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diff --git a/2907.txt b/2907.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..05af500 --- /dev/null +++ b/2907.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3826 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook, Joy (First Series Plays), by John Galsworthy + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Joy (First Series Plays) + +Author: John Galsworthy + +Release Date: September 26, 2004 [EBook #2907] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOY (FIRST SERIES PLAYS) *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +FIRST SERIES PLAYS + +By John Galsworthy + + + +JOY + +A PLAY ON THE LETTER "I" + +IN THREE ACTS + + + + +PERSONS OF THE PLAY + +COLONEL HOPE, R.A., retired +MRS. HOPE, his wife +MISS BEECH, their old governess +LETTY, their daughter +ERNEST BLUNT, her husband +MRS. GWYN, their niece +JOY, her daughter +DICK MERTON, their young friend +HON. MAURICE LEVER, their guest +ROSE, their parlour-maid + + + +TIME: The present. The action passes throughout midsummer day on the +lawn of Colonel Hope's house, near the Thames above Oxford. + + +ACT I + + The time is morning, and the scene a level lawn, beyond which + the river is running amongst fields. A huge old beech tree + overshadows everything, in the darkness of whose hollow many + things are hidden. A rustic seat encircles it. A low wall + clothed in creepers, with two openings, divides this lawn from + the flowery approaches to the house. Close to the wall there is + a swing. The sky is clear and sunny. COLONEL HOPE is seated in + a garden-chair, reading a newspaper through pince-nez. He is + fifty-five and bald, with drooping grey moustaches and a + weather-darkened face. He wears a flannel suit and a hat from + Panama; a tennis racquet leans against his chair. MRS. HOPE + comes quickly through the opening of the wall, with roses in her + hands. She is going grey; she wears tan gauntlets, and no hat. + Her manner is decided, her voice emphatic, as though aware that + there is no nonsense in its owner's composition. Screened from + sight, MISS BEECH is seated behind the hollow tree; and JOY is + perched on a lower branch hidden by foliage. + + +MRS. HOPE. I told Molly in my letter that she'd have to walk up, +Tom. + +COLONEL. Walk up in this heat? My dear, why didn't you order +Benson's fly? + +MRS. HOPE. Expense for nothing! Bob can bring up her things in the +barrow. I've told Joy I won't have her going down to meet the train. +She's so excited about her mother's coming there's no doing anything +with her. + +COLONEL. No wonder, after two months. + +MRS. HOPE. Well, she's going home to-morrow; she must just keep +herself fresh for the dancing tonight. I'm not going to get people +in to dance, and have Joy worn out before they begin. + +COLONEL. [Dropping his paper.] I don't like Molly's walking up. + +MRS. HOPE. A great strong woman like Molly Gwyn! It isn't half a +mile. + +COLONEL. I don't like it, Nell; it's not hospitable. + +MRS. HOPE. Rubbish! If you want to throw away money, you must just +find some better investment than those wretched 3 per cents. of +yours. The greenflies are in my roses already! Did you ever see +anything so disgusting? [They bend over the roses they have grown, +and lose all sense of everything.] Where's the syringe? I saw you +mooning about with it last night, Tom. + +COLONEL. [Uneasily.] Mooning! + + [He retires behind his paper. MRS. HOPE enters the hollow of + the tree.] + +There's an account of that West Australian swindle. Set of ruffians! +Listen to this, Nell! "It is understood that amongst the +share-holders are large numbers of women, clergymen, and Army officers." +How people can be such fools! + + [Becoming aware that his absorption is unobserved, he drops his + glasses, and reverses his chair towards the tree.] + +MRS. HOPE. [Reappearing with a garden syringe.] I simply won't have +Dick keep his fishing things in the tree; there's a whole potful of +disgusting worms. I can't touch them. You must go and take 'em out, +Tom. + + [In his turn the COLONEL enters the hollow of the tree.] + +MRS. HOPE. [Personally.] What on earth's the pleasure of it? I +can't see! He never catches anything worth eating. + + [The COLONEL reappears with a paint pot full of worms; he holds + them out abstractedly.] + +MRS. HOPE. [Jumping.] Don't put them near me! + +MISS BEECH. [From behind the tree.] Don't hurt the poor creatures. + +COLONEL. [Turning.] Hallo, Peachey? What are you doing round +there? + + [He puts the worms down on the seat.] + +MRS. HOPE. Tom, take the worms off that seat at once! + +COLONEL. [Somewhat flurried.] Good gad! I don't know what to do +with the beastly worms! + +MRS. HOPE. It's not my business to look after Dick's worms. Don't +put them on the ground. I won't have them anywhere where they can +crawl about. [She flicks some greenflies off her roses.] + +COLONEL. [Looking into the pot as though the worms could tell him +where to put them.] Dash! + +MISS BEECH. Give them to me. + +MRS. HOPE. [Relieved.] Yes, give them to Peachey. + + [There comes from round the tree Miss BEECH, old-fashioned, + barrel-shaped, balloony in the skirts. She takes the paint pot, + and sits beside it on the rustic seat.] + +MISS BEECH. Poor creatures! + +MRS. HOPE. Well, it's beyond me how you can make pets of worms-- +wriggling, crawling, horrible things! + + [ROSE, who is young and comely, in a pale print frock, comes + from the house and places letters before her on a silver + salver.] + + [Taking the letters.] + +What about Miss joy's frock, Rose? + +ROSE. Please, 'm, I can't get on with the back without Miss Joy. + +MRS. HOPE. Well, then you must just find her. I don't know where +she is. + +ROSE. [In a slow, sidelong manner.] If you please, Mum, I think +Miss Joy's up in the---- + + [She stops, seeing Miss BEECH signing to her with both hands.] + +MRS. HOPE. [Sharply.] What is it, Peachey? + +MISS BEECH. [Selecting a finger.] Pricked meself! + +MRS. HOPE. Let's look! + + [She bends to look, but Miss BEECH places the finger in her + mouth.] + +ROSE. [Glancing askance at the COLONEL.] If you please, Mum, it's +below the waist; I think I can manage with the dummy. + +MRS. HOPE. Well, you can try. [Opening her letter as ROSE retires.] +Here's Molly about her train. + +MISS BEECH. Is there a letter for me? + +MRS. HOPE. No, Peachey. + +MISS BEECH. There never is. + +COLONEL. What's that? You got four by the first post. + +MISS BEECH. Exceptions! + +COLONEL. [Looking over his glasses.] Why! You know, you get 'em +every day! + +MRS. HOPE. Molly says she'll be down by the eleven thirty. [In an +injured voice.] She'll be here in half an hour! [Reading with +disapproval from the letter.] "MAURICE LEVER is coming down by the +same train to see Mr. Henty about the Tocopala Gold Mine. Could you +give him a bed for the night?" + + [Silence, slight but ominous.] + +COLONEL. [Calling into his aid his sacred hospitality.] Of course +we must give him a bed! + +MRS. HOPE. Just like a man! What room I should like to know! + +COLONEL. Pink. + +MRS. HOPE. As if Molly wouldn't have the pink! + +COLONEL. [Ruefully.] I thought she'd have the blue! + +MRS. HOPE. You know perfectly well it's full of earwigs, Tom. I +killed ten there yesterday morning. + +MISS BEECH. Poor creatures! + +MRS. HOPE. I don't know that I approve of this Mr. Lever's dancing +attendance. Molly's only thirty-six. + +COLONEL. [In a high voice.] You can't refuse him a bed; I never +heard of such a thing. + +MRS. HOPE. [Reading from the letter.] "This gold mine seems to be a +splendid chance. [She glances at the COLONEL.] I've put all my +spare cash into it. They're issuing some Preference shares now; if +Uncle Tom wants an investment"--[She pauses, then in a changed, +decided voice ]--Well, I suppose I shall have to screw him in +somehow. + +COLONEL. What's that about gold mines? Gambling nonsense! Molly +ought to know my views. + +MRS. HOPE. [Folding the letter away out of her consciousness.] Oh! +your views! This may be a specially good chance. + +MISS BEECH. Ahem! Special case! + +MRS. HOPE. [Paying no attention.] I 'm sick of these 3 per cent. +dividends. When you've only got so little money, to put it all into +that India Stock, when it might be earning 6 per cent. at least, +quite safely! There are ever so many things I want. + +COLONEL. There you go! + +MRS. HOPE. As to Molly, I think it's high time her husband came home +to look after her, instead of sticking out there in that hot place. +In fact-- + + [Miss BEECH looks up at the tree and exhibits cerebral + excitement] + +I don't know what Geoff's about; why doesn't he find something in +England, where they could live together. + +COLONEL. Don't say anything against Molly, Nell! + +MRS. HOPE. Well, I don't believe in husband and wife being +separated. That's not my idea of married life. + + [The COLONEL whistles quizzically.] + +Ah, yes, she's your niece, not mime! Molly's very---- + +MISS BEECH. Ouch! [She sucks her finger.] + +MRS. HOPE. Well, if I couldn't sew at your age, Peachey, without +pricking my fingers! Tom, if I have Mr. Lever here, you'll just +attend to what I say and look into that mine! + +COLONEL. Look into your grandmother! I have n't made a study of +geology for nothing. For every ounce you take out of a gold mine, +you put an ounce and a half in. Any fool knows that, eh, Peachey? + +MISS BEECH. I hate your horrid mines, with all the poor creatures +underground. + +MRS. HOPE. Nonsense, Peachey! As if they'd go there if they did n't +want to! + +COLONEL. Why don't you read your paper, then you'd see what a lot of +wild-cat things there are about. + +MRS. HOPE. [Abstractedly.] I can't put Ernest and Letty in the blue +room, there's only the single bed. Suppose I put Mr. Lever there, +and say nothing about the earwigs. I daresay he'll never notice. + +COLONEL. Treat a guest like that! + +MRS. HOPE. Then where am I to put him for goodness sake? + +COLONEL. Put him in my dressing-room, I'll turn out. + +MRS. HOPE. Rubbish, Tom, I won't have you turned out, that's flat. +He can have Joy's room, and she can sleep with the earwigs. + +JOY. [From her hiding-place upon a lower branch of the hollow tree.] +I won't. + + [MRS. HOPE and the COLONEL jump.] + +COLONEL. God bless my soul! + +MRS. HOPE. You wretched girl! I told you never to climb that tree +again. Did you know, Peachey? [Miss BEECH smiles.] She's always up +there, spoiling all her frocks. Come down now, Joy; there's a good +child! + +JOY. I don't want to sleep with earwigs, Aunt Nell. + +MISS BEECH. I'll sleep with the poor creatures. + +MRS. HOPE, [After a pause.] Well, it would be a mercy if you would +for once, Peachey. + +COLONEL. Nonsense, I won't have Peachey---- + +MRS. HOPE. Well, who is to sleep there then? + +JOY. [Coaxingly.] Let me sleep with Mother, Aunt Nell, do! + +MRS. HOPE. Litter her up with a great girl like you, as if we'd only +one spare room! Tom, see that she comes down--I can't stay here, I +must manage something. [She goes away towards the house.] + +COLONEL. [Moving to the tree, and looking up.] You heard what your +aunt said? + +JOY. [Softly.] Oh, Uncle Tom! + +COLONEL. I shall have to come up after you. + +JOY. Oh, do, and Peachey too! + +COLONEL. [Trying to restrain a smile.] Peachey, you talk to her. +[Without waiting for MISS BEECH, however, he proceeds.] What'll your +aunt say to me if I don't get you down? + +MISS BEECH. Poor creature! + +JOY. I don't want to be worried about my frock. + +COLONEL. [Scratching his bald head.] Well, I shall catch it. + +JOY. Oh, Uncle Tom, your head is so beautiful from here! [Leaning +over, she fans it with a leafy twig.] + +MISS BEECH. Disrespectful little toad! + +COLONEL. [Quickly putting on his hat.] You'll fall out, and a +pretty mess that'll make on--[he looks uneasily at the ground]--my +lawn! + + [A voice is heard calling "Colonel! Colonel!]" + +JOY. There's Dick calling you, Uncle Tom. + + [She disappears.] + +DICK. [Appearing in the opening of the wall.] Ernie's waiting to +play you that single, Colonel! + + [He disappears.] + +JOY. Quick, Uncle Tom! Oh! do go, before he finds I 'm up here. + +MISS. BEECH. Secret little creature! + + [The COLONEL picks up his racquet, shakes his fist, and goes + away.] + +JOY. [Calmly.] I'm coming down now, Peachey. + + [Climbing down.] + +Look out! I'm dropping on your head. + +MISS BEECH. [Unmoved.] Don't hurt yourself! + + [Joy drops on the rustic seat and rubs her shin. Told you so!] + + [She hunts in a little bag for plaster.] + +Let's see! + +JOY. [Seeing the worms.] Ugh! + +MISS BEECH. What's the matter with the poor creatures? + +JOY. They're so wriggly! + + [She backs away and sits down in the swing. She is just + seventeen, light and slim, brown-haired, fresh-coloured, and + grey-eyed; her white frock reaches to her ankles, she wears a + sunbonnet.] Peachey, how long were you Mother's governess. + +MISS BEECH. Five years. + +JOY. Was she as bad to teach as me? + +MISS BEECH. Worse! + + [Joy claps her hands.] + +She was the worst girl I ever taught. + +JOY. Then you weren't fond of her? + +MISS BEECH. Oh! yes, I was. + +JOY. Fonder than of me? + +MISS BEECH. Don't you ask such a lot of questions. + +JOY. Peachey, duckie, what was Mother's worst fault? + +MISS BEECH. Doing what she knew she oughtn't. + +JOY. Was she ever sorry? + +MISS BEECH. Yes, but she always went on doin' it. + +JOY. I think being sorry 's stupid! + +MISS BEECH. Oh, do you? + +JOY. It isn't any good. Was Mother revengeful, like me? + +MISS BEECH. Ah! Wasn't she? + +JOY. And jealous? + +MISS BEECH. The most jealous girl I ever saw. + +JOY. [Nodding.] I like to be like her. + +MISS BEECH. [Regarding her intently.] Yes! you've got all your +troubles before you. + +JOY. Mother was married at eighteen, wasn't she, Peachey? Was she-- +was she much in love with Father then? + +MISS BEECH. [With a sniff.] About as much as usual. [She takes the +paint pot, and walking round begins to release the worms.] + +JOY. [Indifferently.] They don't get on now, you know. + +MISS BEECH. What d'you mean by that, disrespectful little creature? + +JOY. [In a hard voice.] They haven't ever since I've known them. +MISS BEECH. [Looks at her, and turns away again.] Don't talk about +such things. + +JOY. I suppose you don't know Mr. Lever? [Bitterly.] He's such a +cool beast. He never loses his temper. + +MISS BEECH. Is that why you don't like him? + +JOY. [Frowning.] No--yes--I don't know. + +MISS BEECH. Oh! perhaps you do like him? + +JOY. I don't; I hate him. + +MISS BEECH. [Standing still.] Fie! Naughty Temper! + +JOY. Well, so would you! He takes up all Mother's time. + +MISS BEECH. [In a peculiar voice.] Oh! does he? + +JOY. When he comes I might just as well go to bed. [Passionately.] +And now he's chosen to-day to come down here, when I haven't seen her +for two months! Why couldn't he come when Mother and I'd gone home. +It's simply brutal! + +MISS BEECH. But your mother likes him? + +JOY. [Sullenly.] I don't want her to like him. + +MISS BEECH. [With a long look at Joy.] I see! + +JOY. What are you doing, Peachey? + +MISS BEECH. [Releasing a worm.] Letting the poor creatures go. + +JOY. If I tell Dick he'll never forgive you. + +MISS BEECH. [Sidling behind the swing and plucking off Joy's +sunbonnet. With devilry.] Ah-h-h! You've done your hair up; so +that's why you wouldn't come down! + +JOY. [Springing up, anal pouting.] I didn't want any one to see +before Mother. You are a pig, Peachey! + +MISS BEECH. I thought there was something! + +JOY. [Twisting round.] How does it look? + +MISS BEECH. I've seen better. + +JOY. You tell any one before Mother comes, and see what I do! + +MISS BEECH. Well, don't you tell about my worms, then! + +JOY. Give me my hat! [Backing hastily towards the tree, and putting +her finger to her lips.] Look out! Dick! + +MISS BEECH. Oh! dear! + + [She sits down on the swing, concealing the paint pot with her + feet and skirts.] + +JOY. [On the rustic seat, and in a violent whisper.] I hope the +worms will crawl up your legs! + + [DICK, in flannels and a hard straw hat comes in. He is a quiet + and cheerful boy of twenty. His eyes are always fixed on joy.] + +DICK. [Grimacing.] The Colonel's getting licked. Hallo! Peachey, +in the swing? + +JOY. [Chuckling.] Swing her, Dick! + +MISS BEECH. [Quivering with emotion.] Little creature! + +JOY. Swing her! + + [DICK takes the ropes.] + +MISS BEECH. [Quietly.] It makes me sick, young man. + +DICK. [Patting her gently on the back.] All right, Peachey. + +MISS BEECH. [Maliciously.] Could you get me my sewing from the +seat? Just behind Joy. + +JOY. [Leaning her head against the tree.] If you do, I won't dance +with you to-night. + + [DICK stands paralysed. Miss BEECH gets off the swing, picks up + the paint pot, and stands concealing it behind her.] + +JOY. Look what she's got behind her, sly old thing! + +MISS BEECH. Oh! dear! + +JOY. Dance with her, Dick! + +MISS BEECH. If he dare! + +JOY. Dance with her, or I won't dance with you to-night. +[She whistles a waltz.] + +DICK. [Desperately.] Come on then, Peachey. We must. + +JOY. Dance, dance! + + [DICK seizes Miss BEECH by the waist. She drops the paint pot. + They revolve.] [Convulsed.] + +Oh, Peachey, Oh! + + [Miss BEECH is dropped upon the rustic seat. DICK seizes joy's + hands and drags her up.] + +No, no! I won't! + +MISS BEECH. [Panting.] Dance, dance with the poor young man! [She +moves her hands.] La la-la-la la-la la la! + + [DICK and JOY dance.] + +DICK. By Jove, Joy! You've done your hair up. I say, how jolly! +You do look---- + +JOY. [Throwing her hands up to her hair.] I did n't mean you to +see! + +DICK. [In a hurt voice.] Oh! didn't you? I'm awfully sorry! + +JOY. [Flashing round.] Oh, you old Peachey! + + [She looks at the ground, and then again at DICK.] + +MISS BEECH. [Sidling round the tree.] Oh! dear! + +JOY. [Whispering.] She's been letting out your worms. +[Miss BEECH disappears from view.] +Look! + +DICK. [Quickly.] Hang the worms! Joy, promise me the second and +fourth and sixth and eighth and tenth and supper, to-night. Promise! +Do! + + [Joy shakes her head.] + +It's not much to ask. + +JOY. I won't promise anything. + +DICK. Why not? + +JOY. Because Mother's coming. I won't make any arrangements. + +DICK. [Tragically.] It's our last night. + +JOY. [Scornfully.] You don't understand! [Dancing and clasping her +hands.] Mother's coming, Mother's coming! + +DICK. [Violently.] I wish----Promise, Joy! + +JOY. [Looking over her shoulder.] Sly old thing! If you'll pay +Peachey out, I'll promise you supper! + +MISS BEECH. [From behind the tree.] I hear you. + +JOY. [Whispering.] Pay her out, pay her out! She's let out all +your worms! + +DICK. [Looking moodily at the paint pot.] I say, is it true that +Maurice Lever's coming with your mother? I've met him playing +cricket, he's rather a good sort. + +JOY. [Flashing out.] I hate him. + +DICK. [Troubled.] Do you? Why? I thought--I didn't know--if I'd +known of course, I'd have---- + + [He is going to say "hated him too!" But the voices of ERNEST + BLUNT and the COLONEL are heard approaching, in dispute.] + +JOY. Oh! Dick, hide me, I don't want my hair seen till Mother +comes. + + [She springs into the hollow tree. The COLONEL and ERNEST + appear in the opening of the wall.] + +ERNEST. The ball was out, Colonel. + +COLONEL. Nothing of the sort. + +ERNEST. A good foot out. + +COLONEL. It was not, sir. I saw the chalk fly. + + [ERNEST is twenty-eight, with a little moustache, and the + positive cool voice of a young man who knows that he knows + everything. He is perfectly calm.] + +ERNEST. I was nearer to it than you. + +COLONEL. [In a high, hot voice.] I don't care where you were, I +hate a fellow who can't keep cool. + +MISS BEECH. [From behind the hollow tree.] Fie! Fie! + +ERNEST. We're two to one, Letty says the ball was out. + +COLONEL. Letty's your wife, she'd say anything. + +ERNEST. Well, look here, Colonel, I'll show you the very place it +pitched. + +COLONEL. Gammon! You've lost your temper, you don't know what +you're talking about. + +ERNEST. [coolly.] I suppose you'll admit the rule that one umpires +one's own court. + +COLONEL. [Hotly.] Certainly not, in this case! + +MISS BEECH. [From behind the hollow tree.] Special case! + +ERNEST. [Moving chin in collar--very coolly.] Well, of course if +you won't play the game! + +COLONEL. [In a towering passion.] If you lose your temper like +this, I 'll never play with you again. + + [To LETTY, a pretty soul in a linen suit, approaching through + the wall.] + +Do you mean to say that ball was out, Letty? + +LETTY. Of course it was, Father. + +COLONEL. You say that because he's your husband. [He sits on the +rustic seat.] If your mother'd been there she'd have backed me up! + +LETTY. Mother wants Joy, Dick, about her frock. + +DICK. I--I don't know where she is. + +MISS BEECH. [From behind the hollow tree.] Ahem! + +LETTY. What's the matter, Peachey? + +MISS BEECH. Swallowed a fly. Poor creature! + +ERNEST. [Returning to his point.] Why I know the ball was out, +Colonel, was because it pitched in a line with that arbutus tree. + +COLONEL. [Rising.] Arbutus tree! [To his daughter.] Where's your +mother? + +LETTY. In the blue room, Father. + +ERNEST. The ball was a good foot out; at the height it was coming +when it passed me. + +COLONEL. [Staring at him.] You're a--you're aa theorist! From +where you were you could n't see the ball at all. [To LETTY.] +Where's your mother? + +LETTY. [Emphatically.] In the blue room, Father! + + [The COLONEL glares confusedly, and goes away towards the blue + room.] + +ERNEST. [In the swing, and with a smile.] Your old Dad'll never be +a sportsman! + +LETTY. [Indignantly.] I wish you wouldn't call Father old, Ernie! +What time's Molly coming, Peachey? + + [ROSE has come from the house, and stands waiting for a chance + to speak.] + +ERNEST. [Breaking in.] Your old Dad's only got one fault: he can't +take an impersonal view of things. + +MISS BEECH. Can you find me any one who can? + +ERNEST. [With a smile.] Well, Peachey! + +MISS BEECH. [Ironically.] Oh! of course, there's you! + +ERNEST. I don't know about that! But---- + +ROSE. [To LETTY,] Please, Miss, the Missis says will you and Mr. +Ernest please to move your things into Miss Peachey's room. + +ERNEST. [Vexed.] Deuce of a nuisance havin' to turn out for this +fellow Lever. What did Molly want to bring him for? + +MISS BEECH. Course you've no personal feeling in the matter! + +ROSE. [Speaking to Miss BEECH.] The Missis says you're to please +move your things into the blue room, please Miss. + +LETTY. Aha, Peachey! That settles you! Come on, Ernie! + + [She goes towards the house. ERNEST, rising from the swing, + turns to Miss BEECH, who follows.] + +ERNEST. [Smiling, faintly superior.] Personal, not a bit! I only +think while Molly 's out at grass, she oughtn't to---- + +MISS BEECH. [Sharply.] Oh! do you? + + [She hustles ERNEST out through the wall, but his voice is heard + faintly from the distance: "I think it's jolly thin."] + +ROSE. [To DICK.] The Missis says you're to take all your worms and +things, Sir, and put them where they won't be seen. + +DICK. [Shortly.] Have n't got any! + +ROSE. The Missis says she'll be very angry if you don't put your +worms away; and would you come and help kill earwigs in the blue----? + +DICK. Hang! [He goes, and ROSE is left alone.] + +ROSE. [Looking straight before her.] Please, Miss Joy, the Missis +says will you go to her about your frock. + + [There is a little pause, then from the hollow tree joy's voice + is heard.] + +JOY. No-o! + +ROSE. If you did n't come, I was to tell you she was going to put +you in the blue. + + [Joy looks out of the tree.] + + [Immovable, but smiling.] + +Oh, Miss joy, you've done your hair up! [Joy retires into the tree.] +Please, Miss, what shall I tell the Missis? + +JOY. [Joy's voice is heard.] Anything you like. + +ROSE. [Over her shoulder.] I shall be drove to tell her a story, +Miss. + +JOY. All right! Tell it. + + [ROSE goes away, and JOY comes out. She sits on the rustic seat + and waits. DICK, coming softly from the house, approaches her.] + +DICK. [Looking at her intently.] Joy! I wanted to say something + + [Joy does not look at him, but twists her fingers.] + +I shan't see you again you know after to-morrow till I come up for +the 'Varsity match. + +JOY. [Smiling.] But that's next week. + +DICK. Must you go home to-morrow? + + [Joy nods three times.] + + [Coming closer.] + +I shall miss you so awfully. You don't know how I---- + + [Joy shakes her head.] + +Do look at me! [JOY steals a look.] Oh! Joy! + + [Again joy shakes her head.] + +JOY. [Suddenly.] Don't! + +DICK. [Seizing her hand.] Oh, Joy! Can't you---- + +JOY. [Drawing the hand away.] Oh! don't. + +DICK. [Bending his head.] It's--it's--so---- + +JOY. [Quietly.] Don't, Dick! + +DICK. But I can't help it! It's too much for me, Joy, I must tell +you---- + + [MRS. GWYN is seen approaching towards the house.] + +JOY. [Spinning round.] It's Mother--oh, Mother! +[She rushes at her.] + + [MRS. GWYN is a handsome creature of thirty-six, dressed in a + muslin frock. She twists her daughter round, and kisses her.] + +MRS. GWYN. How sweet you look with your hair up, Joy! Who 's this? +[Glancing with a smile at DICK.] + +JOY. Dick Merton--in my letters you know. + + [She looks at DICK as though she wished him gone.] + +MRS. GWYN. How do you do? + +DICK. [Shaking hands.] How d 'you do? I think if you'll excuse me +--I'll go in. + + [He goes uncertainly.] + +MRS. GWYN. What's the matter with him? + +JOY. Oh, nothing! [Hugging her.] Mother! You do look such a duck. +Why did you come by the towing-path, was n't it cooking? + +MRS. GWYN. [Avoiding her eyes.] Mr. Lever wanted to go into Mr. +Henty's. + + [Her manner is rather artificially composed.] + +JOY. [Dully.] Oh! Is he-is he really coming here, Mother? + +MRS. GWYN. [Whose voice has hardened just a little.] If Aunt Nell's +got a room for him--of course--why not? + +JOY. [Digging her chin into her mother's shoulder.] + + [Why couldn't he choose some day when we'd gone? I wanted you + all to myself.] + +MRS. GWYN. You are a quaint child--when I was your age---- + +JOY. [Suddenly looking up.] Oh! Mother, you must have been a +chook! + +MRS. GWYN. Well, I was about twice as old as you, I know that. + +JOY. Had you any--any other offers before you were married, Mother? + +MRS. GWYN. [Smilingly.] Heaps! + +JOY. [Reflectively.] Oh! + +MRS. GWYN. Why? Have you been having any? + +JOY. [Glancing at MRS. GWYN, and then down.] N-o, of course not! + +MRS. GWYN. Where are they all? Where's Peachey? + +JOY. Fussing about somewhere; don't let's hurry! Oh! you duckie-- +duckie! Aren't there any letters from Dad? + +MRS. GWYN. [In a harder voice.] Yes, one or two. + +JOY. [Hesitating.] Can't I see? + +MRS. GWYN. I didn't bring them. [Changing the subject obviously.] +Help me to tidy--I'm so hot I don't know what to do. + + [She takes out a powder-puff bag, with a tiny looking-glass.] + +JOY. How lovely it'll be to-morrow-going home! + +MRS. GWYN. [With an uneasy look.] London's dreadfully stuffy, Joy. +You 'll only get knocked up again. + +JOY. [With consternation.] Oh! but Mother, I must come. + +MRS. GWYN. (Forcing a smile.) Oh, well, if you must, you must! + + [Joy makes a dash at her.] + +Don't rumple me again. Here's Uncle Tom. + +JOY. [Quickly.] Mother, we're going to dance tonight; promise to +dance with me--there are three more girls than men, at least--and +don't dance too much with--with--you know--because I'm--[dropping her +voice and very still]--jealous. + +MRS. GWYN. [Forcing a laugh.] You are funny! + +JOY. [Very quickly.] I haven't made any engagements because of you. + + [The COLONEL approaches through the wall.] + +MRS. GWYN. Well, Uncle Tom? + +COLONEL. [Genially.] Why, Molly! [He kisses her.] What made you +come by the towing-path? + +JOY. Because it's so much cooler, of course. + +COLONEL. Hallo! What's the matter with you? Phew! you've got your +hair up! Go and tell your aunt your mother's on the lawn. Cut +along! + + [Joy goes, blowing a kiss.] + +Cracked about you, Molly! Simply cracked! We shall miss her when +you take her off to-morrow. [He places a chair for her.] Sit down, +sit down, you must be tired in this heat. I 've sent Bob for your +things with the wheelbarrow; what have you got?--only a bag, I +suppose. + +MRS. GWYN. [Sitting, with a smile.] That's all, Uncle Tom, except-- +my trunk and hat-box. + +COLONEL. Phew! And what's-his-name brought a bag, I suppose? + +MRS. GWYN. They're all together. I hope it's not too much, Uncle +Tom. + +COLONEL. [Dubiously.] Oh! Bob'll manage! I suppose you see a good +deal of--of--Lever. That's his brother in the Guards, isn't it? + +MRS. GWYN. Yes. + +COLONEL. Now what does this chap do? + +MRS. GWYN. What should he do, Uncle Tom? He's a Director. + +COLONEL. Guinea-pig! [Dubiously.] Your bringing him down was a +good idea. + + [MRS. GWYN, looking at him sidelong, bites her lips.] + +I should like to have a look at him. But, I say, you know, Molly-- +mines, mines! There are a lot of these chaps about, whose business +is to cook their own dinners. Your aunt thinks---- + +MRS. GWYN. Oh! Uncle Tom, don't tell me what Aunt Nell thinks! + +COLONEL. Well-well! Look here, old girl! It's my experience never +to--what I mean is--never to trust too much to a man who has to do +with mining. I've always refused to have anything to do with mines. +If your husband were in England, of course, I'd say nothing. + +MRS. GWYN. [Very still.] We'd better keep him out of the question, +had n't we? + +COLONEL. Of course, if you wish it, my dear. + +MRS. GWYN. Unfortunately, I do. + +COLONEL. [Nervously.] Ah! yes, I know; but look here, Molly, your +aunt thinks you're in a very delicate position-in fact, she thinks +you see too much of young Lever. + +MRS. GWYN. [Stretching herself like an angry cat.] Does she? And +what do you think? + +COLONEL. I? I make a point of not thinking. I only know that here +he is, and I don't want you to go burning your fingers, eh? + + [MRS. GWYN sits with a vindictive smile.] + +A gold mine's a gold mine. I don't mean he deliberately--but they +take in women and parsons, and--and all sorts of fools. [Looking +down.] And then, you know, I can't tell your feelings, my dear, and +I don't want to; but a man about town 'll compromise a woman as soon +as he'll look at her, and [softly shaking his head] I don't like +that, Molly! It 's not the thing! + + [MRS. GWYN sits unmoved, smiling the same smile, and the COLONEL + gives her a nervous look.] + +If--if you were any other woman I should n't care--and if--if you +were a plain woman, damme, you might do what you liked! I know you +and Geoff don't get on; but here's this child of yours, devoted to +you, and--and don't you see, old girl? Eh? + +MRS. GWYN. [With a little hard laugh.] Thanks! Perfectly! I +suppose as you don't think, Uncle Tom, it never occurred to you that +I have rather a lonely time of it. + +COLONEL. [With compunction.] Oh! my dear, yes, of course I know it +must be beastly. + +MRS. GWYN. [Stonily.] It is. + +COLONEL. Yes, yes! [Speaking in a surprised voice.] I don't know +what I 'm talking like this for! It's your aunt! She goes on at me +till she gets on my nerves. What d' you think she wants me to do +now? Put money into this gold mine! Did you ever hear such folly? + +MRS. GWYN. [Breaking into laughter.] Oh! Uncle Tom! + +COLONEL. All very well for you to laugh, Molly! + +MRS. GWYN. [Calmly.] And how much are you going to put in? + +COLONEL. Not a farthing! Why, I've got nothing but my pension and +three thousand India stock! + +MRS. GWYN. Only ninety pounds a year, besides your pension! D' you +mean to say that's all you've got, Uncle Tom? I never knew that +before. What a shame! + +COLONEL. [Feelingly.] It is a d--d shame! I don't suppose there's +another case in the army of a man being treated as I've been. + +MRS. GWYN. But how on earth do you manage here on so little? + +COLONEL. [Brooding.] Your aunt's very funny. She's a born manager. +She 'd manage the hind leg off a donkey; but if I want five shillings +for a charity or what not, I have to whistle for it. And then all of +a sudden, Molly, she'll take it into her head to spend goodness knows +what on some trumpery or other and come to me for the money. If I +have n't got it to give her, out she flies about 3 per cent., and +worries me to invest in some wild-cat or other, like your friend's +thing, the Jaco what is it? I don't pay the slightest attention to +her. + +MRS. HOPE. [From the direction of the house.] Tom! + +COLONEL. [Rising.] Yes, dear! [Then dropping his voice.] I say, +Molly, don't you mind what I said about young Lever. I don't want +you to imagine that I think harm of people--you know I don't--but so +many women come to grief, and--[hotly]--I can't stand men about town; +not that he of course---- + +MRS. HOPE, [Peremptorily.] Tom! + +COLONEL. [In hasty confidence.] I find it best to let your aunt run +on. If she says anything---- + +MRS. HOPE. To-om! + +COLONEL. Yes, dear! + + [He goes hastily. MRS. GWYN sits drawing circles on the ground + with her charming parasol. Suddenly she springs to her feet, + and stands waiting like an animal at bay. The COLONEL and MRS. + HOPE approach her talking.] + +MRS. HOPE. Well, how was I to know? + +COLONEL. Did n't Joy come and tell you? + +MRS. HOPE. I don't know what's the matter with that child? Well, +Molly, so here you are. You're before your time--that train's always +late. + +MRS. GWYN. [With faint irony.] I'm sorry, Aunt Nell! + + [They bob, seem to take fright, and kiss each other gingerly.] + +MRS. HOPE. What have you done with Mr. Lever? I shall have to put +him in Peachey's room. Tom's got no champagne. + +COLONEL. They've a very decent brand down at the George, Molly, I'll +send Bob over---- + +MRS. HOPE. Rubbish, Tom! He'll just have to put up with what he can +get! + +MRS. GWYN. Of course! He's not a snob! For goodness sake, Aunt +Nell, don't put yourself out! I'm sorry I suggested his coming. + +COLONEL. My dear, we ought to have champagne in the house--in case +of accident. + +MRS. GWYN. [Shaking him gently by the coat.] No, please, Uncle +Tom! + +MRS. HOPE. [Suddenly.] Now, I've told your uncle, Molly, that he's +not to go in for this gold mine without making certain it's a good +thing. Mind, I think you've been very rash. I'm going to give you a +good talking to; and that's not all--you ought n't to go about like +this with a young man; he's not at all bad looking. I remember him +perfectly well at the Fleming's dance. + + [On MRS. GWYN's lips there comes a little mocking smile.] + +COLONEL. [Pulling his wife's sleeve.] Nell! + +MRS. HOPE. No, Tom, I'm going to talk to Molly; she's old enough to +know better. + +MRS. GWYN. Yes? + +MRS. HOPE. Yes, and you'll get yourself into a mess; I don't approve +of it, and when I see a thing I don't approve of---- + +COLONEL. [Walking about, and pulling his moustache.] Nell, I won't +have it, I simply won't have it. + +MRS. HOPE. What rate of interest are these Preference shares to pay? + +MRS. GWYN. [Still smiling.] Ten per cent. + +MRS. HOPE. What did I tell you, Tom? And are they safe? + +MRS. GWYN. You'd better ask Maurice. + +MRS. HOPE. There, you see, you call him Maurice! Now supposing your +uncle went in for some of them---- + +COLONEL. [Taking off his hat-in a high, hot voice] I'm not going in +for anything of the sort. + +MRS. HOPE. Don't swing your hat by the brim! Go and look if you can +see him coming! + + [The COLONEL goes.] + +[In a lower voice.] Your uncle's getting very bald. I 've only +shoulder of lamb for lunch, and a salad. It's lucky it's too hot to +eat. + + [MISS BEECH has appeared while she is speaking.] + +Here she is, Peachey! + +MISS BEECH. I see her. [She kisses MRS. GWYN, and looks at her +intently.] + +MRS. GWYN. [Shrugging her shoulders.] Well, Peachey! What d 'you +make of me? + +COLONEL. [Returning from his search.] There's a white hat crossing +the second stile. Is that your friend, Molly? + + [MRS. GWYN nods.] + +MRS. HOPE. Oh! before I forget, Peachey--Letty and Ernest can move +their things back again. I'm going to put Mr. Lever in your room. +[Catching sight o f the paint pot on the ground.] There's that +disgusting paint pot! Take it up at once, Tom, and put it in the +tree. + + [The COLONEL picks up the pot and bears it to the hollow tree + followed by MRS. HOPE; he enters.] + +MRS. HOPE. [Speaking into the tree.] Not there! + +COLONEL. [From within.] Well, where then? + +MRS. HOPE. Why--up--oh! gracious! + + [MRS. GWYN, standing alone, is smiling. LEVER approaches from + the towing-path. He is a man like a fencer's wrist, supple and + steely. A man whose age is difficult to tell, with a quick, + good-looking face, and a line between his brows; his darkish + hair is flecked with grey. He gives the feeling that he has + always had to spurt to keep pace with his own life.] + +MRS. HOPE. [Also entering the hollow tree.] No-oh! + +COLONEL. [From the depths, in a high voice.] Well, dash it then! +What do you want? + +MRS. GWYN. Peachey, may I introduce Mr. Lever to you? Miss Beech, +my old governess. + + [They shake each other by the hand.] + +LEVER. How do you do? [His voice is pleasant, his manner easy.] + +MISS BEECH. Pleased to meet you. + + [Her manner is that of one who is not pleased. She watches.] + +MRS. GWYN. [Pointing to the tree-maliciously.] This is my uncle and +my aunt. They're taking exercise, I think. + + [The COLONEL and MRS. HOPE emerge convulsively. They are very + hot. LEVER and MRS. GWYN are very cool.] + +MRS. HOPE. [Shaking hands with him.] So you 've got here! Are n't +you very hot?--Tom! + +COLONEL. Brought a splendid day with you! Splendid! + + [As he speaks, Joy comes running with a bunch of roses; seeing + LEVER, she stops and stands quite rigid.] + +MISS BEECH. [Sitting in the swing.] Thunder! + +COLONEL. Thunder? Nonsense, Peachey, you're always imagining +something. Look at the sky! + +MISS BEECH. Thunder! + + [MRS. GWYN's smile has faded. ] + +MRS. HOPE. [Turning.] Joy, don't you see Mr. Lever? + + [Joy, turning to her mother, gives her the roses. With a forced + smile, LEVER advances, holding out his hand.] + +LEVER. How are you, Joy? Have n't seen you for an age! + +JOY. [Without expression.] I am very well, thank you. + + [She raises her hand, and just touches his. MRS. GWYN'S eyes + are fixed on her daughter. Miss BEECH is watching them + intently. MRS. HOPE is buttoning the COLONEL'S coat.] + + + The curtain falls. + + + + + +ACT II + + It is afternoon, and at a garden-table placed beneath the hollow + tree, the COLONEL is poring over plans. Astride of a + garden-chair, LEVER is smoking cigarettes. DICK is hanging + Chinese lanterns to the hollow tree. + +LEVER. Of course, if this level [pointing with his cigarette] +peters out to the West we shall be in a tightish place; you know what +a mine is at this stage, Colonel Hope. + +COLONEL. [Absently.] Yes, yes. [Tracing a line.] What is there to +prevent its running out here to the East? + +LEVER. Well, nothing, except that as a matter of fact it doesn't. + +COLONEL. [With some excitement.] I'm very glad you showed me these +papers, very glad! I say that it's a most astonishing thing if the +ore suddenly stops there. [A gleam of humour visits LEVER'S face.] +I'm not an expert, but you ought to prove that ground to the East +more thoroughly. + +LEVER. [Quizzically.] Of course, sir, if you advise that---- + +COLONEL. If it were mine, I'd no more sit down under the belief that +the ore stopped there than I 'd---There's a harmony in these things. + +NEVER. I can only tell you what our experts say. + +COLONEL. Ah! Experts! No faith in them--never had! Miners, +lawyers, theologians, cowardly lot--pays them to be cowardly. When +they have n't their own axes to grind, they've got their theories; a +theory's a dangerous thing. [He loses himself in contemplation of +the papers.] Now my theory is, you 're in strata here of what we +call the Triassic Age. + +LEVER. [Smiling faintly.] Ah! + +COLONEL. You've struck a fault, that's what's happened. The ore may +be as much as thirty or forty yards out; but it 's there, depend on +it. + +LEVER. Would you back that opinion, sir? + +COLONEL. [With dignity.] I never give an opinion that I'm not +prepared to back. I want to get to the bottom of this. What's to +prevent the gold going down indefinitely? + +LEVER. Nothing, so far as I know. + +COLONEL. [With suspicion.] Eh! + +LEVER. All I can tell you is: This is as far as we've got, and we +want more money before we can get any farther. + +COLONEL. [Absently.] Yes, yes; that's very usual. + +LEVER. If you ask my personal opinion I think it's very doubtful +that the gold does go down. + +COLONEL. [Smiling.] Oh! a personal opinion a matter of this sort! + +LEVER. [As though about to take the papers.] Perhaps we'd better +close the sitting, sir; sorry to have bored you. + +COLONEL. Now, now! Don't be so touchy! If I'm to put money in, I'm +bound to look at it all round. + +LEVER. [With lifted brows.] Please don't imagine that I want you to +put money in. + +COLONEL. Confound it, sir! D 'you suppose I take you for a Company +promoter? + +LEVER. Thank you! + +COLONEL. [Looking at him doubtfully.] You've got Irish blood in +you--um? You're so hasty! + +LEVER. If you 're really thinking of taking shares--my advice to you +is, don't! + +COLONEL. [Regretfully.] If this were an ordinary gold mine, I +wouldn't dream of looking at it, I want you to understand that. +Nobody has a greater objection to gold mines than I. + +LEVER. [Looks down at his host with half-closed eyes.] But it is a +gold mine, Colonel Hope. + +COLONEL. I know, I know; but I 've been into it for myself; I've +formed my opinion personally. Now, what 's the reason you don't want +me to invest? + +LEVER. Well, if it doesn't turn out as you expect, you'll say it's +my doing. I know what investors are. + +COLONEL. [Dubiously.] If it were a Westralian or a Kaffir I would +n't touch it with a pair of tongs! It 's not as if I were going to +put much in! [He suddenly bends above the papers as though +magnetically attracted.] I like these Triassic formations! + + [DICK, who has hung the last lantern, moodily departs.] + +LEVER. [Looking after him.] That young man seems depressed. + +COLONEL. [As though remembering his principles.] I don't like +mines, never have! [Suddenly absorbed again.] I tell you what, +Lever--this thing's got tremendous possibilities. You don't seem to +believe in it enough. No mine's any good without faith; until I see +for myself, however, I shan't commit myself beyond a thousand. + +LEVER. Are you serious, sir? + +COLONEL. Certainly! I've been thinking it over ever since you told +me Henty had fought shy. I 've a poor opinion of Henty. He's one of +those fellows that says one thing and does another. An opportunist! + +LEVER. [Slowly.] I'm afraid we're all that, more or less. [He sits +beneath the hollow tree.] + +COLONEL. A man never knows what he is himself. There 's my wife. +She thinks she 's----By the way, don't say anything to her about +this, please. And, Lever [nervously], I don't think, you know, this +is quite the sort of thing for my niece. + +LEVER. [Quietly.] I agree. I mean to get her out of it. + +COLONEL. [A little taken aback.] Ah! You know, she--she's in a +very delicate position, living by herself in London. [LEVER looks at +him ironically.] You [very nervously] see a good deal of her? If +it had n't been for Joy growing so fast, we shouldn't have had the +child down here. Her mother ought to have her with her. Eh! Don't +you think so? + +LEVER. [Forcing a smile.] Mrs. Gwyn always seems to me to get on +all right. + +COLONEL. [As though making a discovery.] You know, I've found that +when a woman's living alone and unprotected, the very least thing +will set a lot of hags and jackanapes talking. [Hotly.] The more +unprotected and helpless a woman is, the more they revel in it. If +there's anything I hate in this world, it's those wretched creatures +who babble about their neighbours' affairs. + +LEVER. I agree with you. + +COLONEL. One ought to be very careful not to give them--that is---- +[checks himself confused; then hurrying on]--I suppose you and Joy +get on all right? + +LEVER. [Coolly.] Pretty well, thanks. I'm not exactly in Joy's +line; have n't seen very much of her, in fact. + + [Miss BEECH and JOY have been approaching from the house. But + seeing LEVER, JOY turns abruptly, hesitates a moment, and with + an angry gesture goes away.] + +COLONEL [Unconscious.] Wonderfully affectionate little thing! Well, +she'll be going home to-morrow! + +MISS BEECH. [Who has been gazing after JOY.] Talkin' business, poor +creatures? + +LEVER. Oh, no! If you'll excuse me, I'll wash my hands before tea. + + [He glances at the COLONEL poring over papers, and, shrugging + his shoulders, strolls away.] + +MISS BEECH. [Sitting in the swing.] I see your horrid papers. + +COLONEL. Be quiet, Peachey! + +MISS BEECH. On a beautiful summer's day, too. + +COLONEL. That'll do now. + +MISS BEECH. [Unmoved.] For every ounce you take out of a gold mine +you put two in. + +COLONEL. Who told you that rubbish? + +MISS BEECH. [With devilry.] You did! + +COLONEL. This is n't an ordinary gold mine. + +MISS BEECH. Oh! quite a special thing. + + [COLONEL stares at her, but subsiding at hey impassivity, he + pores again over the papers.] + + [Rosy has approached with a tea cloth.] + +ROSE. If you please, sir, the Missis told me to lay the tea. + +COLONEL. Go away! Ten fives fifty. Ten 5 16ths, Peachey? + +MISS BEECH. I hate your nasty sums! + + [ROSE goes away. The COLONEL Writes. MRS. HOPE'S voice is + heard, "Now then, bring those chairs, you two. Not that one, + Ernest." ERNEST and LETTY appear through the openings of the + wall, each with a chair.] + +COLONEL. [With dull exasperation.] What do you want? + +LETTY. Tea, Father. + + [She places her chair and goes away.] + +ERNEST. That Johnny-bird Lever is too cocksure for me, Colonel. +Those South American things are no good at all. I know all about +them from young Scrotton. There's not one that's worth a red cent. +If you want a flutter---- + +COLONEL. [Explosively.] Flutter! I'm not a gambler, sir! + +ERNEST. Well, Colonel [with a smile], I only don't want you to chuck +your money away on a stiff 'un. If you want anything good you should +go to Mexico. + +COLONEL. [Jumping up and holding out the map.] Go to [He stops in +time.] What d'you call that, eh? M-E-X---- + +ERNEST. [Not to be embarrassed.] It all depend on what part. + +COLONEL. You think you know everything--you think nothing's right +unless it's your own idea! Be good enough to keep your advice to +yourself. + +ERNEST. [Moving with his chair, and stopping with a smile.] If you +ask me, I should say it wasn't playing the game to put Molly into a +thing like that. + +COLONEL. What do you mean, sir? + +ERNEST. Any Juggins can see that she's a bit gone on our friend. + +COLONEL. [Freezingly.] Indeed! + +ERNEST. He's not at all the sort of Johnny that appeals to me. + +COLONEL. Really? + +ERNEST. [Unmoved.] If I were you, Colonel, I should tip her the +wink. He was hanging about her at Ascot all the time. It 's a bit +thick! + + [MRS. HOPE followed by ROSE appears from the house.] + +COLONEL. [Stammering with passion.] Jackanapes! + +MRS. HOPE. Don't stand there, Tom; clear those papers, and let Rose +lay the table. Now, Ernest, go and get another chair. + + [The COLONEL looks wildly round and sits beneath the hollow + tree, with his head held in his hands. ROSE lays the cloth.] + +MRS. BEECH. [Sitting beside the COLONEL.] Poor creature! + +ERNEST. [Carrying his chair about with him.] Ask any Johnny in the +City, he 'll tell you Mexico's a very tricky country--the people are +awful rotters-- + +MRS. HOPE. Put that chair down, Ernest. + + [ERNEST looks at the chair, puts it down, opens his mouth, and + goes away. ROSE follows him.] + +What's he been talking about? You oughtn't to get so excited, Tom; +is your head bad, old man? Here, take these papers! [She hands the +papers to the COLONEL.] Peachey, go in and tell them tea 'll be +ready in a minute, there 's a good soul? Oh! and on my dressing +table you'll find a bottle of Eau de Cologne. + +MRS. BEECH. Don't let him get in a temper again. That 's three +times to-day! + + [She goes towards the house. ] + +COLONEL. Never met such a fellow in my life, the most opinionated, +narrow-minded--thinks he knows everything. Whatever Letty could see +in him I can't think. Pragmatical beggar! + +MRS. HOPE. Now Tom! What have you been up to, to get into a state +like this? + +COLONEL. [Avoiding her eyes.] I shall lose my temper with him one +of these days. He's got that confounded habit of thinking nobody can +be right but himself. + +MRS. HOPE. That's enough! I want to talk to you seriously! Dick's +in love. I'm perfectly certain of it. + +COLONEL. Love! Who's he in love with--Peachey? + +MRS. HOPE. You can see it all over him. If I saw any signs of Joy's +breaking out, I'd send them both away. I simply won't have it. + +COLONEL. Why, she's a child! + +MRS. HOPE. [Pursuing her own thoughts.] But she isn't--not yet. +I've been watching her very carefully. She's more in love with her +Mother than any one, follows her about like a dog! She's been quite +rude to Mr. Lever. + +COLONEL. [Pursuing his own thoughts.] I don't believe a word of it. + + [He rises and walks about] + +MRS. HOPE. Don't believe a word of what? + + [The COLONEL is Silent.] + + [Pursuing his thoughts with her own.] + +If I thought there was anything between Molly and Mr. Lever, d 'you +suppose I'd have him in the house? + + [The COLONEL stops, and gives a sort of grunt.] + +He's a very nice fellow; and I want you to pump him well, Tom, and +see what there is in this mine. + +COLONEL. [Uneasily.] Pump! + +MRS. HOPE. [Looking at him curiously.] Yes, you 've been up to +something! Now what is it? + +COLONEL. Pump my own guest! I never heard of such a thing! + +MRS. HOPE. There you are on your high horse! I do wish you had a +little common-sense, Tom! + +COLONEL. I'd as soon you asked me to sneak about eavesdropping! +Pump! + +MRS. HOPE. Well, what were you looking at these papers for? It does +drive me so wild the way you throw away all the chances you have of +making a little money. I've got you this opportunity, and you do +nothing but rave up and down, and talk nonsense! + +COLONEL. [In a high voice] Much you know about it! I 've taken a +thousand shares in this mine-- + + [He stops dead. There is a silence. ] + +MRS. HOPE. You 've--WHAT? Without consulting me? Well, then, +you 'll just go and take them out again! + +COLONEL. You want me to----? + +MRS. HOPE. The idea! As if you could trust your judgment in a thing +like that! You 'll just go at once and say there was a mistake; then +we 'll talk it over calmly. + +COLONEL. [Drawing himself up.] Go back on what I 've said? Not if I +lose every penny! First you worry me to take the shares, and then +you worry me not--I won't have it, Nell, I won't have it! + +MRS. HOPE. Well, if I'd thought you'd have forgotten what you said +this morning and turned about like this, d'you suppose I'd have +spoken to you at all? Now, do you? + +COLONEL. Rubbish! If you can't see that this is a special +opportunity! + + [He walks away followed by MRS. HOPE, who endeavors to make him + see her point of view. ERNEST and LETTY are now returning from + the house armed with a third chair.] + +LETTY. What's the matter with everybody? Is it the heat? + +ERNEST. [Preoccupied and sitting in the swing.] That sportsman, +Lever, you know, ought to be warned off. + +LETTY. [Signing to ERNEST.] Where's Miss Joy, Rose? + +ROSE. Don't know, Miss. + + [Putting down the tray, she goes.] + + + [ROSE, has followed with the tea tray.] + +LETTY. Ernie, be careful, you never know where Joy is. + +ERNEST. [Preoccupied with his reflections.] Your old Dad 's as mad +as a hatter with me. + +LETTY. Why? + +ERNEST. Well, I merely said what I thought, that Molly ought to look +out what's she's doing, and he dropped on me like a cartload of +bricks. + +LETTY. The Dad's very fond of Molly. + +ERNEST. But look here, d'you mean to tell me that she and Lever +are n't---- + +LETTY. Don't! Suppose they are! If joy were to hear it'd be simply +awful. I like Molly. I 'm not going to believe anything against +her. I don't see the use of it. If it is, it is, and if it is n't, +it is n't. + +ERNEST. Well, all I know is that when I told her the mine was +probably a frost she went for me like steam. + +LETTY. Well, so should I. She was only sticking up for her friends. + +ERNEST. Ask the old Peachey-bird. She knows a thing or two. Look +here, I don't mind a man's being a bit of a sportsman, but I think +Molly's bringin' him down here is too thick. Your old Dad's got one +of his notions that because this Josser's his guest, he must keep him +in a glass case, and take shares in his mine, and all the rest of it. + +LETTY. I do think people are horrible, always thinking things. It's +not as if Molly were a stranger. She's my own cousin. I 'm not +going to believe anything about my own cousin. I simply won't. + +ERNEST. [Reluctantly realising the difference that this makes.] I +suppose it does make a difference, her bein' your cousin. + +LETTY. Of course it does! I only hope to goodness no one will make +Joy suspect---- + + [She stops and buts her finger to her lips, for JOY is coming + towards them, as the tea-bell sounds. She is followed by DICK + and MISS BEECH with the Eau de Cologne. The COLONEL and MRS. + HOPE are also coming back, discussing still each other's point + of view.] + +JOY. Where 's Mother? Isn't she here? + +MRS. HOPE. Now Joy, come and sit down; your mother's been told tea's +ready; if she lets it get cold it's her lookout. + +DICK. [Producing a rug, and spreading it beneath the tree.] Plenty +of room, Joy. + +JOY. I don't believe Mother knows, Aunt Nell. + + [MRS. GWYN and LEVER appear in the opening of the wall.] + +LETTY. [Touching ERNEST's arm.] Look, Ernie! Four couples and +Peachey---- + +ERNEST. [Preoccupied.] What couples? + +JOY. Oh! Mums, here you are! + + [Seizing her, she turns her back on LEVER. They sit in various + seats, and MRS. HOPE pours out the tea.] + +MRS. HOPE. Hand the sandwiches to Mr. Lever, Peachey. It's our own +jam, Mr. Lever. + +LEVER. Thanks. [He takes a bite.] It's splendid! + +MRS. GWYN. [With forced gaiety.] It's the first time I've ever seen +you eat jam. + +LEVER. [Smiling a forced smile.] Really! But I love it. + +MRS. GWYN. [With a little bow.] You always refuse mine. + +JOY. [Who has been staring at her enemy, suddenly.] I'm all burnt +up! Are n't you simply boiled, Mother? + + [She touches her Mother's forehead.] + +MRS. GWYN. Ugh! You're quite clammy, Joy. + +JOY. It's enough to make any one clammy. + + [Her eyes go back to LEVER'S face as though to stab him.] + +ERNEST. [From the swing.] I say, you know, the glass is going down. + +LEVER. [Suavely.] The glass in the hall's steady enough. + +ERNEST. Oh, I never go by that; that's a rotten old glass. + +COLONEL. Oh! is it? + +ERNEST. [Paying no attention.] I've got a little ripper--never puts +you in the cart. Bet you what you like we have thunder before +tomorrow night. + +MISS BEECH. [Removing her gaze from JOY to LEVER.] You don't think +we shall have it before to-night, do you? + +LEVER. [Suavely.] I beg your pardon; did you speak to me? + +MISS BEECH. I said, you don't think we shall have the thunder before +to-night, do you? + + [She resumes her watch on joy.] + +LEVER. [Blandly.] Really, I don't see any signs of it. + + [Joy, crossing to the rug, flings herself down. And DICK sits + cross-legged, with his eyes fast fixed on her.] + +MISS BEECH. [Eating.] People don't often see what they don't want +to, do they? + + [LEVER only lifts his brows.] + +MRS. GWYN. [Quickly breaking ivy.] What are you talking about? The +weather's perfect. + +MISS BEECH. Isn't it? + +MRS. HOPE. You'd better make a good tea, Peachey; nobody'll get +anything till eight, and then only cold shoulder. You must just put +up with no hot dinner, Mr. Lever. + +LEVER. [Bowing.] Whatever is good enough for Miss Beech is good +enough for me. + +MISS BEECH. [Sardonically-taking another sandwich.] So you think! + +MRS. GWYN. [With forced gaiety.] Don't be so absurd, Peachey. + + [MISS BEECH, grunts slightly.] + +COLONEL. [Once more busy with his papers.] I see the name of your +engineer is Rodriguez--Italian, eh? + +LEVER. Portuguese. + +COLONEL. Don't like that! + +LEVER. I believe he was born in England. + +COLONEL. [Reassured.] Oh, was he? Ah! + +ERNEST. Awful rotters, those Portuguese! + +COLONEL. There you go! + +LETTY. Well, Father, Ernie only said what you said. + +MRS. HOPE. Now I want to ask you, Mr. Lever, is this gold mine safe? +If it isn't--I simply won't allow Tom to take these shares; he can't +afford it. + +LEVER. It rather depends on what you call safe, Mrs. Hope. + +MRS. HOPE. I don't want anything extravagant, of course; if they're +going to pay their 10 per cent, regularly, and Tom can have his money +out at any time--[There is a faint whistle from the swing.] I only +want to know that it's a thoroughly genuine thing. + +MRS. GWYN. [Indignantly.] As if Maurice would be a Director if it +was n't? + +MRS. HOPE. Now Molly, I'm simply asking---- + +MRS. GWYN. Yes, you are! + +COLONEL. [Rising.] I'll take two thousand of those shares, Lever. +To have my wife talk like that--I 'm quite ashamed. + +LEVER. Oh, come, sir, Mrs. Hope only meant---- + + [MRS. GWYN looks eagerly at LEVER.] + +DICK. [Quietly.] Let's go on the river, Joy. + + [JOY rises, and goes to her Mother's chair.] + +MRS. HOPE. Of course! What rubbish, Tom! As if any one ever +invested money without making sure! + +LEVER. [Ironically.] It seems a little difficult to make sure in +this case. There isn't the smallest necessity for Colonel Hope to +take any shares, and it looks to me as if he'd better not. + + [He lights a cigarette.] + +MRS. HOPE. Now, Mr. Lever, don't be offended! I'm very anxious for +Tom to take the shares if you say the thing's so good. + +LEVER. I 'm afraid I must ask to be left out, please. + +JOY. [Whispering.] Mother, if you've finished, do come, I want to +show you my room. + +MRS. HOPE. I would n't say a word, only Tom's so easily taken in. + +MRS. GWYN. [Fiercely.] Aunt Nell, how can't you? [Joy gives a +little savage laugh.] + +LETTY. [Hastily.] Ernie, will you play Dick and me? Come on, Dick! + + [All three go out towards the lawn.] + +MRS. HOPE. You ought to know your Uncle by this time, Molly. He's +just like a child. He'd be a pauper to-morrow if I did n't see to +things. + +COLONEL. Understand once for all that I shall take two thousand +shares in this mine. I 'm--I 'm humiliated. [He turns and goes +towards the house.] + +MRS. HOPE. Well, what on earth have I said? + + [She hurries after him. ] + +MRS. GWYN. [In a low voice as she passes.] You need n't insult my +friends! + + [LEVER, shrugging his shoulders, has strolled aside. JOY, with + a passionate movement seen only by Miss BEECH, goes off towards + the house. MISS BEECH and MRS. GWYN aye left alone beside the + remnants of the feast.] + +MISS BEECH. Molly! + + [MRS. GWYN looks up startled.] + +Take care, Molly, take care! The child! Can't you see? +[Apostrophising LEVER.] Take care, Molly, take care! + +LEVER. [Coming back.] Awfully hot, is n't it? + +MISS BEECH. Ah! and it'll be hotter if we don't mind. + +LEVER. [Suavely.] Do we control these things? + + [MISS BEECH looking from face to face, nods her head repeatedly; + then gathering her skirts she walks towards the house. MRS. + GWYN sits motionless, staying before her.] + +Extraordinary old lady! [He pitches away his cigarette.] What's the +matter with her, Molly? + +MRS. GWYN, [With an effort.] Oh! Peachey's a character! + +LEVER. [Frowning.] So I see! [There is a silence.] + +MRS. GWYN. Maurice! + +LEVER. Yes. + +MRS. GWYN. Aunt Nell's hopeless, you mustn't mind her. + +LEVER. [In a dubious and ironic voice.] My dear girl, I 've too +much to bother me to mind trifles like that. + +MRS. GWYN. [Going to him suddenly.] Tell me, won't you? + + [LEVER shrugs his shoulders.] + +A month ago you'd have told me soon enough! + +LEVER. Now, Molly! + +MRS. GWYN. Ah! [With a bitter smile.] The Spring's soon over. + +LEVER. It 's always Spring between us. + +MRS. GWYN. Is it? + +LEVER. You did n't tell me what you were thinking about just now +when you sat there like stone. + +MRS. GWYN. It does n't do for a woman to say too much. + +LEVER. Have I been so bad to you that you need feel like that, +Molly? + +MRS. GWYN. [With a little warm squeeze of his arm.] Oh! my dear, +it's only that I'm so--- + +[She stops.] + +LEVER. [Gently]. So what? + +MRS. GWYN. [In a low voice.] It's hateful here. + +LEVER. I didn't want to come. I don't understand why you suggested +it. [MRS. GWYN is silent.] It's been a mistake. + +MRS. GWYN. [Her eyes fixed on the ground.] Joy comes home +to-morrow. I thought if I brought you here--I should know---- + +LEVER. [Vexedly.] Um! + +MRS. GWYN. [Losing her control.] Can't you SEE? It haunts me? How +are we to go on? I must know--I must know! + +LEVER. I don't see that my coming---- + +MRS. GWYN. I thought I should have more confidence; I thought I +should be able to face it better in London, if you came down here +openly--and now--I feel I must n't speak or look at you. + +LEVER. You don't think your Aunt---- + +MRS. GWYN. [Scornfully.] She! It's only Joy I care about. + +LEVER. [Frowning.] We must be more careful, that's all. We mustn't +give ourselves away again, as we were doing just now. + +MRS. GWYN. When any one says anything horrid to you, I can't help +it. + + [She puts her hand on the label of his coat.] + +LEVER. My dear child, take care! + + [MRS. GWYN drops her hand. She throws her head back, and her + throat is seen to work as though she were gulping down a bitter + draught. She moves away.] + +[Following hastily.] Don't dear, don't! I only meant--Come, Molly, +let's be sensible. I want to tell you something about the mine. + +MRS. GWYN. [With a quavering smile.] Yes-let 's talk sensibly, and +walk properly in this sensible, proper place. + + [LEVER is seen trying to soothe her, and yet to walk properly. + As they disappear, they are viewed by JOY, who, like the shadow + parted from its figure, has come to join it again. She stands + now, foiled, a carnation in her hand; then flings herself on a + chair, and leans her elbows on the table.] + +JOY. I hate him! Pig! + +ROSE. [Who has come to clear the tea things.] Did you call, Miss? + +JOY. Not you! + +ROSE. [Motionless.] No, Miss! + +JOY. [Leaning back and tearing the flower.] Oh! do hurry up, Rose! + +ROSE. [Collects the tea things.] Mr. Dick's coming down the path! +Aren't I going to get you to do your frock, Miss Joy? + +JOY. No. + +ROSE. What will the Missis say? + +JOY. Oh, don't be so stuck, Rose! + + [ROSE goes, but DICK has come.] + +DICK. Come on the river, Joy, just for half an hour, as far as the +kingfishers--do! [Joy shakes her head.] Why not? It 'll be so +jolly and cool. I'm most awfully sorry if I worried you this +morning. I didn't mean to. I won't again, I promise. [Joy slides a +look at him, and from that look he gains a little courage.] Do come! +It'll be the last time. I feel it awfully, Joy. + +JOY. There's nothing to hurt you! + +DICK. [Gloomily.] Isn't there--when you're like this? + +JOY. [In a hard voice.] If you don't like me, why do you follow me +about? + +DICK. What is the matter? + +JOY. [Looking up, as if for want of air.] Oh! Don't! + +DICK. Oh, Joy, what is the matter? Is it the heat? + +JOY. [With a little laugh.] Yes. + +DICK. Have some Eau de Cologne. I 'll make you a bandage. [He +takes the Eau de Cologne, and makes a bandage with his handkerchief.] +It's quite clean. + +JOY. Oh, Dick, you are so funny! + +DICK. [Bandaging her forehead.] I can't bear you to feel bad; it +puts me off completely. I mean I don't generally make a fuss about +people, but when it 's you---- + +JOY. [Suddenly.] I'm all right. + +DICK. Is that comfy? + +JOY. [With her chin up, and her eyes fast closed.] Quite. + +DICK. I'm not going to stay and worry you. You ought to rest. +Only, Joy! Look here! If you want me to do anything for you, any +time---- + +JOY. [Half opening her eyes.] Only to go away. + + [DICK bites his lips and walks away.] + +Dick--[softly]--Dick! + + [DICK stops.] + +I didn't mean that; will you get me some water-irises for this +evening? + +DICK. Won't I? [He goes to the hollow tree and from its darkness +takes a bucket and a boat-hook.] I know where there are some +rippers! + + [JOY stays unmoving with her eyes half closed.] + +Are you sure you 're all right. Joy? You 'll just rest here in the +shade, won't you, till I come back?--it 'll do you no end of good. I +shan't be twenty minutes. + + [He goes, but cannot help returning softly, to make sure.] + +You're quite sure you 're all right? + + [JOY nods. He goes away towards the river. But there is no + rest for JOY. The voices of MRS. GWYN and LEVER are heard + returning.] + +JOY. [With a gesture of anger.] Hateful! Hateful! + + [She runs away.] + + [MRS. GWYN and LEVER are seen approaching; they pass the tree, + in conversation.] + +MRS. GWYN. But I don't see why, Maurice. + +LEVER. We mean to sell the mine; we must do some more work on it, +and for that we must have money. + +MRS. GWYN. If you only want a little, I should have thought you +could have got it in a minute in the City. + +LEVER. [Shaking his head.] No, no; we must get it privately. + +MRS. GWYN. [Doubtfully.] Oh! [She slowly adds.] Then it isn't +such a good thing! + + [And she does not look at him.] + +LEVER. Well, we mean to sell it. + +MRS. GWYN. What about the people who buy? + +LEVER. [Dubiously regarding her.] My dear girl, they've just as +much chance as we had. It 's not my business to think of them. +There's YOUR thousand pounds---- + +MRS. GWYN. [Softly.] Don't bother about my money, Maurice. I don't +want you to do anything not quite---- + +LEVER. [Evasively.] Oh! There's my brother's and my sister's too. +I 'm not going to let any of you run any risk. When we all went in +for it the thing looked splendid; it 's only the last month that we +'ve had doubts. What bothers me now is your Uncle. I don't want him +to take these shares. It looks as if I'd come here on purpose. + +MRS. GWYN. Oh! he mustn't take them! + +LEVER. That 's all very well; but it 's not so simple. + +MRS. GWYN. [Shyly.] But, Maurice, have you told him about the +selling? + +LEVER. [Gloomily, under the hollow tree.] It 's a Board secret. +I'd no business to tell even you. + +MRS. GWYN. But he thinks he's taking shares in a good--a permanent +thing. + +LEVER. You can't go into a mining venture without some risk. + +MRS. GWYN. Oh yes, I know--but--but Uncle Tom is such a dear! + +LEVER. [Stubbornly.] I can't help his being the sort of man he is. +I did n't want him to take these shares; I told him so in so many +words. Put yourself in my place, Molly: how can I go to him and say, +"This thing may turn out rotten," when he knows I got you to put your +money into it? + + [But JOY, the lost shadow, has come back. She moves forward + resolutely. They are divided from her by the hollow tree; she + is unseen. She stops.] + +MRS. GWYN. I think he ought to be told about the selling; it 's not +fair. + +LEVER. What on earth made him rush at the thing like that? I don't +understand that kind of man. + +MRS. GWYN. [Impulsively.] I must tell him, Maurice; I can't let him +take the shares without---- + + [She puts her hand on his arm.] + + [Joy turns, as if to go back whence she came, but stops once + more.] + +LEVER. [Slowly and very quietly.] I did n't think you'd give me +away, Molly. + +MRS. GWYN. I don't think I quite understand. + +LEVER. If you tell the Colonel about this sale the poor old chap +will think me a man that you ought to have nothing to do with. Do +you want that? + + [MRS. GWYN, giving her lover a long look, touches his sleeve. + JOY, slipping behind the hollow tree, has gone.] + +You can't act in a case like this as if you 'd only a principle to +consider. It 's the--the special circumstances. + +MRS. GWYN. [With a faint smile.] But you'll be glad to get the +money won't you? + +LEVER. By George! if you're going to take it like this, Molly + +MRS. GWYN. Don't! + +LEVER. We may not sell after all, dear, we may find it turn out +trumps. + +MRS. GWYN. [With a shiver.] I don't want to hear any more. I know +women don't understand. [Impulsively.] It's only that I can't bear +any one should think that you---- + +LEVER. [Distressed.] For goodness sake don't look like that, Molly! +Of course, I'll speak to your Uncle. I'll stop him somehow, even if +I have to make a fool of myself. I 'll do anything you want---- + +MRS. GWYN. I feel as if I were being smothered here. + +LEVER. It 's only for one day. + +MRS. GWYN. [With sudden tenderness.] It's not your fault, dear. I +ought to have known how it would be. Well, let's go in! + + [She sets her lips, and walks towards the house with LEVER + following. But no sooner has she disappeared than JOY comes + running after; she stops, as though throwing down a challenge. + Her cheeks and ears are burning.] + +JOY. Mother! + + [After a moment MRS. GWYN reappears in the opening of the wall.] + +MRS. GWYN. Oh! here you are! + +JOY. [Breathlessly.] Yes. + +MRS. GWYN. [Uncertainly.] Where--have you been? You look +dreadfully hot; have you been running? + +JOY. Yes----no. + +MRS. GWYN. [Looking at her fixedly.] What's the matter--you 're +trembling! [Softly.] Are n't you well, dear? + +JOY. Yes--I don't know. + +MRS. GWYN. What is it, darling? + +JOY. [Suddenly clinging to her.] Oh! Mother! + +MRS. GWYN. I don't understand. + +JOY. [Breathlessly.] Oh, Mother, let me go back home with you now +at once---- +MRS. GWYN. [Her face hardening.] Why? What on earth---- + +JOY. I can't stay here. + +MRS. GWYN. But why? + +JOY. I want to be with you--Oh! Mother, don't you love me? + +MRS. GWYN. [With a faint smile.] Of course I love you, Joy. + +JOY. Ah! but you love him more. + +MRS. GWYN. Love him--whom? + +JOY. Oh! Mother, I did n't--[She tries to take her Mother's hand, +but fails.] Oh! don't. + +MRS. GWYN. You'd better explain what you mean, I think. + +JOY. I want to get you to--he--he 's--he 'snot----! + +MRS. GWYN. [Frigidly.] Really, Joy! + +JOY. [Passionately.] I'll fight against him, and I know there's +something wrong about---- + + [She stops.] + +MRS. GWYN. About what? + +JOY. Let's tell Uncle Tom, Mother, and go away. + +MRS. GWYN. Tell Uncle--Tom--what? + +JOY. [Looking down and almost whispering.] About--about--the mine. + +MRS. GWYN. What about the mine? What do you mean? [Fiercely.] +Have you been spying on me? + +JOY. [Shrinking.] No! oh, no! + +MRS. GWYN. Where were you? + +JOY. [Just above her breath.] I--I heard something. + +MRS. GWYN. [Bitterly.] But you were not spying? + +JOY. I was n't--I wasn't! I didn't want--to hear. I only heard a +little. I couldn't help listening, Mother. + +MRS. GWYN. [With a little laugh.] Couldn't help listening? + +JOY. [Through her teeth.] I hate him. I didn't mean to listen, but +I hate him. + +MRS. GWYN. I see. Why do you hate him? + + [There is a silence.] + +JOY. He--he----[She stops.] + + +MRS. GWYN. Yes? + +JOY. [With a sort of despair.] I don't know. Oh! I don't know! +But I feel---- + +MRS. GWYN. I can't reason with you. As to what you heard, it 's-- +ridiculous. + +JOY. It 's not that. It 's--it 's you! + +MRS. GWYN. [Stonily.] I don't know what you mean. + +JOY. [Passionately.] I wish Dad were here! + +MRS. GWYN. Do you love your Father as much as me? + +JOY. Oh! Mother, no-you know I don't. + +MRS. GWYN. [Resentfully.] Then why do you want him? + +JOY. [Almost under her breath.] Because of that man. + +MRS. GWYN. Indeed! + +JOY. I will never--never make friends with him. + +MRS. GWYN. [Cuttingly.] I have not asked you to. + +JOY. [With a blind movement of her hand.] Oh, Mother! + + [MRS. GWYN half turns away.] + +Mother--won't you? Let's tell Uncle Tom and go away from him? + +MRS. GWYN. If you were not, a child, Joy, you wouldn't say such +things. + +JOY. [Eagerly.] I'm not a child, I'm--I'm a woman. I am. + +MRS. GWYN. No! You--are--not a woman, Joy. + + [She sees joy throw up her arms as though warding off a blow, + and turning finds that LEVER is standing in the opening of the + wall.] + +LEVER. [Looking from face to face.] What's the matter? [There is +no answer.] What is it, Joy? + +JOY. [Passionately.] I heard you, I don't care who knows. I'd +listen again. + +LEVER. [Impassively.] Ah! and what did I say that was so very +dreadful? + +JOY. You're a--a--you 're a--coward! + +MRS. GWYN. [With a sort of groan.] Joy! + +LEVER. [Stepping up to JOY, and standing with his hands behind him-- +in a low voice.] Now hit me in the face--hit me--hit me as hard as +you can. Go on, Joy, it'll do you good. + + [Joy raises her clenched hand, but drops it, and hides her + face.] + +Why don't you? I'm not pretending! + + [Joy makes no sign.] + +Come, joy; you'll make yourself ill, and that won't help, will it? + + [But joy still makes no sign.] + +[With determination.] What's the matter? now come--tell me! + +JOY. [In a stifled, sullen voice.] Will you leave my mother alone? + +MRS. GWYN. Oh! my dear Joy, don't be silly! + +JOY. [Wincing; then with sudden passion.] I defy you--I defy you! +[She rushes from their sight.] + +MRS. GWYN. [With a movement of distress.] Oh! + +LEVER. [Turning to MRS. GWYN with a protecting gesture.] Never +mind, dear! It'll be--it'll be all right! + + [But the expression of his face is not the expression of his + words.] + + + The curtain falls. + + + + + +ACT III + + It is evening; a full yellow moon is shining through the + branches of the hollow tree. The Chinese lanterns are alight. + There is dancing in the house; the music sounds now loud, now + soft. MISS BEECH is sitting on the rustic seat in a black + bunchy evening dress, whose inconspicuous opening is inlaid with + white. She slowly fans herself. + + DICK comes from the house in evening dress. He does not see + Miss BEECH. + + +DICK. Curse! [A short silence.] Curse! + +MISS BEECH. Poor young man! + +DICK. [With a start.] Well, Peachey, I can't help it +[He fumbles off his gloves.] + +MISS BEECH. Did you ever know any one that could? + +DICK. [Earnestly.] It's such awfully hard lines on Joy. I can't get +her out of my head, lying there with that beastly headache while +everybody's jigging round. + +MISS BEECH. Oh! you don't mind about yourself--noble young man! + +DICK. I should be a brute if I did n't mind more for her. + +MISS BEECH. So you think it's a headache, do you? + +DICK. Did n't you hear what Mrs. Gwyn said at dinner about the sun? +[With inspiration.] I say, Peachey, could n't you--could n't you +just go up and give her a message from me, and find out if there 's +anything she wants, and say how brutal it is that she 's seedy; it +would be most awfully decent of you. And tell her the dancing's no +good without her. Do, Peachey, now do! Ah! and look here! + + [He dives into the hollow of the tree, and brings from out of it + a pail of water in which are placed two bottles of champagne, + and some yellow irises--he takes the irises.] + +You might give her these. I got them specially for her, and I have +n't had a chance. + +MISS BEECH. [Lifting a bottle.] What 's this? + +DICK. Fizz. The Colonel brought it from the George. It 's for +supper; he put it in here because of--[Smiling faintly]--Mrs. Hope, +I think. Peachey, do take her those irises. + +MISS. BEECH. D' you think they'll do her any good? + +DICK. [Crestfallen.] I thought she'd like--I don't want to worry +her--you might try. + + [MISS BEECH shakes her head.] + +Why not? + +MISS BEECH. The poor little creature won't let me in. + +DICK. You've been up then! + +MISS BEECH. [Sharply.] Of course I've been up. I've not got a +stone for my heart, young man! + +DICK. All right! I suppose I shall just have to get along somehow. + +MISS BEECH. [With devilry.] That's what we've all got to do. + +DICK. [Gloomily.] But this is too brutal for anything! + +MISS BEECH. Worse than ever happened to any one! + +DICK. I swear I'm not thinking of myself. + +MISS BEECH. Did y' ever know anybody that swore they were? + +DICK. Oh! shut up! + +MISS BEECH. You'd better go in and get yourself a partner. + +DICK. [With pale desperation.] Look here, Peachey, I simply loathe +all those girls. + +MISS BEECH. Ah-h! [Ironically.] Poor lot, are n't they? + +DICK. All right; chaff away, it's good fun, isn't it? It makes me +sick to dance when Joy's lying there. Her last night, too! + +MISS BEECH. [Sidling to him.] You're a good young man, and you 've +got a good heart. + + [She takes his hand, and puts it to her cheek.] + +DICK. Peachey--I say, Peachey d' you think there 's--I mean d' you +think there'll ever be any chance for me? + +MISS BEECH. I thought that was coming! I don't approve of your +making love at your time of life; don't you think I 'm going to +encourage you. + +DICK. But I shall be of age in a year; my money's my own, it's not +as if I had to ask any one's leave; and I mean, I do know my own +mind. + +MISS BEECH. Of course you do. Nobody else would at your age, but +you do. + +DICK. I would n't ask her to promise, it would n't be fair when +she 's so young, but I do want her to know that I shall never change. + +MISS BEECH. And suppose--only suppose--she's fond of you, and says +she'll never change. + +DICK. Oh! Peachey! D' you think there's a chance of that--do you? + +MISS BEECH. A-h-h! + +DICK. I wouldn't let her bind herself, I swear I wouldn't. +[Solemnly.] I'm not such a selfish brute as you seem to think. + +MISS BEECH. [Sidling close to him and in a violent whisper.] Well-- +have a go! + +DICK. Really? You are a brick, Peachey! + + [He kisses her.] + +MISS BEACH. [Yielding pleasurably; then remembering her principles.] +Don't you ever say I said so! You're too young, both of you. + +DICK. But it is exceptional--I mean in my case, is n't it? + + [The COLONEL and MRS. GWYN are coming down the lawn.] + +MISS BEECH. Oh! very! + + [She sits beneath the tree and fans herself.] + +COLONEL. The girls are all sitting out, Dick! I've been obliged to +dance myself. Phew! + + [He mops his brow.] + + [DICK swinging round goes rushing off towards the house.] + +[Looking after him.] Hallo! What's the matter with him? Cooling +your heels, Peachey? By George! it's hot. Fancy the poor devils in +London on a night like this, what? [He sees the moon.] It's a full +moon. You're lucky to be down here, Molly. + +MRS. GWYN. [In a low voice.] Very! + +MISS BEECH. Oh! so you think she's lucky, do you? + +COLONEL. [Expanding his nostrils.] Delicious scent to-night! Hay +and roses--delicious. + + [He seats himself between them.] + +A shame that poor child has knocked up like this. Don't think it was +the sun myself--more likely neuralgic--she 's subject to neuralgia, +Molly. + +MRS. GWYN. [Motionless.] I know. + +COLONEL. Got too excited about your coming. I told Nell not to keep +worrying her about her frock, and this is the result. But your Aunt +--you know--she can't let a thing alone! + +MISS BEECH. Ah! 't isn't neuralgia. + + [MRS. GWYN looks at her quickly and averts her eyes.] + +COLONEL. Excitable little thing. You don't understand her, Peachey. + +MISS BEECH. Don't I? + +COLONEL. She's all affection. Eh, Molly? I remember what I was +like at her age, a poor affectionate little rat, and now look at me! + +MISS BEECH. [Fanning herself.] I see you. + +COLONEL. [A little sadly.] We forget what we were like when we were +young. She's been looking forward to to-night ever since you wrote; +and now to have to go to bed and miss the dancing. Too bad! + +MRS. GWYN. Don't, Uncle Tom! + +COLONEL. [Patting her hand.] There, there, old girl, don't think +about it. She'll be all right tomorrow. + +MISS BEECH. If I were her mother I'd soon have her up. + +COLONEL. Have her up with that headache! What are you talking +about, Peachey? + +MISS BEECH. I know a remedy. + +COLONEL. Well, out with it. + +MISS BEECH. Oh! Molly knows it too! + +MRS. GWYN. [Staring at the ground.] It's easy to advise. + +COLONEL. [Fidgetting.] Well, if you're thinking of morphia for her, +don't have anything to do with it. I've always set my face against +morphia; the only time I took it was in Burmah. I'd raging neuralgia +for two days. I went to our old doctor, and I made him give me some. +"Look here, doctor," I said, "I hate the idea of morphia, I 've never +taken it, and I never want to." + +MISS BEECH. [Looking at MRS. GWYN.] When a tooth hurts, you should +have it out. It 's only puttin' off the evil day. + +COLONEL. You say that because it was n't your own. + +MISS BEECH. Well, it was hollow, and you broke your principles! + +COLONEL. Hollow yourself, Peachey; you're as bad as any one! + +MISS BEECH [With devilry.] Well, I know that! [She turns to MRS. +GWYN.] He should have had it out! Shouldn't he, Molly? + +MRS. GWYN. I--don't--judge for other people. + + [She gets up suddenly, as though deprived of air.] + +COLONEL. [Alarmed.] Hallo, Molly! Are n't you feeling the thing, +old girl? + +MISS BEECH. Let her get some air, poor creature! + +COLONEL. [Who follows anxiously.] Your Aunt's got some first-rate +sal volatile. + +MRS. GWYN. It's all right, Uncle Tom. I felt giddy, it's nothing, +now. + +COLONEL. That's the dancing. [He taps his forehead.] I know what +it is when you're not used to it. + +MRS. GWYN. [With a sudden bitter outburst.] I suppose you think I +'m a very bad mother to be amusing myself while joy's suffering. + +COLONEL. My dear girl, whatever put such a thought into your head? +We all know if there were anything you could do, you'd do it at once, +would n't she, Peachey? + + [MISS BEECH turns a slow look on MRS. GWYN.] + +MRS. GWYN. Ah! you see, Peachey knows me better. + +COLONEL. [Following up his thoughts.] I always think women are +wonderful. There's your Aunt, she's very funny, but if there's +anything the matter with me, she'll sit up all night; but when she's +ill herself, and you try to do anything for her, out she raps at +once. + +MRS. GWYN. [In a low voice.] There's always one that a woman will +do anything for. + +COLONEL. Exactly what I say. With your Aunt it's me, and by George! +Molly, sometimes I wish it was n't. + +MISS BEECH, [With meaning.] But is it ever for another woman! + +COLONEL. You old cynic! D' you mean to say Joy wouldn't do anything +on earth for her Mother, or Molly for Joy? You don't know human +nature. What a wonderful night! Have n't seen such a moon for +years, she's like a great, great lamp! + + [MRS. GWYN hiding from Miss BEECH's eyes, rises and slips her + arm through his; they stand together looking at the moon.] + +Don't like these Chinese lanterns, with that moon-tawdry! eh! By +Jove, Molly, I sometimes think we humans are a rubbishy lot--each of +us talking and thinking of nothing but our own petty little affairs; +and when you see a great thing like that up there--[Sighs.] But +there's your Aunt, if I were to say a thing like that to her she 'd-- +she'd think me a lunatic; and yet, you know, she 's a very good +woman. + +MRS. GWYN. [Half clinging to him.] Do you think me very selfish, +Uncle Tom? + +COLONEL. My dear--what a fancy! Think you selfish--of course I +don't; why should I? + +MRS. GWYN. [Dully.] I don't know. + +COLONEL. [Changing the subject nervously.] I like your friend, +Lever, Molly. He came to me before dinner quite distressed about +your Aunt, beggin' me not to take those shares. She 'll be the first +to worry me, but he made such a point of it, poor chap--in the end I +was obliged to say I wouldn't. I thought it showed very' nice +feeling. [Ruefully.] It's a pretty tight fit to make two ends meet +on my income--I've missed a good thing, all owing to your Aunt. +[Dropping his voice.] I don't mind telling you, Molly, I think +they've got a much finer mine there than they've any idea of. + + [MRS. GWYN gives way to laughter that is very near to sobs.] + +[With dignity.] I can't see what there is to laugh at. + +MRS. GWYN. I don't know what's the matter with me this evening. + +MISS BEECH. [In a low voice.] I do. + +COLONEL. There, there! Give me a kiss, old girl! [He kisses her on +the brow.] Why, your forehead's as hot as fire. I know--I know-you +'re fretting about Joy. Never mind--come! [He draws her hand +beneath his arm.] Let's go and have a look at the moon on the river. +We all get upset at times; eh! [Lifting his hand as if he had been +stung.] Why, you 're not crying, Molly! I say! Don't do that, old +girl, it makes me wretched. Look here, Peachey. [Holding out the +hand on which the tear has dropped.] This is dreadful! + +MRS. GWYN. [With a violent effort.] It's all right, Uncle Tom! + + [MISS BEECH wipes her own eyes stealthily. From the house is + heard the voice of MRS. HOPE, calling "Tom."] + +MISS BEECH. Some one calling you. + +COLONEL. There, there, my dear, you just stay here, and cool +yourself--I 'll come back--shan't be a minute. [He turns to go.] + + [MRS. HOPE'S voice sounds nearer.] + +[Turning back.] And Molly, old girl, don't you mind anything I said. +I don't remember what it was--it must have been something, I suppose. + + [He hastily retreats.] + +MRS. GWYN. [In a fierce low voice.] Why do you torture me? + +MISS BEECH. [Sadly.] I don't want to torture you. + +MRS. GWYN, But you do. D' you think I haven't seen this coming--all +these weeks. I knew she must find out some time! But even a day +counts---- + +MISS BEECH. I don't understand why you brought him down here. + +MRS. GWYN. [After staring at her, bitterly.] When day after day and +night after night you've thought of nothing but how to keep them +both, you might a little want to prove that it was possible, mightn't +you? But you don't understand--how should you? You've never been a +mother! [And fiercely.] You've never had a lov---- + + [MISS BEECH raises her face-it is all puckered.] + +[Impulsively.] Oh, I did n't mean that, Peachey! + +MISS BEECH. All right, my dear. + +MRS. GWYN. I'm so dragged in two! [She sinks into a chair.] I knew +it must come. + +MISS BEECH. Does she know everything, Molly? + +MRS. GWYN. She guesses. + +MISS BEECH. [Mournfully.] It's either him or her then, my dear; one +or the other you 'll have to give up. + +MRS. GWYN. [Motionless.] Life's very hard on women! + +MISS BEECH. Life's only just beginning for that child, Molly. + +MRS. GWYN. You don't care if it ends for me! + +MISS BEECH. Is it as bad as that? + +MRS. GWYN. Yes. + +MISS BEECH. [Rocking hey body.] Poor things! Poor things! + +MRS. GWYN. Are you still fond of me? + +MISS BEECH. Yes, yes, my dear, of course I am. + +MRS. GWYN. In spite of my-wickedness? + + [She laughs.] + +MISS BEECH. Who am I to tell what's wicked and what is n't? God +knows you're both like daughters to me! + +MRS. GWYN. [Abruptly.] I can't. + +MISS BEECH. Molly. + +MRS. GWYN. You don't know what you're asking. + +MISS BEECH. If I could save you suffering, my dear, I would. I hate +suffering, if it 's only a fly, I hate it. + +MRS. GWYN. [Turning away from her.] Life is n't fair. Peachey, go +in and leave me alone. + + [She leans back motionless.] + + [Miss BEECH gets off her seat, and stroking MRS. GWYN's arm in + passing goes silently away. In the opening of the wall she + meets LEVER who is looking for his partner. They make way for + each other.] + +LEVER. [Going up to MRS. GWYN--gravely.] The next is our dance, +Molly. + +MRS. GWYN. [Unmoving.] Let's sit it out here, then. + + [LEVER sits down.] + +LEVER. I've made it all right with your Uncle. + +MRS. GWYN. [Dully.] Oh? + +LEVER. I spoke to him about the shares before dinner. + +MRS. GWYN. Yes, he told me, thank you. + +LEVER. There 's nothing to worry over, dear. + +MRS. GWYN. [Passionately.] What does it matter about the wretched +shares now? I 'm stifling. + + [She throws her scarf off.] + +LEVER. I don't understand what you mean by "now." + +MRS. GWYN. Don't you? + +LEVER. We were n't--Joy can't know--why should she? I don't believe +for a minute---- + +MRS. GWYN. Because you don't want to. + +LEVER. Do you mean she does? + +MRS. GWYN. Her heart knows. + + [LEVER makes a movement of discomfiture; suddenly MRS. GWYN + looks at him as though to read his soul.] + +I seem to bring you nothing but worry, Maurice. Are you tired of me? + +LEVER. [Meeting her eyes.] No, I am not. + +MRS. GWYN. Ah, but would you tell me if you were? + +LEVER. [Softly.] Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. + + [MRS. GWYN struggles to look at him, then covers her face with + her hands.] + +MRS. GWYN. If I were to give you up, you'd forget me in a month. + +LEVER. Why do you say such things? + +MRS. GWYN. If only I could believe I was necessary to you! + +LEVER. [Forcing the fervour of his voice.] But you are! + +MRS. GWYN. Am I? [With the ghost of a smile.] Midsummer day! + + [She gives a laugh that breaks into a sob.] + + [The music o f a waltz sounds from the house.] + +LEVER. For God's sake, don't, Molly--I don't believe in going to +meet trouble. + +MRS. GWYN. It's staring me in the face. + +LEVER. Let the future take care of itself! + + [MRS. GWYN has turned away her face, covering it with her + hands.] + +Don't, Molly! [Trying to pull her hands away.] Don't! + +MRS. GWYN. Oh! what shall I do? + + [There is a silence; the music of the waltz sounds louder from + the house.] + +[Starting up.] Listen! One can't sit it out and dance it too. +Which is it to be, Maurice, dancing--or sitting out? It must be one +or the other, must n't it? + +LEVER. Molly! Molly! + +MRS. GWYN. Ah, my dear! [Standing away from him as though to show +herself.] How long shall I keep you? This is all that 's left of +me. It 's time I joined the wallflowers. [Smiling faintly.] It's +time I played the mother, is n't it? [In a whisper.] It'll be all +sitting out then. + +LEVER. Don't! Let's go and dance, it'll do you good. + + [He puts his hands on her arms, and in a gust of passion kisses + her lips and throat.] + +MRS. GWYN. I can't give you up--I can't. Love me, oh! love me! + + [For a moment they stand so; then, with sudden remembrance of + where they are, they move apart.] + +LEVER. Are you all right now, darling? + +MRS. GWYN. [Trying to smile.] Yes, dear--quite. + +LEVER. Then let 's go, and dance. [They go.] + +[For a few seconds the hollow tree stands alone; then from the house +ROSE comes and enters it. She takes out a bottle of champagne, wipes +it, and carries it away; but seeing MRS. GWYN's scarf lying across +the chair, she fingers it, and stops, listening to the waltz. +Suddenly draping it round her shoulders, she seizes the bottle of +champagne, and waltzes with abandon to the music, as though avenging +a long starvation of her instincts. Thus dancing, she is surprised +by DICK, who has come to smoke a cigarette and think, at the spot +where he was told to "have a go." ROSE, startled, stops and hugs the +bottle.] + +DICK. It's not claret, Rose, I should n't warm it. + + [ROSE, taking off the scarf, replaces it on the chair; then with + the half-warmed bottle, she retreats. DICK, in the swing, sits + thinking of his fate. Suddenly from behind the hollow tree he + sees Joy darting forward in her day dress with her hair about + her neck, and her skirt all torn. As he springs towards her, + she turns at bay.] + +DICK. Joy! + +JOY. I want Uncle Tom. + +DICK. [In consternation.] But ought you to have got up--I thought +you were ill in bed; oughtn't you to be lying down? + +JOY. If have n't been in bed. Where's Uncle Tom? + +DICK. But where have you been?-your dress is all torn. Look! [He +touches the torn skirt.] + +JOY. [Tearing it away.] In the fields. Where's Uncle Tom? + +DICK. Are n't you really ill then? + + [Joy shakes her head.] + +DICK, [showing her the irises.] Look at these. They were the best I +could get. + +JOY. Don't! I want Uncle Tom! + +DICK. Won't you take them? + +JOY. I 've got something else to do. + +DICK. [With sudden resolution.] What do you want the Colonel for? + +JOY. I want him. + +DICK. Alone? + +JOY. Yes. + +DICK. Joy, what is the matter? + +JOY. I 've got something to tell him. + +DICK. What? [With sudden inspiration.] Is it about Lever? + +JOY. [In a low voice.] The mine. + +DICK. The mine? + +JOY. It 's not--not a proper one. + +DICK. How do you mean, Joy? + +JOY. I overheard. I don't care, I listened. I would n't if it had +been anybody else, but I hate him. + +DICK. [Gravely.] What did you hear? + +JOY. He 's keeping back something Uncle Tom ought to know. + +DICK. Are you sure? + + [Joy makes a rush to pass him.] + +[Barring the way.] No, wait a minute--you must! Was it something +that really matters?--I don't want to know what. + +JOY. Yes, it was. + +DICK. What a beastly thing--are you quite certain, Joy? + +JOY. [Between her teeth.] Yes. + +DICK. Then you must tell him, of course, even if you did overhear. +You can't stand by and see the Colonel swindled. Whom was he talking +to? + +JOY. I won't tell you. + +DICK. [Taking her wrist.] Was it was it your Mother? + + [Joy bends her head.] + +But if it was your Mother, why does n't she---- + +JOY. Let me go! + +DICK. [Still holding her.] I mean I can't see what---- + +JOY. [Passionately.] Let me go! + +DICK. [Releasing her.] I'm thinking of your Mother, Joy. She would +never---- + +JOY. [Covering her face.] That man! + +DICK. But joy, just think! There must be some mistake. It 's so +queer--it 's quite impossible! + +JOY. He won't let her. + +DICK. Won't let her--won't let her? But [Stopping dead, and in a +very different voice.] Oh! + +JOY. [Passionately.] Why d' you look at me like that? Why can't +you speak? + + [She waits for him to speak, but he does not.] + +I'm going to show what he is, so that Mother shan't speak to him +again. I can--can't I--if I tell Uncle Tom?--can't I----? + +DICK. But Joy--if your Mother knows a thing like--that---- + +JOY. She wanted to tell--she begged him--and he would n't. + +DICK. But, joy, dear, it means---- + +JOY. I hate him, I want to make her hate him, and I will. + +DICK. But, Joy, dear, don't you see--if your Mother knows a thing +like that, and does n't speak of it, it means that she--it means that +you can't make her hate him--it means----If it were anybody else-- +but, well, you can't give your own Mother away! + +JOY. How dare you! How dare you! [Turning to the hollow tree.] It +is n't true--Oh! it is n't true! + +DICK. [In deep distress.] Joy, dear, I never meant, I didn't +really! + + [He tries to pull her hands down from her face.] + +JOY. [Suddenly.] Oh! go away, go away! + + [MRS. GWYN is seen coming back. JOY springs into the tree. + DICK quickly steals away. MRS. GWYN goes up to the chair and + takes the scarf that she has come for, and is going again when + JOY steals out to her.] + +Mother! + + [MRS. GWYN stands looking at her with her teeth set on her lower + lip.] + +Oh! Mother, it is n't true? + +MRS. GWYN. [Very still.] What is n't true? + +JOY. That you and he are---- + + [Searching her Mother's face, which is deadly still. In a + whisper.] + +Then it is true. Oh! + +MRS. GWYN. That's enough, Joy! What I am is my affair--not yours-- +do you understand? + +JOY. [Low and fierce.] Yes, I do. + +MRS. GWYN. You don't. You're only a child. + +JOY. [Passionately.] I understand that you've hurt [She stops.] + +MRS. GWYN. Do you mean your Father? + +JOY. [Bowing her head.] Yes, and--and me. [She covers her face.] +I'm--I'm ashamed. + +MRS. GWYN. I brought you into the world, and you say that to me? +Have I been a bad mother to you? + +JOY. [In a smothered voice.] Oh! Mother! + +MRS. GWYN. Ashamed? Am I to live all my life like a dead woman +because you're ashamed? Am I to live like the dead because you 're a +child that knows nothing of life? Listen, Joy, you 'd better +understand this once for all. Your Father has no right over me and +he knows it. We 've been hateful to each other for years. Can you +understand that? Don't cover your face like a child--look at me. + + [Joy drops her hands, and lifts her face. MRS. GWYN looks back + at her, her lips are quivering; she goes on speaking with + stammering rapidity.] + +D' you think--because I suffered when you were born and because I 've +suffered since with every ache you ever had, that that gives you the +right to dictate to me now? [In a dead voice.] I've been unhappy +enough and I shall be unhappy enough in the time to come. [Meeting +the hard wonder in Joy's face.] Oh! you untouched things, you're as +hard and cold as iron! + +JOY. I would do anything for you, Mother. + +MRS. GWYN. Except--let me live, Joy. That's the only thing you won't +do for me, I quite understand. + +JOY. Oh! Mother, you don't understand--I want you so; and I seem to +be nothing to you now. + +MRS. GWYN. Nothing to me? [She smiles.] + +JOY. Mother, darling, if you're so unhappy let's forget it all, +let's go away and I 'll be everything to you, I promise. + +MRS. GWYN. [With the ghost of a laugh.] Ah, Joy! + +JOY. I would try so hard. + +MRS. GWYN. [With the same quivering smile.] My darling, I know you +would, until you fell in love yourself. + +JOY. Oh, Mother, I wouldn't, I never would, I swear it. + +MRS. GWYN. There has never been a woman, joy, that did not fall in +love. + +JOY. [In a despairing whisper.] But it 's wrong of you it's wicked! + +MRS. GWYN. If it's wicked, I shall pay for it, not you! + +JOY. But I want to save you, Mother! + +MRS. GWYN. Save me? [Breaking into laughter.] + +JOY. I can't bear it that you--if you 'll only--I'll never leave +you. You think I don't know what I 'm saying, but I do, because even +now I--I half love somebody. Oh, Mother! [Pressing her breast.] +I feel--I feel so awful--as if everybody knew. + +MRS. GWYN. You think I'm a monster to hurt you. Ah! yes! You'll +understand better some day. + +JOY. [In a sudden outburst of excited fear.] I won't believe it-- +I--I--can't--you're deserting me, Mother. + +MRS. GWYN. Oh, you untouched things! You---- + + [Joy' looks up suddenly, sees her face, and sinks down on her + knees.] + +JOY. Mother--it 's for me! + +GWYN. Ask for my life, JOY--don't be afraid. + + [Joy turns her face away. MRS. GWYN bends suddenly and touches + her daughter's hair; JOY shrinks from that touch.] + +[Recoiling as though she had been stung.] I forgot--I 'm deserting +you. + + [And swiftly without looking back she goes away. Joy, left alone + under the hollow tree, crouches lower, and her shoulders shake. + Here DICK finds her, when he hears no longer any sound o f + voices. He falls on his knees beside her.] + +DICK. Oh! Joy; dear, don't cry. It's so dreadful to see you! I 'd +do anything not to see you cry! Say something. + + [Joy is still for a moment, then the shaking of the shoulders + begins again.] + +Joy, darling! It's so awful, you 'll make yourself ill, and it is +n't worth it, really. I 'd do anything to save you pain--won't you +stop just for a minute? + + [Joy is still again.] + +Nothing in the world 's worth your crying, Joy. Give me just a +little look! + +JOY. [Looking; in a smothered voice.] Don't! + +DICK. You do look so sweet! Oh, Joy, I'll comfort you, I'll take it +all on myself. I know all about it. + + [Joy gives a sobbing laugh] + +I do. I 've had trouble too, I swear I have. It gets better, it +does really. + +JOY. You don't know--it's--it's---- + +DICK. Don't think about it! No, no, no! I know exactly what it's +like. [He strokes her arm.] + +JOY. [Shrinking, in a whisper.] You mustn't. + + [The music of a waltz is heard again.] + +DICK. Look here, joy! It's no good, we must talk it over calmly. + +JOY. You don't see! It's the--it 's the disgrace---- + +DICK. Oh! as to disgrace--she's your Mother, whatever she does; I'd +like to see anybody say anything about her--[viciously]--I'd punch +his head. + +JOY. [Gulping her tears.] That does n't help. + +DICK. But if she doesn't love your Father---- + +JOY. But she's married to him! + +DICK. [Hastily.] Yes, of course, I know, marriage is awfully +important; but a man understands these things. + + [Joy looks at him. Seeing the impression he has made, he tries + again.] + +I mean, he understands better than a woman. I've often argued about +moral questions with men up at Oxford. + +JOY. [Catching at a straw.] But there's nothing to argue about. + +DICK. [Hastily.] Of course, I believe in morals. + + [They stare solemnly at each other.] + +Some men don't. But I can't help seeing marriage is awfully +important. + +JOY. [Solemnly.] It's sacred. + +DICK. Yes, I know, but there must be exceptions, Joy. + +Joy. [Losing herself a little in the stress of this discussion.] +How can there be exceptions if a thing 's sacred? + +DICK. [Earnestly.] All rules have exceptions; that's true, you +know; it's a proverb. + +JOY. It can't be true about marriage--how can it when----? + +DICK. [With intense earnestness.] But look here, Joy, I know a +really clever man--an author. He says that if marriage is a failure +people ought to be perfectly free; it isn't everybody who believes +that marriage is everything. Of course, I believe it 's sacred, but +if it's a failure, I do think it seems awful--don't you? + +JOY. I don't know--yes--if--[Suddenly] But it's my own Mother! + +DICK. [Gravely.] I know, of course. I can't expect you to see it +in your own case like this. [With desperation.] But look here, Joy, +this'll show you! If a person loves a person, they have to decide, +have n't they? Well, then, you see, that 's what your Mother's done. + +JOY. But that does n't show me anything! + +DICK. But it does. The thing is to look at it as if it was n't +yourself. If it had been you and me in love, Joy, and it was wrong, +like them, of course [ruefully] I know you'd have decided right. +[Fiercely.] But I swear I should have decided wrong. +[Triumphantly.] That 's why I feel I understand your Mother. + +JOY. [Brushing her sleeve across her eyes.] Oh, Dick, you are so +sweet--and--and--funny! + +DICK. [Sliding his arm about her.] I love you, Joy, that 's why, +and I 'll love you till you don't feel it any more. I will. I'll +love you all day and every day; you shan't miss anything, I swear it. +It 's such a beautiful night--it 's on purpose. Look' [JOY looks; he +looks at her.] But it 's not so beautiful as you. + +JOY. [Bending her head.] You mustn't. I don't know--what's coming? + +DICK. [Sidling closer.] Are n't your knees tired, darling? I--I +can't get near you properly. + +JOY. [With a sob.] Oh! Dick, you are a funny--comfort! + +DICK. We'll stick together, Joy, always; nothing'll matter then. + + [They struggle to their feet-the waltz sounds louder.] + +You're missing it all! I can't bear you to miss the dancing. It +seems so queer! Couldn't we? Just a little turn? + +JOY. No, no? + +DICK. Oh! try! + + [He takes her gently by the waist, she shrinks back.] + +JOY. [Brokenly.] No-no! Oh! Dick-to-morrow 'll be so awful. + +DICK. To-morrow shan't hurt you, Joy; nothing shall ever hurt you +again. + + [She looks at him, and her face changes; suddenly she buries it + against his shoulder.] + +[They stand so just a moment in the moon light; then turning to the +river move slowly out of sight. Again the hollow tree is left alone. +The music of the waltz has stopped. The voices of MISS BEECH and the +COLONEL are heard approaching from the house. They appear in the +opening of the wall. The COLONEL carries a pair of field glasses +with which to look at the Moon.] + +COLONEL. Charming to see Molly dance with Lever, their steps go so +well together! I can always tell when a woman's enjoying herself, +Peachey. + +MISS BEECH. [Sharply.] Can you? You're very clever. + +COLONEL. Wonderful, that moon! I'm going to have a look at her! +Splendid glasses these, Peachy [he screws them out], not a better +pair in England. I remember in Burmah with these glasses I used to +be able to tell a man from a woman at two miles and a quarter. And +that's no joke, I can tell you. [But on his way to the moon, he has +taken a survey of the earth to the right along the river. In a low +but excited voice] I say, I say--is it one of the maids--the +baggage! Why! It's Dick! By George, she's got her hair down, +Peachey! It's Joy! + + [MISS BEECH goes to look. He makes as though to hand the + glasses to her, but puts them to his own eyes instead-- + excitedly.] + +It is! What about her headache? By George, they're kissing. I say, +Peachey! I shall have to tell Nell! + +MISS BEECH. Are you sure they're kissing? Well, that's some +comfort. + +COLONEL. They're at the stile now. Oughtn't I to stop them, eh? +[He stands on tiptoe.] We must n't spy on them, dash it all. [He +drops the glasses.] They're out of sight now. + +MISS BEECH. [To herself.] He said he wouldn't let her. + +COLONEL. What! have you been encouraging them! + +MISS BEECH. Don't be in such a hurry! + + [She moves towards the hollow tree.] + +COLONEL. [Abstractedly.] By George, Peachey, to think that Nell and +I were once--Poor Nell! I remember just such a night as this-- + + [He stops, and stares before him, sighing.] + +MISS BEECH, [Impressively.] It's a comfort she's got that good young +man. She's found out that her mother and this Mr. Lever are--you +know. + +COLONEL. [Losing all traces of his fussiness, and drawing himself up +as though he were on parade.] You tell me that my niece? + +MISS BEECH. Out of her own mouth! + +COLONEL. [Bowing his head.] I never would have believed she'd have +forgotten herself. + +MISS BEECH. [Very solemnly.] Ah, my dear! We're all the same; +we're all as hollow as that tree! When it's ourselves it's always a +special case! + + [The COLONEL makes a movement of distress, and Miss BEECH goes + to him.] + +Don't you take it so to heart, my dear! + + [A silence.] + +COLONEL. [Shaking his head.] I couldn't have believed Molly would +forget that child. + +MISS BEECH. [Sadly.] They must go their own ways, poor things! She +can't put herself in the child's place, and the child can't put +herself in Molly's. A woman and a girl--there's the tree of life +between them! + +COLONEL. [Staring into the tree to see indeed if that were the tree +alluded to.] It's a grief to me, Peachey, it's a grief! [He sinks +into a chair, stroking his long moustaches. Then to avenge his +hurt.] Shan't tell Nell--dashed if I do anything to make the trouble +worse! + +MISS BEECH. [Nodding.] There's suffering enough, without adding to +it with our trumpery judgments! If only things would last between +them! + +COLONEL. [Fiercely.] Last! By George, they'd better---- + + [He stops, and looking up with a queer sorry look.] + +I say, Peachey Life's very funny! + +MISS BEECH. Men and women are! [Touching his forehead tenderly.] +There, there--take care of your poor, dear head! Tsst! The blessed +innocents! + + [She pulls the COLONEL'S sleeve. They slip away towards the + house, as JOY and DICK come back. They are still linked + together, and stop by the hollow tree.] + +JOY. [In a whisper.] Dick, is love always like this? + +DICK. [Putting his arms around her, with conviction.] It's never +been like this before. It's you and me! + + [He kisses her on the lips.] + + + + The curtain falls. + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Joy (First Series Plays), by John Galsworthy + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOY (FIRST SERIES PLAYS) *** + +***** This file should be named 2907.txt or 2907.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/0/2907/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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