOPHER, _arranging an American +flag on the balcony balustrade._ + +LOUISE. Thank goodness, the luncheon's over! + +MRS. CARLEY. Yes, I thought they'd never go, and I've got the Shindle +woman coming to do my hair. + +LOUISE. I noticed it was getting a little dark at the wrong end, mother. + +MRS. CARLEY. What was it Steve said this morning? It was always darkest +before blond! Well, it's lucky I'm good-natured so long as I live in +this family and don't want to grow old. + +LOUISE. What are they doing on the balcony? + +MRS. CARLEY. Dick Coleman's regiment marches by here this afternoon. + +[_She sits by a table Right._ + +LOUISE. Do they start for the Philippines to-day? + +MRS. CARLEY. Yes, and the President is to receive them in front of the +Plaza. + +LOUISE. [_Coming to her._] Have you noticed Steve? + +MRS. CARLEY. No,--has he got a new suit? + +LOUISE. No, something's troubling him. [_Thoughtfully._] I believe he's +been speculating again and has lost. + +MRS. CARLEY. He couldn't; he hasn't got anything more to lose. + +LOUISE. [_Petulantly._] He hasn't played with the children for a week +and he hates going out so lately,--wants to refuse every invitation! +Even the ones you and I've been patting ourselves on the back for +getting! I can't stand it. + +MRS. CARLEY. Quite right, too--if one doesn't go out, where can one go, +and if we don't go anywhere, what are we to do? We can't stay home. +[_Rising, she crosses to mirror on table Left._] I say, dear, what +about having my hair a little redder? + +LOUISE. Let me see! [MRS. CARLEY _faces her_--LOUISE _examines her +critically._] I wouldn't much; if you do, people will say you _dye_ it. + +MRS. CARLEY. I don't care what they say, so long as they don't say it to +my face. Have you had yours massaged this morning? + +LOUISE. Yes, why? + +[_Goes to mirror and, pushing_ MRS. CARLEY _out of the way, examines her +face in the glass._ + +MRS. CARLEY. Nothing, only I think you must have it done religiously, +darling; the crow's feet are beginning to come. + +[_Sits on sofa and begins to crochet on an afghan._ + +LOUISE. Oh, I'm worried to-day and besides, I think our masseuse is +getting careless. [_Turns, goes up to_ MRS. CARLEY, _and sits on the +sofa._] I'm going to change her; she never tells you anything about +anybody, anyway. + +MRS. CARLEY. I told you that the first day she came. She was positively +rude the way she refused to be pumped by me about the people next door. +Do you know I'm worried too. [_Rises, gives_ LOUISE _her work, and again +looks in the glass._] I think my hips are getting bigger. + +LOUISE. Well, my dear mother, you must have hips sometime in your life, +and you've done pretty well. Look at your friend, Mrs. Brint. + +[FOOTMAN _enters with tray, goes to table Right, and collects the small +cups and saucers._ + +MRS. CARLEY. My dear! when Sarah Brint was _married_ she looked like a +widow! [LOUISE _laughs._] It made me so mad seeing the people eat +everything the way they did. + +LOUISE. Mamma, you're so amusing. Of course we do have good food; we +must get people here somehow. + +MRS. CARLEY. And I not daring to eat a thing! Why is it nice things are +all fattening? + +[_The_ FOOTMAN _goes out_. + +LOUISE. [_Rises and comes to_ MRS. CARLEY.] Does it strike you that this +dress of mine makes me look too short-waisted? + +MRS. CARLEY. Turn round. [LOUISE _does so._] Yes! don't wear it again. + +LOUISE. [_Irritated._] Why didn't you tell me before lunch? + +MRS. CARLEY. I didn't notice it! + +LOUISE. [_Angry. Turns to mirror and then to_ MRS. CARLEY.] That's just +it! You don't care! You don't think of me ever! You only think of +yourself! + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Angry._] That's not true. I've sacrificed my life for +you, and for what good? + +LOUISE. What good! Good heavens, haven't Steve and I done everything for +you, lugged you into the best position almost in New York? + +MRS. CARLEY. Yes, that's just it, "_almost!_" Your husband hates me and +you back him up--and keep me in the background! + +LOUISE. I couldn't! You wouldn't stay there. + +[_With a disagreeable laugh._ + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Sits in chair left of the table._] That's it, insult +me,--but I've had enough! I've made up my mind, anyway, to leave your +house and live by myself. + +[_Whimpering._ + +LOUISE. Oh, stop, mamma. You know I didn't mean anything. I'm sorry! + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Crying._] No, I'm in the way. + +LOUISE. You're not in the way. You know I couldn't live without my +darling pretty little mamma. Please stop crying and kiss me. + +[_Puts her arms around her._ + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Still crying._] I haven't anybody in the world but you. + +LOUISE. Don't I know that, don't I know I couldn't get on without you! +There! [_Kisses her._] Now it's all right. Come on, darling, come up and +get your hair dyed. + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Pleasantly._] Sh! don't _call_ it that! + +LOUISE. I am irritable lately, I know it--but I see without our money +even Steve couldn't get us a decent position. We might just as well face +the truth. Certain people don't appreciate you and me, mamma. We aren't +even acquired tastes. + +MRS. CARLEY. No one ever appreciated me long. I was prettier than you +were at your age, and my husbands both fell in love with me at first +sight. But I never wore well. + +[_She takes a magazine from the table and begins to cut the pages._ + +LOUISE. I wonder if Georgiana _will_ marry Sammy! + +MRS. CARLEY. I wish to goodness she would. + +LOUISE. I believe she's in love with Mr. Coleman. + +MRS. CARLEY. No, they've always known each other. + +LOUISE. Well, some people wear better than we do, that's all! and I +believe she's in love with him, whether either of them know it or not. + +[GEORGIANA _comes in Left with_ BELLA SHINDLE. MISS SHINDLE _is a +florid, buxom young person, pleased with herself and all the world. She +carries several packages._ + +GEORGIANA. Here's Bella, mother. + +EVERYBODY. How are you, Bella? + +GEORGIANA. All your guests gone? + +[_She sits left of table._ MRS. CARLEY _goes back of table, and_ LOUISE +_moves to the right._ + +MRS. CARLEY. Yes, thank goodness! You _might_ have been here. + +GEORGIANA. You know I can't stand your would-be smart parties! + +LOUISE. I think they're always angry when they don't see you. + +GEORGIANA. Nonsense! Did you have a good time? Pick everybody else to +pieces? + +LOUISE. No, we all said nice things about Mrs. Lothman. + +GEORGIANA. Mercy! What's the matter with her? + +LOUISE. My dear, she's a perfect nonentity; she might just as well _not_ +exist. + +GEORGIANA. [_Amused._] Well, to tell the truth, I don't care much about +her myself. She's one of those boring creatures who when you ask her how +she is, really tells you! + +MRS. CARLEY. _You_ with fancy work! What in the world are you doing? + +GEORGIANA. I am knitting a tie for Dick! + +MRS. CARLEY. Good gracious. Well, I'll go upstairs and get into +something _loose_. I'll be ready in ten minutes. + +[_She goes out Right._ + +LOUISE. I must see the children; I haven't seen them to-day. + +[_She follows her mother out._ + +BELLA. Miss Carley. + +GEORGIANA. Yes, Bella. + +BELLA. Mr. Coleman, Lieutenant Coleman, is going to the Philippines +to-day. + +GEORGIANA. [_Sighing involuntarily._] Yes, Bella. + +BELLA. I've got a friend going along. + +GEORGIANA. In the company? + +BELLA. Yes--well, I don't mind telling you--he's my young man, Miss +Carley. + +GEORGIANA. Why, Bella, I didn't know you were engaged? + +BELLA. Well, I don't know as you'd call it exactly, yes I _would_ say as +we _was_ engaged--though I haven't got a ring. But we're going to get +married when he comes back, if hugging and kissing is binding, which I +_guess_, with witnesses! He wanted to give me a ring of his mother's, +but I said "No," I wouldn't take that, it was sacred and he'd always +wore it. You see it was an old-fashioned-looking sort of onyx stone with +oyster pearls, and not for me--I'd rather wait. + +GEORGIANA. You have an eye out on the main chance, Bella. + +BELLA. Well, I wasn't born yesterday. Say, all the girls was crazy about +him. I met him to dancing school Tuesday evenings at Adelphi Hall and we +started right in, every Sunday night to church and every Saturday to the +theatre. He enjoyed Sundays best and I Saturdays, but I felt it was +because church was cheapest. He's dreadful economical. + +GEORGIANA. You get more attention than I do from my soldier. You at +least have the consolation of knowing you're the girl he's left behind. + +BELLA. 'Tain't much consolation if I get left for _good_! Say, will you +ask Mr. Coleman to sort o' look after him? Ask him to please put him in +the back row when there's fighting--and keep an eye on his health. I'm +afraid it's dreadful _damp_ being a soldier; and do you know that man +actually catches cold if he forgets his rubbers and it sprinkles? + +GEORGIANA. I don't think he ought to go if he's so delicate; Mr. Coleman +will take an interest in your friend, I know, if I ask him. What's his +name? + +BELLA. Mr. Gootch. + +GEORGIANA. _Mr. Gootch!_ Yes, I can remember that. But, you see, if he's +a soldier he must do his duty, whatever it is. + +BELLA. There's no holding him back! He's jus' as likely as not to lose +his position at Snipleys, Crabford & Snipleys, too, but he _will_ go! +It's surprising to see a man with such a weak chest and delicate feet, +so awful brave and persistent. + +LOUISE. [_Coming back._] I bore the children to death, so I left them. +What are all these bundles, Bella? + +BELLA. Christmas presents. This is just the time of the year to buy, you +know, you can get such bargains! and if there's one thing I think +nicer'n anything else to get cheap, it's Christmas presents. + +GEORGIANA. You should do like Mrs. Carley, Bella, save half of the +things you get one year to give away the next. + +[_She sits by the table and goes on with her work._ + +LOUISE. I always do that. I get so many things I can't bear. + +GEORGIANA. But you must be careful not to send them back to the same +place they came from! That _has_ happened. + +LOUISE. Georgiana! + +[BELLA _laughs out loud and sits on the sofa._ LOUISE _sits opposite_ +GEORGIANA. + +GEORGIANA. What have you got? Sit down and tell us. + +BELLA. Thank you, ma'am. [_Delighted with the opportunity. Taking up the +different parcels._] Well, I've got an elegant pair of scissors for +mother, marked down because of a flaw in the steel, but she's +near-sighted, and she don't want to use 'em anyway--it's just to feel +she has another pair. Scissors is mother's fad--sort of born in her, I +guess, for my mother's mother was a kind of dressmaker. She didn't have +robes and mantucks over her door, you know,--she was too swell for +that,--she went out by the day! And this is a real bronze Louis +ink-stand for my sister's husband, only cost thirty-nine cents and +hasn't got a thing the matter with it, so long as you don't see the +others--if you see the others, you'll observe that there's a naked lady +missing off the top part which I'm glad of anyway as I'm giving it to a +gentleman, and he'll never see the others besides. And this is two boxes +of writing paper; aren't they _huge_! _awful_ cheap with a lovely +picture of an actress on top--Lillian Russell in _Mice and Men_, I +think, on one, and Jean Duresk the Opera Singer in _Lonegrind_ on the +other. The boxes 'av got false bottoms--so there ain't very much writing +material, but the rich effect's there all the same. + +GEORGIANA. [_Laughing._] Bella, you're a wonderful shopper! + +BELLA. And this is a copy of Homer's _Iliad_ for my sister. Do you know +it? Is it nice? Anything like Hall Caine's works, or Mary Corelli's? +She's always been my sister's favorite writeress. You see they've got a +whole counter of these beautifully bound in red and gold, and only +nineteen cents. But it's so hard to decide which to buy. I've about +decided now to take this back and change it for _Lucille_. Which do you +think my sister'd like best, Homer's _Iliad_ or _Lucille_? + +GEORGIANA. I believe she'd prefer _Lucille_, and besides half the fun in +shopping is in the changing one's mind and taking things back, don't you +think so? + +BELLA. Yes, ma'am, I think so. + +[MOLES _enters Left._ + +MOLES. Mr. Coast to see Miss Georgiana, please. + +[BELLA _rises._ + +GEORGIANA. Did you say I was in? + +MOLES. Yes, miss. + +GEORGIANA. What a bore! Very well, Moles. + +[_He goes out._ + +BELLA. I'll be going up to Mrs. Carley, now. + +[_Goes toward the door Right._ + +GEORGIANA. Wait a minute, Bella. I want you to do something for me. +Entertain Sammy, Louise, till I come back. + +[_She goes out with_ BELLA. + +LOUISE. I never was able to entertain Sammy, but I'll do my best. + +[COAST _enters, announced by_ MOLES, _who immediately exits._ + +COAST. Hello, Lou, how goes it? + +LOUISE. Beastly! + +COAST. Where's Miss Georgiana? + +LOUISE. She'll be down in a minute. Sam, do you know what's the matter +with Steve? + +COAST. Probably he's been losing. + +LOUISE. Whose money? + +COAST. Everybody's. + +LOUISE. But can't you help him? + +COAST. No; it's not my business. + +[_Sits on the sofa, putting the pillows out of his way._ + +LOUISE. But he's my husband, and you're my cousin. + +COAST. What's the difference? Twenty years ago, when your father was +rich as Croesus and my guv'ner and I up a stump for--tobacco, anyway, if +not for bread, did he lift a finger to help us? not on your life! That +lets me out! Every man for himself--and listen, if I wanted to starve I +could lose a real good fortune through Steve Carley, without any outside +help. + +LOUISE. I told mother you'd be like that. + +COAST. We're all pretty much alike; she'd recognize the Coast family. + +LOUISE. If you were married to Georgiana, you couldn't ignore her +brother. She isn't like us. + +COAST. Well, if I could get Georgiana, [_Going to_ LOUISE.] I'd be +willing to do a good deal. She's the only woman I can see in this world +my size. + +LOUISE. So I guessed, but if Dick Coleman proposes before he goes to the +Philippines, I wouldn't give much for your chances. + +COAST. Listen, Lou; did you ever know me to lose anything I'd set my +mind on getting. + +LOUISE. No. + +COAST. Well I mean to marry Georgiana, Dick Coleman or no Dick Coleman. +No, I'll put it different from that. I mean to make her love me, +because, by God, I love that woman so I'd do anything, commit a crime +almost, to get her. + +[STEVEN _enters Left and_ COAST _goes up to the mantel._ + +LOUISE. Steve, aren't you up town early? + +STEVEN. A little. + +[_Sits Left._ MOLES _enters._ + +MOLES. Beg pardon, sir. + +LOUISE. What is it, Moles? + +MOLES. [_To_ LOUISE.] Mr. Carley, m'm. [_To_ STEVEN.] Could I speak with +you a few moments, sir? + +STEVEN. I'm very busy to-day, Moles. + +MOLES. But have you noticed sir, this morning, United Copper is lower. + +STEVEN. It can't be helped--go about your business. + +MOLES. But for heaven's sake, Mr. Carley--you said yesterday if it +dropped another point and we couldn't give up any more money, Lizzie and +me'd both lose everything we had. + +STEVEN. I'm sorrier than I can say, but there are lots of others worse +off than you. + +[GEORGIANA _reënters Right._ + +COAST. [_Cynically to_ STEVEN.] You don't mean to say you've been +speculating with Moles's money. + +LOUISE. Moles! + +STEVEN. It was for _himself_, not me, I put him in. + +MOLES. And Lizzie, sir. And we'd counted it up, how if we made all you +said, we could leave service soon, sir, and we could afford a small +house in the country with say _four_ rooms and _one_ baby--Lizzie doing +her own work. + +LOUISE. Do you mean to say, Steve, that your own servants have lost +their earnings through you? + +MOLES. Yes, m'm. + +STEVEN. [_Doggedly._] Put it that way if you like. I meant to do them a +good turn. + +LOUISE. But we can't let that happen; we must pay them back! + +COAST. [_Amused._] Bully for you, Louise! getting generous in your old +age. + +LOUISE. It would ruin us socially if it got out! + +COAST. Oh, I see! + +MOLES. Mr. Carley said it was _sure_, ma'am. + +[COAST _laughs a rather coarse laugh._ + +STEVEN. For heaven's sake, Coast! Go away, Moles. + +[MOLES _goes out Left._ + +COAST. [_To_ STEVEN.] Are they holding on for you? + +STEVEN. They said they'd give me till to-morrow to put up more security. + +[_Sits Right._ + +COAST. What do you need? + +[_No answer._ + +LOUISE. How much more security, Steve? + +[_Goes to_ STEVE. + +STEVEN. Say a hundred and fifty thousand. + +[COAST _whistles_. + +LOUISE. He'd better hold on, Sam, hadn't he; what do you think of the +stock? + +COAST. Don't ask _me_. + +LOUISE. We've got _to risk it_, anyway. Use some of my bonds, Steve. + +STEVEN. Louise! + +LOUISE. Yes, I mean it, we must. + +STEVEN. You don't understand me--we can't use your security. + +LOUISE. Why not? + +STEVEN. [_Rising and half turning away._] Not--again. + +LOUISE. How do you mean "again"? + +STEVEN. Your money is all there, all, already buried in it! + +LOUISE. _All_ my money? _All_ of it! + +STEVEN. Yes, I wanted to win back your mother's, I wanted-- + +[_Interrupted._ + +LOUISE. [_Beside herself._] You wanted! You wanted!! You wanted!!! To +ruin us, that is what I should say you wanted to do!--Do you mean to +say, behind my back, you've gambled away every cent I have, as well as +all my mother's money!?! + +GEORGIANA. No! it's not possible--Steve! + +[_Comes between_ STEVEN _and_ LOUISE. + +STEVEN. When did you come in, Georgy? + +LOUISE. Georgy! [_No answer; she continues hysterically._] He can't deny +it; it's true! And it's rank dishonesty, that's what it is! You've +robbed me, you've robbed my mother, you've robbed your own children! +The papers will call you a-- + +STEVEN. [_Interrupting._] That's not true! I had control of your +money--to do with as I choose, and I did what I thought was for the +best. + +LOUISE. You've never done anything for me that wasn't for the worst! + +[_Walking up and down excitedly._ + +GEORGIANA. Louise! + +LOUISE. It's true! If I can save a cent out of this ruin, I'll take it +and the children away from you! I'll never live with you again! I'll +show you up to all your smart friends who've snubbed me! I'll send you +to state prison if I can! + +[_Sits in the arm-chair down Left._ + +COAST. Shut up, Lou! You'd better get a little legal advice before you +start on that track. + +GEORGIANA. Louise! + +[_Goes to_ LOUISE. + +LOUISE. Well, what have _you_ got to say? My mother brought _you_ up, +was a second mother to your brother who ruined us, but you've got _your_ +money, I suppose. You've been clever enough to keep _your_ money in your +own hands,--you and he will always have enough! + +[_Crying hysterically._ + +GEORGIANA. _Will_ you listen to me and let me say what I'm trying to? + +LOUISE. [_Bursting into floods of tears, overwhelmed with sympathy for +herself._] He's broken my heart! That's what he's done; broken my heart! + +GEORGIANA. [_Going to_ LOUISE.] Oh, no, he hasn't, Louise, he's only +broken your bank, and you don't know the difference. I want to say to +you now,--that all Steve needed was real love, and the guiding hand of a +true, sensible woman-- + +STEVEN. [_Interrupting her, goes to_ GEORGIANA. GEORGIANA _turns to_ +STEVE.] No, Georgy! You mustn't blame Louise! I love her and always +will, just as she is. She doesn't mean all she says now--she's angry, +and she has a right to be--I'm one of those men who never succeed--who +never have any luck, and it's bad luck for her to have to share mine. + +GEORGIANA. Well, what's done's done? But, as Louise says, my money's +left. + +STEVEN. Yes, but-- + +GEORGIANA. Mine must do for all of us. + +COAST. [_Strongly._] Excuse me, but I'll see that Louise and her mother +don't suffer; _you_ keep your money. + +GEORGIANA. No, that's not the point, Sam. I asked you once to give my +brother advice and you refused. You might have prevented this, and now +we can get along without your money. Steve won't have to go out of his +own family to make up as far as he can for what he's lost out of yours. + +[SAM _turns away to the mantel._ + +STEVEN. Georgy! O Georgy! You're an angel! [_Hugging her and kissing her +in a transport of relief._] I'll get out of it, you'll see! I'll cover +myself to-morrow. I can do that with your Croton Bonds and your Mutual +Life and a couple of mortgages, and we'll win in the end, and Louise get +hers back and mother too--! [_His arm about his wife._] It's _sure_ in +the end, _it's got_ to be, Louise. + +[_There is no response from_ LOUISE. + +GEORGIANA. Steven, I have a condition about my money. + +STEVEN. [_Crestfallen._] What? + +GEORGIANA. It isn't to be used as you think. If I'm to help you, it must +be in my own way. + +STEVEN. How do you mean? + +GEORGIANA. What's lost is _lost_. I have between five and six hundred +thousand dollars, and we must all live on the income of that. And you +must give your word of honor never to gamble in stocks again. + +[SAM _comes back to front of table._ + +LOUISE. [_To_ STEVEN, _suddenly realizing it again._] You let _all_ my +money go? + +GEORGIANA. [_To_ LOUISE.] I will share what I have with you. + +STEVEN. [_To_ GEORGIANA.] But you must let me try to get back-- + +GEORGIANA. [_Interrupting._] It would only be throwing good money after +bad! + +COAST. [_Sardonically._] How about Moles and Lizzie? + +GEORGIANA. Don't _you_ worry about them! Moles and Lizzie shall have +their money back, of course. + +STEVEN. But I can't do it, Georgy. It's losing--why it's like losing a +million to us! + +GEORGIANA. Suppose you went on speculating with my money, and it went +the same way as Louise's and her mother's? + +COAST. And Lizzie's and Moles? + +STEVEN. But it can't--it _can't!_ + +[STEVEN _sits on the sofa._ GEORGIANA _sits beside_ STEVEN. LOUISE _is +still in the arm-chair Left._ + +GEORGIANA. O Steve! I've heard that so often. [_A pause._] You were +always a straight boy, Steve, and you always kept your word. Your notion +of honor, it seems to me, in little things hasn't been so strong +lately, as this fever of speculation grew on you, but still you are the +same Steve and you've never lied about your transactions; so I have +faith in you. Now let's settle this once and for all and _my way_! + +STEVEN. It's very hard, Georgiana. + +LOUISE. We can never all of us live on your income--not as we're used +to. + +GEORGIANA. That's true. Come, Steve. Give me your word never to go into +another speculation and let's throw it off for to-day. Dick's coming to +say good-by. Let's give him happy memories of us, at least to take away +with him. [_A moment's pause._] Come, Steve? + +STEVEN. [_Low voice._] All right. + +GEORGIANA. No more speculating; you'll give me your word--[STEVEN +_rises_, GEORGIANA _rises._ STEVEN _nods his head._]--of honor, Steve? + +STEVEN. Yes! + +[_Nods his head._ + +GEORGIANA. Then that's settled. + +[_Gives_ SAM _a calm, defiant look._ + +STEVEN. O Georgy! I don't seem grateful, but I am. I can't tell you! I +can't say! But it's wonderful what you're doing! God bless you! + +[_Puts his arms on_ GEORGIANA'S _shoulders._ + +GEORGIANA. [_With emotion, almost breaking down._] That's all right, +Steve. We'll begin all over again. + +[_She kisses him._ + +LOUISE. [_To_ GEORGIANA.] I suppose I ought to thank you too. + +GEORGIANA. No, don't bother. Come upstairs and have your hair shampooed. +Bella must have painted mother red enough by now; it'll rest you and do +you good. + +LOUISE. After all, you're no real relation of ours, and you've done a +fine thing. + +GEORGIANA. [_Very simply._] Don't talk about it. I wish it were more. I +realize fully what it means to your mother and you to have all your +money gone. But we'll put our shoulders to the wheel and make the best +of it. Come, dear, come. + +[_She goes out Right._ LOUISE _is about to follow, but is stopped by_ +STEVEN. + +STEVEN. Louise, do you forgive me? + +LOUISE. No, you ought to have asked my advice--let me know. + +STEVEN. But when I used to talk to you about money matters, dear, you +always begged me not to bother you. + +LOUISE. I don't care, this is different. Sam! + +[_Nodding good-by._ + +COAST. Do you mind my joining you to see the procession go by at five? + +LOUISE. No! + +[_She goes out Right._ + +STEVEN. What procession? + +COAST. Coleman's regiment. + +[_He puts his feet upon small gilt chair beside the table._ + +STEVEN. Oh, yes! Well--I've made a pretty big mess of things. I'm not +fit to live, that's what's the trouble with me. + +COAST. Oh, you must take everything in the day's work; but it's a pity +she made you give her that promise. + +STEVEN. Why? + +COAST. [_Goes to him._] You all can't live on the income from five +hundred thousand dollars. Now there'll be a _bust_ up sure! + +STEVEN. Ss! that's all I need. + +[_Sits on the sofa._ + +COAST. That promise of yours to Georgiana's binding, ain't it? + +STEVEN. [_Looks up._] Of course. Why? + +COAST. No why. + +[_A pause._ + +STEVEN. You think United Copper will go up again? + +COAST. If not, I know something that _will_. + +STEVEN. Something you're in yourself? + +COAST. Yes. + +STEVEN. And you'd put me on? + +COAST. Yep. I don't think there's any other way out of this for you all. + +STEVEN. Sam! + +[_He rises._ + +COAST. It's _absolutely safe_. + +STEVEN. I could get it back? _Some_, anyway, of what I've lost? + +COAST. Sure!-- + +STEVEN. But I gave Georgiana my word. + +COAST. Of course she got that promise out of you because she thought +you'd lose again. + +STEVEN. Yes, but my word is _my_ word. + +COAST. Do you suppose she'd mind, if you won, won back Louise's money, +won back the girl's happiness? + +STEVEN. Suppose I tell her what you can do and ask her to let me off +this once? + +COAST. No, women don't understand business. She wouldn't realize _I_ can +_know_ I'd win, any more than _you feel sure_ and lose. + +STEVEN. Yes, it would do no _good_ to ask her. + +COAST. Too bad, because I'd guarantee you wouldn't lose, not this deal. +Of course I wouldn't be responsible for any future transaction. + +STEVEN. But I'd be satisfied with this one, if I got back my losses. + +COAST. I don't say you'd get back _all_, in one deal, but a good start +which might turn your luck. + +STEVEN. It's always like that; I've known such cases over and over +again. But I've never yet broken my word to Georgiana,--somehow or other +I feel as if I did that once I wouldn't have any hold over myself. + +COAST. I don't suppose you could get at her securities anyway this +afternoon? + +STEVEN. Oh, yes, I could. We have our deposit box together. + +COAST. Don't you think she'd forgive you when it means such a lot to +Louise and her mother? + +STEVEN. Why shouldn't she? + +COAST. Why don't you risk it? That promise was just to keep you from +losing, and this time I'll see you don't lose--so why not? + +STEVEN. By George, I will! Georgiana really can't blame me when there's +so much at stake. + +COAST. Can you get the stuff to-day? + +STEVEN. [_Looks at his watch._] Yes, if I hurry. + +COAST. All right, go ahead. I'll come to your office to-morrow at nine. +Listen--I ain't supposed, of course, to have anything to do with +this--and when you get it, don't go giving my tip to other chumps. + +STEVEN. Oh, no. + +COAST. What you do is on your own responsibility? + +STEVEN. Exactly, only _you_ guarantee? + +COAST. That you don't lose this time. [_Looking at his watch._] You'd +better hurry. + +STEVEN. Thank you, Sam. + +[_Shakes his hand._ + +COAST. Oh, that's all right. Say, I want to marry your sister. No +objection on your part, is there? + +STEVEN. Well, I should say not! + +COAST. She don't seem to cotton to me. + +STEVEN. She doesn't know you. + +COAST. Do you think if she was up a tree for funds she'd look at me any +kinder? + +STEVEN. Not a bit. + +COAST. Some women do. + +STEVEN. Not Georgiana! Good-by. + +COAST. [_To_ STEVE.] So long. + +[STEVEN _turns to go, but stops as_ MOLES _shows_ COLEMAN _into the +room. The latter is dressed in his uniform of first lieutenant._ + +DICK. Hello, Steven! Hello, Coast! + +COAST. We gates! + +STEVEN. How are you, Dick? Excuse me, I'm in a hurry. You're off to-day? + +DICK. Yes, I've come to shake hands. + +STEVEN. Good-by, old man, and good luck--sorry to have to go! Good-by! + +[_Shakes hands warmly, with feeling._ + +DICK. Good-by. + +[STEVEN _goes out Left._ + +COAST. [_Sitting Right._] Oh, I guess she ain't so different. + +DICK. Who? + +COAST. Georgiana, she's _just a woman_! + +DICK. No, take my word for it, she's not _a_ woman, she's _the_ woman. + +[_Sits on the piano bench._ + +COAST. 'Spose she likes money and nice things always about her? + +DICK. She's always had them,--and always would if I could help give them +to her. + +COAST. Huh, huh! Well--say, Steve's got himself in a devil of a hole! +Speculated with his wife's money--and they're broke. + +DICK. Good God, what do you mean? + +[_Rises._ + +COAST. What I say. Steve is one of those good-hearted gulls who's a +blame slob on the money market, and he's gone under to the extent of +Aunt Laura's and Louise's _spondulix_, that's all. + +[_He is rather amused._ DICK _goes back of table, puts his hat on it._ + +DICK. What are they going to do? + +COAST. Georgiana wants to pony up like a brick and keep the whole lot! + +DICK. Just like her! + +COAST. Oh, of course, I'll see Georgiana don't really lose by it in no +way in the end. + +DICK. You _will_? + +COAST. Why of course! + +DICK. She isn't going to let Steve speculate with her money, is she? + +COAST. Can't say. + +[_A pause._ + +DICK. Look here, I'd like to help Steve myself, if I thought I could +protect Georgiana. I'll let Steve have some money. You needn't say +anything to anybody. How much will see him through? + +COAST. That's real good of you, but I couldn't let outsiders help 'em. + +DICK. I'm not exactly an outsider; and the truth is, Coast, I'd give +anything to have the right to help Georgiana. [_A silence._] Look here. +I'm going to ask you a question, straight out! + +COAST. Fire ahead! + +[_Looks at_ DICK _with a perfectly blank face._ + +DICK. Anything between you and Georgiana? + +COAST. [_After a short pause._] There is-- + +DICK. Mrs. Carley hinted as much. + +COAST. [_Unflinchingly._] I'm--er--I'm going to marry Georgiana. + +[_A pause._ COAST _looks_ DICK _in the eye, then away._ + +DICK. Congratulate you, Coast! [_Shakes his hand._] She's worth even +more than you can give her! + +COAST. That's right! + +[COAST _goes out on the balcony and whistles "Congo."_ DICK _walks away +and turns his back._ DICK _goes to the mantel and takes up a picture +of_ GEORGIANA, _looks at it, takes it out of the frame, and seeing that_ +COAST _isn't observing, puts it in his breast pocket. He turns round +with a pathetic sort of half-laughing exclamation to_ COAST. + +DICK. I say, Coast. [COAST _comes in from the balcony._] I've been in +love with Georgiana for years. + +COAST. That don't surprise me! + +[COAST _sits on the piano bench._ + +DICK. I never realized it until the other day, when I found I was going +to leave her, and--perhaps--not coming back, and then I found boy +friendship had sort of grown up into a man's love--I almost told +her--[_Pause._] I wonder if I'd found it out sooner--before you came +along-- + +COAST. No use shutting the stable door _after_ the horse is swiped! + +DICK. I shan't be able to say exactly what I wanted to to +Georgiana--but that's--your luck--I guess the quicker I can say good-by +and get out, the better for me-- + +COAST. Listen--don't say anything to Georgiana about her and me, will +you, unless of course she tells you--we're not talking about it yet. + +DICK. _I_ don't care mentioning it, thank you. + +[MRS. CARLEY _and_ GEORGIANA _come in Right and meet_ DICK. + +MRS. CARLEY. We're so sorry to say good-by, Dick--will you have some +tea? + +DICK. No, thanks. + +COAST. Hello, Auntie. + +[MRS. CARLEY _goes to the sofa and sits with her crocheting._ + +GEORGIANA. Dick! + +[_Shaking his hand--a second long. They look into each other's eyes._ + +MRS. CARLEY. Isn't he fine in his uniform? + +DICK. [_Embarrassed._] I hadn't time to change before we start. + +MRS. CARLEY. Louise asks me to give her farewells; she's got a bad +headache and is being shampooed--she's _too_ disappointed not to see +you. + +DICK. I'm sorry she's in her usual health. + +MRS. CARLEY. Got it from her father; we didn't expect him to live a year +when I married him, but he surprised us all--and I tell Louise she'll +outlive me yet. How are you, Sammy? + +[_Drops her worsted;_ COAST _picks it up and gives it to her._ + +COAST. All right, only I need a shave. + +[_He sits Left._ + +MRS. CARLEY. Well, you shouldn't talk about it! You need a lot of +coaching. + +GEORGIANA. [_Aside to_ DICK.] Stay; I want to speak to you alone. + +DICK. All right, old girl, I think I know why. + +MRS. CARLEY. Why don't you all sit down? + +GEORGIANA. He hasn't much time. + +DICK. I haven't long to stay. I must be at the armory by a quarter to +four. + +GEORGIANA. You march by here at four, don't you, on your way to the 42d +St. Station? + +DICK. Yes, rather a bore; but the Governor insists, and Roosevelt comes +on to receive us at 59th St. + +GEORGIANA. We oughtn't to keep Dick, then, mother; we ought to say +good-by at once. + +[_They all rise._ + +MRS. CARLEY. Very well, speed the parting guest! Good-by, Dick, we'll +watch the papers to see what brave things you do, and don't fall in +love with any of the _décolleté_ young nigger ladies we read about. + +DICK. Good-by, Mrs. Carley. [_They wait for_ GEORGIANA _to say good-by. +A pause._] Good-by, Coast! + +[_Crosses to_ COAST, _who rises and shakes hands with_ DICK. + +COAST. Good-by! Good luck-- + +GEORGIANA. [_Pointedly._] Good-by, Sam. + +COAST. Oh, I'm not going. + +[_A pause._ + +DICK. [_To_ GEORGIANA.] Good-by. + +GEORGIANA. Good-by! [_Shakes his hand and adds under her breath to +him._] Don't go. Don't go. + +[_A pause; all wait._ + +MRS. CARLEY. He isn't in a hurry, after all, Georgiana; let's all sit +down again. + +[_They all sit._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Laughing, embarrassed._] Of course I don't want to urge +you off, Dick. + +DICK. [_Rising._] No, but really, after all, I think I _must_ go. + +[_All rise again._ + +GEORGIANA. No! Mother, I want to speak with Dick alone, before he goes; +you won't mind leaving us, will you, you and Sam? + +[_Sam rises._ + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Unwilling._] Oh, no--Come along, Sam. We'll be on the +balcony when you pass, Dick; be sure to look up. Good-by. + +[_Going._ + +DICK. [_Shaking her hand._] I'll look up. + +COAST. [_At the door Right._] I'll go up and see the kids. + +[COAST _looks at Dick and goes out very slowly with_ MRS. CARLEY. + +GEORGIANA. I couldn't say good-by to you like that--I couldn't share my +good-by with mother; you understand that, don't you, Dick. + +DICK. Yes, old girl, though if I had my way I wouldn't say good-by to +_you_ at all--I hate good-bys to people I care about. + +GEORGIANA. Sit down just a few minutes. + +[_They sit down by the table._ + +DICK. [_Sees the tie in her hands._] Busy making reins for Toots? What +an ugly color! + +GEORGIANA. Is it? Well, it's a tie for you! + +DICK. Oh--I mean it's ugly for reins, but perfectly lovely for a +tie--I'll take it with me. + +[_Puts it in his pocket._ + +GEORGIANA. I wish I could go with you. + +DICK. Don't you think you're needed here just at this moment? + +GEORGIANA. Has Steve told you? + +DICK. No, Coast did. + +GEORGIANA. Don't you think I'm doing right? + +DICK. If you love him, of course, old girl, you're doing right. I think +I must go now. [_Rises._] Good-by. + +GEORGIANA. No, don't go yet, please. I can't bear to have you go. + +DICK. It's good of you to care so much. [_Leans against the table._] You +know only yesterday I woke up and suddenly began to hope-- + +GEORGIANA. What-- + +DICK. Nothing; I don't hope it any more, anyway! I say, Georgiana, +you'll go around and see mother and father once in a while, won't you? + +GEORGIANA. Of course I will-- + +DICK. It'll cheer them up a lot, you know--they feel so badly; it's +pretty tough on them, my leaving. + +GEORGIANA. _I_ feel badly too-- + +DICK. That's jolly good of you. + +GEORGIANA. And isn't it just a little _tough_ to leave me? Your oldest +friend almost, you know. + +[_She adds this latter to cover up the sentiment which was coming too +near the surface._ + +DICK. Of course it is. + +GEORGIANA. You haven't said so. + +DICK. Still waters run deep, Georgy, and I--[_He moves away._] really, I +must be going. + +GEORGIANA. [_Rising._] No, _don't_ go. + +DICK. [_Looking at his watch._] I must. + +GEORGIANA. No, let me see your watch. Yes, you have got three more +minutes. Please--sit down-- + +[_She persuades him to sit down again, and she reseats herself._ + +DICK. Have your own way! + +GEORGIANA. Will there be fighting? + +DICK. I hope so! + +GEORGIANA. Oh, but what fighting! I've read, I know--ambushes and +tortures--their war is murder. + +DICK. Yes, and that's why we're going out there to put an end to it. + +GEORGIANA. Why need _you_? + +DICK. Some one must, I as well as another; in fact, just now, I _better_ +than any other. + +GEORGIANA. Why _you_ better? + +DICK. Because I want to go--I've got a restless fit, Georgiana--and want +to get away from here--I want to get away from everybody. + +GEORGIANA. From _me_? + +DICK. Yes, even from _you_! + +GEORGIANA. [_Hurt._] Thank you. + +DICK. I should think your woman's instinct would teach you why. + +GEORGIANA. Well, it doesn't! and I really should be very much obliged +to you if you would help my woman's instinct out. + +DICK. Of course it's all right what you're going to do, only--well, I +don't want to be here to see it. + +GEORGIANA. But, Dick, I'm perfectly happy in what I'm doing. + +DICK. Of course! but that doesn't make it any the pleasanter for me. +[_Rises._] Good-by. + +GEORGIANA. [_Rising._] And that's all, just good-by? + +DICK. No, I wish you all kinds of happiness in the future and the +happiest marriage in the world. + +GEORGIANA. Oh, thank you very much. + +DICK. [_With great effort._] I wish you everything that's good, Georgy, +old girl! + +GEORGIANA. Well, I'm sure no one could ask for more; and what shall I +wish you? + +DICK. Wish me a big fight, and an exciting one! Wish me a chance to do +something! Wish me--oh, what does it matter--wish me--"Good-by." + +GEORGIANA. What does it matter? Good-by! No! + +[_They shake hands; she follows him to the door._ + +DICK. I must. I'll be late. + +GEORGIANA. _Be_ late. + +DICK. [_Looking at her a moment._] _I am_--too late. Good-by. + +[_He is going out again and she stops him._ Good-by. [_Light-heartedly._ + +[_He goes out. She stands where he leaves her, facing the door. A +pause._ + +GEORGIANA. "What does it matter"--"wish me good-by." + +[_She turns, looking straight ahead of her, gazing into space, +realizing what it means to her. Slowly the emotion creeps into her face, +she falters where she stands, and turns about to burst into tears, when_ +COAST _comes back into the room_. + +COAST. I heard Coleman go--can I talk with you a little? + +GEORGIANA. [_Sitting on the sofa._] No, Sam, I don't feel like it! + +[_She cannot keep her tears back._ + +COAST. [_Going to her._] Georgy, don't--don't--I love you. + +GEORGIANA. No! I don't want you to. + +COAST. It don't make any difference if you want me to or not; I do, got +to, it's so strong in me--won't you have me? + +GEORGIANA. No! Won't you leave me alone a little? + +COAST. No, I can't. Listen; I know I'm not refined enough for you--but +I can get over that in time. Sure! I can get over everything for you, if +you'll only love me. + +GEORGIANA. No! now go away from me. + +[_He kneels beside her a little awkwardly, trying to make her look at +him._ + +COAST. There isn't a thing in this world that money can buy I won't give +you. + +GEORGIANA. There are some things money can't buy. + +COAST. No, there ain't--not _my_ money! You'll have everything a woman +can hanker after in this world--the best there is, and Steve shall have +it, too, for your sake. + +GEORGIANA. I can never love you. + +COAST. Listen! I'll make my wife the biggest woman in the city--I'll +make her-- + +GEORGIANA. [_Interrupting._] Sam, stop! [_He rises._] I can't hear any +more! + +[_A pause--she sobs; he waits._ + +COAST. I won't stop, not till you say you'll marry me! If I let up +to-day, I'll begin again to-morrow, and when I stop to-morrow it'll be +to go ahead the day after! I've never failed yet in getting anything +I've set after, and this is the biggest thing I've ever made up my mind +to. + +GEORGIANA. And this time you _will_ lose. Because I can never love you. +[_He tries to interrupt._] No, let me finish. I'll tell you why I can't +love you. I'll tell you, only just you, Sam, remember that. I could +never love you because I love now, with every bit of love there is in +me, the man who has just left this house, who has gone to fight and +perhaps will never come back. + +COAST. Has he asked you to be his wife? + +GEORGIANA. I love him all the same! + +COAST. And I love you the same way you love him--ain't you a little +sorry for me? + +GEORGIANA. Yes-- + +COAST. That'll do to go on with-- + +GEORGIANA. [_Laughs hysterically._] Oh--Sam, can't I make you +understand? + +COAST. No, nor make me give up. I'm coming to see you again to-morrow; +when will you be in? + +GEORGIANA. Not at all. + +[_She moves about the room._ + +COAST. What time in the afternoon? + +GEORGIANA. I shall be out all afternoon. + +COAST. I'll call at five. + +GEORGIANA. Very well! You'll find Louise and mother. + +COAST. _Coleman_ thinks you'll have me! + +GEORGIANA. He couldn't! Why should he? + +COAST. He congratulated me, when he was here just now! + +GEORGIANA. For what? + +COAST. For you! + +GEORGIANA. Oh! [_Laughing hysterically._] That's what he meant by his +happy marriage-- + +[_Laughing and crying._ + +COAST. If he mentioned marriage, that's what he meant. + +GEORGIANA. But didn't you tell him he was wrong? + +COAST. No. + +GEORGIANA. But why not? + +COAST. I wanted him to think it! + +GEORGIANA. But it was wrong of you--it can never be true, and I don't +want him to go away believing it. [_Music of a military band is heard +in the distance._] Here they come! [_Going to the balcony, he follows._] +No, please don't come out with me! Sam--I don't want him to see me +standing there with you. [SAM _starts towards_ GEORGIANA.] Let me go out +on the balcony _alone_, Sam! Please, alone! + +[_He looks at her a moment and then deliberately goes past her out on to +the balcony._ + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Hurrying in from the Right._] They're coming! I've told +the children. + +[_She goes out on balcony. The children run in._ + +ALL THE CHILDREN. The soldiers are coming! Auntie, the soldiers are +coming! + +[_They rush out on the balcony._ + +COAST. [_In the window, picking up_ PHIL _in his arms._] Come on, +Georgy. What does it matter? + +GEORGIANA. That's true, go on! What does it matter, it's good-by! + +[COAST _goes on the balcony._ MRS. CARLEY, _on balcony, calls, "Here +comes_ DICK!" GEORGIANA _hesitates and then goes close to the window. +She stands in a chair so as to see over the others' heads, hidden behind +the curtain of the half-open window, and watches. The music is louder as +they pass under the balcony; a flag is seen almost on level with the +balcony floor. Those on the balcony wave and shout, and shouts are heard +in the street._ GEORGIANA _stands still, wiping the tears from her eyes +every moment with a tiny wad of a handkerchief, and as the music passes, +growing less loud,_ + + + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +ACT III + + +_Eight months later._ GEORGIANA'S _room, an octagonal room with dark +panel walnut woodwork and panels of yellow brocade, with furniture to +match. All in the simplest style of Louis XV. There is a fireplace on +the Left, and doors Right and Left. Two windows at the back. At right of +the Centre is a very large dressing table covered with massive silver +toilet articles, a big mirror, candelabra, etc., and a silver-framed, +photograph of_ DICK COLEMAN. _There is a low bench before the table, +tables and chairs about the room, and a most comfortable, roomy sofa, on +the Left, piled with embroidered pillows. It is after seven and the +lamps are lit._ STEVEN _enters from Left and sits on the sofa. He is +haggard, his clothes mussed, his linen rumpled and soiled. He is +painfully nervous and agitated; he cannot keep still; as soon as he sits +down he gets up; he goes from one place in the room to another, taking +up a picture without looking at it, sitting down and getting up again. +Twice he half whispers, half groans, "Good God!" He takes out a pistol +from his pocket, looks at it, and puts it away again as_ LIZZIE _enters +Right._ + +LIZZIE. Miss Carley says she'll be in as soon as she can. + +STEVEN. [_Rising and going to the dressing table._] Is she dressing for +the ball now? + +LIZZIE. No, sir, she's wearing a tea gown for dinner; it'll be a grand +sight, the ball, sir! + +STEVEN. I suppose so. + +LIZZIE. Pity _we_ couldn't 'ave got the Grand Duke here, sir, to dinner. + +STEVEN. [_Moving about._] We couldn't afford to entertain a Russian +prince, Lizzie,--don't tell your mistress,--but I've been speculating +again and we're hard up. + +LIZZIE. Oh, I am so sorry, sir--I know how to sympathize with you, +though we did get our money back! Perhaps you'll get yours. + +STEVEN. How about you and Moles? + +[_Comes to_ LIZZIE. + +LIZZIE. Well, sir, last Tuesday we counted up, we're about two years +off, or fourteen hundred dollars distance, so to speak. We've calculated +then we could marry and settle down if we'd be satisfied with two rooms +and no children. + +[_There is a knock on door Left._ Yes? [_Going to the door, opens it._] +Oh, come in, sir. [_Moves away._] Mr. Carley is here. + +COAST. [_Entering._] Where's Miss Georgiana? + +LIZZIE. She's dressing, sir. She'll be down in five or ten minutes. + +[_Goes out Right._ + +COAST. How are you? + +[_The two men nod a surly greeting._ + +STEVEN. I've been looking for you all afternoon! + +COAST. Didn't you know I was coming here and going with your folks to +the ball? + +STEVEN. I forgot! + +[_After a pause, both men look at each other._ + +Well, Sam, I'm done! I'm done for good this time! + +COAST. Sorry, but you can't blame me. + +[_He sits in an arm-chair near the sofa._ + +STEVEN. I do. You told me you were going into this last business, but +you didn't tell me you were going to get right out again. + +COAST. 'Twasn't my business to tell you that--I didn't advise _you_ to +go in! + +STEVEN. No, but you put me up to it all the same! + +COAST. Not a bit! The only time I advised you was some months ago, when +you'd just lost Louise's money,--then I put you on to something, so you +shouldn't lose Georgiana's. Did you win? + +STEVEN. Yes, and broke my word to Georgiana. + +COAST. Well, that's her and your business, but it let me out! From that +time on you were on your own hook. + +STEVEN. You were always throwing out hints that you meant me to take. + +COAST. Listen. [_Rises and goes to_ STEVEN.] You can't prove that! + +STEVEN. You know you led me into it, you know you did. You tempted me in +the first place to break my word of honor to my sister. Whether you +meant to or not, you did it, damn you--and you're a rich man, you've got +millions, and can help me out! Will you? + +COAST. [_Quietly._] No. + +[_Moves a little away toward the Left._ + +STEVE. You're my wife's own cousin, and she's a pauper and through no +fault of her own. Will you help me for her sake? + +COAST. [_Still quietly._] No. + +STEVEN. You're in love with my sister, and she's not got a cent of her +own to-night _through me_. Will you help me for her sake? + +COAST. [_Still quietly._] No! + +STEVEN. [_Going to him._] No? + +COAST. No! + +[_Strong._ + +STEVEN. Then damn you for a dirty blackguard! + +COAST. [_Laughs._] That's pretty talk; I guess you got that from _me_ +too! + +STEVEN. [_Doggedly._] I'll do more than talk! + +[_Turns away and goes up stage._ + +COAST. What? + +STEVEN. Wait and see. + +COAST. Listen! if one thing happens, I'll help you. + +STEVEN. [_Turning._] You mean Georgiana! + +COAST. Yes, if she'll marry me, I'll make up to you every damn cent of +hers you've got rid of. + +STEVEN. And if she won't? + +COAST. I'll make up every penny of Louise's you've lost, if +Georgiana'll marry me. Listen--[SAM _puts his arm around_ STEVEN _and +brings him down to the sofa and they sit._] she loves you, you're the +kind that always has influence with women; use yours for me, Steve, +it'll be worth your while. + +STEVEN. [_Half laughs._] You want me to try and persuade her to marry +you against her own desire even? + +COAST. That's the figure. + +STEVEN. When I know you're, in your way, just as dishonorable a man as I +am, and hard and heartless, [STEVE _rises_.] I wouldn't risk my sister's +happiness with you, if it would save me twice over. Even if she loved +you, I'd say what I could against it. + +COAST. [_Quick._] She'll never know you broke your word to her if I help +you. + +STEVEN. Yes, she will, because I mean to tell her to-night. + +COAST. All right! + +STEVEN. That's what I've come for, to make a clean breast of everything. + +COAST. You're a damned fool! [_He rises and moves away._] However, each +way plays more or less into my hands. + +GEORGIANA. [_Outside of door Right._] If you are telling secrets, look +out--I'm coming! + +COAST. Come on! + +[GEORGIANA _comes in, dressed in graceful negligée tea gown._ + +GEORGIANA. Good evening, Sam! Steve, you're not dressed yet? + +STEVEN. I forgot about the ball. + +GEORGIANA. I can tell you one person who hasn't, and that's mother! + +COAST. [_Laughing._] Is she going to be corking? + +GEORGIANA. [_Sitting in the arm-chair by the sofa._] If the Grand Duke +were a bachelor and mother had designs upon him, she couldn't possibly +take more pains! She's going to be beyond all words. She's got every +jewel she owns and can borrow draped about her, till she looks like +Tiffany's exhibit at the St. Louis Fair. And as for her hair, she's had +Bella Shindle working on it all afternoon, till it's the Titianest +Titian that ever flamed on human head! + +COAST. Sounds great! + +[_Sitting on the bench._ STEVEN _sits on the sofa._ + +GEORGIANA. Wait! She's built her tiara up with a breastpin and an +aigrette off my winter hat, and it was all I could do to keep her from +wearing the three feathers in which she was presented to the Queen in +A.D. '73. + +[_They all laugh good-naturedly._ + +COAST. Aunt Laura's a corker! + +GEORGIANA. Well, no one will miss her! She'll get the Grand Duke's eye +if no one else does! I tell her she'll go through the ballroom like a +search-light! + +COAST. Is she all dressed now? + +GEORGIANA. Not yet. I'm judging by her dress rehearsal! I left her in a +state of terrible indecision as to whether she should arch her eyebrows +"just a little" with a burnt match! + +[_All laugh again good-naturedly._ + +COAST. Smart old girl! + +GEORGIANA. She's all the happier for being silly, and she's a good soul +and does her best! What's _your_ news, Steve? + +[_Turning to_ STEVEN. + +STEVEN. Sam, would you mind? + +[_Motions to_ COAST _to leave the room._ + +COAST. Oh, no! [_Rises._] See you later! I'll go and take a squint at +auntie. + +[_He goes out Right._ + +GEORGIANA. Steve, you look troubled--what's gone wrong? + +[_She goes to_ STEVEN _on the sofa and sits beside him._ + +STEVEN. _I_ have! + +GEORGIANA. How do you mean? You and Louise haven't quarrelled? + +STEVEN. If it was only that! + +GEORGIANA. What then? + +STEVEN. I've gone wrong, I tell you, all wrong. + +GEORGIANA. How? In what way, Steve? + +STEVEN. Your money's lost, it's all lost. + +[GEORGIANA _rises. A pause._ + +GEORGIANA. How do you mean? + +STEVEN. And that isn't the worst of it, either. I've broken my word to +you! I know I've killed your faith in me. I've lost faith in myself. + +GEORGIANA. [_Still standing, very strong._] Steve! + +STEVEN. I've speculated! + +GEORGIANA. _No_, Steve! + +STEVEN. [_Rises and goes to the mantel._] Yes, I've been speculating +since the very day I said I wouldn't. I won a lot at first, and of +course I thought I'd get all back; and then, of course, what I did get +back was my old cursed luck! + +GEORGIANA. Oh, Steve! And I believed in you so thoroughly, I never had a +doubt! + +STEVEN. I know it! I know it! I'm rotten all through, Georgy. [_Bursting +into tears._] I'm not worth being forgiven--[_He falls on his knees, in +a paroxysm of sobs and tears._] I'm _rotten_! Oh--I'm rotten-- + +[_He sobs uncontrollably._ + +[GEORGIANA _watches him a little while in silence. Then she goes to him +and puts her hand on his shoulder._ + +GEORGIANA. Steve! + +STEVEN. [_Sobbing._] Yes! + +GEORGIANA. I forgive you! + +STEVEN. No! No! + +GEORGIANA. And I'll trust you again if I have a chance. + +STEVEN. [_Looking up._] Georgy, what do you mean? + +[_Beginning to control his sobs._ + +GEORGIANA. I mean, though it's been a pretty big blow, my faith in you +isn't altogether gone yet. + +STEVEN. Oh, I can't bear it! I can't bear it! But you don't mean it! No, +you can't mean it! How could you? Forgive me? Trust me again? No, no! +You couldn't--it's all over! I've thrown away my own money first, then +my wife's and her mother's--that ought to have been enough,--but I had +to go and break my word of honor to you, and lose every penny of yours! +There's no excuse for me, nor reason to forgive. + +GEORGIANA. [_After a moment, very quietly, with her eyes filling._] +There's _love_, Steve! + +STEVEN. Not for a man like me. I'm not worth it. [_He rises._] Not +deserving it! There's only one thing for such as me, and that is to end +it all with a bullet. + +GEORGIANA. Now you're talking wildly! + +STEVEN. [_In a lowered voice._] No, Georgy, I mean it! It's better for +all of you to have me out of the way; I tried to do it to-day--only, _I +was afraid_! + +GEORGIANA. That would be worse than anything you have done yet. That I +would never forgive--anything but that! + +[_She goes to him._ + +STEVEN. But the shame of my life now, the degradation, the _rot_ of it! + +[_A moment's pause._ + +GEORGIANA. [_The idea comes to her._] Steve, I told you I'd trust you +again if I had the chance! Here is the first one, and I take it! Promise +me you'll never again even think of taking your life. + +STEVEN. What's the good of my promising? + +GEORGIANA. If you tell me, I'll believe you. + +[_A short pause._ + +[STEVEN, _not looking at her, puts his hand in the pocket where the +pistol is, then takes his hand away, still not looking at her._ + +Look me straight in the face, Steve, and say, "I promise." + +[_He hesitates only a moment, and then does so._ + +STEVEN. I promise. + +[_He turns a little away from her, takes the pistol from his pocket, and +gives it to her._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Bursting into tears._] Oh, Steve! + +[_She turns away and puts the pistol on the table between the windows._ + +STEVEN. Forgive me, Georgy, forgive me! This promise I'll keep. Only +forgive me for breaking your heart like this! + +COAST. [_Entering Right._] I've been sent up to bring you down to +dinner. + +[_He takes in the situation. A pause._ + +GEORGIANA. Do you know what Steve has just told me? + +STEVEN. [_Bitterly._] Yes, he knows. + +COAST. Just what? + +GEORGIANA. Steve has gone on speculating, and my money's followed the +rest. + +COAST. Yes, I knew that. + +GEORGIANA. Couldn't you have saved him? + +COAST. I offered to once, but you refused. + +GEORGIANA. And now? + +[_Short pause._ + +COAST. [_He goes to_ GEORGIANA, _who is on the sofa._] My offer is still +open to the same tune. + +STEVEN. No, Georgy, no! + +GEORGIANA. For Steve's own sake, won't you do something for him? Get him +some position so that he can take care of Louise. I'll look after +myself. + +COAST. I'll do all and more, _if you'll_ marry me. + +GEORGIANA. You know I can't marry you. + +COAST. What does Steve say? + +STEVEN. What Georgy says, I say. + +COAST. How are you going to get out of this without me? + +STEVEN. I don't know. + +COAST. And there's something else. [_Steps towards_ STEVEN.] Perhaps you +don't know that unless some one does get you out of this, it won't be +only a money smash-up for Georgiana, but disgrace too! + +GEORGIANA. That can't be true! I shall say my brother had control of my +money to do what he liked with it. + +COAST. But any lawyer would take up the case of criminal mismanagement +for my aunt and cousin's affairs. + +GEORGIANA. But _they_ wouldn't allow it. + +COAST. Well, what do you think? + +STEVEN. Louise--never! + +COAST. Leave it to me! + +STEVEN. Ah! your true colors! You heard him, Georgy? + +COAST. Well, let that pass. But you know that you've overdrawn at your +bank, that you've overdrawn at your brokers, and that you can no more +get out of the muddle you've got yourself into without one of the +biggest public scandals there's been in the street for years! + +GEORGIANA. But _you_ can spare us that? + +STEVEN. [_Very low._] Good God! + +[_He moves away._ + +COAST. [_To_ GEORGIANA.] That's what I can. + +GEORGIANA. And you love me? + +COAST. I certainly do! + +GEORGIANA. Then you _will_ spare us! + +COAST. If you'll marry me. + +STEVEN. No! [_Comes down to her._] Georgy, you mustn't! [COAST _walks +away._] Don't you see what a selfish brute Sam is? Of course it was +_my_ fault that I gambled, but he tempted me, he led me into it when he +_knew_ I _couldn't resist_. The very day and hour I gave you my promise, +he gave me a tip and guaranteed I shouldn't lose! + +GEORGIANA. Sam! Oh! + +[_She turns to the bench before her dressing table and sinks upon it._ + +COAST. [_Speaks to her across the table._] It's true! And I led him to +speculate more, I tricked him first with winning and then let him go! I +knew he'd soon do for himself alone, and he did! Yes--I ruined him +purposely and you through him, so as to get you to be my wife. I did it +purposely and I'd do it again! Of course I meant all along to make it up +in the end when I'd got you. + +GEORGIANA. And did you really think you _could_ get me that way? + +COAST. Why, you've got to marry me. You needn't be afraid of what I +won't do for you. I love you, you know that. Everything--I've told you +that before. You shall have _everything_ on God's earth you want, and +Louise and her mother shall live in style as they always have, and Steve +have his own money back, with a brother-in-law to help him take care of +it! And what's the other side of the picture? Nothing for you or Louise +or anybody--and disgrace for Steve into the bargain. Why, you've _got_ +to _marry_ me! [GEORGIANA _rises,_ COAST _follows her._] Don't you see? +Anyway [_Smiling._] it was only a trick to make you, because, Georgy, I +love you so! [_A pause; she stands looking at him._] Well? + +GEORGIANA. I'm trying to realize--to understand it all. + +[MOLES _enters Left._ + +MOLES. Please, miss, Mrs. Carley says your soup is all cold and they're +on with the fish. + +GEORGIANA. Tell Mrs. Carley not to wait for Mr. Carley and me, we're not +coming down; but Mr. Coast will join them in a moment. + +[COAST _looks up surprised._ + +MOLES. Yes, miss. + +[_He goes out. A moment's pause._ + +COAST. What do you mean by that? + +[_Another pause._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Slowly._] Not to save myself, not even to save my brother, +and from even worse than we have to face, would I marry you. + +COAST. Don't say that, Georgy! + +GEORGY. Why, every word you've said, and everything you've done to make +me love you, makes me instead--yes--and for what you've done with Steve +[_Looks at_ STEVE.], _I do hate_ you. + +[_Goes to the sofa,_ COAST _follows._ + +COAST. I only said it because I love you, Georgiana. + +GEORGIANA. Oh, Sam Coast, you don't know what love is! Love doesn't make +beasts of men, it makes men of beasts. It doesn't take all for +itself--it sacrifices all for another. Love isn't an enemy that lays +traps and makes ambushes,--love is a friend whose heart is a divine +magnet! Real love makes an angel of a woman and a hero of a man, but +love such as you have--oh, the happiness in this world that's been lost +through it! + +COAST. You don't know me! + +GEORGIANA. I didn't, but I do! You've dragged down my brother, +sacrificed him and my belief in him, almost, for your own selfish end, +tried to trap me into marrying you when you know I didn't love you. + +COAST. But you would-- + +GEORGIANA. Once perhaps, though I can't imagine it! But not now! No! I'd +starve and suffer and die now before I could ever love you. + +[_A pause;_ COAST _goes to the table and stands half shamefaced a +moment, then he pulls himself up and turns._ + +COAST. Well, face the music for a while, and then see! + +GEORGIANA. They're waiting for you at dinner; please join them and tell +them what you like. + +COAST. I'll tell them nothing. I'll let you and Steve think things over +a little. + +STEVEN. [_Rises, and goes to meet_ COAST.] You will have something to +settle with me outside of money matters! + +COAST. [_With a jeer._] Please yourself. + +[_He goes out._ + +GEORGIANA. [_To_ STEVEN.] I believe I can influence Louise to do nothing +for the sake of the children, and she loves you in her way. + +STEVEN. But the bank? + +[_He sits on sofa beside her._ + +GEORGIANA. Oh, we can take care of the bank; after all, we've friends, +we've jewels, we've this house. + +STEVEN. That's true, and the brokers? + +GEORGIANA. Who are they? + +STEVEN. Caldwell and Hovery. + +GEORGIANA. Mr. Caldwell will be at the ball to-night? + +STEVEN. Probably. + +GEORGIANA. I'll see him. We've always been good friends,--and so were +his father and your father. He won't let his firm make a scandal if he +can help it, especially as they can gain nothing and we should lose so +much! Steve, we'll get out of this yet, with your name all right! + +BELLA. [_Entering Right._] May I come in? + +GEORGIANA. Yes, Bella. + +BELLA. Oh, good evening, Mr. Carley, it's a pleasant evening! + +STEVEN. Good evening, Miss Shindle. + +BELLA. What I come to ask is if I shall do you now, and Mrs. Wishings +around the corner afterwards? + +GEORGIANA. I think I'd rather you went to Mrs. Wishings first if you +don't mind. + +BELLA. Oh, it's all the same to me! Mrs. Wishings ain't really in the +smart set and they say her husband ain't so rich, and she's horrid to +her servants--don't give them cake. I don't care if I lost her head to +do! I'm like that, as you know, particular when I'm particular, +but--well--just supercilious and negligée when it don't count! Good +gracious! [_Laughing._] Oh, here's a letter for you I brought up for +Lizzie. It's from the Phillypeenys and has a special delivery on. +[GEORGIANA _takes letter and opens it and reads it._] That's how it come +at this hour. Some folks do have luck, as the saying is! I've got to +wait till to-morrow morning for mine if I get one, and if there's a +Phillypeeny post and I don't get one, well, I pity the ladies' hair I +dress to-morrow, that's all! [_To_ STEVEN.] Mr. Carley, you've got +lovely soft hair, haven't you? I know you have a lovely disposition, I +can tell it from your hair. Yes, indeed, they always go together, it's a +certain sign! Now Mrs. Wishings' hair is just like a horse's tail! what +there is of it. I often feel like asking her which she'd rather I done +it, on or off! [_Laughs heartily._] I must have my little joke, but +nobody minds me--good-by. + +STEVEN. Good-by. + +[BELLA _goes out Left._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Looking up, bursting with happiness and reading as she +speaks._] Oh, Steve! Steve! Such _good_ news! I can hardly wait to tell +you, but just let me finish it. + +STEVEN. Finish anything that means good news, Georgy, and then for +heaven's sake tell me what it is. + +GEORGIANA. [_Closing the letter._] It's finished! + +[_She looks up radiant and forgetful of him for a moment._ + +STEVEN. Well! + +[_Rises and goes to_ GEORGIANA. + +GEORGIANA. [_Softly._] _Dick_ loves me! + +STEVEN. Dick Coleman? + +GEORGIANA. He loves me, he's always loved me! + +STEVEN. But why--? I don't understand-- + +GEORGIANA. No, I didn't know it. I thought--there were reasons why I +thought he didn't love me. But I understand now. Listen; I'll read you a +part of his letter--_a part of it!_ Oh, this makes up for everything, +Steve. [_She reads._] "My dear--[_She stops and improvises the next +three words._] my dear Georgy: [_She looks up slyly to see if Steven +noticed the change; he didn't._] Each steamer brings me letters from +home, but never a word of your engagement to Coast, never a word of your +marriage. Is that broken off--" How do you suppose he got the impression +I was going to marry Sam? + +STEVEN. Why everybody has seen, who cared to look, that Sam was dead in +love with you. + +GEORGIANA. Yes, but--well--never mind, listen--"Well, however it is, +we're starting off to-morrow out of reach of letters and everything +else, except an ugly band of natives that we came here to do for. The +chances are pretty big against many of us getting back, and anyway I'm +going to take this chance to tell you that I love you better than +anything and everything and everybody in the world. And in case I never +come back, somehow or other, I don't know why, I want you to know it. I +was a little late in finding it out,--all of a sudden I knew you were +the only woman for me, and that the only thing I seemed to want in the +world was you for _a wife_. And there was Coast ahead of me! I don't +know if it would have made any difference if you loved Coast and not me, +perhaps you never would have cared for me, but I'd have done my best, +for, Georgy--I love you"--[_She reads ahead to herself, murmuring so he +cannot understand._] "I don't know why I must tell you all this, but I +must"--[_She reads ahead again in silence, skipping the passages which +are too loving and too precious to read aloud._] I think that's +all--[_She looks up and smiles, and adds softly._] that I care to read +aloud! Oh, Steve! + +[_She puts her arms around his neck and hugs him._ + +STEVEN. I'm so glad, old girl, so glad! + +[_Tightening his arm about her._ + +GEORGIANA. Steve, I'm so happy! I don't want to seem selfish, and really +I'm not forgetting you, but I can't help it. I'm _so_ happy. + +[STEVEN _kisses her. A short pause._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Softly, thoughtfully._] Can one cable to the Philippines? + +STEVEN. Yes! + +[_Smiling and again giving her a little squeeze._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Going to the sofa._] So far as I'm concerned, my money now +doesn't count a rap. Dick has plenty and doesn't want mine. So now it's +only Louise and mother you must think of, and you can take care of them +well, you know you can, if they'll only accept the different conditions. +And Dick and I'll help-- + +STEVEN. [_Interrupting._] I hate to say it, Georgiana, but suppose-- + +[_Very serious._ + +GEORGIANA. What? + +STEVEN. Well, you know why Dick wrote that letter,--because he was going +into dangerous fighting. + +GEORGIANA. Oh, he will come back, he _must_ come back! So few of our men +have been lost in the Philippines, Dick can't be one of the few. After +all, life nowadays isn't so tragic as that. + +STEVEN. Yes, of course Dick'll come back, Georgy [_Short pause._], but +won't he despise me? + +GEORGIANA. No, you're _my_ brother. And oh, Steven, forgive me, but I'm +so _happy_. [_Hugging the pillows on the sofa and burying her face in +them._] Don't let me be silly--don't let me forget I'm an old maid,--and +there's no fool like an old fool! I mustn't forget there's probably an +orange or two among the blossoms for my hair! + +[MRS. CARLEY _and_ LOUISE _come into the room from the Right without +speaking. They look from_ GEORGIANA _to_ STEVEN. _They are under the +strain of violent emotion almost too much for words. Their appearance is +tragic._] _There is a pause._ + +STEVEN. Sam has told you? + +LOUISE. It isn't _true_ what he says? + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Bursting out, as the strain breaks._] That everything's +gone? _Everything!_ + +[MRS. CARLEY _comes to_ STEVEN. + +STEVEN. Yes, it's _true_!-- + +[_He moves up._ + +MRS. CARLEY. _We haven't a cent?_--not a _penny_! for car fare! for +theatre tickets! nothing for our wash bills, or to go away with in the +summer! + +LOUISE. Georgiana's money gone too--now, Steve? + +MRS. CARLEY. As well as _Louise's_ and _mine_? + +GEORGIANA. Yes, mine's gone too now, but I'm going to take it just as +sensibly as Louise did before me. + +MRS. CARLEY. She had yours to fall back on. + +GEORGIANA. And I'm going to take myself off your hands, and Steve is +perfectly capable of getting some dignified position and taking care of +you and Louise. + +MRS. CARLEY. Yes, I can imagine what that means! A flat with rooms like +a string of buttons, mantelpiece beds and divans! and all your friends +trying to get into the bathroom when they are looking for the hall door +to get out! + +[COAST _comes in from the Right. They all look at_ SAM. + +GEORGIANA. Do you think Sam has a place here in what we may say now? + +LOUISE. Why not? He's my cousin. + +MRS. CARLEY. Yes. And the only one of us now anyway who has a cent. + +LOUISE. I don't think we can expect much help from Sam as to money. + +COAST. That shows you don't know me. + +LOUISE. [_Going to_ COAST.] You'll help us? + +COAST. I've offered to make up every cent Steve's lost; ask Georgiana. + +GEORGIANA. Yes, Sam offered to make a "trade" with me-- + +MRS. CARLEY. How? + +[_Looks at_ GEORGIANA. + +GEORGIANA. To make up Steve's losses if I'd marry him. + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Quietly to_ COAST.] Sam! It's too good to be true. + +COAST. So Georgiana thinks. + +LOUISE. [_Angrily._] You won't do it? + +GEORGIANA. No, I don't love your cousin. + +MRS. CARLEY. Don't love him! What do you owe us? Louise loved Steve and +what good did it do her? You've got the chance to make up for your +brother! + +STEVEN. That's not Georgiana's _duty_,--to make up for me. + +MRS. CARLEY. You can't do it yourself, and you don't want your wife to +starve, do you. + +GEORGIANA. Louise _won't_ starve. + +LOUISE. [_To_ GEORGIANA.] You could save us and you won't! + +GEORGIANA. I don't love Sam. + +MRS. CARLEY. Don't "love"? Did Molly Packer from Toledo love the Duke of +Birmingham? and isn't she happy now? + +GEORGIANA. I don't know, I have my doubts. + +MRS. CARLEY. Doubts! Oh, _doubts_! + +GEORGIANA. That's not the point, mother. I'm not going to marry Sam. + +MRS. CARLEY. Oh, very well, then, have your way. + +GEORGIANA. I will, mother. + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Going to the sofa._] Don't consider my way at all. + +GEORGIANA. I won't, mother, since you ask me not to. + +MRS. CARLEY. But I'll tell you this, Georgiana, you're just as bad as +Steve! We must shake off both of you. Louise must get a divorce and +marry again. Look what other widows have done before her. + +[_Louise goes to her mother and takes her hand._ + +GEORGIANA. Mother! Louise! + +LOUISE. Well, why not? + +MRS. CARLEY. Certainly! + +GEORGIANA. [_Goes to them._] _No!_ Listen! You must stand by Steve, both +of you. You ought to do it out of affection, for, after all, whatever +you've got of friends and position and the things you value he gave you! +But never mind that! You ought to stand by him out of loyalty,--but +never mind that! You've _got_ to stand by him because if you ruin him +you'll ruin yourselves. You and mother could never hold up your heads +again in our world--in the world you love--if you left Steve. After all, +though our world may be careless sometimes of what it does itself, it is +very particular about what those people do who are _its guests_! Of +course, Louise, it does come hardest on you, for yourself and for the +children--but still you've got to stand by Steve. + +MRS. CARLEY. Sam! + +[_Going to_ SAM _for help._ + +LOUISE. Oh, I suppose I'll forgive him, I always do, but I don't know +about forgiving you. + +GEORGIANA. _Me?_ + +LOUISE. If you don't marry Sam! You can make everything all right, and +Sam loves you--you can make mother happy and me happy and Steve +happy.... + +STEVEN. [_Interrupting._] No, leave me out! + +[_He goes up behind the sofa._ + +LOUISE. Our life would go on just the same,--Steve will make no more +mistakes. I think you're heartless to refuse! + +GEORGIANA. But, Louise, you ask me to give up entirely my own happiness. + +LOUISE. Not at all! There's no one else in love with you but Sam, and +this isn't your first year out, you know. + +MRS. CARLEY. And anyway it would be _five_ happy against _one_ unhappy, +there's no arguing about that. + +COAST. [_To_ LOUISE.] You and your mother both think she ought to accept +me, don't you? + +LOUISE. Certainly. + +COAST. [_To_ GEORGIANA.] I told you. + +GEORGIANA. Yes, Sam, you win!--but Louise! I love some one else. + +LOUISE. Dick Coleman? + +GEORGIANA. Yes, and I'm going to marry him. + +COAST. [_Turning quickly._] Has he asked you? + +GEORGIANA. Yes! To-day! + +[_Showing her letter._ MRS. CARLEY _sits on the sofa._ + +COAST. [_Angry, to_ LOUISE.] Then you bring suit against Steve and I'll +back you up,--I'll bet you I'll get your case! + +LOUISE. But Steve hasn't any money. + +COAST. No, but you can show him up! You can blackguard his name for him! +You can disgrace him in the papers! + +LOUISE. But I don't want to do that! It would only make things worse. + +GEORGIANA. Good, Louise! + +COAST. I'll bet the bank and Steve's brokers won't be so soft-hearted. + +GEORGIANA. There's this house for the bank. + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Crying._] _This house!_ I shall die! + +[GEORGIANA _goes to her._ + +GEORGIANA. Oh, no, you won't; you'll live very happily in a nice little +flat, with two servants and a polite elevator boy in buttons. + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Pitifully._] Louise! + +GEORGIANA. And Mr. Caldwell I am going to see at the ball to-night. I +believe he will help us if he can. + +LOUISE. You're going to the ball? In spite of everything? + +GEORGIANA. Yes, we must. Let's have as little talk about the whole +thing as possible. Steve's had bad luck! The people mustn't think +there's anything we're ashamed of. There isn't anything. + +COAST. Oh, isn't there? + +GEORGIANA. No. + +[LOUISE _gets the smelling salts from the table for_ MRS. CARLEY. + +MRS. CARLEY. It's true; so long as we've lost everything else, I don't +see why she should lose the ball too! + +[_Using the smelling salts._ + +LOUISE. And I suppose we really ought to be seen there, or lots of +people will _never_ believe we were asked. + +COAST. Well, I guess this is where I get out. I'll strike one of those +musical comedies! I think ragtime will be good enough for me to-night, +instead of a neck and arm circus. You won't want me for escort after all +this? + +LOUISE. You can please yourself, Sam. + +COAST. Not exactly; I guess this is the day I try sour grapes. [_Goes to +door Left,--he turns._] When's Coleman coming back, Georgiana? + +GEORGIANA. I don't know. + +COAST. Oh! [_Goes to_ STEVEN _at mantel._] Steve--listen--how long are +they holding that rotten stock of yours for you? + +STEVEN. [_Laughs._] Ha! till to-morrow noon. + +COAST. Well, cheer up, I'll send her up ten points for you by eleven. +[_Slaps him on the back._] See you all later, maybe, if my show's dull. + +[_And with a side glance at_ GEORGIANA _he goes out Left._ + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Rises._] I only wish to heaven Sam Coast wanted to marry +_me_! + +LOUISE. Mother! Come, let's finish dressing. + +MRS. CARLEY. I don't know whether to go to the ball or stay home and +have a good cry. + +GEORGIANA. Do whichever gives you the most pleasure, mother. + +[LIZZIE _enters Right and stands behind the dressing table._ + +MRS. CARLEY. What? [_Looking at herself in the glass._] It's all very +well for them to give us women a new front, I wish they'd give us new +backs too. + +[_She goes out Right._ + +LIZZIE. You must start dressing, miss--Miss Shindle will be back. + +GEORGIANA. [_Absent-mindedly._] Yes, yes, Lizzie. + +[LIZZIE _goes out._] + +Louise, I'm so glad you will stand by Steve; and try and be glad a +little for me. + +[_Placing her arm about_ LOUISE. + +LOUISE. Yes, I don't blame you, Georgy, so long as Dick's proposed. I'd +do just as you've done, and I will be glad for you by to-morrow,--I am +_glad now_. + +[_Kisses her impulsively._ + +GEORGIANA. Thank you, Louise, dear. + +[_She goes out Right._ + +STEVEN. Louise! + +LOUISE. [_Comes to_ STEVE.] Steve. [LOUISE _touches_ STEVE _on the +arm._] I don't want to be horrid, but do you think you will be able to +get anything decent to do? + +STEVEN. I'm sure I will. + +LOUISE. But will we have enough money to hold our own? + +STEVEN. I'll do my best. Louise, I appreciate your not making more of a +row! + +[_With his arm around her._ + +LOUISE. Oh, Steve, I know it's just as hard for you--and I do love you +and I want to be nice about it, but--[_She cries._ STEVEN _kisses her +again, in his arms._] I mustn't give way like this. I'll be a sight at +the ball. Don't let me cry, dear. + +STEVEN. All right. Come on upstairs now, and make yourself beautiful. + +[_They go toward the door Right._ + +BELLA. [_Reëntering Left._] Good evening again, is Miss Georgiana ready +for me? + +LOUISE. She must be,--is my hair all right? + +BELLA. Oh, yes, that's one thing about my hair dressing, though I do say +it as shouldn't, it _has_ a lasting quality. + +[LOUISE _goes out Right._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Calls from inside._] Is that you, Bella? + +BELLA. Yes, ma'am. + +GEORGIANA. I'll be there in a minute--be quick, Lizzie. + +BELLA. [_Lower voice._] Mr. Carley, have you seen the evening papers? + +STEVEN. No! + +BELLA. I just bought one and it's got an article about the 91st +regiment. + +STEVEN. What about it? + +[_Looks to see if door is closed._ + +BELLA. [_Same voice._] They say it may 'a' been wiped out of existence: +it's three weeks now since news of it was due, and the paper's afraid +they've met with an ambyscade or something like that. + +STEVEN. Oh, when the newspapers are hard up for news they get up +something about the Philippines! It's the modern sea-serpent. When +there's absolutely nothing else to print--no girl suicide in Brooklyn, +or cyclone in Kansas, or joke on Chicago, then they give the Philippines +a paragraph or an insurrection. Don't you worry, Miss Shindle. + +[_He sits in the arm-chair near the sofa._ + +BELLA. But it says the island they went against was the heathenest of +the lot, and that there's no good reason why if they'd hadn't no fight +with the natives, we shouldn't 'a' had news from them. + +STEVEN. The whole question of news in a case like this is too uncertain +to make so much alarm about. The men's idea is not to send picture +postal cards of daily movements home to America, but to lick the natives +into shape! + +BELLA. I'm sure you do comfort me. Don't know as Miss Georgiana told +you, but my young man's out there, with Mr.--Lieutenant Coleman. + +STEVEN. Well, don't worry. You just make up your mind the papers are +short of news to-night. + +BELLA. Goodness, they won't be to-morrow with all they're going to print +about this ball! Say, I've a friend whose sister's a literary lady and +writes for the Sunday papers in Buffalo. She's got an article in my +line, called the "Heads of the Smart Set which was Set at the Grand +Duke." Ain't that a cute name for an article? And it don't mean their +heads either; it means their coffyures, as she says--she speaks French. +She was born and raised in Niagara Falls, near to Canada, where the +language comes natural,--over the water, as it were! + +STEVEN. [_Going to her._] I wouldn't mention this newspaper report to +Miss Carley--it would only needlessly alarm her, perhaps, and spoil her +evening. + +BELLA. Oh, I wouldn't for worlds. + +[_She moves to the dressing table as_ GEORGIANA _comes in._ + +GEORGIANA. Here I am'. Oh, my dear Steve! You'll be late. You're not +dressed yet. + +STEVEN. All right. I'm going now--I was entertaining Miss Shindle till +you were ready. + +[_With, a bow to_ MISS SHINDLE, STEVEN _goes out Right._ + +BELLA. [_Taking her bottles, etc., from a little bag which she +carries._] He _is_ a _perfect_ gentleman! + +GEORGIANA. [_Sitting before the dressing table._] Now come along, Bella! +I only want you to brush my hair; I've had a trying evening here, and +I've a splitting headache. See if you can take it away and make me look +as if I'd never had one. + +BELLA. [_Tying apron about_ GEORGIANA'S _neck._] I'll do my best; but I +can tell you most of the ladies I know'd be willing to have a headache +every blessed minute of their lives if they could look as you do now! + +GEORGIANA. Oh, what blarney, Bella! I don't know, somehow I want to be +beautiful to-night. + +BELLA. For the Dook? + +[_Beginning to brush her hair._ + +GEORGIANA. No! + +BELLA. For him? + +[_Pointing at_ COLEMAN'S _photograph with her hair-brush._ + +GEORGIANA. Yes. [_Drawing the picture toward her._] It was a dear letter +I had from him to-night, Bella! I hope you'll have as nice a one from +Mr. Gootch to-morrow morning. + +BELLA. Well, if I don't-- + +[_Shutting her teeth, she unconsciously pulls_ GEORGIANA'S _hair._ + +GEORGIANA. Oh, oh! + +BELLA. Oh, I beg your pardon! + +GEORGIANA. Don't take it out on me, wait till Mr. Gootch gets back! + +BELLA. [_Combing._] I don't know as you're the jealous kind. Judging +from your hair you ain't. It usually goes with blonde or red, or else +crimpy, and what I dislike about red hair is the freckles--you can +almost count on 'em! You've got sort of trusting hair. But besides, Mr. +Coleman wasn't a floor walker in a shop with over a hundred lady +clerks--I think that's apt to make a gentleman flightier; and he being +_bald_, has me to a disadvantage, so to speak. I can't judge by my +customary signs. + +GEORGIANA. [_Looking at_ COLEMAN'S _photograph._] Bella, I should say +Lieutenant Coleman has splendid, straight, honest hair, shouldn't you? + +BELLA. I can't say as I've ever really had any experience of his hair, +ma'am. + +GEORGIANA. But do you think him an awfully handsome man, Bella, or am I +prejudiced? + +BELLA. No, indeed, I never seen a handsomer gentleman, not even in the +pictures of gentlemen's clothes in tailor store windows. [_Puts comb +down, and takes brush and brushes again._] But what continues to make me +nervous about Mr. Gootch is that he's right there among all those black +creatures, whose manners is very free, I'm told, and whose style of +dressing is peculiar, the least you say! Mr. Gootch always did favor +dark-complexioned people, and if that letter don't come to-morrow-- + +[_Getting excited, she again pulls_ GEORGIANA'S _hair._ + +GEORGIANA. Ouch! [_Laughing, holds up her hand, and catches her hair to +ward off another pull._] Be careful! + +BELLA. Excuse me! in my art, there's no use talking, you oughtn't let +your mind wander from the subject in hand--does your head feel better? + +GEORGIANA. I don't know, Bella, if it does or not! Your treatment is +very heroic. + +BELLA. [_Spraying her hair._] You don't feel worried about something +happening to them way out there, do you, Miss Georgiana? + +GEORGIANA. I daren't think of it. Oh, Bella, I've had lots of trouble +to-day, and I've a serious time ahead of me--but all the same I am such +a happy woman. [_Turning to look at_ BELLA, _she disarranges her hair, +much to_ BELLA'S _disapproval._] Do you love Mr. Gootch tremendously, +Bella? + +BELLA. Why, love isn't the word! my feeling for Mr. Gootch is a positive +worship. When I get to thinking of him in the underground I always go +by my station, sometimes two. + +GEORGIANA. Be grateful for your love, Bella; it's a wonderful thing. + +BELLA. [_Finishing the dressing of the hair._] You know I've just done +Mrs. Wishings, she puts too much on! + +GEORGIANA. Does she rouge? + +BELLA. No, hair. I don't mind a switch or two for foundation, and a +couple of puffs for ornament, with a tight curl or two for +style,--especially if you've got one of those new undilated fronts, but +I think that's all you can expect to have any hair dresser make look as +if it growed there. There! How's that? + +[_Puts hairpin in_ GEORGIANA'S _hair._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Holding up_ DICK'S _photograph._] How's that, Dick--is it +all right? + +BELLA. [_Delighted._] Ain't that a cute idea? + +GEORGIANA. We both trust you, Bella, to make me all right. + +BELLA. What ornaments? + +[_Taking off the apron, she walks around to Right of the table._ + +GEORGIANA. Would you wear any? + +BELLA. Oh, yes, for such an occasion! Of course, for maidens only +feathers is correct; for wives and widows, tiaras and feathers. + +[_Putting away her things._ MRS. CARLEY _enters in a flurry of +excitement, superbly dressed, and too youthfully._ + +MRS. CARLEY. Here I am; I've hurried so I don't feel half dressed. + +GEORGIANA. [_Smiling._] That's almost the way you _look_, mother. + +MRS. CARLEY. Well, I always did have shoulders, and I don't intend to +hide them under a bushel; but what do you think of the dress, is it a +success? + +GEORGIANA. From your point of view--perfect! + +MRS. CARLEY. Yes, but what's the difference about your point of view +about it and mine? + +GEORGIANA. Well, I should think about thirty years, darling! + +MRS. CARLEY. Oh, Georgiana, you really are unkind. When I don't know how +on earth it's ever going to be paid for now, I think you might be +serious, and let me feel anyway it's a success. + +GEORGIANA. Mother dear, it's a triumph. Really, I never saw you look +better! + +MRS. CARLEY. Really! and how is my hair? + +GEORGIANA. Redder! + +BELLA. Oh, Miss Georgiana, it isn't too red a bit. + +GEORGIANA. It's very fine, Bella, but I think I'd take off a little. You +don't want Mrs. Carley to rival Mrs. Wishings and look as if she'd +cornered the hair market. + +BELLA. She's just teasing you. + +[GEORGIANA _has risen._ + +MRS. CARLEY. You are lovely, Georgiana. + +GEORGIANA. That's because my thoughts are lovely. + +MRS. CARLEY. I'm awfully proud of you, dear, and wish you were my own +daughter. + +GEORGIANA. Thank you, mother. + +MRS. CARLEY. The Grand Duke will surely notice you. Aren't you going to +put something in your hair? + +BELLA. [_Handing it to_ GEORGIANA.] A rose with glass dewdrops. + +[_Newsboy's voice heard in the street--calling, +"Extra--Extra--Terrible"--the rest is indistinct._ + +GEORGIANA. What's that? + +MRS. CARLEY. A newsboy with an extra. + +[_Man's voice outside, "Extra--Extra--Terrible"--the rest is still +indistinct._ LOUISE _enters, beautifully dressed._ + +BELLA. Oh! + +GEORGIANA. Lovely, Louise! + +LOUISE. I've got a splitting headache. [_Man's voice outside, +"Extra--Extra."_] What can the extra be? [_Enter_ STEVEN.] Steve, do you +know what the extra is? + +STEVEN. Oh, they're never anything you know. + +[_In distance are heard several voices at once at different distances, +all calling, "Extra--Extra--Terrible"--etc._ + +MRS. CARLEY. Yes, they're always so disappointing, generally a railway +accident out west! or a bomb thrown in Europe. Are you ready, Georgiana? + +[_The "Extras" are louder._ + +STEVEN. Yes, if we're going we ought to go. + +[_"Extra--Extra," called underneath the window._ + +GEORGIANA. Listen, what did he say? + +[_Voice shouts outside, "Terrible fight in the Philippines; an entire +regiment wiped out!"_ + +BELLA. [_Frightened._] I heard "Philippines." + +[_Goes to the window._ + +GEORGIANA. And a terrible fight! Some one must get the paper! + +STEVEN. We haven't time now, Georgy. + +MRS. CARLEY. Yes, we must be there before the Grand Duke arrives. + +[_Outside, "Extra--Extra!"_ + +GEORGIANA. I must see that paper, Steve. + +MRS. CARLEY. Georgiana, I think you are too thoughtless. + +[_Outside, "Entire regiment wiped out!"_ + +GEORGIANA. Steve, do you hear that! Will you get the paper or shall I +call to the man? + +STEVEN. I'll get it. [_Goes to a window and opens it, pulling aside the +curtain. He calls down to the boy in the street._] Here! Hi! Extra! + +[_Voice outside, "Here you are, boss!"_ + +STEVEN. Ring the bell. + +[_He comes back into the room. One "Extra" is heard louder than before, +and then the cries gradually die away._ + +MRS. CARLEY. The carriage has already been here nearly an hour. + +GEORGIANA. It if should be Dick's fight, if it should be Dick's +regiment! + +LOUISE. Make up your mind, mother, to be a little late. We can't go till +we see the paper. + +GEORGIANA. [_At the door Right._] Lizzie! Where is she? Didn't he go to +the door with the paper, Steve? + +BELLA. I'll see, miss. + +[_She goes out Right._ + +STEVEN. Yes. I saw him. But, Georgy, it won't be Dick's regiment. + +MRS. CARLEY. [_By the sofa._] Louise, I'll tell you what we'll do, let's +go down and be getting on our wraps. + +LOUISE. No, mother, wait. + +GEORGIANA. No, Louise, go down, please, with mother. I'd rather. + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Going out Left._] Yes, come along. + +[LOUISE _looks at_ GEORGIANA, _who nods her head "Yes" to go._ + +LOUISE. I'll come back. + +[_She follows_ MRS. CARLEY _out._ LIZZIE _enters Right with the paper._ +GEORGIANA _takes the paper from_ LIZZIE, _who immediately goes out +Right._ + +STEVEN. Shall I look? + +GEORGIANA. [_Standing by the sofa._] No, I will. Here it is--"Battle +with Ladrones. The 91st Regiment of New York, which went out under +Captain H.S. Miller to subdue the bandits in the Island of Orla, met an +ambuscade of the Ladrones and were annihilated almost to a man." [_She +looks up dazed, not able at once to realize what it means. Rereads, +skipping some lines._] "Captain H.S. Miller who went out under--to +subdue the bandits in the--met an ambuscade of the Ladrones and was +annihilated almost to a man." Steve! his regiment,--do you think it's +true? Do you think it can be true? + +STEVEN. [_Beside her._] No, let me read it. + +GEORGIANA. [_She sinks down on the end of the sofa._] No, I will! [_She +reads on._] "News was brought by private--private--[_Her eyes hurrying +on._] the sole survivors. Privates--" [_Her eyes run along the printed +lines again._] Steve, I can't see his name. Isn't it there? Can't _you_ +see it? + +STEVEN. [_Looking._] No. + +GEORGIANA. [_Almost whispers._] It means--? + +STEVEN. [_Striving to hide his own emotion and to encourage her._] The +news is too meagre to be true. + +MRS. CARLEY. [_In hall Left._] Georgiana! We must go. + +GEORGIANA. [_Starts. To_ STEVEN.] _Don't_ let mother come in, please. + +LOUISE. [_Just outside the door._] Georgiana, we must go. + +GEORGIANA. [_To_ STEVEN.] Say I'm coming. + +STEVEN. I can't leave you alone. [_Going to the door._] Georgy's coming. + +LOUISE. [_Outside._] Good! Hurry! + +STEVEN. [_Coming back to her._] But I can't leave you. + +GEORGIANA. You must. And anyway I want you to. I want to be alone. + +[STEVEN _hesitates. He comes and takes her hand and is about to kiss +her, but something keeps him back; he presses her hand and she gives a +grateful look. She crosses to the dressing table and sits before it, +dazed. Slowly she takes the flowers from her hair, the pearls from her +neck. The front door slams, she lifts her head, and leaning her arm +toward_ DICK'S _picture, draws it toward her, gazing at it. Then, +crying, "Dick, Dick," she bursts into tears and drops her head upon her +arms outstretched on the table as_ + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +ACT IV + + +_Seven weeks later. The drawing-room as in Act II._ GEORGIANA, _in a +clinging black lace dress, is at the piano, playing "Traumerei." The +sunshine pours in through the windows._ MOLES _comes in apologetically +from the Left._ + +MOLES. Mr. Coast wants to know if you will see him, miss. + +GEORGIANA. [_Who continues playing._] Very well, Moles. + +MOLES. Shall I show him up? + +[GEORGIANA _nods her head._ MOLES _goes out._ GEORGIANA _continues +playing. In a few seconds_ MOLES _reënters with_ COAST. + +COAST. Good morning, Georgiana. + +[GEORGIANA, _half smiling, bows very impersonally, and continues playing +till she finishes the music._ COAST _leans against the piano, facing +her, and watches her and waits._ + +GEORGIANA. [_When she has finished._] How long is it since you and I +have been friends? + +COAST. It's five weeks and a couple of days--but it wasn't my fault. + +GEORGIANA. Wasn't it? Well? What is it? Why do you want to see me? + +COAST. Same reason as ever! + +GEORGIANA. No,--you wouldn't ask me that now! + +COAST. Yes, I would! + +GEORGIANA. No, Sam! Love isn't a game with all women, if you lose with +one hand, to try another. Do you mean you think because Dick is dead, +it would be any more possible for me to care for you? I don't respect +you, Sam, and I don't like you,--and that's putting it very +politely,--for many reasons; but one's enough--_Steve_! + +[COAST _looks away._ + +COAST. [_After a second's pause._] I've let you go on because I know I +deserve all I get; and I've caught on to the fact that you won't ever +care about me the way I want. Well, it's funny, it don't seem to make +much difference in my feelings for you all the same! [_Half laughs._] I +ain't exactly ashamed of what I've done, but I'm sort of _sorry_--for +_you_. + +GEORGIANA. [_Rising._] I don't want your sympathy, Sam. + +[_She comes away from the piano and he follows her._ + +COAST. Well, you've got to get it, anyway! That you can't help, and if +you can help loving me, you can't help my loving you! Anyway, I don't +want you to have to get out o' this house. + +GEORGIANA. That is all settled now; we can't afford to live here, of +course. + +COAST. Yes, you can. + +GEORGIANA. No, no--Steve's salary-- + +COAST. Steve's leaving that job; he don't need that money any longer. + +[_He looks at her, she looks in his face--a short pause; then--_ + +GEORGIANA. You don't mean you've given Steve-- + +COAST. Don't worry, I'm giving away nothing. Steve's got a new job. + +GEORGIANA. What? + +COAST. I'm going home--leastways so far's Denver--and Steve's going to +look after my interests here. + +GEORGIANA. But-- + +COAST. [_Interrupting her._] Oh, don't worry--he can't act without my +advice--and that's just the kind of a man I want! I don't want none of +these here fellers who's got judgment o' their own! Steve's knows he's a +fool in business, and he'll obey me implicitly. + +GEORGIANA. [_Sitting by the table Left._] And Steve is willing to accept +from _you_-- + +COAST. [_Interrupting._] Oh, I guess he considers I _owe_ him that much +anyway. + +GEORGIANA. You couldn't repay what you owe Steve. + +COAST. That's how _you_ look at it! Then there's Coleman's money. + +GEORGIANA. Don't speak about that, please. + +COAST. Why not? he's left it to you, everybody knows it, and it must be +a good deal. + +GEORGIANA. I can't and won't discuss that with you. + +COAST. [_Goes to_ GEORGIANA.] I wish you didn't feel so hard against me, +Georgy! + +GEORGIANA. To tell you the truth, Sam, I don't think I feel anything +about you. + +COAST. Oh, Lord, that's worse! I guess I won't stop at Denver,--I'll go +away out to the mine for a while and join father.--Good-by. + +GEORGIANA. Good-by. + +[_Rises._ + +COAST. I swore off a lot of things when I thought I was going to get +you, Georgiana! + +GEORGIANA. [_Without any feeling._] I'm glad! + +COAST. But I don't want to put on any bluff. I've sworn 'em all on +again. + +[_Going Left._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Same voice, without feeling._] I'm sorry. + +COAST. [_Turning quickly and with an absurd ray of hope._] Are you +_really_? + +GEORGIANA. [_Looking at him a second._] No, Sam, I suppose, if I tell +the truth, I don't really care. You see, somehow or other, I don't care +very much about anything. + +COAST. [_Discouraged._] Good-by. + +GEORGIANA. Good-by, a pleasant journey. + +[_She turns away. Coast is about to go when he meets_ LOUISE, _who +enters Left._ + +LOUISE. Good morning, Sam. Where are you off to? + +[_Going to the sofa._ + +COAST. Chicago first, Lou, and then Denver, and eventually--hell, I +guess! + +[_With a little gulp in his throat he goes out quickly._ + +LOUISE. What's the matter with him--he hasn't proposed to you again? + +GEORGIANA. He's going away, and he's made Steve-- + +LOUISE. [_Interrupting._] I've just seen Steve, he's told me. Steve's +coming uptown soon--to see you-- + +GEORGIANA. [_Sitting on the sofa beside_ LOUISE.] To see me--why? + +LOUISE. He'll tell you better than I--I feel happy, Georgiana. + +GEORGIANA. I'm glad. + +LOUISE. And I believe you'll be happy again. + +GEORGIANA. Thank you, Louise! + +[MRS. CARLEY _enters Right and sits by the table._ + +MRS. CARLEY. You back, Louise! I'm that tired, shopping. I'm buying +everything I can think of we'll be likely to need for months. There'll +be _no_ pleasure buying things when, instead of having them sent to 2 +East 71st Street, we have to say 329 West 143rd! + +GEORGIANA. [_Rises and goes back of the table._] Mother, dear, you may +not have to leave here after all! + +MRS. CARLEY. What do you mean? + +GEORGIANA. Louise will tell you. I've promised to sit through lunch with +the children this morning if you don't mind, and it's their hour. + +MRS. CARLEY. But, Georgiana-- + +[_She is interrupted by a gesture and a glance from_ LOUISE _to let_ +GEORGIANA _go._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Sweetly._] Yes? Do you want me for anything, dear? + +[LOUISE _repeats the gesture, unnoticed by_ GEORGIANA. + +MRS. CARLEY. Oh, no. + +GEORGIANA. If you want me-- + +MRS. CARLEY. No. + +GEORGIANA. Louise, I told Bella Shindle I'd help her get up an article +this morning on the drawing-room and dining room for her sister,--you +know--who has a friend who writes for the weekly papers. You don't mind, +do you? + +LOUISE. No. + +GEORGIANA. Of course, if you _do_ mind-- + +LOUISE. But I don't, not the least in the world. + +GEORGIANA. [_Smiling._] Bella says it will be a great thing for her +sister's reputation--what she calls such a "select" house as ours--and +buy her a new hat besides. So I thought we'd better. + +[_She goes out Right._ + +MRS. CARLEY. Did you ever know any one so changed? She hasn't been +horrid to me once since he died. It makes me feel perfectly dreadful to +have her treat me so nice. + +[_Almost crying, crosses to Left._ + +LOUISE. Mother, you know Mrs. Coleman sent for me just now. + +MRS. CARLEY. Yes? + +LOUISE. Well, why, do you suppose? + +MRS. CARLEY. I don't know, but I hope you'll tell me that, too, +sometime--what about Steve? + +LOUISE. That must wait, mother--Dick Coleman-- + +MRS. CARLEY. What? Don't tell me he made another will, and didn't leave +Georgiana his money. + +LOUISE. No, it's good news for Georgiana. I'm almost as afraid to tell +you as to tell her. [_Whispers._] Dick Coleman may be alive, after all. + +MRS. CARLEY. Louise! + +LOUISE. It is possible he was one of the three men who arrived at San +Francisco nearly a week ago. + +MRS. CARLEY. Who were taken prisoners by the Ladrones and escaped? + +LOUISE. Yes! The three men who got away from Cebú in a boat and were +picked up by a German steamer. It seems more than probable. They got one +name wrong in the despatches, making it "_Richard Cotten_"--who was also +missing--instead of "_Richard Coleman_." + +MRS. CARLEY. But how did you find out all this? + +LOUISE. From Mrs. Coleman. And it's all in the morning paper, and we +never took the trouble to look! + +MRS. CARLEY. I read the society notes--it wasn't in there. + +LOUISE. Well, the Colemans saw it and telegraphed at once to Washington +for confirmation. + +MRS. CARLEY. Did they get it? + +LOUISE. Not yet. But we're all in the greatest hopes! + +MRS. CARLEY. But if Dick Coleman was with those other men in San +Francisco, why didn't he telegraph home? + +LOUISE. That's the one thing that makes still a dreadful doubt. [_Rises +and rings the bell._] The Colemans are nearly mad waiting for their +reply from Washington. + +MRS. CARLEY. Shall you tell Georgiana? + +[_She rises._ + +LOUISE. Not till we are a little more certain. It would be dreadful to +open the wound of her grief again for nothing. Oh, if it's only true! + +MRS. CARLEY. And you've seen Steve? + +LOUISE. Yes, he went off at once to the newspaper to see how authentic +their information was, and then he was going on to the Colemans. [MOLES +_enters Left in answer to the bell._] Moles, bring me the morning paper. + +MOLES. [_Unable to suppress his excitement._] I've read it, m'm! We're +all nearly crazy over it downstairs. Lizzie's took to crying and can't +answer her bells.--Is it true, Mrs. Carley? + +LOUISE. Yes, we hope it's true, Moles. + +MOLES. Thank God, m'm, if you'll excuse me! + +LOUISE. But we're not sure yet, and you mustn't let anything drop before +Miss Georgiana till we are certain. + +MOLES. No, m'm. + +[_He goes out._ + +MRS. CARLEY. Oughtn't we to give Georgiana a hint to prepare her in some +way? + +LOUISE. Perhaps, if we do it very carefully. + +MRS. CARLEY. It seems awful to me not to tell her right out. Of course +we won't have Dick Coleman's money to help live on now, if he's back. + +LOUISE. Never mind that, mother. + +[MOLES _returns with the paper._ + +MOLES. Here is the paper, m'm, and Miss Shindle is come--she says to +interview the drawing-room. + +LOUISE. Very well--tell Miss Georgiana. + +MOLES. Yes, m'm. + +[_Goes out Right._ LOUISE _looks through the paper._ MOLES _brings in_ +BELLA. BELLA _shows signs of suppressed excitement._ + +BELLA. Oh, Mrs. Carley, have you seen the papers--isn't it splendid? + +LOUISE. Yes, if it's only true. We're trying to make sure! + +[LOUISE _finds the place in the paper._ + +MRS. CARLEY. [_Rising._] She doesn't know yet. + +BELLA. Oh, Mrs. Carley! + +LOUISE. We're waiting to be _sure_, and that we may be almost any +minute. + +BELLA. Mercy! I don't see how you can keep it to yourself. + +MRS. CARLEY. You might give her a little hint, Bella, if you get a +chance. + +BELLA. I wouldn't dare. If I opened my mouth wide enough to give her a +hint, I know it would all burst out! + +LOUISE. As soon as Mr. Carley comes, make an excuse to leave her, won't +you? We expect him to bring us some definite news? + +BELLA. Yes, indeed! + +[MRS. CARLEY _and_ LOUISE _go out Left, as_ GEORGIANA _comes in._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Pleasantly._] Good morning, Bella. + +[_She sits by the table._ + +BELLA. Good morning, ain't it a fine morning? + +GEORGIANA. Is it? I haven't been out. + +BELLA. I'm scared to death. [_Laughing nervously._] I ain't going to +write the article myself, you know. It's my sister's husband's +friend--she's real literary enough! She's got a typewriter. + +GEORGIANA. One can't do everything in this world, Bella, and you must be +content with being a real _artiste_ in your own profession. + +BELLA. Yes, I will say without boasting, so to speak, I don't believe +there's a soul in New York who can make hair go further and wear less, +than me! [_Laughs heartily._] What's this room? Of course it's one of +them Louis, I suppose, ain't it? [_Looks around the room._] Let me see, +is it Louis Eleventimes? I saw Henry Irving in that, it was fine! + +GEORGIANA. No, Bella, Henry Irving has never been in this room, and it's +Louis XVI. + +BELLA. Oh, of course! [_Writing._] How well you're looking, Miss +Georgiana. Look to me kinder as if you thought good news was in the +wind! + +[_She glances at her surreptitiously, but down again quickly, +frightened._ + +GEORGIANA. Why, Bella? + +BELLA. Oh, that's just my idea, that's all. What might this picture be? +Shall we say--er--er--Michael Ange? + +GEORGIANA. [_Suppressing a smile._] No, that is a Van Dyck. + +BELLA. Of course! I might have known! [_Writing._] This entire room is a +fine bit, ain't it? All Louis--[_She looks back in her book._] 16, as a +piece, I suppose? + +GEORGIANA. Yes. + +BELLA. So I see! My! How I love all this kind of thing. I couldn't live +without a lot o' bric-a-brah lying around sort of careless like and +undusted. These tapestries are real, I presume? + +GEORGIANA. Yes. + +BELLA. I thought so! I got a beautiful piece of tapestry over my +washstand, hand-painted, and all the faces and clothes outlined in +chenille cross-stitch by the Singer Sewing Machine--but it's not quite +the same as yours. + +GEORGIANA. It must be very pretty. + +BELLA. Oh, it adds a touch! Mr. Gootch gave it to me for an engagement +present. + +GEORGIANA. Does Mr. Gootch ever speak of Mr. Coleman? + +BELLA. He worships him--naturally, as Mr. Coleman got wounded in both +arms carrying him to a safe place! Mr. Gootch says as there wasn't a man +in the regiment braver or as popular as Mr. Coleman. Don't you think, +perhaps, sometimes, maybe, Miss Georgiana-- + +[_She stops near_ GEORGIANA. + +GEORGIANA. Maybe what--? + +BELLA. Oh, I dunno--I-- + +GEORGIANA. [_Rising and going to the sofa._] Come, Bella, we must get on +with your article. + +[_A pause._ + +BELLA. [_Looking about._] Why, you haven't got a cosy corner, have you? +And yet you seem to go in for the real artistic! I don't know what my +sister 'n' I'd do without our cosy corner! It is draped with a fish net, +and has paper butterflies and beetles in it! Very artistic! And she's +got--well, really now, I believe she's got at least _eleven pillers_; +counting the two ticking ones that has their covers come off at night +for our bed! + +GEORGIANA. [_Rising nervously._] Bella, I have some colored dresses I'd +like to give you for your trousseau, if you care to take them. They've +not been worn very much. + +BELLA. Oh, Miss Georgiana, of course I'd take 'em--only, I don't know, I +sort of feel it in my bones you'll wear 'em yourself. + +[STEVEN _enters Left suddenly. He tries to conceal his great +excitement._ MOLES _is with him._ + +STEVEN. [_To_ MOLES.] Tell Mrs. Carley I want to see her here, please. + +MOLES. Yes, sir. + +[_He goes out Right._ + +STEVEN. Hello, Georgy! + +GEORGIANA. Steve! + +STEVEN. Good morning, Miss Shindle. + +BELLA. Good morning, Mr. Carley. I must be going now, Miss Georgiana. + +GEORGIANA. But have you got enough for the article? + +BELLA. Oh, yes, miss--Louise furniture, the Van Wyck picture, tapestry +effects--etcetra. Thank you ever so much. Good-by! + +GEORGIANA. Wait, I'll tell you about the dining room. + +[_She goes out with_ BELLA _Left, and_ LOUISE _enters._ + +STEVEN. Louise, it's true! + +LOUISE. Oh, Steve! + +STEVEN. It was a press telegram and has been verified by private wire. +Besides, Mrs. Coleman has a telegram from Dick himself. + +LOUISE. From where? + +STEVEN. From San Francisco, when the Colemans were at Palm Beach. Their +servants foolishly _mailed_ the telegram to them, and before it arrived +in Florida, they were on their way North, coming by easy stages. + +LOUISE. [_Rises._] And the message only just caught up with them! Who +will tell her? + +[MOLES _comes in Left with a note._ + +MOLES. A note just come for you, sir, by Mr. Coleman's man. + +STEVEN. We must break it very gently, prepare her a little for it if we +can. [_To_ MOLES.] Thanks. [_Takes note, opens it, and reads it +hurriedly._] He's there! With his father and mother! + +MOLES. [_Forgetting himself._] Oh, sir--I'm so glad! Excuse me, sir, +but we're all so glad, sir--any answer sir? + +[_His eyes fill up._ + +STEVEN. No, only tell Miss Georgiana I want to see her. + +MOLES. [_Who has to swallow a lump in his throat before he can speak._] +Yes, sir. + +[_He goes out Right._ + +LOUISE. [_Wiping her eyes, goes to_ STEVEN.] What does it say? + +STEVEN. [_Reads the note._] "Dick and the answer from Washington arrived +together!" He'll be over here at once--they won't keep him. + +LOUISE. We must tell her before he gets here. + +STEVEN. Yes. + +LOUISE. We must do it very carefully. + +STEVEN. But we mustn't lose any time. + +[GEORGIANA _comes in during this last speech, overhearing it. A +movement is made by others on_ GEORGIANA'S _entrance._ + +GEORGIANA. "Losing time!" Am I keeping you from anything? I'm very +sorry! + +LOUISE. [_Very tenderly, and hiding her emotion._] No, you're not +keeping us, Georgy, we only wanted to see you, that's all. + +GEORGIANA. [_Going to her._] Why? + +STEVEN. [_Also very tenderly._] Do we have to have a reason to want to +see you, isn't that we love you enough? + +GEORGIANA. Yes, but why do you speak to me like this?--it's very kind of +you--only--what does it mean? + +[_Smiling a little nervously, they hesitate._ + +LOUISE. Steve has news for you, Georgy. + +GEORGIANA. I know about it, Coast told me. + +STEVEN. It isn't that, Georgy. + +GEORGIANA. What is it, then? How serious you both look. + +[_She becomes frightened._ + +STEVEN. This is _good_ news. + +GEORGIANA. _Good_ news! + +LOUISE. Yes. + +STEVEN. The best in the world! + +GEORGIANA. For me? + +STEVEN. For you! + +GEORGIANA. [_A second's pause, she speaks then in a low voice._] No, it +can't be! It can't be! + +STEVEN. Yes, it _is_, Georgy! + +GEORGIANA. No! + +STEVEN. Georgy! It _is_! + +[MOLES _enters Left._ + +MOLES. [_With voice full of happy emotion which he cannot disguise._] +Please, sir-- + +[_He hesitates._ + +STEVEN. Show him here, Moles. + +[MOLES _lowers his head and goes out._ + +GEORGIANA. Dick--? + +[_She looks from_ STEVEN _to_ LOUISE. _They all show her by their faces +and movements that it is true._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Whispers._] Dick! + +[_She stands waiting, breathless._ STEVEN _steals out with his arm +about_ LOUISE. + +GEORGIANA. [_Excitedly, to herself._] _Come!_ No, no! It can't be true! +It can't be true! They killed him, those brutes out there! You told me +so! Every one believed it! I believed it! And so you want me to believe +he's alive! That he's here! In this house, coming into this room--that I +shall see-- + +[_She stops suddenly, looking up. The door-knob of the door Left turns. +Every nerve in_ GEORGIANA'S _body grows tense._ MOLES _opens the door +and lets_ DICK _pass in and closes the door behind him._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Cries out._] Dick! + +[DICK _goes towards her, but stops. She starts towards him, stops a +moment, and they look at each other, unable to speak,--then she goes on +slowly, almost fearfully, till she reaches him._ + +DICK. [_Moving to her._] Georgy! + +[_He stands before her with both arms bandaged in a sling._ + +GEORGIANA. [_Whispers._] Dick! [_Looks him straight in the eyes--he +looks back. She cries out._] Dick! + +[_Holding out her arms toward him._ + +DICK. Georgy! [_He looks down at his arms._] My arms--I can't-- + +GEORGIANA. Oh, Dick! + +[_And putting her arms tenderly about his neck, she holds him close, as +he leans down his head and kisses her, and_ + + + + +THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +REPRESENTATIVE PLAYS BY WELL-KNOWN PLAYWRIGHTS + + +By MR. CLYDE FITCH +Each 75c. net (postage 6c.) + + +The Climbers + A keen satire on contemporary New York society, which explains its + title thus:-- + + "There are social climbers, but wealth is as good a goal. I was a + climber after wealth and everything it brings." + + "And I after happiness and all it brings."--_Act II._ + +The Girl with the Green Eyes + A study of the jealous temperament. The play is full of touches of + a remarkable intuition, and the heroine's character is portrayed + with rare delicacy. + +The Toast of the Town + A comedy dealing with the life of an actress in the period of + George III., and with the tragedy of middle age. + +Her Own Way +and +The Stubbornness of Geraldine + are two original American plays, ingenious and novel in their + employment of pictorial devices. These plays are funds of + delightful sentiment, unhackneyed, piquant humor, and minute + observation. + + For the faithfulness of his chronicles of American life Mr. Fitch + is to be ranked with Mr. Henry Arthur Jones in the English field, + and with the best of the modern French dramatists on the Continent. + + +By HENRY ARTHUR JONES +Each 75c. net (postage 6c.) + + +The Manoeuvres of Jane +An Original Comedy in Four Acts. + "The occasional publication of a play by Henry Arthur Jones is a + matter for congratulation.... In 'The Manoeuvres of Jane' we see + Mr. Jones in his most sprightly mood and at the height of his + ingenuity; ... its plot is plausible and comic, and its dialogue is + witty." + + _The Transcript_ (Boston). + +Mrs. Dane's Defence +A Play in Four Acts. + First produced in London by Sir Charles Wyndham. Margaret Anglin + and Charles Richman scored a success in it in New York and + elsewhere. + +The Whitewashing of Julia + An Original Comedy in Three Acts and an Epilogue. + +Saints and Sinners + An Original Drama of Modern English Middle-Class Life in Five Acts. + +The Crusaders + An Original Comedy of Modern London Life. + +The Case of Rebellious Susan + A Comedy in Three Acts. + +Carnac Sahib + An Original Play in Four Acts. + +The Triumph of the Philistines + +Michael and His Lost Angel + +The Tempters + +The Liars + +The Masqueraders + + +By MR. WINSTON CHURCHILL + +The Title-Mart + A live comedy of American life, turning on schemes of ambitious + elders, through which love and the young folks follow their own + sweet ways. + + Cloth, 16mo, 75c. net (postage 6c.) + + +By PAUL HEYSE +FREELY TRANSLATED BY WILLIAM WINTER + +Mary of Magdala + The English version used by Mrs. Fiske in New York and elsewhere. + + Cloth, $1.25 net + + +By MR. 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STEPHEN PHILLIPS +Cloth, each $1.25 net (postage 8c.) + +The Sin of David + The theme is indicated by the title, but the time of the play is + that of Cromwell, and runs its course during the English civil war. + +Ulysses + A dramatic success in both London and New York, first presented in + a marvellous stage-setting by Beerbohm Tree, and pronounced "the + most strikingly imaginative production the present generation has + witnessed." + + +By MR. PERCY W. MACKAYE +Cloth, each $1.25 net (postage 7c.) + +Fenris the Wolf A Tragedy. + +The Canterbury Pilgrims + "A rollicking little farce-comedy, with lyrics + interspersed."--_Churchman._ + + +By MR. LAURENCE HOUSMAN + +Bethlehem + A Nativity Play. 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