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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/2195-0.txt b/2195-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..202e9dd --- /dev/null +++ b/2195-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4091 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Master of Mrs. Chilvers, by Jerome K. +Jerome + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most +other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have +to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. + + + + +Title: The Master of Mrs. Chilvers + An Improbable Comedy + + +Author: Jerome K. Jerome + + + +Release Date: September 26, 2014 [eBook #2195] +[This file was first posted on 24 September 1999] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS*** + + +Transcribed from the 1911 T. Fisher Unwin edition by David Price, email +ccx074@pglaf.org + + [Picture: Book cover] + + + + + + _THE MASTER of_ + _MRS. CHILVERS_ + + + _AN IMPROBABLE COMEDY_ + + IMAGINED BY + + _JEROME K. JERMONE_ + + * * * * * + + _LONDON: T. FISHER UNWIN_ + _ADELPHI TERRACE_ + + * * * * * + + COPYRIGHT 1911 BY JEROME K. JEROME + IN THE U.S.A. + + * * * * * + + (_All rights reserved_.) + + * * * * * + + THE FIRST ACT + SCENE: Drawing-room, 91, Russell Square. + TIME: 3 p.m. + + THE SECOND ACT + SCENE: Liberal Committee Room, East India Dock Road. + TIME: 5 p.m. + + THE THIRD ACT + SCENE: The Town Hall, East Poplar. + TIME: 10 p.m. + + THE FOURTH ACT + SCENE: Russell Square + TIME: Midnight + + + + +THE CAST OF “THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS” + + + AS IT WAS PRODUCED AT THE ROYALTY THEATRE, LONDON, ON + APRIL 26TH, 1911, UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF + MESSRS. VEDRENNE & EADIE. + +Lady Mogton MARY RORKE +Annys Chilvers LENA ASHWELL +Phoebe Mogton ETHEL DANE +Janet Blake GILLIAN SCAIFE +Mrs. Mountcalm Villiers SARAH BROOKE +Elizabeth Spender AURIOL LEE +Rose Merton ESME BERINGER +Mrs. Chinn SYDNEY FAIRBROTHER +Geoffrey Chilvers, M.P. DENNIS EADIE +Dorian St. Herbert LEON QUARTERMAINE +Ben Lamb, M.P. A. E. BENEDICT +William Gordon EDMUND GWENN +Sigsby MICHAEL SHERBROOKE +Hake H. B. TABBERER +Mr. Peekin GERALD MIRRIELEES +Mr. Hopper STANLEY LOGAN +Mrs. Peekin ROWENA JEROME +Miss Borlasse CATHLEEN NESBITT +Miss Ricketts HETTA BARTLETT + +CHARACTERS IN THE PLAY + +GEOFFREY CHILVERS, M.P. A loving husband, and (would-be) +(_President Men’s League for the affectionate father. Like many +Extension of the Franchise to other good men, he is in sympathy +Women_) with the Woman’s Movement: “not + thinking it is coming in his + time.” +ANNYS CHILVERS (_née Mogton_, A loving wife, and (would-be) +_Hon. Sec. Women’s Parliamentary affection mother. Many thousands +Franchise League_) of years have gone to her making. + A generation ago, she would have + been the ideal woman: the ideal + helpmeet. But new ideas are + stirring in her blood, a new + ideal of womanhood is forcing + itself upon her. +LADY MOGTON (_President She knows she would be of more +W.P.F.L._) use in Parliament than many of + the men who are there; is + naturally annoyed at the Law’s + stupidity in keeping her out. +PHOEBE MOGTON (_Org. Sec. The new girl, thinking more of +W.P.F.L._) politics than of boys. But that + will probably pass. +JANET BLAKE (_Jt. Org. Sec. She dreams of a new heaven and a +W.P.F.L._) new earth when woman has the + vote. +MRS. MOUNTCALM VILLIERS She was getting tired of +(_Vice-President W.P.F.L._) flirting. The Woman’s Movement + has arrived just at the right + moment. +ELIZABETH SPENDER (_Hons. Treas. She sees woman everywhere the +W.P.F.L._) slave of man: now pampered, now + beaten, but ever the slave. She + can see no hope of freedom but + through warfare. +MRS. CHINN A mother. +JAWBONES A bill-poster. Movements that do + not fit in with the essentials of + life on thirty shillings a week + have no message so far as + Jawbones is concerned. +GINGER Whose proper name is Rose Merton, + and who has to reconcile herself + to the fact that so far as her + class is concerned the primæval + laws still run. +DORIAN ST. HERBERT (_Hon. Sec. He is interested in all things, +M.L.E.F.W._) the Woman’s Movement included. +BEN LAMB, M.P. As a student of woman, he admits + to being in the infants’ class. +SIGSBY An Election Agent. He thinks the + modern woman suffers from + over-indulgence. He would + recommend to her the teachings of + St. Paul. +HAKE A butler. He does not see how to + avoid his wife being practically + a domestic servant without wages. +A DEPUTATION It consists of two men and three + women. Superior people would + call them Cranks. But Cranks + have been of some service to the + world, and the use of superior + people is still to be discovered. + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + +SCENE:—_Drawing-room_, 91, _Russell Square_. + + TIME:—_Afternoon_. + +(MRS. ELIZABETH SPENDER _sits near the fire_, _reading a book_. _She is +a tall_, _thin woman_, _with passionate eyes_, _set in an oval face of +olive complexion_; _the features are regular and severe_; _her massive +dark hair is almost primly arranged_. _She wears a tailor-made costume_, +_surmounted by a plain black hat_. _The door opens and_ PHOEBE _enters_, +_shown in by_ HAKE, _the butler_, _a thin_, _ascetic-looking man of about +thirty_, _with prematurely grey hair_. PHOEBE MOGTON _is of the Fluffy +Ruffles type_, _petite_, _with a retroussé nose_, _remarkably bright +eyes_, _and a quantity of fluffy light hair_, _somewhat untidily +arranged_. _She is fashionably dressed in the fussy_, _flyaway style_. +ELIZABETH _looks up_; _the two young women shake hands_.) + +PHOEBE. Good woman. ’Tisn’t three o’clock yet, is it? + +ELIZABETH. About five minutes to. + +PHOEBE. Annys is on her way. I just caught her in time. (_To_ HAKE.) +Put a table and six chairs. Give mamma a hammer and a cushion at her +back. + +HAKE. A hammer, miss? + +PHOEBE. A chairman’s hammer. Haven’t you got one? + +HAKE. I’m afraid not, miss. Would a gravy spoon do? + +PHOEBE (_To_ ELIZABETH, _after expression of disgust_.) Fancy a house +without a chairman’s hammer! (_To_ HAKE.) See that there’s something. +Did your wife go to the meeting last night? + +HAKE (_He is arranging furniture according to instructions_.) I’m not +quite sure, miss. I gave her the evening out. + +PHOEBE. “Gave her the evening out”! + +ELIZABETH. We are speaking of your wife, man, not your servant. + +HAKE. Yes, miss. You see, we don’t keep servants in our class. +Somebody’s got to put the children to bed. + +ELIZABETH. Why not the man—occasionally? + +HAKE. Well, you see, miss, in my case, I rarely getting home much before +midnight, it would make it so late. Yesterday being my night off, things +fitted in, so to speak. Will there be any writing, miss? + +PHOEBE. Yes. See that there’s plenty of blotting-paper. (_To_ +ELIZABETH.) Mamma always splashes so. + +HAKE. Yes, miss. + + (_He goes out_.) + +ELIZABETH. Did you ever hear anything more delightfully naïve? He +“gave” her the evening out. That’s how they think of us—as their +servants. The gentleman hasn’t the courage to be straightforward about +it. The butler blurts out the truth. Why are we meeting here instead of +at our own place? + +PHOEBE. For secrecy, I expect. Too many gasbags always about the +office. I fancy—I’m not quite sure—that mamma’s got a new idea. + +ELIZABETH. Leading to Holloway? + +PHOEBE. Well, most roads lead there. + +ELIZABETH. And end there—so far as I can see. + +PHOEBE. You’re too impatient. + +ELIZABETH. It’s what our friends have been telling us—for the last fifty +years. + +PHOEBE. Look here, if it was only the usual sort of thing mamma wouldn’t +want it kept secret. I’m inclined to think it’s a new departure +altogether. + + (_The door opens_. _There enters_ JANET BLAKE, _followed by_ HAKE, + _who proceeds with his work_. JANET BLAKE _is a slight_, + _fragile-looking creature_, _her great dark eyes—the eyes of a + fanatic—emphasise the pallor of her childish face_. _She is shabbily + dressed_; _a plain_, _uninteresting girl until she smiles_, _and then + her face becomes quite beautiful_. PHOEBE _darts to meet her_.) Good + girl. Was afraid—I say, you’re wet through. + +JANET. It was only a shower. The ’buses were all full. I had to ride +outside. + +PHOEBE. Silly kid, why didn’t you take a cab? + +JANET. I’ve been reckoning it up. I’ve been half over London chasing +Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers. Cabs would have come, at the very least, to +twelve-and-six. + +PHOEBE. Well— + +JANET (_To_ ELIZABETH.) Well—I want you to put me down as a contributor +for twelve-and-six. (_She smiles_.) It’s the only way I can give. + +PHOEBE. (_She is taking off_ JANET’S _cloak_; _throws it to_ HAKE.) +Have this put somewhere to dry. (_She pushes_ JANET _to the fire_.) Get +near the fire. You’re as cold as ice. + +ELIZABETH. All the seats inside, I suppose, occupied by the chivalrous +sex. + +JANET. Oh, there was one young fellow offered to give me up his place, +but I wouldn’t let him. You see, we’re claiming equality. (_Smiles_.) + +ELIZABETH. And are being granted it—in every direction where it works to +the convenience of man. + +PHOEBE. (_Laughs_.) Is she coming—the Villiers woman? + +JANET. Yes. I ran her down at last—at her dress-maker’s. She made an +awful fuss about it, but I wouldn’t leave till she’d promised. Tell me, +it’s something quite important, isn’t it? + +PHOEBE. I don’t know anything, except that I had an urgent telegram from +mamma this morning to call a meeting of the entire Council here at three +o’clock. She’s coming up from Manchester on purpose. (_To_ HAKE.) Mrs. +Chilvers hasn’t returned yet, has she? + +HAKE. Not yet, miss. Shall I telephone— + +PHOEBE. (_Shakes her head_.) No; it’s all right. I have seen her. Let +her know we are here the moment she comes in. + +HAKE. Yes, miss. + + (_He has finished the arrangements_. _The table has been placed in the + centre of the room_, _six chairs round it_, _one of them being a large + armchair_. _He has placed writing materials and a large silver gravy + spoon_. _He is going_.) + +PHOEBE. Why aren’t you sure your wife wasn’t at the meeting last night? +Didn’t she say anything? + +HAKE. Well, miss, unfortunately, just as she was starting, Mrs. +Comerford—that’s the wife of the party that keeps the shop +downstairs—looked in with an order for the theatre. + +PHOEBE. Oh! + +HAKE. So I thought it best to ask no questions. + +PHOEBE. Thank you. + +HAKE. Thank you, miss. + + (_He goes out_.) + +ELIZABETH. Can nothing be done to rouse the working-class woman out of +her apathy? + +PHOEBE. Well, if you ask me, I think a good deal has been done. + +ELIZABETH. Oh, what’s the use of our deceiving ourselves? The great +mass are utterly indifferent. + +JANET (_She is seated in an easy-chair near the fire_.) I was talking to +a woman only yesterday—in Bethnal Green. She keeps a husband and three +children by taking in washing. “Lord, miss,” she laughed, “what would we +do with the vote if we did have it? Only one thing more to give to the +men.” + +PHOEBE. That’s rather good. + +ELIZABETH. The curse of it is that it’s true. Why should they put +themselves out merely that one man instead of another should dictate +their laws to them? + +PHOEBE. My dear girl, precisely the same argument was used against the +Second Reform Bill. What earthly difference could it make to the working +men whether Tory Squire or Liberal capitalist ruled over them? That was +in 1868. To-day, fifty-four Labour Members sit in Parliament. At the +next election they will hold the balance. + +ELIZABETH. Ah, if we could only hold out _that_ sort of hope to them! + + (ANNYS _enters_. _She is in outdoor costume_. _She kisses_ PHOEBE, + _shakes hands with the other two_. ANNYS’S _age is about twenty-five_. + _She is a beautiful_, _spiritual-looking creature_, _tall and + graceful_, _with a manner that is at the same time appealing and + commanding_. _Her voice is soft and caressing_, _but capable of + expressing all the emotions_. _Her likeness to her younger sister_ + PHOEBE _is of the slightest_: _the colouring is the same_, _and the + eyes that can flash_, _but there the similarity ends_. _She is simply + but well dressed_. _Her soft hair makes a quiet but wonderfully + effective frame to her face_.) + +ANNYS. (_She is taking off her outdoor things_.) Hope I’m not late. I +had to look in at Caxton House. Why are we holding it here? + +PHOEBE. Mamma’s instructions. Can’t tell you anything more except that +I gather the matter’s important, and is to be kept secret. + +ANNYS. Mamma isn’t here, is she? + +PHOEBE. (_Shakes her head_.) Reaches St. Pancras at two-forty. (_Looks +at her watch_.) Train’s late, I expect. + + (HAKE _has entered_.) + +ANNYS. (_She hands_ HAKE _her hat and coat_.) Have something ready in +case Lady Mogton hasn’t lunched. Is your master in? + +HAKE. A messenger came for him soon after you left, ma’am. I was to +tell you he would most likely be dining at the House. + +ANNYS. Thank you. + + (HAKE _goes out_.) + +ANNYS. (_To_ ELIZABETH.) I so want you to meet Geoffrey. He’ll alter +your opinion of men. + +ELIZABETH. My opinion of men has been altered once or twice—each time +for the worse. + +ANNYS. Why do you dislike men? + +ELIZABETH. (_With a short laugh_.) Why does the slave dislike the +slave-owner? + +PHOEBE. Oh, come off the perch. You spend five thousand a year provided +for you by a husband that you only see on Sundays. We’d all be slaves at +that price. + +ELIZABETH. The chains have always been stretched for the few. My +sympathies are with my class. + +ANNYS. But men like Geoffrey—men who are devoting their whole time and +energy to furthering our cause; what can you have to say against them? + +ELIZABETH. Simply that they don’t know what they’re doing. The French +Revolution was nursed in the salons of the French nobility. When the +true meaning of the woman’s movement is understood we shall have to get +on without the male sympathiser. + + (_A pause_.) + +ANNYS. What do you understand is the true meaning of the woman’s +movement? + +ELIZABETH. The dragging down of man from his position of supremacy. +What else can it mean? + +ANNYS. Something much better. The lifting up of woman to be his +partner. + +ELIZABETH. My dear Annys, the men who to-day are advocating votes for +women are doing so in the hope of securing obedient supporters for their +own political schemes. In New Zealand the working man brings his female +relations in a van to the poll, and sees to it that they vote in +accordance with his orders. When man once grasps the fact that woman is +not going to be his henchman, but his rival, men and women will face one +another as enemies. + + (_The door opens_. HAKE _announces_ LADY MOGTON _and_ DORIAN ST. + HERBERT. LADY MOGTON _is a large_, _strong-featured woman_, _with a + naturally loud voice_. _She is dressed with studied carelessness_. + DORIAN ST. HERBERT, K.C., _is a tall_, _thin man_, _about thirty_. _He + is elegantly_, _almost dandily dressed_.) + +ANNYS. (_Kissing her mother_.) Have you had lunch? + +LADY MOGTON. In the train. + +PHOEBE. (_Who has also kissed her mother and shaken hands with_ ST. +HERBERT.) We are all here except Villiers. She’s coming. Did you have +a good meeting? + +LADY MOGTON. Fairly. Some young fool had chained himself to a pillar +and thrown the key out of window. + +PHOEBE. What did you do? + +LADY MOGTON. Tied a sack over his head and left him there. + + (_She turns aside for a moment to talk to_ ST. HERBERT, _who has taken + some papers from his despatch-box_.) + +ANNYS. (_To_ ELIZABETH.) We must finish out our talk some other time. +You are quite wrong. + +ELIZABETH. Perhaps. + +LADY MOGTON. We had better begin. I have only got half an hour. + +JANET. I saw Mrs. Villiers. She promised she’d come. + +LADY MOGTON. You should have told her we were going to be photographed. +Then she’d have been punctual. (_She has taken her seat at the table_. +ST. HERBERT _at her right_.) Better put another chair in case she does +turn up. + +JANET. (_Does so_.) Shall I take any notes? + +LADY MOGTON. No. (_To_ ANNYS.) Give instructions that we are not to be +interrupted for anything. + + (ANNYS _rings bell_.) + +ST. HERBERT. (_He turns to_ PHOEBE, _on his right_.) Have you heard the +latest? + + _There was an old man of Hong Kong_, + _Whose language was terribly strong_. + + (_Enter_ HAKE. _He brings a bottle and glass_, _which he places_.) + +ANNYS. Oh, Hake, please, don’t let us be interrupted for anything. If +Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers comes, show her up. But nobody else. + +HAKE. Yes, ma’am. + + (HAKE _goes out_.) + +ST. HERBERT. (_Continuing_.) + + _It wasn’t the words_ + _That frightened the birds_, + _’Twas the ’orrible double-entendre_. + +LADY MOGTON. (_Who has sat waiting in grim silence_.) Have you +finished? + +ST. HERBERT. Quite finished. + +LADY MOGTON. Thank you. (_She raps for silence_.) You will understand, +please, all, that this is a private meeting of the Council. Nothing that +transpires is to be allowed to leak out. (_There is a murmur_.) +Silence, please, for Mr. St. Herbert. + +ST. HERBERT. Before we begin, I should like to remind you, ladies, that +you are, all of you, persons mentally deficient— + + (_The door opens_. MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS _enters_, _announced by_ + HAKE. _She is a showily-dressed_, _flamboyant lady_.) + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. I _am_ so sorry. I have only just this +minute—(_She catches sight of_ ST. HERBERT.) You naughty creature, why +weren’t you at my meeting last night? The Rajah came with both his +wives. We’ve elected them, all three, honorary members. + +LADY MOGTON. Do you mind sitting down? + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. Here, dear? (_She takes the vacant chair_.) +So nice of you. I read about your meeting. What a clever idea! + +LADY MOGTON. (_Cuts her short_.) Yes. We are here to consider a very +important matter. By way of commencement Mr. St. Herbert has just +reminded us that in the eye of the law all women are imbeciles. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. I know, dear. Isn’t it shocking? + +ST. HERBERT. Deplorable; but of course not your fault. I mention it +because of its importance to the present matter. Under Clause A of the +Act for the Better Regulation, &c., &c., all persons “mentally deficient” +are debarred from becoming members of Parliament. The classification has +been held to include idiots, infants, and women. + + (_An interruption_. LADY MOGTON _hammers_.) + +Bearing this carefully in mind, we proceed. (_He refers to his notes_.) +Two years ago a bye-election took place for the South-west division of +Belfast. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. My dear, may I? It has just occurred to me. +Why do we never go to Ireland? + +LADY MOGTON. For various sufficient reasons. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. So many of the Irish members have expressed +themselves quite sympathetically. + +LADY MOGTON. We wish them to continue to do so. (_Turns to_ ST. +HERBERT.) I’m sorry. + +ST. HERBERT. A leader of the Orange Party was opposed by a Nationalist, +and the proceedings promised to be lively. They promised for a while to +be still livelier, owing to the nomination at the last moment of the +local lunatic. + +PHOEBE. (_To_ ANNYS.) This is where we come in. + +ST. HERBERT. There is always a local lunatic, who, if harmless, is +generally a popular character. James Washington McCaw appears to have +been a particularly cheerful specimen. One of his eccentricities was to +always have a skipping-rope in his pocket; wherever the traffic allowed +it, he would go through the streets skipping. He said it kept him warm. +Another of his tricks was to let off fireworks from the roof of his house +whenever he heard of the death of anybody of importance. The Returning +Officer refused his nomination—which, so far as his nominators were +concerned, was intended only as a joke—on the grounds of his being by +common report a person of unsound mind. And there, so far as South-west +Belfast was concerned, the matter ended. + +PHOEBE. Pity. + +ST. HERBERT. But not so far as the Returning Officer was concerned. +McCaw appears to have been a lunatic possessed of means, imbued with all +an Irishman’s love of litigation. He at once brought an action against +the Returning Officer, his contention being that his mental state was a +private matter, of which the Returning Officer was not the person to +judge. + +PHOEBE. He wasn’t a lunatic all over. + +ST. HERBERT. We none of us are. The case went from court to court. In +every instance the decision was in favour of the Returning Officer. +Until it reached the House of Lords. The decision was given yesterday +afternoon—in favour of the man McCaw. + +ELIZABETH. Then lunatics, at all events, are not debarred from going to +the poll. + +ST. HERBERT. The “mentally deficient” are no longer debarred from going +to the poll. + +ELIZABETH. What grounds were given for the decision? + +ST. HERBERT. (_He refers again to his notes_.) A Returning Officer can +only deal with objections arising out of the nomination paper. He has no +jurisdiction to go behind a nomination paper and constitute himself a +court of inquiry as to the fitness or unfitness of a candidate. + +PHOEBE. Good old House of Lords! + + (LADY MOGTON _hammers_.) + +ELIZABETH. But I thought it was part of the Returning Officer’s duty to +inquire into objections, that a special time was appointed to deal with +them. + +ST. HERBERT. He will still be required to take cognisance of any +informality in the nomination paper or papers. Beyond that, this +decision relieves him of all further responsibility. + +JANET. But this gives us everything. + +ST. HERBERT. It depends upon what you call everything. It gives a woman +the right to go to the poll—a right which, as a matter of fact, she has +always possessed. + +PHOEBE. Then why did the Returning Officer for Camberwell in 1885— + +ST. HERBERT. Because he did not know the law. And Miss Helen Taylor had +not the means possessed by our friend McCaw to teach it to him. + +ANNYS. (_Rises_. _She goes to the centre of the room_.) + +LADY MOGTON. Where are you going? + +ANNYS. (_She turns_; _there are tears in her eyes_. _The question seems +to recall her to herself_.) Nowhere. I am so sorry. I can’t help it. +It seems to me to mean so much. It gives us the right to go before the +people—to plead to them, not for ourselves, for them. (_Again she seems +to lose consciousness of those at the table_, _of the room_.) To the men +we will say: “Will you not trust us? Is it harm we have ever done you? +Have we not suffered for you and with you? Were we not sent into the +world to be your helpmeet? Are not the children ours as well as yours? +Shall we not work together to shape the world where they must dwell? Is +it only the mother-voice that shall not be heard in your councils? Is it +only the mother-hand that shall not help to guide?” To the women we will +say: “Tell them—tell them it is from no love of ourselves that we come +from our sheltered homes into the street. It is to give, not to get—to +mingle with the sterner judgments of men the deeper truths that God, +through pain, has taught to women—to mingle with man’s justice woman’s +pity, till there shall arise the perfect law—not made of man nor woman, +but of both, each bringing what the other lacks.” And they will listen +to us. Till now it has seemed to them that we were clamouring only for +selfish ends. They have not understood. We shall speak to them of +common purposes, use the language of fellow-citizens. They will see that +we are worthy of the place we claim. They will welcome us as helpers in +a common cause. They— + + (_She turns_—_the present comes back to her_.) + +LADY MOGTON. (_After a pause_.) The business (_she dwells severely on +the word_) before the meeting— + +ANNYS. (_She resents herself meekly_. _Apologising generally_.) I +_must_ learn to control myself. + +LADY MOGTON. (_Who has waited_.) —is McCaw versus Potts. Its bearing +upon the movement for the extension of the franchise to women. My own +view I venture to submit in the form of a resolution. (_She takes up a +paper on which she has been writing_.) As follows: That the Council of +the Woman’s Parliamentary Franchise League, having regard to the decision +of the House of Lords in McCaw v. Potts— + +ST. HERBERT. (_Looking over_.) Two t’s. + +LADY MOGTON. —resolves to bring forward a woman candidate to contest the +next bye-election. (_Suddenly to_ MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS, _who is +chattering_.) Do you agree or disagree? + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. My dear! How can you ask? Of course we all +agree. (_To Elizabeth_.) You agree, don’t you? + +ELIZABETH. Of course, even if elected, she would not be allowed to take +her seat. + +PHOEBE. How do you know? Nothing more full of surprises than English +law. + +LADY MOGTON. At the present stage I regard that point as immaterial. +What I am thinking of is the advertisement. A female candidate upon the +platform will concentrate the whole attention of the country on our +movement. + +ST. HERBERT. It might even be prudent—until you have got the vote—to +keep it dark that you will soon be proceeding to the next inevitable +step. + +ELIZABETH. You think even man could be so easily deceived! + +ST. HERBERT. Man has had so much practice in being deceived. It comes +naturally to him. + +ELIZABETH. Poor devil! + +LADY MOGTON. The only question remaining to be discussed is the +candidate. + +ANNYS. Is there not danger that between now and the next bye-election +the Government may, having regard to this case, bring in a bill to stop +women candidates from going to the poll? + +ST. HERBERT. I have thought of that. Fortunately, the case seems to +have attracted very little attention. If a bye-election occurred soon +there would hardly be time. + +LADY MOGTON. It must be the very next one that does occur—wherever it +is. + +JANET. I am sure that in the East End we should have a chance. + +PHOEBE. Great Scott! Just think. If we were to win it! + +ST. HERBERT. If you could get a straight fight against a Liberal I +believe you would. + +ANNYS. Why is the Government so unpopular? + +ST. HERBERT. Well, take the weather alone—twelve degrees of frost again +last night. + +JANET. In St. George’s Road the sewer has burst. The water is in the +rooms where the children are sleeping. (_She clenches her hands_.) + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. (_She shakes her head_.) Something ought +really to be done. + +LADY MOGTON. Has anybody any suggestion to make?—as regards the +candidate. There’s no advantage in going outside. It will have to be +one of ourselves. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. Won’t you, dear? + +LADY MOGTON. I shall be better employed organising. My own feeling is +that it ought to be Annys. (_To_ ST. HERBERT.) What do you think? + +ST. HERBERT. Undoubtedly. + +ANNYS. I’d rather not. + +LADY MOGTON. It’s not a question of liking. It’s a question of duty. +For this occasion we shall be appealing to the male voter. Our candidate +must be a woman popular with men. The choice is somewhat limited. + +ELIZABETH. No one will put up so good a fight as you. + +ANNYS. Will you give me till this evening? + +LADY MOGTON. What for? + +ANNYS. I should like to consult Geoffrey. + +LADY MOGTON. You think he would object? + +ANNYS. (_A little doubtfully_.) No. But we have always talked +everything over together. + +LADY MOGTON. Absurd! He’s one of our staunchest supporters. Of course +he’ll be delighted. + +ELIZABETH. I think the thing ought to be settled at once. + +LADY MOGTON. It must be. I have to return to Manchester to-night. We +shall have to get to work immediately. + +ST. HERBERT. Geoffrey will surely take it as a compliment. + +JANET. Don’t you feel that woman, all over the world, is calling to you? + +ANNYS. It isn’t that. I’m not trying to shirk it. I merely thought +that if there had been time—of course, if you really think— + +LADY MOGTON. You consent? + +ANNYS. Yes. If it’s everybody’s wish. + +LADY MOGTON. That’s settled. + +PHOEBE. (_She springs up_, _waving a handkerchief_.) Chilvers for ever! + +JANET. (_Rises_.) God bless you! + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. (_Clapping her hands_.) Now we shan’t be long! + +LADY MOGTON. (_Hammers_.) Order, please! + + (_The three subside_.) + +This is serious business. The next step is, of course— + + (_The door opens_; GEOFFREY _enters_. _He is a youngish-looking man of + three or four and thirty_. LADY MOGTON, _at the sound of the door_, + _turns_. ST. HERBERT _rises_. _There is a pause_.) + +LADY MOGTON. We’ve been talking about you. We must apologise for +turning your drawing-room— + +GEOFFREY. My dear mother-in-law, it is Providence. (_He kisses her_.) +There is no one I was more longing to see. + +ANNYS. (_She has risen_.) Hake told me you would be dining at the +House. + +GEOFFREY. (_He comes to her_, _kisses her_, _he is in a state of +suppressed excitement_.) I shall be. I came back to bring you some +news. + +PHOEBE. We’ve got some news for you. Have you heard— + +GEOFFREY. (_He stays her_.) May I claim man’s privilege for the first +word? It is news, I am sure, you will all be delighted to hear. A +friend of yours has been appointed to an office where—it is quite +possible—he may be of service to you. + +PHOEBE. Governorship of Holloway Gaol? + +GEOFFREY. Not a bad guess. Very near it. To the Under-Secretaryship +for Home Affairs. + +LADY MOGTON. Who is it? + +GEOFFREY. (_He bows_.) Your affectionate and devoted servant. + +ANNYS. You! + +PHOEBE. (_Genuinely delighted_. _She is not a quick thinker_.) Bravo! +Congratulations, old boy! (_She has risen_—_she slaps him on the back_.) + +ANNYS. Geoffrey! (_She puts her arms about him_.) You never told me +anything. + +GEOFFREY. I know, dear. I was afraid. It mightn’t have come off. And +then you would have been so disappointed. + +ANNYS. (_There are tears in her eyes_. _She still clings to him_.) I +am so glad. Oh, I am so glad! + +GEOFFREY. It is all your doing. You have been such a splendid help. +(_He breaks gently away from her_. _Turns to_ ST. HERBERT, _with a +lighter tone_.) Haven’t you anything to say to a fellow? You’re not +usually dumb. + +ST. HERBERT. It has all been so sudden—as the early Victorian heroine +was fond of remarking! + +GEOFFREY. (_Laughs_.) It has been sudden. We had, none of us, any idea +till yesterday that old Bullock was thinking of resigning. + +ELIZABETH. (_She has risen and moved towards the fire_.) Won’t it +necessitate a bye-election? + + (LADY MOGTON _and_ ST. HERBERT _have been thinking it out_. _On the + others the word falls like a bombshell_.) + +GEOFFREY. (_He turns to her_. _He does not see their faces_.) Yes. +But I don’t anticipate a contest. The Conservatives are without a +candidate, and I am on good terms with the Labour Party. Perhaps Mr. +Hunnable—(_He laughs_, _then_, _turning_, _catches sight of his wife’s +face_. _From_ ANNYS _he looks to the others_.) + +LADY MOGTON. (_She has risen_.) You haven’t heard, then, of McCaw +versus Potts? + +GEOFFREY. “McCaw versus Potts!” What the— + +ST. HERBERT. Was decided in the House of Lords late yesterday afternoon. +Briefly stated, it confers upon women the right of becoming Parliamentary +candidates. + +GEOFFREY. (_He is staggered_.) You mean— + +LADY MOGTON. Having regard to which, we have decided to bring forward a +woman candidate to contest the next bye-election. + +GEOFFREY. Um! I see. + +ANNYS. But we never thought—we never anticipated it would be Geoffrey’s. + +LADY MOGTON. I really cannot admit that that alters the case. Geoffrey +himself would never dream, I am sure, of asking us to sacrifice our cause +to his convenience. + +GEOFFREY. No. Of course not. Certainly not. + +LADY MOGTON. It is perhaps unfortunate that the candidate selected— + +ANNYS. It is quite impossible. Such a dilemma was never dreamed of. + +LADY MOGTON. And if not? Is the solidarity of woman— + +GEOFFREY. (_Beginning to guess_.) Forgive my impatience; but whom +_have_ you selected? + +ELIZABETH. (_When she likes she can be quite sweet_.) Your wife. (_He +expected it_.) We rather assumed (_she appeals to the others with a +gesture_), I think, that the president of the Man’s League for the +Extension of the Franchise to Women would regard it as a compliment. + +GEOFFREY. (_His dislike of her is already in existence_.) Yes. Very +thoughtful. + +ANNYS. You must choose some one else. + +PHOEBE. But there _is_ no one else. + +ANNYS. There’s mamma. + +PHOEBE. Mamma’s too heavy. + +ANNYS. Well, then, there’s Elizabeth—there’s you! + +GEOFFREY. Yes. Why not you? You and I could have a jolly little fight. + +LADY MOGTON. This is not a laughing matter. If I could think of any one +to take Annys’s place I should not insist. I cannot. + +PHOEBE. You see, it mustn’t be a crank. + +GEOFFREY. (_He is losing his temper_.) Yes, I suppose that does limit +you. + +ELIZABETH. And then—thanks to you—Mrs. Chilvers has had such excellent +training in politics. It was that, I think, that decided us. + +GEOFFREY. (_Convention forbids his strangling her_.) Will somebody +kindly introduce me to this lady? + +ST. HERBERT. Ah, yes, of course. You don’t know each other, do you? +Mr. Geoffrey Chilvers—Mrs. Joseph Spender. Mrs. Spender—Mr. Chilvers, +M.P. + +ELIZABETH. (_Sweetly_.) Delighted! + +GEOFFREY. (_Not_.) Charmed. + +LADY MOGTON. (_To_ ANNYS.) I am not indifferent to your difficulty. +But the history of woman, my dear Annys, is a history of sacrifice. We +give our sons—if necessary, our husbands. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. (_Affected_.) How true! + +ANNYS. But you are not asking me to give him. You are asking me to +fight him. I can’t. + +LADY MOGTON. You mean you won’t. + +ANNYS. You can put it that way if you like. I won’t. + + (_A pause_.) + +JANET. I thought Mrs. Chilvers had pledged her word. + +ELIZABETH. Yes. But without her husband’s consent. So, of course, it +doesn’t count. + +GEOFFREY. (_He turns on her_.) Why not you—if there must be a fight? +Or would it be against your principles? + +ELIZABETH. Not in the least. + +GEOFFREY. Ah! + +ELIZABETH. I would offer myself as a substitute. Only it might seem +like coming between husband and wife. + +GEOFFREY. (_He turns away with a grunt of disgust_.) + +PHOEBE. It’s awfully rough on you, Geoffrey. I can see it from your +point of view. But one can’t help remembering the things that you +yourself have said. + +GEOFFREY. I know; I know. I’ve been going up and down the country, +excusing even your excesses on the ground that no movement can force its +way to the front without treading on innumerable toes. For me, now, to +cry halt merely because it happens to be my own toes that are in the way +would be—ridiculous—absurd—would be monstrous. (_Nobody contradicts +him_.) You are perfectly justified—if this case means what you say it +does—in putting up a candidate against me for East Poplar. Only, +naturally, it cannot be Annys. (_He reaches out his hand to where_ ANNYS +_stands a little behind him_, _takes her hand_.) Annys and I have fought +more than one election. It has been side by side. + +ELIZABETH. The lady a little behind. + +GEOFFREY. (_He moves away with an expression of deep annoyance_.) + +JANET. (_She comes forward_. _She holds forth her hands with a +half-appealing_, _half-commanding gesture_. _She almost seems +inspired_.) Would it not be so much better if, in this first political +contest between man and woman, the opponents were two people honouring +one another, loving one another? Would it not show to all the world that +man and woman may meet—contend in public life without anger, without +scorn? (_There is a pause_. _They stand listening_.) I do not know, +but it seems to me that if Mr. Chilvers could bring himself to do this it +would be such a big thing—perhaps the most chivalrous thing that a man +has ever done to help women. If he would put aside, quite voluntarily, +all the man’s privilege—just say to the people, “Now choose—one of us two +to serve you. We stand before you, equal, my wife and I.” I don’t know +how to put it, but I feel that by merely doing that one thing Mr. +Chilvers would solve the whole problem. It would prove that good men are +ready to give us of their free accord all that we claim. We should gain +our rights, not by warfare, but through love and understanding. Wouldn’t +that be—so much better? (_She looks—her hands still appealing—from one +to the other_.) + + (_Another silence_. _They have all been carried a little off their + feet by_ JANET’S _earnestness_.) + +ANNYS. (_She touches him_.) What do you think, dear? + +GEOFFREY. Yes, there’s a good deal, of course, in what Miss Blake says. + +ANNYS. It _would_ be a big thing for you to do. + +PHOEBE. You see, whatever happened, the seat would be yours. This case +only gives us the right to go to the poll. We are keen upon Annys +because she’s our best card, that’s all. + +GEOFFREY. Do you wish it? + +ANNYS. (_She smiles up at him_.) I’d rather fight you than any one +else. + +GEOFFREY. You are not afraid that the situation might be—just a trifle +comical? + +ANNYS. (_Shakes her head_.) No. I think everybody will say it was +rather splendid of you. + +GEOFFREY. Well, if it will help women. + +ANNYS. (_She holds out her hand_. _She is still in exalted mood_.) We +will show how man and woman may be drawn nearer to one another by rivalry +for noble ends. + +ST. HERBERT. (_He shakes_ GEOFFREY’S _somewhat limp hand_.) I envy you. +The situation promises to be piquant. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. It will be a battle of roses. + +LADY MOGTON. I must go. I shall see you both again to-morrow. (_She +kisses_ GEOFFREY.) This is an historic day. + +GEOFFREY. Yes. I daresay we shall all remember it. + +LADY MOGTON. (_To_ JANET.) I will get you to come to the station with +me. I can give you your instructions in the cab. (_She kisses_ ANNYS.) +You have been called to a great work. Be worthy of it. + + (_They are all making ready to go_. ANNYS _has rung the bell for_ + HAKE.) + +JANET. (_To_ ANNYS.) Are you glad? + +ANNYS. (_Kisses her_.) You showed me the whole thing in a new light. +You were splendid. (_She turns to_ ELIZABETH.) Didn’t I tell you he +would convert you? + +ELIZABETH. I was wrong to judge all men guilty. There are also—the +innocent. + +ANNYS. (_For a moment—but a moment only—she is pleased_. _Then the +doubtful meaning of_ ELIZABETH’S _words strikes her_.) + + (_Enter_ HAKE.) + +ANNYS. (_She has to dismiss_ ELIZABETH.) Oh, Hake—(_To_ LADY MOGTON.) +You’ll want a cab, won’t you, mamma? + +LADY MOGTON. A taxi— Goodbye, everybody. + + (_She sails out_.) + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. I have my carriage. (_To_ ELIZABETH.) Can I +give you a lift? + +ELIZABETH. Thank you. (_To_ GEOFFREY.) We shall meet again. + +GEOFFREY. I feel sure of it. + + (MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS _and_ ELIZABETH _go out_.) + +PHOEBE. (_To_ HAKE.) Are Miss Blake’s things dry yet? + +JANET. They’ll be quite all right, dear. Please don’t trouble. (_She +advances a timid hand to_ GEOFFREY.) Goodbye, Mr. Chilvers. + +GEOFFREY. (_He takes it smiling_.) Goodbye. + + (_She goes out_; HAKE _follows_.) + +PHOEBE. Goodbye, old boy. (_They shake hands_.) Don’t you let her walk +over you. Make her fight. + +ANNYS. (_Laughing_.) Don’t you worry about that. + +ST. HERBERT. Would you care to look through McCaw v. Potts? (_He has +the papers in his hand_.) + +GEOFFREY. I’ll ask you for it when I want it. + +PHOEBE. (_At door_.) You’ll be alone this evening? + +ANNYS. Yes. Come in to dinner. + +PHOEBE. All right. Goodbye. + +ST. HERBERT. Goodbye. + + (GEOFFREY _and_ ANNYS _answer them_. _They go out_, _closing the + door_. GEOFFREY _is by the fire_. ANNYS _comes to him_.) + +ANNYS. (_She puts her arms round him_.) You don’t mind? + +GEOFFREY. (_He holds her at arms’ length—looking into her eyes and +smiling_.) I believe you are looking forward to it. + +ANNYS. Do you know how long we have been married? Eight years. And do +you know, sir, that all that time we have never had a difference? Don’t +you think it will be good for you? + +GEOFFREY. Do you know _why_ we have never had a difference? Because you +have always had your own way. + +ANNYS. Oh! + +GEOFFREY. You have got so used to it, you don’t notice it. + +ANNYS. Then it will be good for me. I must learn to suffer opposition. +(_She laughs_.) + +GEOFFREY. You won’t like it. + +ANNYS. Do you know, I’m not at all sure that I shan’t. (_Unconsciously +they let loose of one another_.) You see, I shall have the right of +hitting back. (_Again she laughs_.) + +GEOFFREY. (_Also laughingly_.) Is woman going to develop the fighting +instinct? + +ANNYS. I wonder. + + (_A moment’s silence_.) + +GEOFFREY. The difficulty in our case is there seems nothing to fight +about. + +ANNYS. We must think of something. (_Laughs_.) + +GEOFFREY. What line are you going to take—what is your argument: why +they should vote for you in preference to me? + +ANNYS. Simply that I am a woman. + +GEOFFREY. My dear child, that won’t be enough. Why should they vote for +you merely because you’re a woman? + +ANNYS. (_Slightly astonished_.) Because—because women are wanted in +public life. + +GEOFFREY. Who wants them? + +ANNYS. (_More astonished_.) Who? Why—(_it doesn’t seem too clear_.) +Why, all of us—you, yourself! + +GEOFFREY. I’m not East Poplar. + +ANNYS. (_Is puzzled a moment_, _then valiantly_.) I shall ask them to +send me to Parliament to represent the interests of their women—and +therefore of themselves—the interests of their children. + +GEOFFREY. Children! What do you know about children? + + (_Another silence_.) + +ANNYS. Personally—no. We have had no children of our own, of course. +But (_hopefully_) it is a woman’s instinct. + +GEOFFREY. Oh, Lord! That’s what the lady said who had buried seven. + +ANNYS. (_Her mouth is growing hard_.) Don’t you believe in the right of +women to share in the government of the country? + +GEOFFREY. Some women. Yes. I can see some capable— + +ANNYS. (_Winces_.) + +GEOFFREY. —elderly, motherly woman who has brought up a dozen children +of her own—who knows the world, being of some real use. + +ANNYS. If it comes to that, there must be—I don’t say more “capable,” +but more experienced, more fatherly men than yourself. + + (_He turns_, _they look at one another_. _His tone almost touched + contempt—hers was veiled anger_.) + +GEOFFREY. _That’s_ the danger. It may come to a real fight. + +ANNYS. (_Upon her also the fear has fallen_.) It must not. (_She +flings her arms around him_.) We must show the world that man and woman +can meet—contend in public life without anger, without scorn. + +GEOFFREY. (_He folds her to him_.) The very words sound ugly, don’t +they? + +ANNYS. It would be hideous. (_She draws away_.) How long will the +election last? + +GEOFFREY. Not long. The writ will be issued on Wednesday. Nomination +on Monday—polling, I expect, on Saturday. Puts me in mind—I must prepare +my election address. + +ANNYS. I ought to be getting on with mine, too, I suppose. + +GEOFFREY. It ought to be out by to-morrow. + +ANNYS. (_With inspiration_.) We’ll do yours first. (_She wonders why +he hesitates_.) + +GEOFFREY. “We?” Shan’t I have to do it alone—this time? + +ANNYS. Alone! Nonsense! How can you? + +GEOFFREY. I’m afraid I shall have to try. + +ANNYS. Um! I suppose you’re right. What a nuisance! (_She turns +away_.) I shan’t like it. + +GEOFFREY. (_He moves towards the folding-doors_.) No. It won’t be +quite the same thing. Goodbye. + +ANNYS. (_She crosses to her desk by the window_. _Not the same instant +but the next his_ “_Goodbye_” _strikes her_. _She turns_.) You’re not +going out, are you? + +GEOFFREY. (_He stops and turns—puzzled at her question_.) No. Only +into my study. + +ANNYS. You said “Goodbye.” + +GEOFFREY. (_Not remembering_.) _I_ did! Must have been thinking of +something else. I shall be in here if you want me. (_He goes into the +other room_.) + +ANNYS. (_She has crossed to her desk_. _She is humming_. _She seats +herself_, _takes paper and pen_, _writes_. _Without turning—still +writing—she raises her voice_.) Geoffrey! How do you spell +“experimental”? One “r” or two? + + (_There is no answer_. _Puzzled at the silence_, _she looks round_. + _The great folding-doors are closed_. _She stares in front of her_, + _thinking_, _then turns again to her work_.) + + CURTAIN. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + +SCENE:—_Liberal Central Committee Rooms_, _East India Dock Road_, +_Poplar_. _A large_, _high room on the first floor of an old-fashioned +house_. _Two high windows right_. _A door at back is the main +entrance_. _A door left leads to other rooms_. _The walls are papered +with election literature_. _Conspicuous among the posters displayed is_ +“_A Man for Men_.” “_No Petticoat Government_.” “_Will you be +Henpecked_?” _A large_, _round table centre is littered with papers and +pamphlets_. _A large desk stands between the windows_. _A settee is +against the left wall_. + +(_When the curtain rises_, ROSE MERTON (_otherwise_ “GINGER”) _is +discovered seated_, _her left arm resting on the table_. _She is a young +lady typical of the Cockney slavey type_, _dressed according to the ideas +of her class as regards the perfect lady_. _Her hat is characteristic_. +_Her gloves_, _her reticule_, _her umbrella—the latter something rather_ +“_saucy_”—_are displayed around her_. _She is feeling comfortable and +airing her views_. MRS. CHINN _is laying the cloth over a portion of the +table_, _with some tea-things_. MRS. CHINN _is a thin_, _narrow-chested +lady with thin hands and bony wrists_. _No one since her husband died +has ever seen her without her bonnet_. _Its appearance suggests the +possibility that she sleeps in it_. _It is black_, _like her dress_. +_The whole figure is decent_, _but dingy_.) + +GINGER. Wot I say about the question is— + +MRS. CHINN. Do you mind moving your arm? + +GINGER. Beg pardon. (_She shifts_.) Wot I say is, why not give us the +vote and end all the talking? + +MRS. CHINN. You think it would have that effect? + +GINGER. Well! we don’t want to go on being a nuisance—longer than we can +possibly ’elp! + +MRS. CHINN. Daresay you’re right. It’s about the time most people stop. + +GINGER. You’ve never thought much about the question yourself, ’ave you, +Mrs. Chinn? + +MRS. CHINN. I ain’t fretted much about it. + +GINGER. Was a time when I didn’t. I used to be all for—you know—larking +about. I never thought much about anything. + +MRS. CHINN. Ah! it’s a useful habit. + +GINGER. What is? + +MRS. CHINN. Thinking. + +GINGER. It’s what we women ’aven’t done enough of—in the past, I mean. +All that’s going to be altered. In the future there’s going to be no +difference between men and women. + +MRS. CHINN. (_Slowly_, _quietly she turns upon_ GINGER _her +expressionless eyes_.) + +GINGER. Mentally, I mean, o’ course. + +MRS. CHINN. (_Takes back her eyes_.) + +GINGER. Do you know, Mrs. Chinn, that once upon a time there was only +one sex? (_She spreads herself_.) Hus! + +MRS. CHINN. You ain’t thinking of going back to it, are you? + +GINGER. Not if the men be’ave themselves. + +MRS. CHINN. Perhaps they’re doing their best, poor things! It don’t do +to be too impatient with them. + +GINGER. Was talking to old Dot-and-carry-one the other d’y. You know +who I mean—chap with the wooden leg as ’as ’is pitch outside the +“George.” “Wot do you wimmen want worrying yourselves about things +outside the ’ome?” ’e says to me. “You’ve got the children,” ’e says. +“Oh,” I says, “and whose fault’s that, I’d like to know? You wait till +we’ve got the vote,” I says, “we’ll soon show you—” + + (SIGSBY _enters_. SIGSBY _is a dapper little man_, _very brisk and + bustling—hirsute—looks as if he wanted dusting_, _cleaning up + generally_.) + +SIGSBY. That young blackguard come back yet? + +GINGER. (_At sound of_ SIGSBY’S _voice she springs up_. _At first is +about to offer excuses for being found seated_, _but recollects +herself_.) + +MRS. CHINN. Which one, sir? + +SIGSBY. Young Jawbones—what’s he call himself?—Gordon. + +MRS. CHINN. Not yet, sir. + +SIGSBY. (_Grunts_.) My chop ready? + +MRS. CHINN. I expect it’s about done. I’ll see. + + (_She goes out_.) + +SIGSBY. (_He turns to_ GINGER.) What can _I_ do for you? + +GINGER. (_She produces a letter_.) I was to wait for an answer. + +SIGSBY. (_He opens and reads it_.) What do they expect me to do? + +GINGER. ’Er ladyship thought as perhaps you would consult Mr. Chilvers +’imself on the subject. + +SIGSBY. Look here. What I want to know is this: am I being asked to +regard Lady Mogton as my opponent’s election agent, or as my principal’s +mother-in-law? That point’s got to be settled. (_His vehemence +deepens_.) Look at all these posters. Not to be used, for fear the +other side mayn’t like them. Now Lady Mogton writes me that my +candidate’s supporters are not to employ a certain argument she +disapproves of: because, if they do, she’ll tell his wife. Is this an +election, or is it a family jar? + + (JAWBONES _enters_. JAWBONES—_otherwise_ WILLIAM GORDON—_is a + clean-shaven young hooligan_. _He wears a bicycle cap on the back of + his head_, _allowing a picturesque tuft of hair to fall over his + forehead_. _Evidently he is suffering from controlled indignation_.) + +SIGSBY. (_Seeing him_.) Oh, so you’ve come back, have you? + +JAWBONES. I ’ave, wot’s left of me. + +SIGSBY. What have you been doing? + +JAWBONES. Clinging to a roof for the last three hours. + +SIGSBY. Clinging to a roof! What for? + +JAWBONES. (_He boils over_.) Wot for? ’Cos I didn’t want to fall off! +Wot do you think: ’cos I was fond of it? + +SIGSBY. I don’t understand— + +JAWBONES. You find yourself ’alf way up a ladder, posting bills as the +other side ’as took objection to—with a crowd of girls from Pink’s jam +factory waiting for you at the bottom with a barrel of treacle, and you +_will_ understand. Nothing else for me to do, o’ course, but to go up. +Then they took the ladder away. + +SIGSBY. Where are the bills? + +JAWBONES. Last I see of them was their being put into a ’earse on its +way to Ilford Cemetery. + +SIGSBY. This has got to be seen into. This sort of thing can’t be +allowed to go on. (_He snatches up his hat_.) + +JAWBONES. There’s another suggestion I’d like to make. + +SIGSBY. (_Pauses_.) + +JAWBONES. That is, if this election is going to be fought fairly, that +our side should be provided with ’at-pins. + +SIGSBY. (_Grunts_.) Tell Mrs. Chinn to keep that chop warm. + + (_He goes out_.) + +GINGER. (_She begins to giggle_. _It grows into a shrill hee-haw_.) + +JAWBONES. (_He looks at her fixedly_.) + +GINGER. (_Her laugh_, _under the stern eye of_ JAWBONES, _dies away_.) + +JAWBONES. Ain’t no crowd of you ’ere, you know. Nothing but my inborn +chivalry to prevent my pulling your nose. + +GINGER. (_Cowed_, _but simmering_.) Chivalry! (_A shrill snort_.) + +JAWBONES. Yus. And don’t you put a strain upon it neither. Because I +tell you straight, it’s weakening. + +GINGER. (_His sudden fierceness has completely cowed her_.) + +JAWBONES. You wimmin— + + (_There re-enters_ MRS. CHINN _with a tray_. _He is between them_.) + +That’s old Sigsby’s chop? + +MRS. CHINN. Yes. He hasn’t gone out again, has he? + +JAWBONES. I’ll ’ave it. Get ’im another. Guess ’e won’t be back for +’alf an hour. + +MRS. CHINN. He’s nasty when his food ain’t ready. + +JAWBONES. (_He takes the tray from her_.) Not your fault. Tell ’im I +took it from you by brute force. + +MRS. CHINN. (_She acquiesces with her usual even absence of all +emotion_.) + +JAWBONES. You needn’t stop. Miss Rose Merton will do the waiting. + +GINGER. (_Starts_, _then begins to collect her etceteras_.) + +MRS. CHINN. Perhaps there’ll be time to cook him another. + + (_She goes out_.) + +JAWBONES. Take off that cover. + +GINGER. (_She starts on a bolt for the door_.) + +JAWBONES. (_He is quite prepared_. _In an instant he is in front of +her_.) No, yer don’t. + + (_A pause_.) + +Take off that cover. + +GINGER. (_She still hesitates_.) + +JAWBONES. If yer don’t do what I tell yer, I’ll ’ide yer. I’m in the +mood. + +GINGER. (_She takes off the cover_.) + +JAWBONES. (_He seats himself and falls to_.) Now pour me out a cup of +tea. + +GINGER. (_Is pouring it out_.) + +JAWBONES. Know why yer doing it? + +GINGER. (_With shrill indignation_.) Yus. Becos yer got me ’ere alone, +yer beast, with only that cracked image of a Mrs. Chinn— + +JAWBONES. That’ll do. + +GINGER. (_It is sufficient_. _She stops_.) + +JAWBONES. None of your insults agen a lady as I ’olds in ’igh respect. +The rest of it is all right. Becos I’ve got yer ’ere alone. You wimmin, +you think it’s going to pay you to chuck law and order. You’re out for a +fight, are yer? + +GINGER. Yus, and we’re going to win. Brute force ’as ’ad its d’y. It’s +brains wot are going to rule the world. And we’ve got ’em. + + (_She has become quite oratorical_.) + +JAWBONES. Glad to ’ear it. Take my tip: you’ll use ’em. Meanwhile I’ll +’ave another cup o’ tea. + +GINGER. (_She takes the cup—is making for the window_.) + +JAWBONES. (_Fierce again_.) I said tea. + +GINGER. All right, I was only going to throw the slops out of window. +There ain’t no basin. + +JAWBONES. I’ll tell yer when I want yer to open the window and call for +the p’lice. You can throw them into the waste-paper basket. + +GINGER. (_She obeys_.) + +JAWBONES. Thank you. Very much obliged. One of these d’ys, maybe, +you’ll marry. + +GINGER. When I do, it will be a man, not a monkey. + +JAWBONES. I’m not proposing. I’m talking to you for your good. + +GINGER. (_Snorts_.) + +JAWBONES. You’ve been listening to a lot of toffs. Easy enough for them +to talk about wimmen not being domestic drudges. They keep a cook to do +it. They don’t pity ’e for being a down-trodden slive, spending sixteen +hours a d’y in _their_ kitchen with an evening out once a week. When you +marry it will be to a bloke like me, a working man . . . + +GINGER. Working! (_She follows it with a shrill laugh_.) + +JAWBONES. Yus. There’s always a class as laughs when you mention the +word “work.” Them as knows wot it is, don’t. I’ve been at it since six +o’clock this morning, carrying a ladder, a can of paste weighing twenty +pounds, and two ’undred double royal posters. You try it! When ’e comes +’ome, ’e’ll want ’is victuals. If you’ve got ’em ready for ’im and are +looking nice—no reason why you shouldn’t—and feeling amiable, you’ll get +on very well together. If you are going to argue with ’im about woman’s +sphere, you’ll get the worst of it. + +GINGER. You always was a bully. + +JAWBONES. Not always. Remember last Bank ’oliday? (_He winks_.) + +GINGER. (_She tries not to give in_.) + +JAWBONES. ’Ave a cup of tea. (_He pours it out for her_.) + +GINGER. (_The natural woman steals in—she sits_.) + +JAWBONES. ’Ow are they doing you, fairly well? + +GINGER. Oh! Well, nothing to grumble at. + +JAWBONES. You can do a bit o’ dressing on it. + +GINGER. (_She meets his admiring eye_. _The suffragette departs_.) +Dressing don’t cost much—when you’ve got tyste. + +JAWBONES. Wot! Not that ’at? + +GINGER. Made it myself. + +JAWBONES. No! + +GINGER. Honour bright! Tell yer— + + (GEOFFREY _and_ ST. HERBERT _enter_. JAWBONES _and_ GINGER _make to + rise_. GINGER _succeeds_.) + +GEOFFREY. All right, all right. Don’t let me disturb the party. +Where’s Mr. Sigsby? + +JAWBONES. Gone to look up the police, I think, sir. (_Having finished_, +_he rises_.) Some of those factory girls been up to their larks again. + +GEOFFREY. Umph! What’s it about this time? + +JAWBONES. They’ve took objection to one of our posters. + +GEOFFREY. What, another! (_To_ ST. HERBERT.) Woman has disappointed me +as a fighter. She’s willing enough to strike. If you hit back, she’s +surprised and grieved. + +ST. HERBERT. She’s come to the game rather late. + +GEOFFREY. She might have learned the rules. (_To_ JAWBONES.) Which +particular one is it that has failed to meet with their approval? + +JAWBONES. It’s rather a good one, sir, from our point of view: “Why she +left her ’appy ’ome.” + +GEOFFREY. I don’t seem to remember it. Have I seen it? + +JAWBONES. I don’t think you ’ave, sir. It was Mr. Sigsby’s idea. On +the left, the ruined ’ome, baby crying it’s little ’eart out—eldest child +lying on the floor, scalded—upset the tea-kettle over itself—youngest boy +in flames—been playing with the matches, nobody there to stop ’im. At +the open door the father, returning from work. Nothing ready for ’im. +On the other side—’_er_, on a tub, spouting politics. + +GEOFFREY. (_To_ ST. HERBERT.) Sounds rather good. + +JAWBONES. Wait a minute. There was a copy somewhere about—a proof. +(_He is searching for it on the desk—finds it_.) Yus, ’ere ’tis. (_To_ +GINGER.) Catch ’old. + + (JAWBONES _and_ GINGER _hold it displayed_.) + +That’s the one, sir. + +ST. HERBERT. Why is the working man, for pictorial purposes, always a +carpenter? + +GINGER. It’s the skirt we object to. + +GEOFFREY. The skirt! What’s wrong with the skirt? + +GINGER. Well, it’s only been out of fashion for the last three years, +that’s all. + +GEOFFREY. Oh! I see. (_To_ ST. HERBERT.) We’ve been hitting them +below the belt. What do you think I ought to do about it? + +ST. HERBERT. What would you have thought yourself, three weeks ago? + +GEOFFREY. You and I have been friends ever since we were boys. You +rather like me, don’t you? + +ST. HERBERT. (_Puzzled_.) Yes. + +GEOFFREY. If I were to suddenly hit you on the nose, what would happen? + +ST. HERBERT. I understand. Woman has suddenly started hitting man on +the nose. Her excuse being that she really couldn’t keep her hands off +him any longer. + +JAWBONES. (_He has pinned the poster to the wall_.) They begun it. To +’ear them talk, you’d think as man had never done anything right. + +GEOFFREY. He’s quite right. Their posters are on every hoarding: “Who’s +made all the Muddles? Man!” “Men’s Promises! Why, it’s all Froth!” +“Woman this Time!” I suppose it will have to go. + +JAWBONES. (_Hopefully_.) Up, sir? + +GEOFFREY. No, Jawbones. Into the dust-heap with the rest. + + (JAWBONES _is disgusted_. GINGER _is triumphant_.) + +GEOFFREY. I must talk to Sigsby. He’s taking the whole thing too +seriously. It will be some time before we reach that stage. (_To_ +JAWBONES.) Ask Mrs. Chinn to bring me a cup of tea. + + (JAWBONES _goes out_.) + +(_He seats himself at table and takes up some correspondence_. _To_ +GINGER.) Are you waiting for any one? + +GINGER. A letter from her ladyship. (_She picks up from the desk and +hands him the letter_ SIGSBY _had thrown there_.) Her ladyship thought +you ought to be consulted. + +GEOFFREY. (_He reads the short letter with a gathering frown—hands it +across to_ ST. HERBERT.) + +ST. HERBERT. (_Having read_, _he passes it back in silence_.) + +GEOFFREY. (_To_ GINGER.) Do you know the contents of this letter? + +GINGER. The matter has been discussed among us—informally. + +GEOFFREY. Tell Lady Mogton I’ll—talk to her myself on the subject. + +GINGER. Thank you. (_She collects her etceteras_.) Good afternoon. + +GEOFFREY. (_Shortly_.) Good afternoon. + +GINGER. (_She bows graciously to_ ST. HERBERT, _who responds_. _Goes +out_.) + +GEOFFREY. The devil of it is that it’s the truth. + +ST. HERBERT. Somebody was bound to say it, sooner or later! + +GEOFFREY. Yes, but one’s own wife! This is a confoundedly awkward +situation. + +ST. HERBERT. (_He comes to him_, _stands looking down at him_.) Did it +never occur to you, when you were advocating equal political rights for +women, that awkward situations might arise? + +GEOFFREY. (_He leans back in his chair_.) Do you remember Tommy the +Terrier, as they used to call him in the House—was always preaching +Socialism? + +ST. HERBERT. Quite the most amusing man I ever met! + +GEOFFREY. And not afraid of being honest. Do you remember his answer +when somebody asked him what he would do if Socialism, by any chance, +really became established in England? He had just married an American +heiress. He said he should emigrate. I am still convinced that woman is +entitled to equal political rights with man. I didn’t think it was +coming in my time. There are points in the problem remaining to be +settled before we can arrive at a working solution. This is one of them. +(_He takes up the letter and reads_.) “Are you prepared to have as your +representative a person who for six months out of every year may be +incapacitated from serving you?” It’s easy enough to say I oughtn’t to +allow my supporters to drag in the personal element. I like it even less +myself. But what’s the answer? + + (JAWBONES _enters with a tray_.) + +JAWBONES. (_Places tray on table_.) Tea’s coming in a minute, sir. +(_He is clearing away_.) + +GEOFFREY. Never mind all that. (_He hands him a slip_.) Take this to +the printers. Tell them I must have a proof to-night. + +JAWBONES. Yes, sir. + + (_Finds his cap and goes out_.) + +ST. HERBERT. The answer, I should say, would be that the majority of +women will continue to find something better to do. The women who will +throw themselves into politics will be the unattached women, the +childless women. (_In an instant he sees his mistake_, _but it is too +late_.) + +GEOFFREY. (_He rises_, _crosses to the desk_, _throws into a +waste-paper-basket a piece of crumpled paper that was in his hand_; _then +turns_. _The personal note has entered into the discussion_.) The women +who _want_ to be childless—what about them? + +ST. HERBERT. (_He shrugs his shoulders_.) Are there any such? + +GEOFFREY. There are women who talk openly of woman’s share in the +general scheme being a “burden” on her—an “incubus.” + +ST. HERBERT. A handful of cranks. To the normal woman motherhood has +always been the one supreme desire. + +GEOFFREY. Because children crowned her with honour. The barren woman +was despised. All that is changing. This movement is adding impulse to +it. + +ST. HERBERT. Movements do not alter instincts. + +GEOFFREY. But they do. Ever since man emerged from the jungle he has +been shedding his instincts—shaping them to new desires. Where do you +find this all-prevailing instinct towards maternity? Among the women of +society, who sacrifice it without a moment’s hesitation to their +vanity—to their mere pleasures? The middle-class woman—she, too, is +demanding “freedom.” Children, servants, the home!—they are too much for +her “nerves.” And now there comes this new development, appealing to the +intellectual woman. Is there not danger of her preferring political +ambition, the excitement of public life, to what has come to be regarded +as the “drudgery” of turning four walls into a home, of peopling the +silence with the voices of the children? (_He crosses to the table—lays +his hand again upon the open letter_.) How do you know that this may not +be her answer—“I have no children. I never mean to have children”? + + (SIGSBY _enters in company with_ BEN LAMB, M.P. LAMB _is a short_, + _thick-set_, _good-tempered man_.) + +Ah, Lamb, how are you? + +LAMB. (_They greet one another_.) How are things going? + +SIGSBY. They’re not going at all well. + +GEOFFREY. Sigsby was ever the child of despondency. + +SIGSBY. Yes, and so will you be when you find yourself at the bottom of +the poll. + +GEOFFREY. (_The notion takes him by surprise_.) + +LAMB. It’s going to be a closer affair than any of us thought. It’s the +joke of the thing that appears to have got hold of them. They want to +see what will happen. + +GEOFFREY. Man’s fatal curiosity concerning the eternal feminine! + +SIGSBY. Yes, and they won’t have to pay for it. That will be our +department. + +ST. HERBERT. (_To_ SIGSBY.) What do you think they’ll do, supposing by +any chance Mrs. Chilvers should head the poll? + +SIGSBY. How do you mean—“what’ll they do?” + +ST. HERBERT. Do you think they’ll claim the seat? + +SIGSBY. Claim the seat! What do you think they’re out for—their health? +Get another six months’ advertisement, if they don’t get anything else. +Meanwhile what’s our position—just at the beginning of our ministerial +career? + +GEOFFREY. They will not claim the seat. + +SIGSBY. How do you know? + +GEOFFREY. I know my wife. + +LAMB. (_After a moment’s silence_.) Quite sure you do? + +GEOFFREY. (_Turns_.) + +LAMB. Ever seen a sheep fighting mad? I have. Damned sight worse than +the old ram. + +GEOFFREY. She doesn’t fight the ram. + +LAMB. (_He makes a sweeping movement that takes in the room_, _the +election—all things_.) What’s all this? We thought woman hadn’t got the +fighting instinct—that we “knew her.” My boy, we’re in the infants’ +class. + +SIGSBY. If you want to be his Majesty’s Under-Secretary for Home +Affairs, you take my tip, guv’nor, you’ll win this election. + +GEOFFREY. What more can I do than I’m doing? How can I countenance this +sort of thing? (_He indicates the posters_.) Declare myself dead +against the whole movement? + +LAMB. You’ll do it later. May as well do it soon. + +GEOFFREY. Why must I do it? + +LAMB. Because you’re beginning to find out what it means. + + (_A pause_. _The door is open_. ANNYS _is standing there_.) + +ANNYS. Dare we venture into the enemy’s camp? + + (_She enters_, _laughing_, _followed by_ ELIZABETH _and_ PHOEBE. ANNYS + is somewhat changed _from the grave_, _dreamy_ ANNYS _of a short week + ago_. _She is brimming over with vitality—excitement_. _There is a + decisiveness_, _an egoism_, _about her that seems new to her_. _The + women’s skirts make a flutter_. _A breeze seems to have entered_. + ANNYS _runs to her husband_. _For the moment the election fades away_. + _They are all smiles_, _tenderness for one another_.) + +ANNYS. Don’t tell, will you? Mamma would be so shocked. Do you know +you haven’t been near me for three days? + +GEOFFREY. Umph! I like that. Where were you last night? + +ANNYS. Last night? In the neighbourhood of Leicester Square till three +o’clock. Oh, Geoff, there’s such a lot wants altering! + + (_She turns to greet the others_.) + +GEOFFREY. Your ruining your health won’t do it. You’re looking fagged +to death. + +ANNYS. (_She shakes hands with_ SIGSBY.) How are you? (_To_ LAMB.) +I’m so glad you’re helping him. (_She turns again to_ GEOFFREY.) Pure +imagination, dearest. I never felt better in my life. + +GEOFFREY. Umph! Look at all those lines underneath your eyes. (_He +shakes hands with_ ELIZABETH.) How do you do? (_To_ PHOEBE.) How are +you? + +ANNYS. (_She comes back to him—makes to smooth the lines from his +forehead_.) Look at all those, there. We’ll run away together for a +holiday, when it’s all over. What are you doing this evening? + +SIGSBY. You promised to speak at a Smoker to-night; the Bow and Bromley +Buffaloes. + +ANNYS. Oh, bother the Buffaloes. Take me out to dinner. I am free +after seven. + + (MRS. CHINN _has entered—is arranging the table for tea_. ANNYS _goes + to her_.) + +How are you, Mrs. Chinn? + +MRS. CHINN. (_She wipes her hand on her apron before taking_ ANNYS’S +_proffered hand_.) + +GEOFFREY. (_To_ SIGSBY.) I can turn up there later in the evening. +(_He joins the others for a moment—talks with them_.) + +MRS. CHINN. (_Now shaking hands_.) Quite well, thank you, ma’am. (_She +has cast a keen_, _motherly glance at_ ANNYS.) I hope you’re taking care +of yourself, ma’am. + +ANNYS. Of course I am. We Politicians owe it to our Party. (_Laughs_.) +How are they getting on here, without me? + +MRS. CHINN. Well, ma’am, from what I can see, I think Mr. Chilvers is +trusting a little too much to his merits. Shall I bring some more cups +and saucers, sir? + +GEOFFREY. Ah! yes! (_To_ ANNYS.) You’ll have some tea? + +ANNYS. Strong, please, Mrs. Chinn. + + (MRS. CHINN _goes out_.) + +(_Laughs_.) Yes, I know it’s bad for me. (_She puts a hand over his +mouth_.) + +PHOEBE. Old Mother Chinn is quite right, you know, Geoff. You’re not +putting up a good fight. + +GEOFFREY. (_A slight irritability begins to show itself_.) I frankly +confess that I am not used to fighting women. + +ELIZABETH. Yes. It was easier, no doubt, when we took it lying down. + +ANNYS. You promised, if I brought you, that you would be good. + +GEOFFREY. I wish it had been you. + +PHOEBE. Yes, but we don’t! + + (_As she and_ ELIZABETH _move away_.) + +Did you have a row with the doctor when you were born? + + (_To which_ ELIZABETH _replies_, _though the words reach only_ PHOEBE: + “_I might have_, _if I had known that my mother was doing all the + work_, _while he was pocketing the fee_!”) + +LAMB. You see, Mrs. Chilvers, our difficulty is that there is nothing to +be said against you—except one thing. + +ANNYS. What’s that? + +LAMB. That you’re a woman. + +ANNYS. (_Smiling_.) Isn’t that enough? + +SIGSBY. Quite enough, Mrs. Chilvers, if the guv’nor would only say it. + +ANNYS. (_To_ GEOFFREY.) Why don’t you? I’ll promise not to deny it. + + (_The others drift apart_. _They group themselves near to the window_. + _They talk together—grow evidently interested and excited_.) + +GEOFFREY. I have just had a letter from your—Election Agent, expressing +indignation with one of my supporters for merely having hinted at the +fact. + +ANNYS. I don’t understand. + +GEOFFREY. (_He takes from the table the letter and hands it to her in +silence_. _He seats himself on the settee and watches her_.) + +ANNYS. (_She seats herself on a chair just opposite to him_; _reads the +letter through in silence_.) In my case it does not apply. + +GEOFFREY. How do you know? + +ANNYS. (_The atmosphere has grown suddenly oppressive_.) Oh, I—I think +we might find some other reason than that. (_She hands him back the +letter_.) + +GEOFFREY. It’s the only one of any importance. It embraces all the +others. Shall woman be mother—or politician? (_He puts the letter in +his pocket_.) + +ANNYS. Why cannot she be both? + +GEOFFREY. (_He is looking at her searchingly_.) Because if she is the +one, she doesn’t want to be the other. + + (_A silence_.) + +ANNYS. You are wrong. It is the mother instinct that makes us +politicians. We want to take care of the world. + +GEOFFREY. Exactly. You think man’s job more interesting than your own. + +ANNYS. (_After a moment_.) Who told you that it was a man’s job? + +GEOFFREY. Well. (_He shrugs his shoulders_.) We can’t do yours. + +ANNYS. Can’t we help each other? + +GEOFFREY. As, for instance, in this election! (_He gives a short +laugh_.) + +ANNYS. Of course, this is an exceptional case. + +GEOFFREY. It’s an epitome of the whole question. You are trying to take +my job away from me. To the neglect of your own. + +ANNYS. (_After another moment’s silence_.) Haven’t I always tried to do +my duty? + +GEOFFREY. I have thought so. + +ANNYS. Oh, my dear, we mustn’t quarrel. You will win this election. I +want you to win it. Next time we must fight side by side again. + +GEOFFREY. Don’t you see? Fighting you means fighting the whole +movement. (_He indicates the posters pinned to the walls_.) That sort +of thing. + +ANNYS. (_After a brief inspection_.) Not that way. (_Shaking her +head_.) It would break my heart for you to turn against us. Win because +you are the better man. (_Smiling_.) I want you to be the better man. + +GEOFFREY. I would rather be your husband. + +ANNYS. (_Smiling_.) Isn’t that the same thing? + +GEOFFREY. No. I want a wife. + +ANNYS. What precisely do you mean by “wife”? + +GEOFFREY. It’s an old-established word. + + (MRS. CHINN _has entered to complete the tea arrangements_. _She is + arranging the table_.) + +MRS. CHINN. There’s a deputation downstairs, sir, just come for you. + +GEOFFREY. What are they? + +MRS. CHINN. It’s one of those societies for the reform of something. +They said you were expecting them. + +SIGSBY. (_Breaking away from the group by the window_.) Quite right. +(_Looks at his watch_.) Five o’clock, I’ll bring them up. + +GEOFFREY. Happen to know what it is they want to reform? + +SIGSBY. (_By door_.) Laws relating to the physical relationship between +the sexes, I think. + +GEOFFREY. Oh, only that! + +SIGSBY. Something of the sort. + +(_He goes out_. MRS. CHINN _also by the other door_.) + +GEOFFREY. (_Rising_.) Will you pour out? + +ANNYS. (_She has been thinking_. _She comes back to the present_.) We +shan’t be in your way? + +GEOFFREY. Oh, no. It will make it easier to get rid of them. + + (ANNYS _changes her chair_. _The others gather round_. _The service + and drinking of tea proceeds in the usual course_.) + +(_To_ ELIZABETH.) You’ll take some tea? + +ELIZABETH. Thank you. + +GEOFFREY. You must be enjoying yourself just now. + +ELIZABETH. (_Makes a moue_.) They insist on my being agreeable. + +ANNYS. It’s so good for her. Teaches her self-control. + +LAMB. I gather from Mrs. Spender, that in the perfect world there will +be no men at all. + +ELIZABETH. Oh, yes, they will be there. But in their proper place. + +ST. HERBERT. That’s why you didn’t notice them. + + (_The_ DEPUTATION _reaches the door_. _The sound of voices is heard_.) + +PHOEBE. She’s getting on very well. If she isn’t careful, she’ll end up +by being a flirt. + + (_The_ DEPUTATION _enters_, _guided by_ SIGSBY. _Its number is five_, + _two men and three women_. _Eventually they group themselves—some + standing_, _some sitting—each side of_ GEOFFREY. _The others gather + round_ ANNYS, _who keeps her seat at the opposite side of the table_.) + +SIGSBY. (_Talking as he enters_.) Exactly what I’ve always maintained. + +HOPPER. It would make the husband quite an interesting person. + +SIGSBY. (_Cheerfully_.) That’s the idea. Here we are, guv’nor. This +is Mr. Chilvers. + + (GEOFFREY _bows_, _the_ DEPUTATION _also_. SIGSBY _introduces a + remarkably boyish-looking man_, _dressed in knickerbockers_.) + +SIGSBY. This is Mr. Peekin, who has kindly consented to act as +spokesman. (_To the_ DEPUTATION, _generally_.) Will you have some tea? + +MISS BORLASSE. (_A thick-set_, _masculine-featured lady_, _with short +hair and heavy eyebrows_. _Her deep_, _decisive tone settles the +question_.) Thank you. We have so little time. + +MR. PEEKIN. We propose, Mr. Chilvers, to come to the point at once. +(_He is all smiles_, _caressing gestures_.) + +GEOFFREY. Excellent. + +PEEKIN. If I left a baby at your door, what would you do with it? + +GEOFFREY. (_For a moment he is taken aback_, _recovers himself_.) Are +you thinking of doing so? + +PEEKIN. It’s not impossible. + +GEOFFREY. Well, it sounds perhaps inhospitable, but do you know I really +think I should ask you to take it away again. + +PEEKIN. Yes, but by the time you find it there, I shall have +disappeared—skedaddled. + +HOPPER. Good. (_He rubs his hands_. _Smiles at the others_.) + +GEOFFREY. In that case I warn you that I shall hand it over to the +police. + +PEEKIN. (_He turns to the others_.) I don’t myself see what else Mr. +Chilvers could be expected to do. + +MISS BORLASSE. He’d be a fool not to. + +GEOFFREY. Thank you. So far we seem to be in agreement. And now may I +ask to what all this is leading? + +PEEKIN. (_He changes from the debonnair to the dramatic_.) How many +men, Mr. Chilvers, leave their babies every year at the door of +poverty-stricken women? What are they expected to do with them? + + (_A moment_. _The_ DEPUTATION _murmur approval_.) + +GEOFFREY. I see. But is there no difference between the two doors? I +am not an accomplice. + +PEEKIN. An accomplice! Is the ignorant servant-girl—first lured into +the public-house, cajoled, tricked, deceived by false promises—the +half-starved shop-girl in the hands of the practised libertine—is she an +accomplice? + +MRS. PEEKIN. (_A dowdily-dressed_, _untidy woman_, _but the face is +sweet and tender_.) Ah, Mr. Chilvers, if you could only hear the stories +that I have heard from dying lips. + +GEOFFREY. Very pitiful, my dear lady. And, alas, only too old. But +there are others. It would not be fair to blame always the man. + +ANNYS. (_Unnoticed_, _drawn by the subject_, _she has risen and come +down_.) Perhaps not. But the punishment always falls on the woman. Is +_that_ quite fair? + +GEOFFREY. (_He is irritated at_ ANNYS’S _incursion into the +discussion_.) My dear Annys, that is Nature’s law, not man’s. All man +can do is to mitigate it. + +PEEKIN. That is all we ask. The suffering, the shame, must always be +the woman’s. Surely that is sufficient. + +GEOFFREY. What do you propose? + +MISS BORLASSE. (_In her deep_, _fierce tones_.) That all children born +out of wedlock should be a charge upon the rates. + +MISS RICKETTS. (_A slight_, _fair_, _middle-aged woman_, _with a nervous +hesitating manner_.) Of course, only if the mother wishes it. + +GEOFFREY. (_The proposal staggers him_. _But the next moment it +inspires him with mingled anger and amusement_.) My dear, good people, +have you stopped for one moment to consider what the result of your +proposal would be? + +PEEKIN. For one thing, Mr. Chilvers, the adding to the populace of +healthy children in place of the stunted and diseased abortions that is +all that these poor women, out of their scanty earnings, can afford to +present to the State. + +GEOFFREY. Humph! That incidentally it would undermine the whole +institution of marriage, let loose the flood-gates that at present hold +immorality in check, doesn’t appear to trouble you. That the law must be +altered to press less heavily upon the woman—that the man must be made an +equal sharer in the penalty—all that goes without saying. The remedy you +propose would be a thousand times worse than the disease. + +ANNYS. And meanwhile? Until you have devised this scheme (_there is a +note of contempt in her voice_) under which escape for the man will be +impossible? + +GEOFFREY. The evil must continue. As other evils have to until the true +remedy is found. + +PEEKIN. (_He has hurriedly consulted with the others_. _All have +risen—he turns to_ GEOFFREY.) You will not support our demand? + +GEOFFREY. Support it! Do you mean that you cannot yourselves see that +you are holding out an indemnity to every profligate, male and female, +throughout the land—that you would be handicapping, in the struggle for +existence, every honest man and woman desirous of bringing up their +children in honour and in love? Your suggestion is monstrous! + +PEEKIN. (_The little man is not without his dignity_.) We apologise, +Mr. Chilvers, for having taken up your time. + +GEOFFREY. I am sorry the matter was one offering so little chance of +agreement. + +PEEKIN. We will make only one slight further trespass on your kindness. +Mrs. Chilvers, if one may judge, would seem to be more in sympathy with +our views. Might we—it would be a saving of time and shoe leather (_he +smiles_)—might we take this opportunity of laying our case before her? + +GEOFFREY. It would be useless. + + (_A short silence_. ANNYS, _with_ ELIZABETH _and_ PHOEBE _a little + behind her_, _stands right_. LAMB, SIGSBY, _and_ ST. HERBERT _are + behind_ GEOFFREY _centre_. _The_ DEPUTATION _is left_.) + +HOPPER. Do we gather that in this election you speak for both +candidates? + +GEOFFREY. In matters of common decency, yes. My wife does not associate +herself with movements for the encouragement of vice. + + (_There is another moment’s silence_.) + +ANNYS. But, Geoffrey, dear—we should not be encouraging the evil. We +should still seek to find the man, to punish him. The woman would still +suffer— + +GEOFFREY. My dear Annys, this is neither the time nor place for you and +me to argue out the matter. I must ask you to trust to my judgment. + +ANNYS. I can understand your refusing, but why do you object to my— + +GEOFFREY. Because I do not choose for my wife’s name to be linked with a +movement that I regard as criminal. I forbid it. + + (_It was the moment that was bound to come_. _The man’s instincts_, + _training_, _have involuntarily asserted themselves_. _Shall the woman + yield_? _If so_, _then down goes the whole movement—her claim to + freedom of judgment_, _of action_, _in all things_. _All watch the + struggle with breathless interest_.) + +ANNYS. (_She speaks very slowly_, _very quietly_, _but with a new note +in her voice_.) I am sorry, but I have given much thought to this +matter, and—I do not agree with you. + +MRS. PEEKIN. You will help us? + +ANNYS. I will do what I can. + +PEEKIN. (_He takes from his pocket a folded paper_.) It is always so +much more satisfactory when these things are in writing. Candidates, +with the best intentions in the world, are apt to forget. (_He has +spread the paper on a corner of the table_. _He has in his hand his +fountain-pen_.) + +ANNYS. (_With a smile_.) I am not likely to forget, but if you wish +it—(_She approaches the table_.) + +GEOFFREY. (_He interposes_. _His voice is very low_, _almost a +whisper_.) My wife will not sign. + +ANNYS. (_She also speaks low_, _but there is no yielding in her voice_.) +I am not only your wife. I have a duty also to others. + +GEOFFREY. It is for you to choose. (_He leaves the way open to her_.) + + (_The silence can almost be felt_. _She moves to the table_, _takes up + the paper_. _It contains but a few lines of writing_. _Having read + it_, _she holds out her hand for the pen_. PEEKIN _puts it in her + hand_. _With a firm hand she signs_, _folds the paper_, _and returns + it to him_. _She remains standing by the table_. _With the removal of + the tension there comes a rustle_, _a breaking of the silence_.) + +MISS RICKETTS. (_She seizes_ ANNYS’S _hand_, _hanging listlessly by her +side_, _and_, _stooping_, _kisses it_.) + +MISS BORLASSE. That is all, isn’t it? + +PEEKIN. We thank you, Mrs. Chilvers. Good afternoon. + +ANNYS. (_The natural reaction is asserting itself_. _She pulls herself +together sufficiently to murmur her answer_.) Good afternoon. + +MRS. PEEKIN. (_The_ DEPUTATION _is moving away_; _she takes from her +waist a small bunch of flowers_, _and_, _turning_, _places them in_ +ANNYS’S _hand_.) + +ANNYS. (_She smiles_, _remains standing silent_, _the flowers in her +hand_.) + + (“_Good afternoons_” _are exchanged with some of the others_. + _Finally_:) + +PEEKIN. Good afternoon, Mr. Chilvers. + +GEOFFREY. (_Who has moved away_.) Good afternoon. + + (_The_ DEPUTATION _joins_ SIGSBY _by the door_. _He leads them out_.) + +ELIZABETH. (_To_ PHOEBE.) Are you going my way? + +PHOEBE. (_She glances round at_ ANNYS.) Yes, I’ll come with you. + +ST. HERBERT. I will put you into a bus, if you will let me. We don’t +sport many cabs in East Poplar. (_He is helping_ ELIZABETH _with her +cloak_.) + +ELIZABETH. Thank you. + +LAMB. I’ve got to go up West. (_To_ GEOFFREY.) Will you be at the +House this evening? + +GEOFFREY. (_He is standing by the desk pretending to look at some +papers_.) I shall look in about ten o’clock. + +LAMB. One or two things I want to say to you. Goodbye for the present. + +GEOFFREY. Goodbye! + +PHOEBE. Goodbye, old man. (_She stretches out her hand_.) + +GEOFFREY. Goodbye. (_She shakes hands with a smile_, _exchanges a +casual_ “_goodbye_” _with_ ELIZABETH.) + + (_They go towards the door_.) + + (SIGSBY _re-enters_.) + +SIGSBY. (_To_ LAMB.) Are you going? + +LAMB. Yes. I’ll see you to-morrow morning. About ten o’clock. + +SIGSBY. I shall be here. (_He exchanges a_ “_good afternoon_” _with the +others_.) + + (_They go out_. SIGSBY _crosses and goes into the other room_.) + +ANNYS. (_She has let fall the flowers on the table_. _She crosses to +where_ GEOFFREY _still stands by the desk_, _his back towards her_. _She +stretches out her hand_, _touches him_. _He does not move_.) Geoffrey! + + (_But still he takes no notice_.) + +I am so sorry. We must talk it over quietly—at home. + +GEOFFREY. (_He turns_.) Home! I have no home. I have neither children +nor wife. I _keep_ a political opponent. + + (ANNYS _starts back with a cry_. _He crosses in front of her and seats + himself at the table_. _The flowers are lying there_; _he throws them + into the waste-paper basket_.) + +ANNYS. (_She puts on her cloak_, _moves towards the door_. _Half-way +she pauses_, _makes a movement towards him_. _But he will not see_. +_Then a hard look comes into her eyes_, _and without another word she +goes out_, _leaving the door open_.) + + (SIGSBY _is heard moving in the other room_.) + +GEOFFREY. (_He is writing_.) Sigsby. + +SIGSBY. Hallo! + +GEOFFREY. That poster I told young Gordon I wouldn’t sanction, “The +Woman spouting politics, the Man returning to a slattern’s home.” + + (SIGSBY _enters_.) + +SIGSBY. I have countermanded them. + +GEOFFREY. Countermand them again. We shall want a thousand. + +SIGSBY. (_Can hardly believe his ears_.) + +GEOFFREY. (_With a gesture round the room_.) All of them. “A Man for +Men!” “Save the Children!” “Guard your Homes!” All the damned +collection. Order as many as you want. + +SIGSBY. (_His excitement rising_.) I can go ahead. You mean it? + +GEOFFREY. (_He looks at him_.) It’s got to be a fight! (_A moment_. +_He returns to his writing_.) Telephone Hake that I shall be dining at +the Reform Club. + + CURTAIN. + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + +SCENE:—_A room in the Town Hall_, _Poplar_. _A high_, _bare_, _cold +room_, _unfurnished except for cane-bottomed chairs ranged against the +walls_. _French windows right give on to a balcony overlooking the +street_. _Door in back opens upon a stone passage_. _A larger door +opens into another room_, _through which one passes to reach the room in +which the counting of the votes is taking place_. _A fire burns_—_or +rather tries to burn_. _The room is lighted from the centre of the +ceiling by an electric sun_. _A row of hat-pegs is on the wall between +the two doors_. _The time is about_ 9 _p.m._ + +(_People entering from the street wear coats or cloaks_, _&c._, _the +season being early spring_. _If passing through or staying in the room_, +_they take off their outdoor things and hang them up_, _putting them on +again before going out_.) + +(JAWBONES _is coaxing the reluctant fire by using a newspaper as a +blower_. _He curses steadily under his breath_. _The door opens_. +GINGER _enters_; _she is dressed in cheap furs_.) + +JAWBONES. Shut the door, can’t yer! + +GINGER. Don’t yer want a draught? + +JAWBONES. No, I don’t. Not any more than I’ve got. + +GINGER. (_She shuts the door_.) ’Ave they begun counting the votes? + +JAWBONES. Been at it for the last three-quarters of an hour. + +GINGER. Who’s going to win? + +JAWBONES. One of ’em. + + (LADY MOGTON _has entered_. _She has come from the room where they are + counting the votes_.) + +Shut that door! (_He glances over his shoulder_, _sees his mistake_.) +Beg pardon! (_To himself_.) Thought ’twas the other fool! + +LADY MOGTON. (_She shuts the door_. _To_ GINGER.) Have you seen Mrs. +Chilvers? + +GINGER. Not since the afternoon, your ladyship. + +LADY MOGTON. She is coming, I suppose? + +GINGER. I think so, your ladyship. + +LADY MOGTON. It’s very cold in here, Gordon. + +JAWBONES. Yes, my lady. Not what I call a cosy room. + +LADY MOGTON. (_To_ GINGER.) Jump into a cab. See if you can find her. +Perhaps she has been detained at one of the committee-rooms. Tell her +she ought to be here. + +GINGER. Yes, your ladyship. (_She crosses_, _opens door_.) + +JAWBONES. Shut the door. + +GINGER. Oh, shut— + + (_She finds herself face to face with a_ MESSENGER _carrying a + ballot-box_.) + +I beg yer pardon! (_She goes out_, _closes door_.) + +LADY MOGTON. (_To the_ MESSENGER.) Is that the last? + +MESSENGER. Generally is. Isle of Dogs! + + (_He goes into the other room_.) + +LADY MOGTON. (_To_ JAWBONES.) Do you know where Mr. Chilvers is? + + (_There comes a bloodthirsty yell from the crowd outside_.) + +JAWBONES. Not unless that’s ’im. (_He finishes for the time being with +the fire_. _Rises_.) + + (JANET _enters_.) + +LADY MOGTON. Was that you they were yelling at? + +JANET. No, it’s Mr. Sigsby. + +(_Another yell is heard_. _Out of it a shrill female voice_—“_Mind ’is +fice_; _yer spoiling it_!”) + +The Woman’s Laundry Union have taken such a strong dislike to him. + + (_A final yell_. _Then a voice_: “_That’s taken some of the starch out + of him_!” _followed by a shriek of laughter_.) + +JAWBONES. ’E only suggested as ’ow there was enough old washerwomen in +Parliament as it was. + +LADY MOGTON. A most unnecessary remark. It will teach him— + + (SIGSBY _enters_, _damaged_. _His appearance is comic_. LADY MOGTON + _makes no effort to repress a grim smile_.) + +SIGSBY. Funny, ain’t it? + +LADY MOGTON. I am sorry. + +SIGSBY. (_He snarls_.) “The Mother’s Hand shall Help Us!” One of your +posters, I think. + +LADY MOGTON. You shouldn’t have insulted them—calling them old +washerwomen! + +SIGSBY. Insult! Can’t one indulge in a harmless _jeu d’esprit_—(_he +pronounces it according to his own ideas_)—without having one’s clothes +torn off one’s back? (_Fiercely_.) What do you mean by it—disgracing +your sex? + +LADY MOGTON. Are you addressing me? + +SIGSBY. All of you. Upsetting the foundations upon which society has +been reared—the natural and lawful subjection of the woman to the man. +Why don’t you read St. Paul? + +LADY MOGTON. St. Paul was addressing Christians. When men behave like +Christians there will be no need of Votes for Women. You read St. Paul +on men. (_To_ JANET.) I shall want you! + + (_She goes out_, _followed by_ JANET.) + + (SIGSBY _gives vent to a gesture_.) + +JAWBONES. Getting saucy, ain’t they? + +SIGSBY. Over-indulgence. That’s what the modern woman is suffering +from. Gets an idea on Monday that she’d like the whole world altered; if +it isn’t done by Saturday, raises hell! Where’s the guv’nor? + +JAWBONES. Hasn’t been here. + +SIGSBY. (_Hands_ JAWBONES _his damaged hat_.) See if they can do +anything to that. If not, get me a new one. (_He forks out a +sovereign_.) Sure to be some shops open in the High Street. + + (LAMB _and_ ST. HERBERT _enter_.) + +LAMB. Hallo! have they been mauling you? + +SIGSBY. (_He snatches the damaged hat from_ JAWBONES, _to hand it back +the next moment_; _holds it out_.) Woman’s contribution to politics. +Get me a collar at the same time—sixteen and a half. + + (JAWBONES _takes his cap and goes out_. _The men hang up their + overcoats_.) + +SIGSBY. Where’s it all going to end? That’s what I want to know! + +ST. HERBERT. Where most things end. In the millennium, according to its +advocates. In the ruin of the country, according to its opponents. In +mild surprise on the part of the next generation that ever there was any +fuss about it. + +SIGSBY. In amazement, you mean, that their fathers were so blind as not +to see where it was leading. My boy, this is going to alter the whole +relationship between the sexes! + +ST. HERBERT. Is it so perfect as it is? + + (_A silence_.) + +Might it not be established on a more workable, a more enduring basis if +woman were allowed a share in the shaping of it? + + (_Some woman in the crowd starts the refrain_, “_We’ll hang old Asquith + on a sour apple tree_.” _It is taken up with quiet earnestness by + others_.) + +SIGSBY. Shaping it! Nice sort of shape it will be by the time that lot +(_with a gesture_, _including the crowd_, LADY MOGTON & CO.) have done +knocking it about. Wouldn’t be any next generation to be surprised at +anything if some of them had their way. + +ST. HERBERT. The housebreakers come first—not a class of work demanding +much intelligence; the builders come later. Have you seen Chilvers? + +LAMB. I left him at the House. He couldn’t get away. + +SIGSBY. There’s your object-lesson for you. We don’t need to go far. A +man’s whole career ruined by the wife he nourishes. + +ST. HERBERT. How do you mean, “ruined?” + +SIGSBY. So it is. If she wins the election and claims the seat. Do you +think the Cabinet will want him? Their latest addition compelled to +appeal to the House of Commons to fight for him against his own +womenfolk. (_Grunts_.) He’ll be the laughing-stock of the whole +country. + +ST. HERBERT. Do you know for certain that they mean to claim the seat? + +SIGSBY. “Wait and see” is their answer. + +LAMB. Hasn’t Chilvers any idea? + +SIGSBY. Can’t get him to talk. Don’t think he’s seen her since that +shindy over the Deputation. + +LAMB. Humph! + +SIGSBY. Even if she herself wished to draw back, the others would +overrule her. + +LAMB. I’m not so sure of that. She’s got a way of shutting her mouth +that reminds me of my old woman. + +SIGSBY. The arrangement, as he explained it to me, was that the whole +thing was to end with the polling. It was to have been a mere joke, a +mere _ballon d’essai_. The mistake he made was thinking he could depend +on her. + +LAMB. Guess she made the same mistake. You can fight and shake hands +afterwards; it doesn’t go with kissing. + +SIGSBY. Man and woman were not made to fight. It was never intended. + + (_The woman’s_ “_Marseillaise_” _has been taken up by the crowd_. _The + chorus has been reached_.) + +Oh, damn your row! (_He slams to the window_; _it was ajar_.) + + (JAWBONES _has entered_, _with his purchases_.) + +(_Turning from window he sees_ JAWBONES, _goes to meet him_.) Couldn’t +they do anything? + +JAWBONES. (_He has bought a new hat_; _has also brought back the +remains_. _He shakes his head_.) No good for anything else but a +memento. + +SIGSBY. (_With a grunt he snatches the thing and flings it into a +corner_. _Tries on the new one_.) + +JAWBONES. ’Ow’s it feel? + + (SIGSBY, _with the help of_ JAWBONES, _attends to his appearance_.) + +LAMB. (_To_ ST. HERBERT.) No use talking to her, I suppose? + +ST. HERBERT. (_Shrugs his shoulders_.) She’ll do what she imagines to +be her duty. Women are so uncivilised. + + (_A burst of cheering is heard_. _A shrill male voice_: “_Three cheers + for Winston Churchill_!” _It is followed by an explosion of yells_.) + +ST. HERBERT. Who’s that? + +LAMB. (_He has opened the window_.) Phoebe Mogton! + +SIGSBY. What a family! + + (JANET _has entered_.) + +JANET. Is that Mrs. Chilvers? (_To_ LAMB _and_ ST. HERBERT.) Good +evening. + +ST. HERBERT. Good evening. + +LAMB. No; it’s her sister. + +JANET. I wonder she doesn’t come. + +SIGSBY. What are the latest figures? Do you know? + + (PHOEBE _enters_.) + +JANET. I forget the numbers. Mrs. Chilvers is forty ahead. + +PHOEBE. Forty ahead! (_To_ JANET.) Did you order the band? + +LAMB. (_To_ SIGSBY.) The Dock division was against him to a man; that +Shipping Bill has upset them. + +JANET. No. I didn’t think we should want the band. + +PHOEBE. Not want it! My dear girl— + +JANET. Perhaps Lady Mogton has ordered it, I’ll ask her. + + (_She goes out_.) + +SIGSBY. Hadn’t you better “Wait and see”? It isn’t over yet. + +PHOEBE. We may as well have it! It can play the Dead March in “Saul” if +you win. (_She laughs_.) + +SIGSBY. (_Grunts_. _To_ LAMB.) Are you coming? + + (_He goes out_.) + +LAMB. Yes. (_To_ ST. HERBERT.) Are you coming? + +ST. HERBERT. Hardly worth while; nearly over, isn’t it? + +LAMB. It generally takes an hour and a half. (_He looks at his watch_.) +Another forty minutes. Perhaps less. + + (_He goes out_.) + +PHOEBE. I do love to make him ratty. Wish it wasn’t poor old Geoff we +were fighting. + +ST. HERBERT. When I marry, it will be the womanly woman. + +PHOEBE. No chance for me then? + +ST. HERBERT. I don’t say that. I can see you taking your political +opinions from your husband, and thinking them your own. + +PHOEBE. Good heavens! + +ST. HERBERT. The brainy woman will think for herself. And then I +foresee some lively breakfast tables. + +PHOEBE. Humph! No fear, I suppose, of a man taking his views from his +wife and thinking them his own? + +ST. HERBERT. That may be the solution. The brainy woman will have to +marry the manly man. + + (GINGER _enters_.) + +JAWBONES. (_He is on his knees blowing the fire_. _In a low growl_.) +Shut the door! + +GINGER. Can’t till I’m inside, can I? (_Shuts it_.) Where’s Lady +Mogton? + +JAWBONES. I don’t know. + +PHOEBE. What do you want her for? + +GINGER. Only to tell her that I can’t find Chilvers. + +PHOEBE. Isn’t she here? + +GINGER. Not unless she’s come while I’ve been out. + + (JANET _enters_.) + +JANET. Oh, Lady Mogton— + +PHOEBE. (_Interrupting her_.) Isn’t Annys here? + +JANET. No. (_To_ GINGER.) Haven’t you found her? + +GINGER. (_Shakes her head_.) Been everywhere I could think of. + +PHOEBE. (_To herself_.) She couldn’t have gone home? Is there a +telephone here? + +JANET. The room’s locked up. + +JAWBONES. There’s one at 118, High Street. Shall I go, miss? + +PHOEBE. No, thanks. I’ll go myself. Oh, what about the band? + +JANET. Lady Mogton says she’d like it. If it isn’t too tired. + +GINGER. It’s at Sell’s Coffee-’ouse in Piggott Street. I ’eard them +practising. + +PHOEBE. Good. I shan’t be more than a few minutes. + +ST. HERBERT. I’ll come with you, if I may? I’ve got some news that may +be of use to you. + +PHOEBE. Do. (_To_ GINGER.) Stop here, I may want you. + +(PHOEBE _and_ ST. HERBERT _go out_.) + +JANET. How was Mrs. Chilvers seeming this afternoon? + +GINGER. Never ’eard ’er speak better, miss. + +JANET. Did you stop to the end? + +GINGER. Not quite. Mrs. Spender wanted some shopping done. + + (JANET _goes out_.) + +GINGER. Can I ’elp yer? + +JAWBONES. Yer might hold the piper while I blow. + + (_The fire begins to burn_.) + +GINGER. It’s getting brighter. + +JAWBONES. That’s caught it. + +GINGER. Wonderful what a little coaxing will do. + +JAWBONES. (_He is still squatting on his heels_, _folding up the paper_. +_He looks up_.) Ain’t yer ever thought of that, instead of worrying +about the vote? + +GINGER. (_She moves away_.) You don’t understand us wimmin. + +JAWBONES. (_He has risen_. _He pauses in his folding of the paper_.) +Don’t say that. + +GINGER. Why should we coax yer—for our rights? + +JAWBONES. Because it’s the easiest way of getting ’em. + +GINGER. (_She has become oratorical_.) Our appeal is not to man (_with +upraised hand_) but to Justice! + +JAWBONES. Oh! And what does the lidy say? + +GINGER. (_Descending_.) ’Ow do yer mean? + +JAWBONES. To your appeal. Is she goin’ to give ’em to yer? You tike my +tip: if yer in a ’urry, you get a bit on account—from Man. ’Ere. (_He +dives into his pocket_, _produces_, _wrapped up in tissue paper_, _a +ring_, _which he exhibits to her_.) That’s a bit more in your line. + +GINGER. (_Her eyes sparkle_. _She takes the ring in her hand_. _Then +problems come to her_.) Why do yer want me, William? + +JAWBONES. Because, in spite of all, I love yer. + +GINGER. (_She looks into the future_.) What will I be? A general +servant, without wages. + +JAWBONES. The question, as it seems to me, is, which of us two is the +biggest fool? Instead of thirty bob a week in my pocket to spend as I +like—guess I’ll ’ave to be content with three ’alf-crowns. + +GINGER. Seven an’ six! Rather a lot, Bill, out o’ thirty bob. Don’t +leave much for me an’ the children. + +JAWBONES. I shall ’ave to get my dinners. + +GINGER. I could mike yer somethin’ tasty to tike with yer. Then with, +say—three shillings— + +JAWBONES. ’Ere—(_He is on the point of snatching back the ring_. _He +encounters her eyes_. _There is a moment’s battle_. _The Eternal +Feminine conquers_.) Will yer always look as sweet as yer do now? + +GINGER. Always, Bill. So long as yer good to me! + + (_She slips the ring over her finger_, _still with her eyes drawing + him_. _He catches her to him in fierce passion_, _kisses her_.) + + (_A loud shrill female cheer comes from the crowd_. _The cheer is + renewed and renewed_.) + +JAWBONES. (_He breaks away and goes to the window_.) ’Ullo! What are +they shoutin’ about now? (_He looks out_.) It’s the Donah! + +GINGER. Mrs. Chilvers? + +JAWBONES. Yus. Better not get wearin’ it—may shock their feelings. + +GINGER. (_She gazes rapturously at the ring as she draws it off_.) It +is a beauty! I do love yer, Bill. + + (_There enter_ ANNYS _and_ ELIZABETH. ANNYS _is excited_; _she is + laughing and talking_.) + +ANNYS. (_Laughing while she rearranges her hat and hair_.) A little +embarrassing. That red-haired girl—she carried me right up the steps. I +was afraid she would— + + (JAWBONES _has been quick enough to swing a chair into place just in + time to receive her_.) + +(_She recovers herself_.) Thank you. + +ELIZABETH. (_She hands_ ANNYS _a smelling-bottle_. _To_ JAWBONES.) +Open the window a few inches. + + (_He does so_. _Some woman_, _much interrupted_, _is making a + speech_.) + + (JANET _opens the door a little way and looks in_.) + +JANET. Oh, it is you! I am glad! + + (_She goes out again_.) + +ELIZABETH. Are the others all here? + +GINGER. ’Er ladyship is watching the counting. Miss Phoebe ’as just +gone out— + + (PHOEBE _enters_.) + +Oh, ’ere she is. + +PHOEBE. Hullo! (_She is taking off her things_.) Wherever have you +been? We’ve been scouring the neighbourhood— + + (LADY MOGTON _enters_, _followed by_ JANET.) + +I say, you’re looking jolly chippy. + +ELIZABETH. We had an extra enthusiastic meeting. She spoke for rather a +long time. I made her come home with me and lie down. I think she is +all right now. + +LADY MOGTON. Would you like to see a doctor? + +PHOEBE. There is a very good man close here. (_She turns to_ JAWBONES, +_who is still near the window_.) Gordon— + +ANNYS. (_Interrupting_.) No. Please don’t. I am quite all right. I +hate strange doctors. + +PHOEBE. Well, let me send for Whitby; he could be here in twenty +minutes. + +ANNYS. I wish you would all leave me alone. There’s absolutely nothing +to fuss about whatever. We pampered women—we can’t breathe the same air +that ordinary mortals have to. We ought to be ashamed of ourselves. + +PHOEBE. (_To herself_.) Obstinate pig. + + (_She catches_ JAWBONES’ _eye_; _unnoticed by the others_, _she takes + him aside_. _They whisper_.) + +ANNYS. How is it going? + +LADY MOGTON. You must be prepared for winning. (_She puts again the +question that_ ANNYS _has frequently been asked to answer during the last +few days_.) What are you going to do? + + (MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS _enters_, _as usual in a flutter of + excitement_.) + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. Am I late? + + (_They brush her back into silence_. ELIZABETH _takes charge of her_.) + +ANNYS. (_She has risen_.) You think it wise tactics, to make it +impossible for Geoffrey to be anything else in the future but our enemy? + +LADY MOGTON. (_Contemptuously_.) You are thinking of him, and not of +the cause. + +ANNYS. And if I were! Haven’t I made sacrifice enough?—more than any of +you will ever know. Ay—and would make more, if I felt it was demanded of +me. I don’t! (_Her burst of anger is finished_. _She turns_, +_smiling_.) I’m much more cunning than you think. There will be other +elections we shall want to fight. With the Under-Secretary for Home +Affairs in sympathy with us, the Government will find it difficult to +interfere. Don’t you see how clever I am? + + (JAWBONES, _having received his instructions from_ PHOEBE, _has slipped + out unobserved_. _He has beckoned to_ GINGER; _she has followed him_. + PHOEBE _has joined the group_.) + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. There’s something in that. + +JANET. Is Mr. Chilvers still in sympathy with us? + +PHOEBE. Of course he is. A bit rubbed up the wrong way just at present; +that’s our fault. When Annys goes down, early next mouth, to fight the +Exchange Division of Manchester, we shall have him with us. + + (_A moment_.) + +LADY MOGTON. Where do you get that from? + +PHOEBE. From St. Herbert. The present member is his cousin. They say +he can’t live more than a week. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. It really seems like Providence. + +ANNYS. (_Has taken the opportunity of giving_ PHOEBE _a grateful squeeze +of the hand_.) + +LADY MOGTON. You will fight Manchester? + +ANNYS. Yes. (_Laughs_.) And make myself a public nuisance if I win. + +LADY MOGTON. Well, must be content with that, I suppose. Better not +come in; the room’s rather crowded. I’ll keep you informed how things +are going. + + (_She goes out_, _followed by_ JANET.) + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. I’ll stay with you, dear. + +PHOEBE. I want you to come and be photographed for the Daily Mirror. +The man’s waiting downstairs. + +ELIZABETH. I’ll stop with Annys. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. I’m not quite sure, you know, that I take well +by flashlight. + +PHOEBE. You wait till you’ve seen mamma! We must have you. They want +you for the centre of the page. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. Well, if it’s really— + +PHOEBE. (_To the others_.) Shall see you again. (_She winks_. _Then +to_ MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS.) We mustn’t keep them waiting. They are +giving us a whole page. + + (PHOEBE _takes_ MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS _out_. ELIZABETH _has followed + to the door_; _she closes it_. ANNYS _has reseated herself_, _facing + the fire_.) + +ELIZABETH. When did you see your husband last? + +ANNYS. Not since—Tuesday, wasn’t it, that we went round to his rooms. +Why? + +ELIZABETH. I’m thinking about Manchester. What was it he said to you? + +ANNYS. Oh, we were, both of us, a little over-excited, I suppose. He +has—(_she hesitates_, _finally answers_)—he has always been so eager for +children. + +ELIZABETH. Yes. So many men are; not having to bear the pain and +inconvenience themselves. + +ANNYS. Oh, well, they have to provide for them when they do come. +That’s fair enough division, I su— (_Suddenly she turns fiercely_.) Why +do you talk like that? As if we women were cowards. Do you think if God +sent me a child I should grudge Him the price! + +ELIZABETH. Do you want Him to? + +ANNYS. I don’t know; prayed Him to, once. + +ELIZABETH. (_She lays her hand upon her_.) It isn’t a few more mothers +that the world has need of. It is the women whom God has appointed—to +whom He has given freedom, that they may champion the cause of the +mothers, helpless by reason of their motherhood. + + (_A moment_. GEOFFREY _enters_.) + +GEOFFREY. Good evening. + +ANNYS. (_Rises_; _a smile struggles for possession_. _But he only +shakes hands_, _and it dies away_.) + +ELIZABETH. Good evening. + + (_They shake hands_.) + +GEOFFREY. You are not interested in the counting? + +ANNYS. The room is rather crowded. Mamma thought I would be better out +here. How have you been? + +GEOFFREY. Oh, all right. It’s going to be a very near thing, they tell +me. + +ANNYS. Yes, I shall be glad when it’s over. + +GEOFFREY. It’s always a trying time. What are you going to do, if you +win? + + (LADY MOGTON _looks in_.) + +LADY MOGTON. (_Seeing_ GEOFFREY.) Oh, good evening. + +GEOFFREY. Good evening. + +LADY MOGTON. Chilvers, 2,960—Annys Chilvers, 2,874. + + (_She disappears—closes door_.) + +ANNYS. Perhaps I’m not going to win. (_She goes to him_, _smiling_.) I +hope you’ll win. I would so much rather you won. + +GEOFFREY. Very kind of you. I’m afraid that won’t make it a certainty. + +ANNYS. (_His answer has hardened her again_.) How can I? It would not +be fair. Without your consent I should never have entered upon it. It +was understood that the seat, in any case, would be yours. + +GEOFFREY. I would rather you considered yourself quite free. In warfare +it doesn’t pay to be “fair” to one’s enemy. + +ANNYS. (_Still hardening_.) Besides, there is no need. There will be +other opportunities. I can contest some other constituency. If I win, +claim the seat for that. + + (_A moment_.) + +GEOFFREY. So this is only the beginning? You have decided to devote +yourself to a political career? + +ANNYS. Why not? + +GEOFFREY. If I were to ask you to abandon it, to come back to your place +at my side—helping me, strengthening me? + +ANNYS. You mean you would have me abandon my own task—merge myself in +you? + +GEOFFREY. Be my wife. + +ANNYS. It would not be right. I, too, have my work. + +GEOFFREY. If it takes you away from me? + +ANNYS. Why need it take me away from you? Why cannot we work together +for common ends, each in our own way? + +GEOFFREY. We talked like that before we tried it. Marriage is not a +partnership; it is a leadership. + +ANNYS. (_She looks at him_.) You mean—an ownership. + +GEOFFREY. Perhaps you’re right. I didn’t make it. I’m only—beginning +to understand it. + +ANNYS. And I too. It is not what I want. + +GEOFFREY. You mean its duties have become irksome to you. + +ANNYS. I mean I want to be the judge myself of what are my duties. + +GEOFFREY. I no longer count. You will go your way without me? + +ANNYS. I must go the way I think right. + +GEOFFREY. (_He flings away_.) If you win to-night you will do well to +make the most of it. Take my advice and claim the seat. + +ANNYS. (_Looks at him puzzled_.) + +ELIZABETH. Why? + +GEOFFREY. Because (_with a short_, _ugly laugh_) the Lord only knows +when you’ll get another opportunity. + +ELIZABETH. You are going to stop us? + +GEOFFREY. To stop women from going to the poll. The Bill will be +introduced on Monday. Carried through all its stages the same week. + +ELIZABETH. You think it will pass? + +GEOFFREY. The Whips assure me that it will. + +ANNYS. But they cannot, they dare not, without your assent. The— (_The +light breaks in upon her_.) Who is bringing it in? + +GEOFFREY. I am. + +ANNYS. (_Is going to speak_.) + +GEOFFREY. (_He stops her_.) Oh, I’m prepared for all that—ridicule, +abuse. “Chilvers’s Bill for the Better Regulation of Mrs. Chilvers,” +they’ll call it. I can hear their laughter. Yours won’t be among it. + +ANNYS. But, Geoffrey! What is the meaning? Merely to spite me, are you +going to betray a cause that you have professed belief in—that you have +fought for? + +GEOFFREY. Yes—if it is going to take you away from me. I want you. No, +I don’t want a friend—“a fellow-worker”—some interesting rival in well +doing. I can get all that outside my home. I want a wife. I want the +woman I love to belong to me—to be mine. I am not troubling about being +up to date; I’m talking what I feel—what every male creature must have +felt since the protoplasmic cell developed instincts. I want a woman to +love—a woman to work for—a woman to fight for—a woman to be a slave to. +But mine—mine, and nothing else. All the rest (_he makes a gesture_) is +talk. + + (_He closes the window_, _shutting out the hubbub of the crowd_.) + +ANNYS. (_A strange_, _new light has stolen in_. _She is bewildered_, +_groping_.) But—all this is new between us. You have not talked like +this for—not since— We were just good friends—comrades. + +GEOFFREY. And might have remained so, God knows! I suppose we’re made +like that. So long as there was no danger passion slept. I cannot +explain it. I only know that now, beside the thought of losing you, all +else in the world seems meaningless. The Woman’s Movement! (_He makes a +gesture of contempt_.) Men have wrecked kingdoms for a woman before +now—and will again. I want you! (_He comes to her_.) Won’t you come +back to me, that we may build up the home we used to dream of? Wasn’t +the old love good? What has this new love to give you? Work that man +can do better. The cause of the women—the children! Has woman loved +woman better than man? Will the world be better for the children, man +and woman contending? Come back to me. Help me. Help me to fight for +all good women. Teach me how I may make the world better—for our +children. + +ANNYS. (_The light is in her eyes_. _She stands a moment_. _Her hands +are going out to him_.) + +ELIZABETH. (_She comes between them_.) Yes, go to him. He will be very +good to you. Good men are kind to women, kind even to their dogs. You +will be among the pampered few! You will be happy. And the others! +What does it matter? + + (_They draw apart_. _She stands between them_, _the incarnation of the + spirit of sex war_.) + +The women that have not kind owners—the dogs that have not kind +masters—the dumb women, chained to their endless, unpaid drudgery! Let +them be content. What are they but man’s chattel? To be honoured if it +pleases him, or to be cast into the dust. Man’s pauper! Bound by his +laws, subject to his whim; her every hope, her every aspiration, owed to +his charity. She toils for him without ceasing: it should be her +“pleasure.” She bears him children, when he chooses to desire them. +They are his to do as he will by. Why seek to change it? Our man is +kind. What have they to do with us: the women beaten, driven, +overtasked—the women without hope or joy, the livers of grey lives that +men may laugh and spend—the women degraded lower than the beasts to +pander to the beast in man—the women outraged and abandoned, bearing to +the grave the burden of man’s lust? Let them go their way. They are but +our sisters of sorrow. And we who could help them—we to whom God has +given the weapons: the brain, and the courage—we make answer: “I have +married a husband, and I cannot come.” + + (_A silence_.) + +GEOFFREY. Well, you have heard. (_He makes a gesture_.) What is your +answer? + +ANNYS. (_She comes to him_.) Don’t you love me enough to humour me a +little—to put up with my vexing ways? I so want to help, to feel I am +doing just a little, to make the world kinder. I know you can do it +better, but I want so to be “in it.” (_She laughs_.) Let us forget all +this. Wake up to-morrow morning with fresh hearts. You will be Member +for East Poplar. And then you shall help me to win Manchester. (_She +puts her hands upon his breast_: _she would have him take her in his +arms_.) I am not strong enough to fight alone. + +GEOFFREY. I want you. Let Manchester find some one else. + +ANNYS. (_She draws away from him_.) And if I cannot—will not? + +GEOFFREY. I bring in my Bill on Monday. We’ll be quite frank about it. +That is my price—you. I want you! + +ANNYS. You mean it comes to that: a whole cause dependent on a man and a +woman! + +GEOFFREY. Yes, that is how the world is built. On each man and woman. +“How does it shape my life, my hopes?” So will each make answer. + + (LADY MOGTON _enters_. _She stands silent_.) + +ELIZABETH. Is it over? + +LADY MOGTON. Annys Chilvers, 3,604—Geoffrey Chilvers, 3,590. + + (JANET _enters_.) + +JANET. (_She rushes to_ ANNYS, _embraces her_.) You’ve won, you’ve won! +(_She flies to the window_, _opens it_, _and goes out on to the +balcony_.) + + (PHOEBE _enters_, _followed by_ MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS.) + +PHOEBE. Is it true? + +LADY MOGTON. Pretty close. Majority of 14. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. For us? + +LADY MOGTON. For us. + + (JANET _by this time has announced the figures_. _There is heard a + great burst of cheering_, _renewed again and again_.) + +JANET. (_Re-entering_.) They want you! They want you! + + (_Mingled with the cheering come cries of_ “_Speech_! _Speech_!”) + +LADY MOGTON. You must say something. + + (_The band strikes up_ “_The Conquering Hero_.” _The women crowd + round_ ANNYS, _congratulating her_. GEOFFREY _stands apart_.) + +PHOEBE. (_Screaming above the din_.) Put on your cloak. + +JANET. (_Rushes and gets it_.) + + (_They wrap it round her_.) + + (ANNYS _goes out on to the balcony_, _followed by the other women_. + ELIZABETH, _going last_, _fires a parting smile of triumph at_ + GEOFFREY.) + + (_A renewed burst of cheering announces their arrival on the balcony_. + _The crowd bursts into_ “_For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow_”—_the band_, + _making a quick change_, _joins in_. GEOFFREY _remains centre_.) + + (JAWBONES _enters unobserved_. _The singing ends with three cheers_. + ANNYS _is speaking_. GEOFFREY _turns and sees_ JAWBONES.) + +GEOFFREY. (_With a smile_.) Give me down my coat, will you? + +JAWBONES. (_He is sympathetic_. _He helps him on with it_.) Shall I +get you a cab, sir? + +GEOFFREY. No, thanks. I’ll pick one up. (_He goes towards the door_, +_then stops_.) Is there any other way out—not through the main entrance? + +JAWBONES. Yes, sir. There’s a side door opening on Woodstock Road. +I’ll show it you. + +GEOFFREY. Thanks. (_He follows_ JAWBONES _out_.) + + (_A burst of cheering comes from the crowd_.) + + CURTAIN. + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + +SCENE:—_Russell Square_. _The morning-room_ (_on the ground floor_). _A +small_, _cheerful room_, _furnished in Chippendale_, _white panelled_, +_with Adams fireplace in which a bright fire is burning_. _Two deep +easy-chairs are before the fire_. _The window-curtains of red damask are +drawn_. _An oval table occupies the centre of the room_. _The door at +back opens upon the hall_. _Only one light burns_, _an electric lamp on +a table just above the fire_. + + TIME:—_Midnight_. + +(_The door opens_. GEOFFREY _enters_. _He has left his out-door things +in the hall_. _He crosses and rings the bell_. _A moment_.) + + (HAKE _enters_.) + +GEOFFREY. Oh, you, Hake! There wasn’t any need for you to have stopped. + +HAKE. I was not sure of your arrangements. I thought perhaps I might be +wanted. + +GEOFFREY. Sorry. I ought to have told you. + +HAKE. It’s been no inconvenience, sir. I told Mrs. Hake not to sit up. + +GEOFFREY. (_He is opening and reading his letters left for him on the +table_.) Does she generally sit up for you? + +HAKE. As a rule, sir. We like a little chat before going to bed. + +GEOFFREY. (_His eyes on a letter_.) What do you find to chat about? + +HAKE. Oh, there is so much for a husband and wife to talk about. The— +As a rule. + + (_A clock on the mantelpiece strikes one_.) + +GEOFFREY. What’s that? + +HAKE. Quarter past twelve, sir. + +GEOFFREY. Has your mistress come in? + +HAKE. Not yet, sir. Has the election gone all right, sir? + +GEOFFREY. For Mrs. Chilvers, yes. She is now member for East Poplar. + +HAKE. I am sorry. It has been a great surprise to me. + +GEOFFREY. The result? + +HAKE. The whole thing, sir. Such a sweet lady, we all thought her. + +GEOFFREY. Life, Hake, is a surprising affair. + + (_A ring is heard_.) + +I expect that’s she. She has forgotten her key. + + (HAKE _goes out_.) + + (GEOFFREY _continues his letters_. _A few moments pass_; HAKE + _re-enters_, _closes the door_.) + +HAKE. (_He seems puzzled_.) It’s a lady, sir + + (GEOFFREY _turns_.) + +HAKE. At least—hardly a lady. A Mrs. Chinn. + +GEOFFREY. Mrs. Chinn! (_He glances at his watch_.) At twelve o’clock +at night. Well, all right. I’ll see her. + + (HAKE _opens the door_, _speaks to_ MRS. CHINN. _She enters_, _in + bonnet and shawl_.) + +HAKE. Mrs. Chinn. + +GEOFFREY. Good evening, Mrs. Chinn. + +MRS. CHINN. Good evening, sir. + +GEOFFREY. You needn’t stop, Hake. I shan’t be wanting anything. + +HAKE. Thank you. + +GEOFFREY. Apologise for me to Mrs. Hake. Good-night. + +HAKE. Good-night, sir. + + (HAKE _goes out_. _A minute later the front door is heard to slam_.) + +GEOFFREY. Won’t you sit down? (_He puts a chair for her left of the +table_.) + +MRS. CHINN. (_Seating herself_.) Thank you, sir. + +GEOFFREY. (_He half sits on the arm of the easy-chair below the fire_.) +What’s the trouble? + +MRS. CHINN. It’s my boy, sir—my youngest. He’s been taking money that +didn’t belong to him. + +GEOFFREY. Um. Has it been going on for long? + +MRS. CHINN. About six months, sir. I only heard of it to-night. You +see, his wife died a year ago. She was such a good manager. And after +she was gone he seems to have got into debt. + +GEOFFREY. What were his wages? + +MRS. CHINN. Nineteen shillings a week, sir. And that with the rent and +three young children—well, it wants thinking out. + +GEOFFREY. From whom did he take the money—his employers? + +MRS. CHINN. Yes, sir. He was the carman. They had always trusted him +to collect the accounts. + +GEOFFREY. How much, would you say, was the defalcation? + +MRS. CHINN. I beg pardon, sir. + +GEOFFREY. How much does it amount to, the sums that he has taken? + +MRS. CHINN. Six pounds, sir, Mr. Cohen says it comes to. + +GEOFFREY. Won’t they accept repayment? + +MRS. CHINN. Yes, sir. Mr. Cohen has been very nice about it. He is +going to let me pay it off by instalments. + +GEOFFREY. Well, then, that gets over most of the trouble. + +MRS. CHINN. Well, you see, sir, unfortunately, Mr. Cohen gave +information to the police the moment he discovered it. + +GEOFFREY. Umph! Can’t he say he made a mistake? + +MRS. CHINN. They say it must go for trial, sir. That he can only +withdraw the charge in court. + +GEOFFREY. Um! + +MRS. CHINN. You see, sir—a thing like that—(_She recovers herself_.) It +clings to a lad. + +GEOFFREY. What do you want me to do? + +MRS. CHINN. Well, sir, I thought that, perhaps—you see, sir, he has got +a brother in Canada who would help him; and I thought that if I could +ship him off— + +GEOFFREY. You want me to tip the wink to the police to look the other +way while you smuggle this young malefactor out of the clutches of the +law? + +MRS. CHINN. (_Quite indifferent to the moral aspect of the case_.) If +you would be so kind, sir. + +GEOFFREY. Umph! I suppose you know what you’re doing; appealing through +your womanhood to man’s weakness—employing “backstairs influence” to gain +your private ends, indifferent to the higher issues of the public weal? +All the things that are going to cease when woman has the vote. + +MRS. CHINN. You see, sir, he’s the youngest. + + (_Gradually the decent but dingy figure of_ MRS. CHINN _has taken to + itself new shape_. _To_ GEOFFREY, _it almost seems as though there + were growing out of the shadows over against him the figure of great + Artemis herself—Artemis of the Thousand Breasts_. _He had returned + home angry_, _bitter against all women_. _As she unfolds her simple + tale understanding comes to him_. _So long as there are_ “_Mrs. + Chinns_” _in the world_, _Woman claims homage_.) + +GEOFFREY. How many were there? + +MRS. CHINN. Ten altogether, six living. + +GEOFFREY. Been a bit of a struggle for you, hasn’t it? + +MRS. CHINN. It has been a bit difficult, at times; especially after +their poor father died. + +GEOFFREY. How many were you left with? + +MRS. CHINN. Eight, sir. + +GEOFFREY. How on earth did you manage to keep them? + +MRS. CHINN. Well, you see, sir, the two eldest, they were earning a +little. I don’t think I could have done it without that. + +GEOFFREY. Wasn’t there any source from which you could have obtained +help? What was your husband? + +MRS. CHINN. He worked in the shipyards, sir. There was some talk about +it. But, of course, that always means taking the children away from you. + +GEOFFREY. Would not that have been better for them? + +MRS. CHINN. Not always, sir. Of course, if I hadn’t been able to do my +duty by them I should have had to. But, thank God, I’ve always been +strong. + +GEOFFREY. (_He rises_.) I will see what can be done. + +MRS. CHINN. Thank you, sir. + +GEOFFREY. (_Half-way_, _he turns_.) When does the next boat sail—for +Canada? + +MRS. CHINN. To-morrow night, sir, from Glasgow. I have booked his +passage. + +GEOFFREY. (_With a smile_.) You seem to have taken everything for +granted. + +MRS. CHINN. You see, sir, it’s the disgrace. All the others are doing +so well. It would upset them so. + + (_He goes out_.) + + (_There is a moment_.) + + (ANNYS _enters_. _She is wearing her outdoor things_.) + +ANNYS. Mrs. Chinn! + +MRS. CHINN. (_She has risen_; _she curtseys_.) Good evening, ma’am. + +ANNYS. (_She is taking off her hat_.) Nothing wrong, is there? + +MRS. CHINN. My boy, ma’am, my youngest, has been getting into trouble. + +ANNYS. (_She pauses_, _her hat in her hand_.) They will, won’t they? +It’s nothing serious, I hope? + +MRS. CHINN. I think it will be all right, ma’am, thanks to your good +gentleman. + +ANNYS. (_She lays aside her hat_.) You have had a good many children, +haven’t you, Mrs. Chinn? + +MRS. CHINN. Ten altogether, ma’am; six living. + +ANNYS. Can one love ten, all at once? + + (_The cloak has fallen aside_. MRS. CHINN _is a much experienced + lady_.) + +MRS. CHINN. Just as many as come, dear. God sends the love with them. + + (_There is a moment_; _the two women are very close to one another_. + _Then_ ANNYS _gives a little cry and somehow their arms are round one + another_.) + + (_She mothers her into the easy chair above the fire_; _places a + footstool under her feet_.) You have your cry out, dearie, it will do + you good. + +ANNYS. You look so strong and great. + +MRS. CHINN. It’s the tears, dearie. (_She arranges the foot-stool_.) +You keep your feet up. + + (_The handle of the door is heard_. MRS. CHINN _is standing beside her + own chair_. _She is putting back her handkerchief into her bag_.) + + (GEOFFREY _re-enters_.) + + (ANNYS _is hidden in the easy chair_. _He does not see her_.) + +GEOFFREY. Well, Mrs. Chinn, an exhaustive search for the accused will be +commenced—next week. + +MRS. CHINN. Thank you, sir. + +GEOFFREY. What about the children—are they going with him? + +MRS. CHINN. No, sir; I thought he would be better without them till +everything is settled. + +GEOFFREY. Who is taking care of them—you? + +MRS. CHINN. Yes, sir. + +GEOFFREY. And the passage money—how much was that? + +MRS. CHINN. Four pound fifteen. + +GEOFFREY. Would you mind my coming in, as a friend? + +MRS. CHINN. Well, if you don’t mind, I’d rather not. I’ve always done +everything for the children myself. It’s been a fad of mine. + +GEOFFREY. (_He makes a gesture of despair_.) You mothers! You’re so +greedy. (_He holds out his hand_, _smiling_.) Goodbye. + +MRS. CHINN. (_She takes his hand in hers_.) God bless you, sir. And +your good lady. + +GEOFFREY. (_As he takes her to the door_.) How will you get home? + +MRS. CHINN. I can get the Underground from Gower Street, sir. + + (_They go out talking about last trains and leaving the door open_. + _The next moment the front door is heard to slam_.) + + (GEOFFREY _re-enters_.) + + (ANNYS _has moved round_, _so that coming back into the room he finds + her there_.) + +GEOFFREY. How long have you been in? + + (_He closes the door_.) + +ANNYS. Only a few minutes—while you were at the telephone. I had to +rest for a little while. Dr. Whitby brought me back in his motor. + +GEOFFREY. Was he down there? + +ANNYS. Phoebe had sent for him. I had been taken a little giddy earlier +in the day. + +GEOFFREY. (_He grunts_. _He is fighting with his tenderness_.) Don’t +wonder at it. All this overwork and excitement. + +ANNYS. I’m afraid I’ve been hurting you. + +GEOFFREY. (_Still growling_.) Both been hurting each other, I expect. + +ANNYS. (_She smiles_.) It’s so easy to hurt those that love us. + + (_She makes a little movement_, _feebly stretches out her arms to him_. + _Wondering_, _he comes across to her_. _She draws him down beside + her_, _takes his arms and places them about her_.) I want to feel that + I belong to you. That you are strong. That I can rest upon you. + +GEOFFREY. (_He cannot understand_.) But only an hour ago—(_He looks at +her_.) Have you, too, turned traitor to the Woman’s Cause? + +ANNYS. (_She answers smiling_.) No. But woman, dear, is a much more +complicated person than I thought her. It is only in this hour that God +has revealed her to me. (_She draws him closer_.) I want you, dear—dear +husband. Take care of us—both, won’t you? I love you, I love you. I +did not know how much. + +GEOFFREY. (_He gathers her to him_, _kissing her_, _crooning over her_.) +Oh, my dear, my dear! My little one, my love, my wife! + +ANNYS. (_She is laughing_, _crying_.) But, Geoffrey, dear— + + (_He tries to calm her_.) + +No, let me. I want to— And then I’ll be quite good, I promise— It’s +only fair to warn you. When I’m strong and can think again, I shall +still want the vote. I shall want it more than ever. + +GEOFFREY. (_He answers with a happy laugh_, _holding her in his arms_.) + +ANNYS. You will help us? Because it’s right, dear, isn’t it? He will +be my child as well as yours. You will let me help you make the world +better for our child—and for all the children—and for all the mothers—and +for all the dear, kind men: you will, won’t you? + +GEOFFREY. I thought you were drifting away from me: that strange voices +were calling you away from life and motherhood. God has laughed at my +fears. He has sent you back to me with His command. We will fashion His +world together, we two lovers, Man and Woman, joined together in all +things. It is His will. His chains are the children’s hands. + + (_Kneeling_, _he holds her in his arms_.) + + (THE CURTAIN FALLS.) + + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS*** + + +******* This file should be named 2195-0.txt or 2195-0.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/1/9/2195 + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will +be renamed. + +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part +of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm +concept and trademark. 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Jerome</title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + P { margin-top: .75em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + P.gutsumm { margin-left: 5%;} + P.poetry {margin-left: 3%; } + .GutSmall { font-size: 0.7em; } + H1, H2 { + text-align: center; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + } + H3, H4, H5 { + text-align: center; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + } + BODY{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + table { border-collapse: collapse; } +table {margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto;} + td { vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid black;} + td p { margin: 0.2em; } + .blkquot {margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 4em;} /* block indent */ + + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .pagenum {position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: small; + text-align: right; + font-weight: normal; + color: gray; + } + img { border: none; } + img.dc { float: left; width: 50px; height: 50px; } + p.gutindent { margin-left: 2em; } + div.gapspace { height: 0.8em; } + div.gapline { height: 0.8em; width: 100%; border-top: 1px solid;} + div.gapmediumline { height: 0.3em; width: 40%; margin-left:30%; + border-top: 1px solid; } + div.gapmediumdoubleline { height: 0.3em; width: 40%; margin-left:30%; + border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid;} + div.gapshortdoubleline { height: 0.3em; width: 20%; + margin-left: 40%; border-top: 1px solid; + border-bottom: 1px solid; } + div.gapdoubleline { height: 0.3em; width: 50%; + margin-left: 25%; border-top: 1px solid; + border-bottom: 1px solid;} + div.gapshortline { height: 0.3em; width: 20%; margin-left:40%; + border-top: 1px solid; } + .citation {vertical-align: super; + font-size: .8em; + text-decoration: none;} + img.floatleft { float: left; + margin-right: 1em; + margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } + img.floatright { float: right; + margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; + margin-bottom: 0.5em; } + img.clearcenter {display: block; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0.5em; + margin-bottom: 0.5em} + --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Master of Mrs. Chilvers, by Jerome K. +Jerome + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most +other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have +to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. + + + + +Title: The Master of Mrs. Chilvers + An Improbable Comedy + + +Author: Jerome K. Jerome + + + +Release Date: September 26, 2014 [eBook #2195] +[This file was first posted on 24 September 1999] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS*** +</pre> +<p>Transcribed from the 1911 T. Fisher Unwin edition by David +Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org</p> +<p style="text-align: center"> +<a href="images/coverb.jpg"> +<img alt= +"Book cover" +title= +"Book cover" + src="images/covers.jpg" /> +</a></p> +<h1><i>THE MASTER of</i><br /> +<i>MRS. CHILVERS</i></h1> +<p style="text-align: center"><i>AN IMPROBABLE COMEDY</i></p> +<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">IMAGINED +BY</span></p> +<p style="text-align: center"><i>JEROME K. JERMONE</i></p> + +<div class="gapspace"> </div> +<p style="text-align: center"><i>LONDON: T. FISHER UNWIN</i><br +/> +<i>ADELPHI TERRACE</i></p> + +<div class="gapspace"> </div> +<p style="text-align: center"><span +class="smcap">Copyright</span> 1911 <span class="smcap">by Jerome +K. Jerome</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">in the</span> U.S.A.</p> + +<div class="gapspace"> </div> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>All rights reserved</i>.)</p> + +<div class="gapspace"> </div> +<p style="text-align: center">THE FIRST ACT<br /> +<span class="smcap">Scene</span>: Drawing-room, 91, Russell +Square.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Time</span>: 3 p.m.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">THE SECOND ACT<br /> +<span class="smcap">Scene</span>: Liberal Committee Room, East +India Dock Road.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Time</span>: 5 p.m.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">THE THIRD ACT<br /> +<span class="smcap">Scene</span>: The Town Hall, East Poplar.<br +/> +<span class="smcap">Time</span>: 10 p.m.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">THE FOURTH ACT<br /> +<span class="smcap">Scene</span>: Russell Square<br /> +<span class="smcap">Time</span>: Midnight</p> +<h2>THE CAST OF “THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS”</h2> +<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">AS IT WAS +PRODUCED AT THE</span> R<span class="GutSmall">OYALTY</span> +T<span class="GutSmall">HEATRE, </span>L<span +class="GutSmall">ONDON, ON</span><br /> +A<span class="GutSmall">PRIL</span> 26<span class="GutSmall">TH, +</span>1911, <span class="GutSmall">UNDER THE</span> M<span +class="GutSmall">ANAGEMENT OF</span><br /> +M<span class="GutSmall">ESSRS.</span> V<span +class="GutSmall">EDRENNE &</span> E<span +class="GutSmall">ADIE.</span></p> +<table> +<tr> +<td><p>Lady Mogton</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Mary Rorke</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Annys Chilvers</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Lena Ashwell</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Phoebe Mogton</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Ethel Dane</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Janet Blake</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Gillian Scaife</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Mrs. Mountcalm Villiers</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Sarah Brooke</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Elizabeth Spender</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Auriol Lee</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Rose Merton</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Esme Beringer</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Mrs. Chinn</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Sydney Fairbrother</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Geoffrey Chilvers, M.P.</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Dennis Eadie</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Dorian St. Herbert</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Leon Quartermaine</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Ben Lamb, M.P.</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">A. E. Benedict</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>William Gordon</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Edmund Gwenn</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Sigsby</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Michael Sherbrooke</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Hake</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">H. B. Tabberer</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Mr. Peekin</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Gerald Mirrielees</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Mr. Hopper</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Stanley Logan</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Mrs. Peekin</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Rowena Jerome</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Miss Borlasse</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Cathleen Nesbitt</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>Miss Ricketts</p> +</td> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Hetta Bartlett</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +</table> +<h2>CHARACTERS IN THE PLAY</h2> +<table> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey Chilvers</span>, M.P. +(<i>President Men’s League for the Extension of the +Franchise to Women</i>)</p> +</td> +<td><p>A loving husband, and (would-be) affectionate +father. Like many other good men, he is in sympathy with +the Woman’s Movement: “not thinking it is coming in +his time.”</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Annys Chilvers</span> (<i>née +Mogton</i>, <i>Hon. Sec. Women’s Parliamentary Franchise +League</i>)</p> +</td> +<td><p>A loving wife, and (would-be) affection mother. Many +thousands of years have gone to her making. A generation +ago, she would have been the ideal woman: the ideal +helpmeet. But new ideas are stirring in her blood, a new +ideal of womanhood is forcing itself upon her.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span> (<i>President +W.P.F.L.</i>)</p> +</td> +<td><p>She knows she would be of more use in Parliament than many +of the men who are there; is naturally annoyed at the Law’s +stupidity in keeping her out.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Phoebe Mogton</span> (<i>Org. Sec. +W.P.F.L.</i>)</p> +</td> +<td><p>The new girl, thinking more of politics than of +boys. But that will probably pass.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Janet Blake</span> (<i>Jt. Org. Sec. +W.P.F.L.</i>)</p> +</td> +<td><p>She dreams of a new heaven and a new earth when woman has +the vote.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm Villiers +</span>(<i>Vice-President W.P.F.L.</i>)</p> +</td> +<td><p>She was getting tired of flirting. The Woman’s +Movement has arrived just at the right moment.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth Spender</span> (<i>Hons. +Treas. W.P.F.L.</i>)</p> +</td> +<td><p>She sees woman everywhere the slave of man: now pampered, +now beaten, but ever the slave. She can see no hope of +freedom but through warfare.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span></p> +</td> +<td><p>A mother.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span></p> +</td> +<td><p>A bill-poster. Movements that do not fit in with the +essentials of life on thirty shillings a week have no message so +far as Jawbones is concerned.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span></p> +</td> +<td><p>Whose proper name is Rose Merton, and who has to reconcile +herself to the fact that so far as her class is concerned the +primæval laws still run.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Dorian St. Herbert</span> (<i>Hon. +Sec. M.L.E.F.W.</i>)</p> +</td> +<td><p>He is interested in all things, the Woman’s Movement +included.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Ben Lamb</span>, M.P.</p> +</td> +<td><p>As a student of woman, he admits to being in the +infants’ class.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span></p> +</td> +<td><p>An Election Agent. He thinks the modern woman +suffers from over-indulgence. He would recommend to her the +teachings of St. Paul.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Hake</span></p> +</td> +<td><p>A butler. He does not see how to avoid his wife +being practically a domestic servant without wages.</p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p>A <span class="smcap">Deputation</span></p> +</td> +<td><p>It consists of two men and three women. Superior +people would call them Cranks. But Cranks have been of some +service to the world, and the use of superior people is still to +be discovered.</p> +</td> +</tr> +</table> +<h2>THE FIRST ACT</h2> +<p><span class="smcap">Scene</span>:—<i>Drawing-room</i>, +91, <i>Russell Square</i>.</p> +<p style="text-align: center"><span +class="smcap">Time</span>:—<i>Afternoon</i>.</p> +<p>(<span class="smcap">Mrs. Elizabeth Spender</span> <i>sits +near the fire</i>, <i>reading a book</i>. <i>She is a +tall</i>, <i>thin woman</i>, <i>with passionate eyes</i>, <i>set +in an oval face of olive complexion</i>; <i>the features are +regular and severe</i>; <i>her massive dark hair is almost primly +arranged</i>. <i>She wears a tailor-made costume</i>, +<i>surmounted by a plain black hat</i>. <i>The door opens +and</i> <span class="smcap">Phoebe</span> <i>enters</i>, <i>shown +in by</i> <span class="smcap">Hake</span>, <i>the butler</i>, +<i>a thin</i>, <i>ascetic-looking man of about thirty</i>, +<i>with prematurely grey hair</i>. <span +class="smcap">Phoebe Mogton</span> <i>is of the Fluffy Ruffles +type</i>, <i>petite</i>, <i>with a retroussé nose</i>, +<i>remarkably bright eyes</i>, <i>and a quantity of fluffy light +hair</i>, <i>somewhat untidily arranged</i>. <i>She is +fashionably dressed in the fussy</i>, <i>flyaway style</i>. +<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>looks up</i>; <i>the two +young women shake hands</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Good woman. +’Tisn’t three o’clock yet, is it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. About five minutes +to.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Annys is on her +way. I just caught her in time. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Hake</span>.) Put a table and six +chairs. Give mamma a hammer and a cushion at her back.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. A hammer, miss?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. A chairman’s +hammer. Haven’t you got one?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. I’m afraid not, +miss. Would a gravy spoon do?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span> (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, <i>after expression of +disgust</i>.) Fancy a house without a chairman’s +hammer! (<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Hake</span>.) +See that there’s something. Did your wife go to the +meeting last night?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span> (<i>He is arranging furniture +according to instructions</i>.) I’m not quite sure, +miss. I gave her the evening out.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. “Gave her the +evening out”!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. We are speaking of +your wife, man, not your servant.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Yes, miss. You +see, we don’t keep servants in our class. +Somebody’s got to put the children to bed.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Why not the +man—occasionally?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Well, you see, miss, in +my case, I rarely getting home much before midnight, it would +make it so late. Yesterday being my night off, things +fitted in, so to speak. Will there be any writing, +miss?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Yes. See that +there’s plenty of blotting-paper. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.) Mamma always splashes +so.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Yes, miss.</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>He goes out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Did you ever hear +anything more delightfully naïve? He +“gave” her the evening out. That’s how +they think of us—as their servants. The gentleman +hasn’t the courage to be straightforward about it. +The butler blurts out the truth. Why are we meeting here +instead of at our own place?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. For secrecy, I +expect. Too many gasbags always about the office. I +fancy—I’m not quite sure—that mamma’s got +a new idea.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Leading to +Holloway?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Well, most roads lead +there.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. And end +there—so far as I can see.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. You’re too +impatient.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. It’s what +our friends have been telling us—for the last fifty +years.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Look here, if it was +only the usual sort of thing mamma wouldn’t want it kept +secret. I’m inclined to think it’s a new +departure altogether.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>The door opens</i>. <i>There +enters</i> <span class="smcap">Janet Blake</span>, <i>followed +by</i> <span class="smcap">Hake</span>, <i>who proceeds with his +work</i>. <span class="smcap">Janet Blake</span> <i>is a +slight</i>, <i>fragile-looking creature</i>, <i>her great dark +eyes—the eyes of a fanatic—emphasise the pallor of +her childish face</i>. <i>She is shabbily dressed</i>; <i>a +plain</i>, <i>uninteresting girl until she smiles</i>, <i>and +then her face becomes quite beautiful</i>. <span +class="smcap">Phoebe</span> <i>darts to meet her</i>.) Good +girl. Was afraid—I say, you’re wet through.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. It was only a +shower. The ’buses were all full. I had to ride +outside.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Silly kid, why +didn’t you take a cab?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. I’ve been +reckoning it up. I’ve been half over London chasing +Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers. Cabs would have come, at the very +least, to twelve-and-six.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Well—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span> (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.) Well—I want you to +put me down as a contributor for twelve-and-six. (<i>She +smiles</i>.) It’s the only way I can give.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>She is taking +off</i> <span class="smcap">Janet’s</span> <i>cloak</i>; +<i>throws it to</i> <span class="smcap">Hake</span>.) Have +this put somewhere to dry. (<i>She pushes</i> <span +class="smcap">Janet</span> <i>to the fire</i>.) Get near +the fire. You’re as cold as ice.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. All the seats +inside, I suppose, occupied by the chivalrous sex.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. Oh, there was one +young fellow offered to give me up his place, but I +wouldn’t let him. You see, we’re claiming +equality. (<i>Smiles</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. And are being +granted it—in every direction where it works to the +convenience of man.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. +(<i>Laughs</i>.) Is she coming—the Villiers +woman?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. Yes. I ran her +down at last—at her dress-maker’s. She made an +awful fuss about it, but I wouldn’t leave till she’d +promised. Tell me, it’s something quite important, +isn’t it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. I don’t know +anything, except that I had an urgent telegram from mamma this +morning to call a meeting of the entire Council here at three +o’clock. She’s coming up from Manchester on +purpose. (<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Hake</span>.) +Mrs. Chilvers hasn’t returned yet, has she?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Not yet, miss. +Shall I telephone—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>Shakes her +head</i>.) No; it’s all right. I have seen +her. Let her know we are here the moment she comes in.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Yes, miss.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>He has finished the +arrangements</i>. <i>The table has been placed in the +centre of the room</i>, <i>six chairs round it</i>, <i>one of +them being a large armchair</i>. <i>He has placed writing +materials and a large silver gravy spoon</i>. <i>He is +going</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Why aren’t you +sure your wife wasn’t at the meeting last night? +Didn’t she say anything?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Well, miss, +unfortunately, just as she was starting, Mrs. +Comerford—that’s the wife of the party that keeps the +shop downstairs—looked in with an order for the +theatre.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Oh!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. So I thought it best to +ask no questions.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Thank you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Thank you, miss.</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>He goes out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Can nothing be +done to rouse the working-class woman out of her apathy?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Well, if you ask me, +I think a good deal has been done.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Oh, what’s +the use of our deceiving ourselves? The great mass are +utterly indifferent.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span> (<i>She is seated in an +easy-chair near the fire</i>.) I was talking to a woman +only yesterday—in Bethnal Green. She keeps a husband +and three children by taking in washing. “Lord, +miss,” she laughed, “what would we do with the vote +if we did have it? Only one thing more to give to the +men.”</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. That’s rather +good.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. The curse of it is +that it’s true. Why should they put themselves out +merely that one man instead of another should dictate their laws +to them?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. My dear girl, +precisely the same argument was used against the Second Reform +Bill. What earthly difference could it make to the working +men whether Tory Squire or Liberal capitalist ruled over +them? That was in 1868. To-day, fifty-four Labour +Members sit in Parliament. At the next election they will +hold the balance.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Ah, if we could +only hold out <i>that</i> sort of hope to them!</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Annys</span> +<i>enters</i>. <i>She is in outdoor costume</i>. +<i>She kisses</i> <span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>, <i>shakes +hands with the other two</i>. <span +class="smcap">Annys’s</span> <i>age is about +twenty-five</i>. <i>She is a beautiful</i>, +<i>spiritual-looking creature</i>, <i>tall and graceful</i>, +<i>with a manner that is at the same time appealing and +commanding</i>. <i>Her voice is soft and caressing</i>, +<i>but capable of expressing all the emotions</i>. <i>Her +likeness to her younger sister</i> <span +class="smcap">Phoebe</span> <i>is of the slightest</i>: <i>the +colouring is the same</i>, <i>and the eyes that can flash</i>, +<i>but there the similarity ends</i>. <i>She is simply but +well dressed</i>. <i>Her soft hair makes a quiet but +wonderfully effective frame to her face</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She is taking off +her outdoor things</i>.) Hope I’m not late. I +had to look in at Caxton House. Why are we holding it +here?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Mamma’s +instructions. Can’t tell you anything more except +that I gather the matter’s important, and is to be kept +secret.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Mamma isn’t +here, is she?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>Shakes her +head</i>.) Reaches St. Pancras at two-forty. +(<i>Looks at her watch</i>.) Train’s late, I +expect.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Hake</span> +<i>has entered</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She hands</i> +<span class="smcap">Hake</span> <i>her hat and coat</i>.) +Have something ready in case Lady Mogton hasn’t +lunched. Is your master in?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. A messenger came for +him soon after you left, ma’am. I was to tell you he +would most likely be dining at the House.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Thank you.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Hake</span> +<i>goes out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.) I so want you to meet +Geoffrey. He’ll alter your opinion of men.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. My opinion of men +has been altered once or twice—each time for the worse.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Why do you dislike +men?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. (<i>With a short +laugh</i>.) Why does the slave dislike the slave-owner?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Oh, come off the +perch. You spend five thousand a year provided for you by a +husband that you only see on Sundays. We’d all be +slaves at that price.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. The chains have +always been stretched for the few. My sympathies are with +my class.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. But men like +Geoffrey—men who are devoting their whole time and energy +to furthering our cause; what can you have to say against +them?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Simply that they +don’t know what they’re doing. The French +Revolution was nursed in the salons of the French nobility. +When the true meaning of the woman’s movement is understood +we shall have to get on without the male sympathiser.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A pause</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. What do you understand +is the true meaning of the woman’s movement?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. The dragging down +of man from his position of supremacy. What else can it +mean?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Something much +better. The lifting up of woman to be his partner.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. My dear Annys, the +men who to-day are advocating votes for women are doing so in the +hope of securing obedient supporters for their own political +schemes. In New Zealand the working man brings his female +relations in a van to the poll, and sees to it that they vote in +accordance with his orders. When man once grasps the fact +that woman is not going to be his henchman, but his rival, men +and women will face one another as enemies.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>The door opens</i>. <span +class="smcap">Hake</span> <i>announces</i> <span +class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span> <i>and</i> <span +class="smcap">Dorian St. Herbert</span>. <span +class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span> <i>is a large</i>, +<i>strong-featured woman</i>, <i>with a naturally loud +voice</i>. <i>She is dressed with studied +carelessness</i>. <span class="smcap">Dorian St. +Herbert</span>, K.C., <i>is a tall</i>, <i>thin man</i>, <i>about +thirty</i>. <i>He is elegantly</i>, <i>almost dandily +dressed</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Kissing her +mother</i>.) Have you had lunch?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. In the +train.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>Who has also +kissed her mother and shaken hands with</i> <span +class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>.) We are all here except +Villiers. She’s coming. Did you have a good +meeting?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Fairly. +Some young fool had chained himself to a pillar and thrown the +key out of window.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. What did you do?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Tied a sack over +his head and left him there.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>She turns aside for a moment to talk +to</i> <span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>, <i>who has taken +some papers from his despatch-box</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.) We must finish out our +talk some other time. You are quite wrong.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Perhaps.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. We had better +begin. I have only got half an hour.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. I saw Mrs. +Villiers. She promised she’d come.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. You should have +told her we were going to be photographed. Then she’d +have been punctual. (<i>She has taken her seat at the +table</i>. <span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span> <i>at her +right</i>.) Better put another chair in case she does turn +up.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. (<i>Does +so</i>.) Shall I take any notes?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. No. +(<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Annys</span>.) Give +instructions that we are not to be interrupted for anything.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Annys</span> +<i>rings bell</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. (<i>He turns +to</i> <span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>, <i>on his +right</i>.) Have you heard the latest?</p> +<blockquote><p><i>There was an old man of Hong Kong</i>,<br /> +<i>Whose language was terribly strong</i>.</p> +</blockquote> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>Enter</i> <span +class="smcap">Hake</span>. <i>He brings a bottle and +glass</i>, <i>which he places</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Oh, Hake, please, +don’t let us be interrupted for anything. If Mrs. +Mountcalm-Villiers comes, show her up. But nobody else.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Yes, ma’am.</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<span class="smcap">Hake</span> +<i>goes out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. +(<i>Continuing</i>.)</p> +<blockquote><p><i>It wasn’t the words</i><br /> +<i>That frightened the birds</i>,<br /> +<i>’Twas the ’orrible double-entendre</i>.</p> +</blockquote> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. (<i>Who has sat +waiting in grim silence</i>.) Have you finished?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Quite +finished.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Thank you. +(<i>She raps for silence</i>.) You will understand, please, +all, that this is a private meeting of the Council. Nothing +that transpires is to be allowed to leak out. (<i>There is +a murmur</i>.) Silence, please, for Mr. St. Herbert.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Before we begin, +I should like to remind you, ladies, that you are, all of you, +persons mentally deficient—</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>The door opens</i>. <span +class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span> <i>enters</i>, +<i>announced by</i> <span class="smcap">Hake</span>. <i>She +is a showily-dressed</i>, <i>flamboyant lady</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. I +<i>am</i> so sorry. I have only just this +minute—(<i>She catches sight of</i> <span class="smcap">St. +Herbert</span>.) You naughty creature, why weren’t +you at my meeting last night? The Rajah came with both his +wives. We’ve elected them, all three, honorary +members.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Do you mind +sitting down?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. +Here, dear? (<i>She takes the vacant chair</i>.) So +nice of you. I read about your meeting. What a clever +idea!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. (<i>Cuts her +short</i>.) Yes. We are here to consider a very +important matter. By way of commencement Mr. St. Herbert +has just reminded us that in the eye of the law all women are +imbeciles.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. I +know, dear. Isn’t it shocking?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Deplorable; but +of course not your fault. I mention it because of its +importance to the present matter. Under Clause A of the Act +for the Better Regulation, &c., &c., all persons +“mentally deficient” are debarred from becoming +members of Parliament. The classification has been held to +include idiots, infants, and women.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>An interruption</i>. +<span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span> <i>hammers</i>.)</p> +<p>Bearing this carefully in mind, we proceed. (<i>He +refers to his notes</i>.) Two years ago a bye-election took +place for the South-west division of Belfast.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. My +dear, may I? It has just occurred to me. Why do we +never go to Ireland?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. For various +sufficient reasons.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. So +many of the Irish members have expressed themselves quite +sympathetically.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. We wish them to +continue to do so. (<i>Turns to</i> <span class="smcap">St. +Herbert</span>.) I’m sorry.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. A leader of the +Orange Party was opposed by a Nationalist, and the proceedings +promised to be lively. They promised for a while to be +still livelier, owing to the nomination at the last moment of the +local lunatic.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Annys</span>.) This is where we come in.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. There is always +a local lunatic, who, if harmless, is generally a popular +character. James Washington McCaw appears to have been a +particularly cheerful specimen. One of his eccentricities +was to always have a skipping-rope in his pocket; wherever the +traffic allowed it, he would go through the streets +skipping. He said it kept him warm. Another of his +tricks was to let off fireworks from the roof of his house +whenever he heard of the death of anybody of importance. +The Returning Officer refused his nomination—which, so far +as his nominators were concerned, was intended only as a +joke—on the grounds of his being by common report a person +of unsound mind. And there, so far as South-west Belfast +was concerned, the matter ended.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Pity.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. But not so far +as the Returning Officer was concerned. McCaw appears to +have been a lunatic possessed of means, imbued with all an +Irishman’s love of litigation. He at once brought an +action against the Returning Officer, his contention being that +his mental state was a private matter, of which the Returning +Officer was not the person to judge.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. He wasn’t a +lunatic all over.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. We none of us +are. The case went from court to court. In every +instance the decision was in favour of the Returning +Officer. Until it reached the House of Lords. The +decision was given yesterday afternoon—in favour of the man +McCaw.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Then lunatics, at +all events, are not debarred from going to the poll.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. The +“mentally deficient” are no longer debarred from +going to the poll.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. What grounds were +given for the decision?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. (<i>He refers +again to his notes</i>.) A Returning Officer can only deal +with objections arising out of the nomination paper. He has +no jurisdiction to go behind a nomination paper and constitute +himself a court of inquiry as to the fitness or unfitness of a +candidate.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Good old House of +Lords!</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Lady +Mogton</span> <i>hammers</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. But I thought it +was part of the Returning Officer’s duty to inquire into +objections, that a special time was appointed to deal with +them.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. He will still be +required to take cognisance of any informality in the nomination +paper or papers. Beyond that, this decision relieves him of +all further responsibility.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. But this gives us +everything.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. It depends upon +what you call everything. It gives a woman the right to go +to the poll—a right which, as a matter of fact, she has +always possessed.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Then why did the +Returning Officer for Camberwell in 1885—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Because he did +not know the law. And Miss Helen Taylor had not the means +possessed by our friend McCaw to teach it to him.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Rises</i>. +<i>She goes to the centre of the room</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Where are you +going?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She turns</i>; +<i>there are tears in her eyes</i>. <i>The question seems +to recall her to herself</i>.) Nowhere. I am so +sorry. I can’t help it. It seems to me to mean +so much. It gives us the right to go before the +people—to plead to them, not for ourselves, for them. +(<i>Again she seems to lose consciousness of those at the +table</i>, <i>of the room</i>.) To the men we will say: +“Will you not trust us? Is it harm we have ever done +you? Have we not suffered for you and with you? Were +we not sent into the world to be your helpmeet? Are not the +children ours as well as yours? Shall we not work together +to shape the world where they must dwell? Is it only the +mother-voice that shall not be heard in your councils? Is +it only the mother-hand that shall not help to +guide?” To the women we will say: “Tell +them—tell them it is from no love of ourselves that we come +from our sheltered homes into the street. It is to give, +not to get—to mingle with the sterner judgments of men the +deeper truths that God, through pain, has taught to +women—to mingle with man’s justice woman’s +pity, till there shall arise the perfect law—not made of +man nor woman, but of both, each bringing what the other +lacks.” And they will listen to us. Till now it +has seemed to them that we were clamouring only for selfish +ends. They have not understood. We shall speak to +them of common purposes, use the language of +fellow-citizens. They will see that we are worthy of the +place we claim. They will welcome us as helpers in a common +cause. They—</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>She turns</i>—<i>the +present comes back to her</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. (<i>After a +pause</i>.) The business (<i>she dwells severely on the +word</i>) before the meeting—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She resents +herself meekly</i>. <i>Apologising generally</i>.) I +<i>must</i> learn to control myself.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. (<i>Who has +waited</i>.) —is McCaw versus Potts. Its +bearing upon the movement for the extension of the franchise to +women. My own view I venture to submit in the form of a +resolution. (<i>She takes up a paper on which she has been +writing</i>.) As follows: That the Council of the +Woman’s Parliamentary Franchise League, having regard to +the decision of the House of Lords in McCaw v. Potts—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. (<i>Looking +over</i>.) Two t’s.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. —resolves +to bring forward a woman candidate to contest the next +bye-election. (<i>Suddenly to</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. +Mountcalm-Villiers</span>, <i>who is chattering</i>.) Do +you agree or disagree?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. My +dear! How can you ask? Of course we all agree. +(<i>To Elizabeth</i>.) You agree, don’t you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Of course, even if +elected, she would not be allowed to take her seat.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. How do you +know? Nothing more full of surprises than English law.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. At the present +stage I regard that point as immaterial. What I am thinking +of is the advertisement. A female candidate upon the +platform will concentrate the whole attention of the country on +our movement.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. It might even be +prudent—until you have got the vote—to keep it dark +that you will soon be proceeding to the next inevitable step.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. You think even man +could be so easily deceived!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Man has had so +much practice in being deceived. It comes naturally to +him.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Poor devil!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. The only +question remaining to be discussed is the candidate.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Is there not danger +that between now and the next bye-election the Government may, +having regard to this case, bring in a bill to stop women +candidates from going to the poll?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. I have thought +of that. Fortunately, the case seems to have attracted very +little attention. If a bye-election occurred soon there +would hardly be time.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. It must be the +very next one that does occur—wherever it is.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. I am sure that in the +East End we should have a chance.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Great Scott! +Just think. If we were to win it!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. If you could get +a straight fight against a Liberal I believe you would.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Why is the Government +so unpopular?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Well, take the +weather alone—twelve degrees of frost again last night.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. In St. George’s +Road the sewer has burst. The water is in the rooms where +the children are sleeping. (<i>She clenches her +hands</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. +(<i>She shakes her head</i>.) Something ought really to be +done.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Has anybody any +suggestion to make?—as regards the candidate. +There’s no advantage in going outside. It will have +to be one of ourselves.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. +Won’t you, dear?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. I shall be +better employed organising. My own feeling is that it ought +to be Annys. (<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">St. +Herbert</span>.) What do you think?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Undoubtedly.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. I’d rather +not.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. It’s not a +question of liking. It’s a question of duty. +For this occasion we shall be appealing to the male voter. +Our candidate must be a woman popular with men. The choice +is somewhat limited.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. No one will put up +so good a fight as you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Will you give me till +this evening?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. What for?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. I should like to +consult Geoffrey.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. You think he +would object?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>A little +doubtfully</i>.) No. But we have always talked +everything over together.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Absurd! +He’s one of our staunchest supporters. Of course +he’ll be delighted.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. I think the thing +ought to be settled at once.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. It must +be. I have to return to Manchester to-night. We shall +have to get to work immediately.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Geoffrey will +surely take it as a compliment.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. Don’t you feel +that woman, all over the world, is calling to you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. It isn’t +that. I’m not trying to shirk it. I merely +thought that if there had been time—of course, if you +really think—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. You consent?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Yes. If +it’s everybody’s wish.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. That’s +settled.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>She springs +up</i>, <i>waving a handkerchief</i>.) Chilvers for +ever!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. (<i>Rises</i>.) +God bless you!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. +(<i>Clapping her hands</i>.) Now we shan’t be +long!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. +(<i>Hammers</i>.) Order, please!</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>The three subside</i>.)</p> +<p>This is serious business. The next step is, of +course—</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>The door opens</i>; <span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> <i>enters</i>. <i>He is a +youngish-looking man of three or four and thirty</i>. <span +class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>, <i>at the sound of the +door</i>, <i>turns</i>. <span class="smcap">St. +Herbert</span> <i>rises</i>. <i>There is a pause</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. We’ve been +talking about you. We must apologise for turning your +drawing-room—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. My dear +mother-in-law, it is Providence. (<i>He kisses +her</i>.) There is no one I was more longing to see.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She has +risen</i>.) Hake told me you would be dining at the +House.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He comes to +her</i>, <i>kisses her</i>, <i>he is in a state of suppressed +excitement</i>.) I shall be. I came back to bring you +some news.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. We’ve got some +news for you. Have you heard—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He stays +her</i>.) May I claim man’s privilege for the first +word? It is news, I am sure, you will all be delighted to +hear. A friend of yours has been appointed to an office +where—it is quite possible—he may be of service to +you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Governorship of +Holloway Gaol?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Not a bad +guess. Very near it. To the Under-Secretaryship for +Home Affairs.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Who is it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He +bows</i>.) Your affectionate and devoted servant.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. You!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>Genuinely +delighted</i>. <i>She is not a quick thinker</i>.) +Bravo! Congratulations, old boy! (<i>She has +risen</i>—<i>she slaps him on the back</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Geoffrey! +(<i>She puts her arms about him</i>.) You never told me +anything.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I know, dear. +I was afraid. It mightn’t have come off. And +then you would have been so disappointed.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>There are tears in +her eyes</i>. <i>She still clings to him</i>.) I am +so glad. Oh, I am so glad!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. It is all your +doing. You have been such a splendid help. (<i>He +breaks gently away from her</i>. <i>Turns to</i> <span +class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>, <i>with a lighter +tone</i>.) Haven’t you anything to say to a +fellow? You’re not usually dumb.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. It has all been +so sudden—as the early Victorian heroine was fond of +remarking!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. +(<i>Laughs</i>.) It has been sudden. We had, none of +us, any idea till yesterday that old Bullock was thinking of +resigning.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. (<i>She has risen +and moved towards the fire</i>.) Won’t it necessitate +a bye-election?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span> +<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span> <i>have been +thinking it out</i>. <i>On the others the word falls like a +bombshell</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He turns to +her</i>. <i>He does not see their faces</i>.) +Yes. But I don’t anticipate a contest. The +Conservatives are without a candidate, and I am on good terms +with the Labour Party. Perhaps Mr. Hunnable—(<i>He +laughs</i>, <i>then</i>, <i>turning</i>, <i>catches sight of his +wife’s face</i>. <i>From</i> <span +class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>he looks to the others</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. (<i>She has +risen</i>.) You haven’t heard, then, of McCaw versus +Potts?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. “McCaw versus +Potts!” What the—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Was decided in +the House of Lords late yesterday afternoon. Briefly +stated, it confers upon women the right of becoming Parliamentary +candidates.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He is +staggered</i>.) You mean—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Having regard to +which, we have decided to bring forward a woman candidate to +contest the next bye-election.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Um! I +see.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. But we never +thought—we never anticipated it would be +Geoffrey’s.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. I really cannot +admit that that alters the case. Geoffrey himself would +never dream, I am sure, of asking us to sacrifice our cause to +his convenience.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. No. Of course +not. Certainly not.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. It is perhaps +unfortunate that the candidate selected—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. It is quite +impossible. Such a dilemma was never dreamed of.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. And if +not? Is the solidarity of woman—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>Beginning to +guess</i>.) Forgive my impatience; but whom <i>have</i> you +selected?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. (<i>When she likes +she can be quite sweet</i>.) Your wife. (<i>He +expected it</i>.) We rather assumed (<i>she appeals to the +others with a gesture</i>), I think, that the president of the +Man’s League for the Extension of the Franchise to Women +would regard it as a compliment.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>His dislike of +her is already in existence</i>.) Yes. Very +thoughtful.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. You must choose some +one else.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. But there <i>is</i> +no one else.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. There’s +mamma.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Mamma’s +too heavy.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Well, then, +there’s Elizabeth—there’s you!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Yes. Why not +you? You and I could have a jolly little fight.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. This is not a +laughing matter. If I could think of any one to take +Annys’s place I should not insist. I cannot.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. You see, it +mustn’t be a crank.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He is losing +his temper</i>.) Yes, I suppose that does limit you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. And +then—thanks to you—Mrs. Chilvers has had such +excellent training in politics. It was that, I think, that +decided us.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>Convention +forbids his strangling her</i>.) Will somebody kindly +introduce me to this lady?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Ah, yes, of +course. You don’t know each other, do you? Mr. +Geoffrey Chilvers—Mrs. Joseph Spender. Mrs. +Spender—Mr. Chilvers, M.P.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. +(<i>Sweetly</i>.) Delighted!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>Not</i>.) +Charmed.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Annys</span>.) I am not indifferent to your +difficulty. But the history of woman, my dear Annys, is a +history of sacrifice. We give our sons—if necessary, +our husbands.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. +(<i>Affected</i>.) How true!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. But you are not asking +me to give him. You are asking me to fight him. I +can’t.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. You mean you +won’t.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. You can put it that +way if you like. I won’t.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A pause</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. I thought Mrs. +Chilvers had pledged her word.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Yes. But +without her husband’s consent. So, of course, it +doesn’t count.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He turns on +her</i>.) Why not you—if there must be a fight? +Or would it be against your principles?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Not in the +least.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Ah!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. I would offer +myself as a substitute. Only it might seem like coming +between husband and wife.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He turns away +with a grunt of disgust</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. It’s awfully +rough on you, Geoffrey. I can see it from your point of +view. But one can’t help remembering the things that +you yourself have said.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I know; I +know. I’ve been going up and down the country, +excusing even your excesses on the ground that no movement can +force its way to the front without treading on innumerable +toes. For me, now, to cry halt merely because it happens to +be my own toes that are in the way would +be—ridiculous—absurd—would be monstrous. +(<i>Nobody contradicts him</i>.) You are perfectly +justified—if this case means what you say it does—in +putting up a candidate against me for East Poplar. Only, +naturally, it cannot be Annys. (<i>He reaches out his hand +to where</i> <span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>stands a little +behind him</i>, <i>takes her hand</i>.) Annys and I have +fought more than one election. It has been side by +side.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. The lady a little +behind.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He moves away +with an expression of deep annoyance</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. (<i>She comes +forward</i>. <i>She holds forth her hands with a +half-appealing</i>, <i>half-commanding gesture</i>. <i>She +almost seems inspired</i>.) Would it not be so much better +if, in this first political contest between man and woman, the +opponents were two people honouring one another, loving one +another? Would it not show to all the world that man and +woman may meet—contend in public life without anger, +without scorn? (<i>There is a pause</i>. <i>They +stand listening</i>.) I do not know, but it seems to me +that if Mr. Chilvers could bring himself to do this it would be +such a big thing—perhaps the most chivalrous thing that a +man has ever done to help women. If he would put aside, +quite voluntarily, all the man’s privilege—just say +to the people, “Now choose—one of us two to serve +you. We stand before you, equal, my wife and +I.” I don’t know how to put it, but I feel that +by merely doing that one thing Mr. Chilvers would solve the whole +problem. It would prove that good men are ready to give us +of their free accord all that we claim. We should gain our +rights, not by warfare, but through love and understanding. +Wouldn’t that be—so much better? (<i>She +looks—her hands still appealing—from one to the +other</i>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>Another silence</i>. <i>They have +all been carried a little off their feet by</i> <span +class="smcap">Janet’s</span> <i>earnestness</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She touches +him</i>.) What do you think, dear?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Yes, there’s +a good deal, of course, in what Miss Blake says.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. It <i>would</i> be a +big thing for you to do.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. You see, whatever +happened, the seat would be yours. This case only gives us +the right to go to the poll. We are keen upon Annys because +she’s our best card, that’s all.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Do you wish it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She smiles up at +him</i>.) I’d rather fight you than any one else.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. You are not afraid +that the situation might be—just a trifle comical?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Shakes her +head</i>.) No. I think everybody will say it was +rather splendid of you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Well, if it will +help women.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She holds out her +hand</i>. <i>She is still in exalted mood</i>.) We +will show how man and woman may be drawn nearer to one another by +rivalry for noble ends.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. (<i>He +shakes</i> <span class="smcap">Geoffrey’s</span> +<i>somewhat limp hand</i>.) I envy you. The situation +promises to be piquant.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. It +will be a battle of roses.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. I must go. +I shall see you both again to-morrow. (<i>She kisses</i> +<span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>.) This is an historic +day.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Yes. I +daresay we shall all remember it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Janet</span>.) I will get you to come to the +station with me. I can give you your instructions in the +cab. (<i>She kisses</i> <span +class="smcap">Annys</span>.) You have been called to a +great work. Be worthy of it.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>They are all making ready to +go</i>. <span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>has rung the +bell for</i> <span class="smcap">Hake</span>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Annys</span>.) Are you glad?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Kisses +her</i>.) You showed me the whole thing in a new +light. You were splendid. (<i>She turns to</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.) Didn’t I tell you he +would convert you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. I was wrong to +judge all men guilty. There are also—the +innocent.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>For a +moment—but a moment only—she is pleased</i>. +<i>Then the doubtful meaning of</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth’s</span> <i>words strikes +her</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>Enter</i> <span +class="smcap">Hake</span>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She has to +dismiss</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.) Oh, +Hake—(<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lady +Mogton</span>.) You’ll want a cab, won’t you, +mamma?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. A +taxi— Goodbye, everybody.</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>She sails out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. I +have my carriage. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.) Can I give you a lift?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Thank you. +(<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>.) We shall +meet again.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I feel sure of +it.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Mrs. +Mountcalm-Villiers</span> <i>and</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>go out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Hake</span>.) Are Miss Blake’s things +dry yet?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. They’ll be quite +all right, dear. Please don’t trouble. (<i>She +advances a timid hand to</i> <span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>.) Goodbye, Mr. Chilvers.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He takes it +smiling</i>.) Goodbye.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>She goes out</i>; <span +class="smcap">Hake</span> <i>follows</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Goodbye, old +boy. (<i>They shake hands</i>.) Don’t you let +her walk over you. Make her fight.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. +(<i>Laughing</i>.) Don’t you worry about that.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Would you care +to look through McCaw v. Potts? (<i>He has the papers in +his hand</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I’ll ask you +for it when I want it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>At +door</i>.) You’ll be alone this evening?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Yes. Come in to +dinner.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. All right. +Goodbye.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Goodbye.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> +<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>answer +them</i>. <i>They go out</i>, <i>closing the +door</i>. <span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> <i>is by the +fire</i>. <span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>comes to +him</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She puts her arms +round him</i>.) You don’t mind?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He holds her at +arms’ length—looking into her eyes and +smiling</i>.) I believe you are looking forward to it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Do you know how long +we have been married? Eight years. And do you know, +sir, that all that time we have never had a difference? +Don’t you think it will be good for you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Do you know +<i>why</i> we have never had a difference? Because you have +always had your own way.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Oh!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. You have got so +used to it, you don’t notice it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Then it will be good +for me. I must learn to suffer opposition. (<i>She +laughs</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. You won’t +like it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Do you know, I’m +not at all sure that I shan’t. (<i>Unconsciously they +let loose of one another</i>.) You see, I shall have the +right of hitting back. (<i>Again she laughs</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>Also +laughingly</i>.) Is woman going to develop the fighting +instinct?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. I wonder.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A moment’s +silence</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. The difficulty in +our case is there seems nothing to fight about.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. We must think of +something. (<i>Laughs</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. What line are you +going to take—what is your argument: why they should vote +for you in preference to me?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Simply that I am a +woman.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. My dear child, that +won’t be enough. Why should they vote for you merely +because you’re a woman?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Slightly +astonished</i>.) Because—because women are wanted in +public life.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Who wants them?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>More +astonished</i>.) Who? Why—(<i>it doesn’t +seem too clear</i>.) Why, all of us—you, +yourself!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I’m not East +Poplar.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Is puzzled a +moment</i>, <i>then valiantly</i>.) I shall ask them to +send me to Parliament to represent the interests of their +women—and therefore of themselves—the interests of +their children.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Children! +What do you know about children?</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>Another silence</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. +Personally—no. We have had no children of our own, of +course. But (<i>hopefully</i>) it is a woman’s +instinct.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Oh, Lord! +That’s what the lady said who had buried seven.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Her mouth is +growing hard</i>.) Don’t you believe in the right of +women to share in the government of the country?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Some women. +Yes. I can see some capable—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Winces</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. —elderly, +motherly woman who has brought up a dozen children of her +own—who knows the world, being of some real use.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. If it comes to that, +there must be—I don’t say more “capable,” +but more experienced, more fatherly men than yourself.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>He turns</i>, <i>they look at one +another</i>. <i>His tone almost touched contempt—hers +was veiled anger</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. <i>That’s</i> +the danger. It may come to a real fight.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Upon her also the +fear has fallen</i>.) It must not. (<i>She flings her +arms around him</i>.) We must show the world that man and +woman can meet—contend in public life without anger, +without scorn.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He folds her to +him</i>.) The very words sound ugly, don’t they?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. It would be +hideous. (<i>She draws away</i>.) How long will the +election last?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Not long. The +writ will be issued on Wednesday. Nomination on +Monday—polling, I expect, on Saturday. Puts me in +mind—I must prepare my election address.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. I ought to be getting +on with mine, too, I suppose.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. It ought to be out +by to-morrow.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>With +inspiration</i>.) We’ll do yours first. (<i>She +wonders why he hesitates</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. +“We?” Shan’t I have to do it +alone—this time?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Alone! +Nonsense! How can you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I’m afraid I +shall have to try.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Um! I suppose +you’re right. What a nuisance! (<i>She turns +away</i>.) I shan’t like it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He moves +towards the folding-doors</i>.) No. It won’t be +quite the same thing. Goodbye.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She crosses to her +desk by the window</i>. <i>Not the same instant but the +next his</i> “<i>Goodbye</i>” <i>strikes +her</i>. <i>She turns</i>.) You’re not going +out, are you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He stops and +turns—puzzled at her question</i>.) No. Only +into my study.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. You said +“Goodbye.”</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>Not +remembering</i>.) <i>I</i> did! Must have been +thinking of something else. I shall be in here if you want +me. (<i>He goes into the other room</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She has crossed to +her desk</i>. <i>She is humming</i>. <i>She seats +herself</i>, <i>takes paper and pen</i>, <i>writes</i>. +<i>Without turning—still writing—she raises her +voice</i>.) Geoffrey! How do you spell +“experimental”? One “r” or two?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>There is no answer</i>. <i>Puzzled +at the silence</i>, <i>she looks round</i>. <i>The great +folding-doors are closed</i>. <i>She stares in front of +her</i>, <i>thinking</i>, <i>then turns again to her +work</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center"><span +class="smcap">Curtain</span>.</p> +<h2>THE SECOND ACT</h2> +<p><span class="smcap">Scene</span>:—<i>Liberal Central +Committee Rooms</i>, <i>East India Dock Road</i>, +<i>Poplar</i>. <i>A large</i>, <i>high room on the first +floor of an old-fashioned house</i>. <i>Two high windows +right</i>. <i>A door at back is the main +entrance</i>. <i>A door left leads to other +rooms</i>. <i>The walls are papered with election +literature</i>. <i>Conspicuous among the posters displayed +is</i> “<i>A Man for Men</i>.” “<i>No +Petticoat Government</i>.” “<i>Will you be +Henpecked</i>?” <i>A large</i>, <i>round table centre +is littered with papers and pamphlets</i>. <i>A large desk +stands between the windows</i>. <i>A settee is against the +left wall</i>.</p> +<p>(<i>When the curtain rises</i>, <span class="smcap">Rose +Merton</span> (<i>otherwise</i> “<span +class="smcap">Ginger</span>”) <i>is discovered seated</i>, +<i>her left arm resting on the table</i>. <i>She is a young +lady typical of the Cockney slavey type</i>, <i>dressed according +to the ideas of her class as regards the perfect lady</i>. +<i>Her hat is characteristic</i>. <i>Her gloves</i>, <i>her +reticule</i>, <i>her umbrella—the latter something +rather</i> “<i>saucy</i>”—<i>are displayed +around her</i>. <i>She is feeling comfortable and airing +her views</i>. <span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span> <i>is +laying the cloth over a portion of the table</i>, <i>with some +tea-things</i>. <span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span> <i>is +a thin</i>, <i>narrow-chested lady with thin hands and bony +wrists</i>. <i>No one since her husband died has ever seen +her without her bonnet</i>. <i>Its appearance suggests the +possibility that she sleeps in it</i>. <i>It is black</i>, +<i>like her dress</i>. <i>The whole figure is decent</i>, +<i>but dingy</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Wot I say about the +question is—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Do you mind +moving your arm?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Beg pardon. +(<i>She shifts</i>.) Wot I say is, why not give us the vote +and end all the talking?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. You think it +would have that effect?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Well! we don’t +want to go on being a nuisance—longer than we can possibly +’elp!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Daresay +you’re right. It’s about the time most people +stop.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. You’ve never +thought much about the question yourself, ’ave you, Mrs. +Chinn?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. I ain’t +fretted much about it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Was a time when I +didn’t. I used to be all for—you +know—larking about. I never thought much about +anything.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Ah! it’s a +useful habit.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. What is?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Thinking.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. It’s what we +women ’aven’t done enough of—in the past, I +mean. All that’s going to be altered. In the +future there’s going to be no difference between men and +women.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. (<i>Slowly</i>, +<i>quietly she turns upon</i> <span class="smcap">Ginger</span> +<i>her expressionless eyes</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Mentally, I mean, +o’ course.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. (<i>Takes back +her eyes</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Do you know, Mrs. +Chinn, that once upon a time there was only one sex? +(<i>She spreads herself</i>.) Hus!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. You ain’t +thinking of going back to it, are you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Not if the men +be’ave themselves.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Perhaps +they’re doing their best, poor things! It don’t +do to be too impatient with them.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Was talking to old +Dot-and-carry-one the other d’y. You know who I +mean—chap with the wooden leg as ’as ’is pitch +outside the “George.” “Wot do you wimmen +want worrying yourselves about things outside the +’ome?” ’e says to me. “You’ve +got the children,” ’e says. “Oh,” I +says, “and whose fault’s that, I’d like to +know? You wait till we’ve got the vote,” I +says, “we’ll soon show you—”</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Sigsby</span> +<i>enters</i>. <span class="smcap">Sigsby</span> <i>is a +dapper little man</i>, <i>very brisk and +bustling—hirsute—looks as if he wanted dusting</i>, +<i>cleaning up generally</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. That young blackguard +come back yet?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>At sound of</i> +<span class="smcap">Sigsby’s</span> <i>voice she springs +up</i>. <i>At first is about to offer excuses for being +found seated</i>, <i>but recollects herself</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Which one, +sir?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Young +Jawbones—what’s he call himself?—Gordon.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Not yet, sir.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. +(<i>Grunts</i>.) My chop ready?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. I expect +it’s about done. I’ll see.</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>She goes out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>He turns to</i> +<span class="smcap">Ginger</span>.) What can <i>I</i> do +for you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She produces a +letter</i>.) I was to wait for an answer.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>He opens and +reads it</i>.) What do they expect me to do?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. ’Er ladyship +thought as perhaps you would consult Mr. Chilvers ’imself +on the subject.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Look here. What +I want to know is this: am I being asked to regard Lady Mogton as +my opponent’s election agent, or as my principal’s +mother-in-law? That point’s got to be settled. +(<i>His vehemence deepens</i>.) Look at all these +posters. Not to be used, for fear the other side +mayn’t like them. Now Lady Mogton writes me that my +candidate’s supporters are not to employ a certain argument +she disapproves of: because, if they do, she’ll tell his +wife. Is this an election, or is it a family jar?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Jawbones</span> +<i>enters</i>. <span +class="smcap">Jawbones</span>—<i>otherwise</i> <span +class="smcap">William Gordon</span>—<i>is a clean-shaven +young hooligan</i>. <i>He wears a bicycle cap on the back +of his head</i>, <i>allowing a picturesque tuft of hair to fall +over his forehead</i>. <i>Evidently he is suffering from +controlled indignation</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>Seeing +him</i>.) Oh, so you’ve come back, have you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. I ’ave, +wot’s left of me.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. What have you been +doing?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Clinging to a roof +for the last three hours.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Clinging to a +roof! What for?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>He boils +over</i>.) Wot for? ’Cos I didn’t want to +fall off! Wot do you think: ’cos I was fond of +it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. I don’t +understand—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. You find yourself +’alf way up a ladder, posting bills as the other side +’as took objection to—with a crowd of girls from +Pink’s jam factory waiting for you at the bottom with a +barrel of treacle, and you <i>will</i> understand. Nothing +else for me to do, o’ course, but to go up. Then they +took the ladder away.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Where are the +bills?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Last I see of them +was their being put into a ’earse on its way to Ilford +Cemetery.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. This has got to be +seen into. This sort of thing can’t be allowed to go +on. (<i>He snatches up his hat</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. There’s +another suggestion I’d like to make.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>Pauses</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. That is, if this +election is going to be fought fairly, that our side should be +provided with ’at-pins.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. +(<i>Grunts</i>.) Tell Mrs. Chinn to keep that chop +warm.</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>He goes out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She begins to +giggle</i>. <i>It grows into a shrill hee-haw</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>He looks at her +fixedly</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>Her laugh</i>, +<i>under the stern eye of</i> <span +class="smcap">Jawbones</span>, <i>dies away</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Ain’t no +crowd of you ’ere, you know. Nothing but my inborn +chivalry to prevent my pulling your nose.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>Cowed</i>, <i>but +simmering</i>.) Chivalry! (<i>A shrill +snort</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Yus. And +don’t you put a strain upon it neither. Because I +tell you straight, it’s weakening.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>His sudden +fierceness has completely cowed her</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. You +wimmin—</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>There re-enters</i> <span +class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span> <i>with a tray</i>. <i>He +is between them</i>.)</p> +<p>That’s old Sigsby’s chop?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Yes. He +hasn’t gone out again, has he?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. I’ll +’ave it. Get ’im another. Guess ’e +won’t be back for ’alf an hour.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. He’s nasty +when his food ain’t ready.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>He takes the +tray from her</i>.) Not your fault. Tell ’im I +took it from you by brute force.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. (<i>She +acquiesces with her usual even absence of all emotion</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. You needn’t +stop. Miss Rose Merton will do the waiting.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>Starts</i>, +<i>then begins to collect her etceteras</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Perhaps +there’ll be time to cook him another.</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>She goes out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Take off that +cover.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She starts on a +bolt for the door</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>He is quite +prepared</i>. <i>In an instant he is in front of +her</i>.) No, yer don’t.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A pause</i>.)</p> +<p>Take off that cover.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She still +hesitates</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. If yer don’t +do what I tell yer, I’ll ’ide yer. I’m in +the mood.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She takes off the +cover</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>He seats +himself and falls to</i>.) Now pour me out a cup of +tea.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>Is pouring it +out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Know why yer doing +it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>With shrill +indignation</i>.) Yus. Becos yer got me ’ere +alone, yer beast, with only that cracked image of a Mrs. +Chinn—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. That’ll +do.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>It is +sufficient</i>. <i>She stops</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. None of your +insults agen a lady as I ’olds in ’igh respect. +The rest of it is all right. Becos I’ve got yer +’ere alone. You wimmin, you think it’s going to +pay you to chuck law and order. You’re out for a +fight, are yer?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Yus, and we’re +going to win. Brute force ’as ’ad its +d’y. It’s brains wot are going to rule the +world. And we’ve got ’em.</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>She has become quite +oratorical</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Glad to ’ear +it. Take my tip: you’ll use ’em. +Meanwhile I’ll ’ave another cup o’ tea.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She takes the +cup—is making for the window</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>Fierce +again</i>.) I said tea.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. All right, I was only +going to throw the slops out of window. There ain’t +no basin.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. I’ll tell yer +when I want yer to open the window and call for the +p’lice. You can throw them into the waste-paper +basket.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She +obeys</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Thank you. +Very much obliged. One of these d’ys, maybe, +you’ll marry.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. When I do, it will be +a man, not a monkey.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. I’m not +proposing. I’m talking to you for your good.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>Snorts</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. You’ve been +listening to a lot of toffs. Easy enough for them to talk +about wimmen not being domestic drudges. They keep a cook +to do it. They don’t pity ’e for being a +down-trodden slive, spending sixteen hours a d’y in +<i>their</i> kitchen with an evening out once a week. When +you marry it will be to a bloke like me, a working man . . .</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Working! +(<i>She follows it with a shrill laugh</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Yus. +There’s always a class as laughs when you mention the word +“work.” Them as knows wot it is, +don’t. I’ve been at it since six o’clock +this morning, carrying a ladder, a can of paste weighing twenty +pounds, and two ’undred double royal posters. You try +it! When ’e comes ’ome, ’e’ll want +’is victuals. If you’ve got ’em ready for +’im and are looking nice—no reason why you +shouldn’t—and feeling amiable, you’ll get on +very well together. If you are going to argue with +’im about woman’s sphere, you’ll get the worst +of it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. You always was a +bully.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Not always. +Remember last Bank ’oliday? (<i>He winks</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She tries not to +give in</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. ’Ave a cup of +tea. (<i>He pours it out for her</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>The natural woman +steals in—she sits</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. ’Ow are they +doing you, fairly well?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Oh! Well, +nothing to grumble at.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. You can do a bit +o’ dressing on it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She meets his +admiring eye</i>. <i>The suffragette departs</i>.) +Dressing don’t cost much—when you’ve got +tyste.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Wot! Not that +’at?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Made it myself.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. No!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Honour bright! +Tell yer—</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> +<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span> +<i>enter</i>. <span class="smcap">Jawbones</span> +<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Ginger</span> <i>make to +rise</i>. <span class="smcap">Ginger</span> +<i>succeeds</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. All right, all +right. Don’t let me disturb the party. +Where’s Mr. Sigsby?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Gone to look up the +police, I think, sir. (<i>Having finished</i>, <i>he +rises</i>.) Some of those factory girls been up to their +larks again.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Umph! +What’s it about this time?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. They’ve took +objection to one of our posters.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. What, +another! (<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">St. +Herbert</span>.) Woman has disappointed me as a +fighter. She’s willing enough to strike. If you +hit back, she’s surprised and grieved.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. She’s come +to the game rather late.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. She might have +learned the rules. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Jawbones</span>.) Which particular one is it +that has failed to meet with their approval?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. It’s rather a +good one, sir, from our point of view: “Why she left her +’appy ’ome.”</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I don’t seem +to remember it. Have I seen it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. I don’t think +you ’ave, sir. It was Mr. Sigsby’s idea. +On the left, the ruined ’ome, baby crying it’s little +’eart out—eldest child lying on the floor, +scalded—upset the tea-kettle over itself—youngest boy +in flames—been playing with the matches, nobody there to +stop ’im. At the open door the father, returning from +work. Nothing ready for ’im. On the other +side—’<i>er</i>, on a tub, spouting politics.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>.) Sounds rather good.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Wait a +minute. There was a copy somewhere about—a +proof. (<i>He is searching for it on the desk—finds +it</i>.) Yus, ’ere ’tis. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Ginger</span>.) Catch ’old.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span +class="smcap">Jawbones</span> <i>and</i> <span +class="smcap">Ginger</span> <i>hold it displayed</i>.)</p> +<p>That’s the one, sir.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Why is the +working man, for pictorial purposes, always a carpenter?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. It’s the skirt +we object to.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. The skirt! +What’s wrong with the skirt?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Well, it’s only +been out of fashion for the last three years, that’s +all.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Oh! I +see. (<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">St. +Herbert</span>.) We’ve been hitting them below the +belt. What do you think I ought to do about it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. What would you +have thought yourself, three weeks ago?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. You and I have been +friends ever since we were boys. You rather like me, +don’t you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. +(<i>Puzzled</i>.) Yes.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. If I were to +suddenly hit you on the nose, what would happen?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. I +understand. Woman has suddenly started hitting man on the +nose. Her excuse being that she really couldn’t keep +her hands off him any longer.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>He has pinned +the poster to the wall</i>.) They begun it. To +’ear them talk, you’d think as man had never done +anything right.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. He’s quite +right. Their posters are on every hoarding: +“Who’s made all the Muddles? Man!” +“Men’s Promises! Why, it’s all +Froth!” “Woman this Time!” I +suppose it will have to go.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. +(<i>Hopefully</i>.) Up, sir?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. No, Jawbones. +Into the dust-heap with the rest.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Jawbones</span> <i>is +disgusted</i>. <span class="smcap">Ginger</span> <i>is +triumphant</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I must talk to +Sigsby. He’s taking the whole thing too +seriously. It will be some time before we reach that +stage. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Jawbones</span>.) Ask Mrs. Chinn to bring me +a cup of tea.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span +class="smcap">Jawbones</span> <i>goes out</i>.)</p> +<p>(<i>He seats himself at table and takes up some +correspondence</i>. <i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Ginger</span>.) Are you waiting for any +one?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. A letter from her +ladyship. (<i>She picks up from the desk and hands him the +letter</i> <span class="smcap">Sigsby</span> <i>had thrown +there</i>.) Her ladyship thought you ought to be +consulted.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He reads the +short letter with a gathering frown—hands it across to</i> +<span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. (<i>Having +read</i>, <i>he passes it back in silence</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Ginger</span>.) Do you know the contents of +this letter?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. The matter has been +discussed among us—informally.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Tell Lady Mogton +I’ll—talk to her myself on the subject.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Thank you. +(<i>She collects her etceteras</i>.) Good afternoon.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. +(<i>Shortly</i>.) Good afternoon.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She bows +graciously to</i> <span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>, <i>who +responds</i>. <i>Goes out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. The devil of it is +that it’s the truth.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Somebody was +bound to say it, sooner or later!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Yes, but +one’s own wife! This is a confoundedly awkward +situation.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. (<i>He comes to +him</i>, <i>stands looking down at him</i>.) Did it never +occur to you, when you were advocating equal political rights for +women, that awkward situations might arise?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He leans back +in his chair</i>.) Do you remember Tommy the Terrier, as +they used to call him in the House—was always preaching +Socialism?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Quite the most +amusing man I ever met!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. And not afraid of +being honest. Do you remember his answer when somebody +asked him what he would do if Socialism, by any chance, really +became established in England? He had just married an +American heiress. He said he should emigrate. I am +still convinced that woman is entitled to equal political rights +with man. I didn’t think it was coming in my +time. There are points in the problem remaining to be +settled before we can arrive at a working solution. This is +one of them. (<i>He takes up the letter and +reads</i>.) “Are you prepared to have as your +representative a person who for six months out of every year may +be incapacitated from serving you?” It’s easy +enough to say I oughtn’t to allow my supporters to drag in +the personal element. I like it even less myself. But +what’s the answer?</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span +class="smcap">Jawbones</span> <i>enters with a tray</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>Places tray on +table</i>.) Tea’s coming in a minute, sir. +(<i>He is clearing away</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Never mind all +that. (<i>He hands him a slip</i>.) Take this to the +printers. Tell them I must have a proof to-night.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Yes, sir.</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>Finds his cap and goes +out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. The answer, I +should say, would be that the majority of women will continue to +find something better to do. The women who will throw +themselves into politics will be the unattached women, the +childless women. (<i>In an instant he sees his mistake</i>, +<i>but it is too late</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He rises</i>, +<i>crosses to the desk</i>, <i>throws into a waste-paper-basket a +piece of crumpled paper that was in his hand</i>; <i>then +turns</i>. <i>The personal note has entered into the +discussion</i>.) The women who <i>want</i> to be +childless—what about them?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. (<i>He shrugs +his shoulders</i>.) Are there any such?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. There are women who +talk openly of woman’s share in the general scheme being a +“burden” on her—an “incubus.”</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. A handful of +cranks. To the normal woman motherhood has always been the +one supreme desire.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Because children +crowned her with honour. The barren woman was +despised. All that is changing. This movement is +adding impulse to it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Movements do not +alter instincts.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. But they do. +Ever since man emerged from the jungle he has been shedding his +instincts—shaping them to new desires. Where do you +find this all-prevailing instinct towards maternity? Among +the women of society, who sacrifice it without a moment’s +hesitation to their vanity—to their mere pleasures? +The middle-class woman—she, too, is demanding +“freedom.” Children, servants, the +home!—they are too much for her “nerves.” +And now there comes this new development, appealing to the +intellectual woman. Is there not danger of her preferring +political ambition, the excitement of public life, to what has +come to be regarded as the “drudgery” of turning four +walls into a home, of peopling the silence with the voices of the +children? (<i>He crosses to the table—lays his hand +again upon the open letter</i>.) How do you know that this +may not be her answer—“I have no children. I +never mean to have children”?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Sigsby</span> <i>enters +in company with</i> <span class="smcap">Ben Lamb</span>, +M.P. <span class="smcap">Lamb</span> <i>is a short</i>, +<i>thick-set</i>, <i>good-tempered man</i>.)</p> +<p>Ah, Lamb, how are you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. (<i>They greet one +another</i>.) How are things going?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. They’re not +going at all well.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Sigsby was ever the +child of despondency.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Yes, and so will you +be when you find yourself at the bottom of the poll.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>The notion +takes him by surprise</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. It’s going to be +a closer affair than any of us thought. It’s the joke +of the thing that appears to have got hold of them. They +want to see what will happen.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Man’s fatal +curiosity concerning the eternal feminine!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Yes, and they +won’t have to pay for it. That will be our +department.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Sigsby</span>.) What do you think +they’ll do, supposing by any chance Mrs. Chilvers should +head the poll?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. How do you +mean—“what’ll they do?”</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Do you think +they’ll claim the seat?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Claim the seat! +What do you think they’re out for—their health? +Get another six months’ advertisement, if they don’t +get anything else. Meanwhile what’s our +position—just at the beginning of our ministerial +career?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. They will not claim +the seat.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. How do you know?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I know my wife.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. (<i>After a +moment’s silence</i>.) Quite sure you do?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>Turns</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. Ever seen a sheep +fighting mad? I have. Damned sight worse than the old +ram.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. She doesn’t +fight the ram.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. (<i>He makes a sweeping +movement that takes in the room</i>, <i>the election—all +things</i>.) What’s all this? We thought woman +hadn’t got the fighting instinct—that we “knew +her.” My boy, we’re in the infants’ +class.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. If you want to be his +Majesty’s Under-Secretary for Home Affairs, you take my +tip, guv’nor, you’ll win this election.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. What more can I do +than I’m doing? How can I countenance this sort of +thing? (<i>He indicates the posters</i>.) Declare +myself dead against the whole movement?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. You’ll do it +later. May as well do it soon.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Why must I do +it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. Because you’re +beginning to find out what it means.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A pause</i>. <i>The door +is open</i>. <span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>is +standing there</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Dare we venture into +the enemy’s camp?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>She enters</i>, <i>laughing</i>, +<i>followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> +<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. <span +class="smcap">Annys</span> is somewhat changed <i>from the +grave</i>, <i>dreamy</i> <span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>of a +short week ago</i>. <i>She is brimming over with +vitality—excitement</i>. <i>There is a +decisiveness</i>, <i>an egoism</i>, <i>about her that seems new +to her</i>. <i>The women’s skirts make a +flutter</i>. <i>A breeze seems to have entered</i>. +<span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>runs to her +husband</i>. <i>For the moment the election fades +away</i>. <i>They are all smiles</i>, <i>tenderness for one +another</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Don’t tell, will +you? Mamma would be so shocked. Do you know you +haven’t been near me for three days?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Umph! I like +that. Where were you last night?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Last night? In +the neighbourhood of Leicester Square till three +o’clock. Oh, Geoff, there’s such a lot wants +altering!</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>She turns to greet the +others</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Your ruining your +health won’t do it. You’re looking fagged to +death.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She shakes hands +with</i> <span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>.) How are +you? (<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lamb</span>.) +I’m so glad you’re helping him. (<i>She turns +again to</i> <span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>.) Pure +imagination, dearest. I never felt better in my life.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Umph! Look at +all those lines underneath your eyes. (<i>He shakes hands +with</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.) How do you +do? (<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>.) +How are you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She comes back to +him—makes to smooth the lines from his forehead</i>.) +Look at all those, there. We’ll run away together for +a holiday, when it’s all over. What are you doing +this evening?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. You promised to speak +at a Smoker to-night; the Bow and Bromley Buffaloes.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Oh, bother the +Buffaloes. Take me out to dinner. I am free after +seven.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span> +<i>has entered—is arranging the table for tea</i>. +<span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>goes to her</i>.)</p> +<p>How are you, Mrs. Chinn?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. (<i>She wipes her +hand on her apron before taking</i> <span +class="smcap">Annys’s</span> <i>proffered hand</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Sigsby</span>.) I can turn up there later in +the evening. (<i>He joins the others for a +moment—talks with them</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. (<i>Now shaking +hands</i>.) Quite well, thank you, ma’am. +(<i>She has cast a keen</i>, <i>motherly glance at</i> <span +class="smcap">Annys</span>.) I hope you’re taking +care of yourself, ma’am.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Of course I am. +We Politicians owe it to our Party. (<i>Laughs</i>.) +How are they getting on here, without me?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Well, +ma’am, from what I can see, I think Mr. Chilvers is +trusting a little too much to his merits. Shall I bring +some more cups and saucers, sir?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Ah! yes! +(<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Annys</span>.) You’ll +have some tea?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Strong, please, Mrs. +Chinn.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Mrs. +Chinn</span> <i>goes out</i>.)</p> +<p>(<i>Laughs</i>.) Yes, I know it’s bad for +me. (<i>She puts a hand over his mouth</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Old Mother Chinn is +quite right, you know, Geoff. You’re not putting up a +good fight.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>A slight +irritability begins to show itself</i>.) I frankly confess +that I am not used to fighting women.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Yes. It was +easier, no doubt, when we took it lying down.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. You promised, if I +brought you, that you would be good.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I wish it had been +you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Yes, but we +don’t!</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>As she and</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>move away</i>.)</p> +<p>Did you have a row with the doctor when you were born?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>To which</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>replies</i>, <i>though the +words reach only</i> <span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>: +“<i>I might have</i>, <i>if I had known that my mother was +doing all the work</i>, <i>while he was pocketing the +fee</i>!”)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. You see, Mrs. Chilvers, +our difficulty is that there is nothing to be said against +you—except one thing.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. What’s that?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. That you’re a +woman.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. +(<i>Smiling</i>.) Isn’t that enough?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Quite enough, Mrs. +Chilvers, if the guv’nor would only say it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>.) Why don’t you? +I’ll promise not to deny it.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>The others drift apart</i>. +<i>They group themselves near to the window</i>. <i>They +talk together—grow evidently interested and +excited</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I have just had a +letter from your—Election Agent, expressing indignation +with one of my supporters for merely having hinted at the +fact.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. I don’t +understand.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He takes from +the table the letter and hands it to her in silence</i>. +<i>He seats himself on the settee and watches her</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She seats herself +on a chair just opposite to him</i>; <i>reads the letter through +in silence</i>.) In my case it does not apply.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. How do you +know?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>The atmosphere has +grown suddenly oppressive</i>.) Oh, I—I think we +might find some other reason than that. (<i>She hands him +back the letter</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. It’s the only +one of any importance. It embraces all the others. +Shall woman be mother—or politician? (<i>He puts the +letter in his pocket</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Why cannot she be +both?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He is looking +at her searchingly</i>.) Because if she is the one, she +doesn’t want to be the other.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A silence</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. You are wrong. +It is the mother instinct that makes us politicians. We +want to take care of the world.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Exactly. You +think man’s job more interesting than your own.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>After a +moment</i>.) Who told you that it was a man’s +job?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Well. (<i>He +shrugs his shoulders</i>.) We can’t do yours.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Can’t we help +each other?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. As, for instance, +in this election! (<i>He gives a short laugh</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Of course, this is an +exceptional case.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. It’s an +epitome of the whole question. You are trying to take my +job away from me. To the neglect of your own.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>After another +moment’s silence</i>.) Haven’t I always tried +to do my duty?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I have thought +so.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Oh, my dear, we +mustn’t quarrel. You will win this election. I +want you to win it. Next time we must fight side by side +again.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Don’t you +see? Fighting you means fighting the whole movement. +(<i>He indicates the posters pinned to the walls</i>.) That +sort of thing.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>After a brief +inspection</i>.) Not that way. (<i>Shaking her +head</i>.) It would break my heart for you to turn against +us. Win because you are the better man. +(<i>Smiling</i>.) I want you to be the better man.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I would rather be +your husband.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. +(<i>Smiling</i>.) Isn’t that the same thing?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. No. I want a +wife.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. What precisely do you +mean by “wife”?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. It’s an +old-established word.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span> +<i>has entered to complete the tea arrangements</i>. <i>She +is arranging the table</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. There’s a +deputation downstairs, sir, just come for you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. What are they?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. It’s one of +those societies for the reform of something. They said you +were expecting them.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>Breaking away +from the group by the window</i>.) Quite right. +(<i>Looks at his watch</i>.) Five o’clock, I’ll +bring them up.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Happen to know what +it is they want to reform?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>By +door</i>.) Laws relating to the physical relationship +between the sexes, I think.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Oh, only that!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Something of the +sort.</p> +<p>(<i>He goes out</i>. <span class="smcap">Mrs. +Chinn</span> <i>also by the other door</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. +(<i>Rising</i>.) Will you pour out?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She has been +thinking</i>. <i>She comes back to the present</i>.) +We shan’t be in your way?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Oh, no. It +will make it easier to get rid of them.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>changes +her chair</i>. <i>The others gather round</i>. <i>The +service and drinking of tea proceeds in the usual +course</i>.)</p> +<p>(<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.) +You’ll take some tea?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Thank you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. You must be +enjoying yourself just now.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. (<i>Makes a +moue</i>.) They insist on my being agreeable.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. It’s so good for +her. Teaches her self-control.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. I gather from Mrs. +Spender, that in the perfect world there will be no men at +all.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Oh, yes, they will +be there. But in their proper place.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. That’s why +you didn’t notice them.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>The</i> <span +class="smcap">Deputation</span> <i>reaches the door</i>. +<i>The sound of voices is heard</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. She’s getting +on very well. If she isn’t careful, she’ll end +up by being a flirt.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>The</i> <span +class="smcap">Deputation</span> <i>enters</i>, <i>guided by</i> +<span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. <i>Its number is +five</i>, <i>two men and three women</i>. <i>Eventually +they group themselves—some standing</i>, <i>some +sitting—each side of</i> <span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. <i>The others gather +round</i> <span class="smcap">Annys</span>, <i>who keeps her seat +at the opposite side of the table</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>Talking as he +enters</i>.) Exactly what I’ve always maintained.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hopper</span>. It would make the +husband quite an interesting person.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. +(<i>Cheerfully</i>.) That’s the idea. Here we +are, guv’nor. This is Mr. Chilvers.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> +<i>bows</i>, <i>the</i> <span class="smcap">Deputation</span> +<i>also</i>. <span class="smcap">Sigsby</span> +<i>introduces a remarkably boyish-looking man</i>, <i>dressed in +knickerbockers</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. This is Mr. Peekin, +who has kindly consented to act as spokesman. (<i>To +the</i> <span class="smcap">Deputation</span>, +<i>generally</i>.) Will you have some tea?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Miss Borlasse</span>. (<i>A +thick-set</i>, <i>masculine-featured lady</i>, <i>with short hair +and heavy eyebrows</i>. <i>Her deep</i>, <i>decisive tone +settles the question</i>.) Thank you. We have so +little time.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mr. Peekin</span>. We propose, Mr. +Chilvers, to come to the point at once. (<i>He is all +smiles</i>, <i>caressing gestures</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Excellent.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. If I left a baby at +your door, what would you do with it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>For a moment he +is taken aback</i>, <i>recovers himself</i>.) Are you +thinking of doing so?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. It’s not +impossible.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Well, it sounds +perhaps inhospitable, but do you know I really think I should ask +you to take it away again.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. Yes, but by the time +you find it there, I shall have disappeared—skedaddled.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hopper</span>. Good. (<i>He +rubs his hands</i>. <i>Smiles at the others</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. In that case I warn +you that I shall hand it over to the police.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. (<i>He turns to the +others</i>.) I don’t myself see what else Mr. +Chilvers could be expected to do.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Miss Borlasse</span>. He’d be +a fool not to.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Thank you. So +far we seem to be in agreement. And now may I ask to what +all this is leading?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. (<i>He changes from +the debonnair to the dramatic</i>.) How many men, Mr. +Chilvers, leave their babies every year at the door of +poverty-stricken women? What are they expected to do with +them?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>A moment</i>. <i>The</i> <span +class="smcap">Deputation</span> <i>murmur approval</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I see. But is +there no difference between the two doors? I am not an +accomplice.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. An accomplice! +Is the ignorant servant-girl—first lured into the +public-house, cajoled, tricked, deceived by false +promises—the half-starved shop-girl in the hands of the +practised libertine—is she an accomplice?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Peekin</span>. (<i>A +dowdily-dressed</i>, <i>untidy woman</i>, <i>but the face is +sweet and tender</i>.) Ah, Mr. Chilvers, if you could only +hear the stories that I have heard from dying lips.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Very pitiful, my +dear lady. And, alas, only too old. But there are +others. It would not be fair to blame always the man.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Unnoticed</i>, +<i>drawn by the subject</i>, <i>she has risen and come +down</i>.) Perhaps not. But the punishment always +falls on the woman. Is <i>that</i> quite fair?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He is irritated +at</i> <span class="smcap">Annys’s</span> <i>incursion into +the discussion</i>.) My dear Annys, that is Nature’s +law, not man’s. All man can do is to mitigate it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. That is all we +ask. The suffering, the shame, must always be the +woman’s. Surely that is sufficient.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. What do you +propose?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Miss Borlasse</span>. (<i>In her +deep</i>, <i>fierce tones</i>.) That all children born out +of wedlock should be a charge upon the rates.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Miss Ricketts</span>. (<i>A +slight</i>, <i>fair</i>, <i>middle-aged woman</i>, <i>with a +nervous hesitating manner</i>.) Of course, only if the +mother wishes it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>The proposal +staggers him</i>. <i>But the next moment it inspires him +with mingled anger and amusement</i>.) My dear, good +people, have you stopped for one moment to consider what the +result of your proposal would be?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. For one thing, Mr. +Chilvers, the adding to the populace of healthy children in place +of the stunted and diseased abortions that is all that these poor +women, out of their scanty earnings, can afford to present to the +State.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Humph! That +incidentally it would undermine the whole institution of +marriage, let loose the flood-gates that at present hold +immorality in check, doesn’t appear to trouble you. +That the law must be altered to press less heavily upon the +woman—that the man must be made an equal sharer in the +penalty—all that goes without saying. The remedy you +propose would be a thousand times worse than the disease.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. And meanwhile? +Until you have devised this scheme (<i>there is a note of +contempt in her voice</i>) under which escape for the man will be +impossible?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. The evil must +continue. As other evils have to until the true remedy is +found.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. (<i>He has hurriedly +consulted with the others</i>. <i>All have risen—he +turns to</i> <span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>.) You will +not support our demand?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Support it! +Do you mean that you cannot yourselves see that you are holding +out an indemnity to every profligate, male and female, throughout +the land—that you would be handicapping, in the struggle +for existence, every honest man and woman desirous of bringing up +their children in honour and in love? Your suggestion is +monstrous!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. (<i>The little man is +not without his dignity</i>.) We apologise, Mr. Chilvers, +for having taken up your time.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I am sorry the +matter was one offering so little chance of agreement.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. We will make only one +slight further trespass on your kindness. Mrs. Chilvers, if +one may judge, would seem to be more in sympathy with our +views. Might we—it would be a saving of time and shoe +leather (<i>he smiles</i>)—might we take this opportunity +of laying our case before her?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. It would be +useless.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>A short silence</i>. <span +class="smcap">Annys</span>, <i>with</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>and</i> <span +class="smcap">Phoebe</span> <i>a little behind her</i>, <i>stands +right</i>. <span class="smcap">Lamb</span>, <span +class="smcap">Sigsby</span>, <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">St. +Herbert</span> <i>are behind</i> <span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> <i>centre</i>. <i>The</i> +<span class="smcap">Deputation</span> <i>is left</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hopper</span>. Do we gather that in +this election you speak for both candidates?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. In matters of +common decency, yes. My wife does not associate herself +with movements for the encouragement of vice.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>There is another moment’s +silence</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. But, Geoffrey, +dear—we should not be encouraging the evil. We should +still seek to find the man, to punish him. The woman would +still suffer—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. My dear Annys, this +is neither the time nor place for you and me to argue out the +matter. I must ask you to trust to my judgment.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. I can understand your +refusing, but why do you object to my—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Because I do not +choose for my wife’s name to be linked with a movement that +I regard as criminal. I forbid it.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>It was the moment that was bound to +come</i>. <i>The man’s instincts</i>, +<i>training</i>, <i>have involuntarily asserted +themselves</i>. <i>Shall the woman yield</i>? <i>If +so</i>, <i>then down goes the whole movement—her claim to +freedom of judgment</i>, <i>of action</i>, <i>in all +things</i>. <i>All watch the struggle with breathless +interest</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She speaks very +slowly</i>, <i>very quietly</i>, <i>but with a new note in her +voice</i>.) I am sorry, but I have given much thought to +this matter, and—I do not agree with you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Peekin</span>. You will help +us?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. I will do what I +can.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. (<i>He takes from his +pocket a folded paper</i>.) It is always so much more +satisfactory when these things are in writing. Candidates, +with the best intentions in the world, are apt to forget. +(<i>He has spread the paper on a corner of the table</i>. +<i>He has in his hand his fountain-pen</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>With a +smile</i>.) I am not likely to forget, but if you wish +it—(<i>She approaches the table</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He +interposes</i>. <i>His voice is very low</i>, <i>almost a +whisper</i>.) My wife will not sign.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She also speaks +low</i>, <i>but there is no yielding in her voice</i>.) I +am not only your wife. I have a duty also to others.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. It is for you to +choose. (<i>He leaves the way open to her</i>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>The silence can almost be +felt</i>. <i>She moves to the table</i>, <i>takes up the +paper</i>. <i>It contains but a few lines of +writing</i>. <i>Having read it</i>, <i>she holds out her +hand for the pen</i>. <span class="smcap">Peekin</span> +<i>puts it in her hand</i>. <i>With a firm hand she +signs</i>, <i>folds the paper</i>, <i>and returns it to +him</i>. <i>She remains standing by the table</i>. +<i>With the removal of the tension there comes a rustle</i>, <i>a +breaking of the silence</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Miss Ricketts</span>. (<i>She +seizes</i> <span class="smcap">Annys’s</span> <i>hand</i>, +<i>hanging listlessly by her side</i>, <i>and</i>, +<i>stooping</i>, <i>kisses it</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Miss Borlasse</span>. That is all, +isn’t it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. We thank you, Mrs. +Chilvers. Good afternoon.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>The natural +reaction is asserting itself</i>. <i>She pulls herself +together sufficiently to murmur her answer</i>.) Good +afternoon.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Peekin</span>. (<i>The</i> +<span class="smcap">Deputation</span> <i>is moving away</i>; +<i>she takes from her waist a small bunch of flowers</i>, +<i>and</i>, <i>turning</i>, <i>places them in</i> <span +class="smcap">Annys’s</span> <i>hand</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She smiles</i>, +<i>remains standing silent</i>, <i>the flowers in her +hand</i>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(“<i>Good afternoons</i>” <i>are +exchanged with some of the others</i>. <i>Finally</i>:)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Peekin</span>. Good afternoon, Mr. +Chilvers.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>Who has moved +away</i>.) Good afternoon.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>The</i> <span +class="smcap">Deputation</span> <i>joins</i> <span +class="smcap">Sigsby</span> <i>by the door</i>. <i>He leads +them out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Phoebe</span>.) Are you going my way?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>She glances round +at</i> <span class="smcap">Annys</span>.) Yes, I’ll +come with you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. I will put you +into a bus, if you will let me. We don’t sport many +cabs in East Poplar. (<i>He is helping</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>with her cloak</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Thank you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. I’ve got to go up +West. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>.) Will you be at the House +this evening?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He is standing +by the desk pretending to look at some papers</i>.) I shall +look in about ten o’clock.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. One or two things I +want to say to you. Goodbye for the present.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Goodbye!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Goodbye, old +man. (<i>She stretches out her hand</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Goodbye. +(<i>She shakes hands with a smile</i>, <i>exchanges a casual</i> +“<i>goodbye</i>” <i>with</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>They go towards the +door</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Sigsby</span> +<i>re-enters</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Lamb</span>.) Are you going?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. Yes. I’ll +see you to-morrow morning. About ten o’clock.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. I shall be +here. (<i>He exchanges a</i> “<i>good +afternoon</i>” <i>with the others</i>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>They go out</i>. <span +class="smcap">Sigsby</span> <i>crosses and goes into the other +room</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She has let fall +the flowers on the table</i>. <i>She crosses to where</i> +<span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> <i>still stands by the +desk</i>, <i>his back towards her</i>. <i>She stretches out +her hand</i>, <i>touches him</i>. <i>He does not +move</i>.) Geoffrey!</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>But still he takes no +notice</i>.)</p> +<p>I am so sorry. We must talk it over quietly—at +home.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He +turns</i>.) Home! I have no home. I have +neither children nor wife. I <i>keep</i> a political +opponent.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>starts +back with a cry</i>. <i>He crosses in front of her and +seats himself at the table</i>. <i>The flowers are lying +there</i>; <i>he throws them into the waste-paper +basket</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She puts on her +cloak</i>, <i>moves towards the door</i>. <i>Half-way she +pauses</i>, <i>makes a movement towards him</i>. <i>But he +will not see</i>. <i>Then a hard look comes into her +eyes</i>, <i>and without another word she goes out</i>, +<i>leaving the door open</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Sigsby</span> +<i>is heard moving in the other room</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He is +writing</i>.) Sigsby.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Hallo!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. That poster I told +young Gordon I wouldn’t sanction, “The Woman spouting +politics, the Man returning to a slattern’s +home.”</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Sigsby</span> +<i>enters</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. I have countermanded +them.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Countermand them +again. We shall want a thousand.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>Can hardly +believe his ears</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>With a gesture +round the room</i>.) All of them. “A Man for +Men!” “Save the Children!” +“Guard your Homes!” All the damned +collection. Order as many as you want.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>His excitement +rising</i>.) I can go ahead. You mean it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He looks at +him</i>.) It’s got to be a fight! (<i>A +moment</i>. <i>He returns to his writing</i>.) +Telephone Hake that I shall be dining at the Reform Club.</p> +<p style="text-align: center"><span +class="smcap">Curtain</span>.</p> +<h2>THE THIRD ACT</h2> +<p><span class="smcap">Scene</span>:—<i>A room in the Town +Hall</i>, <i>Poplar</i>. <i>A high</i>, <i>bare</i>, +<i>cold room</i>, <i>unfurnished except for cane-bottomed chairs +ranged against the walls</i>. <i>French windows right give +on to a balcony overlooking the street</i>. <i>Door in back +opens upon a stone passage</i>. <i>A larger door opens into +another room</i>, <i>through which one passes to reach the room +in which the counting of the votes is taking place</i>. +<i>A fire burns</i>—<i>or rather tries to burn</i>. +<i>The room is lighted from the centre of the ceiling by an +electric sun</i>. <i>A row of hat-pegs is on the wall +between the two doors</i>. <i>The time is about</i> 9 +<i>p.m.</i></p> +<p>(<i>People entering from the street wear coats or cloaks</i>, +<i>&c.</i>, <i>the season being early spring</i>. <i>If +passing through or staying in the room</i>, <i>they take off +their outdoor things and hang them up</i>, <i>putting them on +again before going out</i>.)</p> +<p>(<span class="smcap">Jawbones</span> <i>is coaxing the +reluctant fire by using a newspaper as a blower</i>. <i>He +curses steadily under his breath</i>. <i>The door +opens</i>. <span class="smcap">Ginger</span> <i>enters</i>; +<i>she is dressed in cheap furs</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Shut the door, +can’t yer!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Don’t yer want +a draught?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. No, I +don’t. Not any more than I’ve got.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She shuts the +door</i>.) ’Ave they begun counting the votes?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Been at it for the +last three-quarters of an hour.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Who’s going to +win?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. One of +’em.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span> +<i>has entered</i>. <i>She has come from the room where +they are counting the votes</i>.)</p> +<p>Shut that door! (<i>He glances over his shoulder</i>, +<i>sees his mistake</i>.) Beg pardon! (<i>To +himself</i>.) Thought ’twas the other fool!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. (<i>She shuts +the door</i>. <i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Ginger</span>.) Have you seen Mrs. +Chilvers?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Not since the +afternoon, your ladyship.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. She is coming, I +suppose?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. I think so, your +ladyship.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. It’s very +cold in here, Gordon.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Yes, my lady. +Not what I call a cosy room.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Ginger</span>.) Jump into a cab. See if +you can find her. Perhaps she has been detained at one of +the committee-rooms. Tell her she ought to be here.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Yes, your +ladyship. (<i>She crosses</i>, <i>opens door</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Shut the door.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Oh, shut—</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>She finds herself face to face with +a</i> <span class="smcap">Messenger</span> <i>carrying a +ballot-box</i>.)</p> +<p>I beg yer pardon! (<i>She goes out</i>, <i>closes +door</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. (<i>To the</i> +<span class="smcap">Messenger</span>.) Is that the +last?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Messenger</span>. Generally +is. Isle of Dogs!</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>He goes into the other +room</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Jawbones</span>.) Do you know where Mr. +Chilvers is?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>There comes a bloodthirsty yell from the +crowd outside</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Not unless +that’s ’im. (<i>He finishes for the time being +with the fire</i>. <i>Rises</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Janet</span> +<i>enters</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Was that you +they were yelling at?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. No, it’s Mr. +Sigsby.</p> +<p>(<i>Another yell is heard</i>. <i>Out of it a shrill +female voice</i>—“<i>Mind ’is fice</i>; <i>yer +spoiling it</i>!”)</p> +<p>The Woman’s Laundry Union have taken such a strong +dislike to him.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>A final yell</i>. <i>Then a +voice</i>: “<i>That’s taken some of the starch out of +him</i>!” <i>followed by a shriek of laughter</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. ’E only +suggested as ’ow there was enough old washerwomen in +Parliament as it was.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. A most +unnecessary remark. It will teach him—</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Sigsby</span> +<i>enters</i>, <i>damaged</i>. <i>His appearance is +comic</i>. <span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span> <i>makes +no effort to repress a grim smile</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Funny, ain’t +it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. I am sorry.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>He +snarls</i>.) “The Mother’s Hand shall Help +Us!” One of your posters, I think.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. You +shouldn’t have insulted them—calling them old +washerwomen!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Insult! +Can’t one indulge in a harmless <i>jeu +d’esprit</i>—(<i>he pronounces it according to his +own ideas</i>)—without having one’s clothes torn off +one’s back? (<i>Fiercely</i>.) What do you mean +by it—disgracing your sex?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Are you +addressing me?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. All of you. +Upsetting the foundations upon which society has been +reared—the natural and lawful subjection of the woman to +the man. Why don’t you read St. Paul?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. St. Paul was +addressing Christians. When men behave like Christians +there will be no need of Votes for Women. You read St. Paul +on men. (<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Janet</span>.) +I shall want you!</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>She goes out</i>, <i>followed +by</i> <span class="smcap">Janet</span>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Sigsby</span> +<i>gives vent to a gesture</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Getting saucy, +ain’t they?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. +Over-indulgence. That’s what the modern woman is +suffering from. Gets an idea on Monday that she’d +like the whole world altered; if it isn’t done by Saturday, +raises hell! Where’s the guv’nor?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Hasn’t been +here.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>Hands</i> <span +class="smcap">Jawbones</span> <i>his damaged hat</i>.) See +if they can do anything to that. If not, get me a new +one. (<i>He forks out a sovereign</i>.) Sure to be +some shops open in the High Street.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Lamb</span> +<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span> +<i>enter</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. Hallo! have they been +mauling you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>He snatches the +damaged hat from</i> <span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>, <i>to +hand it back the next moment</i>; <i>holds it out</i>.) +Woman’s contribution to politics. Get me a collar at +the same time—sixteen and a half.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Jawbones</span> +<i>takes his cap and goes out</i>. <i>The men hang up their +overcoats</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Where’s it all +going to end? That’s what I want to know!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Where most +things end. In the millennium, according to its +advocates. In the ruin of the country, according to its +opponents. In mild surprise on the part of the next +generation that ever there was any fuss about it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. In amazement, you +mean, that their fathers were so blind as not to see where it was +leading. My boy, this is going to alter the whole +relationship between the sexes!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Is it so perfect +as it is?</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A silence</i>.)</p> +<p>Might it not be established on a more workable, a more +enduring basis if woman were allowed a share in the shaping of +it?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>Some woman in the crowd starts the +refrain</i>, “<i>We’ll hang old Asquith on a sour +apple tree</i>.” <i>It is taken up with quiet +earnestness by others</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Shaping it! +Nice sort of shape it will be by the time that lot (<i>with a +gesture</i>, <i>including the crowd</i>, <span class="smcap">Lady +Mogton</span> & <span class="smcap">Co</span>.) have done +knocking it about. Wouldn’t be any next generation to +be surprised at anything if some of them had their way.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. The +housebreakers come first—not a class of work demanding much +intelligence; the builders come later. Have you seen +Chilvers?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. I left him at the +House. He couldn’t get away.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. There’s your +object-lesson for you. We don’t need to go far. +A man’s whole career ruined by the wife he nourishes.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. How do you mean, +“ruined?”</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. So it is. If +she wins the election and claims the seat. Do you think the +Cabinet will want him? Their latest addition compelled to +appeal to the House of Commons to fight for him against his own +womenfolk. (<i>Grunts</i>.) He’ll be the +laughing-stock of the whole country.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Do you know for +certain that they mean to claim the seat?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. “Wait and +see” is their answer.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. Hasn’t Chilvers +any idea?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Can’t get him +to talk. Don’t think he’s seen her since that +shindy over the Deputation.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. Humph!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Even if she herself +wished to draw back, the others would overrule her.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. I’m not so sure +of that. She’s got a way of shutting her mouth that +reminds me of my old woman.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. The arrangement, as +he explained it to me, was that the whole thing was to end with +the polling. It was to have been a mere joke, a mere +<i>ballon d’essai</i>. The mistake he made was +thinking he could depend on her.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. Guess she made the same +mistake. You can fight and shake hands afterwards; it +doesn’t go with kissing.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Man and woman were +not made to fight. It was never intended.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>The woman’s</i> +“<i>Marseillaise</i>” <i>has been taken up by the +crowd</i>. <i>The chorus has been reached</i>.)</p> +<p>Oh, damn your row! (<i>He slams to the window</i>; <i>it +was ajar</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span +class="smcap">Jawbones</span> <i>has entered</i>, <i>with his +purchases</i>.)</p> +<p>(<i>Turning from window he sees</i> <span +class="smcap">Jawbones</span>, <i>goes to meet him</i>.) +Couldn’t they do anything?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>He has bought a +new hat</i>; <i>has also brought back the remains</i>. +<i>He shakes his head</i>.) No good for anything else but a +memento.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>With a grunt he +snatches the thing and flings it into a corner</i>. +<i>Tries on the new one</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. ’Ow’s +it feel?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>, <i>with +the help of</i> <span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>, <i>attends +to his appearance</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>.) No use talking to her, I +suppose?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. (<i>Shrugs his +shoulders</i>.) She’ll do what she imagines to be her +duty. Women are so uncivilised.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>A burst of cheering is heard</i>. +<i>A shrill male voice</i>: “<i>Three cheers for Winston +Churchill</i>!” <i>It is followed by an explosion of +yells</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Who’s +that?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. (<i>He has opened the +window</i>.) Phoebe Mogton!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. What a family!</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Janet</span> +<i>has entered</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. Is that Mrs. +Chilvers? (<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lamb</span> +<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>.) Good +evening.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Good +evening.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. No; it’s her +sister.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. I wonder she +doesn’t come.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. What are the latest +figures? Do you know?</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Phoebe</span> +<i>enters</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. I forget the +numbers. Mrs. Chilvers is forty ahead.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Forty ahead! +(<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Janet</span>.) Did you order +the band?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. (<i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Sigsby</span>.) The Dock division was against +him to a man; that Shipping Bill has upset them.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. No. I +didn’t think we should want the band.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Not want it! My +dear girl—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. Perhaps Lady Mogton +has ordered it, I’ll ask her.</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>She goes out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. Hadn’t you +better “Wait and see”? It isn’t over +yet.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. We may as well have +it! It can play the Dead March in “Saul” if you +win. (<i>She laughs</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Sigsby</span>. (<i>Grunts</i>. +<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lamb</span>.) Are you +coming?</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>He goes out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. Yes. (<i>To</i> +<span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>.) Are you +coming?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. Hardly worth +while; nearly over, isn’t it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lamb</span>. It generally takes an +hour and a half. (<i>He looks at his watch</i>.) +Another forty minutes. Perhaps less.</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>He goes out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. I do love to make him +ratty. Wish it wasn’t poor old Geoff we were +fighting.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. When I marry, it +will be the womanly woman.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. No chance for me +then?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. I don’t +say that. I can see you taking your political opinions from +your husband, and thinking them your own.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Good heavens!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. The brainy woman +will think for herself. And then I foresee some lively +breakfast tables.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Humph! No fear, +I suppose, of a man taking his views from his wife and thinking +them his own?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. That may be the +solution. The brainy woman will have to marry the manly +man.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Ginger</span> +<i>enters</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>He is on his +knees blowing the fire</i>. <i>In a low growl</i>.) +Shut the door!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Can’t till +I’m inside, can I? (<i>Shuts it</i>.) +Where’s Lady Mogton?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. I don’t +know.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. What do you want her +for?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Only to tell her that +I can’t find Chilvers.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Isn’t she +here?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Not unless +she’s come while I’ve been out.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Janet</span> +<i>enters</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. Oh, Lady +Mogton—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>Interrupting +her</i>.) Isn’t Annys here?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. No. (<i>To</i> +<span class="smcap">Ginger</span>.) Haven’t you found +her?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>Shakes her +head</i>.) Been everywhere I could think of.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>To +herself</i>.) She couldn’t have gone home? Is +there a telephone here?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. The room’s +locked up.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. There’s one +at 118, High Street. Shall I go, miss?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. No, thanks. +I’ll go myself. Oh, what about the band?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. Lady Mogton says +she’d like it. If it isn’t too tired.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. It’s at +Sell’s Coffee-’ouse in Piggott Street. I +’eard them practising.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Good. I +shan’t be more than a few minutes.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">St. Herbert</span>. I’ll come +with you, if I may? I’ve got some news that may be of +use to you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Do. (<i>To</i> +<span class="smcap">Ginger</span>.) Stop here, I may want +you.</p> +<p>(<span class="smcap">Phoebe</span> <i>and</i> <span +class="smcap">St. Herbert</span> <i>go out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. How was Mrs. Chilvers +seeming this afternoon?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Never ’eard +’er speak better, miss.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. Did you stop to the +end?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Not quite. Mrs. +Spender wanted some shopping done.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Janet</span> +<i>goes out</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Can I ’elp +yer?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Yer might hold the +piper while I blow.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>The fire begins to +burn</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. It’s getting +brighter.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. That’s caught +it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Wonderful what a +little coaxing will do.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>He is still +squatting on his heels</i>, <i>folding up the paper</i>. +<i>He looks up</i>.) Ain’t yer ever thought of that, +instead of worrying about the vote?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She moves +away</i>.) You don’t understand us wimmin.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>He has +risen</i>. <i>He pauses in his folding of the +paper</i>.) Don’t say that.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Why should we coax +yer—for our rights?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Because it’s +the easiest way of getting ’em.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She has become +oratorical</i>.) Our appeal is not to man (<i>with upraised +hand</i>) but to Justice!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Oh! And what +does the lidy say?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. +(<i>Descending</i>.) ’Ow do yer mean?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. To your +appeal. Is she goin’ to give ’em to yer? +You tike my tip: if yer in a ’urry, you get a bit on +account—from Man. ’Ere. (<i>He dives into +his pocket</i>, <i>produces</i>, <i>wrapped up in tissue +paper</i>, <i>a ring</i>, <i>which he exhibits to her</i>.) +That’s a bit more in your line.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>Her eyes +sparkle</i>. <i>She takes the ring in her hand</i>. +<i>Then problems come to her</i>.) Why do yer want me, +William?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Because, in spite +of all, I love yer.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She looks into +the future</i>.) What will I be? A general servant, +without wages.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. The question, as it +seems to me, is, which of us two is the biggest fool? +Instead of thirty bob a week in my pocket to spend as I +like—guess I’ll ’ave to be content with three +’alf-crowns.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Seven an’ +six! Rather a lot, Bill, out o’ thirty bob. +Don’t leave much for me an’ the children.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. I shall ’ave +to get my dinners.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. I could mike yer +somethin’ tasty to tike with yer. Then with, +say—three shillings—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. +’Ere—(<i>He is on the point of snatching back the +ring</i>. <i>He encounters her eyes</i>. <i>There is +a moment’s battle</i>. <i>The Eternal Feminine +conquers</i>.) Will yer always look as sweet as yer do +now?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Always, Bill. +So long as yer good to me!</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>She slips the ring over her finger</i>, +<i>still with her eyes drawing him</i>. <i>He catches her +to him in fierce passion</i>, <i>kisses her</i>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>A loud shrill female cheer comes from +the crowd</i>. <i>The cheer is renewed and +renewed</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>He breaks away +and goes to the window</i>.) ’Ullo! What are +they shoutin’ about now? (<i>He looks out</i>.) +It’s the Donah!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. Mrs. Chilvers?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Yus. Better +not get wearin’ it—may shock their feelings.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. (<i>She gazes +rapturously at the ring as she draws it off</i>.) It is a +beauty! I do love yer, Bill.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>There enter</i> <span +class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>and</i> <span +class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. <span +class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>is excited</i>; <i>she is laughing +and talking</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Laughing while she +rearranges her hat and hair</i>.) A little +embarrassing. That red-haired girl—she carried me +right up the steps. I was afraid she would—</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Jawbones</span> <i>has +been quick enough to swing a chair into place just in time to +receive her</i>.)</p> +<p>(<i>She recovers herself</i>.) Thank you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. (<i>She hands</i> +<span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>a smelling-bottle</i>. +<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>.) Open the +window a few inches.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>He does so</i>. <i>Some woman</i>, +<i>much interrupted</i>, <i>is making a speech</i>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Janet</span> <i>opens +the door a little way and looks in</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. Oh, it is you! I +am glad!</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>She goes out again</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Are the others all +here?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Ginger</span>. ’Er ladyship is +watching the counting. Miss Phoebe ’as just gone +out—</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Phoebe</span> +<i>enters</i>.)</p> +<p>Oh, ’ere she is.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Hullo! (<i>She +is taking off her things</i>.) Wherever have you +been? We’ve been scouring the +neighbourhood—</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Lady +Mogton</span> <i>enters</i>, <i>followed by</i> <span +class="smcap">Janet</span>.)</p> +<p>I say, you’re looking jolly chippy.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. We had an extra +enthusiastic meeting. She spoke for rather a long +time. I made her come home with me and lie down. I +think she is all right now.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Would you like +to see a doctor?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. There is a very good +man close here. (<i>She turns to</i> <span +class="smcap">Jawbones</span>, <i>who is still near the +window</i>.) Gordon—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. +(<i>Interrupting</i>.) No. Please don’t. +I am quite all right. I hate strange doctors.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Well, let me send for +Whitby; he could be here in twenty minutes.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. I wish you would all +leave me alone. There’s absolutely nothing to fuss +about whatever. We pampered women—we can’t +breathe the same air that ordinary mortals have to. We +ought to be ashamed of ourselves.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>To +herself</i>.) Obstinate pig.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>She catches</i> <span +class="smcap">Jawbones</span>’ <i>eye</i>; <i>unnoticed by +the others</i>, <i>she takes him aside</i>. <i>They +whisper</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. How is it going?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. You must be +prepared for winning. (<i>She puts again the question +that</i> <span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>has frequently been +asked to answer during the last few days</i>.) What are you +going to do?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Mrs. +Mountcalm-Villiers</span> <i>enters</i>, <i>as usual in a flutter +of excitement</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. Am I +late?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>They brush her back into +silence</i>. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>takes +charge of her</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She has +risen</i>.) You think it wise tactics, to make it +impossible for Geoffrey to be anything else in the future but our +enemy?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. +(<i>Contemptuously</i>.) You are thinking of him, and not +of the cause.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. And if I were! +Haven’t I made sacrifice enough?—more than any of you +will ever know. Ay—and would make more, if I felt it +was demanded of me. I don’t! (<i>Her burst of +anger is finished</i>. <i>She turns</i>, +<i>smiling</i>.) I’m much more cunning than you +think. There will be other elections we shall want to +fight. With the Under-Secretary for Home Affairs in +sympathy with us, the Government will find it difficult to +interfere. Don’t you see how clever I am?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>, +<i>having received his instructions from</i> <span +class="smcap">Phoebe</span>, <i>has slipped out +unobserved</i>. <i>He has beckoned to</i> <span +class="smcap">Ginger</span>; <i>she has followed him</i>. +<span class="smcap">Phoebe</span> <i>has joined the +group</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. +There’s something in that.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. Is Mr. Chilvers still +in sympathy with us?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Of course he +is. A bit rubbed up the wrong way just at present; +that’s our fault. When Annys goes down, early next +mouth, to fight the Exchange Division of Manchester, we shall +have him with us.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A moment</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Where do you get +that from?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. From St. +Herbert. The present member is his cousin. They say +he can’t live more than a week.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. It +really seems like Providence.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Has taken the +opportunity of giving</i> <span class="smcap">Phoebe</span> <i>a +grateful squeeze of the hand</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. You will fight +Manchester?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Yes. +(<i>Laughs</i>.) And make myself a public nuisance if I +win.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Well, must be +content with that, I suppose. Better not come in; the +room’s rather crowded. I’ll keep you informed +how things are going.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>She goes out</i>, <i>followed +by</i> <span class="smcap">Janet</span>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. +I’ll stay with you, dear.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. I want you to come +and be photographed for the Daily Mirror. The man’s +waiting downstairs.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. I’ll stop +with Annys.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. +I’m not quite sure, you know, that I take well by +flashlight.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. You wait till +you’ve seen mamma! We must have you. They want +you for the centre of the page.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. +Well, if it’s really—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>To the +others</i>.) Shall see you again. (<i>She +winks</i>. <i>Then to</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. +Mountcalm-Villiers</span>.) We mustn’t keep them +waiting. They are giving us a whole page.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Phoebe</span> +<i>takes</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span> +<i>out</i>. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> <i>has +followed to the door</i>; <i>she closes it</i>. <span +class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>has reseated herself</i>, <i>facing +the fire</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. When did you see +your husband last?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Not +since—Tuesday, wasn’t it, that we went round to his +rooms. Why?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. I’m thinking +about Manchester. What was it he said to you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Oh, we were, both of +us, a little over-excited, I suppose. He has—(<i>she +hesitates</i>, <i>finally answers</i>)—he has always been +so eager for children.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Yes. So many +men are; not having to bear the pain and inconvenience +themselves.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Oh, well, they have to +provide for them when they do come. That’s fair +enough division, I su— (<i>Suddenly she turns +fiercely</i>.) Why do you talk like that? As if we +women were cowards. Do you think if God sent me a child I +should grudge Him the price!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Do you want Him +to?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. I don’t know; +prayed Him to, once.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. (<i>She lays her +hand upon her</i>.) It isn’t a few more mothers that +the world has need of. It is the women whom God has +appointed—to whom He has given freedom, that they may +champion the cause of the mothers, helpless by reason of their +motherhood.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A moment</i>. <span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> <i>enters</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Good evening.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Rises</i>; <i>a +smile struggles for possession</i>. <i>But he only shakes +hands</i>, <i>and it dies away</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Good evening.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>They shake hands</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. You are not +interested in the counting?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. The room is rather +crowded. Mamma thought I would be better out here. +How have you been?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Oh, all +right. It’s going to be a very near thing, they tell +me.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Yes, I shall be glad +when it’s over.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. It’s always a +trying time. What are you going to do, if you win?</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Lady +Mogton</span> <i>looks in</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. (<i>Seeing</i> +<span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>.) Oh, good evening.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Good evening.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Chilvers, +2,960—Annys Chilvers, 2,874.</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>She disappears—closes +door</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Perhaps I’m not +going to win. (<i>She goes to him</i>, +<i>smiling</i>.) I hope you’ll win. I would so +much rather you won.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Very kind of +you. I’m afraid that won’t make it a +certainty.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>His answer has +hardened her again</i>.) How can I? It would not be +fair. Without your consent I should never have entered upon +it. It was understood that the seat, in any case, would be +yours.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I would rather you +considered yourself quite free. In warfare it doesn’t +pay to be “fair” to one’s enemy.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Still +hardening</i>.) Besides, there is no need. There will +be other opportunities. I can contest some other +constituency. If I win, claim the seat for that.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A moment</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. So this is only the +beginning? You have decided to devote yourself to a +political career?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Why not?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. If I were to ask +you to abandon it, to come back to your place at my +side—helping me, strengthening me?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. You mean you would +have me abandon my own task—merge myself in you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Be my wife.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. It would not be +right. I, too, have my work.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. If it takes you +away from me?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Why need it take me +away from you? Why cannot we work together for common ends, +each in our own way?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. We talked like that +before we tried it. Marriage is not a partnership; it is a +leadership.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She looks at +him</i>.) You mean—an ownership.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Perhaps +you’re right. I didn’t make it. I’m +only—beginning to understand it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. And I too. It is +not what I want.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. You mean its duties +have become irksome to you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. I mean I want to be +the judge myself of what are my duties.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I no longer +count. You will go your way without me?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. I must go the way I +think right.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He flings +away</i>.) If you win to-night you will do well to make the +most of it. Take my advice and claim the seat.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Looks at him +puzzled</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Why?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Because (<i>with a +short</i>, <i>ugly laugh</i>) the Lord only knows when +you’ll get another opportunity.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. You are going to +stop us?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. To stop women from +going to the poll. The Bill will be introduced on +Monday. Carried through all its stages the same week.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. You think it will +pass?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. The Whips assure me +that it will.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. But they cannot, they +dare not, without your assent. The— (<i>The +light breaks in upon her</i>.) Who is bringing it in?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I am.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>Is going to +speak</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He stops +her</i>.) Oh, I’m prepared for all +that—ridicule, abuse. “Chilvers’s Bill +for the Better Regulation of Mrs. Chilvers,” they’ll +call it. I can hear their laughter. Yours won’t +be among it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. But, Geoffrey! +What is the meaning? Merely to spite me, are you going to +betray a cause that you have professed belief in—that you +have fought for?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Yes—if it is +going to take you away from me. I want you. No, I +don’t want a friend—“a +fellow-worker”—some interesting rival in well +doing. I can get all that outside my home. I want a +wife. I want the woman I love to belong to me—to be +mine. I am not troubling about being up to date; I’m +talking what I feel—what every male creature must have felt +since the protoplasmic cell developed instincts. I want a +woman to love—a woman to work for—a woman to fight +for—a woman to be a slave to. But mine—mine, +and nothing else. All the rest (<i>he makes a gesture</i>) +is talk.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>He closes the window</i>, <i>shutting +out the hubbub of the crowd</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>A strange</i>, +<i>new light has stolen in</i>. <i>She is bewildered</i>, +<i>groping</i>.) But—all this is new between +us. You have not talked like this for—not +since— We were just good friends—comrades.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. And might have +remained so, God knows! I suppose we’re made like +that. So long as there was no danger passion slept. I +cannot explain it. I only know that now, beside the thought +of losing you, all else in the world seems meaningless. The +Woman’s Movement! (<i>He makes a gesture of +contempt</i>.) Men have wrecked kingdoms for a woman before +now—and will again. I want you! (<i>He comes to +her</i>.) Won’t you come back to me, that we may +build up the home we used to dream of? Wasn’t the old +love good? What has this new love to give you? Work +that man can do better. The cause of the women—the +children! Has woman loved woman better than man? Will +the world be better for the children, man and woman +contending? Come back to me. Help me. Help me +to fight for all good women. Teach me how I may make the +world better—for our children.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>The light is in +her eyes</i>. <i>She stands a moment</i>. <i>Her +hands are going out to him</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. (<i>She comes +between them</i>.) Yes, go to him. He will be very +good to you. Good men are kind to women, kind even to their +dogs. You will be among the pampered few! You will be +happy. And the others! What does it matter?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>They draw apart</i>. <i>She stands +between them</i>, <i>the incarnation of the spirit of sex +war</i>.)</p> +<p>The women that have not kind owners—the dogs that have +not kind masters—the dumb women, chained to their endless, +unpaid drudgery! Let them be content. What are they +but man’s chattel? To be honoured if it pleases him, +or to be cast into the dust. Man’s pauper! +Bound by his laws, subject to his whim; her every hope, her every +aspiration, owed to his charity. She toils for him without +ceasing: it should be her “pleasure.” She bears +him children, when he chooses to desire them. They are his +to do as he will by. Why seek to change it? Our man +is kind. What have they to do with us: the women beaten, +driven, overtasked—the women without hope or joy, the +livers of grey lives that men may laugh and spend—the women +degraded lower than the beasts to pander to the beast in +man—the women outraged and abandoned, bearing to the grave +the burden of man’s lust? Let them go their +way. They are but our sisters of sorrow. And we who +could help them—we to whom God has given the weapons: the +brain, and the courage—we make answer: “I have +married a husband, and I cannot come.”</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A silence</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Well, you have +heard. (<i>He makes a gesture</i>.) What is +your answer?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She comes to +him</i>.) Don’t you love me enough to humour me a +little—to put up with my vexing ways? I so want to +help, to feel I am doing just a little, to make the world +kinder. I know you can do it better, but I want so to be +“in it.” (<i>She laughs</i>.) Let us +forget all this. Wake up to-morrow morning with fresh +hearts. You will be Member for East Poplar. And then +you shall help me to win Manchester. (<i>She puts her hands +upon his breast</i>: <i>she would have him take her in his +arms</i>.) I am not strong enough to fight alone.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I want you. +Let Manchester find some one else.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She draws away +from him</i>.) And if I cannot—will not?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I bring in my Bill +on Monday. We’ll be quite frank about it. That +is my price—you. I want you!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. You mean it comes to +that: a whole cause dependent on a man and a woman!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Yes, that is how +the world is built. On each man and woman. “How +does it shape my life, my hopes?” So will each make +answer.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Lady +Mogton</span> <i>enters</i>. <i>She stands silent</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. Is it over?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Annys Chilvers, +3,604—Geoffrey Chilvers, 3,590.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Janet</span> +<i>enters</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. (<i>She rushes to</i> +<span class="smcap">Annys</span>, <i>embraces her</i>.) +You’ve won, you’ve won! (<i>She flies to the +window</i>, <i>opens it</i>, <i>and goes out on to the +balcony</i>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Phoebe</span> +<i>enters</i>, <i>followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. +Mountcalm-Villiers</span>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. Is it true?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. Pretty +close. Majority of 14.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers</span>. For +us?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. For us.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Janet</span> <i>by this +time has announced the figures</i>. <i>There is heard a +great burst of cheering</i>, <i>renewed again and again</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. +(<i>Re-entering</i>.) They want you! They want +you!</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>Mingled with the cheering come cries +of</i> “<i>Speech</i>! <i>Speech</i>!”)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Lady Mogton</span>. You must say +something.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>The band strikes up</i> “<i>The +Conquering Hero</i>.” <i>The women crowd round</i> +<span class="smcap">Annys</span>, <i>congratulating +her</i>. <span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> <i>stands +apart</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Phoebe</span>. (<i>Screaming above +the din</i>.) Put on your cloak.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Janet</span>. (<i>Rushes and gets +it</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>They wrap it round +her</i>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>goes +out on to the balcony</i>, <i>followed by the other +women</i>. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, <i>going +last</i>, <i>fires a parting smile of triumph at</i> <span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>A renewed burst of cheering announces +their arrival on the balcony</i>. <i>The crowd bursts +into</i> “<i>For She’s a Jolly Good +Fellow</i>”—<i>the band</i>, <i>making a quick +change</i>, <i>joins in</i>. <span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> <i>remains centre</i>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Jawbones</span> +<i>enters unobserved</i>. <i>The singing ends with three +cheers</i>. <span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>is +speaking</i>. <span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> <i>turns +and sees</i> <span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>With a +smile</i>.) Give me down my coat, will you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. (<i>He is +sympathetic</i>. <i>He helps him on with it</i>.) +Shall I get you a cab, sir?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. No, thanks. +I’ll pick one up. (<i>He goes towards the door</i>, +<i>then stops</i>.) Is there any other way out—not +through the main entrance?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Jawbones</span>. Yes, sir. +There’s a side door opening on Woodstock Road. +I’ll show it you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Thanks. +(<i>He follows</i> <span class="smcap">Jawbones</span> +<i>out</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A burst of cheering comes from +the crowd</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center"><span +class="smcap">Curtain</span>.</p> +<h2>THE FOURTH ACT</h2> +<p><span class="smcap">Scene</span>:—<i>Russell +Square</i>. <i>The morning-room</i> (<i>on the ground +floor</i>). <i>A small</i>, <i>cheerful room</i>, +<i>furnished in Chippendale</i>, <i>white panelled</i>, <i>with +Adams fireplace in which a bright fire is burning</i>. +<i>Two deep easy-chairs are before the fire</i>. <i>The +window-curtains of red damask are drawn</i>. <i>An oval +table occupies the centre of the room</i>. <i>The door at +back opens upon the hall</i>. <i>Only one light burns</i>, +<i>an electric lamp on a table just above the fire</i>.</p> +<p style="text-align: center"><span +class="smcap">Time</span>:—<i>Midnight</i>.</p> +<p>(<i>The door opens</i>. <span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> <i>enters</i>. <i>He has left +his out-door things in the hall</i>. <i>He crosses and +rings the bell</i>. <i>A moment</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Hake</span> +<i>enters</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Oh, you, +Hake! There wasn’t any need for you to have +stopped.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. I was not sure of your +arrangements. I thought perhaps I might be wanted.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Sorry. I +ought to have told you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. It’s been no +inconvenience, sir. I told Mrs. Hake not to sit up.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He is opening +and reading his letters left for him on the table</i>.) +Does she generally sit up for you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. As a rule, sir. +We like a little chat before going to bed.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>His eyes on a +letter</i>.) What do you find to chat about?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Oh, there is so much +for a husband and wife to talk about. The— As a +rule.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A clock on the mantelpiece +strikes one</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. What’s +that?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Quarter past twelve, +sir.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Has your mistress +come in?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Not yet, sir. Has +the election gone all right, sir?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. For Mrs. Chilvers, +yes. She is now member for East Poplar.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. I am sorry. It +has been a great surprise to me.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. The result?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. The whole thing, +sir. Such a sweet lady, we all thought her.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Life, Hake, is a +surprising affair.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>A ring is heard</i>.)</p> +<p>I expect that’s she. She has forgotten her +key.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Hake</span> +<i>goes out</i>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> +<i>continues his letters</i>. <i>A few moments pass</i>; +<span class="smcap">Hake</span> <i>re-enters</i>, <i>closes the +door</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. (<i>He seems +puzzled</i>.) It’s a lady, sir</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> <i>turns</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. At least—hardly a +lady. A Mrs. Chinn.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Mrs. Chinn! +(<i>He glances at his watch</i>.) At twelve o’clock +at night. Well, all right. I’ll see her.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Hake</span> <i>opens +the door</i>, <i>speaks to</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. +Chinn</span>. <i>She enters</i>, <i>in bonnet and +shawl</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Mrs. Chinn.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Good evening, Mrs. +Chinn.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Good evening, +sir.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. You needn’t +stop, Hake. I shan’t be wanting anything.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Thank you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Apologise for me to +Mrs. Hake. Good-night.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Hake</span>. Good-night, sir.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Hake</span> <i>goes +out</i>. <i>A minute later the front door is heard to +slam</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Won’t you sit +down? (<i>He puts a chair for her left of the +table</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. (<i>Seating +herself</i>.) Thank you, sir.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He half sits on +the arm of the easy-chair below the fire</i>.) What’s +the trouble?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. It’s my +boy, sir—my youngest. He’s been taking money +that didn’t belong to him.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Um. Has it +been going on for long?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. About six months, +sir. I only heard of it to-night. You see, his wife +died a year ago. She was such a good manager. And +after she was gone he seems to have got into debt.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. What were his +wages?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Nineteen +shillings a week, sir. And that with the rent and three +young children—well, it wants thinking out.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. From whom did he +take the money—his employers?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Yes, sir. +He was the carman. They had always trusted him to collect +the accounts.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. How much, would you +say, was the defalcation?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. I beg pardon, +sir.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. How much does it +amount to, the sums that he has taken?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Six pounds, sir, +Mr. Cohen says it comes to.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Won’t they +accept repayment?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Yes, sir. +Mr. Cohen has been very nice about it. He is going to let +me pay it off by instalments.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Well, then, that +gets over most of the trouble.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Well, you see, +sir, unfortunately, Mr. Cohen gave information to the police the +moment he discovered it.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Umph! +Can’t he say he made a mistake?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. They say it must +go for trial, sir. That he can only withdraw the charge in +court.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Um!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. You see, +sir—a thing like that—(<i>She recovers +herself</i>.) It clings to a lad.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. What do you want me +to do?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Well, sir, I +thought that, perhaps—you see, sir, he has got a brother in +Canada who would help him; and I thought that if I could ship him +off—</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. You want me to tip +the wink to the police to look the other way while you smuggle +this young malefactor out of the clutches of the law?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. (<i>Quite +indifferent to the moral aspect of the case</i>.) If you +would be so kind, sir.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Umph! I +suppose you know what you’re doing; appealing through your +womanhood to man’s weakness—employing +“backstairs influence” to gain your private ends, +indifferent to the higher issues of the public weal? All +the things that are going to cease when woman has the vote.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. You see, sir, +he’s the youngest.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>Gradually the decent but dingy figure +of</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span> <i>has taken to +itself new shape</i>. <i>To</i> <span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>, <i>it almost seems as though there +were growing out of the shadows over against him the figure of +great Artemis herself—Artemis of the Thousand +Breasts</i>. <i>He had returned home angry</i>, <i>bitter +against all women</i>. <i>As she unfolds her simple tale +understanding comes to him</i>. <i>So long as there are</i> +“<i>Mrs. Chinns</i>” <i>in the world</i>, <i>Woman +claims homage</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. How many were +there?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Ten altogether, +six living.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Been a bit of a +struggle for you, hasn’t it?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. It has been a bit +difficult, at times; especially after their poor father died.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. How many were you +left with?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Eight, sir.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. How on earth did +you manage to keep them?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Well, you see, +sir, the two eldest, they were earning a little. I +don’t think I could have done it without that.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Wasn’t there +any source from which you could have obtained help? What +was your husband?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. He worked in the +shipyards, sir. There was some talk about it. But, of +course, that always means taking the children away from you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Would not that have +been better for them?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Not always, +sir. Of course, if I hadn’t been able to do my duty +by them I should have had to. But, thank God, I’ve +always been strong.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He +rises</i>.) I will see what can be done.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Thank you, +sir.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>Half-way</i>, +<i>he turns</i>.) When does the next boat sail—for +Canada?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. To-morrow night, +sir, from Glasgow. I have booked his passage.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>With a +smile</i>.) You seem to have taken everything for +granted.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. You see, sir, +it’s the disgrace. All the others are doing so +well. It would upset them so.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>He goes out</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>There is a moment</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">Annys</span> +<i>enters</i>. <i>She is wearing her outdoor +things</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Mrs. Chinn!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. (<i>She has +risen</i>; <i>she curtseys</i>.) Good evening, +ma’am.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She is taking off +her hat</i>.) Nothing wrong, is there?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. My boy, +ma’am, my youngest, has been getting into trouble.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She pauses</i>, +<i>her hat in her hand</i>.) They will, won’t +they? It’s nothing serious, I hope?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. I think it will +be all right, ma’am, thanks to your good gentleman.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She lays aside her +hat</i>.) You have had a good many children, haven’t +you, Mrs. Chinn?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Ten altogether, +ma’am; six living.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Can one love ten, all +at once?</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>The cloak has fallen aside</i>. +<span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span> <i>is a much experienced +lady</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Just as many as +come, dear. God sends the love with them.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>There is a moment</i>; <i>the two women +are very close to one another</i>. <i>Then</i> <span +class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>gives a little cry and somehow +their arms are round one another</i>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>She mothers her into the easy chair +above the fire</i>; <i>places a footstool under her +feet</i>.) You have your cry out, dearie, it will do you +good.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. You look so strong and +great.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. It’s the +tears, dearie. (<i>She arranges the foot-stool</i>.) +You keep your feet up.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>The handle of the door is +heard</i>. <span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span> <i>is +standing beside her own chair</i>. <i>She is putting back +her handkerchief into her bag</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> <i>re-enters</i>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>is +hidden in the easy chair</i>. <i>He does not see +her</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Well, Mrs. Chinn, +an exhaustive search for the accused will be commenced—next +week.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Thank you, +sir.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. What about the +children—are they going with him?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. No, sir; I +thought he would be better without them till everything is +settled.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Who is taking care +of them—you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Yes, sir.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. And the passage +money—how much was that?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Four pound +fifteen.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Would you mind my +coming in, as a friend?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. Well, if you +don’t mind, I’d rather not. I’ve always +done everything for the children myself. It’s been a +fad of mine.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He makes a +gesture of despair</i>.) You mothers! You’re so +greedy. (<i>He holds out his hand</i>, +<i>smiling</i>.) Goodbye.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. (<i>She takes his +hand in hers</i>.) God bless you, sir. And your good +lady.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>As he takes her +to the door</i>.) How will you get home?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Chinn</span>. I can get the +Underground from Gower Street, sir.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>They go out talking about last trains +and leaving the door open</i>. <i>The next moment the front +door is heard to slam</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span +class="smcap">Geoffrey</span> <i>re-enters</i>.)</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<span class="smcap">Annys</span> <i>has +moved round</i>, <i>so that coming back into the room he finds +her there</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. How long have you +been in?</p> +<p style="text-align: right">(<i>He closes the door</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Only a few +minutes—while you were at the telephone. I had to +rest for a little while. Dr. Whitby brought me back in his +motor.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. Was he down +there?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. Phoebe had sent for +him. I had been taken a little giddy earlier in the +day.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He +grunts</i>. <i>He is fighting with his +tenderness</i>.) Don’t wonder at it. All this +overwork and excitement.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. I’m afraid +I’ve been hurting you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>Still +growling</i>.) Both been hurting each other, I expect.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She +smiles</i>.) It’s so easy to hurt those that love +us.</p> +<p class="gutindent">(<i>She makes a little movement</i>, +<i>feebly stretches out her arms to him</i>. +<i>Wondering</i>, <i>he comes across to her</i>. <i>She +draws him down beside her</i>, <i>takes his arms and places them +about her</i>.) I want to feel that I belong to you. +That you are strong. That I can rest upon you.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He cannot +understand</i>.) But only an hour ago—(<i>He looks at +her</i>.) Have you, too, turned traitor to the +Woman’s Cause?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She answers +smiling</i>.) No. But woman, dear, is a much more +complicated person than I thought her. It is only in this +hour that God has revealed her to me. (<i>She draws him +closer</i>.) I want you, dear—dear husband. +Take care of us—both, won’t you? I love you, I +love you. I did not know how much.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He gathers her +to him</i>, <i>kissing her</i>, <i>crooning over her</i>.) +Oh, my dear, my dear! My little one, my love, my wife!</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. (<i>She is +laughing</i>, <i>crying</i>.) But, Geoffrey, +dear—</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>He tries to calm her</i>.)</p> +<p>No, let me. I want to— And then I’ll +be quite good, I promise— It’s only fair to +warn you. When I’m strong and can think again, I +shall still want the vote. I shall want it more than +ever.</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. (<i>He answers with +a happy laugh</i>, <i>holding her in his arms</i>.)</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Annys</span>. You will help +us? Because it’s right, dear, isn’t it? +He will be my child as well as yours. You will let me help +you make the world better for our child—and for all the +children—and for all the mothers—and for all the +dear, kind men: you will, won’t you?</p> +<p><span class="smcap">Geoffrey</span>. I thought you were +drifting away from me: that strange voices were calling you away +from life and motherhood. God has laughed at my +fears. He has sent you back to me with His command. +We will fashion His world together, we two lovers, Man and Woman, +joined together in all things. It is His will. His +chains are the children’s hands.</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<i>Kneeling</i>, <i>he holds her +in his arms</i>.)</p> +<p style="text-align: center">(<span class="smcap">The Curtain +Falls</span>.)</p> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MASTER OF MRS. 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Jerome + + + + +THE FIRST ACT +SCENE: Drawing-room, 91, Russell Square. +TIME: 3 p.m. + +THE SECOND ACT +SCENE: Liberal Committee Room, East India Dock Road. +TIME: 5 p.m. + +THE THIRD ACT +SCENE: The Town Hall, East Poplar. +TIME: 10 p.m. + +THE FOURTH ACT +SCENE: Russell Square +TIME: Midnight + + + +THE CAST OF "THE MASTER OF MRS. CHILVERS" + + + +AS IT WAS PRODUCED AT THE ROYALTY THEATRE, LONDON, ON APRIL 26TH, +1911, UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF MESSRS. VEDRENNE & EADIE. + +Lady Mogton Mary Rorke +Annys Chilvers Lena Ashwell +Phoebe Mogton Ethel Dane +Janet Blake Gillian Scaife +Mrs. Mountcalm Villiers Sarah Brooke +Elizabeth Spender Auriol Lee +Rose Merton Esme Beringer +Mrs. Chinn Sydney Fairbrother +Geoffrey Chilvers, M.P. Dennis Eadie +Dorian St. Herbert Leon Quartermaine +Ben Lamb, M.P. A. E. Benedict +William Gordon Edmund Gwenn +Sigsby Michael Sherbrooke +Hake H. B. Tabberer +Mr. Peekin Gerald Mirrielees +Mr. Hopper Stanley Logan +Mrs. Peekin Rowena Jerome +Miss Borlasse Cathleen Nesbitt +Miss Ricketts Hetta Bartlett + + + +CHARACTERS IN THE PLAY + + + +GEOFFREY CHILVERS, M.P. [President Men's League for the Extension +of the Franchise to Women] A loving husband, and (would-be) +affectionate father. Like many other good men, he is in sympathy +with the Woman's Movement: "not thinking it is coming in his +time." + +ANNYS CHILVERS [nee Mogton, Hon. Sec. Women's Parliamentary +Franchise League] A loving wife, and (would-be) affection mother. +Many thousands of years have gone to her making. A generation ago, +she would have been the ideal woman: the ideal helpmeet. But new +ideas are stirring in her blood, a new ideal of womanhood is +forcing itself upon her. + +LADY MOGTON [President W.P.F.L.] She knows she would be of more +use in Parliament than many of the men who are there; is naturally +annoyed at the Law's stupidity in keeping her out. + +PHOEBE MOGTON [Org. Sec. W.P.F.L.] The new girl, thinking more of +politics than of boys. But that will probably pass. + +JANET BLAKE [Jt. Org. Sec. W.P.F.L.] She dreams of a new heaven +and a new earth when woman has the vote. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM VILLIERS [Vice-President W.P.F.L.] She was getting +tired of flirting. The Woman's Movement has arrived just at the +right moment. + +ELIZABETH SPENDER [Hons. Treas. W.P.F.L.] She sees woman +everywhere the slave of man: now pampered, now beaten, but ever +the slave. She can see no hope of freedom but through warfare. + +MRS. CHINN A mother. + +JAWBONES A bill-poster. Movements that do not fit in with the +essentials of life on thirty shillings a week have no message so +far as Jawbones is concerned. + +GINGER Whose proper name is Rose Merton, and who has to reconcile +herself to the fact that so far as her class is concerned the +primaeval laws still run. + +DORIAN ST. HERBERT [Hon. Sec. M.L.E.F.W.] He is interested in all +things, the Woman's Movement included. + +BEN LAMB, M.P. As a student of woman, he admits to being in the +infants' class. + +SIGSBY An Election Agent. He thinks the modern woman suffers from +over-indulgence. He would recommend to her the teachings of St. +Paul. + +HAKE A butler. He does not see how to avoid his wife being +practically a domestic servant without wages. + +A DEPUTATION It consists of two men and three women. Superior +people would call them Cranks. But Cranks have been of some +service to the world, and the use of superior people is still to be +discovered. + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + + +SCENE:- Drawing-room, 91, Russell Square. + +TIME:- Afternoon. + +[MRS. ELIZABETH SPENDER sits near the fire, reading a book. She is +a tall, thin woman, with passionate eyes, set in an oval face of +olive complexion; the features are regular and severe; her massive +dark hair is almost primly arranged. She wears a tailor-made +costume, surmounted by a plain black hat. The door opens and +PHOEBE enters, shown in by HAKE, the butler, a thin, ascetic- +looking man of about thirty, with prematurely grey hair. PHOEBE +MOGTON is of the Fluffy Ruffles type, petite, with a retrousse +nose, remarkably bright eyes, and a quantity of fluffy light hair, +somewhat untidily arranged. She is fashionably dressed in the +fussy, flyaway style. ELIZABETH looks up; the two young women +shake hands.] + +PHOEBE Good woman. 'Tisn't three o'clock yet, is it? + +ELIZABETH About five minutes to. + +PHOEBE Annys is on her way. I just caught her in time. [To +HAKE.] Put a table and six chairs. Give mamma a hammer and a +cushion at her back. + +HAKE A hammer, miss? + +PHOEBE A chairman's hammer. Haven't you got one? + +HAKE I'm afraid not, miss. Would a gravy spoon do? + +PHOEBE [To ELIZABETH, after expression of disgust.] Fancy a house +without a chairman's hammer! [To HAKE.] See that there's +something. Did your wife go to the meeting last night? + +HAKE [He is arranging furniture according to instructions.] I'm +not quite sure, miss. I gave her the evening out. + +PHOEBE "Gave her the evening out"! + +ELIZABETH We are speaking of your wife, man, not your servant. + +HAKE Yes, miss. You see, we don't keep servants in our class. +Somebody's got to put the children to bed. + +ELIZABETH Why not the man--occasionally? + +HAKE Well, you see, miss, in my case, I rarely getting home much +before midnight, it would make it so late. Yesterday being my +night off, things fitted in, so to speak. Will there be any +writing, miss? + +PHOEBE Yes. See that there's plenty of blotting-paper. [To +ELIZABETH.] Mamma always splashes so. + +HAKE Yes, miss. [He goes out.] + +ELIZABETH Did you ever hear anything more delightfully naive? He +"gave" her the evening out. That's how they think of us--as their +servants. The gentleman hasn't the courage to be straightforward +about it. The butler blurts out the truth. Why are we meeting +here instead of at our own place? + +PHOEBE For secrecy, I expect. Too many gasbags always about the +office. I fancy--I'm not quite sure--that mamma's got a new idea. + +ELIZABETH Leading to Holloway? + +PHOEBE Well, most roads lead there. + +ELIZABETH And end there--so far as I can see. + +PHOEBE You're too impatient. + +ELIZABETH It's what our friends have been telling us--for the last +fifty years. + +PHOEBE Look here, if it was only the usual sort of thing mamma +wouldn't want it kept secret. I'm inclined to think it's a new +departure altogether. + +[The door opens. There enters JANET BLAKE, followed by HAKE, who +proceeds with his work. JANET BLAKE is a slight, fragile-looking +creature, her great dark eyes--the eyes of a fanatic--emphasise the +pallor of her childish face. She is shabbily dressed; a plain, +uninteresting girl until she smiles, and then her face becomes +quite beautiful. PHOEBE darts to meet her.] Good girl. Was +afraid--I say, you're wet through. + +JANET It was only a shower. The 'buses were all full. I had to +ride outside. + +PHOEBE Silly kid, why didn't you take a cab? + +JANET I've been reckoning it up. I've been half over London +chasing Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers. Cabs would have come, at the very +least, to twelve-and-six. + +PHOEBE Well - + +JANET [To ELIZABETH.] Well--I want you to put me down as a +contributor for twelve-and-six. [She smiles.] It's the only way I +can give. + +PHOEBE [She is taking off JANET'S cloak; throws it to HAKE.] Have +this put somewhere to dry. [She pushes JANET to the fire.] Get +near the fire. You're as cold as ice. + +ELIZABETH All the seats inside, I suppose, occupied by the +chivalrous sex. + +JANET Oh, there was one young fellow offered to give me up his +place, but I wouldn't let him. You see, we're claiming equality. +[Smiles.] + +ELIZABETH And are being granted it--in every direction where it +works to the convenience of man. + +PHOEBE [Laughs.] Is she coming--the Villiers woman? + +JANET Yes. I ran her down at last--at her dress-maker's. She +made an awful fuss about it, but I wouldn't leave till she'd +promised. Tell me, it's something quite important, isn't it? + +PHOEBE I don't know anything, except that I had an urgent telegram +from mamma this morning to call a meeting of the entire Council +here at three o'clock. She's coming up from Manchester on purpose. +[To HAKE.] Mrs. Chilvers hasn't returned yet, has she? + +HAKE Not yet, miss. Shall I telephone - + +PHOEBE [Shakes her head.] No; it's all right. I have seen her. +Let her know we are here the moment she comes in. + +HAKE Yes, miss. [He has finished the arrangements. The table has +been placed in the centre of the room, six chairs round it, one of +them being a large armchair. He has placed writing materials and a +large silver gravy spoon. He is going.] + +PHOEBE Why aren't you sure your wife wasn't at the meeting last +night? Didn't she say anything? + +HAKE Well, miss, unfortunately, just as she was starting, Mrs. +Comerford--that's the wife of the party that keeps the shop +downstairs--looked in with an order for the theatre. + +PHOEBE Oh! + +HAKE So I thought it best to ask no questions. + +PHOEBE Thank you. + +HAKE Thank you, miss. [He goes out.] + +ELIZABETH Can nothing be done to rouse the working-class woman out +of her apathy? + +PHOEBE Well, if you ask me, I think a good deal has been done. + +ELIZABETH Oh, what's the use of our deceiving ourselves? The +great mass are utterly indifferent. + +JANET [She is seated in an easy-chair near the fire.] I was +talking to a woman only yesterday--in Bethnal Green. She keeps a +husband and three children by taking in washing. "Lord, miss," she +laughed, "what would we do with the vote if we did have it? Only +one thing more to give to the men." + +PHOEBE That's rather good. + +ELIZABETH The curse of it is that it's true. Why should they put +themselves out merely that one man instead of another should +dictate their laws to them? + +PHOEBE My dear girl, precisely the same argument was used against +the Second Reform Bill. What earthly difference could it make to +the working men whether Tory Squire or Liberal capitalist ruled +over them? That was in 1868. To-day, fifty-four Labour Members +sit in Parliament. At the next election they will hold the +balance. + +ELIZABETH Ah, if we could only hold out THAT sort of hope to them! + +[ANNYS enters. She is in outdoor costume. She kisses PHOEBE, +shakes hands with the other two. ANNYS's age is about twenty-five. +She is a beautiful, spiritual-looking creature, tall and graceful, +with a manner that is at the same time appealing and commanding. +Her voice is soft and caressing, but capable of expressing all the +emotions. Her likeness to her younger sister PHOEBE is of the +slightest: the colouring is the same, and the eyes that can flash, +but there the similarity ends. She is simply but well dressed. +Her soft hair makes a quiet but wonderfully effective frame to her +face.] + +ANNYS [She is taking off her outdoor things.] Hope I'm not late. +I had to look in at Caxton House. Why are we holding it here? + +PHOEBE Mamma's instructions. Can't tell you anything more except +that I gather the matter's important, and is to be kept secret. + +ANNYS Mamma isn't here, is she? + +PHOEBE [Shakes her head.] Reaches St. Pancras at two-forty. +[Looks at her watch.] Train's late, I expect. + +[HAKE has entered.] + +ANNYS [She hands HAKE her hat and coat.] Have something ready in +case Lady Mogton hasn't lunched. Is your master in? + +HAKE A messenger came for him soon after you left, ma'am. I was +to tell you he would most likely be dining at the House. + +ANNYS Thank you. + +[HAKE goes out.] + +ANNYS [To ELIZABETH.] I so want you to meet Geoffrey. He'll +alter your opinion of men. + +ELIZABETH My opinion of men has been altered once or twice--each +time for the worse. + +ANNYS Why do you dislike men? + +ELIZABETH [With a short laugh.] Why does the slave dislike the +slave-owner? + +PHOEBE Oh, come off the perch. You spend five thousand a year +provided for you by a husband that you only see on Sundays. We'd +all be slaves at that price. + +ELIZABETH The chains have always been stretched for the few. My +sympathies are with my class. + +ANNYS But men like Geoffrey--men who are devoting their whole time +and energy to furthering our cause; what can you have to say +against them? + +ELIZABETH Simply that they don't know what they're doing. The +French Revolution was nursed in the salons of the French nobility. +When the true meaning of the woman's movement is understood we +shall have to get on without the male sympathiser. + +[A pause.] + +ANNYS What do you understand is the true meaning of the woman's +movement? + +ELIZABETH The dragging down of man from his position of supremacy. +What else can it mean? + +ANNYS Something much better. The lifting up of woman to be his +partner. + +ELIZABETH My dear Annys, the men who to-day are advocating votes +for women are doing so in the hope of securing obedient supporters +for their own political schemes. In New Zealand the working man +brings his female relations in a van to the poll, and sees to it +that they vote in accordance with his orders. When man once grasps +the fact that woman is not going to be his henchman, but his rival, +men and women will face one another as enemies. + +[The door opens. HAKE announces LADY MOGTON and DORIAN ST. +HERBERT. LADY MOGTON is a large, strong-featured woman, with a +naturally loud voice. She is dressed with studied carelessness. +DORIAN ST. HERBERT, K.C., is a tall, thin man, about thirty. He is +elegantly, almost dandily dressed.] + +ANNYS [Kissing her mother.] Have you had lunch? + +LADY MOGTON In the train. + +PHOEBE [Who has also kissed her mother and shaken hands with ST. +HERBERT.] We are all here except Villiers. She's coming. Did you +have a good meeting? + +LADY MOGTON Fairly. Some young fool had chained himself to a +pillar and thrown the key out of window. + +PHOEBE What did you do? + +LADY MOGTON Tied a sack over his head and left him there. + +[She turns aside for a moment to talk to ST. HERBERT, who has taken +some papers from his despatch-box.] + +ANNYS [To ELIZABETH.] We must finish out our talk some other +time. You are quite wrong. + +ELIZABETH Perhaps. + +LADY MOGTON We had better begin. I have only got half an hour. + +JANET I saw Mrs. Villiers. She promised she'd come. + +LADY MOGTON You should have told her we were going to be +photographed. Then she'd have been punctual. [She has taken her +seat at the table. ST. HERBERT at her right.] Better put another +chair in case she does turn up. + +JANET [Does so.] Shall I take any notes? + +LADY MOGTON No. [To ANNYS.] Give instructions that we are not to +be interrupted for anything. [ANNYS rings bell.] + +ST. HERBERT [He turns to PHOEBE, on his right.] Have you heard +the latest? + +There was an old man of Hong Kong, +Whose language was terribly strong. + +[Enter HAKE. He brings a bottle and glass, which he places.] + +ANNYS Oh, Hake, please, don't let us be interrupted for anything. +If Mrs. Mountcalm-Villiers comes, show her up. But nobody else. + +HAKE Yes, ma'am. + +ST. HERBERT [Continuing.] + +It wasn't the words +That frightened the birds, +'Twas the 'orrible double-entendre. + +LADY MOGTON [Who has sat waiting in grim silence.] Have you +finished? + +ST. HERBERT Quite finished. + +LADY MOGTON Thank you. [She raps for silence.] You will +understand, please, all, that this is a private meeting of the +Council. Nothing that transpires is to be allowed to leak out. +[There is a murmur.] Silence, please, for Mr. St. Herbert. + +ST. HERBERT Before we begin, I should like to remind you, ladies, +that you are, all of you, persons mentally deficient - + +[The door opens. MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS enters, announced by +HAKE. She is a showily-dressed, flamboyant lady.] + +[HAKE goes out.] + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS I AM so sorry. I have only just this +minute--[She catches sight of ST. HERBERT.] You naughty creature, +why weren't you at my meeting last night? The Rajah came with both +his wives. We've elected them, all three, honorary members. + +LADY MOGTON Do you mind sitting down? + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS Here, dear? [She takes the vacant chair.] +So nice of you. I read about your meeting. What a clever idea! + +LADY MOGTON [Cuts her short.] Yes. We are here to consider a +very important matter. By way of commencement Mr. St. Herbert has +just reminded us that in the eye of the law all women are +imbeciles. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS I know, dear. Isn't it shocking? + +ST. HERBERT Deplorable; but of course not your fault. I mention +it because of its importance to the present matter. Under Clause A +of the Act for the Better Regulation, &c., &c., all persons +"mentally deficient" are debarred from becoming members of +Parliament. The classification has been held to include idiots, +infants, and women. + +[An interruption. LADY MOGTON hammers.] + +Bearing this carefully in mind, we proceed. [He refers to his +notes.] Two years ago a bye-election took place for the South-west +division of Belfast. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS My dear, may I? It has just occurred to +me. Why do we never go to Ireland? + +LADY MOGTON For various sufficient reasons. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS So many of the Irish members have +expressed themselves quite sympathetically. + +LADY MOGTON We wish them to continue to do so. [Turns to ST. +HERBERT.] I'm sorry. + +ST. HERBERT A leader of the Orange Party was opposed by a +Nationalist, and the proceedings promised to be lively. They +promised for a while to be still livelier, owing to the nomination +at the last moment of the local lunatic. + +PHOEBE [To ANNYS.] This is where we come in. + +ST. HERBERT There is always a local lunatic, who, if harmless, is +generally a popular character. James Washington McCaw appears to +have been a particularly cheerful specimen. One of his +eccentricities was to always have a skipping-rope in his pocket; +wherever the traffic allowed it, he would go through the streets +skipping. He said it kept him warm. Another of his tricks was to +let off fireworks from the roof of his house whenever he heard of +the death of anybody of importance. The Returning Officer refused +his nomination--which, so far as his nominators were concerned, was +intended only as a joke--on the grounds of his being by common +report a person of unsound mind. And there, so far as South-west +Belfast was concerned, the matter ended. + +PHOEBE Pity. + +ST. HERBERT But not so far as the Returning Officer was concerned. +McCaw appears to have been a lunatic possessed of means, imbued +with all an Irishman's love of litigation. He at once brought an +action against the Returning Officer, his contention being that his +mental state was a private matter, of which the Returning Officer +was not the person to judge. + +PHOEBE He wasn't a lunatic all over. + +ST. HERBERT We none of us are. The case went from court to court. +In every instance the decision was in favour of the Returning +Officer. Until it reached the House of Lords. The decision was +given yesterday afternoon--in favour of the man McCaw. + +ELIZABETH Then lunatics, at all events, are not debarred from +going to the poll. + +ST. HERBERT The "mentally deficient" are no longer debarred from +going to the poll. + +ELIZABETH What grounds were given for the decision? + +ST. HERBERT [He refers again to his notes.] A Returning Officer +can only deal with objections arising out of the nomination paper. +He has no jurisdiction to go behind a nomination paper and +constitute himself a court of inquiry as to the fitness or +unfitness of a candidate. + +PHOEBE Good old House of Lords! + +[LADY MOGTON hammers.] + +ELIZABETH But I thought it was part of the Returning Officer's +duty to inquire into objections, that a special time was appointed +to deal with them. + +ST. HERBERT He will still be required to take cognisance of any +informality in the nomination paper or papers. Beyond that, this +decision relieves him of all further responsibility. + +JANET But this gives us everything. + +ST. HERBERT It depends upon what you call everything. It gives a +woman the right to go to the poll--a right which, as a matter of +fact, she has always possessed. + +PHOEBE Then why did the Returning Officer for Camberwell in 1885 - + +ST. HERBERT Because he did not know the law. And Miss Helen +Taylor had not the means possessed by our friend McCaw to teach it +to him. + +ANNYS [Rises. She goes to the centre of the room.] + +LADY MOGTON Where are you going? + +ANNYS [She turns; there are tears in her eyes. The question seems +to recall her to herself.] Nowhere. I am so sorry. I can't help +it. It seems to me to mean so much. It gives us the right to go +before the people--to plead to them, not for ourselves, for them. +[Again she seems to lose consciousness of those at the table, of +the room.] To the men we will say: "Will you not trust us? Is it +harm we have ever done you? Have we not suffered for you and with +you? Were we not sent into the world to be your helpmeet? Are not +the children ours as well as yours? Shall we not work together to +shape the world where they must dwell? Is it only the mother-voice +that shall not be heard in your councils? Is it only the mother- +hand that shall not help to guide?" To the women we will say: +"Tell them--tell them it is from no love of ourselves that we come +from our sheltered homes into the street. It is to give, not to +get--to mingle with the sterner judgments of men the deeper truths +that God, through pain, has taught to women--to mingle with man's +justice woman's pity, till there shall arise the perfect law--not +made of man nor woman, but of both, each bringing what the other +lacks." And they will listen to us. Till now it has seemed to +them that we were clamouring only for selfish ends. They have not +understood. We shall speak to them of common purposes, use the +language of fellow-citizens. They will see that we are worthy of +the place we claim. They will welcome us as helpers in a common +cause. They - + +[She turns--the present comes back to her.] + +LADY MOGTON [After a pause.] The business [she dwells severely on +the word] before the meeting - + +ANNYS [She resents herself meekly. Apologising generally.] I +must learn to control myself. + +LADY MOGTON [Who has waited.]--is McCaw versus Potts. Its bearing +upon the movement for the extension of the franchise to women. My +own view I venture to submit in the form of a resolution. [She +takes up a paper on which she has been writing.] As follows: That +the Council of the Woman's Parliamentary Franchise League, having +regard to the decision of the House of Lords in McCaw v. Potts - + +ST. HERBERT [Looking over.] Two t's. + +LADY MOGTON --resolves to bring forward a woman candidate to +contest the next bye-election. [Suddenly to MRS. MOUNTCALM- +VILLIERS, who is chattering.] Do you agree or disagree? + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS My dear! How can you ask? Of course we +all agree. [To Elizabeth.] You agree, don't you? + +ELIZABETH Of course, even if elected, she would not be allowed to +take her seat. + +PHOEBE How do you know? Nothing more full of surprises than +English law. + +LADY MOGTON At the present stage I regard that point as +immaterial. What I am thinking of is the advertisement. A female +candidate upon the platform will concentrate the whole attention of +the country on our movement. + +ST. HERBERT It might even be prudent--until you have got the vote- +-to keep it dark that you will soon be proceeding to the next +inevitable step. + +ELIZABETH You think even man could be so easily deceived! + +ST. HERBERT Man has had so much practice in being deceived. It +comes naturally to him. + +ELIZABETH Poor devil! + +LADY MOGTON The only question remaining to be discussed is the +candidate. + +ANNYS Is there not danger that between now and the next bye- +election the Government may, having regard to this case, bring in a +bill to stop women candidates from going to the poll? + +ST. HERBERT I have thought of that. Fortunately, the case seems +to have attracted very little attention. If a bye-election +occurred soon there would hardly be time. + +LADY MOGTON It must be the very next one that does occur--wherever +it is. + +JANET I am sure that in the East End we should have a chance. + +PHOEBE Great Scott! Just think. If we were to win it! + +ST. HERBERT If you could get a straight fight against a Liberal I +believe you would. + +ANNYS Why is the Government so unpopular? + +ST. HERBERT Well, take the weather alone--twelve degrees of frost +again last night. + +JANET In St. George's Road the sewer has burst. The water is in +the rooms where the children are sleeping. [She clenches her +hands.] + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS [She shakes her head.] Something ought +really to be done. + +LADY MOGTON Has anybody any suggestion to make?--as regards the +candidate. There's no advantage in going outside. It will have to +be one of ourselves. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS Won't you, dear? + +LADY MOGTON I shall be better employed organising. My own feeling +is that it ought to be Annys. [To ST. HERBERT.] What do you +think? + +ST. HERBERT Undoubtedly. + +ANNYS I'd rather not. + +LADY MOGTON It's not a question of liking. It's a question of +duty. For this occasion we shall be appealing to the male voter. +Our candidate must be a woman popular with men. The choice is +somewhat limited. + +ELIZABETH No one will put up so good a fight as you. + +ANNYS Will you give me till this evening? + +LADY MOGTON What for? + +ANNYS I should like to consult Geoffrey. + +LADY MOGTON You think he would object? + +ANNYS [A little doubtfully.] No. But we have always talked +everything over together. + +LADY MOGTON Absurd! He's one of our staunchest supporters. Of +course he'll be delighted. + +ELIZABETH I think the thing ought to be settled at once. + +LADY MOGTON It must be. I have to return to Manchester to-night. +We shall have to get to work immediately. + +ST. HERBERT Geoffrey will surely take it as a compliment. + +JANET Don't you feel that woman, all over the world, is calling to +you? + +ANNYS It isn't that. I'm not trying to shirk it. I merely +thought that if there had been time--of course, if you really think +- + +LADY MOGTON You consent? + +ANNYS Yes. If it's everybody's wish. + +LADY MOGTON That's settled. + +PHOEBE [She springs up, waving a handkerchief.] Chilvers for +ever! + +JANET [Rises.] God bless you! + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS [Clapping her hands.] Now we shan't be +long! + +LADY MOGTON [Hammers.] Order, please! + +[The three subside.] + +This is serious business. The next step is, of course - + +[The door opens; GEOFFREY enters. He is a youngish-looking man of +three or four and thirty. LADY MOGTON, at the sound of the door, +turns. ST. HERBERT rises. There is a pause.] + +LADY MOGTON We've been talking about you. We must apologise for +turning your drawing-room - + +GEOFFREY My dear mother-in-law, it is Providence. [He kisses +her.] There is no one I was more longing to see. + +ANNYS [She has risen.] Hake told me you would be dining at the +House. + +GEOFFREY [He comes to her, kisses her, he is in a state of +suppressed excitement.] I shall be. I came back to bring you some +news. + +PHOEBE We've got some news for you. Have you heard - + +GEOFFREY [He stays her.] May I claim man's privilege for the +first word? It is news, I am sure, you will all be delighted to +hear. A friend of yours has been appointed to an office where--it +is quite possible--he may be of service to you. + +PHOEBE Governorship of Holloway Gaol? + +GEOFFREY Not a bad guess. Very near it. To the Under- +Secretaryship for Home Affairs. + +LADY MOGTON Who is it? + +GEOFFREY [He bows.] Your affectionate and devoted servant. + +ANNYS You! + +PHOEBE [Genuinely delighted. She is not a quick thinker.] Bravo! +Congratulations, old boy! [She has risen--she slaps him on the +back.] + +ANNYS Geoffrey! [She puts her arms about him.] You never told me +anything. + +GEOFFREY I know, dear. I was afraid. It mightn't have come off. +And then you would have been so disappointed. + +ANNYS [There are tears in her eyes. She still clings to him.] I +am so glad. Oh, I am so glad! + +GEOFFREY It is all your doing. You have been such a splendid +help. [He breaks gently away from her. Turns to ST. HERBERT, with +a lighter tone.] Haven't you anything to say to a fellow? You're +not usually dumb. + +ST. HERBERT It has all been so sudden--as the early Victorian +heroine was fond of remarking! + +GEOFFREY [Laughs.] It has been sudden. We had, none of us, any +idea till yesterday that old Bullock was thinking of resigning. + +ELIZABETH [She has risen and moved towards the fire.] Won't it +necessitate a bye-election? + +[LADY MOGTON and ST. HERBERT have been thinking it out. On the +others the word falls like a bombshell.] + +GEOFFREY [He turns to her. He does not see their faces.] Yes. +But I don't anticipate a contest. The Conservatives are without a +candidate, and I am on good terms with the Labour Party. Perhaps +Mr. Hunnable--[He laughs, then, turning, catches sight of his +wife's face. From ANNYS he looks to the others.] + +LADY MOGTON [She has risen.] You haven't heard, then, of McCaw +versus Potts? + +GEOFFREY "McCaw versus Potts!" What the - + +ST. HERBERT Was decided in the House of Lords late yesterday +afternoon. Briefly stated, it confers upon women the right of +becoming Parliamentary candidates. + +GEOFFREY [He is staggered.] You mean - + +LADY MOGTON Having regard to which, we have decided to bring +forward a woman candidate to contest the next bye-election. + +GEOFFREY Um! I see. + +ANNYS But we never thought--we never anticipated it would be +Geoffrey's. + +LADY MOGTON I really cannot admit that that alters the case. +Geoffrey himself would never dream, I am sure, of asking us to +sacrifice our cause to his convenience. + +GEOFFREY No. Of course not. Certainly not. + +LADY MOGTON It is perhaps unfortunate that the candidate selected +- + +ANNYS It is quite impossible. Such a dilemma was never dreamed +of. + +LADY MOGTON And if not? Is the solidarity of woman - + +GEOFFREY [Beginning to guess.] Forgive my impatience; but whom +HAVE you selected? + +ELIZABETH [When she likes she can be quite sweet.] Your wife. +[He expected it.] We rather assumed [she appeals to the others +with a gesture], I think, that the president of the Man's League +for the Extension of the Franchise to Women would regard it as a +compliment. + +GEOFFREY [His dislike of her is already in existence.] Yes. Very +thoughtful. + +ANNYS You must choose some one else. + +PHOEBE But there IS no one else. + +ANNYS There's mamma. + +PHOEBE Mamma's too heavy. + +ANNYS Well, then, there's Elizabeth--there's you! + +GEOFFREY Yes. Why not you? You and I could have a jolly little +fight. + +LADY MOGTON This is not a laughing matter. If I could think of +any one to take Annys's place I should not insist. I cannot. + +PHOEBE You see, it mustn't be a crank. + +GEOFFREY [He is losing his temper.] Yes, I suppose that does +limit you. + +ELIZABETH And then--thanks to you--Mrs. Chilvers has had such +excellent training in politics. It was that, I think, that decided +us. + +GEOFFREY [Convention forbids his strangling her.] Will somebody +kindly introduce me to this lady? + +ST. HERBERT Ah, yes, of course. You don't know each other, do +you? Mr. Geoffrey Chilvers--Mrs. Joseph Spender. Mrs. Spender-- +Mr. Chilvers, M.P. + +ELIZABETH [Sweetly.] Delighted! + +GEOFFREY [Not.] Charmed. + +LADY MOGTON [To ANNYS.] I am not indifferent to your difficulty. +But the history of woman, my dear Annys, is a history of sacrifice. +We give our sons--if necessary, our husbands. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS [Affected.] How true! + +ANNYS But you are not asking me to give him. You are asking me to +fight him. I can't. + +LADY MOGTON You mean you won't. + +ANNYS You can put it that way if you like. I won't. + +[A pause.] + +JANET I thought Mrs. Chilvers had pledged her word. + +ELIZABETH Yes. But without her husband's consent. So, of course, +it doesn't count. + +GEOFFREY [He turns on her.] Why not you--if there must be a +fight? Or would it be against your principles? + +ELIZABETH Not in the least. + +GEOFFREY Ah! + +ELIZABETH I would offer myself as a substitute. Only it might +seem like coming between husband and wife. + +GEOFFREY [He turns away with a grunt of disgust.] + +PHOEBE It's awfully rough on you, Geoffrey. I can see it from +your point of view. But one can't help remembering the things that +you yourself have said. + +GEOFFREY I know; I know. I've been going up and down the country, +excusing even your excesses on the ground that no movement can +force its way to the front without treading on innumerable toes. +For me, now, to cry halt merely because it happens to be my own +toes that are in the way would be--ridiculous--absurd--would be +monstrous. [Nobody contradicts him.] You are perfectly justified- +-if this case means what you say it does--in putting up a candidate +against me for East Poplar. Only, naturally, it cannot be Annys. +[He reaches out his hand to where ANNYS stands a little behind him, +takes her hand.] Annys and I have fought more than one election. +It has been side by side. + +ELIZABETH The lady a little behind. + +GEOFFREY [He moves away with an expression of deep annoyance.] + +JANET [She comes forward. She holds forth her hands with a half- +appealing, half-commanding gesture. She almost seems inspired.] +Would it not be so much better if, in this first political contest +between man and woman, the opponents were two people honouring one +another, loving one another? Would it not show to all the world +that man and woman may meet--contend in public life without anger, +without scorn? [There is a pause. They stand listening.] I do +not know, but it seems to me that if Mr. Chilvers could bring +himself to do this it would be such a big thing--perhaps the most +chivalrous thing that a man has ever done to help women. If he +would put aside, quite voluntarily, all the man's privilege--just +say to the people, "Now choose--one of us two to serve you. We +stand before you, equal, my wife and I." I don't know how to put +it, but I feel that by merely doing that one thing Mr. Chilvers +would solve the whole problem. It would prove that good men are +ready to give us of their free accord all that we claim. We should +gain our rights, not by warfare, but through love and +understanding. Wouldn't that be--so much better? [She looks--her +hands still appealing--from one to the other.] + +[Another silence. They have all been carried a little off their +feet by JANET'S earnestness.] + +ANNYS [She touches him.] What do you think, dear? + +GEOFFREY Yes, there's a good deal, of course, in what Miss Blake +says. + +ANNYS It WOULD be a big thing for you to do. + +PHOEBE You see, whatever happened, the seat would be yours. This +case only gives us the right to go to the poll. We are keen upon +Annys because she's our best card, that's all. + +GEOFFREY Do you wish it? + +ANNYS [She smiles up at him.] I'd rather fight you than any one +else. + +GEOFFREY You are not afraid that the situation might be--just a +trifle comical? + +ANNYS [Shakes her head.] No. I think everybody will say it was +rather splendid of you. + +GEOFFREY Well, if it will help women. + +ANNYS [She holds out her hand. She is still in exalted mood.] We +will show how man and woman may be drawn nearer to one another by +rivalry for noble ends. + +ST. HERBERT [He shakes GEOFFREY'S somewhat limp hand.] I envy +you. The situation promises to be piquant. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS It will be a battle of roses. + +LADY MOGTON I must go. I shall see you both again to-morrow. +[She kisses GEOFFREY.] This is an historic day. + +GEOFFREY Yes. I daresay we shall all remember it. + +LADY MOGTON [To JANET.] I will get you to come to the station +with me. I can give you your instructions in the cab. [She kisses +ANNYS.] You have been called to a great work. Be worthy of it. + +[They are all making ready to go. ANNYS has rung the bell for +HAKE.] + +JANET [To ANNYS.] Are you glad? + +ANNYS [Kisses her.] You showed me the whole thing in a new light. +You were splendid. [She turns to ELIZABETH.] Didn't I tell you he +would convert you? + +ELIZABETH I was wrong to judge all men guilty. There are also-- +the innocent. + +ANNYS [For a moment--but a moment only--she is pleased. Then the +doubtful meaning of ELIZABETH'S words strikes her.] + +[Enter HAKE.] + +ANNYS [She has to dismiss ELIZABETH.] Oh, Hake--[To LADY MOGTON.] +You'll want a cab, won't you, mamma? + +LADY MOGTON A taxi-- Goodbye, everybody. + +[She sails out.] + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS I have my carriage. [To ELIZABETH.] Can +I give you a lift? + +ELIZABETH Thank you. [To GEOFFREY.] We shall meet again. + +GEOFFREY I feel sure of it. + +[MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS and ELIZABETH go out.] + +PHOEBE [To HAKE.] Are Miss Blake's things dry yet? + +JANET They'll be quite all right, dear. Please don't trouble. +[She advances a timid hand to GEOFFREY.] Goodbye, Mr. Chilvers. + +GEOFFREY [He takes it smiling.] Goodbye. + +[She goes out; HAKE follows.] + +PHOEBE Goodbye, old boy. [They shake hands.] Don't you let her +walk over you. Make her fight. + +ANNYS [Laughing.] Don't you worry about that. + +ST. HERBERT Would you care to look through McCaw v. Potts? [He +has the papers in his hand.] + +GEOFFREY I'll ask you for it when I want it. + +PHOEBE [At door.] You'll be alone this evening? + +ANNYS Yes. Come in to dinner. + +PHOEBE All right. Goodbye. + +ST. HERBERT Goodbye. + +[GEOFFREY and ANNYS answer them. They go out, closing the door. +GEOFFREY is by the fire. ANNYS comes to him.] + +ANNYS [She puts her arms round him.] You don't mind? + +GEOFFREY [He holds her at arms' length--looking into her eyes and +smiling.] I believe you are looking forward to it. + +ANNYS Do you know how long we have been married? Eight years. +And do you know, sir, that all that time we have never had a +difference? Don't you think it will be good for you? + +GEOFFREY Do you know WHY we have never had a difference? Because +you have always had your own way. + +ANNYS Oh! + +GEOFFREY You have got so used to it, you don't notice it. + +ANNYS Then it will be good for me. I must learn to suffer +opposition. [She laughs.] + +GEOFFREY You won't like it. + +ANNYS Do you know, I'm not at all sure that I shan't. +[Unconsciously they let loose of one another.] You see, I shall +have the right of hitting back. [Again she laughs.] + +GEOFFREY [Also laughingly.] Is woman going to develop the +fighting instinct? + +ANNYS I wonder. + +[A moment's silence.] + +GEOFFREY The difficulty in our case is there seems nothing to +fight about. + +ANNYS We must think of something. [Laughs.] + +GEOFFREY What line are you going to take--what is your argument: +why they should vote for you in preference to me? + +ANNYS Simply that I am a woman. + +GEOFFREY My dear child, that won't be enough. Why should they +vote for you merely because you're a woman? + +ANNYS [Slightly astonished.] Because--because women are wanted in +public life. + +GEOFFREY Who wants them? + +ANNYS [More astonished.] Who? Why--[it doesn't seem too clear.] +Why, all of us--you, yourself! + +GEOFFREY I'm not East Poplar. + +ANNYS [Is puzzled a moment, then valiantly.] I shall ask them to +send me to Parliament to represent the interests of their women-- +and therefore of themselves--the interests of their children. + +GEOFFREY Children! What do you know about children? + +[Another silence.] + +ANNYS Personally--no. We have had no children of our own, of +course. But [hopefully] it is a woman's instinct. + +GEOFFREY Oh, Lord! That's what the lady said who had buried +seven. + +ANNYS [Her mouth is growing hard.] Don't you believe in the right +of women to share in the government of the country? + +GEOFFREY Some women. Yes. I can see some capable - + +ANNYS [Winces.] + +GEOFFREY --elderly, motherly woman who has brought up a dozen +children of her own--who knows the world, being of some real use. + +ANNYS If it comes to that, there must be--I don't say more +"capable," but more experienced, more fatherly men than yourself. + +[He turns, they look at one another. His tone almost touched +contempt--hers was veiled anger.] + +GEOFFREY THAT'S the danger. It may come to a real fight. + +ANNYS [Upon her also the fear has fallen.] It must not. [She +flings her arms around him.] We must show the world that man and +woman can meet--contend in public life without anger, without +scorn. + +GEOFFREY [He folds her to him.] The very words sound ugly, don't +they? + +ANNYS It would be hideous. [She draws away.] How long will the +election last? + +GEOFFREY Not long. The writ will be issued on Wednesday. +Nomination on Monday--polling, I expect, on Saturday. Puts me in +mind--I must prepare my election address. + +ANNYS I ought to be getting on with mine, too, I suppose. + +GEOFFREY It ought to be out by to-morrow. + +ANNYS [With inspiration.] We'll do yours first. [She wonders why +he hesitates.] + +GEOFFREY "We?" Shan't I have to do it alone--this time? + +ANNYS Alone! Nonsense! How can you? + +GEOFFREY I'm afraid I shall have to try. + +ANNYS Um! I suppose you're right. What a nuisance! [She turns +away.] I shan't like it. + +GEOFFREY [He moves towards the folding-doors.] No. It won't be +quite the same thing. Goodbye. + +ANNYS [She crosses to her desk by the window. Not the same +instant but the next his "Goodbye" strikes her. She turns.] +You're not going out, are you? + +GEOFFREY [He stops and turns--puzzled at her question.] No. Only +into my study. + +ANNYS You said "Goodbye." + +GEOFFREY [Not remembering.] _I_ did! Must have been thinking of +something else. I shall be in here if you want me. [He goes into +the other room.] + +ANNYS [She has crossed to her desk. She is humming. She seats +herself, takes paper and pen, writes. Without turning--still +writing--she raises her voice.] Geoffrey! How do you spell +"experimental"? One "r" or two? + +[There is no answer. Puzzled at the silence, she looks round. The +great folding-doors are closed. She stares in front of her, +thinking, then turns again to her work.] + +CURTAIN. + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + + +SCENE:- Liberal Central Committee Rooms, East India Dock Road, +Poplar. A large, high room on the first floor of an old-fashioned +house. Two high windows right. A door at back is the main +entrance. A door left leads to other rooms. The walls are papered +with election literature. Conspicuous among the posters displayed +is "A Man for Men." "No Petticoat Government." "Will you be +Henpecked?" A large, round table centre is littered with papers +and pamphlets. A large desk stands between the windows. A settee +is against the left wall. + +[When the curtain rises, ROSE MERTON (otherwise "GINGER") is +discovered seated, her left arm resting on the table. She is a +young lady typical of the Cockney slavey type, dressed according to +the ideas of her class as regards the perfect lady. Her hat is +characteristic. Her gloves, her reticule, her umbrella--the latter +something rather "saucy"--are displayed around her. She is feeling +comfortable and airing her views. MRS. CHINN is laying the cloth +over a portion of the table, with some tea-things. MRS. CHINN is a +thin, narrow-chested lady with thin hands and bony wrists. No one +since her husband died has ever seen her without her bonnet. Its +appearance suggests the possibility that she sleeps in it. It is +black, like her dress. The whole figure is decent, but dingy.] + +GINGER Wot I say about the question is - + +MRS. CHINN Do you mind moving your arm? + +GINGER Beg pardon. [She shifts.] Wot I say is, why not give us +the vote and end all the talking? + +MRS. CHINN You think it would have that effect? + +GINGER Well! we don't want to go on being a nuisance--longer than +we can possibly 'elp! + +MRS. CHINN Daresay you're right. It's about the time most people +stop. + +GINGER You've never thought much about the question yourself, 'ave +you, Mrs. Chinn? + +MRS. CHINN I ain't fretted much about it. + +GINGER Was a time when I didn't. I used to be all for--you know-- +larking about. I never thought much about anything. + +MRS. CHINN Ah! it's a useful habit. + +GINGER What is? + +MRS. CHINN Thinking. + +GINGER It's what we women 'aven't done enough of--in the past, I +mean. All that's going to be altered. In the future there's going +to be no difference between men and women. + +MRS. CHINN [Slowly, quietly she turns upon GINGER her +expressionless eyes.] + +GINGER Mentally, I mean, o' course. + +MRS. CHINN [Takes back her eyes.] + +GINGER Do you know, Mrs. Chinn, that once upon a time there was +only one sex? [She spreads herself.] Hus! + +MRS. CHINN You ain't thinking of going back to it, are you? + +GINGER Not if the men be'ave themselves. + +MRS. CHINN Perhaps they're doing their best, poor things! It +don't do to be too impatient with them. + +GINGER Was talking to old Dot-and-carry-one the other d'y. You +know who I mean--chap with the wooden leg as 'as 'is pitch outside +the "George." "Wot do you wimmen want worrying yourselves about +things outside the 'ome?" 'e says to me. "You've got the +children," 'e says. "Oh," I says, "and whose fault's that, I'd +like to know? You wait till we've got the vote," I says, "we'll +soon show you--" + +[SIGSBY enters. SIGSBY is a dapper little man, very brisk and +bustling--hirsute--looks as if he wanted dusting, cleaning up +generally.] + +SIGSBY That young blackguard come back yet? + +GINGER [At sound of SIGSBY'S voice she springs up. At first is +about to offer excuses for being found seated, but recollects +herself.] + +MRS. CHINN Which one, sir? + +SIGSBY Young Jawbones--what's he call himself?--Gordon. + +MRS. CHINN Not yet, sir. + +SIGSBY [Grunts.] My chop ready? + +MRS. CHINN I expect it's about done. I'll see. + +[She goes out.] + +SIGSBY [He turns to GINGER.] What can _I_ do for you? + +GINGER [She produces a letter.] I was to wait for an answer. + +SIGSBY [He opens and reads it.] What do they expect me to do? + +GINGER 'Er ladyship thought as perhaps you would consult Mr. +Chilvers 'imself on the subject. + +SIGSBY Look here. What I want to know is this: am I being asked +to regard Lady Mogton as my opponent's election agent, or as my +principal's mother-in-law? That point's got to be settled. [His +vehemence deepens.] Look at all these posters. Not to be used, +for fear the other side mayn't like them. Now Lady Mogton writes +me that my candidate's supporters are not to employ a certain +argument she disapproves of: because, if they do, she'll tell his +wife. Is this an election, or is it a family jar? + +[JAWBONES enters. JAWBONES--otherwise WILLIAM GORDON--is a clean- +shaven young hooligan. He wears a bicycle cap on the back of his +head, allowing a picturesque tuft of hair to fall over his +forehead. Evidently he is suffering from controlled indignation.] + +SIGSBY [Seeing him.] Oh, so you've come back, have you? + +JAWBONES I 'ave, wot's left of me. + +SIGSBY What have you been doing? + +JAWBONES Clinging to a roof for the last three hours. + +SIGSBY Clinging to a roof! What for? + +JAWBONES [He boils over.] Wot for? 'Cos I didn't want to fall +off! Wot do you think: 'cos I was fond of it? + +SIGSBY I don't understand - + +JAWBONES You find yourself 'alf way up a ladder, posting bills as +the other side 'as took objection to--with a crowd of girls from +Pink's jam factory waiting for you at the bottom with a barrel of +treacle, and you WILL understand. Nothing else for me to do, o' +course, but to go up. Then they took the ladder away. + +SIGSBY Where are the bills? + +JAWBONES Last I see of them was their being put into a 'earse on +its way to Ilford Cemetery. + +SIGSBY This has got to be seen into. This sort of thing can't be +allowed to go on. [He snatches up his hat.] + +JAWBONES There's another suggestion I'd like to make. + +SIGSBY [Pauses.] + +JAWBONES That is, if this election is going to be fought fairly, +that our side should be provided with 'at-pins. + +SIGSBY [Grunts.] Tell Mrs. Chinn to keep that chop warm. [He +goes out.] + +GINGER [She begins to giggle. It grows into a shrill hee-haw.] + +JAWBONES [He looks at her fixedly.] + +GINGER [Her laugh, under the stern eye of JAWBONES, dies away.] + +JAWBONES Ain't no crowd of you 'ere, you know. Nothing but my +inborn chivalry to prevent my pulling your nose. + +GINGER [Cowed, but simmering.] Chivalry! [A shrill snort.] + +JAWBONES Yus. And don't you put a strain upon it neither. +Because I tell you straight, it's weakening. + +GINGER [His sudden fierceness has completely cowed her.] + +JAWBONES You wimmin - + +[There re-enters Mrs. CHINN with a tray. He is between them.] + +That's old Sigsby's chop? + +MRS. CHINN Yes. He hasn't gone out again, has he? + +JAWBONES I'll 'ave it. Get 'im another. Guess 'e won't be back +for 'alf an hour. + +MRS. CHINN He's nasty when his food ain't ready. + +JAWBONES [He takes the tray from her.] Not your fault. Tell 'im +I took it from you by brute force. + +MRS. CHINN [She acquiesces with her usual even absence of all +emotion.] + +JAWBONES You needn't stop. Miss Rose Merton will do the waiting. + +GINGER [Starts, then begins to collect her etceteras.] + +MRS. CHINN Perhaps there'll be time to cook him another. + +[She goes out.] + +JAWBONES Take off that cover. + +GINGER [She starts on a bolt for the door.] + +JAWBONES [He is quite prepared. In an instant he is in front of +her.] No, yer don't. + +[A pause.] + +Take off that cover. + +GINGER [She still hesitates.] + +JAWBONES If yer don't do what I tell yer, I'll 'ide yer. I'm in +the mood. + +GINGER [She takes off the cover.] + +JAWBONES [He seats himself and falls to.] Now pour me out a cup +of tea. + +GINGER [Is pouring it out.] + +JAWBONES Know why yer doing it? + +GINGER [With shrill indignation.] Yus. Becos yer got me 'ere +alone, yer beast, with only that cracked image of a Mrs. Chinn - + +JAWBONES That'll do. + +GINGER [It is sufficient. She stops.] + +JAWBONES None of your insults agen a lady as I 'olds in 'igh +respect. The rest of it is all right. Becos I've got yer 'ere +alone. You wimmin, you think it's going to pay you to chuck law +and order. You're out for a fight, are yer? + +GINGER Yus, and we're going to win. Brute force 'as 'ad its d'y. +It's brains wot are going to rule the world. And we've got 'em. + +[She has become quite oratorical.] + +JAWBONES Glad to 'ear it. Take my tip: you'll use 'em. +Meanwhile I'll 'ave another cup o' tea. + +GINGER [She takes the cup--is making for the window.] + +JAWBONES [Fierce again.] I said tea. + +GINGER All right, I was only going to throw the slops out of +window. There ain't no basin. + +JAWBONES I'll tell yer when I want yer to open the window and call +for the p'lice. You can throw them into the waste-paper basket. + +GINGER [She obeys.] + +JAWBONES Thank you. Very much obliged. One of these d'ys, maybe, +you'll marry. + +GINGER When I do, it will be a man, not a monkey. + +JAWBONES I'm not proposing. I'm talking to you for your good. + +GINGER [Snorts.] + +JAWBONES You've been listening to a lot of toffs. Easy enough for +them to talk about wimmen not being domestic drudges. They keep a +cook to do it. They don't pity 'e for being a down-trodden slive, +spending sixteen hours a d'y in THEIR kitchen with an evening out +once a week. When you marry it will be to a bloke like me, a +working man . . . + +GINGER Working! [She follows it with a shrill laugh.] + +JAWBONES Yus. There's always a class as laughs when you mention +the word "work." Them as knows wot it is, don't. I've been at it +since six o'clock this morning, carrying a ladder, a can of paste +weighing twenty pounds, and two 'undred double royal posters. You +try it! When 'e comes 'ome, 'e'll want 'is victuals. If you've +got 'em ready for 'im and are looking nice--no reason why you +shouldn't--and feeling amiable, you'll get on very well together. +If you are going to argue with 'im about woman's sphere, you'll get +the worst of it. + +GINGER You always was a bully. + +JAWBONES Not always. Remember last Bank 'oliday? [He winks.] + +GINGER [She tries not to give in.] + +JAWBONES 'Ave a cup of tea. [He pours it out for her.] + +GINGER [The natural woman steals in--she sits.] + +JAWBONES 'Ow are they doing you, fairly well? + +GINGER Oh! Well, nothing to grumble at. + +JAWBONES You can do a bit o' dressing on it. + +GINGER [She meets his admiring eye. The suffragette departs.] +Dressing don't cost much--when you've got tyste. + +JAWBONES Wot! Not that 'at? + +GINGER Made it myself. + +JAWBONES No! + +GINGER Honour bright! Tell yer - + +[GEOFFREY and ST. HERBERT enter. JAWBONES and GINGER make to rise. +GINGER succeeds.] + +GEOFFREY All right, all right. Don't let me disturb the party. +Where's Mr. Sigsby? + +JAWBONES Gone to look up the police, I think, sir. [Having +finished, he rises.] Some of those factory girls been up to their +larks again. + +GEOFFREY Umph! What's it about this time? + +JAWBONES They've took objection to one of our posters. + +GEOFFREY What, another! [To ST. HERBERT.] Woman has disappointed +me as a fighter. She's willing enough to strike. If you hit back, +she's surprised and grieved. + +ST. HERBERT She's come to the game rather late. + +GEOFFREY She might have learned the rules. [To JAWBONES.] Which +particular one is it that has failed to meet with their approval? + +JAWBONES It's rather a good one, sir, from our point of view: +"Why she left her 'appy 'ome." + +GEOFFREY I don't seem to remember it. Have I seen it? + +JAWBONES I don't think you 'ave, sir. It was Mr. Sigsby's idea. +On the left, the ruined 'ome, baby crying it's little 'eart out-- +eldest child lying on the floor, scalded--upset the tea-kettle over +itself--youngest boy in flames--been playing with the matches, +nobody there to stop 'im. At the open door the father, returning +from work. Nothing ready for 'im. On the other side--'ER, on a +tub, spouting politics. + +GEOFFREY [To ST. HERBERT.] Sounds rather good. + +JAWBONES Wait a minute. There was a copy somewhere about--a +proof. [He is searching for it on the desk--finds it.] Yus, 'ere +'tis. [To GINGER.] Catch 'old. + +[JAWBONES and GINGER hold it displayed.] That's the one, sir. + +ST. HERBERT Why is the working man, for pictorial purposes, always +a carpenter? + +GINGER It's the skirt we object to. + +GEOFFREY The skirt! What's wrong with the skirt? + +GINGER Well, it's only been out of fashion for the last three +years, that's all. + +GEOFFREY Oh! I see. [To ST. HERBERT.] We've been hitting them +below the belt. What do you think I ought to do about it? + +ST. HERBERT What would you have thought yourself, three weeks ago? + +GEOFFREY You and I have been friends ever since we were boys. You +rather like me, don't you? + +ST. HERBERT [Puzzled.] Yes. + +GEOFFREY If I were to suddenly hit you on the nose, what would +happen? + +ST. HERBERT I understand. Woman has suddenly started hitting man +on the nose. Her excuse being that she really couldn't keep her +hands off him any longer. + +JAWBONES [He has pinned the poster to the wall.] They begun it. +To 'ear them talk, you'd think as man had never done anything +right. + +GEOFFREY He's quite right. Their posters are on every hoarding: +"Who's made all the Muddles? Man!" "Men's Promises! Why, it's +all Froth!" "Woman this Time!" I suppose it will have to go. + +JAWBONES [Hopefully.] Up, sir? + +GEOFFREY No, Jawbones. Into the dust-heap with the rest. + +[JAWBONES is disgusted. GINGER is triumphant.] + +GEOFFREY I must talk to Sigsby. He's taking the whole thing too +seriously. It will be some time before we reach that stage. [To +JAWBONES.] Ask Mrs. Chinn to bring me a cup of tea. + +[JAWBONES goes out.] + +[He seats himself at table and takes up some correspondence. To +GINGER.] Are you waiting for any one? + +GINGER A letter from her ladyship. [She picks up from the desk +and hands him the letter SIGSBY had thrown there.] Her ladyship +thought you ought to be consulted. + +GEOFFREY [He reads the short letter with a gathering frown--hands +it across to ST. HERBERT.] + +ST. HERBERT [Having read, he passes it back in silence.] + +GEOFFREY [To GINGER.] Do you know the contents of this letter? + +GINGER The matter has been discussed among us--informally. + +GEOFFREY Tell Lady Mogton I'll--talk to her myself on the subject. + +GINGER Thank you. [She collects her etceteras.] Good afternoon. + +GEOFFREY [Shortly.] Good afternoon. + +GINGER [She bows graciously to ST. HERBERT, who responds. Goes +out.] + +GEOFFREY The devil of it is that it's the truth. + +ST. HERBERT Somebody was bound to say it, sooner or later! + +GEOFFREY Yes, but one's own wife! This is a confoundedly awkward +situation. + +ST. HERBERT [He comes to him, stands looking down at him.] Did it +never occur to you, when you were advocating equal political rights +for women, that awkward situations might arise? + +GEOFFREY [He leans back in his chair.] Do you remember Tommy the +Terrier, as they used to call him in the House--was always +preaching Socialism? + +ST. HERBERT Quite the most amusing man I ever met! + +GEOFFREY And not afraid of being honest. Do you remember his +answer when somebody asked him what he would do if Socialism, by +any chance, really became established in England? He had just +married an American heiress. He said he should emigrate. I am +still convinced that woman is entitled to equal political rights +with man. I didn't think it was coming in my time. There are +points in the problem remaining to be settled before we can arrive +at a working solution. This is one of them. [He takes up the +letter and reads.] "Are you prepared to have as your +representative a person who for six months out of every year may be +incapacitated from serving you?" It's easy enough to say I +oughtn't to allow my supporters to drag in the personal element. I +like it even less myself. But what's the answer? + +[JAWBONES enters with a tray.] + +JAWBONES [Places tray on table.] Tea's coming in a minute, sir. +[He is clearing away.] + +GEOFFREY Never mind all that. [He hands him a slip.] Take this +to the printers. Tell them I must have a proof to-night. + +JAWBONES Yes, sir. [Finds his cap and goes out.] + +ST. HERBERT The answer, I should say, would be that the majority +of women will continue to find something better to do. The women +who will throw themselves into politics will be the unattached +women, the childless women. [In an instant he sees his mistake, +but it is too late.] + +GEOFFREY [He rises, crosses to the desk, throws into a waste- +paper-basket a piece of crumpled paper that was in his hand; then +turns. The personal note has entered into the discussion.] The +women who WANT to be childless--what about them? + +ST. HERBERT [He shrugs his shoulders.] Are there any such? + +GEOFFREY There are women who talk openly of woman's share in the +general scheme being a "burden" on her--an "incubus." + +ST. HERBERT A handful of cranks. To the normal woman motherhood +has always been the one supreme desire. + +GEOFFREY Because children crowned her with honour. The barren +woman was despised. All that is changing. This movement is adding +impulse to it. + +ST. HERBERT Movements do not alter instincts. + +GEOFFREY But they do. Ever since man emerged from the jungle he +has been shedding his instincts--shaping them to new desires. +Where do you find this all-prevailing instinct towards maternity? +Among the women of society, who sacrifice it without a moment's +hesitation to their vanity--to their mere pleasures? The middle- +class woman--she, too, is demanding "freedom." Children, servants, +the home!--they are too much for her "nerves." And now there comes +this new development, appealing to the intellectual woman. Is +there not danger of her preferring political ambition, the +excitement of public life, to what has come to be regarded as the +"drudgery" of turning four walls into a home, of peopling the +silence with the voices of the children? [He crosses to the table- +-lays his hand again upon the open letter.] How do you know that +this may not be her answer--"I have no children. I never mean to +have children"? + +[SIGSBY enters in company with BEN LAMB, M.P. LAMB is a short, +thick-set, good-tempered man.] + +Ah, Lamb, how are you? + +LAMB [They greet one another.] How are things going? + +SIGSBY They're not going at all well. + +GEOFFREY Sigsby was ever the child of despondency. + +SIGSBY Yes, and so will you be when you find yourself at the +bottom of the poll. + +GEOFFREY [The notion takes him by surprise.] + +LAMB It's going to be a closer affair than any of us thought. +It's the joke of the thing that appears to have got hold of them. +They want to see what will happen. + +GEOFFREY Man's fatal curiosity concerning the eternal feminine! + +SIGSBY Yes, and they won't have to pay for it. That will be our +department. + +ST. HERBERT [To SIGSBY.] What do you think they'll do, supposing +by any chance Mrs. Chilvers should head the poll? + +SIGSBY How do you mean--"what'll they do?" + +ST. HERBERT Do you think they'll claim the seat? + +SIGSBY Claim the seat! What do you think they're out for--their +health? Get another six months' advertisement, if they don't get +anything else. Meanwhile what's our position--just at the +beginning of our ministerial career? + +GEOFFREY They will not claim the seat. + +SIGSBY How do you know? + +GEOFFREY I know my wife. + +LAMB [After a moment's silence.] Quite sure you do? + +GEOFFREY [Turns.] + +LAMB Ever seen a sheep fighting mad? I have. Damned sight worse +than the old ram. + +GEOFFREY She doesn't fight the ram. + +LAMB [He makes a sweeping movement that takes in the room, the +election--all things.] What's all this? We thought woman hadn't +got the fighting instinct--that we "knew her." My boy, we're in +the infants' class. + +SIGSBY If you want to be his Majesty's Under-Secretary for Home +Affairs, you take my tip, guv'nor, you'll win this election. + +GEOFFREY What more can I do than I'm doing? How can I countenance +this sort of thing? [He indicates the posters.] Declare myself +dead against the whole movement? + +LAMB You'll do it later. May as well do it soon. + +GEOFFREY Why must I do it? + +LAMB Because you're beginning to find out what it means. + +[A pause. The door is open. ANNYS is standing there.] + +ANNYS Dare we venture into the enemy's camp? + +[She enters, laughing, followed by ELIZABETH and PHOEBE. ANNYS is +somewhat changed from the grave, dreamy ANNYS of a short week ago. +She is brimming over with vitality--excitement. There is a +decisiveness, an egoism, about her that seems new to her. The +women's skirts make a flutter. A breeze seems to have entered. +ANNYS runs to her husband. For the moment the election fades away. +They are all smiles, tenderness for one another.] + +ANNYS Don't tell, will you? Mamma would be so shocked. Do you +know you haven't been near me for three days? + +GEOFFREY Umph! I like that. Where were you last night? + +ANNYS Last night? In the neighbourhood of Leicester Square till +three o'clock. Oh, Geoff, there's such a lot wants altering! + +[She turns to greet the others.] + +GEOFFREY Your ruining your health won't do it. You're looking +fagged to death. + +ANNYS [She shakes hands with SIGSBY.] How are you? [To LAMB.] +I'm so glad you're helping him. [She turns again to GEOFFREY.] +Pure imagination, dearest. I never felt better in my life. + +GEOFFREY Umph! Look at all those lines underneath your eyes. [He +shakes hands with ELIZABETH.] How do you do? [To PHOEBE.] How +are you? + +ANNYS [She comes back to him--makes to smooth the lines from his +forehead.] Look at all those, there. We'll run away together for +a holiday, when it's all over. What are you doing this evening? + +SIGSBY You promised to speak at a Smoker to-night; the Bow and +Bromley Buffaloes. + +ANNYS Oh, bother the Buffaloes. Take me out to dinner. I am free +after seven. + +[MRS. CHINN has entered--is arranging the table for tea. ANNYS +goes to her.] + +How are you, Mrs. Chinn? + +MRS. CHINN [She wipes her hand on her apron before taking ANNYS'S +proffered hand.] + +GEOFFREY [To SIGSBY.] I can turn up there later in the evening. +[He joins the others for a moment--talks with them.] + +MRS. CHINN [Now shaking hands.] Quite well, thank you, ma'am. +[She has cast a keen, motherly glance at ANNYS.] I hope you're +taking care of yourself, ma'am. + +ANNYS Of course I am. We Politicians owe it to our Party. +[Laughs.] How are they getting on here, without me? + +MRS. CHINN Well, ma'am, from what I can see, I think Mr. Chilvers +is trusting a little too much to his merits. Shall I bring some +more cups and saucers, sir? + +GEOFFREY Ah! yes! [To ANNYS.] You'll have some tea? + +ANNYS Strong, please, Mrs. Chinn. + +[MRS. CHINN goes out.] + +[Laughs.] Yes, I know it's bad for me. [She puts a hand over his +mouth.] + +PHOEBE Old Mother Chinn is quite right, you know, Geoff. You're +not putting up a good fight. + +GEOFFREY [A slight irritability begins to show itself.] I frankly +confess that I am not used to fighting women. + +ELIZABETH Yes. It was easier, no doubt, when we took it lying +down. + +ANNYS You promised, if I brought you, that you would be good. + +GEOFFREY I wish it had been you. + +PHOEBE Yes, but we don't! + +[As she and ELIZABETH move away.] + +Did you have a row with the doctor when you were born? + +[To which ELIZABETH replies, though the words reach only PHOEBE: +"I might have, if I had known that my mother was doing all the +work, while he was pocketing the fee!"] + +LAMB You see, Mrs. Chilvers, our difficulty is that there is +nothing to be said against you--except one thing. + +ANNYS What's that? + +LAMB That you're a woman. + +ANNYS [Smiling.] Isn't that enough? + +SIGSBY Quite enough, Mrs. Chilvers, if the guv'nor would only say +it. + +ANNYS [To GEOFFREY.] Why don't you? I'll promise not to deny it. + +[The others drift apart. They group themselves near to the window. +They talk together--grow evidently interested and excited.] + +GEOFFREY I have just had a letter from your--Election Agent, +expressing indignation with one of my supporters for merely having +hinted at the fact. + +ANNYS I don't understand. + +GEOFFREY [He takes from the table the letter and hands it to her +in silence. He seats himself on the settee and watches her.] + +ANNYS [She seats herself on a chair just opposite to him; reads +the letter through in silence.] In my case it does not apply. + +GEOFFREY How do you know? + +ANNYS [The atmosphere has grown suddenly oppressive.] Oh, I--I +think we might find some other reason than that. [She hands him +back the letter.] + +GEOFFREY It's the only one of any importance. It embraces all the +others. Shall woman be mother--or politician? [He puts the letter +in his pocket.] + +ANNYS Why cannot she be both? + +GEOFFREY [He is looking at her searchingly.] Because if she is +the one, she doesn't want to be the other. + +[A silence.] + +ANNYS You are wrong. It is the mother instinct that makes us +politicians. We want to take care of the world. + +GEOFFREY Exactly. You think man's job more interesting than your +own. + +ANNYS [After a moment.] Who told you that it was a man's job? + +GEOFFREY Well. [He shrugs his shoulders.] We can't do yours. + +ANNYS Can't we help each other? + +GEOFFREY As, for instance, in this election! [He gives a short +laugh.] + +ANNYS Of course, this is an exceptional case. + +GEOFFREY It's an epitome of the whole question. You are trying to +take my job away from me. To the neglect of your own. + +ANNYS [After another moment's silence.] Haven't I always tried to +do my duty? + +GEOFFREY I have thought so. + +ANNYS Oh, my dear, we mustn't quarrel. You will win this +election. I want you to win it. Next time we must fight side by +side again. + +GEOFFREY Don't you see? Fighting you means fighting the whole +movement. [He indicates the posters pinned to the walls.] That +sort of thing. + +ANNYS [After a brief inspection.] Not that way. [Shaking her +head.] It would break my heart for you to turn against us. Win +because you are the better man. [Smiling.] I want you to be the +better man. + +GEOFFREY I would rather be your husband. + +ANNYS [Smiling.] Isn't that the same thing? + +GEOFFREY No. I want a wife. + +ANNYS What precisely do you mean by "wife"? + +GEOFFREY It's an old-established word. + +[MRS. CHINN has entered to complete the tea arrangements. She is +arranging the table.] + +MRS. CHINN There's a deputation downstairs, sir, just come for +you. + +GEOFFREY What are they? + +MRS. CHINN It's one of those societies for the reform of +something. They said you were expecting them. + +SIGSBY [Breaking away from the group by the window.] Quite right. +[Looks at his watch.] Five o'clock, I'll bring them up. + +GEOFFREY Happen to know what it is they want to reform? + +SIGSBY [By door.] Laws relating to the physical relationship +between the sexes, I think. + +GEOFFREY Oh, only that! + +SIGSBY Something of the sort. + +[He goes out. MRS. CHINN also by the other door.] + +GEOFFREY [Rising.] Will you pour out? + +ANNYS [She has been thinking. She comes back to the present.] We +shan't be in your way? + +GEOFFREY Oh, no. It will make it easier to get rid of them. + +[ANNYS changes her chair. The others gather round. The service +and drinking of tea proceeds in the usual course.] + +[To ELIZABETH.] You'll take some tea? + +ELIZABETH Thank you. + +GEOFFREY You must be enjoying yourself just now. + +ELIZABETH [Makes a moue.] They insist on my being agreeable. + +ANNYS It's so good for her. Teaches her self-control. + +LAMB I gather from Mrs. Spender, that in the perfect world there +will be no men at all. + +ELIZABETH Oh, yes, they will be there. But in their proper place. + +ST. HERBERT That's why you didn't notice them. + +[The DEPUTATION reaches the door. The sound of voices is heard.] + +PHOEBE She's getting on very well. If she isn't careful, she'll +end up by being a flirt. + +[The DEPUTATION enters, guided by SIGSBY. Its number is five, two +men and three women. Eventually they group themselves--some +standing, some sitting--each side of GEOFFREY. The others gather +round ANNYS, who keeps her seat at the opposite side of the table.] + +SIGSBY [Talking as he enters.] Exactly what I've always +maintained. + +HOPPER It would make the husband quite an interesting person. + +SIGSBY [Cheerfully.] That's the idea. Here we are, guv'nor. +This is Mr. Chilvers. + +[GEOFFREY bows, the DEPUTATION also. SIGSBY introduces a +remarkably boyish-looking man, dressed in knickerbockers.] + +SIGSBY This is Mr. Peekin, who has kindly consented to act as +spokesman. [To the DEPUTATION, generally.] Will you have some +tea? + +MISS BORLASSE [A thick-set, masculine-featured lady, with short +hair and heavy eyebrows. Her deep, decisive tone settles the +question.] Thank you. We have so little time. + +MR. PEEKIN We propose, Mr. Chilvers, to come to the point at once. +[He is all smiles, caressing gestures.] + +GEOFFREY Excellent. + +PEEKIN If I left a baby at your door, what would you do with it? + +GEOFFREY [For a moment he is taken aback, recovers himself.] Are +you thinking of doing so? + +PEEKIN It's not impossible. + +GEOFFREY Well, it sounds perhaps inhospitable, but do you know I +really think I should ask you to take it away again. + +PEEKIN Yes, but by the time you find it there, I shall have +disappeared--skedaddled. + +HOPPER Good. [He rubs his hands. Smiles at the others.] + +GEOFFREY In that case I warn you that I shall hand it over to the +police. + +PEEKIN [He turns to the others.] I don't myself see what else Mr. +Chilvers could be expected to do. + +MISS BORLASSE He'd be a fool not to. + +GEOFFREY Thank you. So far we seem to be in agreement. And now +may I ask to what all this is leading? + +PEEKIN [He changes from the debonnair to the dramatic.] How many +men, Mr. Chilvers, leave their babies every year at the door of +poverty-stricken women? What are they expected to do with them? + +[A moment. The DEPUTATION murmur approval.] + +GEOFFREY I see. But is there no difference between the two doors? +I am not an accomplice. + +PEEKIN An accomplice! Is the ignorant servant-girl--first lured +into the public-house, cajoled, tricked, deceived by false +promises--the half-starved shop-girl in the hands of the practised +libertine--is she an accomplice? + +MRS. PEEKIN [A dowdily-dressed, untidy woman, but the face is +sweet and tender.] Ah, Mr. Chilvers, if you could only hear the +stories that I have heard from dying lips. + +GEOFFREY Very pitiful, my dear lady. And, alas, only too old. +But there are others. It would not be fair to blame always the +man. + +ANNYS [Unnoticed, drawn by the subject, she has risen and come +down.] Perhaps not. But the punishment always falls on the woman. +Is THAT quite fair? + +GEOFFREY [He is irritated at ANNYS'S incursion into the +discussion.] My dear Annys, that is Nature's law, not man's. All +man can do is to mitigate it. + +PEEKIN That is all we ask. The suffering, the shame, must always +be the woman's. Surely that is sufficient. + +GEOFFREY What do you propose? + +MISS BORLASSE [In her deep, fierce tones.] That all children born +out of wedlock should be a charge upon the rates. + +MISS RICKETTS [A slight, fair, middle-aged woman, with a nervous +hesitating manner.] Of course, only if the mother wishes it. + +GEOFFREY [The proposal staggers him. But the next moment it +inspires him with mingled anger and amusement.] My dear, good +people, have you stopped for one moment to consider what the result +of your proposal would be? + +PEEKIN For one thing, Mr. Chilvers, the adding to the populace of +healthy children in place of the stunted and diseased abortions +that is all that these poor women, out of their scanty earnings, +can afford to present to the State. + +GEOFFREY Humph! That incidentally it would undermine the whole +institution of marriage, let loose the flood-gates that at present +hold immorality in check, doesn't appear to trouble you. That the +law must be altered to press less heavily upon the woman--that the +man must be made an equal sharer in the penalty--all that goes +without saying. The remedy you propose would be a thousand times +worse than the disease. + +ANNYS And meanwhile? Until you have devised this scheme [there is +a note of contempt in her voice] under which escape for the man +will be impossible? + +GEOFFREY The evil must continue. As other evils have to until the +true remedy is found. + +PEEKIN [He has hurriedly consulted with the others. All have +risen--he turns to GEOFFREY.] You will not support our demand? + +GEOFFREY Support it! Do you mean that you cannot yourselves see +that you are holding out an indemnity to every profligate, male and +female, throughout the land--that you would be handicapping, in the +struggle for existence, every honest man and woman desirous of +bringing up their children in honour and in love? Your suggestion +is monstrous! + +PEEKIN [The little man is not without his dignity.] We apologise, +Mr. Chilvers, for having taken up your time. + +GEOFFREY I am sorry the matter was one offering so little chance +of agreement. + +PEEKIN We will make only one slight further trespass on your +kindness. Mrs. Chilvers, if one may judge, would seem to be more +in sympathy with our views. Might we--it would be a saving of time +and shoe leather [he smiles]--might we take this opportunity of +laying our case before her? + +GEOFFREY It would be useless. + +[A short silence. ANNYS, with ELIZABETH and PHOEBE a little behind +her, stands right. LAMB, SIGSBY, and ST. HERBERT are behind +GEOFFREY centre. The DEPUTATION is left.] + +HOPPER Do we gather that in this election you speak for both +candidates? + +GEOFFREY In matters of common decency, yes. My wife does not +associate herself with movements for the encouragement of vice. + +[There is another moment's silence.] + +ANNYS But, Geoffrey, dear--we should not be encouraging the evil. +We should still seek to find the man, to punish him. The woman +would still suffer - + +GEOFFREY My dear Annys, this is neither the time nor place for you +and me to argue out the matter. I must ask you to trust to my +judgment. + +ANNYS I can understand your refusing, but why do you object to my +- + +GEOFFREY Because I do not choose for my wife's name to be linked +with a movement that I regard as criminal. I forbid it. + +[It was the moment that was bound to come. The man's instincts, +training, have involuntarily asserted themselves. Shall the woman +yield? If so, then down goes the whole movement--her claim to +freedom of judgment, of action, in all things. All watch the +struggle with breathless interest.] + +ANNYS [She speaks very slowly, very quietly, but with a new note +in her voice.] I am sorry, but I have given much thought to this +matter, and--I do not agree with you. + +MRS. PEEKIN You will help us? + +ANNYS I will do what I can. + +PEEKIN [He takes from his pocket a folded paper.] It is always so +much more satisfactory when these things are in writing. +Candidates, with the best intentions in the world, are apt to +forget. [He has spread the paper on a corner of the table. He has +in his hand his fountain-pen.] + +ANNYS [With a smile.] I am not likely to forget, but if you wish +it--[She approaches the table.] + +GEOFFREY [He interposes. His voice is very low, almost a +whisper.] My wife will not sign. + +ANNYS [She also speaks low, but there is no yielding in her +voice.] I am not only your wife. I have a duty also to others. + +GEOFFREY It is for you to choose. [He leaves the way open to +her.] + +[The silence can almost be felt. She moves to the table, takes up +the paper. It contains but a few lines of writing. Having read +it, she holds out her hand for the pen. PEEKIN puts it in her +hand. With a firm hand she signs, folds the paper, and returns it +to him. She remains standing by the table. With the removal of +the tension there comes a rustle, a breaking of the silence.] + +MISS RICKETTS [She seizes ANNYS's hand, hanging listlessly by her +side, and, stooping, kisses it.] + +MISS BORLASSE That is all, isn't it? + +PEEKIN We thank you, Mrs. Chilvers. Good afternoon. + +ANNYS [The natural reaction is asserting itself. She pulls +herself together sufficiently to murmur her answer.] Good +afternoon. + +MRS. PEEKIN [The DEPUTATION is moving away; she takes from her +waist a small bunch of flowers, and, turning, places them in +ANNYS'S hand.] + +ANNYS [She smiles, remains standing silent, the flowers in her +hand.] + +["Good afternoons" are exchanged with some of the others. +Finally:] + +PEEKIN Good afternoon, Mr. Chilvers. + +GEOFFREY [Who has moved away.] Good afternoon. + +[The DEPUTATION joins SIGSBY by the door. He leads them out.] + +ELIZABETH [To PHOEBE.] Are you going my way? + +PHOEBE [She glances round at ANNYS.] Yes, I'll come with you. + +ST. HERBERT I will put you into a bus, if you will let me. We +don't sport many cabs in East Poplar. [He is helping ELIZABETH +with her cloak.] + +ELIZABETH Thank you. + +LAMB I've got to go up West. [To GEOFFREY.] Will you be at the +House this evening? + +GEOFFREY [He is standing by the desk pretending to look at some +papers]. I shall look in about ten o'clock. + +LAMB One or two things I want to say to you. Goodbye for the +present. + +GEOFFREY Goodbye! + +PHOEBE Goodbye, old man. [She stretches out her hand.] + +GEOFFREY Goodbye. [She shakes hands with a smile, exchanges a +casual "goodbye" with ELIZABETH.] + +[They go towards the door.] + +[SIGSBY re-enters.] + +SIGSBY [To LAMB.] Are you going? + +LAMB Yes. I'll see you to-morrow morning. About ten o'clock. + +SIGSBY I shall be here. [He exchanges a "good afternoon" with the +others.] + +[They go out. SIGSBY crosses and goes into the other room.] + +ANNYS [She has let fall the flowers on the table. She crosses to +where GEOFFREY still stands by the desk, his back towards her. She +stretches out her hand, touches him. He does not move.] Geoffrey! + +[But still he takes no notice.] + +I am so sorry. We must talk it over quietly--at home. + +GEOFFREY [He turns.] Home! I have no home. I have neither +children nor wife. I KEEP a political opponent. + +[ANNYS starts back with a cry. He crosses in front of her and +seats himself at the table. The flowers are lying there; he throws +them into the waste-paper basket.] + +ANNYS [She puts on her cloak, moves towards the door. Half-way +she pauses, makes a movement towards him. But he will not see. +Then a hard look comes into her eyes, and without another word she +goes out, leaving the door open.] + +[SIGSBY is heard moving in the other room.] + +GEOFFREY [He is writing.] Sigsby. + +SIGSBY Hallo! + +GEOFFREY That poster I told young Gordon I wouldn't sanction, "The +Woman spouting politics, the Man returning to a slattern's home." + +[SIGSBY enters.] + +SIGSBY I have countermanded them. + +GEOFFREY Countermand them again. We shall want a thousand. + +SIGSBY [Can hardly believe his ears.] + +GEOFFREY [With a gesture round the room.] All of them. "A Man +for Men!" "Save the Children!" "Guard your Homes!" All the +damned collection. Order as many as you want. + +SIGSBY [His excitement rising.] I can go ahead. You mean it? + +GEOFFREY [He looks at him.] It's got to be a fight! [A moment. +He returns to his writing.] Telephone Hake that I shall be dining +at the Reform Club. + +CURTAIN. + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + + +SCENE:- A room in the Town Hall, Poplar. A high, bare, cold room, +unfurnished except for cane-bottomed chairs ranged against the +walls. French windows right give on to a balcony overlooking the +street. Door in back opens upon a stone passage. A larger door +opens into another room, through which one passes to reach the room +in which the counting of the votes is taking place. A fire burns-- +or rather tries to burn. The room is lighted from the centre of +the ceiling by an electric sun. A row of hat-pegs is on the wall +between the two doors. The time is about 9 p.m. + +[People entering from the street wear coats or cloaks, &c., the +season being early spring. If passing through or staying in the +room, they take off their outdoor things and hang them up, putting +them on again before going out.] + +[JAWBONES is coaxing the reluctant fire by using a newspaper as a +blower. He curses steadily under his breath. The door opens. +GINGER enters; she is dressed in cheap furs.] + +JAWBONES Shut the door, can't yer! + +GINGER Don't yer want a draught? + +JAWBONES No, I don't. Not any more than I've got. + +GINGER [She shuts the door.] 'Ave they begun counting the votes? + +JAWBONES Been at it for the last three-quarters of an hour. + +GINGER Who's going to win? + +JAWBONES One of 'em. + +[LADY MOGTON has entered. She has come from the room where they +are counting the votes.] + +Shut that door! [He glances over his shoulder, sees his mistake.] +Beg pardon! [To himself.] Thought 'twas the other fool! + +LADY MOGTON [She shuts the door. To GINGER.] Have you seen Mrs. +Chilvers? + +GINGER Not since the afternoon, your ladyship. + +LADY MOGTON She is coming, I suppose? + +GINGER I think so, your ladyship. + +LADY MOGTON It's very cold in here, Gordon. + +JAWBONES Yes, my lady. Not what I call a cosy room. + +LADY MOGTON [To GINGER.] Jump into a cab. See if you can find +her. Perhaps she has been detained at one of the committee-rooms. +Tell her she ought to be here. + +GINGER Yes, your ladyship. [She crosses, opens door.] + +JAWBONES Shut the door. + +GINGER Oh, shut - + +[She finds herself face to face with a MESSENGER carrying a ballot- +box.] + +I beg yer pardon! [She goes out, closes door.] + +LADY MOGTON [To the MESSENGER.] Is that the last? + +MESSENGER Generally is. Isle of Dogs! + +[He goes into the other room.] + +LADY MOGTON [To JAWBONES.] Do you know where Mr. Chilvers is? + +[There comes a bloodthirsty yell from the crowd outside.] + +JAWBONES Not unless that's 'im. [He finishes for the time being +with the fire. Rises.] + +[JANET enters.] + +LADY MOGTON Was that you they were yelling at? + +JANET No, it's Mr. Sigsby. + +[Another yell is heard. Out of it a shrill female voice--"Mind 'is +fice; yer spoiling it!"] + +The Woman's Laundry Union have taken such a strong dislike to him. + +[A final yell. Then a voice: "That's taken some of the starch out +of him!" followed by a shriek of laughter.] + +JAWBONES 'E only suggested as 'ow there was enough old washerwomen +in Parliament as it was. + +LADY MOGTON A most unnecessary remark. It will teach him - + +[SIGSBY enters, damaged. His appearance is comic. LADY MOGTON +makes no effort to repress a grim smile.] + +SIGSBY Funny, ain't it? + +LADY MOGTON I am sorry. + +SIGSBY [He snarls.] "The Mother's Hand shall Help Us!" One of +your posters, I think. + +LADY MOGTON You shouldn't have insulted them--calling them old +washerwomen! + +SIGSBY Insult! Can't one indulge in a harmless jeu d'esprit--[he +pronounces it according to his own ideas]--without having one's +clothes torn off one's back? [Fiercely.] What do you mean by it-- +disgracing your sex? + +LADY MOGTON Are you addressing me? + +SIGSBY All of you. Upsetting the foundations upon which society +has been reared--the natural and lawful subjection of the woman to +the man. Why don't you read St. Paul? + +LADY MOGTON St. Paul was addressing Christians. When men behave +like Christians there will be no need of Votes for Women. You read +St. Paul on men. [To JANET.] I shall want you! + +[She goes out, followed by JANET.] + +[SIGSBY gives vent to a gesture.] + +JAWBONES Getting saucy, ain't they? + +SIGSBY Over-indulgence. That's what the modern woman is suffering +from. Gets an idea on Monday that she'd like the whole world +altered; if it isn't done by Saturday, raises hell! Where's the +guv'nor? + +JAWBONES Hasn't been here. + +SIGSBY [Hands JAWBONES his damaged hat.] See if they can do +anything to that. If not, get me a new one. [He forks out a +sovereign.] Sure to be some shops open in the High Street. [LAMB +and ST. HERBERT enter.] + +LAMB Hallo! have they been mauling you? + +SIGSBY [He snatches the damaged hat from JAWBONES, to hand it back +the next moment; holds it out.] Woman's contribution to politics. +Get me a collar at the same time--sixteen and a half. + +[JAWBONES takes his cap and goes out. The men hang up their +overcoats.] + +SIGSBY Where's it all going to end? That's what I want to know! + +ST. HERBERT Where most things end. In the millennium, according +to its advocates. In the ruin of the country, according to its +opponents. In mild surprise on the part of the next generation +that ever there was any fuss about it. + +SIGSBY In amazement, you mean, that their fathers were so blind as +not to see where it was leading. My boy, this is going to alter +the whole relationship between the sexes! + +ST. HERBERT Is it so perfect as it is? + +[A silence.] + +Might it not be established on a more workable, a more enduring +basis if woman were allowed a share in the shaping of it? + +[Some woman in the crowd starts the refrain, "We'll hang old +Asquith on a sour apple tree." It is taken up with quiet +earnestness by others.] + +SIGSBY Shaping it! Nice sort of shape it will be by the time that +lot [with a gesture, including the crowd, LADY MOGTON & Co.] have +done knocking it about. Wouldn't be any next generation to be +surprised at anything if some of them had their way. + +ST. HERBERT The housebreakers come first--not a class of work +demanding much intelligence; the builders come later. Have you +seen Chilvers? + +LAMB I left him at the House. He couldn't get away. + +SIGSBY There's your object-lesson for you. We don't need to go +far. A man's whole career ruined by the wife he nourishes. + +ST. HERBERT How do you mean, "ruined?" + +SIGSBY So it is. If she wins the election and claims the seat. +Do you think the Cabinet will want him? Their latest addition +compelled to appeal to the House of Commons to fight for him +against his own womenfolk. [Grunts.] He'll be the laughing-stock +of the whole country. + +ST. HERBERT Do you know for certain that they mean to claim the +seat? + +SIGSBY "Wait and see" is their answer. + +LAMB Hasn't Chilvers any idea? + +SIGSBY Can't get him to talk. Don't think he's seen her since +that shindy over the Deputation. + +LAMB Humph! + +SIGSBY Even if she herself wished to draw back, the others would +overrule her. + +LAMB I'm not so sure of that. She's got a way of shutting her +mouth that reminds me of my old woman. + +SIGSBY The arrangement, as he explained it to me, was that the +whole thing was to end with the polling. It was to have been a +mere joke, a mere ballon d'essai. The mistake he made was thinking +he could depend on her. + +LAMB Guess she made the same mistake. You can fight and shake +hands afterwards; it doesn't go with kissing. + +SIGSBY Man and woman were not made to fight. It was never +intended. + +[The woman's "Marseillaise" has been taken up by the crowd. The +chorus has been reached.] + +Oh, damn your row! [He slams to the window; it was ajar.] + +[JAWBONES has entered, with his purchases.] + +[Turning from window he sees JAWBONES, goes to meet him.] Couldn't +they do anything? + +JAWBONES [He has bought a new hat; has also brought back the +remains. He shakes his head.] No good for anything else but a +memento. + +SIGSBY [With a grunt he snatches the thing and flings it into a +corner. Tries on the new one.] + +JAWBONES 'Ow's it feel? + +[SIGSBY, with the help of JAWBONES, attends to his appearance.] + +LAMB [To ST. HERBERT.] No use talking to her, I suppose? + +ST. HERBERT [Shrugs his shoulders.] She'll do what she imagines +to be her duty. Women are so uncivilised. + +[A burst of cheering is heard. A shrill male voice: "Three cheers +for Winston Churchill!" It is followed by an explosion of yells.] + +ST. HERBERT Who's that? + +LAMB [He has opened the window.] Phoebe Mogton! + +SIGSBY What a family! + +[JANET has entered.] + +JANET Is that Mrs. Chilvers? [To LAMB and ST. HERBERT.] Good +evening. + +ST. HERBERT Good evening. + +LAMB No; it's her sister. + +JANET I wonder she doesn't come. + +SIGSBY What are the latest figures? Do you know? + +[PHOEBE enters.] + +JANET I forget the numbers. Mrs. Chilvers is forty ahead. + +PHOEBE Forty ahead! [To JANET.] Did you order the band? + +LAMB [To SIGSBY.] The Dock division was against him to a man; +that Shipping Bill has upset them. + +JANET No. I didn't think we should want the band. + +PHOEBE Not want it! My dear girl - + +JANET Perhaps Lady Mogton has ordered it, I'll ask her. [She goes +out.] + +SIGSBY Hadn't you better "Wait and see"? It isn't over yet. + +PHOEBE We may as well have it! It can play the Dead March in +"Saul" if you win. [She laughs.] + +SIGSBY [Grunts. To LAMB.] Are you coming? + +[He goes out.] + +LAMB Yes. [To ST. HERBERT.] Are you coming? + +ST. HERBERT Hardly worth while; nearly over, isn't it? + +LAMB It generally takes an hour and a half. [He looks at his +watch.] Another forty minutes. Perhaps less. [He goes out.] + +PHOEBE I do love to make him ratty. Wish it wasn't poor old Geoff +we were fighting. + +ST. HERBERT When I marry, it will be the womanly woman. + +PHOEBE No chance for me then? + +ST. HERBERT I don't say that. I can see you taking your political +opinions from your husband, and thinking them your own. + +PHOEBE Good heavens! + +ST. HERBERT The brainy woman will think for herself. And then I +foresee some lively breakfast tables. + +PHOEBE Humph! No fear, I suppose, of a man taking his views from +his wife and thinking them his own? + +ST. HERBERT That may be the solution. The brainy woman will have +to marry the manly man. + +[GINGER enters.] + +JAWBONES [He is on his knees blowing the fire. In a low growl.] +Shut the door! + +GINGER Can't till I'm inside, can I? [Shuts it.] Where's Lady +Mogton? + +JAWBONES I don't know. + +PHOEBE What do you want her for? + +GINGER Only to tell her that I can't find Chilvers. + +PHOEBE Isn't she here? + +GINGER Not unless she's come while I've been out. + +[JANET enters.] + +JANET Oh, Lady Mogton - + +PHOEBE [Interrupting her.] Isn't Annys here? + +JANET No. [To GINGER.] Haven't you found her? + +GINGER [Shakes her head.] Been everywhere I could think of. + +PHOEBE [To herself.] She couldn't have gone home? Is there a +telephone here? + +JANET The room's locked up. + +JAWBONES There's one at 118, High Street. Shall I go, miss? + +PHOEBE No, thanks. I'll go myself. Oh, what about the band? + +JANET Lady Mogton says she'd like it. If it isn't too tired. + +GINGER It's at Sell's Coffee-'ouse in Piggott Street. I 'eard +them practising. + +PHOEBE Good. I shan't be more than a few minutes. + +ST. HERBERT I'll come with you, if I may? I've got some news that +may be of use to you. + +PHOEBE Do. [To GINGER.] Stop here, I may want you. + +[PHOEBE and ST. HERBERT go out.] + +JANET How was Mrs. Chilvers seeming this afternoon? + +GINGER Never 'eard 'er speak better, miss. + +JANET Did you stop to the end? + +GINGER Not quite. Mrs. Spender wanted some shopping done. + +[JANET goes out.] + +GINGER Can I 'elp yer? + +JAWBONES Yer might hold the piper while I blow. + +[The fire begins to burn.] + +GINGER It's getting brighter. + +JAWBONES That's caught it. + +GINGER Wonderful what a little coaxing will do. + +JAWBONES [He is still squatting on his heels, folding up the +paper. He looks up.] Ain't yer ever thought of that, instead of +worrying about the vote? + +GINGER [She moves away.] You don't understand us wimmin. + +JAWBONES [He has risen. He pauses in his folding of the paper.] +Don't say that. + +GINGER Why should we coax yer--for our rights? + +JAWBONES Because it's the easiest way of getting 'em. + +GINGER [She has become oratorical.] Our appeal is not to man +[with upraised hand] but to Justice! + +JAWBONES Oh! And what does the lidy say? + +GINGER [Descending.] 'Ow do yer mean? + +JAWBONES To your appeal. Is she goin' to give 'em to yer ? You +tike my tip: if yer in a 'urry, you get a bit on account--from +Man. 'Ere. [He dives into his pocket, produces, wrapped up in +tissue paper, a ring, which he exhibits to her.] That's a bit more +in your line. + +GINGER [Her eyes sparkle. She takes the ring in her hand. Then +problems come to her.] Why do yer want me, William? + +JAWBONES Because, in spite of all, I love yer. + +GINGER [She looks into the future.] What will I be? A general +servant, without wages. + +JAWBONES The question, as it seems to me, is, which of us two is +the biggest fool? Instead of thirty bob a week in my pocket to +spend as I like--guess I'll 'ave to be content with three 'alf- +crowns. + +GINGER Seven an' six! Rather a lot, Bill, out o' thirty bob. +Don't leave much for me an' the children. + +JAWBONES I shall 'ave to get my dinners. + +GINGER I could mike yer somethin' tasty to tike with yer. Then +with, say--three shillings - + +JAWBONES 'Ere--[He is on the point of snatching back the ring. He +encounters her eyes. There is a moment's battle. The Eternal +Feminine conquers.] Will yer always look as sweet as yer do now? + +GINGER Always, Bill. So long as yer good to me! + +[She slips the ring over her finger, still with her eyes drawing +him. He catches her to him in fierce passion, kisses her.] + +[A loud shrill female cheer comes from the crowd. The cheer is +renewed and renewed.] + +JAWBONES [He breaks away and goes to the window.] 'Ullo! What +are they shoutin' about now? [He looks out.] It's the Donah! + +GINGER Mrs. Chilvers? + +JAWBONES Yus. Better not get wearin' it--may shock their +feelings. + +GINGER [She gazes rapturously at the ring as she draws it off.] +It is a beauty! I do love yer, Bill. + +[There enter ANNYS and ELIZABETH. ANNYS is excited; she is +laughing and talking.] + +ANNYS [Laughing while she rearranges her hat and hair.] A little +embarrassing. That red-haired girl--she carried me right up the +steps. I was afraid she would - + +[JAWBONES has been quick enough to swing a chair into place just in +time to receive her.] + +[She recovers herself.] Thank you. + +ELIZABETH [She hands ANNYS a smelling-bottle. To JAWBONES.] Open +the window a few inches. + +[He does so. Some woman, much interrupted, is making a speech.] + +[JANET opens the door a little way and looks in.] + +JANET Oh, it is you! I am glad! + +[She goes out again.] + +ELIZABETH Are the others all here? + +GINGER 'Er ladyship is watching the counting. Miss Phoebe 'as +just gone out - + +[PHOEBE enters.] + +Oh, 'ere she is. + +PHOEBE Hullo! [She is taking off her things.] Wherever have you +been? We've been scouring the neighbourhood - + +[LADY MOGTON enters, followed by JANET.] + +I say, you're looking jolly chippy. + +ELIZABETH We had an extra enthusiastic meeting. She spoke for +rather a long time. I made her come home with me and lie down. I +think she is all right now. + +LADY MOGTON Would you like to see a doctor? + +PHOEBE There is a very good man close here. [She turns to +JAWBONES, who is still near the window.] Gordon - + +ANNYS [Interrupting.] No. Please don't. I am quite all right. +I hate strange doctors. + +PHOEBE Well, let me send for Whitby; he could be here in twenty +minutes. + +ANNYS I wish you would all leave me alone. There's absolutely +nothing to fuss about whatever. We pampered women--we can't +breathe the same air that ordinary mortals have to. We ought to be +ashamed of ourselves. + +PHOEBE [To herself.] Obstinate pig. + +[She catches JAWBONES' eye; unnoticed by the others, she takes him +aside. They whisper.] + +ANNYS How is it going? + +LADY MOGTON You must be prepared for winning. [She puts again the +question that ANNYS has frequently been asked to answer during the +last few days.] What are you going to do? + +[MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS enters, as usual in a flutter of +excitement.] + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS Am I late? + +[They brush her back into silence. ELIZABETH takes charge of her.] + +ANNYS [She has risen.] You think it wise tactics, to make it +impossible for Geoffrey to be anything else in the future but our +enemy? + +LADY MOGTON [Contemptuously.] You are thinking of him, and not of +the cause. + +ANNYS And if I were! Haven't I made sacrifice enough?--more than +any of you will ever know. Ay--and would make more, if I felt it +was demanded of me. I don't! [Her burst of anger is finished. +She turns, smiling.] I'm much more cunning than you think. There +will be other elections we shall want to fight. With the Under- +Secretary for Home Affairs in sympathy with us, the Government will +find it difficult to interfere. Don't you see how clever I am? + +[JAWBONES, having received his instructions from PHOEBE, has +slipped out unobserved. He has beckoned to GINGER; she has +followed him. PHOEBE has joined the group.] + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. There's something in that. + +JANET Is Mr. Chilvers still in sympathy with us? + +PHOEBE Of course he is. A bit rubbed up the wrong way just at +present; that's our fault. When Annys goes down, early next mouth, +to fight the Exchange Division of Manchester, we shall have him +with us. + +[A moment.] + +LADY MOGTON Where do you get that from? + +PHOEBE From St. Herbert. The present member is his cousin. They +say he can't live more than a week. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS It really seems like Providence. + +ANNYS [Has taken the opportunity of giving PHOEBE a grateful +squeeze of the hand.]. + +LADY MOGTON You will fight Manchester? + +ANNYS Yes. [Laughs.] And make myself a public nuisance if I win. + +LADY MOGTON Well, must be content with that, I suppose. Better +not come in; the room's rather crowded. I'll keep you informed how +things are going. + +[She goes out, followed by JANET.] + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS I'll stay with you, dear. + +PHOEBE I want you to come and be photographed for the Daily +Mirror. The man's waiting downstairs. + +ELIZABETH I'll stop with Annys. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS I'm not quite sure, you know, that I take +well by flashlight. + +PHOEBE You wait till you've seen mamma! We must have you. They +want you for the centre of the page. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS Well, if it's really - + +PHOEBE [To the others.] Shall see you again. [She winks. Then +to MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS.] We mustn't keep them waiting. They +are giving us a whole page. + +[PHOEBE takes MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS out. ELIZABETH has followed +to the door; she closes it. ANNYS has reseated herself, facing the +fire.] + +ELIZABETH When did you see your husband last? + +ANNYS Not since--Tuesday, wasn't it, that we went round to his +rooms. Why? + +ELIZABETH I'm thinking about Manchester. What was it he said to +you? + +ANNYS Oh, we were, both of us, a little over-excited, I suppose. +He has--[she hesitates, finally answers]--he has always been so +eager for children. + +ELIZABETH Yes. So many men are; not having to bear the pain and +inconvenience themselves. + +ANNYS Oh, well, they have to provide for them when they do come. +That's fair enough division, I su- [Suddenly she turns fiercely.] +Why do you talk like that? As if we women were cowards. Do you +think if God sent me a child I should grudge Him the price! + +ELIZABETH Do you want Him to? + +ANNYS I don't know; prayed Him to, once. + +ELIZABETH [She lays her hand upon her.] It isn't a few more +mothers that the world has need of. It is the women whom God has +appointed--to whom He has given freedom, that they may champion the +cause of the mothers, helpless by reason of their motherhood. + +[A moment. GEOFFREY enters.] + +GEOFFREY Good evening. + +ANNYS [Rises; a smile struggles for possession. But he only +shakes hands, and it dies away.] + +ELIZABETH Good evening. + +[They shake hands.] + +GEOFFREY You are not interested in the counting? + +ANNYS The room is rather crowded. Mamma thought I would be better +out here. How have you been? + +GEOFFREY Oh, all right. It's going to be a very near thing, they +tell me. + +ANNYS Yes, I shall be glad when it's over. + +GEOFFREY It's always a trying time. What are you going to do, if +you win? + +[LADY MOGTON looks in.] + +LADY MOGTON [Seeing GEOFFREY.] Oh, good evening. + +GEOFFREY Good evening. + +LADY MOGTON Chilvers, 2,960--Annys Chilvers, 2,874. + +[She disappears--closes door.] + +ANNYS Perhaps I'm not going to win. [She goes to him, smiling.] +I hope you'll win. I would so much rather you won. + +GEOFFREY Very kind of you. I'm afraid that won't make it a +certainty. + +ANNYS [His answer has hardened her again.] How can I? It would +not be fair. Without your consent I should never have entered upon +it. It was understood that the seat, in any case, would be yours. + +GEOFFREY I would rather you considered yourself quite free. In +warfare it doesn't pay to be "fair" to one's enemy. + +ANNYS [Still hardening.] Besides, there is no need. There will +be other opportunities. I can contest some other constituency. If +I win, claim the seat for that. + +[A moment.] + +GEOFFREY So this is only the beginning? You have decided to +devote yourself to a political career? + +ANNYS Why not? + +GEOFFREY If I were to ask you to abandon it, to come back to your +place at my side--helping me, strengthening me? + +ANNYS You mean you would have me abandon my own task--merge myself +in you? + +GEOFFREY Be my wife. + +ANNYS It would not be right. I, too, have my work. + +GEOFFREY If it takes you away from me? + +ANNYS Why need it take me away from you? Why cannot we work +together for common ends, each in our own way? + +GEOFFREY We talked like that before we tried it. Marriage is not +a partnership; it is a leadership. + +ANNYS [She looks at him.] You mean--an ownership. + +GEOFFREY Perhaps you're right. I didn't make it. I'm only-- +beginning to understand it. + +ANNYS And I too. It is not what I want. + +GEOFFREY You mean its duties have become irksome to you. + +ANNYS I mean I want to be the judge myself of what are my duties. + +GEOFFREY I no longer count. You will go your way without me? + +ANNYS I must go the way I think right. + +GEOFFREY [He flings away.] If you win to-night you will do well +to make the most of it. Take my advice and claim the seat. + +ANNYS [Looks at him puzzled.] + +ELIZABETH Why? + +GEOFFREY Because [with a short, ugly laugh] the Lord only knows +when you'll get another opportunity. + +ELIZABETH You are going to stop us? + +GEOFFREY To stop women from going to the poll. The Bill will be +introduced on Monday. Carried through all its stages the same +week. + +ELIZABETH You think it will pass? + +GEOFFREY The Whips assure me that it will. + +ANNYS But they cannot, they dare not, without your assent. The-- +[The light breaks in upon her.] Who is bringing it in? + +GEOFFREY I am. + +ANNYS [Is going to speak.] + +GEOFFREY [He stops her.] Oh, I'm prepared for all that--ridicule, +abuse. "Chilvers's Bill for the Better Regulation of Mrs. +Chilvers," they'll call it. I can hear their laughter. Yours +won't be among it. + +ANNYS But, Geoffrey! What is the meaning? Merely to spite me, +are you going to betray a cause that you have professed belief in-- +that you have fought for? + +GEOFFREY Yes--if it is going to take you away from me. I want +you. No, I don't want a friend--"a fellow-worker"--some +interesting rival in well doing. I can get all that outside my +home. I want a wife. I want the woman I love to belong to me--to +be mine. I am not troubling about being up to date; I'm talking +what I feel--what every male creature must have felt since the +protoplasmic cell developed instincts. I want a woman to love--a +woman to work for--a woman to fight for--a woman to be a slave to. +But mine--mine, and nothing else. All the rest [he makes a +gesture] is talk. + +[He closes the window, shutting out the hubbub of the crowd.] + +ANNYS [A strange, new light has stolen in. She is bewildered, +groping.] But--all this is new between us. You have not talked +like this for--not since-- We were just good friends--comrades. + +GEOFFREY And might have remained so, God knows! I suppose we're +made like that. So long as there was no danger passion slept. I +cannot explain it. I only know that now, beside the thought of +losing you, all else in the world seems meaningless. The Woman's +Movement! [He makes a gesture of contempt.] Men have wrecked +kingdoms for a woman before now--and will again. I want you! [He +comes to her.] Won't you come back to me, that we may build up the +home we used to dream of? Wasn't the old love good? What has this +new love to give you? Work that man can do better. The cause of +the women--the children! Has woman loved woman better than man? +Will the world be better for the children, man and woman +contending? Come back to me. Help me. Help me to fight for all +good women. Teach me how I may make the world better--for our +children. + +ANNYS [The light is in her eyes. She stands a moment. Her hands +are going out to him.] + +ELIZABETH [She comes between them.] Yes, go to him. He will be +very good to you. Good men are kind to women, kind even to their +dogs. You will be among the pampered few! You will be happy. And +the others! What does it matter? + +[They draw apart. She stands between them, the incarnation of the +spirit of sex war.] + +The women that have not kind owners--the dogs that have not kind +masters--the dumb women, chained to their endless, unpaid drudgery! +Let them be content. What are they but man's chattel? To be +honoured if it pleases him, or to be cast into the dust. Man's +pauper! Bound by his laws, subject to his whim; her every hope, +her every aspiration, owed to his charity. She toils for him +without ceasing: it should be her "pleasure." She bears him +children, when he chooses to desire them. They are his to do as he +will by. Why seek to change it? Our man is kind. What have they +to do with us: the women beaten, driven, overtasked--the women +without hope or joy, the livers of grey lives that men may laugh +and spend--the women degraded lower than the beasts to pander to +the beast in man--the women outraged and abandoned, bearing to the +grave the burden of man's lust? Let them go their way. They are +but our sisters of sorrow. And we who could help them--we to whom +God has given the weapons: the brain, and the courage--we make +answer: "I have married a husband, and I cannot come." + +[A silence.] + +GEOFFREY Well, you have heard. [He makes a gesture.] What is +your answer? + +ANNYS [She comes to him.] Don't you love me enough to humour me a +little--to put up with my vexing ways? I so want to help, to feel +I am doing just a little, to make the world kinder. I know you can +do it better, but I want so to be "in it." [She laughs.] Let us +forget all this. Wake up to-morrow morning with fresh hearts. You +will be Member for East Poplar. And then you shall help me to win +Manchester. [She puts her hands upon his breast: she would have +him take her in his arms.] I am not strong enough to fight alone. + +GEOFFREY I want you. Let Manchester find some one else. + +ANNYS [She draws away from him.] And if I cannot--will not? + +GEOFFREY I bring in my Bill on Monday. We'll be quite frank about +it. That is my price--you. I want you! + +ANNYS You mean it comes to that: a whole cause dependent on a man +and a woman! + +GEOFFREY Yes, that is how the world is built. On each man and +woman. "How does it shape my life, my hopes?" So will each make +answer. + +[LADY MOGTON enters. She stands silent.] + +ELIZABETH Is it over? + +LADY MOGTON Annys Chilvers, 3,604--Geoffrey Chilvers, 3,590. + +[JANET enters.] + +JANET [She rushes to ANNYS, embraces her.] You've won, you've +won! [She flies to the window, opens it, and goes out on to the +balcony.] + +[PHOEBE enters, followed by MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS.] + +PHOEBE Is it true? + +LADY MOGTON Pretty close. Majority of 14. + +MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS For us? + +LADY MOGTON For us. + +[JANET by this time has announced the figures. There is heard a +great burst of cheering, renewed again and again.] + +JANET [Re-entering.] They want you! They want you! + +[Mingled with the cheering come cries of "Speech! Speech!"] + +LADY MOGTON You must say something. + +[The band strikes up "The Conquering Hero." The women crowd round +ANNYS, congratulating her. GEOFFREY stands apart.] + +PHOEBE [Screaming above the din.] Put on your cloak. + +JANET [Rushes and gets it.] + +[They wrap it round her.] + +[ANNYS goes out on to the balcony, followed by the other women. +ELIZABETH, going last, fires a parting smile of triumph at +GEOFFREY.] + +[A renewed burst of cheering announces their arrival on the +balcony. The crowd bursts into "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow"-- +the band, making a quick change, joins in. GEOFFREY remains +centre.] + +[JAWBONES enters unobserved. The singing ends with three cheers. +ANNYS is speaking. GEOFFREY turns and sees JAWBONES.] + +GEOFFREY [With a smile.] Give me down my coat, will you? + +JAWBONES [He is sympathetic. He helps him on with it.] Shall I +get you a cab, sir? + +GEOFFREY No, thanks. I'll pick one up. [He goes towards the +door, then stops.] Is there any other way out--not through the +main entrance? + +JAWBONES Yes, sir. There's a side door opening on Woodstock Road. +I'll show it you. + +GEOFFREY Thanks. [He follows JAWBONES out.] + +[A burst of cheering comes from the crowd.] + +CURTAIN. + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + + +SCENE:- Russell Square. The morning-room [on the ground floor]. A +small, cheerful room, furnished in Chippendale, white panelled, +with Adams fireplace in which a bright fire is burning. Two deep +easy-chairs are before the fire. The window-curtains of red damask +are drawn. An oval table occupies the centre of the room. The +door at back opens upon the hall. Only one light burns, an +electric lamp on a table just above the fire. + +TIME:- Midnight. + +[The door opens. GEOFFREY enters. He has left his out-door things +in the hall. He crosses and rings the bell. A moment.] + +[HAKE enters.] + +GEOFFREY Oh, you, Hake! There wasn't any need for you to have +stopped. + +HAKE I was not sure of your arrangements. I thought perhaps I +might be wanted. + +GEOFFREY Sorry. I ought to have told you. + +HAKE It's been no inconvenience, sir. I told Mrs. Hake not to sit +up. + +GEOFFREY [He is opening and reading his letters left for him on +the table.] Does she generally sit up for you? + +HAKE As a rule, sir. We like a little chat before going to bed. + +GEOFFREY [His eyes on a letter.] What do you find to chat about? + +HAKE Oh, there is so much for a husband and wife to talk about. +The-- As a rule. + +[A clock on the mantelpiece strikes one.] + +GEOFFREY What's that? + +HAKE Quarter past twelve, sir. + +GEOFFREY Has your mistress come in? + +HAKE Not yet, sir. Has the election gone all right, sir? + +GEOFFREY For Mrs. Chilvers, yes. She is now member for East +Poplar. + +HAKE I am sorry. It has been a great surprise to me. + +GEOFFREY The result? + +HAKE The whole thing, sir. Such a sweet lady, we all thought her. + +GEOFFREY Life, Hake, is a surprising affair. + +[A ring is heard.] + +I expect that's she. She has forgotten her key. + +[HAKE goes out.] + +[GEOFFREY continues his letters. A few moments pass; HAKE re- +enters, closes the door.] + +HAKE [He seems puzzled.] It's a lady, sir + +[GEOFFREY turns.] + +HAKE At least--hardly a lady. A Mrs. Chinn. + +GEOFFREY Mrs. Chinn! [He glances at his watch.] At twelve +o'clock at night. Well, all right. I'll see her. + +[HAKE opens the door, speaks to MRS. CHINN. She enters, in bonnet +and shawl.] + +HAKE Mrs. Chinn. + +GEOFFREY Good evening, Mrs. Chinn. + +MRS. CHINN Good evening, sir. + +GEOFFREY You needn't stop, Hake. I shan't be wanting anything. + +HAKE Thank you. + +GEOFFREY Apologise for me to Mrs. Hake. Good-night. + +HAKE Good-night, sir. + +[HAKE goes out. A minute later the front door is heard to slam.] + +GEOFFREY Won't you sit down? [He puts a chair for her left of the +table.] + +MRS. CHINN [Seating herself.] Thank you, sir. + +GEOFFREY [He half sits on the arm of the easy-chair below the +fire.] What's the trouble? + +MRS. CHINN It's my boy, sir--my youngest. He's been taking money +that didn't belong to him. + +GEOFFREY Um. Has it been going on for long? + +MRS. CHINN About six months, sir. I only heard of it to-night. +You see, his wife died a year ago. She was such a good manager. +And after she was gone he seems to have got into debt. + +GEOFFREY What were his wages? + +MRS. CHINN Nineteen shillings a week, sir. And that with the rent +and three young children--well, it wants thinking out. + +GEOFFREY From whom did he take the money--his employers? + +MRS. CHINN Yes, sir. He was the carman. They had always trusted +him to collect the accounts. + +GEOFFREY How much, would you say, was the defalcation? + +MRS. CHINN I beg pardon, sir. + +GEOFFREY How much does it amount to, the sums that he has taken? + +MRS. CHINN Six pounds, sir, Mr. Cohen says it comes to. + +GEOFFREY Won't they accept repayment? + +MRS. CHINN Yes, sir. Mr. Cohen has been very nice about it. He +is going to let me pay it off by instalments. + +GEOFFREY Well, then, that gets over most of the trouble. + +MRS. CHINN Well, you see, sir, unfortunately, Mr. Cohen gave +information to the police the moment he discovered it. + +GEOFFREY Umph! Can't he say he made a mistake? + +MRS. CHINN They say it must go for trial, sir. That he can only +withdraw the charge in court. + +GEOFFREY Um! + +MRS. CHINN You see, sir--a thing like that--[She recovers +herself.] It clings to a lad. + +GEOFFREY What do you want me to do? + +MRS. CHINN Well, sir, I thought that, perhaps--you see, sir, he +has got a brother in Canada who would help him; and I thought that +if I could ship him off - + +GEOFFREY You want me to tip the wink to the police to look the +other way while you smuggle this young malefactor out of the +clutches of the law? + +MRS. CHINN [Quite indifferent to the moral aspect of the case.] +If you would be so kind, sir. + +GEOFFREY Umph! I suppose you know what you're doing; appealing +through your womanhood to man's weakness--employing "backstairs +influence" to gain your private ends, indifferent to the higher +issues of the public weal? All the things that are going to cease +when woman has the vote. + +MRS. CHINN You see, sir, he's the youngest. + +[Gradually the decent but dingy figure of MRS. CHINN has taken to +itself new shape. To GEOFFREY, it almost seems as though there +were growing out of the shadows over against him the figure of +great Artemis herself--Artemis of the Thousand Breasts. He had +returned home angry, bitter against all women. As she unfolds her +simple tale understanding comes to him. So long as there are "Mrs. +Chinns" in the world, Woman claims homage.] + +GEOFFREY How many were there? + +MRS. CHINN Ten altogether, six living. + +GEOFFREY Been a bit of a struggle for you, hasn't it? + +MRS. CHINN It has been a bit difficult, at times; especially after +their poor father died. + +GEOFFREY How many were you left with? + +MRS. CHINN Eight, sir. + +GEOFFREY How on earth did you manage to keep them? + +MRS. CHINN Well, you see, sir, the two eldest, they were earning a +little. I don't think I could have done it without that. + +GEOFFREY Wasn't there any source from which you could have +obtained help? What was your husband? + +MRS. CHINN He worked in the shipyards, sir. There was some talk +about it. But, of course, that always means taking the children +away from you. + +GEOFFREY Would not that have been better for them? + +MRS. CHINN Not always, sir. Of course, if I hadn't been able to +do my duty by them I should have had to. But, thank God, I've +always been strong. + +GEOFFREY [He rises.] I will see what can be done. + +MRS. CHINN Thank you, sir. + +GEOFFREY [Half-way, he turns.] When does the next boat sail--for +Canada? + +MRS. CHINN To-morrow night, sir, from Glasgow. I have booked his +passage. + +GEOFFREY [With a smile.] You seem to have taken everything for +granted. + +MRS. CHINN You see, sir, it's the disgrace. All the others are +doing so well. It would upset them so. + +[He goes out.] + +[There is a moment.] + +[ANNYS enters. She is wearing her outdoor things.] + +ANNYS Mrs. Chinn! + +MRS. CHINN [She has risen; she curtseys.] Good evening, ma'am. + +ANNYS [She is taking off her hat.] Nothing wrong, is there? + +MRS. CHINN My boy, ma'am, my youngest, has been getting into +trouble. + +ANNYS [She pauses, her hat in her hand.] They will, won't they? +It's nothing serious, I hope? + +MRS. CHINN I think it will be all right, ma'am, thanks to your +good gentleman. + +ANNYS [She lays aside her hat.] You have had a good many +children, haven't you, Mrs. Chinn? + +MRS. CHINN Ten altogether, ma'am; six living. + +ANNYS Can one love ten, all at once? + +[The cloak has fallen aside. MRS. CHINN is a much experienced +lady.] + +MRS. CHINN Just as many as come, dear. God sends the love with +them. + +[There is a moment; the two women are very close to one another. +Then ANNYS gives a little cry and somehow their arms are round one +another.] + +[She mothers her into the easy chair above the fire; places a +footstool under her feet.] You have your cry out, dearie, it will +do you good. + +ANNYS You look so strong and great. + +MRS. CHINN It's the tears, dearie. [She arranges the foot-stool.] +You keep your feet up. + +[The handle of the door is heard. MRS. CHINN is standing beside +her own chair. She is putting back her handkerchief into her bag.] + +[GEOFFREY re-enters.] + +[ANNYS is hidden in the easy chair. He does not see her.] + +GEOFFREY Well, Mrs. Chinn, an exhaustive search for the accused +will be commenced--next week. + +MRS. CHINN Thank you, sir. + +GEOFFREY What about the children--are they going with him? + +MRS. CHINN No, sir; I thought he would be better without them till +everything is settled. + +GEOFFREY Who is taking care of them--you? + +MRS. CHINN Yes, sir. + +GEOFFREY And the passage money--how much was that? + +MRS. CHINN Four pound fifteen. + +GEOFFREY Would you mind my coming in, as a friend? + +MRS. CHINN Well, if you don't mind, I'd rather not. I've always +done everything for the children myself. It's been a fad of mine. + +GEOFFREY [He makes a gesture of despair.] You mothers! You're so +greedy. [He holds out his hand, smiling.] Goodbye. + +MRS. CHINN [She takes his hand in hers.] God bless you, sir. And +your good lady. + +GEOFFREY [As he takes her to the door.] How will you get home? + +MRS. CHINN I can get the Underground from Gower Street, sir. + +[They go out talking about last trains and leaving the door open. +The next moment the front door is heard to slam.] + +[GEOFFREY re-enters.] + +[ANNYS has moved round, so that coming back into the room he finds +her there.] + +GEOFFREY How long have you been in? + +[He closes the door.] + +ANNYS Only a few minutes--while you were at the telephone. I had +to rest for a little while. Dr. Whitby brought me back in his +motor. + +GEOFFREY Was he down there? + +ANNYS Phoebe had sent for him. I had been taken a little giddy +earlier in the day. + +GEOFFREY [He grunts. He is fighting with his tenderness.] Don't +wonder at it. All this overwork and excitement. + +ANNYS I'm afraid I've been hurting you. + +GEOFFREY [Still growling.] Both been hurting each other, I +expect. + +ANNYS [She smiles.] It's so easy to hurt those that love us. + +[She makes a little movement, feebly stretches out her arms to him. +Wondering, he comes across to her. She draws him down beside her, +takes his arms and places them about her.] I want to feel that I +belong to you. That you are strong. That I can rest upon you. + +GEOFFREY [He cannot understand.] But only an hour ago--[He looks +at her.] Have you, too, turned traitor to the Woman's Cause? + +ANNYS [She answers smiling.] No. But woman, dear, is a much more +complicated person than I thought her. It is only in this hour +that God has revealed her to me. [She draws him closer.] I want +you, dear--dear husband. Take care of us--both, won't you? I love +you, I love you. I did not know how much. + +GEOFFREY [He gathers her to him, kissing her, crooning over her.] +Oh, my dear, my dear! My little one, my love, my wife! + +ANNYS [She is laughing, crying.] But, Geoffrey, dear - + +[He tries to calm her.] + +No, let me. I want to-- And then I'll be quite good, I promise-- +It's only fair to warn you. When I'm strong and can think again, I +shall still want the vote. I shall want it more than ever. + +GEOFFREY [He answers with a happy laugh, holding her in his arms.] + +ANNYS You will help us? Because it's right, dear, isn't it? He +will be my child as well as yours. You will let me help you make +the world better for our child--and for all the children--and for +all the mothers--and for all the dear, kind men: you will, won't +you? + +GEOFFREY I thought you were drifting away from me: that strange +voices were calling you away from life and motherhood. God has +laughed at my fears. He has sent you back to me with His command. +We will fashion His world together, we two lovers, Man and Woman, +joined together in all things. It is His will. His chains are the +children's hands. + +[Kneeling, he holds her in his arms.] + +[THE CURTAIN FALLS.] + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg Etext of The Master of Mrs. Chilvers, by Jerome + diff --git a/old/mschl10.zip b/old/mschl10.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8abdeb1 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/mschl10.zip |
