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diff --git a/19101.txt b/19101.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cbc88e3 --- /dev/null +++ b/19101.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4663 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl with the Green Eyes, 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: The Girl with the Green Eyes + A Play in Four Acts + +Author: Clyde Fitch + +Release Date: August 22, 2006 [EBook #19101] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL WITH THE GREEN EYES *** + + + + +Produced by Louise Hope, David Garcia and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Kentuckiana Digital Library) + + + + + + + + THE GIRL WITH THE + + GREEN EYES + + + + + [Illustration: {publisher's logo}] + + + + + The Girl with the + Green Eyes + + _A Play In Four Acts_ + + By + + CLYDE FITCH + + + [Symbol: fleur-de-lis] + + + The Macmillan Company + _New York MCMV_ + London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd. + + + + + + Copyright, 1905, + By THE MACMILLAN COMPANY. + All Rights Reserved. + + Set up and electrotyped. Published November, 1905. + + #Norwood Press# + J. S. Cushing & Co.--Berwick & Smith Co. + Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. + + + + + To + + CLARA BLOODGOOD + + Good Friend and Ideal Interpreter + of "Jinny" + + + + +_THE GIRL WITH THE GREEN EYES_ + + +ACT I. The Tillmans' House, New York. + _The Wedding._ + + (Two months elapse.) + +ACT II. The Vatican, Rome. + _The Honeymoon._ + + (Three weeks elapse.) + +ACT III. The Austins' House, New York. + _Home._ + + (The night passes.) + +ACT IV. The Same. + + Scene I. _Dawn of the Next Day._ + + Scene II. _Early the Same Morning._ + + + + +_The Persons More or Less Concerned in the Play_ + + + "JINNY" AUSTIN. + MR. TILLMAN } _Her Parents._ + MRS. TILLMAN } + GEOFFREY TILLMAN. _Her Brother._ + SUSIE. _Her Cousin._ + MISS RUTH CHESTER } + MISS GRACE DANE } _Her Bridesmaids._ + MISS BELLE WESTING } + MISS GERTRUDE WOOD } + MAGGIE. _Maid at the Tillmans'._ + HOUSEMAID. _At the Tillmans'._ + BUTLER. _At the Tillmans'._ + FOOTMAN. _At the Tillmans'._ + JOHN AUSTIN. + MRS. CULLINGHAM. + PETER CULLINGHAM. _Her Son._ + MRS. LOPP. + CARRIE. _Her Daughter._ + A FRENCH COUPLE. + A GERMAN COUPLE. + A GUIDE. + A DRIVER. + A GROUP OF TOURISTS. + + + + +Originally produced under the management of Charles Frohman at the +Savoy Theatre, New York, on the 25th of December, 1902, with the +following cast:-- + + "Jinny" Austin Miss Clara Bloodgood + Mr. Tillman Mr. Charles Abbott + Mrs. Tillman Mrs. Harriet Otis Dellenbaugh + Geoffrey Tillman Mr. John M. Albaugh, Jr. + Susie Miss Edith Taliaferro + Miss Ruth Chester Miss Lucille Flaven + Miss Grace Dane Miss Mary Blyth + Miss Belle Westing Miss Helena Otis + Miss Gertrude Wood Miss Felice Morris + Maggie Miss Lucile Watson + Housemaid Miss Angela Keir + Butler Mr. Gardner Jenkins + Footman Mr. Walter Dickinson + John Austin Mr. Robert Drouet + Mrs. Cullingham Mrs. McKee Rankin + Peter Cullingham Mr. Harry E. Asmus + Mrs. Lopp Miss Ellen Rowland + Carrie Miss Clara B. Hunter + A French Couple { Mr. Henry De Barry + { Miss Louise Delmar + A German Couple { Mr. J. R. Cooley + { Miss Elsa Ganett + A Guide Mr. Frank Brownlee + A Driver Mr. Lou W. Carter + { Miss Elizabeth French + A Group of Tourists { Miss Gertrude Bindley + { Miss Myrtle Lane + + + + +ACT I + + +_A charming room in the Tillmans' house. The walls are white woodwork, + framing in old tapestries of deep foliage design, with here and there + a flaming flamingo; white furniture with old, green brocade cushions. + The room is in the purest Louis XVI. The noon sunlight streams through + a window on the left. On the opposite side is a door to the hall. At + back double doors open into a corridor which leads to the ballroom. + At left centre are double doors to the front hall. A great, luxurious + sofa is at the left, with chairs sociably near it, and on the other + side of the room a table has chairs grouped about it. On floral small + table are books and objets d'art, and everywhere there is a profusion + of white roses and maidenhair fern._ + +_In the stage directions Left and Right mean Left and Right of actor, + as he faces audience._ + +_Three smart-looking SERVANTS are peering through the crack of the + folding door, their backs to the audience. The pretty, slender MAID + is on a chair. The elderly BUTLER dignifiedly stands on the floor. + The plump, overfed little HOUSEMAID is kneeling so as to see beneath + the head of the BUTLER._ + + +HOUSEMAID. [_Gasping._] Oh, ain't it a beautiful sight! + +BUTLER. [_Pompously._] Not to me who 'ave seen a Lord married in +Hengland. + +MAGGIE. Oh, you make me sick, Mr. Potts, always talking of your English +Aristocracy! I'm sure there never was no prettier wedding than this. Nor +as pretty a bride as Miss Jinny. + +BUTLER. [_Correcting her._] Mrs. Haustin! + +HOUSEMAID. She looks for all the world like one of them frosted angels +on a Christmas card. My, I wish I could 'a' seen her go up the aisle +with the organ going for all it was worth! + +MAGGIE. It was a _beautiful_ sight! + +BUTLER. A good many 'appens to be 'aving the sense to be going now. + +HOUSEMAID. Could you hear Miss Jinny say "I do," and make them other +remarks? + +MAGGIE. Yes, _plain_, though her voice was trembly like. But Mr. Austin +he almost shouted! + + [_Laughing nervously in excitement._ + +BUTLER. 'E's glad to get 'er! + +MAGGIE. _And her him!_ + +HOUSEMAID. Yes, that's what I likes about it. Did any one cry? + +MAGGIE. Mrs. Tillman. Lots of people are going now. + +HOUSEMAID. What elegant clothes! Oh, gosh! + +BUTLER. [_Superciliously._] Mrs. Cullingham don't seem in no 'urry; +she's a common lot! + +MAGGIE. I don't care, she's rich and Miss Jinny likes her; she just +throws money around to any poor person or church or hospital that wants +it, or _don't_! So she can't be so _very common_ neither, Mr. Potts! + +HOUSEMAID. Say, I catch on to something! Young Mr. Tillman's sweet on +that there tall bridesmaid. + +MAGGIE. [_Sharply._] Who? + +BUTLER. Miss Chester. I've seen there was something goin' hon between +them whenever she's dined or lunched 'ere. + +MAGGIE. [_Angry._] 'Tain't true! + +BUTLER. I'll bet my month's wages. + +MAGGIE. I don't believe you! + +BUTLER. Why, what's it to _you_, please? + +MAGGIE. [_Saving herself._] Nothing-- + +HOUSEMAID. Well, I guess it's truth enough. That's the second time I've +seen him squeeze her hand when no one wasn't lookin'. + +MAGGIE. Here, change places with me! [_Getting down from her chair._] +If you was a gentleman, Mr. Potts, you'd have given me _your place_! + + [_Witheringly._ + +BUTLER. If I was a _gentleman_, miss, I wouldn't be here; _I'd_ be on +the other side of the door. + + [_He moves the chairs away._ + +MAGGIE. [_To Housemaid._] Honest, you saw something between them? + +HOUSEMAID. Who? + +MAGGIE. Him and her? Mr. Geoffrey and Miss Chester-- + +HOUSEMAID. _Cheese it!_ they're coming this way! + + [_She and the MAID and the BUTLER vanish through the door Right._ + + [_GEOFFREY and RUTH enter through the double doors quickly at back. + GEOFFREY is a young, good-looking man, but with a weak face. He is of + course very smartly dressed. RUTH is a very serenely beautiful girl, + rather noble in type, but unconscious and unpretending in manner. + They close the doors quickly behind them._ + +GEOFFREY. We'll not be interrupted here, and I must have a few words +with you before you go. + + [_He follows her to the sofa where she sits, and leans over it, with + his arm about her shoulder._ + +RUTH. Oh, Geof,--Geof, why weren't we married like this? + +GEOFFREY. It couldn't be helped, darling! + +RUTH. It isn't the big wedding I miss, oh, no, it's only it seemed +sweeter in a church. Why did we have to steal off to Brooklyn, to that +poor, strange little preacher in his stuffy back parlour, and behave as +if we were doing something of which we were ashamed? + +GEOFFREY. You love me, I love you,--isn't that the chief thing, dearest? + +RUTH. But how much longer must we keep it secret? + +GEOFFREY. Till I can straighten my affairs out. I can't explain it all +to you; there are terrible debts,--one more than all the others,--a debt +I made when I was in college. + +RUTH. If I could only help you! I have a _little_ money. + +GEOFFREY. No, I love you too much; besides, this debt isn't _money_, +and I hope to get rid of it somehow before long. + +RUTH. Forgive me for worrying you. It is only that every one is so happy +at this wedding except me,--dear Jinny brimming over with joy, as I +would be,--and it's made me feel--a little-- + +GEOFFREY. [_Comes around the sofa and sits beside her._] I know, dear, +and it's made me feel what a brute I am! Oh, if you knew how I hate +myself for all I've done, and for the pain and trouble I cause you now! + + [_MAGGIE, her sharp features set tense, appears in the doorway on the + left behind the curtains and listens._ + +RUTH. Never mind, we won't think of that any more. + +GEOFFREY. I can never throw it off, not for a minute! I'm a worthless +fellow and how can you love me-- + +RUTH. [_Interrupting him._] I _do_! You are worth everything to me, and +you will be worth much to the world yet! + +GEOFFREY. I love you, Ruth--that's the one claim I can make to deserve +you. But it's helped me to give up _all_ the beastly pleasures I used to +indulge in! + +RUTH. [_Softly._] Geof! + +GEOFFREY. Which I used to think the only things worth living for, and +which now, thanks to you, I loathe,--every one of them. + +RUTH. I'm so glad! I've been some help, then. + +GEOFFREY. If I'd only got you earlier, I'd have been a different man, +Ruth! + +RUTH. [_Smiling and taking his nervous hand in hers._] Then I mightn't +have fallen in love with you if you were a _different_ man! + +GEOFFREY. Dear girl! Anyway, this is the good news that I want to tell +you--I hope now to have things settled in a couple of weeks. + +RUTH. [_In glad relief._] Geoffrey! + +GEOFFREY. But--I mayn't be successful; it might be, Ruth--it might be, +we would have to wait--for years-- + +RUTH. [_Quietly._] I don't think I could bear that! It's not easy for me +to lie and deceive as I've had to the last few months; I don't think I +could keep it up. + + [_PETER CULLINGHAM enters suddenly, from the ballroom, a pale young + man, but, unlike GEOFFREY, hard and virile._ + +PETER. Oh, here you are! I say, are you two spoony? Just the way _I_ +feel! [_Laughing._] I caught and hugged old Mrs. Parmby just now! I +think it's sort of in the air at weddings, don't you? + +GEOFFREY. [_Rising._] I'm surprised to see you've left the refreshment +table, Peter. + +PETER. They sent me to find Miss Chester--they're going to cut the +bridesmaid's cake, and if you two really are spoony, Miss Chester, you'd +better not miss it--you might get the ring! + + [_They laugh as PETER takes out a bottle from which he takes a round, + black tablet which he puts in his mouth._ + +RUTH. [_Also rising._] I'd better go. + + [_PETER is making frantic efforts to swallow the tablet._ + +GEOFFREY. [_Noticing him._] What's the matter with you? + +PETER. O dear! I've eaten so many ices and fancy cakes, I've got awful +indigestion, and I'm trying to swallow a charcoal tablet. + +RUTH. Come with me and get a glass of water. + +PETER. No, it's very bad to drink water with your meals; but I'll get a +piece of bridesmaid's cake--that'll push it down! + + [_PETER and RUTH go out through the double doors._ + + [_The moment they are out of the room, MAGGIE comes from behind the + curtain and goes straight up to GEOFFREY. He looks astonished and + frightened._ + +GEOFFREY. What do you want? Have you been listening? + +MAGGIE. So that's it, is it? You want to marry her when you can get rid +of me. + +GEOFFREY. [_With relief._] What do you mean? + +MAGGIE. Oh, I may not have heard everything, but I heard and saw enough +to catch on that you're in love with Miss Chester. + +GEOFFREY. Well? + +MAGGIE. Well, you won't marry her--I'll never set you free. + +GEOFFREY. Sh! + + [_Looking about and closing the doors._ + +MAGGIE. Oh, they're all in the dining room. + +GEOFFREY. [_Angry._] What do you want, anyway? + +MAGGIE. [_She pleads a little._] When I came here to your house and got +a position, it was because I _loved_ you, if you _had_ treated me bad, +and I hoped by seeing you again, and being near you, you might come back +to me and everything be made straight! + +GEOFFREY. Never! Never! It's impossible. + +MAGGIE. [_Angry again._] Oh, is it! Well, the dirty little money you +give me now only holds my tongue quiet so long's you behave yourself and +don't run after any other girls! But the minute you try to throw me +down, I'll come out with the whole story. + +GEOFFREY. I was drunk when I married you! + +MAGGIE. More shame to you! + +GEOFFREY. You're right. But I was only twenty--and you--led me on-- + +MAGGIE. [_Interrupting him._] Me! led you on! _me_, as decent and nice +a girl as there was in New Haven if I do do housework, and that's my +wedding ring and you put it there, and mother's got the certificate +locked up good and safe in her box with my dead baby sister's hair and +the silver plate off my father's coffin! + +GEOFFREY. We mustn't talk here any more! + +MAGGIE. You look out! If I wasn't so fond of your sister Miss Jinny, +and if the old people weren't so good to me, I'd just show you right +up _here_--_now_! + +GEOFFREY. I'll _buy_ you off if I can't divorce you! + +MAGGIE. _You!_ Poof! + + [_GIRLS' voices are heard from the ballroom._ + +GEOFFREY. Look out--some one's coming! + +MAGGIE. [_Going._] You haven't got a red cent; my cheque's always one of +your _father's_! + + [_She goes out Right._ + +GEOFFREY. Good God! what am I going to do--shoot myself, if I don't get +out of this soon--I must get some air! + + [_He goes out Left._ + + [_JINNY opens the double doors, looks in, and then enters. She is an + adorable little human being, pretty, high-strung, temperamental, full + of certain feminine fascination that defies analysis, which is partly + due to the few faults she possesses. She is, of course, dressed in + the conventional wedding-dress, a tulle veil thrown over her face._ + +JINNY. Not a soul! Come on! + + [_She is followed in by the four BRIDESMAIDS--nice girls every one of + them--and also, very slyly, by SUSIE, a very modern spoiled child, who + sits unobserved out of the way at the back._ + +Now, my dears, I wish to say good-by all by ourselves so I can make you +a little speech! [_All laugh gently._] In the first place I want to tell +you that there's nothing like marriage! And you must every one of you +try it! Really, I was never so happy in my life! + +GRACE. Must we stand, or may we sit down? + +JINNY. Oh, stand; it won't be long and you'll only crush your lovely +frocks. In fact, I advise you not to lose any time sitting down again +until you've got the happy day fixed! + +RUTH. You know, Jinny darling, that there is no one so glad for your +happiness as your four bridesmaids are--isn't that so, girls? + +ALL. Yes! + + [_And they all together embrace JINNY, saying, "Dear old Jinny," + "Darling Jinny," "We'll miss you dreadfully," etc., ad lib., till + they get tearful._ + +JINNY. Good gracious, girls, we mustn't cry. I'll get red eyes, and +Jack'll think what an awful difference just the marriage service makes +in a woman. + + [_The doors at the back open, and AUSTIN appears in the doorway._ + + [_AUSTIN is a typical New Yorker in appearance, thirty-two years + old, good-looking, manly, self-poised, and somewhat phlegmatic in + temperament._ + +AUSTIN. Hello! May a mere man come in to this delectable tea party? + +JINNY. _No_, Jack! But _wait_--by the door till I call you! + +AUSTIN. [_Amused._] Thank you! + + [_He goes out, closing the door._ + +GERTRUDE. We'll miss you so awfully, Jinny. + +JINNY. Just what I say! Get a man to keep you company, and then you +won't miss any one. + +BELLE. Yes, but attractive men with lots of money don't come into the +Grand Central Station by every train! + +JINNY. [_Putting her arm about her._] You want too much, my dear Belle! +And you aren't watching the Grand Central Station either half so much +as you are the steamer docks for a suitable person. Now don't be angry; +you know you want a good big title, and you've got the money to pay, +but, my dear Belle, it's those ideas of yours that have kept you single +till--twenty-six!--now _that_ you must confess was nice of me, to take +off _three_ years! + +BELLE. [_Laughing._] Jinny, you're horrid! + +JINNY. No, I'm not! You know I'm _really_ fond of you, or you wouldn't +be my bridesmaid to-day; it's only that I want _your wedding_ to be as +happy as _mine_--that's all, and here's a little gift for you to +remember your disagreeable but loving friend by! + + [_Giving her a small jewelry box._ + +BELLE. Thank you, Jinny! Thank you! + + [_A little moved._ + +GRACE. Mercy! I hope you're not going to take each one of us! + +JINNY. I am, and come here, _you're_ next! + +GRACE. I'll swear I don't want to get married at all! + +JINNY. Don't be silly, you _icicle_! Of course you don't; you freeze +all the men away, so that you've no idea how nice and comfy they can +be! My advice to you, Grace darling,--and I _love_ you, or I wouldn't +bother,--is to _thaw_! [_Laughs._] I used to be awfully jealous of you-- + +GRACE. [_Interrupting._] Oh! + +JINNY. Yes, I was! You're lots prettier than I am. + +GRACE. Jinny! + +JINNY. You _are_! But I got over it because I soon saw you were so cold, +there was no danger of any conflagration near you! Oh, I've watched your +_eyes_ often to see if any man had lighted the fires in them yet. And +now I'm determined they shall be lighted. You're too _cold_! Thaw, +dear,--not to _everybody_,--that would be like slushy weather, but +don't keep yourself so continually so far below zero that you won't have +time to strike--well--say eighty-five in _the shade_, when the right bit +of masculine sunshine _does_ come along! Here--with my best love! + + [_Giving her a small jewelry box._ + + [_GRACE kisses JINNY._ + +GERTRUDE. I am the next _victim_, I believe! + +JINNY. All I've got to say to _you_, Miss, is, that if you don't decide +pretty soon on _one_ of the half dozen men you are flirting with +_disgracefully_ at present, they'll every one find you out and you'll +have to go in for widowers. + +GERTRUDE. [_Mockingly._] Horrors! + +JINNY. Oh, I don't know! I suppose a widower is sort of _broken in_ and +would be more likely to put up with your caprices! For the sake of your +charm and wit and true heart underneath it all, you dear old girl you! + + [_Giving her a small jewel box._ + +GERTRUDE. Thank you, Jinny. I'm only afraid I will do the wrong thing +with you away! You know you're always my ballast! + +JINNY. Nonsense! Female ballast is no good; masculine ballast is the +only kind that's safe if you want to make life's journey in a love +balloon. [_SHE turns to RUTH CHESTER._] Ruth--the trouble with you is, +you're too sad lately, and show such a lack of interest. I should think +you might be in love, only I haven't been able to find the man. Anyway, +if you aren't in love, you must _pretend_ an interest in things. Of +course, men's affairs are awfully dull, but they don't like you to talk +about them, so it's really very easy. All you have to do is listen, +stare them straight in the eyes, think of whatever you like, and +look pleased! It _does_ flatter them, and they think _they_ are +_interesting_, and you _charming_! Wear this, and think of me! [_Giving +her a box._] and be happy! I _want_ you to be _happy_--and I can see you +aren't! + +RUTH. [_Kissing her._] Thank you, dear! + +JINNY. There, that's all!--except--when I come home from abroad in +October, if every one of you aren't engaged to be married, I'll wash my +hands of you-- + + [_They all laugh._ + + [_SUSIE, sliding off her chair at back, comes forward._ + +SUSIE. Now, it's my turn! You can't chuck me! + +JINNY. [_Trying not to laugh._] Susie! where did you come from and _what +do_ you mean? + +SUSIE. Oh, you give me a pain!--I went up the aisle with you to-day, +too--what's the matter with telling me how to get married! + +JINNY. I'll tell you this, your language is dreadful; where do you get +all the boy's slang? You don't talk like a lady. + +SUSIE. I'm not a lady. I'm a little girl! + +JINNY. You _talk_ much more like a common boy. + +SUSIE. Well, I'd rather _be_ a _boy_! + +JINNY. Susie, I shall tell Aunt Laura her daughter needs looking after. + +SUSIE. Oh, very well, cousin Jinny. If you're going to make trouble, +why, forget it! + + [_Turns and goes out haughtily, Right._ + +JINNY. [_Going to the double doors, calls._] Now you can come in, Jack. + + [_AUSTIN enters._ + +AUSTIN. And now I've only time to say good-by. All your guests have gone +except the Cullinghams, who are upstairs with your mother, looking at +the presents. + +GERTRUDE. Come! All hands around him! + + [_The five GIRLS join hands, with AUSTIN in the centre._ + +BELLE. We don't care if every one else has gone or not, _we're_ here +yet! + +AUSTIN. So I see! But I am ordered by my father-in-law--ahem! [_all +laugh_] --to go to my room, or he thinks there will be danger of our +losing our train. + +ALL THE BRIDESMAIDS. [_Ad lib._] Where are you going? Where are you +going? We won't let you out till you tell us. + +AUSTIN. I daren't--I'm afraid of my wife! + +JINNY. Bravo, Jack! + +GRACE. Very well, then, we'll let you out, on _one_ condition, that you +kiss us all in turn. + + [_The GIRLS laugh._ + +JINNY. No! No! [_Breaking away._] He shan't do any such thing! + + [_They all laugh and break up the ring._ + +GERTRUDE. Dear me, isn't she jealous! + +BELLE. Yes, it is evidently time we all went! Good-by, Jinny! [_Kissing +her._] A happy journey to _Washington_! + +JINNY. No, it isn't! + + [_General good-bys. JINNY begins with RUTH at one end, and AUSTIN at + the other; he says good-by and shakes hands with each girl._ + +GERTRUDE. [_Kissing JINNY._] Good-by, and a pleasant trip to _Niagara +Falls_! + +JINNY. Not a bit! + +GRACE. [_Kissing JINNY._] Good-by, I believe it's _Boston_ or _Chicago_! + +JINNY. _Neither!_ + +RUTH. Good-by, dear, and all the happiness in the world! + + [_Kisses her._ + +JINNY. Thank you. + + [_She turns and goes with the other three girls to the double doors at + back, where they are heard talking._ + +RUTH. Mr. Austin? + +AUSTIN. Yes? + + [_Joining her._ + +RUTH. [_Embarrassed._] You like your new brother, _don't_ you? + +AUSTIN. Geof? most certainly I do, and Jinny adores him. + +RUTH. I know, then, you'll be a good friend to him if he needs one. + +AUSTIN. Surely I will. + +RUTH. I think he does need one. + +AUSTIN. Really-- + + [_The GIRLS are passing out through the doors._ + +BELLE. Come along, Ruth. + + [_THEY pass out and JINNY stands in the doorway talking to them till + they are out of hearing._ + +RUTH. Sh! please don't tell any one, not even Jinny, what I've said! I +may be betraying something I've no right to do, and don't tell _him_ +I've spoken to you. + +AUSTIN. All right! + + [_JINNY turns around in the doorway._ + +RUTH. Thank you--and good-by. + + [_Shaking his hand again._ + + [_JINNY notices that they shake hands twice. A queer little look comes + into her face._ + +AUSTIN. Good-by. + +RUTH. Have they gone?--Oh! [_Hurrying past_ JINNY.] Good-by, dear. + + [_She goes out through the double doors._ + +JINNY. [_In a curious little voice._] Good-by.... + +[_She comes slowly down the room toward AUSTIN, and smiles at him +quizzically._] What were you two saying? + +AUSTIN. Good-by! + +JINNY. But you'd said it once to her already! Why did you have to say +good-by _twice_ to _Ruth_? Once was enough for all the other girls! + +AUSTIN. [_Banteringly._] The first time _I_ said good-by to _her_, and +the second time _she_ said good-by to _me_! + +JINNY. Do you know what I believe--_Ruth Chester's in love with you_! + +AUSTIN. Oh, darling! + + [_Laughs._ + +JINNY. Yes, that explains the whole thing. No wonder she was _triste_ +to-day. + +AUSTIN. [_Laughing._] Jinny, sweetheart, don't get such an absurd notion +into your head. + +JINNY. [_Looks straight at him a moment, then speaks tenderly._] +No--no--I know it's not your fault. There was no other woman in this +house for you to-day but _me_, _was_ there? + +AUSTIN. There was no other woman in the world for me since the first +week I knew you. + + [_Taking her into his arms._ + +JINNY. This is good-by to _Jinny Tillman_! + + [_He kisses her._ + +Jack, darling, do you think I could sit on your knee like a little child +and put my arm around your neck and rest my head on your shoulder for +just five seconds--I'm _so tired_! + + [_MRS. CULLINGHAM opens the door._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Oh! + + [_Shuts the door very quickly and knocks._ + + [_JINNY and AUSTIN laugh._ + +JINNY. Yes, yes--come in! + + [_MRS. CULLINGHAM enters. She is a handsome, whole-souled, florid + woman; one of those creatures of inexhaustible vitality who make + people of a nervous temperament tired almost on contact by sheer + contrast. She is the kindest, best meaning creature in the world._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Oh, do excuse me! I haven't any more tact!--and I hate +to interrupt you, but I must say good-by. [_Calls._] Peter! + +PETER. Yes'm. + + [_Entering with a glass of water and a powder. He sits in the + arm-chair at right, and constantly looks at his watch._ + +AUSTIN. I'm much obliged to you, Mrs. Cullingham, for the interruption, +as I was sent long ago to make myself ready for the train, if you'll +excuse me! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Certainly! + +JINNY. Good-by! + + [_Taking his hand as he passes her._ + +AUSTIN. Good-by! + + [_He goes out Right._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. If it's time for _him_, it's certainly time for _you_. +I won't keep you a minute! + +JINNY. No, really we've plenty of time,-- [_both sit on sofa._] Wasn't +it a lovely wedding! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. I never saw a sweeter, my dear! And it was perfectly +elegant! Simply great! + +JINNY. And isn't Jack-- + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. He is! And so are you! In fact I've been telling your +mother I don't know how to thank you both. You've asked me to-day to +meet the swellest crowd I've ever been in where I was _invited_, and +didn't have to buy tickets, and felt I had a right to say something +besides "excuse me," and "I beg your pardon." Of course, I've sat next +to them all before in restaurants and at concerts, but this time I felt +like the real thing myself, and I shall never forget it! If you or your +husband ever want any mining tips, come to me; what my husband don't +know about mines isn't worth knowing! + +JINNY. I'm as glad as I can be if you've had a good time, and you +mustn't feel indebted to us. Ever since we met in Egypt that winter, +mamma and I have always felt you were one of our best friends. + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Of course you know it isn't for _my own_ sake I'm doing +these stunts to get into Society. It's all for _my boy_. He's _got_ to +have the best--or the _worst_, however you look at it! [_Laughing._] +Anyway, I want him to have a chance at it, and it belongs to him through +his father, for my first husband was a real swell! + + [_Looking at PETER lovingly._ + + [_At this moment, PETER, having again looked at his watch, tips up the + powder on his tongue, and swallows it down with the water._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Poor darling! He suffers terribly from indigestion. +That's an alkali powder he takes twenty minutes after eating. Peter, we +must say good-by now. + +PETER. [_Coming up._] Good-by, Miss Jinny. + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. _Mrs. Austin!_ + +JINNY. Oh, I'll always be "Miss Jinny" to Peter! + +PETER. Thank you! We've had a great time at your wedding! _Bully food!_ +But I'm _feeling_ it! [_He turns aside._] Excuse me! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. I was just telling Mrs. Austin-- + + [_Interrupted._ + +JINNY. "Jinny"--don't change. + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Thank you-- [_Rises to go._] I was just saying we won't +forget in our social life, will we, Peter, that Miss Jinny gave us the +biggest boost up we've had yet? + + [_JINNY also rises._ + +PETER. Well, you know, mother, I don't think the game's worth the +candle. It's begun to pall on me already. + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. I really think he's going to be superior to it! + +PETER. I only go now for your sake. + + [_MRS. TILLMAN, coming from Right, speaks off stage._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. Jinny! Jinny! + +JINNY. Mother! + + [_MRS. TILLMAN enters._ + +JINNY. I ought to dress? + +MRS. TILLMAN. [_To MRS. CULLINGHAM._] She'll be late if she isn't +careful. + +JINNY. I'm going to. Is Maggie there? + +MRS. TILLMAN. Yes, waiting! + +JINNY. Good-by. [_Kisses MRS. CULLINGHAM._] Good-by. [_Shakes PETER'S +hand._] + +PETER. Many happy returns! + + [_JINNY goes out Right._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. Come, I want to give you some of Jinny's flowers to take +home with you. Would you like some? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. I should love them! + + [_They go out through the doors at back._ + + [_PETER is suffering with indigestion. He takes a charcoal tablet, and + SUSIE cautiously enters Right._ + +SUSIE. There you are! Have you got 'em? + +PETER. No, I gave them back to you. + +SUSIE. Then they're in there on the table--get 'em quick, the trunks are +coming down now! + + [_PETER goes out quickly at back, as the BUTLER and MAN SERVANT enter + Right, carrying a large new trunk with a portmanteau on top of it._ + +SUSIE. Put them right over there for a minute! [_They put them down in +the centre of the room, and the FOOTMAN goes out Right._] And mind, you +don't split on us, Thomas. Auntie Tillman knows all about it--it's just +to be a nice little surprise for Cousin Jinny and my new uncle. + +BUTLER. Very well, miss. + + [_He also goes out Right._ + + [_At the same time PETER reenters at back with a roll of papers and + some broad white satin ribbon. The papers are about half a foot broad + and two feet long, and on them is printed, "We are on our honeymoon."_ + +PETER. [_With gay excitement._] I've got 'em. + +SUSIE. Get some water--there's sticky stuff on the back! + + [_PETER gives her the papers and ribbons and goes out again at back._ + +SUSIE. Quick! [_Ties a big white bow on the portmanteau and on a trunk +handle._] If Auntie Tillman sees 'em, I'll bet she'll grab 'em off. +She'll be as mad as _hops_! + + [_The BUTLER and FOOTMAN reenter Right, and bring down an old steamer + trunk and a gentleman's dressing-bag._ + +BUTLER. [_To the FOOTMAN._] Go and see if the carriage is there! + +FOOTMAN. Yes, sir. + + [_He goes out Left._ + + [_As PETER reenters from the back, with the water._ + +SUSIE. Quick now! Quick! + + [_They stick one label on the big steamer trunk facing the audience._ + +PETER. I say isn't that great! + + [_SUSIE giggles aloud with delight. The BUTLER, standing at one side, + smiles. They put another label on the other trunk._ + +SUSIE. [_Giggling._] I heard them plan it,--they're taking one old trunk +purposely so as people would not catch on they were just married! + + [_Giggles delightedly._ + + [_The FOOTMAN reenters with a driver, Left._ + +FOOTMAN. Yes, sir, it's here. + +BUTLER. [_To the driver._] You can take that first. + + [_Pointing to the steamer trunk._ + + [_DRIVER goes out Left with it on his shoulder, and the portmanteau._ + +BUTLER. Now, James, you're to go over with the luggage to Twenty-third +Street Ferry and check the heavy baggage; you know where to. + +FOOTMAN. Yes, sir. + +SUSIE. [_Eagerly._] Oh, _where to?_ + +BUTLER. I am hunder hoath not to tell, Miss. + +SUSIE. O pish! + + [_Kneeling in the big arm-chair and watching proceedings from behind + its back._ + +BUTLER. [_Continues to the FOOTMAN._] And wait with the checks and Mr. +Austin's dressing-bag-- [_Showing it._] --until they come. + +FOOTMAN. Yes, sir. + +PETER. And make haste, or, I say, somebody'll turn up and give our whole +joke away! + + [_The DRIVER reenters._ + +SUSIE. Yes, _do_ hurry! + +FOOTMAN. [_To the DRIVER._] Come along. + + [_They take the big trunk out Left. BUTLER follows with the + dressing-bag._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. [_Calls from the room at back._] Peter darling, are you +there? + +SUSIE. Phew! Just in time! + + [_Sliding down into a more correct position in the chair._ + +PETER. Yes, mother! + + [_Going to back._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. [_In the doorway, at back._] Come, take these beautiful +roses from Mrs. Tillman! + + [_MRS. CULLINGHAM and MRS. TILLMAN enter._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. [_With her arms full of roses._] Thomas will take them +down. + +PETER. No, I'd like to. Aren't they bully? + + [_He takes them._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. [_To MRS. TILLMAN._] Good-by, and thank you again. I +know you must want to go up to Jinny. + +MRS. TILLMAN. Yes, she may need me to help her a little. Good-by. +Good-by, Peter. + +PETER. Good-by, ma'm. + + [_MRS. TILLMAN goes out Right._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Why, Susie, how do you do? + +SUSIE. [_Glides out of the chair and stands before it._] How do you do? + + [_Embarrassed._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. You're a good little girl, I hope? + +SUSIE. I don't! I hate good little girls! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. O my! + + [_She goes out, laughing, Left._ + + [_PETER, coming to SUSIE, catches her in his arms and kisses her, much + against her will._ + +SUSIE. [_Furious._] Oh, you horrid, nasty thing, you! [_She strikes at +him; he runs; she chases him from one side of the room to the other, +around a sofa and table, and out Left, screaming as she chases him._] I +hate you! I hate you! + + [_MAGGIE enters Right._ + +MAGGIE. Miss Susie, Mrs. Tillman wants to see you upstairs. + +SUSIE. What for? + +MAGGIE. I don't know, Miss. + +SUSIE. Pshaw! have I got to go? All right! + + [_Going toward the door at Right._ + + [_AUSTIN enters, meeting SUSIE._ + +AUSTIN. Hello! Where are _you_ going? + +SUSIE. Oh, up to Auntie Tillman's room. Goodness knows what for; it's an +awful bore! Want to come along? + +AUSTIN. No, thank you; but if you see your Cousin Jinny, you might tell +her I am down. + +SUSIE. [_Hanging on to him._] I say! Where are you and Cousin Jinny +going to, anyway? + +AUSTIN. [_Smiling._] I don't know. + +SUSIE. O my, what a fib! And that's a nice example to set a little girl! + + [_She goes out Right._ + +MAGGIE. [_Coming forward._] I beg pardon, sir, but may I speak to you a +minute? + +AUSTIN. Certainly, Maggie, what is it? + +MAGGIE. I've been trying for a chance to see you alone. I wouldn't +bother you, sir--but it's only because I'm fond of Miss Jinny, and of +Mr. and Mrs. Tillman, and they've all been so good to me; I know it +would nearly kill 'em if they knew. + +AUSTIN. Come, Maggie, knew what? + +MAGGIE. Well, _one member_ of this family ain't been good to me, sir. +[_From this point her feelings begin to get the better of her and she +speaks rapidly and hysterically._] He's been bad, bad as he could, and +somebody's got to talk to him, and I don't see who's a-goin' to do it +but you. If he don't change, I'll not hold my tongue any longer. It's +all I can do for their sakes to hold it now! + +AUSTIN. Look here, what are you talking about? You don't mean Mr. +Geoffrey? + +MAGGIE. Yes, I do, sir; he's my husband. + +AUSTIN. What!! + +MAGGIE. We was married when he was at Yale, sir; I was in a shop there. + +AUSTIN. But--! Well, after all, isn't this your and Geoffrey's affair? +Why bring me in? + +MAGGIE. Because he's making love to Miss Chester, and promising to marry +_her_ now, and if he don't stop--I'll make trouble! + +AUSTIN. But if he's married to you, as you say--he can't marry--any one +else. + +MAGGIE. He's tried to make me believe our marriage ain't legal, because +he was only twenty and he'd been drinking! + +AUSTIN. What makes you think Mr. Geoffrey cares for--Miss Chester? + +MAGGIE. I just heard and see him making love to her _here_! + +AUSTIN. This is a pretty bad story, Maggie. + +MAGGIE. Yes, sir, and the worst is, sir, I know I ain't good enough for +him, and that's why I've kept still about it these three years, but I +can't help loving him no matter how ugly he's treated me. [_Breaking +down into tears._] I just can't help it! I _love_ him, sir, even if I'm +only a servant girl, and I can't stand it thinking he's going to try and +get rid of me for some one else! + + [_She sobs out loud._ + +AUSTIN. Sh!--Maggie. Sit down a minute, and control yourself. +Somebody'll hear you, and besides they'll be coming down presently. I'll +have a talk with Mr. Geoffrey when I come back-- + + [_Interrupted as GEOFFREY enters Left. He doesn't see MAGGIE, who is + collapsed in a corner of the sofa._ + +GEOFFREY. [_To AUSTIN._] Ah! Thank goodness I've caught you; I had an +awful headache and went out for a breath of air, and then I was afraid I +might have missed you! I knew in that case Jinny would never forgive me, +nor--I--myself--for that--matter-- + + [_His voice grows less exuberant in the middle of his speech and + finally at the end almost dies away, as he sees the expression in + AUSTIN'S face and realizes that something is wrong somewhere. When + he stops speaking, MAGGIE gives a gasping sob. He hears it, and + starting, sees her._ + +GEOFFREY. Maggie! + +AUSTIN. Geoffrey, is what this girl says true? + +GEOFFREY. That I married her in New Haven? Yes. + +MAGGIE. [_Rises._] I'll go, please, I'd rather go. + +AUSTIN. Yes, go, Maggie; it's better. + + [_MAGGIE goes out Right._ + +GEOFFREY. [_As soon as she is out of the room._] Promise me, Jack, you +won't tell any one! It's awful, I know! For two years at college I went +all to pieces and led a rotten life,--and one night, drunk, I married +her, and it isn't so much her fault. I suppose she thought I loved +her,--but this would break up the old lady and gentleman so, if they +knew, I couldn't stand it! And Jinny, for God's sake, don't tell Jinny. +_She respects me._ You won't tell her, will you? + +AUSTIN. No. But Maggie says you want to marry some one else now. + +GEOFFREY. [_With a change, in great shame._] That's true, too. + + [_He sits in utter dejection on the sofa._ + +AUSTIN. How are you going to do it? + +GEOFFREY. I must make money somehow and buy off Maggie. + +AUSTIN. Yes, go out to Sioux Falls, get a divorce there on respectable +grounds, and settle a sum of money on Maggie. + +GEOFFREY. But I can't do that! + +AUSTIN. Why not? + +GEOFFREY. I can't do anything that would give publicity, and that +divorce would. + +AUSTIN. Any divorce would; you can't get rid of that. + +GEOFFREY. I tell you I can't have publicity. Ruth--Miss Chester--would +hear of it. + +AUSTIN. Well, if she loves you, she'll forgive your wild oats, +especially as every one sees now what a steady, straight fellow you've +become. + +GEOFFREY. It's Ruth! But I can't do that. No, Jack, you must help--you +will, won't you? Oh, _do_, for Jinny's sake! Help me to persuade Maggie +to keep silent for good, tear up that certificate of marriage. I was +only twenty; it's hardly legal, and I'll settle a good sum-- + + [_Interrupted._ + +AUSTIN. [_Going straight to him, puts his hand heavily on his +shoulder._] Good God, you're proposing bigamy! You've done enough; don't +stoop to _crime_! + + [_The two MEN face each other a moment. GEOFFREY'S head drops._ + +AUSTIN. Forget you ever said that; do what I tell you when Jinny and I +have gone abroad, so she will be away from it a little, and if you want +money, let me know. + + [_JINNY enters Right, with nervous gaiety, covering an upheaving + emotion which is very near the surface._ + +JINNY. Ready! And there _you_ are, Geof. I've been sending all over the +house after you! Good-by! [_Throwing her arms about him._] Dear old +Geof! Haven't we had good times together! Always, always from the +youngest days I can remember--I don't believe there were ever a brother +and sister so sympathetic; I know there was never a brother such a +perfect darling as you were--I'll miss you, Geof! [_The tears come into +her voice, anyway._] I used to think I'd never marry at all if I +couldn't marry _you_, and I _do_ think _he_ is the only man in the world +who could have taken me away from home, so long as you were there! [_To +AUSTIN, smiling._] You aren't jealous? + +AUSTIN. No! + +JINNY. [_In jest._] Isn't it awful! You can't _make_ him jealous! I +think it's a positive flaw in his character! Not like--_us_, is he? + +GEOFFREY. Dear old girl-- + +JINNY. [_Whispers to him._] And I've noticed how you've overcome certain +things, dear Geof. I know it's been _hard_, and I'm proud of you. + +GEOFFREY. Sh! Jinny, dear old sister! I'll miss _you_! By George, Jin, +the house'll be awful without--but you-- [_His voice grows husky._] +--just excuse me a minute! + + [_He is about to break down, and so hurries out Right._ + +JINNY. [_Sniffling._] He was going to cry! Oh, Jack, you'll be a brother +to Geoffrey, won't you? You know he's been awfully dissipated, and he's +changed it all, all by himself! _If he should go wrong again_--I believe +it would break my heart, I love him so! + +AUSTIN. I'll do _more_ for him, if he ever needs me, than if he were _my +own_ brother, because he's _yours_! + +JINNY. [_Presses his hand and looks up at him lovingly and gratefully._] +Thank you. Wait here just a minute; I know he won't come back to say +good-by. He's gone up to his room, I'm sure--I'll just surprise him with +a hug and my hands over his eyes like we used to do years ago. + + [_She starts to go out Right, and meets MR. and MRS. TILLMAN, who + enter._ + +TILLMAN. The carriage is here! + +JINNY. I won't be a second-- + + [_She goes out Right._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. Where has she gone? + +AUSTIN. Up to her brother. + +MRS. TILLMAN. Her father's been locked up in his study for three +hours--he _says_ thinking, but to _me_ his eyes look very suspicious! + + [_Taking her husband's arm affectionately._ + +TILLMAN. [_Clears his throat._] Nonsense! + +MRS. TILLMAN. Well, _how many cigars did you smoke_? + +TILLMAN. Eight. + +MRS. TILLMAN. The amount of emotion that a man can soak out of himself +with tobacco is wonderful! He uses it just like a sponge! + +TILLMAN. Jack, the first thing I asked about you when I heard +that--er--that things were getting this way was, does he smoke? A man +who smokes has always that outlet. If things go wrong--go out and smoke +a cigar, and when the cigar's _finished_, ten to one everything's got +right, somehow! If you lose your temper, don't speak!--a cigar, and when +it's finished, then speak! You'll find the temper all gone up in the +smoke! A woman's happiness is safest with a man who smokes. [_He clears +his throat, which is filling._] God bless you, Jack, it _is_ a wrench; +our only girl, you know. She's been a great joy--ahem! + + [_He quickly gets out a cigar._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. [_Stopping him from smoking._] No, no, dear, they're +_going now_! + +TILLMAN. Well, the best I can say is, I wish you as happy a married life +as her mother and I have had. + +MRS. TILLMAN. Thirty-five _dear_ years! But now, George, let me say a +word--you always have monopolized our new son--he'll be much fonder of +you than _me_! + +TILLMAN. Old lady!--Jealous!-- + +MRS. TILLMAN. Turn about is fair play--you're jealous still of Jinny and +me. [_She pauses a moment._] I think we'd better tell him! + +TILLMAN. All right. The only rifts in our lute, Jack, have been little +threads of jealousy that have snapped sometimes! + +MRS. TILLMAN. Nothing ever serious--of course, _but_ it's a fault that +Jinny shares with us, and the _only fault_ we've ever been able to find. + +TILLMAN. We called her for years the girl with the green eyes. She goes +it pretty _strong_ sometimes! + +AUSTIN. Oh, that's all right--I shall _like_ it! + +MRS. TILLMAN. You'll always bear with her, won't you, if she should ever +get jealous of you? + +AUSTIN. Of _me_? I'll never give _her the chance_. + +MRS. TILLMAN. It isn't a question of chance; you just can't help it +sometimes, can you, George? + +TILLMAN. No, you can't. + +MRS. TILLMAN. And so-- + +AUSTIN. Don't worry! Your daughter's safe with me. I'm not the jealous +sort myself and I love Jinny so completely, so calmly, and yet with my +heart, and soul, and mind, and body, she'll never have a _chance_ even +to _try_ to be jealous of _me_! + +TILLMAN. Sh! + + [_JINNY enters Right._ + +JINNY. I found poor Maggie up in my room crying! She says she can't bear +to have me go away. I think she's sorry now she wouldn't come with me as +maid--and I said good-by to cook and she sniffed! + + [_AUSTIN looks at his watch._ + +AUSTIN. Oh! we ought to go! + +MRS. TILLMAN. Good-by, darling! + + [_Kissing JINNY and embracing her a long time, while AUSTIN and + TILLMAN shake hands warmly and say good-by._ + +JINNY. [_Going to her father._] Good-by, father. Dear old father! + + [_With happy emotion._ + + [_AUSTIN meanwhile is shaking hands with MRS. TILLMAN._ + +JINNY. [_Returns to her mother._] Darling--oh, how good you've always +been to me! Oh, mummy darling, I _shall_ miss you! You'll send me a +letter to-morrow, won't you, or a telegram? Send a telegram--you've got +the address! + +MRS. TILLMAN. [_With tears in her eyes._] Yes, it's written down! + +JINNY. You can tell father, but no one else! + + [_Hugs and kisses her mother._ + +TILLMAN. Come, Susan! They'll lose their train! + + [_JINNY again embraces her father._ + +ALL. Good-by! Good-by! + + [_JINNY, starting to go with AUSTIN, suddenly leaves him and runs back + again to her mother and throws herself in her arms. They embrace, in + tears._ + +JINNY. Good-by, mother! + +MRS. TILLMAN. Good-by, my darling! + +TILLMAN. Come, come! they'll lose their train! + + [_JINNY runs to AUSTIN, and with his arms about her, they hurry to + the door Left. They go through the doors at back to window in the + corridor. JINNY stops at the door and she and AUSTIN face each other + a moment._ + +JINNY. [_Looking up at him._] Oh, Jack! + + [_She throws her arms about his neck and buries her face on his + shoulder._ + +AUSTIN. Jinny, Jinny dear, you're not sorry? + +JINNY. [_Slowly raises her head and looks at him, smiling through her +tears, and speaks in a voice full of tears and little sobs._] Sorry? Oh, +no! Oh, no! It hurts me to leave them, but I never was so _happy_ in my +life! + + [_He kisses her and they hurry out, with his arm about her._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. [_In the corridor, lifts the window._] I hear the door-- + +TILLMAN. There they are! + + [_SUSIE rushes across the stage with a bowl of rice in her arms and + goes out Left._ + + [_MR. and MRS. TILLMAN wave and say "Good-by!" "Good-by!" "Good-by!" + They close the window in silence. The sound is heard as the window + frame reaches the bottom. They turn and come slowly forward, TILLMAN + wiping his eyes and MRS. TILLMAN biting her lips to keep the tears + back. They come into the front room and stop, and for a second they + look around the empty room. TILLMAN puts his hand in his pocket and + takes out his cigar case. MRS. TILLMAN, turning, sees him; she goes + to him swiftly and touches his arm, looking up at him through her + tears. He turns to her and slowly takes her in his arms and holds + her there close and kisses her tenderly on the cheek._ + + [_SUSIE enters Left, with empty bowl, sobbing aloud, as_ + + THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +ACT II + +(_Two months later_) + + +_The Vatican, Rome; the Tribune of the Apollo Belvedere; a semicircular + room with dark red walls; in the centre is the large statue of Apollo. + There are doorways at Right and Left. There is a bench on the right + side of the room. A single LADY TOURIST enters Right, takes a hasty + glance, yawns, and looking down at her Baedeker, goes out Left. A + PAPAL GUARD is seen passing outside in the court. A FRENCHMAN and his + WIFE (with Baedekers) are seen approaching; they are heard talking + volubly. They enter Left._ + +BOTH. Ah!-- + + [_They stand a moment in silent admiration._ + +HE. [_Reading from Baedeker._] Apollo Belvedere. [_He looks up._] C'est +superb! + +SHE. [_Beaming with admiration._] Magnifique! Voila un homme! + +HE. _Quelle grace!_ + +SHE. _Quelle force!_ + + [_Both talk at once in great admiration and intense excitement for + a few moments. Then he suddenly drops into his ordinary tone and + manner._ + +HE. Allons, allons nous! + +SHE. [_In the same tone._] Oui, j'ai faim! + + [_They go out Right._ + + [_JINNY and AUSTIN enter Left, he looking over his shoulder. They + stand a moment just inside the doorway._ + +JINNY. What are you looking back so much for, Jackie? + +AUSTIN. I thought I saw some one I know. + +JINNY. Who? + +AUSTIN. I didn't know who; it just seemed to be a familiar back. + +JINNY. [_Playfully._] Oh, come! I think the present works of art and +your loving wife are quite enough for you to look at without hunting +around for familiar backs! + +AUSTIN. And Baedeker! [_Reading from Baedeker about the Apollo._] Apollo +Belvedere, found at the end of the fifteenth century, probably in a +Roman villa-- + +JINNY. Of course, Apollo! + +AUSTIN. Great, isn't it? + +JINNY. Stunning! [_She turns and looks at him, smiling quizzically._] +_Still_--but I suppose I'm prejudiced! + +AUSTIN. [_Obtuse._] Still what? + +JINNY. You dear old stupid! You know, Jack, you're deeply and +_fundamentally_ clever and brilliant, but you're not quite-- _bright_-- +_not quick_! + + [_Laughing._ + +AUSTIN. Don't you think having _one_ in the family quick as chain +lightning is enough? What have I missed this time, Jinny? You don't mean +you've found a family likeness in the statue over there? I don't want to +be unappreciative, but it doesn't suggest your father to me in the +least,--nor even Geoffrey. + +JINNY. _Stupid!!_ Of course it doesn't _suggest_ anybody to me--I was +only thinking I sympathized with Mrs. Perkins of Boston,--don't you know +the old story about her? + +AUSTIN. No, what was it? + +JINNY. [_After a quick look around to see that they are alone._] +Well--Mrs. Perkins from Boston was personally conducted here once and +shown this very statue, and she looked at it for a few moments, and then +turned around and said, "Yes, it's all right, but give _me Perkins_!" + +AUSTIN. Jinny! + + [_Laughing._ + +JINNY. Are you shocked? Come, I'm tired; let's sit down here and read my +letters--there's one from Geof. + + [_They sit on the bench at Right, and JINNY takes out a letter from + GEOFFREY._ + +AUSTIN. I'll read ahead in Baedeker and you tell me if there's any news. +[_He opens the Baedeker and reads, and she opens and reads the letter._] +Where is Geof's letter from? + +JINNY. New York, of course; where else would it be? + +AUSTIN. I had an idea he was going away. + +JINNY. Geof! Where? + +AUSTIN. West, a good way somewhere. + +JINNY. But _why_ would he go West? + +AUSTIN. Oh, he had some business, I believe; I remember thinking it was +a good idea when he told me. It was the day we were married--I was +waiting for you to come downstairs. + +JINNY. I think it's very funny Geof never said anything about it to +_me_. + +AUSTIN. My dear, what time had _you_? You were _getting married_!! + +JINNY. I _was_! Thank heaven! I'm _so happy_, Jack! + + [_Snuggling up to him on the bench._ + +AUSTIN. [_Steals a little, quick hug with his arm about her waist._] +Bless you, darling, I don't think there was ever a man as happy as I am! + + [_They start apart quickly as a GERMAN COUPLE enter Right, with a + YOUNG DAUGHTER, who is munching a cake, and hanging, a tired and + unwilling victim, to her mother's hand._ + +WOMAN. Ach! schoen! sehr schoen!! + +MAN. Groesses, nicht? + +WOMAN. _Yah!_ + + [_They stand admiring._ + +AUSTIN. By the way, when you answer your brother's letter, I wish you'd +say I seemed surprised he was still in New York. + +JINNY. [_Reading._] Um--um-- + +MAN. [_Wiping his warm brow._] _Wunderbaum!_ + +WOMAN. _Yah!!_ + + [_They go out Left, talking._ + +JINNY. [_Looking up from her letter._] Oh! what do you think? + +AUSTIN. That you're the sweetest woman in the world. + +JINNY. No, _darling_, I mean _who_ do you think Geoffrey says is over +here and in Italy? + +AUSTIN. I haven't the most remote idea! So far as _I've_ been able to +observe there has been absolutely _no one_ in Italy but _you and me_. + +JINNY. If you keep on talking like that, I shall kiss you! + +AUSTIN. What! before the tall, white gentleman? [_Motioning to Apollo._] +I am dumb. + +JINNY. [_Very lovingly._] Silly! Well!--Mrs. Cullingham and Peter are +over here and have brought Ruth Chester! + +AUSTIN. [_Speaking without thinking._] Then it _was_ her back. + +JINNY. [_With the smallest sharpening of the look in her eye._] When? + +AUSTIN. That I saw just now. + +JINNY. [_With the tiniest suggestion of a strain in her voice._] You +said you didn't know whom it reminded you of. + +AUSTIN. Yes, I know, I didn't quite. + +JINNY. But if you thought it was Ruth Chester, why not have said so? + +AUSTIN. No reason, dear, I simply didn't think. + +JINNY. Well-- [_Sententiously._] --_next time--think!_ + +AUSTIN. What else does Geoffrey say? + +JINNY. Oh, nothing. The heat for two days was frightful--already they +miss me more than he can say-- + + [_Interrupted._ + +AUSTIN. I'll bet. + +JINNY. Father smoked nineteen cigars a day the first week I was gone. + +AUSTIN. _I_ haven't _had_ to smoke _any_! + +JINNY. Mercy! don't boast!--and he thinks they will all soon go to Long +Island for the summer. + +AUSTIN. Doesn't he say a word nor a hint at his going West? + +JINNY. No, he says he may go to Newport for August, and that's all. + + [_Putting away letter, and getting out others._ + +AUSTIN. Going to read all those? + +JINNY. If you don't mind, while I rest. _Do_ you mind? + +AUSTIN. Of course not, but I think while you're reading I'll just take a +little turn and see if I can't come across the Cullinghams. + + [_Rising._ + +JINNY. [_After the merest second's pause, and looking seriously at +him._] Why don't you? + +AUSTIN. I'll bring them here if I find them-- + + [_He goes out Right._ + + [_JINNY looks up where he went off and gazes, motionless, for a few + moments. Then she throws off the mood and opens a letter._ + + [_Two tired Americans enter Right, a girl and her mother, MRS. LOPP + and CARRIE._ + +MRS. LOPP. What's this, Carrie? + +CARRIE. [_Looking in her Baedeker._] I don't know; I've sort of lost my +place, somehow! + +MRS. LOPP. Well, we must be in Room No. 3 or 4--ain't we? + +CARRIE. [_Reads out._] The big statue at the end of Room No. 3 is Diana +the Huntress. + +MRS. LOPP. This must be it, then,--Diana! Strong-looking woman, ain't +she? + +CARRIE. Yes, very nice. You know she was the goddess who wouldn't let +the men see her bathe. + +MRS. LOPP. Mercy, Carrie! and did all the other goddesses? I don't think +much of their habits. I suppose this is the same person those Italians +sell on the streets at home, and call the Bather. + + [_JINNY is secretly very much amused, finally she speaks._ + +JINNY. Excuse me, but you are in one of the cabinets--and this is the +Apollo Belvedere. + +MRS. LOPP. Oh, thank you very much. I guess we've got mixed up with the +rooms,--seems as if there's so many. + +CARRIE. [_Triumphantly._] There! I _thought_ it was a man all the time! + +MRS. LOPP. Well, what with so many of the statues only being piecemeal, +as it were, and so many of the men having kinder women's hair, I declare +it seems as if I don't know the ladies from the gentlemen half the time. + +CARRIE. Did the rest of us go through here? + +JINNY. I beg your pardon? + +CARRIE. Thirty-four people with a gassy guide? We got so tired hearing +him talk that we jes' sneaked off by ourselves, and now we're a little +scared about getting home; we belong to the Cook's Gentlemen and Ladies. + +JINNY. Oh, no, the others haven't passed through here; probably they +have gone to see the pictures; you'd better go back and keep asking the +attendants the way to the pictures till you get there. + +MRS. LOPP. [_With rather subdued voice._] Thank you! We've come to do +Europe and the Holy Land in five weeks for $400--but I don't know, seems +as if I'm getting awful tired--after jes' sevin days. + +CARRIE. [_Affectionately._] Now, mommer, don't give up; it's because you +haven't got over being seasick yet; that's all! + +JINNY. [_Helplessly._] Oh, yes, you'll find it much less tiring in a few +days, I'm sure. + +MRS. LOPP. Still Rome does seem a powerful way from _home_! How'll we +ask for the pictures? + +CARRIE. Why, mommer! "Tableaux!" "Tableaux!" I should think you'd 'a' +learned that from our church entertainments! Good-by; thank you ever so +much. + +MRS. LOPP. You haven't lost _your party_, too, have you? + +JINNY. [_Smiling._] I hope not! He _promised_ to come back!! + +MRS. LOPP. Oh! pleased to have met you--Good-by! + + [_They start off Left._ + +JINNY. No, not that way--back the way you came. + +MRS. LOPP. Oh, thank you! + + [_She drops her black silk bag; out of it drop crackers, an account + book, a thimble, a thread-and-needle case, a bottle of pepsin tablets, + etc. They all stoop to pick the collection up, JINNY helping._ + +JINNY. [_Handing._] I'm sure you'll want these! + +MRS. LOPP. Yes, indeed; don't you find them coupon meals very +dissatisfactory? + +CARRIE. Thank you ever so much again. Come on, mommer! + + [_MRS. LOPP and CARRIE go out Left._ + + [_JINNY looks at her watch and goes back to her letter._ + + [_MRS. CULLINGHAM enters Left._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. [_Screams._] Jinny! + +JINNY. [_Jumps up._] Mrs. Cullingham! [_They embrace._] Did Jack find +you? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. No, we haven't seen him! Ruth and Peter are dawdling +along, each on their own; I like to shoot through a gallery. There's no +use spending so much time; when it's over you've mixed everything all up +just the same! + +JINNY. [_Laughing._] Well, I've this minute read a letter from Geoffrey +saying you were over here. And Jack, who thought he got a glimpse of you +a little while ago, went straight off to try and find you. + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. What fun it is to see you--and how _happy_ you look! + +JINNY. I couldn't _look_ as happy as I _feel_! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. [_Glancing at the statue._] Who's your friend? Nice +gent, isn't he? + + [_Laughing._ + +JINNY. Mr. Apollo! Would you like to meet him? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. [_Hesitates._] Er--no--I don't think! You must draw the +line somewhere! He wouldn't do a thing to Corbett, would he? + +JINNY. Who was Corbett? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. He was a prize fighter, and _is_--but that's another +story-- Do you mean to say you've never heard of him? + +JINNY. Oh, the name sounds familiar. But this, you know, is Apollo. + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. No, I don't know; was he a champion? + +JINNY. No, he was a Greek god! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Oh, was he? Well, I wouldn't have cared about being in +the tailoring business in those days, would you? Let's sit down. [_They +sit on bench Right._] Of course you know we wouldn't accept a thing like +that in Peoria, where I come from, as a gift! No, indeed! If the King of +Italy sent it over to our Mayor, he'd return it C.O.D. + +JINNY. Sounds like Boston and the Macmonnies Bacchante! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Oh, my dear, _worse_ than that! It reminds me of a man +at home who kept an underclothing store in our principal street and had +a plaster cast of this gent's brother, I should think, in his window to +show a suit of Jaegers on,--you know, a "combination"! And our Town +Committee of Thirteen for the moral improvement of Peoria made the man +take it out of his window and hang the suit up empty! + +JINNY. Poor man! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. You ought to see our Park!--you know we've got a +perfectly beautiful park,--and all the _men_ statues wear Prince +Alberts, and stand like this-- [_She poses with lifted arm at right +angle to body._] --as if they were saying, "This way out" or "To the +monkey cage and zoo." + +JINNY. [_Laughing._] But the women statues? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. My dear! They only have heads and hands; all the rest's +just clumps of drapery--we only have "Americans" and "Libertys," anyway. +They apply the Chinese emigration law to all Venuses and _sich ladies_! + + [_They both laugh._ + +JINNY. Where did you say Peter and Ruth were? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Well, I left Peter--who isn't at all well; I hoped this +trip would help his indigestion, but it seems to have made it worse!--I +left him--er--in a room with a lot of _broken-up Venuses_--I thought it +was all right; he was eating candy, and there wasn't a whole woman among +'em! + +JINNY. [_Slight strain in her voice._] How did you happen to bring over +Ruth Chester? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Well, you know I always liked her. She never snubbed me +in her life--I don't think any one you've introduced me to has been +quite so nice to Peter and me as Mrs. Chester and her daughter. + +JINNY. O they _are_ real people! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Ruth is terribly depressed over something. She's thin +as a rail and the family are worried. She says there's nothing worrying +her, and the doctors can't find anything the matter with her,--so Mrs. +Chester asked me if I wouldn't take her abroad. They thought the voyage +and change might do her good, and I seem to have a more cheery influence +over her than most people. So here we are! [_As PETER enters Left, +eating._] Here's Peter! How do you think the darling looks? + +PETER. How do you do, Mrs. Austin? + +JINNY. How do you do, Peter? [_They shake hands._] I'm sorry to hear you +are seedy, but you eat too many sweet things. + +PETER. I'm not eating candy; it's soda mints! [_Showing a small +bottle._] I _am_ bad to-day, mother. + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. If you don't get better, we'll go to Carlsbad. + +JINNY. How do you like Rome, Peter? + +PETER. Oh, I don't know--too much Boston and not enough Chicago to make +it a real lively town. + +JINNY. [_Laughing._] I think I'll go look for Jack and tell him you've +turned up. + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Perhaps he's found Ruth. + +JINNY. [_With a change in her voice._] Yes, perhaps. + + [_She goes out Right._ + +PETER. [_Going to the doorway Right, calls after her._] Ruth's in a room +on your left, with rows of men's heads on shelves, Emperors and +things,--but gee, such a _job lot_! + + [_Comes back and looks up at the statue._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Isn't it beautiful, Peter? + +PETER. No, it's _too big_! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Still this one isn't broken! + +PETER. That's a comfort! Yes, it has been mended, too! [_Examining._] +Oh, yes, it's only another of these second-hand statues. Say, you missed +one whole one, the best I've seen yet! A Venus off in a fine little +room, all mosaics and painted walls,--that's where I've been. + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Why, Peter Cullingham! _Alone?_ What kind of a Venus? + +PETER. Oh, beautiful! I forgot to take my medicine! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Was she--er--_dressed_, darling? + +PETER. We--you know--she _had_ been, but she'd sort of pushed it a good +way off! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. [_With a sigh._] You know we _ought_ to admire these +things, Peter darling; that's partly what we've come to Europe for! + +PETER. O pshaw! here comes a gang of tourists. Come on, let's skip! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. But Ruth and Mrs. Austin? + +PETER. We didn't agree to wait, and we can all meet at our hotel. + + [_A crowd of TOURISTS, led by a GUIDE, presses and crowds in the + doorway. They drag their tired feet in a listless shuffle across the + room and stand in a somewhat sheepish and stupid bunch at the statue. + One or two of the younger women nudge each other and giggle. The GUIDE + stands a little in advance of them. The GUIDE describes the statue, + and while he is doing so PETER and MRS. CULLINGHAM go out Right. Most + of the TOURISTS turn and watch them go instead of looking at the + statue._ + +GUIDE. This is the Apollo Belvedere, discovered at the end of the +fifteenth century, some say in a Roman villa or farm-house near the +Grotter Terratter. Very fine specimen both as marble and man. This +statyer is calculated to make Sandow et cetery look like thirty cents. +Height seven feet, weight-- + +A MAN TOURIST. How much? + +A GIRL TOURIST. Was he married? + + [_Titters from the group._ + +GUIDE. Give it up! Should judge he was. The god once held a bow in his +left hand and probably a laurel wreath in his right. + +ANOTHER WOMAN TOURIST. A what? + +GUIDE. A laurel wreath. You want to take a good look at this, as it is a +very fine piece. Now come along, please--make haste; we must finish up +this place before feeding! + + [_He leads the way out Right, and the TOURISTS follow, shuffling + along, without speaking, MRS. LOPP and CARRIE lagging in the rear._ + + [_AUSTIN enters Left, followed by RUTH._ + +AUSTIN. This is where I left her with Apollo! [_Calls._] Jinny! She +seems to have gone! + + [_He looks behind the statue and out door, Right._ + +RUTH. Probably the Cullinghams, who were headed in this direction, found +her, and they've all gone back for us; you see I walked all around the +court first without going into the rooms, so I missed them, but found +you. + +AUSTIN. What shall we do? Sit down here and wait for them to come back, +or shall I go in search? + +RUTH. Oh, no, you might miss them, and then we'd all be lost! If you +left Jinny here, she's sure to come back to meet you. + + [_She sits on the bench and AUSTIN stands behind her._ + +AUSTIN. I'm sorry to learn you've been ill. + +RUTH. Oh! it's nothing. + +AUSTIN. Ah, I'm afraid it's a good deal. Will you forgive me if I say I +think I know what it is! + + [_She looks up startled._ + + [_After a moment._ + +You haven't forgotten the day of Jinny's and my wedding, when you told +me Geoffrey Tillman needed a friend? + +RUTH. I hoped _you'd_ forgotten; I oughtn't to have told you; I +_oughtn't_ to have! + +AUSTIN. Why not? I had a talk with Geoffrey, then, and he told me +everything. + +RUTH. He did! You are sure? + +AUSTIN. Sure. + + [_He sits beside her._ + +RUTH. That he and I-- + +AUSTIN. Love each other. + +RUTH. Oh, but that isn't all. + +AUSTIN. I know the rest! + +RUTH. He told you--about--about-- + +AUSTIN. The marriage?--Yes? + +RUTH. Oh, I'm so glad, so glad! Now I can speak of it to some one, and +some one who can advise me, and will help us. + +AUSTIN. I have already advised him, but he doesn't seem to be taking my +advice; it has worried me. + +RUTH. When I left he was awfully depressed. He said he saw no prospect +of being able to publish our marriage for years, maybe! + +AUSTIN. _What_ marriage? + + [_In astonishment._ + +RUTH. _Our_ marriage, in Brooklyn! [_She notices his expression and is +alarmed._] You said he had told you! + +AUSTIN. [_Recovering himself, and speaking at first with hesitation._] +Yes, but not the details, not--wait, I'm a little confused. [_Rising and +walking a moment._] Let's get it all quite clear now, that's the only +way I can help you--both; I ought, of course, to have gone through it +all with him, but there really wasn't time. + +RUTH. I can't go on like this much longer. It's killing me to deceive +mother; I _must_ tell her soon! + +AUSTIN. [_Quickly, stops walking._] No. You mustn't, not yet, if I'm +going to help you; you'll obey me, won't you? + +RUTH. Yes, if you only will help us! + +AUSTIN. You said you and Geoffrey Tillman were married where? + +RUTH. In Brooklyn. + +AUSTIN. When? + +RUTH. A month before your wedding. + +AUSTIN. [_To himself._] It's impossible! + + [_Walking up and down._ + +RUTH. [_Smiling sadly._] Oh, no! I remember the date only too well. + +AUSTIN. I didn't mean that. + +RUTH. I lied to my mother that day for the first time--at any rate, +since I was a child--and I've been lying to her ever since. + +AUSTIN. [_Probing her._] But--but why were you married so secretly? + +RUTH. We couldn't afford to marry and set up for ourselves. He expected +then to be sent off at once to the Philippines, and--well he didn't want +to leave me behind, free; I'm afraid he's rather jealous--you must have +found out by now that Jinny is. They all are! And _I_ didn't want him to +go so far off without my belonging to him either; _I'm_ that jealous, +too! [_Smiling._] So--that's why! + +AUSTIN. And this long period of secrecy since then--do you understand +that? + +Ruth. Hasn't he explained to you his debts? You know before he loved me +he was very fast, but since-- + +AUSTIN. Yes, I know how he gave up every one of his old habits with a +great deal of courage. + +RUTH. _Nobody_ knows what it cost him! How can you help us? Get him +something to do to pay off his debts? Or can't you make him feel even if +we do have to go on living at our different homes for a while, it is +better to publish the fact that we are married?-- + +AUSTIN. I shall go back at once to America if I can persuade Jinny! + +RUTH. And I, too? + +AUSTIN. No. You must stay abroad till I send word for you to come home. +If I am going to help you, you will help me by doing exactly as I say, +won't you? + +RUTH. Yes. + +AUSTIN. It's _very_ important that you should _absolutely obey me_! + +RUTH. _I will._ + + [_A pause._ + + [_JINNY, unnoticed by either of them, appears in the doorway at Right. + AUSTIN is walking up and down. RUTH is leaning her elbow on the back + of the bench and burying her face in her hands._ + +AUSTIN. It's awful! My God, it's awful! + +JINNY. [_In a strained, assumed, nonchalant tone._] _What is?_ + +RUTH. Jinny! + + [_Rising._ + +AUSTIN. I didn't hear you, Jinny! + +JINNY. No, you both seemed so absorbed. + +RUTH. [_Going to JINNY._] I'm so glad to see you. + + [_Kisses her, but JINNY only gives her her cheek and that rather + unwillingly; she is looking all the time at her husband._ + +JINNY. Thank you, I've just left the Cullinghams. They sent word to you +they were going and would wait for you outside. + +RUTH. Oh, then, I mustn't keep them waiting. We'll all meet at dinner +to-night, won't we? Good-by--good-by. + + [_With a grateful look at AUSTIN, she goes out Right._ + +JINNY. [_Watches her go; then turns to AUSTIN._] That wasn't true, what +I told her--I haven't seen the Cullinghams, and I don't know where they +are, and what's more, I don't care! + +AUSTIN. What do you mean? + +JINNY. [_Beginning by degrees to lose control of herself._] What did +_she_ mean by _following you_ to Rome? + +AUSTIN. Jinny! + +JINNY. Oh, don't try to deny it; that'll only make me suspect _you_! + +AUSTIN. My dear girl, you don't know what you're saying! + +JINNY. She's ill, they say at home! Yes, and they don't know what's the +matter with her, do they? No! But I can tell them! She's in love with +another woman's husband! + +AUSTIN. [_Taking her hand._] Hush! I won't allow you to say such things! + +JINNY. [_With a disagreeable little laugh._] Oh, won't you? _You'd_ +better be careful,--my eyes are opened! + +AUSTIN. Yes, and much too wide. + +JINNY. A half-blind person would have known there was something between +you two. When I came into this room just now, it was in the air--it was +in both your faces! + + [_She sits on the bench._ + +AUSTIN. You've worked yourself up to such a pitch you're not responsible +for what you're saying! + +JINNY. _I_ not _responsible_! What was it you were saying was _so_ +"awful" when I came in here? "My God, so awful!" + + [_He doesn't answer._ + + [_Almost hysterical, she rises._ + +She had told you she loved you! She'd confessed she'd followed you over +here! + +AUSTIN. Absolutely false, _both_ your suppositions! + +JINNY. Oh, of course you'd protect her; you're a gentleman! But if I +_thought_ you _knew_ she was coming over-- + +AUSTIN. Jinny! Jinny! How _can_ you have such a thought? + +JINNY. Well, why didn't you tell me when you thought you saw her a +little while ago? + +AUSTIN. Oh-- + +JINNY. Oh, it's very easy to say "Oh!" [_Imitating him._] but _why +didn't you_? + +AUSTIN. I told you I didn't think who it was; I only thought something +familiar flashed across my eyes. Jinny darling, this is sheer madness on +your part, letting yourself go like this. It has no reason, it has no +excuse! Ask your own heart, and your own mind, if in speaking to _me_ as +you have, you haven't done me at least an injustice and my love for you +a _little_ wrong. + +JINNY. Well, I'm sure _she's_ in love with you, anyway. + +AUSTIN. No, she isn't! And it's disgraceful of you to say so! I know she +isn't-- + +JINNY. How do you know she isn't? + +AUSTIN. There's no question of it. I'm sure of it! You mustn't think, +dear, that because _you_ love me, everybody does--you idealize me! + + [_Smiling apologetically._ + +JINNY. Oh, you're so modest you don't see! but I do--on the steamer, in +the hotels, everywhere we go, always, all the women admire you awfully! +I see it! + +AUSTIN. [_Laughing._] What utter nonsense! [_Taking her into his arms._] +You've got something in your _eyes_! + +JINNY. Only tears! + +AUSTIN. No, something else,--something _green_. + +JINNY. [_Laughs through her tears._] Somebody's told you my old +nickname! + +AUSTIN. What? + +JINNY. [_Laughs and is a little embarrassed._] The girl with the green +eyes. + +AUSTIN. Ahem!-- + +JINNY. Well, I don't care if it is appropriate, I can't help it. + + [_Slipping from his arms._ + +AUSTIN. You must--or it will threaten our happiness if you let yourself +be carried away by jealousy for no earthly reason outside of your dear, +little imagination, like you have this time-- + + [_Interrupted._ + +JINNY. You honestly don't think she cares for you? + +AUSTIN. Not a bit! + +JINNY. But what was it you were so serious about--what _is_ between you? + +AUSTIN. She is in a little trouble, and I happen to know about it. + +JINNY. How? + +AUSTIN. [_After a second's hesitation._] That you mustn't ask me; it was +not from her I knew of it. + +JINNY. Truly? + +AUSTIN. Truly. + +JINNY. I don't care, she hadn't any business to go to you! I should +think she'd have gone to a _woman_ instead of a _man_ for sympathy. +She's got Mrs. Cullingham! + +AUSTIN. She can't go to her, poor girl. Mrs. Cullingham knows nothing +about it. + +JINNY. Now don't you get too sympathetic--_that's very dangerous_! + +AUSTIN. Look out, your imagination is peeping through the keyhole. + + [_A moment's pause._ + +JINNY. [_In a sympathetic tone, the jealousy gone._] What is her +trouble, Jack? + +AUSTIN. That, dear, I can't tell you now; some day, perhaps, if you want +me to, but not now. Only I give you my word of honor, it has nothing to +do with you and me--does not touch our life! And I want you to tell me +you believe me, and _trust_ me, and won't let yourself be jealous again! + +JINNY. I do believe you, and I do trust you, and I will _try_ not to be +jealous again! + +AUSTIN. That's right. + +JINNY. You know that book of De Maupassant's [_They move away +together._] I was reading in the train the other day,--about the young +girl who killed herself with charcoal fumes when her lover deserted her? + +AUSTIN. [_Half laughing._] This is apropos of what, please? I have +absolutely _no_ sympathy with such people. + +JINNY. In America that girl would have simply turned on the gas. + +AUSTIN. You're getting morbid, Jinny! + +JINNY. No, I'm not! but if ever-- + +AUSTIN. [_Interrupting--laughing it off_.] I shall install _electric +light_ as soon as we get home! + + [_They both laugh._ + +JINNY. I'm sorry I was so disagreeable to Ruth, but I'll try to make up +for it in every way I can. + + [_She sits on the bench and he leans over the back toward her._ + +AUSTIN. There's one other thing, Jinny, I'd like to speak of now. Would +you mind giving up the Lakes and going home this week? + +JINNY. Going _home_--at once? + +AUSTIN. Yes--_Wall Street_ is very uncertain. I'm worried,--I don't mind +telling you,--and I want to see Geoffrey about his business. + +JINNY. [_Half in earnest._] Jack! You're not running away from _her_, +are you? + +AUSTIN. Jinny! _After all_ we've said! + +JINNY. No! I wasn't in earnest! I'm ready to go. I've seen the Lakes, +and whether you are in Italy or in New York, so long as we are together, +it's our honeymoon just the same. + +AUSTIN. And may it last _all our lives_! + +JINNY. Still, I don't mind owning up that leaving Ruth Chester behind +here is rather pleasanter! [_She rises quickly with a sudden thought._] +_She_ is not going back, too? + +AUSTIN. Oh, no, not for a long time. They are over here indefinitely. + +JINNY. I've been too horrid and nasty for words this morning, Jack--I'm +so sorry. + +AUSTIN. It's over and forgotten now. + +JINNY. You _do_ forgive me? + +AUSTIN. Of course, dear; only I want to say this one thing to you: to +suspect unjustly a _true_ love is to insult that love! + +JINNY. I didn't really suspect you. + +AUSTIN. Of course I know you didn't; this is only by way of a +grandfatherly warning! It is possible to insult a true love too +often--and love can die-- + +JINNY. Sh! don't, please, say any more. You have forgiven me, haven't +you? + +AUSTIN. Yes! + +JINNY. Then kiss me! + +AUSTIN. [_Smiling._] Here! My dear, some one will see us! + +JINNY. No, only Apollo; see, there's no one else about--it's luncheon +hour! + +AUSTIN. But-- + + [_Taking her hand._ + +JINNY. [_Pulling him._] Come along, then, behind the statue. No one will +see us there! + + [_They are behind the statue a moment and then come around the other + side._ + +JINNY. There! no one saw us, and I'm so _happy_, are you? + +AUSTIN. _"So happy!"_ + + [_JINNY takes his arm and they go to the Left entrance. She stops and + looks up at him._ + +JINNY. Are my eyes _green_ now? + +AUSTIN. Now they're _blue_! + +JINNY. Hurrah! and I'm going, from now on, to be _so good_, you won't +know me. + + [_And hugging his arm tight they go out as_-- + + THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +ACT III + +(_Three weeks later_) + + +_The Austins' library; a warm, attractive room, with dark woodwork, and + the walls hung in crimson brocade; Dutch marqueterie furniture; blue + and white china on the mantel and tops of the book shelves; carbon + photographs of pictures by Reynolds, Ronney, and Gainsborough on the + wall. There is a double window at the back. A door at Right leads to + the hall, and another on the Left side of the room leads to JINNY's + own room. MRS. TILLMAN sits at a pianola Right, playing "Tell me, + Pretty Maiden"; she stops once in a while, showing that she is + unaccustomed to the instrument. JINNY enters from Left, singing as + her mother plays._ + +JINNY. Darling mother! + + [_She puts her arms about her and kisses her._ + + [_They come away from the pianola together, to a big arm-chair._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. I really must get one of those sewing-machine pianos for +your father. I believe even he could play it, and it would be lots of +amusement for us. + +JINNY. Jack adores it; I gave it to him for an anniversary present. + +MRS. TILLMAN. What anniversary? + + [_Sitting in the chair._ + +JINNY. Day before yesterday. The eleventh Tuesday since our marriage. +Have you been in town all day? I _am_ glad to see you! + + [_She sits on the arm of the chair with her arm about her mother._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. Yes, and I told your father to meet me here and we'd take +the six-thirty train from Long Island City. + +JINNY. Jack and I are going to the theatre to-night. + +MRS. TILLMAN. I thought they were all closed! + +JINNY. Oh, no, there are several musical comedies on,--Jack's favorite +form of amusement,--and I've bought the tickets myself for a sort of +birthday party. + +MRS. TILLMAN. Is it his birthday? + +JINNY. No, that's only my excuse! + +MRS. TILLMAN. [_Laughing._] Had we dreamed you and Jack were coming home +in June, your father and I wouldn't have gone into the country so early. + +JINNY. We've been home two weeks and it hasn't been hot yet. + +MRS. TILLMAN. And you're still ideally happy aren't you, darling? + +JINNY. Yes-- + + [_She rises and goes to a table near the centre of the room and looks + at the titles of several books without realizing what they are._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. Why, Jinny,--what does that mean? + +JINNY. Oh, it's all my horrid disposition! + +MRS. TILLMAN. Been seeing green? + +JINNY. Um! Um! Once in Rome, and on the steamer, and again since we've +been back. + +MRS. TILLMAN. Nothing serious? + +JINNY. [_Hesitatingly, she turns and faces her mother._] No--but the +last time Jack was harder to bring around than before, and he looked at +me for fully five minutes without a particle of love in his eyes, and +they were almost--_dead_ eyes! + +MRS. TILLMAN. What was it all about? + +JINNY. Ruth Chester, principally. + +MRS. TILLMAN. Why Ruth? + +JINNY. Well, the first real scene I made was in Rome in the Vatican. I +was jealous of her; I can't explain it all to you--as a matter of fact, +it hasn't been all explained to _me_! Something was troubling Ruth that +Jack knew, and he said he'd help her. + +MRS. TILLMAN. What? + +JINNY. That's just it; Jack won't tell me. And the day we sailed from +Naples a telegram came, and of course I opened it, and it said, "Trust +me, I will do everything you say. Ruth." + +MRS. TILLMAN. Why haven't you told me anything of all this before, dear? + +JINNY. [_Going back to her mother._] I was ashamed to! Somehow, in the +end I always knew I was wrong and had hurt him--hurt him terribly, +mother, the man I love better than everything else in the world! Yes, +even better than you and father and Geoffrey--all together! + + [_In her mother's arms, crying a little._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. Oh, this curse of jealousy! I was in hopes he was so +strong he would help you to overcome it. + +JINNY. He does try hard, I can see sometimes; but he hasn't a spark of +it in him, and he can't understand it, and I know I'm unreasonable, and +before I know it I am saying things I don't know what, and some day he +won't forgive them! I'm sure some day he won't!-- + + [_Breaking down again._ + + [_She rises and turns away._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. [_Rising and putting her arms about her._] Come, dear! Now +you're getting yourself all unstrung, and that won't do you any good; +you've got to fight this battle out, I'm afraid, by yourself, trusting +in the deep love of your husband to teach him forbearance. Your father's +and my troubles were never very big because we _shared_ the curse, so we +knew how to sympathize with each other! + +JINNY. What an awful thing it is! + +MRS. TILLMAN. Yes, my dear child. Jealousy has no saving grace, and it +only destroys what is always most precious to you. Jinny, don't let it +destroy _your best_ happiness! + +JINNY. Mother, if it _should_, I'd kill myself! + +MRS. TILLMAN. [_Shocked, but quite disbelieving her._] My dear! + + [_MAGGIE enters Right._ + +MAGGIE. Mr. Tillman is downstairs, madam. + +MRS. TILLMAN. Tell him to come up. + +MAGGIE. Yes, madam. + + [_She goes out Right._ + +JINNY. Don't tell father anything before me. + +MRS. TILLMAN. I don't know that I shall tell him at all; he would only +advise more cigars! + + [_TILLMAN enters Right._ + + [_MRS. TILLMAN sits on the sofa at Left._ + +TILLMAN. Are you here? + +JINNY. [_Going to meet him._] We are, father dear, and your presence +_almost_ completes us. [_Kisses him._] I say _almost_, because Jack +hasn't come up town yet, and Geoffrey's heartless enough to stay on +fishing at Cape Cod! + +TILLMAN. No, he isn't; he's back to-day. + + [_He sits in the arm-chair at Right._ + +JINNY. Oh, I do want to see him! + + [_Sitting near her father._ + +TILLMAN. He ought to have been in by now--I met them this morning. He +was to lunch with Jack, and he's going to put up for a few days at the +University. + +JINNY. He must dine with us every night. + +TILLMAN. Jinny!-- [_Looking at her._] --You look as if you've been +crying! + + [_The two WOMEN are embarrassed, and JINNY doesn't reply._ + +TILLMAN. [_Hurt._] Oh, if you prefer to have secrets from your father, +it's all right! _I don't begrudge_ your mother her _first place_ in your +affections! + +JINNY. Not at all, father; with you and mother there's no first place. +She will tell you all about it on the way home! Please, mother. + +MRS. TILLMAN. Very well, dear. + +TILLMAN. A little "scrap" between you and Jack? + +JINNY. Yes, but it's all over! + +TILLMAN. Um!-- [_Thinks a second, then taking out his cigar case, he +empties it of cigars and hands them to JINNY._] Give your husband these, +please, when he comes in! + + [_JINNY and her MOTHER exchange a smile._ + +JINNY. But, father, Jack's got boxes full-- + +TILLMAN. Never mind; give him those, _from me, with my compliments_! + +JINNY. [_Laughing._] Very well! + +TILLMAN. How are you and Maggie getting on? + +JINNY. Splendidly. + +MRS. TILLMAN. Such a nice girl! + +JINNY. And wasn't it odd Jack was bitterly opposed to my taking her? + +MRS. TILLMAN. My dear, if we hadn't lent her to you for these few weeks, +you wouldn't have got anybody decent for so short a time. + +TILLMAN. Why didn't Jack want her to come? + +JINNY. I don't know, he just didn't want her; and then last week he +talked with her in the library for three-quarters of an hour by my +watch. + +MRS. TILLMAN. Why? + +JINNY. Oh, it seems _she_ has troubles, too! All single young women with +troubles, of no matter what class, seem to make a bee line for my +husband, even if they have to cross the ocean! + +TILLMAN. What do you mean? + +JINNY. [_Half laughing._] Oh, nothing, but it was about that talk with +Maggie that we had our last quarrel. + + [_MAGGIE enters Right._ + +MAGGIE. Mrs. Cullingham. + + [_A second's dead silence, the announcement falling like a bombshell._ + +JINNY. [_Astounded._] _Who?_ + + [_She rises._ + +TILLMAN AND MRS. TILLMAN. _Who?_ + +MAGGIE. Mrs. Cullingham and her son, madam. + +JINNY. They're in Europe. + +MRS. TILLMAN. Are you sure you're not mistaken, Maggie? + +MAGGIE. Oh, yes'm. Even if you _could_ mistake Mrs. Cullingham, you +couldn't mistake Mr. Peter! + +JINNY. Ask them to please come up, Maggie. + +MAGGIE. Yes'm. + + [_She goes out Right._ + +TILLMAN. Why, they only just sailed the other day, didn't they? + +MRS. TILLMAN. Yes, and they were supposed to be gone all summer at +least, for Ruth Chester's health! What in the world can they have come +back for? + +JINNY. [_With curious determination._] _That_ is what _I_ intend to find +out. + +TILLMAN. [_Rising._] We must be going, Susan; we've lost our train as it +is. + +MRS. TILLMAN. [_Rising._] We can take the seven-two. + + [_MAGGIE shows in MRS. CULLINGHAM and PETER. PETER shakes hands with + MRS. TILLMAN, then with JINNY, and then with MR. TILLMAN._ + + [_MRS. CULLINGHAM kisses MRS. TILLMAN and shakes hands with MR. + TILLMAN._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Jinny, you angel, aren't you surprised! + + [_Kissing her._ + +JINNY. Well, rather! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Well, you aren't a bit more surprised than I am. [_A +clock strikes six-thirty._] There goes the half hour, Peter; you must +take your powder. + +PETER. I beg your pardon, mother; it's the tablet now. + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Excuse me, dear, I'm so dead tired. + + [_Sits on the sofa._ + +JINNY. [_To Peter._] Will you have some water? + +PETER. No, thank you, I've learned now to take them _au naturel_, and +without much, if any, inconvenience! + + [_Takes his tablet with still a certain amount of difficulty, and sits + Right._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. [_To MRS. CULLINGHAM._] Did you have a bad voyage? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. No, perfectly beautiful! + +PETER. [_Reproachfully, and with a final swallow._] Oh, mother! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Except, of course, for poor Peter; he gets worse every +trip! He can eat _absolutely nothing_--that is _for long_! But it's the +Custom House that's worn me out; I was there from twelve till four. + +MRS. TILLMAN. But you wouldn't have had time to buy anything! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Of course not! But I took plenty of new dresses for the +entire summer; most of them hadn't been worn, and they were determined +to make me pay duty. + +JINNY. We had to pay awfully for things! I wanted to try and smuggle, +but Jack wouldn't let me! + +MR. TILLMAN. I'm afraid _we_ must go! + + [_ALL rise._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. What do you think the Inspector had the impudence to +ask me finally,--if I wanted to bring the dresses in as theatrical +properties! + + [_They laugh._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. You must have some _gorgeous_ frocks! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Oh, there are some _paillettes_! But who do you suppose +he took me for--Sarah Bernhardt! + +TILLMAN. [_Looking at his watch._] I don't wish to interrupt this vital +political conversation, but, Susan, if you don't want to miss the +seven-two train, too--! + +MRS. TILLMAN. [_Rising._] Oh, no, we mustn't do that. Good-by. [_To MRS. +CULLINGHAM, shaking hands._] It's nice to see you again, anyway. Is Ruth +better? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. I'm sorry to say--I don't think she is--good-by. + + [_To MR. TILLMAN, who says good-by_--_general good-bys._ + +MRS. TILLMAN. [_To JINNY._] You want me to tell your father? + +JINNY. Yes, it's better; it does make him jealous if he thinks I tell +you things and keep secrets from him. + +TILLMAN. Good-by, Peter. + +MRS. TILLMAN. Good-by, Peter. + +PETER. By-by. + + [_MR. and MRS. TILLMAN quickly go out Right, JINNY going to the door + with them._ + +JINNY. [_Coming back from doorway._] Now do tell me what it means. I +thought you were abroad indefinitely, or for the summer at least. + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. So did I! I'm just as surprised to be here as you _seem +to be_! [_They sit down near each other._] Didn't you really know we +were coming? + +JINNY. No! How should I? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. I don't know--I thought-- + + [_She hesitates, embarrassed._ + + [_After a pause._ + +JINNY. What did you think? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Nothing, except that you must know we were coming home. + +JINNY. Why--that _I_ must? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. You mustn't put me into a corner like that! + +JINNY. How do you mean "corner"? How did you happen to come home like +this? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Ruth suddenly got a cable--she didn't tell me from +whom--but she said she must go home at once. + +JINNY. But her mother's never been better! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. [_Carelessly._] The cable wasn't from her mother. + +JINNY. Oh, then, you know who it was from? [_No answer._] Oh, I see now +why you thought I ought to know about it; the cable was from _Jack_, +_wasn't it_? + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. [_Relieved._] Yes. + +JINNY. Oh, it was! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. I looked at it when she was out of the room; of course, +it was sort of by accident-- [_Very much embarrassed._] --that is, +I just happened to see--O dear, there! You know what I mean; it was +dreadful of me, but I couldn't help it. + +JINNY. [_In a strained voice._] Jack and Ruth are very good friends and +he looks after some of her affairs. You know having no man in the family +complicates things. + +PETER. Oh! I say! + + [_Standing up, suddenly._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. What _is it_, dear? + +PETER. I believe I haven't got my before-dinner tabs. + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Oh, look carefully! + +PETER. [_He looks in his right-hand pocket, takes out a bottle._] Soda +mints! [_From his left-hand pocket a box._] Alkali powders! [_From third +pocket a bottle._] Charcoal tablets! [_From fourth pocket another +bottle._] Dr. Man's Positive Cure! [_From fifth pocket a box._] +Bicarbonate soda! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. There's your other side pocket! + +PETER. That's my saccharine [_Showing bottle._] and my lithia tabs. +[_Showing another bottle._] We'll have to go, mother; I've left them +home! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. We must go, anyway, my dear. + + [_Rising._ + + [_JINNY also rises._ + +PETER. [_Suddenly claps his hand behind him and speaks joyfully._] No, +we needn't go after all; I forgot my hip pocket. Here they are! + + [_Bringing them out._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. We must go all the same! [_To JINNY._] Sometimes I +think he takes too much medicine stuff! + +JINNY. I should think so! Peter, you ought to diet. + +PETER. I can't! I've tried, and I lose my appetite right away! + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Good-by, dear. How long will you be in town? + +JINNY. I don't know--several weeks, I imagine. Jack came home on some +business, you know, and I don't think it's settled yet. Good-by. + + [_To PETER._ + +PETER. Good-by. You know you mustn't drink water with your meals; that's +the great thing. So I drink only champagne. + + [_He goes out Right._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. [_Waits and speaks to JINNY with real feeling._] I'm +awfully ashamed of myself, and I hope I haven't made any trouble or fuss +with my meddling. Don't let me! + +JINNY. No, of course not. + + [_With a strained smile._ + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. I wish I could believe you. + +JINNY. Well, _do_. + +MRS. CULLINGHAM. Good-by. + + [_She goes out Right._ + +JINNY. Good-by. Where's that telegram that came for him a little while +ago? [_Going to the desk at Right, and finding the telegram._] Of course +it's from her, saying that she's arrived. That's the trouble with +telegrams; the address doesn't give the handwriting away. She must have +sent it from the dock! Couldn't even wait till she was home! [_She walks +to the window and stands there a moment, then comes back, looking at her +watch._] Nearly seven already, and no sign of him, and we must dress and +dine--huh! I think I might as well tear up my theatre tickets! [_She +paces up and down the room, stopping now and then with each new thought +that comes to her._] I wonder if he went down there to meet her--he must +have known the boat; if he cabled her to come back, she must have cabled +an answer and what boat she'd take! But no other telegram has come for +Jack here to my knowledge--oh! of course, what am I thinking of, she +sent _that one_ to _his office_ to-day; she was afraid he might have +left before this one could get there, so she risked it here. Good +Heavens! why am I maudling on like this to myself out loud? It's really +nothing--Jack will _explain_ once more that he _can't_ explain, but that +Ruth has "troubles," and I'll believe him again! But I won't! He +promised me she should stay over there! [_Looks at her watch again._] +He's there, with her! _Nothing ever_ kept him half as late down town as +this! What a little fool I am! + + [_GEOFFREY enters suddenly Right._ + +JINNY. [_Cries out, joyfully._] Geoffrey! [_And rushing to him, embraces +him._] You brute, you, not to come straight back to New York when you +heard I was home! You dear old darling, you! + +GEOFFREY. I couldn't, old girl; there were reasons--I don't have to tell +you I wanted to. + +JINNY. I don't know! Was there a pretty girl up there, Geof? I'm sure I +shouldn't think her pretty if you were in love with her. I believe I +shall be awfully jealous of your wife when you get one! + +GEOFFREY. Rubbish! Hasn't Jack come back yet? + +JINNY. "Come back" from where? + +GEOFFREY. Brooklyn. + +JINNY. Brooklyn! Why, he told me--what did he go there for? + +GEOFFREY. [_Embarrassed._] I don't know if you don't-- + +JINNY. You _do_!! + +GEOFFREY. No--really--I-- + +JINNY. Oh, it's something to be concealed, then? + +GEOFFREY. Hang it, Jinny! drop the subject. I thought he said he was +going to Brooklyn; probably I was mistaken. + +JINNY. [_Satirically._] One is so apt to think just casually that every +one's going to Brooklyn! [_Looks at her watch._] Of course it's +Brooklyn. [_Goes and looks at the telegram; turns._] So you're going +back on _me_, too, are you? You're going to _protect Jack_ at _my_ +expense! + + [_AUSTIN enters Right._ + +AUSTIN. [_Absorbed._] Good evening, Jinny dear. + +JINNY. It's after seven! + +AUSTIN. [_Pleasantly._] Is it? Have you been waiting long, Geoffrey? + +GEOFFREY. No, I've only just now come in. + +JINNY. It's _I_ who have done the waiting! + +AUSTIN. I'm sorry, but it couldn't be helped. + +JINNY. You didn't tell me you were going to Brooklyn. + +AUSTIN. [_After a quick, sharp look at Geoffrey, who shakes his head +once emphatically._] It must have escaped my mind. + +JINNY. That's very likely! Going to Brooklyn's the sort of thing one +talks about and dreads for days. + +AUSTIN. Well, Jinny, that will bear postponement, and my conversation +with Geoffrey won't; will you please leave us together here for a while? + +JINNY. And what about the theatre? + +AUSTIN. What theatre? + +JINNY. Oh, you've _forgotten_ entirely my little birthday party! Thanks! + +AUSTIN. Oh, Jinny! I _did_! Forgive me! I'm awfully sorry! I've got a +lot on my mind to-day. + + [_Tries to put his arms about her and kiss her. She pushes herself + away from him, refusing to let him kiss her._ + +JINNY. Yes--I know you have-- [_At door Left._] --I'll leave you two to +your confidences. You can trust Geof; he just now refused to betray you. + + [_AUSTIN only looks at her fixedly, seriously. She looks back at him + with bravado. Then she deliberately crosses the room, gets the cable, + and recrosses with it and goes out Left._ + +AUSTIN. Poor Jinny! [_Turning to GEOFFREY._] and that, too, lies largely +on your already overcrowded shoulders. + +GEOFFREY. [_Breaking down._] I know! I know! + +AUSTIN. [_Sitting in the corner of the sofa._] Here, don't cry! You've +got to be strong now, and you've no use nor time for crying. I've had +another long interview with the Brooklyn minister. + +GEOFFREY. Yes?-- + +AUSTIN. [_Drawing a chair near to him and sitting._] Well, of course we +both know that he's doing wrong to keep silent, but he will. He wishes I +hadn't told him, because he thinks he'd never have noticed your divorce +from Maggie when it was granted--nor remembered your name if he had seen +it in the papers. + +GEOFFREY. That's what I _told_ you! + +AUSTIN. _You_ only argued that for fear I'd insist on _your_ going to +this minister yourself. But in the bottom of your heart you know it was +a risk we couldn't afford to run. I've explained everything to him--how +such a fine, sweet girl would suffer if he did expose you, and I gave +him my word you would be remarried to Ruth at once after the divorce. Of +course we both know it's wrong, but we both hope the end justifies the +means that removes difficulty number two. + +GEOFFREY. You're sure about Maggie? + +AUSTIN. She's signed a paper; she realizes you'll never live with her, +and--it's pathetic--she loves you--that girl, too--so much as to give +you your freedom--Good Lord! what is it about you weak men that wins +women so? What is it in _you_ that has made two women love _you_ to such +a self-sacrificing extent? + +GEOFFREY. [_Half tragic, half comic laugh._] I give it up! + +AUSTIN. [_Bitterly._] So do I. Well, Maggie is to have six hundred +dollars a year. + +GEOFFREY. Where'll I get it? + +AUSTIN. We'll talk about that when the time comes. [_He rises._] _Now_ +the most important, the most painful, task of all must be done and _you_ +must do it. _Not I this time--you!_ + +GEOFFREY. [_Looking up, frightened._] What? + +AUSTIN. Ruth Chester landed this morning. + +GEOFFREY. [_Starting up._] Impossible! + + [_Rising._ + +AUSTIN. The moment Maggie signed my paper I cabled Miss Chester to +return. You can't go out west and institute proceedings for divorce +without her _knowing the whole truth from you_ first! You don't want her +to find it out from the newspapers, do you? + +GEOFFREY. And you want _me_ to tell her? + +AUSTIN. _To-day._ And to-morrow you start west! + +GEOFFREY. [_Facing AUSTIN._] I _won't_ tell her! + +AUSTIN. [_Calmly._] You've got to! + +Geoffrey. I'd rather shoot myself; do you understand me--I'd rather +shoot myself! + +AUSTIN. That's nothing! That would be decidedly the _easiest_ course out +of it, _and_ the most _cowardly_. + +GEOFFREY. She'll hate me! She'll loathe me! How could she help it at +first! But just after a little, if I weren't there, the love she has for +me might move her somehow or other--and by degrees perhaps--to forgive-- + +AUSTIN. I don't deny that you will have to go through a terrible +degradation with her--but that is nothing compared with what you +deserve. If _you_ tell her, at least the humiliation is secret, locked +there between you two, and no one else in the world can ever know what +happens; _but_ if you send some one else, and no matter who,--_any one_ +else but you _is_ an outsider,--you ask her to make a spectacle of her +humiliation, to let a third in as witness to the relations and emotions +between you two! It's insulting her _again_! Don't you _see_? + + [_A pause._ + +GEOFFREY. Yes, I see! My God! I _must_ tell her myself. + +AUSTIN. That's right, don't waver, make up your mind and do it--Come! + + [_Urging him up._ + +GEOFFREY. [_Hesitates a moment._] And Jinny? + +AUSTIN. Oh, she'll come round all right; she always does. + +GEOFFREY. And she doesn't suspect? + +AUSTIN. Not the slightest. + + [_A pause._ + +GEOFFREY. Need she? + +AUSTIN. The worst? No, _never_! + +GEOFFREY. [_He rises, with new encouragement._] You'll give me your +word? + +AUSTIN. Yes. [_Shakes his hand._] I know how much she loves you; _I_ +wouldn't have her know anything. It's made us some ugly scenes, but they +soon pass, and when you are once out of your trouble for good, we'll +have no excuse, I'm sure, for any more! + +GEOFFREY. Then I shall go to bed to-night with the respect still of at +least two women who are dear to me, my mother and Jinny, even if I lose +the respect and love of the one woman who is dearer! Only think, Jack, +how I've got to stand up there--never mind about myself--and make _her +suffer tortures_! Good-by. God give me courage to do the heart-breaking +thing I must do. + +AUSTIN. I am sure the one hope you have of forgiveness is in your +manliness of going to her as you are doing and telling her yourself +_all_ the truth! + +GEOFFREY. And that, like everything else, I owe to you. + +AUSTIN. No, to _Jinny_! Good luck! + + [_He shakes GEOFFREY'S hand and GEOFFREY goes out Right._ + +AUSTIN. [_Goes to the door Left, opens it, and calls to JINNY, in the +next room._] Jinny, Geoffrey's gone,--what are you doing? + +JINNY. [_Answers in a very little staccato voice._] Waiting till you +should have the leisure to receive me! + +AUSTIN. Come along! + + [_Leaves the doorway._ + + [_JINNY enters Left and stands in the doorway._ + +JINNY. [_With affected nonchalance._] I didn't care to go downstairs for +dinner, so I have had a tray up here. Maggie brought up something for +you, too; would you like it now? + +AUSTIN. [_Ignoring purposely her mood and manner._] I shouldn't mind! I +do feel a little hungry. + + [_He sits in the arm-chair._ + +JINNY. [_Speaks off through the doorway Left._] Bring in the tray for +Mr. Austin, Maggie. + +MAGGIE. [_Off stage._] Yes'm. + + [_JINNY pulls forward a little tea table beside his chair. Her whole + manner must be one of slow, dragging carelessness, like the calm + before a storm. Her expression must be hard. She carries the telegram + still unopened, and on top of it the theatre tickets torn into + pieces._ + + [_MAGGIE brings in the tray, puts it on the table, and goes out Right. + On the tray are chops, peas, some whiskey, a syphon, a roll, etc._ + +AUSTIN. [_Sits down quickly and with a show of eagerness._] Ah! + + [_Begins to eat as if he were hungry and enjoyed it._ + + [_JINNY sits on the sofa at his Left, and looks at him,--AUSTIN is of + course conscious of JINNY'S mood, but pretends not to notice it._ + +AUSTIN. [_After a silence during which he eats._] I say I _am_ hungry! +And these chops _are_ very good, aren't they? + + [_No answer._ + +I'll tell you what it is, Jinny! Of course travelling is great sport and +all the rest of it, but after all one does get tired of hotels, and to +quote a somewhat familiar refrain, "There's no place like home." + + [_No answer._ + +Have you a headache, Jinny? + +JINNY. [_Very short._] No. + +AUSTIN. That's a good thing, and I hope you are not as disappointed as I +am about the theatre. + +JINNY. [_Half laughs._] Humph! + +AUSTIN. I'll celebrate _your_ birthday to-morrow and take _you_. + +JINNY. [_Quickly._] _Why_ did you go to Brooklyn? + +AUSTIN. On the private business of some one else. + +JINNY. [_With all her nerves tied tight._] That's the best answer you +will give me? + +AUSTIN. My dear girl, it's the only answer I _can_ give you. + +JINNY. When you are through I have something for you! + +AUSTIN. What? + +JINNY. I'll give it to you when you have finished. + +AUSTIN. I'm ready. [_He rises. JINNY rises too, and gives him the +telegram with the torn tickets on top, and then rings the bell, at +Right._] What are these torn papers? + +JINNY. Our theatre tickets! + + [_He looks at her._ + +AUSTIN. And when did this telegram come? + +JINNY. This afternoon. + +AUSTIN. Why didn't I get it when I came in? + +JINNY. [_Bitingly._] I kept it to have the _pleasure_ of giving it to +you myself; it's from Ruth Chester. + +AUSTIN. How do you know? + +JINNY. Oh, I haven't opened it! But I know! When I held it in my hand it +burnt my fingers! [_MAGGIE enters Right._] Take away the tray, please, +Maggie. + +MAGGIE. Yes'm. + + [_She leaves the room with the tray._ + + [_JINNY replaces the small table carelessly, almost roughly._ + + [_AUSTIN opens and reads the telegram; there is a second's pause._ + +JINNY. May I read it? + +AUSTIN. [_After a moment's hesitation._] Yes, if you wish. + + [_Not handing it to her._ + +JINNY. I _do_! + +AUSTIN. [_Reaches over and hands her the telegram; he speaks quietly._] +When you behave like this it's impossible for me to feel the same toward +you. + +JINNY. And how do you think I feel when I read this? + + [_Reads it, satirically, bitterly._ + +"Arrived safely; please let me see you before the day goes. Ruth." +"_Ruth_" if you please! + +AUSTIN. [_Standing over JINNY._] I want you to be careful to-night. I +want you to control yourself. I've been through a great deal to-day, and +if you make me angry God knows what I mightn't say and _do_! + +JINNY. And _I've_ been through a great deal _for many a day now_, and I +want the truth about this at last! It's all very well for you to spare +her by not telling me what this _mysterious_ trouble is about which +you've been hoodwinking me ever since we were married, but _now_ you've +got to choose between sparing _her_ and sparing _me_! + + [_She sits determinedly._ + +AUSTIN. Is this your answer to me when I beg you to be very careful +to-night to control yourself? + +JINNY. It's your turn to be careful! What did you marry me for if you +were in love with Ruth? + +AUSTIN. _Jinny!_ + +JINNY. [_A little frightened, to excuse herself._] You gave me your word +of honor she would stay abroad indefinitely. + +AUSTIN. Nonsense! I said I understood she was going to stay some +time--indefinitely. + +JINNY. It's the same thing, and here she is back practically the moment +we are! + +AUSTIN. I can't control Miss Chester's movements--I couldn't foresee +when she would come back. In Rome she told me she would stay on. + +JINNY. [_Rising and facing him._] Ah! that's what I wanted to see, if +you really _would lie_ to me! + +AUSTIN. What do you mean? + +JINNY. [_Beside herself._] Liar! [_He only looks at her, with his face +hard and set; she is insane with jealousy for the moment._] _You sent_ +for Ruth to come back. + +AUSTIN. _And_ if _I did_? + +JINNY. You tried to deceive me about it. And if you'll tell me a lie +about one thing, you'll tell me a lie about another, and I don't believe +one word of all your explanations about the intrigue between you and +Ruth Chester! + +AUSTIN. [_Taking her two hands._] Sit down! + + [_She sits in the arm-chair, half forced by him._ + +JINNY. _Why_ did you send for Ruth Chester to come back? + +AUSTIN. I have told you before, I am trying to help Miss Chester. + +JINNY. "_Ruth!_" + +AUSTIN. I am trying to help her in a great and serious trouble. + +JINNY. Why did you send for her to come back? What's the trouble? + +AUSTIN. I've told you before I can't tell you. + +JINNY. You daren't tell me, and you haven't even the face to tell +another lie about it! + +AUSTIN. If you say another word, I shall _hate_ you! If you _won't_ +control _yourself_, I must make you, as well as keep my own sane +balance. You have insulted my love for you to-night as you've never done +before; you've struck at my own ideal of _you_; you've almost done, in a +word, what I warned you you might do--_kill_ the love I have for you! + +JINNY. [_Frightened._] Jack! + +AUSTIN. I mean what I say! + +JINNY. [_In tears._] That--that you--you don't love me? + +AUSTIN. That is not what I said, but I tell you now that since I first +began to care for you, never have I loved you so little as I do +to-night. + +JINNY. [_With an effort at angry justification._] And suppose I tell you +it is your own fault, because you haven't treated me-- + +AUSTIN. [_Interrupting her._] Like a _child_, instead of a _woman_! + +JINNY. No, because you've kept part of yourself from me, and that part +you've given-- + +AUSTIN. For God's sake, stop! [_A pause--JINNY is now thoroughly +frightened; slowly she comes to her senses._] Do you _want_ a rupture +for good between us? [_No answer._] Can't you see what I tell you is +true? That I can't bear any more to-night? That if you keep on you will +rob _me_ of every bit of love I have for you, just as you've already +robbed me of the woman I thought you were? + +JINNY. "Already!" No, no, Jack, don't say that. Oh, what have I done! + + [_She cries._ + +AUSTIN. You've done something very serious, and before you do +more-- [_Speaking hardly._] --I think we'd better not stay in this +evening; it would be wiser for both of us if we went out somewhere. + +JINNY. No, I couldn't go out feeling this way! I've hurt you, hurt you +terribly! Oh, why do I do it? Why can't I help myself? + +AUSTIN. I think one more scene to-night would finish things for us. I +_warn_ you of that, Jinny-- + + [_He goes to the desk and sits at it, looking blankly before him. She + comes slowly, almost timidly, behind his chair._ + +JINNY. No, don't say it! don't say it! Try to forgive me--oh, Jack, I +hate myself, and I'm so ashamed of myself! I know I've disappointed you +awfully, awfully! You _did_ idealize me; I knew it when you married me, +but I told you then I wasn't worth your loving me, didn't I? I never +pretended to be worthy of you. I always knew I wasn't. + +AUSTIN. Hush! + +JINNY. It's true! it's only too awfully true. But do you remember how +you answered me then when I told you I wasn't worth your loving me? + +AUSTIN. [_Coldly and without looking at her._] No. + +JINNY. You took me in your arms and held me so I couldn't have got away +if I'd wanted to--which I didn't--and stopped the words on my lips with +your _kisses_. [_Her throat fills. He makes no reply. She goes on very +pathetically._] _How I wish_ you'd answer me that way now! + +AUSTIN. Whose fault is it? + +JINNY. Oh, mine! _mine_! I know it. _You_ don't know it one-half so well +as I! I love you better than anything in the world, love everything of +you--the turn of your head, the blessed touch of your hand, the smallest +word that comes from your dear lips--the thoughts that your forehead +hides, but which my heart guesses when I'm sane! And yet, try as hard as +I can, these mad fits take hold of me, and although I'd willingly _die_ +to save you _pain_, still _I_, _I_ myself, hurt and wound you past all +bearing! It doesn't make any difference that _I_ suffer too! _I ought_ +to! I deserve to--you _don't_! Oh, no! I know I'm a disappointment and a +failure! + + [_Her eyes fill up with tears and her voice breaks._ + +AUSTIN. [_He turns to her._] No, Jinny, not so bad as that, only I +thought you were _big_--and you're _so little_, oh, _so small_! + +JINNY. Yes, it's true; I'm small--I'm _small_! Oh, I'd like to be big, +too! I want to be noble and strong, but I'm not--I'm as weak as +water--only it's _boiling_ water! I want to be Brunhilde, and I'm only +Frou Frou! Yes, I'm little; but I _love_ you--_I love you!_ + + [_She sinks on to a stool beside him. A moment's pause._ + + [_With a trembling voice._ + +You don't mind my sitting here? + +AUSTIN. No-- + + [_Very quietly, he places his arm about her neck, his hand on her + shoulder. She quickly steals up her hand to take his, and leaning + her head over it, kisses his hand. He draws it away and kisses her + hair._ + +JINNY. [_Timidly, very softly._] You forgive me? + +AUSTIN. [_With a long sigh._] Yes. + +JINNY. [_Bursting into tears and burying her face upon his knees._] +Thank you--thank you--I know I don't deserve it--I don't deserve it--I +don't deserve it! + +AUSTIN. [_Softly._] Sh!-- + + [_JINNY half turns and looks up at him._ + +JINNY. [_Very, very quietly._] You forgive me--but still--yes, I see it +in your face, you don't love me the same. You look so tired, dear. + +AUSTIN. [_Also very quietly._] I am, Jinny. + +JINNY. And--happy? + +AUSTIN. I'm _not_ quite happy. + +JINNY. I wish I could make you so--make you love me the old way. You +used to smile a little when you looked at me--Jack, you don't any more. +But I mean to make you to-night, if I can, and to make you love me as +much as ever you did. + +AUSTIN. Good luck, dear. + +JINNY. [_Brightening._] What time is it? + +AUSTIN. [_Looking at his watch._] Nearly nine. + +JINNY. I suppose it is too late for me to dress and for us to go to the +theatre? + +AUSTIN. Oh, yes,--and I'm too tired. + +JINNY. [_Triumphantly._] Well, then, you shall have your theatre at +home! If Mahomet won't go to the mountain, the mountain must go to your +lordship! + +AUSTIN. I don't understand! + +JINNY. Well, just wait-- [_She blows her nose._] --till I bathe my face +and eyes a little; I feel rather bleary! [_Starting to go, she stops and +turns._] Good-by? + + [_Questioningly._ + +AUSTIN. [_Quietly._] Good-by. + +JINNY. [_Who wanted him to call her to him and kiss her._] Oh, very +well! but I'll _make_ you smile yet and _kiss_ me of your own accord +to-night--you'll see! + + [_She goes out Left._ + +[_She is heard singing in her room. AUSTIN goes to the desk and after a +long sigh he begins to write._] + +AUSTIN. [_Writing._] Dear Ruth. The satisfaction of the visit to +Brooklyn prevents me from being disappointed at having missed your +telegram till too late to go to your house to-night. My heart aches for +the blow you must have this evening, but please God you will bear it +bravely. The man who loves you is not bad, but he has been weak. +However, I feel once he can shake off the burden of his present +marriage, you will never have cause to complain of him again. And if +your future happiness lies truly in his hands, it will be safe there. + +JINNY. [_Calls from her room._] Are you ready? + +AUSTIN. Yes. + + [_He stops writing._ + +JINNY. In your orchestra chair? + +AUSTIN. Yes. + +JINNY. What will you have, tragedy or comedy? + +AUSTIN. [_Smiling._] Shall we begin with tragedy? + +JINNY. All right. + +AUSTIN. [_Continues to write._] So far I have been able to keep Jinny in +absolute ignorance, but I fear the blow must fall upon her soon, and I +dread to think of what she, too, will suffer. Help me to keep it from +her as long as we can, won't you? + + [_JINNY comes back; she has changed her dress to a loose negligee + gown, with a red turban on her head; she brings two sheets with her._ + +JINNY. Excuse me one minute while I set the stage! [_Moving toward each +other the big arm-chair and the sofa, she covers them with the sheets. +AUSTIN turns from his letter on the desk, to watch._] Uncle Tom's Cabin, +Act Four! [_She goes out only for a moment, and reenters, wearing a +man's overcoat, with a pillow tied in the middle with a silk scarf, +eyes, nose, and mouth made on it with a burnt match._] Eliza crossing +the ice! Come, honey darling! [_To the pillow._] Mammy'll save you from +de wicked white man! [_Jumping up on the sofa, and moving with the +springs._] _You_ ought to do the bloodhounds for me, Jack! Excuse me, +but you look the part! [_AUSTIN watches her, not unamused, but without +smiling._] Hold tight to Lize, honey, and don't be afeerd o' dat big +black man over dah--dat's Uncle Tom. [_Crossing to the arm-chair._] +Don't be afeerd, honey; it's Lize dat's cuttin' de ice this time. [_She +throws the pillow away and drags off the two sheets._] Oh, I can see +this is too serious for you! + + [_She starts singing a cakewalk and dances across the room until she + reaches him, where she finishes._ + +AUSTIN. Very good, Jinny! I'm sure we couldn't have seen better at the +theatre. + +JINNY. Ah! You're getting yourself again!--Darling! Come!--Come!--come +to the pianola and you shall have the sextette! It's in there ready; I +heard mother struggling with it. You don't suppose she has designs upon +the Casino, do you? Now--ready? + + [_He goes to the pianola and starts to play the sextette from + "Florodora." She runs to the opposite side of the room and begins + to sing and dance, crossing to AUSTIN as he plays._ + +AUSTIN. [_After a few moments._] But I can't see you and play at the +same time; I don't like it! + +JINNY. [_Delighted._] You _want to see me_, do you? + +AUSTIN. Of course I do! + +JINNY. Jack! [_Delighted._] Well, then, turn round! + + [_JINNY, hurrying the time of the song, turns it into a regular skirt + dance. She dances delightfully and AUSTIN cannot resist her charm. + His face lightens, he smiles, and love comes into his eyes. JINNY + sees and dances and sings all the better till she reaches him._ + +AUSTIN. [_Rising, he takes her into his arms._] You adorable Jinny! + +JINNY. Ah, Jack! You're smiling again and--_you love me_! + + [_Clasping her arms about his neck._ + +AUSTIN. Yes! Is the theatre finished? + +JINNY. No, only the first act. [_He sits in the big arm-chair, JINNY on +his knee._] I'm _tired_! [_He kisses her. There is a pause. There is a +knock on the door at Right._] Oh, hang it! [_Knock repeated._] _Don't_ +answer it! We haven't half made up yet! + +AUSTIN. But we must answer it, dear. + +JINNY. [_As she rises unwillingly._] I don't see why--I should have let +her knock till she went away. + +AUSTIN. Come in! + + [_MAGGIE enters with a letter._ + +JINNY. What is it, Maggie? + +MAGGIE. A note from Miss Chester, m'm, and she's downstairs herself +waiting for an answer. + +JINNY. For _me_? + + [_Taking the letter._ + +MAGGIE. No, m'm; I think she said it was for _Mr._ Austin. + +JINNY. _Oh!_--You may wait outside for the answer, Maggie. + +MAGGIE. Yes, m'm. + + [_She goes out._ + +JINNY. [_Slowly goes to AUSTIN and gives him the letter, lightly._] I +see now why you were so anxious to let Maggie in. Perhaps you were +expecting this. + +AUSTIN. Jinny! [_Holding her by the hand and trying to pull her over to +him._] Come, I'll give you a kiss for the letter. + +JINNY. No, thank you, I don't want kisses that are given by you for +letters from Ruth Chester. Yes! do kiss me! [_He kisses her._] I _won't_ +be jealous! _I won't be!_ [_Clinching her teeth._] See, I'm not jealous +a bit! Read your old letter! + + [_AUSTIN opens the note and reads it. As he does so JINNY has passed + on to the desk and sees AUSTIN'S unfinished letter to RUTH, which + after a little hesitation she picks up and reads. AUSTIN, having read + RUTH'S note, looks up thoughtfully a second, and then re-reads it. + JINNY is furious over what she reads. As she finishes she gives a + little cry from the very depths of her heart._ + +JINNY. Oh, _Jack_! + +AUSTIN. What is it? + +JINNY. Nothing! + + [_She sinks by the desk, crushing the letter in her hand. She looks + over at him, and then down at the letter, and then back at him._ + +AUSTIN. Maggie! + +JINNY. [_Rising suddenly. She speaks with a voice trembling with only +half-contained emotion and passion._] I told her to wait in the hall; +may I read it? + + [_Holding out her hand for the letter._ + +AUSTIN. Now look here, Jinny,--I always let you read everything, don't +I? + +JINNY. [_Hiding his letter behind her back._] Yes. [_Holding out her +other hand._] Give it to me! + +AUSTIN. Now begin to show that you really are going to turn over a new +leaf, and that your love is going to have perfect confidence, and don't +ask to see this letter. + +JINNY. But I _do_ ask to see it! + +AUSTIN. Then this time I must refuse you! + +JINNY. What! is it even more compromising than _your_ letter to her? + +AUSTIN. What letter? [_Looking first on the desk, he looks across at her +and sees it in her hand. He is angry, but also frightened for fear it +has told her her brother's secret._] And you've read it? + +JINNY. It lay open on the desk there, and anyway the end justifies me! + +AUSTIN. [_In an agony._] What does it tell you? I forget what I wrote! + +JINNY. It tells me that my jealousy all along has been right, that I've +been a fool to let you blind me! + +AUSTIN. [_With a great sigh of relief._] Is that all? + +JINNY. [_Beside herself._] "Is that all!" Isn't that enough? Dear God, +isn't that enough? That there's an understanding between you and Ruth to +get rid of _me_! + +AUSTIN. If it tells you that, the letter lies! Give it to me! + +JINNY. No! _I'll_ read it to you! [_Reads with bitter emphasis._] "The +satisfaction of the visit to Brooklyn prevents me from being +disappointed at having missed your telegram till too late to go to your +house to-night!" So--you and she went to Brooklyn, did you, and that's +why you came back too late to go to the theatre with me? You _cheat_! +[_She screams in her madness. A pause._] Why don't you answer--why don't +you say something? + +AUSTIN. Because if I speak as I feel, I'm afraid of saying something +I'll regret all my life! + +JINNY. You don't deny, then? + +AUSTIN. Yes! that is due to Ruth. Whatever you may feel about _me_, you +have no _right_ to _insult_ her! + +JINNY. Oh, _there's more to_ the letter! + +AUSTIN. Jinny, don't you see what you're doing? + +JINNY. Yes, I'm getting at the truth at last! [_Reads._] "My heart aches +for the blow you must have this evening! The man who loves you--" + +AUSTIN. You shan't read any more; you're mad now! + + [_Tearing the letter away from her._ + +JINNY. I don't need the letter, the words are burning in here! +[_Pressing her hands to her forehead._] "The man who loves you isn't +bad, only weak. However, I feel once we can shake off the burden of +_this present marriage_"--oh! you--you _brute_ to say that!--"you will +never have cause to complain of him again! So far I have been able to +keep Jinny in perfect ignorance, but I feel the blow must fall upon her +now--" + + [_Interrupted._ + +AUSTIN. Shall I tell you _the truth_? + +JINNY. You don't have to; I've found it out for myself! + +AUSTIN. [_In weariness, in disgust, in utter hopelessness._] No! what's +the use. You've done it now--let it go! Let it all go--the whole thing! +What's the use!--it's finished!-- [_A knock on the door at Right._] Come +in! + + [_Maggie enters and closes the door behind her._ + +MAGGIE. Please, sir, Miss Chester came upstairs and made me knock again +to see if there was an answer and if you will see her now or not. + +JINNY. [_Suddenly--aflame with her idea._] Yes! Maggie, show her in! + +AUSTIN. No, no! What do you want to do! I'll see Miss Chester to-morrow, +Maggie. + + [_JINNY has crossed to the door, Right._ + +JINNY. Ruth! Ruth! + +RUTH. [_Off stage._] Yes? May I come? + +JINNY. _Do_ come in! + + [_She recrosses room; she and AUSTIN face each other for a second._ + +AUSTIN. [_In a lowered voice._] For God's sake, be careful! + + [_RUTH enters Right._ + +RUTH. Jinny! + + [_Going to her quickly to embrace her._ + + [_JINNY, without speaking, draws away and stares at her with a look + of hatred. RUTH, seeing it, stops short, and looks from JINNY to + AUSTIN for explanation--she turns to AUSTIN and gives him her hand, + which he takes, presses, and drops; JINNY'S shoulders contract at + this moment; RUTH immediately turns again to JINNY._ + +RUTH. What is it, Jinny? [_To AUSTIN._] Surely she doesn't blame _me_ in +any way. + +JINNY. _Blame you!_ + +AUSTIN. She doesn't _know_. + +JINNY. That's a lie! I know everything, Ruth! I know why you followed my +husband to Rome, and why he sent for you to come back here. I know that +you and he were in Brooklyn this afternoon, and that you only plan to +get rid of me by some divorce, and by hook or crook to marry each other! + +RUTH. No!--No!-- + +JINNY. Oh, you can lie, too, can you? I won't keep you waiting long! +You've stolen my husband from me--take him. I won't _share_ him with any +woman! He's yours now, and I'll soon be out of your way! + +AUSTIN. _Jinny!_ + +RUTH. [_To Austin._] She must be told the truth. + + [_AUSTIN bows his head._ + +JINNY. Now you'll make up your story, will you? I tell you it's useless. +If he wouldn't let me see your compromising letter, I've seen a letter +from _him_ to _you_ to-night that gives the whole thing away. + +RUTH. [_Very quietly._] Your husband went to Brooklyn _without me_, as +your _brother_ will tell you, to see the clergyman who married me, or +_thought_ he _married_ me to _Geoffrey Tillman_ three months ago! +[_JINNY looks up with a start._] That marriage was _illegal_ because +your brother was already married, and Mr. Austin tried and did get the +promise of silence this afternoon about the Brooklyn service, to prevent +a charge of bigamy against your brother. The first marriage, which still +holds good, was with--Maggie, your present servant-- + + [_JINNY stands immovable. There is a silence._ + +AUSTIN. Geoffrey is not at your house? + +RUTH. No, he left when I came on here. As I wrote you in the note I sent +upstairs, I was too stunned by what he told me to answer then, and I +wanted a word of advice with you. [_She turns to JINNY._] _I_ knew what +I thought was my _marriage_ to your brother must be kept secret, but I +could not learn why. This was my trouble, which, after your marriage, I +selfishly laid on your husband's shoulders, thinking he might help me! +[_No answer from JINNY, who stands as if struck dumb and into stone._] +Mr. Austin only learned the whole truth when we met that day in Rome. +_I_ did not learn till to-day that I was not honestly your brother's +wife. I had to be told, because divorce proceedings are to be started at +once to break--the other--marriage. [_No answer from JINNY._] To spare +me, and above all to spare you the knowledge of your brother's sin, your +husband has kept Geoffrey's secret from you. You have _well_ repaid him! +[_She turns again to AUSTIN._] Good-by--I feel to-night I couldn't marry +Geoffrey again. He's tumbled so far off his pedestal he has fallen out +of my heart. But still--we'll see; I've told him to come to-morrow. +_Thank you_ from the bottom of my heart--it's full of gratitude, even if +it is broken! + + [_She goes out Right._ + + [_JINNY slowly turns, almost afraid to look at AUSTIN. He stands + stern, with set face._ + +JINNY. [_In a low voice, ashamed to go near him._] Can you forgive me? +Can you-- + +AUSTIN. Ugh! + + [_Crossing room for his coat._ + +JINNY. I'm mad! You know I don't know what I do. But I _love you_--I +love you! Forgive me! + +AUSTIN. Never! + + [_Taking up his coat._ + +JINNY. Where are you going? + +AUSTIN. Out of this house. + +JINNY. If you leave me, I'll not bear it! I'll kill myself! I warn you! + +AUSTIN. Bah!--Good-by! + + [_Going to the door Right._ + +JINNY. No! Where are you going? + +AUSTIN. Out of this house _for good_! + + [_At the door he turns and looks at her._ + +JINNY. [_Echoes._] For good? + +AUSTIN. _For good!_ + + [_He goes out, slamming the door behind him._ + + [_JINNY stands a moment motionless. She then cries faintly--"Jack!" + She goes to the door and pushes it open, crying out again in loud, + strong despair, "Jack!" There is a moment's pause. She cries out + again weakly, heartbrokenly, "Jack!"--comes back into the room, and + throwing herself down on the floor, her head resting on her arms in + the arm-chair, she sobs hysterically, wildly, "What have I done! Dear + God, what have I done!" as_ + + THE CURTAIN FALLS + + + + +ACT IV + + +Scene I + +_Dawn of the next day. At the rise of the curtain JINNY is by the open + window, whose curtains she has thrown aside. The sky is blood-red and + streaked with gold the moment before sunrise. JINNY is worn and + haggard, with hair dishevelled._ + +JINNY. [_Turning and leaning against the window._] Day at last! What a +night--what a night--but now it's morning and he hasn't come back! He +means it! And it's my own fault--it's my own fault! [_She shivers. She +closes the window and comes away. After a moment's pause she goes +deliberately and looks at the several gas fixtures in the room. She then +closes all the doors and locks them. She carefully draws down the shade +and closes in the curtains of the window. She hesitates, then pulls +aside the curtains and the shade, and takes a long, last look at the +dawn. She closes it all in again. She gets Austin's picture from the +desk and places it on the table near the centre of the room. She then +goes to the gas bracket at the Right and turns on the gas. She lights it +to see if the gas is all right; then blows it out. She then crosses to +the other bracket and turns that on; she goes to the chandelier at +centre, and, mounting a chair, turns on its three jets. She then sits +down by the table with AUSTIN'S picture before her, and looking into its +eyes, her elbows on the table, her head in her hands, she waits._] Oh, +Jack, my beloved! I couldn't help it--I never for one minute stopped +loving you better than everything else in my life, but no more than I +could stop loving you could I stop or help being jealous! Once the cruel +idea has got hold of me it seems to _have_ to work its way out! +Everything gets red before me and I don't seem to know what I say or do! +It's no excuse, I know. I've got no excuse, only I _love_ you! You'll +forgive me when I'm gone, won't you, Jack? You'll know I _loved_ +you!--loved you so I couldn't _live_ without you!--loved you!--_loved_ +you! [_She kisses the photograph tenderly, adoringly, slowly, in +tears._] Loved--you--loved you!--loved-- + + [_Her head drops forward, as_ + + THE CURTAIN FALLS + + +SCENE II + +_The same morning, three hours later. The curtain rises on the same + scene in a dull, cold, early morning light. The lamp has burnt itself + out. A tiny ray of sunlight steals through a slip between the + curtains. JINNY sits by the table, her arms spread over it and her + head on her arms--she is perfectly still. AUSTIN'S picture is before + her. There is a moment's silence. Voices are heard outside, + approaching door, at Right. Gradually what they say is distinguished._ + +MAGGIE. No, sir. She hasn't been to bed; I've been to her bedroom--that +door's not unlocked. + +TILLMAN. She's been here all night? + +MAGGIE. Yes, sir. But twice in the night, sir, I came to the door and +spoke to her and she wouldn't answer me--but I could hear her walking up +and down and sometimes talking to herself. + +TILLMAN. [_Calls softly._] Jinny! [_Knocks softly._] It's father! [_No +answer._] It looks as if she were asleep now. + +AUSTIN. [_At a little distance._] Father! + +TILLMAN. I'm outside the library door. + +AUSTIN. [_Nearer._] I can't wait--have you seen her? Will she see me? + +TILLMAN. She's locked herself in here. She's not been to her own room. + +AUSTIN. Not been to bed at all! Poor Jinny--God forgive me. + +TILLMAN. Maggie says she's walked the floor all night. + + [_He knocks on the door Right._ + +AUSTIN. [_Outside the door, Right, rather softly._] Jinny! I'm so sorry! +I can't say how sorry! I've thought it out through the night, and I +think I understand things better. [_He waits a moment for an answer._] +Jinny, answer me! you shall be as jealous as you like, and I'll always +explain and kiss away those doubts of yours, and I'll have no more +secrets from you, dear. Not one! Jinny! [_As he calls there is a slight +movement of one of JINNY'S arms. With a note of alarm._] Father! I can't +hear a sound of breathing! [_A moment's pause as they listen._] She +threatened it--she threatened it several times! [_With great +determination._] We must get into this room--do you hear me--we must get +in if we have to break the door down! [_They shake the door. He calls a +little louder._] Jinny, Jinny darling--do you hear me? [_JINNY makes a +sort of feeble effort to lift her head, but fails._] Jinny, for God's +sake, answer me! I love you Jinny--_Jinny!_ [_Very slowly JINNY lifts +her head and, with difficulty, she hears as if in a dream; she is dazed, +barely alive._] She doesn't answer! + +TILLMAN. See if the key is in the lock. + +AUSTIN. No. + +TILLMAN. Get the other keys, Maggie. + +AUSTIN. _Father!_ Gas! Don't you smell it? + +TILLMAN. What! + +AUSTIN. Gas, I tell you! O God! she's killed herself! Jinny! Jinny! + + [_Beating the door._ + + [_JINNY staggers up, she tries to call "Jack"--but the word only comes + out in a half-articulate whisper! She tries again, but fails._ + +MAGGIE. Here's a key, sir. + + [_JINNY tries to go to the door; she staggers a few steps and then + falls._ + + [_They try one key--it does not unlock the door; they try another._ + + [_JINNY half raises herself and makes an effort to crawl, but is + unable and sinks back upon the floor._ + +AUSTIN. Break the door in, father! We daren't waste any more time! + +TILLMAN. No, this has done it! + + [_They open the door and rush in. They stop aghast at JINNY and the + oppressiveness of the gas in the room._ + +TILLMAN. Jinny! + +AUSTIN. Quick--the window! [_TILLMAN tears aside the curtains and throws +open the window. The sunshine of full morning pours in. He then rushes +to the opposite gas burners and turns them off. Kneeling quickly beside +her._] _Jinny! My wife!_ My beloved! + + [_He takes her up in his arms and hurries to the window._ + +TILLMAN. Are we too late? + +AUSTIN. I don't know. No! she's breathing--and see--see!--she knows +me!--she knows me! [_JINNY smiles at him pathetically._] Send Maggie for +the doctor! + + [_TILLMAN goes out Right._ + +AUSTIN. Jinny, forgive me! Forgive me! Forgive me! [_She slips her two +arms up and joins them about his neck. AUSTIN kisses her._] Father! +We've saved her! Oh, thank God, we've saved her! + + [_Bringing her to big chair and putting her in it, he kneels at her + feet._ + +JINNY. [_Whispers faintly._] _Dear Jack!_ You forgive _me_--all my +beastly jealousy? + +AUSTIN. There's one thing stronger even than jealousy, my Jinny. And +that's LOVE! That's _LOVE_! + + [_He kisses her hands, 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. WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS + (Plays for an Irish Theatre) + +Where There is Nothing + +The Hour Glass and Other Plays + + Cloth, each $1.25 net (postage 7c.) + +In the Seven Woods + + Cloth, 12mo, $1.00 net (postage 6c.) + + "Mr. Yeats' work is notable as supplying that rarest of all + things--a distinctly new strain in English poetic and dramatic + literature."--Miss Katharine Lee Bates in the _Transcript_ (Boston). + + +By MR. THOMAS HARDY + +The Dynasts + A Drama of the Napoleonic Wars. In three parts. + + Part I., 12mo, cloth, $1.50 net + + +By MR. 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. Performed with Music by Joseph Moorat, under the + Stage Direction of Edward Gordon Craig, December, MCMII. + + Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net (postage 7c.) + + +THE MACMILLAN COMPANY + +64-66 Fifth Avenue, New York + + + * * * * * + + + [Transcriber's Note: + + The following text was printed at the beginning of the original book, + immediately after the copyright notice. It is included here for + historical interest only.] + + 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. + + + * * * * * + * * * * + * * * * * + + +Errata Noted by Transcriber: + +All French and German words ("Wunderbaum!") are as in the original. + +On floral small / table + _so in original: "a floral..."?_ +AUSTIN. Geof? most certainly I do, and Jinny adores him. + _text reads "Geoff"_ +[_AUSTIN enters Left, followed by RUTH._ + _text reads "followed by Ruth" (in plain type)_ +TILLMAN. Um!-- [_Thinks a second, then taking out his cigar case, he +empties it of cigars and hands them to JINNY._] Give your husband these, +please, when he comes in! + _text continues stage-direction italics through end of speech_ +the sextette from / "Florodora." + _spelling correct as printed_ +[_She recrosses room; she and AUSTIN face each other for a second._ + _so in original: "recrosses the room"?_ + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Girl with the Green Eyes, by Clyde Fitch + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL WITH THE GREEN EYES *** + +***** This file should be named 19101.txt or 19101.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/1/0/19101/ + +Produced by Louise Hope, David Garcia and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Kentuckiana Digital Library) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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