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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man
+of Honor, by William Somerset Maugham
+
+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: Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honor
+
+Author: William Somerset Maugham
+
+Release Date: November 9, 2011 [EBook #37962]
+[Last updated: October 21, 2021]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLAYS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images available at The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+_LADY FREDERICK_
+
+_HEINEMANN'S MODERN PLAYS_
+
+16mo. Each price is 6d paper, or 2s 6d cloth
+
+By the same Author
+
+
+_A MAN OF HONOUR_
+
+_JACK STRAW_
+
+_THE PLAYS OF SIR ARTHUR W. PINERO_
+Complete Edition Twenty-three Volumes
+
+_PLAYS OF HUBERT HENRY DAVIES_
+Two Volumes
+
+_PLAYS OF C. HADDON CHAMBERS_
+Two Volumes
+
+_THE PLAYS OF W. E. HENLEY AND R. L. STEVENSON_
+Four Volumes
+Also in One Volume, crown 8vo, buckram, Price 6s
+
+_THE COLLECTED WORKS OF HENRIK IBSEN_
+Copyright Edition entirely revised by
+WILLIAM ARCHER
+
+Complete in Eleven Volumes, crown 8vo, Price 4s each.
+
+_LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN_
+
+_21 Bedford St., W.C._
+
+
+
+
+_LADY FREDERICK_
+
+
+_A COMEDY_
+
+_In Three Acts_
+
+_BY W. S. MAUGHAM_
+
+_LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN_
+
+_MCMXII_
+
+_Copyright: London William Heinemann 1912_
+
+This play was produced at the Court Theatre on Saturday, October 26,
+1907, with the following cast:
+
+    LADY FREDERICK BEROLLES            ETHEL IRVING
+    SIR GERALD O'MARA                  EDMUND BREON
+    MR. PARADINE FOULDES                C. M. LOWNE
+    MARCHIONESS OF MERESTON             BERYL FABER
+    MARQUESS OF MERESTON            W. GRAHAM BROWN
+    CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE          ARTHUR HOLMES-GORE
+    ADMIRAL CARLISLE                   E. W. GARDEN
+    ROSE                             BEATRICE TERRY
+    LADY FREDERICK'S DRESSMAKER       FLORENCE WOOD
+    LADY FREDERICK'S FOOTMAN          CLAUDE VERNON
+    LADY FREDERICK'S MAID                 INA PELLY
+    THOMPSON                          REGINALD EYRE
+    A WAITER                      HEATH J. HAVILAND
+
+
+
+
+_LADY FREDERICK_
+
+
+_CHARACTERS_
+
+LADY FREDERICK BEROLLES
+
+SIR GERALD O'MARA
+
+MR. PARADINE FOULDES
+
+MARCHIONESS OF MERESTON
+
+MARQUESS OF MERESTON
+
+ADMIRAL CARLISLE
+
+ROSE
+
+LADY FREDERICK'S DRESSMAKER
+
+LADY FREDERICK'S FOOTMAN
+
+LADY FREDERICK'S MAID
+
+THOMPSON
+
+A WAITER AT THE HOTEL SPLENDIDE
+
+TIME: _The Present Day_
+
+ACTS I and II--_Drawing-room at the Hotel Splendide, Monte Carlo._
+
+ACT III--_Lady Frederick's Dressing-Room._
+
+
+     _The Performing Rights of this play are fully protected, and
+     permission to perform it, whether by Amateurs or Professionals,
+     must be obtained in advance from the author's Sole Agent, R.
+     Golding Bright, 20 Green Street, Leicester Square, London, W.C.,
+     from whom all particulars can be obtained._
+
+
+
+
+LADY FREDERICK
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST ACT
+
+
+     SCENE: _Drawing-room of the Hotel Splendide at Monte Carlo. A
+     large, handsomely furnished room, with doors right and left, and
+     French windows at the back leading to a terrace. Through these is
+     seen the starry southern night. On one side is a piano, on the
+     other a table with papers neatly laid out on it. There is a lighted
+     stove._
+
+     LADY MERESTON, _in evening dress, rather magnificently attired, is
+     reading the papers. She is a handsome woman of forty. She puts down
+     the paper impatiently and rings the bell. A servant answers. He has
+     a French accent._
+
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Did Mr. Paradine Fouldes come this evening?
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Is he in the hotel now?
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Will you send some one up to his room to say I'm waiting to see him?
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Pardon, miladi, but the gentleman say 'e was on no account to be
+disturbed.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Nonsense. Mr. Fouldes is my brother. You must go to him immediately.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Mr. Fouldes his valet is in the 'all. Will your ladyship speak with him?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Mr. Fouldes is more difficult to see than a cabinet minister. Send his
+servant to me.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Very good, miladi.
+
+[_Exit Servant, and presently_ THOMPSON, Mr. Fouldes' _man, comes in_.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Your ladyship wished to see me.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Good evening, Thompson. I hope you had a comfortable journey.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Yes, my lady. Mr. Fouldes always has a comfortable journey.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Was the sea calm when you crossed?
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Yes, my lady. Mr. Fouldes would look upon it as a great liberty if the
+sea was not calm.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Will you tell Mr. Fouldes that I should like to see him at once?
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+[_Looking at his watch._] Excuse me, my lady, but Mr. Fouldes said no
+one was to disturb him till ten o'clock. It's more than my place is
+worth to go to him at five minutes to.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+But what on earth's he doing?
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+I don't know at all, my lady.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+How long have you been with Mr. Fouldes?
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Twenty-five years, my lady.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I should have thought you knew how he spent every minute of his day.
+
+[PARADINE _comes in. He is a very well-dressed man of forty-odd.
+Self-possessed, worldly, urbane. He is never at a loss or put out of
+countenance. He overhears_ LADY MERESTON'S _last words_.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+When I engaged Thompson I told him the first thing he must learn was the
+very difficult feat of keeping his eyes open and shut at one and the
+same time.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+My dear Paradine, I've been waiting to see you for the last two hours.
+How tiresome you are.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You may give me a kiss, Maud, but don't be rough.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Kissing his cheek._] You ridiculous creature. You really might have
+come to see me at once.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear, you cannot grudge me a little repose after a long and tedious
+journey. I had to repair the ravages to my person caused by twenty-seven
+hours in the train.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Don't be so absurd. I'm sure your person is never ravished.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Ravaged, my dear, ravaged. I should look upon it as an affectation at my
+age if I were not a little upset by the journey from London to Monte
+Carlo.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I'll be bound you ate a very hearty dinner.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Thompson, did I eat any dinner at all?
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+[_Stolidly._] Soup, sir.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I remember looking at it.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Fish, sir.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I trifled with a fried sole.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Bouchées à la Reine, sir.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+They have left absolutely no impression upon me.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Tournedos à la Splendide.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+They were distinctly tough, Thompson. You must lodge a complaint in the
+proper quarter.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Roast pheasant, sir.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Yes, yes, now you mention it, I do remember the pheasant.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Chocolate ice, sir.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It was too cold, Thompson. It was distinctly too cold.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+My dear Paradine, I think you dined uncommonly well.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I have reached an age when love, ambition and wealth pale into
+insignificance beside a really well-grilled steak. That'll do, Thompson.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Very well, sir.
+
+            [_He goes out._
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+It's too bad of you, Paradine, to devour a substantial meal when I'm
+eating out my very heart with anxiety.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It seems to agree with you very well. I've not seen you look better for
+years.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+For heaven's sake be serious and listen to me.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I started immediately I got your telegram. Pray tell me what I can do
+for you?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+My dear Paradine, Charlie's head over ears in love.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It's not altogether an unexpected condition for a young man of
+twenty-two. If the lady's respectable, marry him and resign yourself to
+being a dowager. If she's not, give her five hundred pounds and pack her
+off to Paris or London or wherever else she habitually practises her
+arts and graces.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I wish I could. But who d'you think it is?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear, there's nothing I detest more than riddles. I can imagine quite
+a number of fair ladies who would look without disdain upon a young
+marquess with fifty thousand a year.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Lady Frederick Berolles.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By Jupiter!
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+She's fifteen years older than he is.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Then she's not old enough to be his mother, which is a distinct
+advantage.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+She dyes her hair.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+She dyes it uncommonly well.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+She paints.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Much better than a Royal Academician.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+And poor Charlie's simply infatuated. He rides with her all the morning,
+motors with her all the afternoon, and gambles with her half the night.
+I never see him.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But why should you think Lady Frederick cares two straws for him?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Don't be ridiculous, Paradine. Every one knows she hasn't a penny, and
+she's crippled with debts.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+One has to keep up appearances in this world. Life nowadays for the
+woman of fashion is a dilemma of which one horn is the Bankruptcy Court
+and the other--dear Sir Francis Jeune.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I wish I knew how she manages to dress so beautifully. It's one of the
+injustices of fate that clothes only hang on a woman really well when
+she's lost every shred of reputation.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear, you must console yourself with the thought that she'll probably
+frizzle for it hereafter.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I hope I'm not wicked, Paradine, but to wear draperies and wings in the
+next world offers me no compensation for looking dowdy in a Paquin gown
+in this.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I surmised she was on the verge of bankruptcy when I heard she'd bought
+a new motor. And you seriously think Charlie wants to marry her?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I'm sure of it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And what d'you want me to do?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Good heavens, I want you to prevent it. After all he has a magnificent
+position; he's got every chance of making a career for himself. There's
+no reason why he shouldn't be Prime Minister--it's not fair to the boy
+to let him marry a woman like that.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Of course you know Lady Frederick?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+My dear Paradine, we're the greatest friends. You don't suppose I'm
+going to give her the advantage of quarrelling with me. I think I shall
+ask her to luncheon to meet you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Women have such an advantage over men in affairs of this sort. They're
+troubled by no scruples, and, like George Washington, never hesitate to
+lie.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I look upon her as an abandoned creature, and I tell you frankly I shall
+stop at nothing to save my son from her clutches.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Only a thoroughly good woman could so calmly announce her intention of
+using the crookedest ways to gain her ends.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Looking at him._] There must be some incident in her career which she
+wouldn't like raked up. If we could only get hold of that....
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Blandly._] How d'you imagine I can help you?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+A reformed burglar is always the best detective.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear, I wish you could be frank without being sententious.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You've run through two fortunes, and if we all got our deserts you would
+be starving now instead of being richer than ever.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My second cousins have a knack of dying at the psychological moment.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You've been a horrid, dissipated wretch all your life, and heaven knows
+the disreputable people who've been your bosom friends.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+With my knowledge of the world and your entire lack of scruple we should
+certainly be a match for one defenceless woman.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Looking at him sharply._] Common report says that at one time you were
+very much in love with her.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Common report is an ass whose long ears only catch its own braying.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I was wondering how far things went. If you could tell Charlie of the
+relations between you....
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My good Maud, there were no relations--unfortunately.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Poor George was very uneasy about you at the time.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Your deceased husband, being a strictly religious man, made a point of
+believing the worst about his neighbours.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Don't, Paradine; I know you didn't like one another, but remember that I
+loved him with all my heart. I shall never get over his death.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear girl, you know I didn't mean to wound you.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+After all, it was largely your fault. He was deeply religious, and as
+the president of the Broad Church Union he couldn't countenance your
+mode of life.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_With great unction._] Thank God in my day I've been a miserable
+sinner!
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Laughing._] You're quite incurable, Paradine. But you will help me
+now. Since his father's death, the boy and I have lived a very retired
+life, and now we're quite helpless. It would break my heart if Charlie
+married that woman.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'll do my best. I think I can promise you that nothing will come of it.
+
+     [_The door is flung open, and_ LADY FREDERICK _enters, followed by_
+     MERESTON, _a young boyish man of twenty-two; by her brother_, SIR
+     GERALD O'MARA, _a handsome fellow of six-and-twenty; by_ CAPTAIN
+     MONTGOMERIE, ADMIRAL CARLISLE, _and_ ROSE, _his daughter_. LADY
+     FREDERICK _is a handsome Irish woman of thirty to thirty-five,
+     beautifully dressed. She is very vivacious, and light-hearted. She
+     has all the Irish recklessness and unconcern for the morrow.
+     Whenever she wants to get round anybody she falls into an Irish
+     brogue, and then, as she knows very well, she is quite
+     irresistible._ CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _is a polished, well-groomed man
+     of thirty-five, with suave manners_. THE ADMIRAL _is bluff and
+     downright_. ROSE _is a pretty ingénue of nineteen_.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Here they are.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Enthusiastically going to him with open arms._] Paradine! Paradine!
+Paradine!
+
+MERERSTON.
+
+Oh, my prophetic soul, mine uncle!
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Shaking hands with_ LADY FREDERICK.] I heard you were at the Casino.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Charlie lost all his money, so I brought him away.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I wish you wouldn't gamble, Charlie dear.
+
+MERERSTON.
+
+My dear mother, I've only lost ten thousand francs.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_To_ PARADINE FOULDES.] I see you're in your usual robust health.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You needn't throw it in my face. I shall probably be very unwell
+to-morrow.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+D'you know Admiral Carlisle? This is my brother Gerald.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Shaking hands._] How d'you do?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Introducing._] Captain Montgomerie.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I think we've met before.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'm very pleased to hear it. How d'you do. [_To_ MERERSTON.] Are you
+having a good time in Monte Carlo, Charles?
+
+MERERSTON.
+
+A 1, thanks.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And what do you do with yourself?
+
+MERERSTON.
+
+Oh, hang about generally, you know--and there's always the tables.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+That's right, my boy; I'm glad to see that you prepare yourself properly
+for your duties as a hereditary legislator.
+
+MERERSTON.
+
+[_Laughing._] Oh, shut it, Uncle Paradine.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I rejoice also to find that you have already a certain command of the
+vernacular.
+
+MERERSTON.
+
+Well, if you can browbeat a London cabby and hold your own in repartee
+with a barmaid, it oughtn't to be difficult to get on all right in the
+House of Lords.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But let me give you a solemn warning. You have a magnificent chance,
+dear boy, with all the advantages of wealth and station. I beseech you
+not to throw it away by any exhibition of talent. The field is clear and
+the British people are waiting for a leader. But remember that the
+British people like their leaders dull. Capacity they mistrust,
+versatility they cannot bear, and wit they utterly abhor. Look at the
+fate of poor Lord Parnaby. His urbanity gained him the premiership, but
+his brilliancy overthrew him. How could the fortunes of the nation be
+safe with a man whose speeches were pointed and sparkling, whose mind
+was so quick, so agile, that it reminded you of a fencer's play? Every
+one is agreed that Lord Parnaby is flippant and unsubstantial; we doubt
+his principles and we have grave fears about his morality. Take warning,
+my dear boy, take warning. Let the sprightly epigram never lighten the
+long periods of your speech nor the Attic salt flavour the roast beef of
+your conversation. Be careful that your metaphors show no imagination
+and conceal your brains as you would a discreditable secret. Above all,
+if you have a sense of humour, crush it. Crush it.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+My dear uncle, you move me very much. I will be as stupid as an owl.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+There's a good, brave boy.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I will be heavy and tedious.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I see already the riband of the Garter adorning your shirt-front.
+Remember, there's no damned merit about that.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+None shall listen to my speeches without falling into a profound sleep.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Seizing his hand._] The premiership itself is within your grasp.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Dear Paradine, let us take a stroll on the terrace before we go to bed.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And you shall softly whisper all the latest scandal in my ear.
+
+            [_He puts on her cloak and they go out._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+May I speak to you, Admiral?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Certainly, certainly. What can I do for you?
+
+            [_While_ LADY FREDERICK _and the_ ADMIRAL _talk,
+            the others go slowly out. Through the
+            conversation she uses her Irish brogue._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Are you in a good temper?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Fairly, fairly.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm glad of that because I want to make you a proposal of marriage.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+My dear Lady Frederick, you take me entirely by surprise.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] Not on my own behalf, you know.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Oh, I see.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+The fact is, my brother Gerald has asked your daughter to marry him, and
+she has accepted.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Rose is a minx, Lady Frederick, and she's much too young to marry.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now don't fly into a passion. We're going to talk it over quite calmly.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I tell you I won't hear of it. The boy's penniless.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That's why it's so lucky you're rich.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Eh?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You've been talking of buying a place in Ireland. You couldn't want
+anything nicer than Gerald's--gravel soil, you know. And you simply dote
+on Elizabethan architecture.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I can't bear it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+How fortunate, then, that the house was burnt down in the eighteenth
+century and rebuilt in the best Georgian style.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Ugh.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And you'd love to have little grandsons to dandle on your knee.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+How do I know they wouldn't be girls?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, it's most unusual in our family.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I tell you I won't hear of it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You know, it's not bad to have the oldest baronetcy in the country but
+one.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I suppose I shall have to pack Rose off to England.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And break her heart?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Women's hearts are like old china, none the worse for a break or two.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Did you ever know my husband, Admiral?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I was married to him at seventeen because my mother thought it a good
+match, and I was desperately in love with another man. Before we'd been
+married a fortnight he came home blind drunk, and I had never seen a
+drunken man before. Then I found out he was a confirmed tippler. I was
+so ashamed. If you only knew what my life was for the ten years I lived
+with him. I've done a lot of foolish things in my time, but, my God, I
+have suffered.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Yes, I know, I know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And believe me, when two young things love one another it's better to
+let them marry. Love is so very rare in this world. One really ought to
+make the most of it when it's there.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I'm very sorry, but I've made up my mind.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Ah, but won't you alter it--like Nelson. Don't be hard on Rose. She's
+really in love with Gerald. Do give them a chance. Won't you? Ah,
+do--there's a dear.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I don't want to hurt your feelings, but Sir Gerald is about the most
+ineligible young man that I've ever come across.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Triumphantly._] There, I knew we should agree. That's precisely what I
+told him this morning.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I understand his place is heavily mortgaged.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No one will lend a penny more on it. If they would Gerald would borrow
+it at once.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+He's got nothing but his pay to live upon.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And his tastes are very extravagant.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+He's a gambler.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Yes, but then he's so good looking.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Eh?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm glad that we agree so entirely about him. Now there's nothing left
+but to call the young things in, join their hands and give them our
+united blessing.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Before I consent to this marriage, madam, I'll see your brother----
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Damned?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Yes, madam, damned.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now listen to me quietly, will you?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I should warn you, Lady Frederick, that when I once make up my mind
+about a thing, I never change it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now that is what I really admire. I like a man of character. You know,
+I've always been impressed by your strength and determination.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I don't know about that. But when I say a thing, I do it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Yes, I know. And in five minutes you're going to say that Gerald may
+marry your pretty Rose.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+No, no, no.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now look here, don't be obstinate, I don't like you when you're
+obstinate.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I'm not obstinate. I'm firm.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+After all, Gerald has lots of good qualities. He's simply devoted to
+your daughter. He's been a little wild, but you know you wouldn't give
+much for a young man who hadn't.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+[_Gruffly._] I don't want a milksop for a son-in-law.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+As soon as he's married, he'll settle into a model country squire.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Well, he's a gambler, and I can't get over that.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Shall he promise you never to play cards again? Now, don't be horrid.
+You don't want to make me utterly wretched, do you?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+[_Unwillingly._] Well, I'll tell you what I'll do--they shall marry if
+he doesn't gamble for a year.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, you duck. [_She impulsively throws her arms round his neck and
+kisses him. He is a good deal taken aback._] I beg your pardon, I
+couldn't help it.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I don't altogether object, you know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Upon my word, in some ways you're rather fascinating.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+D'you think so, really?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I do indeed.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I rather wish that proposal of marriage had been on your own behalf.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Ah, with me, dear Admiral, experience triumphs over hope. I must tell
+the children. [_Calling._] Gerald, come here. Rose.
+
+            [GERALD _and_ ROSE _come in_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I always knew your father was a perfect darling, Rose.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Oh, papa, you are a brick.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I thoroughly disapprove of the marriage, my dear, but--it's not easy to
+say no to Lady Frederick.
+
+GERALD.
+
+It's awfully good of you, Admiral, and I'll do my best to make Rose a
+ripping husband.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Not so fast, young man, not so fast. There's a condition.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Oh, father!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Gerald is to behave himself for a year, and then you may marry.
+
+ROSE.
+
+But won't Gerald grow very dull if he behaves himself?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I have no doubt of it. But dullness is the first requisite of a good
+husband.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Now you must pack off to bed, my dear. I'm going to smoke my pipe before
+turning in.
+
+ROSE.
+
+[_Kissing_ LADY FREDERICK.] Good-night, dearest. I'll never forget your
+kindness.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You'd better not thank me till you've been married a few years.
+
+ROSE.
+
+[_Holding out her hand to_ GERALD.] Good-night.
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Taking it and looking at her._] Good-night.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+[_Gruffly._] You may as well do it in front of my face as behind my
+back.
+
+ROSE.
+
+[_Lifting up her lips._] Good-night.
+
+[_He kisses her, and the_ ADMIRAL _and_ ROSE _go out._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh lord, I wish I were eighteen.
+
+[_She sinks into a chair, and an expression of utter weariness comes
+over her face._
+
+GERALD.
+
+I say, what's up?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Starting._] I thought you'd gone. Nothing.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Come, out with it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, my poor boy, if you only knew. I'm so worried that I don't know what
+on earth to do.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Money?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Last year I made a solemn determination to be economical. And it's
+ruined me.
+
+GERALD.
+
+My dear, how could it?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I can't make it out. It seems very unfair. The more I tried not to be
+extravagant, the more I spent.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Can't you borrow?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] I have borrowed. That's just it.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Well, borrow again.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I've tried to. But no one's such a fool as to lend me a penny.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Did you say I'd sign anything they liked?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I was so desperate I said we'd both sign anything. It was Dick Cohen.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Oh lord, what did he say?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Imitating a Jewish accent._] What's the good of wathting a nithe clean
+sheet of paper, my dear lady?
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Shouting with laughter._] By George, don't I know it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+For heaven's sake don't let's talk of my affairs. They're in such a
+state that if I think of them at all I shall have a violent fit of
+hysterics.
+
+GERALD.
+
+But look here, what d'you really mean?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, if you want it--I owe my dressmaker seven hundred pounds, and last
+year I signed two horrid bills, one for fifteen hundred and the other
+for two thousand. They fall due the day after to-morrow, and if I can't
+raise the money I shall have to go through the Bankruptcy Court.
+
+GERALD.
+
+By George, that's serious.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's so serious that I can't help thinking something will happen.
+Whenever I've got in a really tight fix something has turned up and put
+me on my legs again. Last time, Aunt Elizabeth had an apoplectic fit.
+But of course it wasn't really very profitable because mourning is so
+desperately expensive.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Why don't you marry?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, my dear Gerald, you know I'm always unlucky at games of chance.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Charlie Mereston's awfully gone on you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That must be obvious to the meanest intelligence.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Well, why don't you have him?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Good heavens, I'm old enough to be his mother.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Nonsense. You're only ten years older than he is, and nowadays no nice
+young man marries a woman younger than himself.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+He's such a good fellow. I couldn't do him a nasty turn like that.
+
+GERALD.
+
+How about Montgomerie? He simply stinks of money, and he's not a bad
+sort.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Surprised._] My dear boy, I hardly know him.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Well, I'm afraid it means marriage or bankruptcy.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Here's Charlie. Take him away, there's a dear. I want to talk to
+Paradine.
+
+            _Enter_ PARADINE FOULDES _with_ MERESTON.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+What, still here, Lady Frederick?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+As large as life.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+We've been taking a turn on the terrace.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_To_ MERESTON.] And has your astute uncle been pumping you, Charlie?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Eh, what?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I don't think he got much out of me.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Good-naturedly._] All I wanted, dear boy. There's no one so
+transparent as the person who thinks he's devilish deep. By the way,
+what's the time?
+
+GERALD.
+
+About eleven, isn't it?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Ah! How old are you, Charlie?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Twenty-two.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Then it's high time you went to bed.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Charlie's not going to bed till I tell him. Are you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Of course not.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Has it escaped your acute intelligence, my friend, that I want to talk
+to Lady Frederick?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Not at all. But I have no reason to believe that Lady Frederick wants to
+talk to you.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Let's go and have a game of pills, Charlie.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+D'you want to be left alone with the old villain?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You show no respect for my dyed hairs, young man.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I've not seen him for years, you know.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Oh, all right. I say, you're coming for a ride to-morrow, aren't you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Certainly. But it must be in the afternoon.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'm sorry, but Charles has arranged to motor me over to Nice in the
+afternoon.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_To_ LADY FREDERICK.] That'll suit me A 1. I had an engagement, but it
+was quite unimportant.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then that's settled. Good-night.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Good-night.
+
+            [_He goes out with_ GERALD. LADY FREDERICK
+            _turns and good-humouredly scrutinises_
+            Paradine FOULDES.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You wear excellently, Paradine.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Thanks.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+How do you manage it?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By getting up late and never going to bed early, by eating whatever I
+like and drinking whenever I'm thirsty, by smoking strong cigars, taking
+no exercise, and refusing under any circumstances to be bored.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm sorry you had to leave town in such a hurry. Were you amusing
+yourself?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I come to the Riviera every year.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I daresay, but not so early.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I've never surrendered so far to middle age as to make habits.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear Paradine, the day before yesterday, Lady Mereston, quite
+distracted, went to the post office and sent you the following wire:
+"Come at once, your help urgently needed. Charlie in toils designing
+female, Maud." Am I right?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I never admit even to myself that a well-dressed woman is mistaken.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+So you started post-haste, bent upon protecting your nephew, and were
+infinitely surprised to learn that the designing female was no other
+than your humble servant.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You'd be irresistible, Lady Frederick, if you didn't know you were so
+clever.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And now what are you going to do?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear lady, I'm not a police officer, but a very harmless, inoffensive
+old bachelor.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+With more wiles than the mother of many daughters and the subtlety of a
+company promoter.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Maud seems to think that as I've racketted about a little in my time,
+I'm just the sort of man to deal with you. Set a thief to catch a thief,
+don't you know? She's rather fond of proverbs.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+She should have thought rather of: When Greek meets Greek, then comes
+the tug of war. I hear Lady Mereston has been saying the most agreeable
+things about me.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Ah, that's women's fault; they always show their hand. You're the only
+woman I ever knew who didn't.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a brogue._] You should have avoided the Blarney Stone when you
+went to Ireland.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Look here, d'you want to marry Charlie?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why should I?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Because he's got fifty thousand a year, and you're head over ears in
+debt. You've got to raise something like four thousand pounds at once,
+or you go under. You've got yourself a good deal talked about during the
+last ten years, but people have stood you because you had plenty of
+money. If you go broke they'll drop you like a hot potato. And I daresay
+it wouldn't be inconvenient to change Lady Frederick Berolles into Lady
+Mereston. My sister has always led me to believe that it is rather
+attractive to be a Marchioness.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Unlike a duchess, its cheap without being gaudy.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You asked me why you might want to marry a boy from ten to fifteen years
+younger than yourself, and I've told you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And now perhaps you'll tell me why you're going to interfere in my
+private concerns?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, you see his mother happens to be my sister, and I'm rather fond of
+her. It's true her husband was the most sanctimonious prig I've ever met
+in my life.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I remember him well. He was president of the Broad Church Union and wore
+side-whiskers.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But she stuck to me through thick and thin. I've been in some pretty
+tight places in my day, and she's always given me a leg up when I wanted
+it. I've got an idea it would just about break her heart if Charlie
+married you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Thanks.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You know, I don't want to be offensive, but I think it would be a pity
+myself. And besides, unless I'm much mistaken, I've got a little score
+of my own that I want to pay off.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Have you?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You've got a good enough memory not to have forgotten that you made a
+blithering fool of me once. I swore I'd get even with you, and by
+George, I mean to do it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] And how do you propose to stop me if I make up my mind
+that I'm going to accept Charlie?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, he's not proposed yet, has he?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not yet, but I've had to use every trick and device I can think of to
+prevent him.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Look here, I'm going to play this game with my cards on the table.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then I shall be on my guard. You're never so dangerous as when you
+pretend to be frank.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'm sorry you should think so badly of me.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't. Only it was a stroke of genius when Nature put the soul of a
+Jesuit priest into the body of a Yorkshire squire.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I wonder what you're paying me compliments for. You must be rather
+afraid of me.
+
+            [_They look at one another for a moment._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, let's look at these cards.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+First of all, there's this money you've got to raise.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+This is my sister's suggestion.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That means you don't much like it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+If you'll refuse the boy and clear out--we'll give you forty thousand
+pounds.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I suppose you'd be rather surprised if I boxed your ears.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Now, look here, between you and me high falutin's rather absurd, don't
+you think so? You're in desperate want of money, and I don't suppose it
+would amuse you much to have a young hobbledehoy hanging about your
+skirts for the rest of your life.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Very well, we'll have no high falutin! You may tell Lady Mereston that
+if I really wanted the money I shouldn't be such an idiot as to take
+forty thousand down when I can have fifty thousand a year for the
+asking.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I told her that.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You showed great perspicacity. Now for the second card.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear, it's no good getting into a paddy over it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I've never been calmer in my life.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You always had the very deuce of a temper. I suppose you've not given
+Charlie a sample of it yet, have you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] Not yet.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, the second card's your reputation.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But I haven't got any. I thought that such an advantage.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You see Charlie is a young fool. He thinks you a paragon of all the
+virtues, and it's never occurred to him that you've rather gone the pace
+in your time.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's one of my greatest consolations to think that even a hundred
+horse-power racing motor couldn't be more rapid than I've been.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Still it'll be rather a shock to Charlie when he hears that this modest
+flower whom he trembles to adore has....
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Very nearly eloped with his own uncle. But you won't tell him that story
+because you hate looking a perfect ass.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Madam, when duty calls, Paradine Fouldes consents even to look
+ridiculous. But I was thinking of the Bellingham affair.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Ah, of course, there's the Bellingham affair. I'd forgotten it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Nasty little business that, eh?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Horrid.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Don't you think it would choke him off?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I think it very probable.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, hadn't you better cave in?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Ringing the bell._] Ah, but you've not seen my cards yet. [_A servant
+enters._] Tell my servant to bring down the despatch-box which is on my
+writing-table.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_Exit._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+What's up now?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, four or five years ago I was staying at this hotel, and Mimi la
+Bretonne had rooms here.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I never heard of the lady, but her name suggests that she had an
+affectionate nature.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+She was a little singer at the Folies Bergères, and she had the
+loveliest emeralds I ever saw.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But you don't know Maud's.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+The late Lord Mereston had a passion for emeralds. He always thought
+they were such pure stones.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Quickly._] I beg your pardon?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, Mimi fell desperately ill, and there was no one to look after her.
+Of course the pious English ladies in the hotel wouldn't go within a
+mile of her, so I went and did the usual thing, don't you know.
+
+            [LADY FREDERICK'S _man comes in with a small
+            despatch-box which he places on a table. He
+            goes out._ LADY FREDERICK _as she talks,
+            unlocks it_.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Thank God I'm a bachelor, and no ministering angel ever smoothes my
+pillow when I particularly want to be left alone.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I nursed her more or less through the whole illness, and afterwards she
+fancied she owed me her worthless little life. She wanted to give me the
+precious emeralds, and when I refused was so heart-broken that I said
+I'd take one thing if I might.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And what was that?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+A bundle of letters. I'd seen the address on the back of the envelope,
+and then I recognised the writing. I thought they'd be much safer in my
+hands than in hers. [_She takes them out of the box and hands them to_
+PARADINE.] Here they are.
+
+            [_He looks and starts violently._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+89 Grosvenor Square. It's Mereston's writing. You don't mean? What! Ah,
+ah, ah. [_He bursts into a shout of laughter._] The old sinner. And
+Mereston wouldn't have me in the house, if you please, because I was a
+dissolute libertine. And he was the president of the Broad Church Union.
+Good Lord, how often have I heard him say: "Gentlemen, I take my stand
+on the morality, the cleanliness and the purity of English Family Life."
+Oh, oh, oh.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I've often noticed that the religious temperament is very susceptible to
+the charms of my sex.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+May I look?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, I don't know. I suppose so.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Reading._] "Heart's delight".... And he signs himself, "your darling
+chickabiddy." The old ruffian.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+She was a very pretty little thing.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I daresay, but thank heaven, I have some sense of decency left, and it
+outrages all my susceptibilities that a man in side-whiskers should call
+himself anybody's chickabiddy.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Protestations of undying affection are never ridiculous when they are
+accompanied by such splendid emeralds.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Starting and growing suddenly serious._] And what about Maud?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Poor girl, it'd simply break her heart. He preached at her steadily for
+twenty years, and she worshipped the very ground he trod on. She'd have
+died of grief at his death except she felt it her duty to go on with his
+work.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I know.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By Jove, it's a good card. You were quite right to refuse the emeralds:
+these letters are twice as valuable.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Would you like to burn them?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Betsy!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+There's the stove. Put them in.
+
+            [_He takes them up in both hands and hurries to
+            the stove. But he stops and brings them
+            back, he throws them on the sofa._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+No, I won't.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why not?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It's too dooced generous. I'll fight you tooth and nail, but it's not
+fair to take an advantage over me like that. You'll bind my hands with
+fetters.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Very well. You've had your chance.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But, by Jove, you must have a good hand to throw away a card like that.
+What have you got--a straight flush?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I may be only bluffing, you know.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Lord, it does me good to hear your nice old Irish brogue again.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Faith, and does it?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I believe you only put it on to get over people.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Smiling._] Begorrah, it's not easy to get over you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Lord, I was in love with you once, wasn't I?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not more than lots of other people have been.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And you did treat me abominably.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Ah, that's what they all said. But you got over it very well.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I didn't. My digestion was permanently impaired by your brutal
+treatment.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Is that why you went to Carlsbad afterwards instead of the Rocky
+Mountains?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You may laugh, but the fact remains that I've only been in love once,
+and that was with you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Smiling as she holds out her hand._] Good-night.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+For all that I'm going to fight you now for all I'm worth.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm not frightened of you, Paradine.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Good-night.
+
+            [_As he goes out_, CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _enters_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Yawning and stretching her arms._] Oh I'm so sleepy.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I'm sorry for that. I wanted to have a talk with you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Smiling._] I daresay I can keep awake for five minutes, you
+know--especially if you offer me a cigarette.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Here you are.
+
+            [_He hands her his case and lights her cigarette._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a sigh._] Oh, what a comfort.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I wanted to tell you, I had a letter this morning from my solicitor to
+say that he's just bought Crowley Castle on my behalf.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Really. But it's a lovely place. You must ask me to come and stay.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I should like you to stay there indefinitely.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a quick look._] That's charming of you, but I never desert my
+London long.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Smiling._] I have a very nice house in Portman Square.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Surprised._] Really?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+And I'm thinking of going into Parliament at the next election.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It appears to be a very delightful pastime to govern the British nation,
+dignified without being laborious.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Lady Frederick, although I've been in the service I have rather a good
+head for business, and I hate beating about the bush. I wanted to ask
+you to marry me.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's nice of you not to make a fuss about it. I'm very much obliged but
+I'm afraid I can't.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Why not?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, you see, I don't know you.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+We could spend the beginning of our married life so usefully in making
+one another's acquaintance.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It would be rather late in the day then to come to the conclusion that
+we couldn't bear the sight of one another.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Shall I send my banker's book so that you may see that my antecedents
+are respectable and my circumstances--such as to inspire affection.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I have no doubt it would be very interesting--but not to me.
+
+            [_She makes as if to go._
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Ah, don't go yet. Won't you give me some reason?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+If you insist. I'm not in the least in love with you.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+D'you think that much matters?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're a friend of Gerald's, and he says you're a very good sort. But I
+really can't marry every one that Gerald rather likes.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+He said he'd put in a good word for me.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+If I ever marry again it shall be to please myself, not to please my
+brother.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I hope I shall induce you to alter your mind.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm afraid I can give you no hope of that.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+You know, when I determine to do a thing, I generally do it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That sounds very like a threat.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+You may take it as such if you please.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And you've made up your mind that you're going to marry me?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Quite.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, I've made up mine that you shan't. So we're quits.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Why don't you talk to your brother about it?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Because it's no business of his.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Isn't it? Ask him!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What do you mean by that?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Ask him? Good-night.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Good-night. [_He goes out._ LADY FREDERICK _goes to the French window
+that leads to the terrace and calls_.] Gerald!
+
+GERALD.
+
+Hulloa!
+
+            [_He appears and comes into the room._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Did you know that Captain Montgomerie was going to propose to me?
+
+GERALD.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Is there any reason why I should marry him?
+
+GERALD.
+
+Only that I owe him nine hundred pounds.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Aghast._] Oh, why didn't you tell me?
+
+GERALD.
+
+You were so worried, I couldn't. Oh, I've been such a fool. I tried to
+make a _coup_ for Rose's sake.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Is it a gambling debt?
+
+GERALD.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Ironically._] What they call a debt of honour?
+
+GERALD.
+
+I must pay it the day after to-morrow without fail.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But that's the day my two bills fall due. And if you don't?
+
+GERALD.
+
+I shall have to send in my papers, and I shall lose Rosie. And then I
+shall blow out my silly brains.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But who is the man?
+
+GERALD.
+
+He's the son of Aaron Levitzki, the money-lender.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Half-comic, half-aghast._] Oh lord!
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST ACT
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND ACT
+
+
+     _The scene is the same as in_ ACT I. ADMIRAL CARLISLE _is sleeping
+     in an armchair with a handkerchief over his face_. ROSE _is sitting
+     on a grandfather's chair, and_ GERALD _is leaning over the back_.
+
+
+ROSE.
+
+Isn't papa a perfectly adorable chaperon?
+
+            [_The_ ADMIRAL _snores_.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Perfectly.
+
+            [_A pause._
+
+ROSE.
+
+I've started fifteen topics of conversation in the last quarter of an
+hour, Gerald.
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Smiling._] Have you?
+
+ROSE.
+
+You always agree with me, and there's an end of it. So I have to rack my
+brains again.
+
+GERALD.
+
+All you say is so very wise and sensible. Of course I agree.
+
+ROSE.
+
+I wonder if you'll think me sensible and wise in ten years.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I'm quite sure I shall.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Why, then, I'm afraid we shan't cultivate any great brilliancy of
+repartee.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Oh, don't say that. When a man's in love, he at once makes a pedestal of
+the Ten Commandments and stands on the top of them with his arms akimbo.
+When a woman's in love she doesn't care two straws for Thou Shalt and
+Thou Shalt Not.
+
+GERALD.
+
+When a woman's in love she can put her heart on the slide of a
+microscope and examine how it beats. When a man's in love, what do you
+think he cares for science and philosophy and all the rest of it!
+
+ROSE.
+
+When a man's in love he can only write sonnets to the moon. When a
+woman's in love she can still cook his dinner and darn her own
+stockings.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I wish you wouldn't cap all my observations.
+
+            [_She lifts up her face, and he kisses her lips._
+
+ROSE.
+
+I'm beginning to think you're rather nice, you know.
+
+GERALD.
+
+That's reassuring, at all events.
+
+ROSE.
+
+But no one could accuse you of being a scintillating talker.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Have you ever watched the lovers in the Park sitting on the benches hour
+after hour without saying a word?
+
+ROSE.
+
+Why?
+
+GERALD.
+
+Because I've always thought that they must be bored to the verge of
+tears. Now I know they're only happy.
+
+ROSE.
+
+You're certainly my soldier, so I suppose I'm your nursery-maid.
+
+GERALD.
+
+You know, when I was at Trinity College, Dublin----
+
+ROSE.
+
+[_Interrupting._] Were you there? I thought you went to Oxford.
+
+GERALD.
+
+No, why?
+
+ROSE.
+
+Only all my people go to Magdalen.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Yes.
+
+ROSE.
+
+And I've decided that if I ever have a son he shall go there too.
+
+            [_The_ ADMIRAL _starts and pulls the handkerchief
+            off his face. The others do not notice him.
+            He is aghast and astounded at the conversation._
+            LADY FREDERICK _comes in later and
+            stands smiling as she listens_.
+
+GERALD.
+
+My darling, you know I hate to thwart you in any way, but I've quite
+made up my mind that my son shall go to Dublin as I did.
+
+ROSE.
+
+I'm awfully sorry, Gerald, but the boy must be educated like a
+gentleman.
+
+GERALD.
+
+There I quite agree, Rose, but first of all he's an Irishman, and it's
+right that he should be educated in Ireland.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Darling Gerald, a mother's love is naturally the safest guide in these
+things.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Dearest Rose, a father's wisdom is always the most reliable.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Pardon my interfering, but--aren't you just a little previous?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+[_Bursting out._] Did you ever hear such a conversation in your life
+between a young unmarried couple?
+
+ROSE.
+
+My dear papa, we must be prepared for everything.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+In my youth young ladies did not refer to things of that sort.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, I don't suppose they're any the worse for having an elementary
+knowledge of natural history. Personally I doubt whether ignorance is
+quite the same thing as virtue, and I'm not quite sure that a girl makes
+a better wife because she's been brought up like a perfect fool.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I am old-fashioned, Lady Frederick; and my idea of a modest girl is that
+when certain topics are mentioned she should swoon. Swoon, madam,
+swoon. They always did it when I was a lad.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Well, father, I've often tried to faint when I wanted something that you
+wouldn't give me, and I've never been able to manage it. So I'm sure I
+couldn't swoon.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+And with regard to this ridiculous discussion as to which University
+your son is to be sent, you seem to forget that I have the right to be
+consulted.
+
+GERALD.
+
+My dear Admiral, I don't see how it can possibly matter to you.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+And before we go any further I should like you to know that the very day
+Rose was born I determined that her son should go to Cambridge.
+
+ROSE.
+
+My dear papa, I think Gerald and I are far and away the best judges of
+our son's welfare.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+The boy must work, Rose. I will have no good-for-nothing as my grandson.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Exactly. And that is why I'm resolved he shall go to Dublin.
+
+ROSE.
+
+The important thing is that he should have really nice manners, and that
+they teach at Oxford if they teach nothing else.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, don't you think you'd better wait another twenty years or so
+before you discuss this?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+There are some matters which must be settled at once, Lady Frederick.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You know, young things are fairly independent nowadays. I don't know
+what they'll be in twenty years' time.
+
+GERALD.
+
+The first thing the boy shall learn is obedience.
+
+ROSE. Certainly. There's nothing so hateful as a disobedient child.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I can't see my grandson venturing to disobey me.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then you're all agreed. So that's settled. I came to tell you your
+carriage was ready.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Go and put on your bonnet, Rose. [_To_ LADY FREDERICK.] Are you coming
+with us?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm afraid I can't. Au revoir.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+A tout à l'heure.
+
+            [_He and_ ROSE _go out_.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Have you ever seen in your life any one so entirely delightful as Rose?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] Only when I've looked in the glass.
+
+GERALD.
+
+My dear Elizabeth, how vain you are.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're very happy, my Gerald.
+
+GERALD.
+
+It's such a relief to have got over all the difficulties. I thought it
+never would come right. You are a brick, Elizabeth.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I really think I am rather.
+
+GERALD.
+
+The moment you promised to arrange things I felt as safe as a house.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I said I'd do my best, didn't I? And I told you not to worry.
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Turning round suddenly._] Isn't it all right?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, it's about as wrong as it can possibly be. I knew Cohen was staying
+here, and I thought I could get him to hold the bills over for a few
+days.
+
+GERALD.
+
+And won't he?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+He hasn't got them any more.
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Startled._] What!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+They've been negotiated, and he swears he doesn't know who has them.
+
+GERALD.
+
+But who could have been such a fool?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't know, that's just the awful part of it. It was bad enough
+before. I knew the worst Cohen could do, but now.... It couldn't be
+Paradine.
+
+GERALD.
+
+And then there's Montgomerie.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I shall see him to-day.
+
+GERALD.
+
+What are you going to say to him?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I haven't an idea. I'm rather frightened of him.
+
+GERALD.
+
+You know, dear, if the worst comes to the worst....
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Whatever happens you shall marry Rose. I promise you that.
+
+            [PARADINE FOULDES _appears_.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+May I come in?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Gaily._] It's a public room. I don't see how we can possibly prevent
+you.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I'm just going to take a stroll.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Do.
+
+            [_He goes out._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well? How are things going?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Quite well, thank you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I've left Charlie with his mother. I hope you can spare him for a couple
+of hours.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I told him he must spend the afternoon with her. I don't approve of his
+neglecting his filial duty.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Ah!... I saw Dick Cohen this morning.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Quickly._] Did you?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It seems to interest you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not at all. Why should it?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Smiling._] Nice little man, isn't he?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Good humouredly._] I wish I had something to throw at you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Well, I haven't got the confounded bills. I was too
+late.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Did you try?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Oh--yes, I thought it would interest Charlie to know how extremely
+needful it was for you to marry him.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then who on earth has got them?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I haven't an idea, but they must make you very uncomfortable. Three
+thousand five hundred, eh?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Don't say it all at once. It sounds so much.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You wouldn't like to exchange those letters of Mereston's for seven
+thousand pounds, would you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] No.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Ah.... By the way, d'you mind if I tell Charlie the full story of
+your--relations with me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why should I? It's not I who'll look ridiculous.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Thanks. I may avail myself of your permission.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I daresay you've noticed that Charlie has a very keen sense of humour.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+If you're going to be disagreeable to me I shall go. [_He stops._] I
+say, are you quite sure there's nothing else that can be brought up
+against you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] Quite sure, thanks.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My sister's very jubilant to-day. What about the Bellingham affair?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Merely scandal, my friend.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, look out. She's a woman, and she'll stick at nothing.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I wonder why you warn me.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+For the sake of old times, my dear.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're growing sentimental, Paradine. It's the punishment which the gods
+inflict on a cynic when he grows old.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It may be, but for the life of me I can't forget that once----
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Interrupting._] My dear friend, don't rake up my lamentable past.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I don't think I've met any one so entirely devoid of sentiment as you
+are.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Let us agree that I have every vice under the sun and have done with it.
+
+            [_A_ SERVANT _comes in_.]
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Madame Claude wishes to see your ladyship.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, my dressmaker.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Another bill?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That's the worst of Monte. One meets as many creditors as in Bond
+Street. Say I'm engaged.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Madame Claude says she will wait till miladi is free.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You make a mistake. One should always be polite to people whose bills
+one can't pay.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Show her in.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_Exit_ SERVANT.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Is it a big one?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, no; only seven hundred pounds.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By Jove.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear friend, one must dress. I can't go about in fig-leaves.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+One can dress simply.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I do. That's why it costs so much.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You know, you're devilish extravagant.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm not. I'm content with the barest necessities of existence.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You've got a maid.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Of course I've got a maid. I was never taught to dress myself.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And you've got a footman.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I've always had a footman. And my mother always had a footman. I
+couldn't live a day without him.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+What does he do for you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+He inspires confidence in tradesmen.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And you have the most expensive suite of rooms in the hotel.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm in such a dreadful mess. If I hadn't got nice rooms I should brood
+over it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Then, as if that weren't enough, you fling your money away at the
+tables.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+When you're as poor as I am, a few louis more or less can make
+absolutely no difference.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_With a laugh._] You're quite incorrigible.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's really not my fault. I do try to be economical, but money slips
+through my fingers like water. I can't help it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You want a sensible sort of a man to look after you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I want a very rich sort of a man to look after me.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+If you were my wife, I should advertise in the papers that I wasn't
+responsible for your debts.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+If you were my husband, I'd advertise immediately underneath that I
+wasn't responsible for your manners.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I wonder why you're so reckless.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+When my husband was alive I was so utterly wretched. And afterwards,
+when I looked forward to a little happiness, my boy died. Then I didn't
+care any more. I did everything I could to stupefy myself. I squandered
+money as other women take morphia--that's all.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It's the same dear scatter-brained, good-hearted Betsy that I used to
+know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're the only person who calls me Betsy now. To all the others I'm
+only Elizabeth.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Look here, what are you going to do with this dressmaker?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't know. I always trust to the inspiration of the moment.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+She'll make a devil of a fuss, won't she?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, no; I shall be quite nice to her.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I daresay. But won't she be very disagreeable to you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You don't know what a way I have with my creditors.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I know it's not a paying way.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Isn't it? I bet you a hundred louis that I offer her the money and she
+refuses it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'll take that.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Here she is.
+
+            [MADAME CLAUDE _enters, ushered in by the_
+            SERVANT. _She is a stout, genteel person,
+            very splendidly gowned, with a Cockney
+            accent. Her face is set to sternness, decision
+            to make a scene, and general sourness._
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Madame Claude.
+
+            [_Exit_ SERVANT. LADY FREDERICK _goes up to
+            her enthusiastically and takes both her
+            hands_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Best of women. This is a joyful surprise.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Drawing herself up._] I 'eard quite by chance that your ladyship was
+at Monte.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+So you came to see me at once. That was nice of you. You're the very
+person I wanted to see.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Significantly._] I'm glad of that, my lady, I must confess.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You dear creature. That's one advantage of Monte Carlo, one meets all
+one's friends. Do you know Mr. Fouldes? This is Madame Claude, an
+artist, my dear Paradine, a real artist.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Grimly._] I'm pleased that your ladyship should think so.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+How d'you do.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now, this gown. Look, look, look. In this skirt there's genius, _mon
+cher_. In the way it hangs my whole character is expressed. Observe the
+fullness of it, that indicates those admirable virtues which make me an
+ornament to Society, while the frill at the bottom just suggests those
+foibles--you can hardly call them faults--which add a certain grace and
+interest to my personality. And the flounce. Paradine, I beseech you to
+look at it carefully. I would sooner have designed this flounce than won
+the Battle of Waterloo.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Your ladyship is very kind.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not at all, not at all. You remember that rose chiffon. I wore it the
+other day, and the dear Archduchess came up to me and said: "My dear, my
+dear." I thought she was going to have a fit. But when she recovered she
+kissed me on both cheeks and said: "Lady Frederick, you have a
+dressmaker worth her weight in gold." You heard her, Paradine, didn't
+you?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You forget that I only arrived last night.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Of course. How stupid of me. She'll be perfectly delighted to hear that
+you're in Monte Carlo. But I shall have to break it to her gently.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Unmoved._] I'm sorry to intrude upon your ladyship.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now what are you talking about? If you hadn't come to see me I should
+never have forgiven you.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+I wanted to have a little talk with your ladyship.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, but I hope we shall have many little talks. Have you brought your
+motor down?
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That's charming. You shall take me for a drive in it every day. I hope
+you're going to stay some time.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+That depends on circumstances, Lady Frederick. I 'ave a little business
+to do here.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then let me give you one warning--don't gamble.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Oh, no, my lady. I gamble quite enough in my business as it is. I never
+know when my customers will pay their bills--if ever.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Slightly taken aback._] Ha, ha, ha.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_With a deep guffaw._] Ho, ho, ho.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Isn't she clever? I must tell that to the Archduchess. She'll be so
+amused. Ha, ha, ha, ha. The dear Archduchess, you know she loves a
+little joke. You must really meet her. Will you come and lunch? I know
+you'd hit it off together.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_More genially._] That's very kind of your ladyship.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear, you know perfectly well that I've always looked upon you as one
+of my best friends. Now who shall we have? There's you and me and the
+Archduchess. Then I'll ask Lord Mereston.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+The Marquess of Mereston, Lady Frederick?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Yes. And Mr. Fouldes, his uncle.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Excuse me, are you the Mr. Paradine Fouldes?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Bowing._] At your service, madam.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+I'm so glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Fouldes. [_Unctuously._] I've
+always heard you're such a bad man.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Madam, you overwhelm me with confusion.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Believe me, Mr. Fouldes, it's not the ladies that are married to saints
+who take the trouble to dress well.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now we want a third man. Shall we ask my brother--you know Sir Gerald
+O'Mara, don't you? Or shall we ask Prince Doniani? Yes, I think we'll
+ask the Prince. I'm sure you'd like him. Such a handsome man! That'll
+make six.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+It's very kind of you, Lady Frederick, but--well, I'm only a
+tradeswoman, you know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+A tradeswoman? How can you talk such nonsense. You are an artist--a real
+artist, my dear. And an artist is fit to meet a king.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Well, I don't deny that I'd be ashamed to dress my customers in the
+gowns I see painted at the Royal Academy.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then it's quite settled, isn't it, Madame Claude--oh, may I call you
+Ada?
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Oh, Lady Frederick, I should be very much flattered. But how did you
+know that was my name?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why you wrote me a letter only the other day.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Did I?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And such a cross letter too.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Apologetically._] Oh, but Lady Frederick, that was only in the way of
+business. I don't exactly remember what expressions I may have made use
+of----
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Interrupting, as if the truth had suddenly flashed across her._] Ada!
+I do believe you came here to-day about my account.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Oh, no, my lady, I promise you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You did; I know you did. I see it in your face. Now that really wasn't
+nice of you. I thought you came as a friend.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+I did, Lady Frederick.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, you wanted to dun me. I'm disappointed in you. I did think, after
+all the things I've had from you, you wouldn't treat me like that.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+But I assure your ladyship....
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not another word. You came to ask for a cheque. You shall have it.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+No, Lady Frederick, I wouldn't take it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What is the exact figure, Madame Claude?
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+I--I don't remember.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Seven hundred and fifty pounds, seventeen and ninepence. You see, I
+remember. You came for your cheque and you shall have it.
+
+            [_She sits down and takes a pen._
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Now, Lady Frederick, I should look upon that as most unkind. It's
+treating me like a very second-rate establishment.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm sorry, but you should have thought of that before. Now I haven't got
+a cheque; how tiresome.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Oh, it doesn't matter, Lady Frederick. I promise you it never entered my
+'ead.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What shall I do?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You can write it on a sheet of paper, you know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a look, aside to him._] Monster! [_Aloud._] Of course I can. I
+hadn't thought of that. [_She takes a sheet of paper._] But how on earth
+am I to get a stamp?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Much amused._] I happen to have one on me.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I wonder why on earth you should have English stamps in Monte Carlo?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Handing her one._] A penny stamp may sometimes save one a hundred
+louis.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Ironically._] Thanks so much. I write the name of my bank on the top,
+don't I? Pay Madame Claude....
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Now, it's no good, Lady Frederick, I won't take it. After all I 'ave my
+self-respect to think of.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's too late now.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Sniffing a little._] No, no, Lady Frederick. Don't be too 'ard on me.
+As one lady to another I ask you to forgive me. I did come about my
+account, but--well, I don't want the money.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Looking up good-humouredly._] Well, well. [_She looks at the cheque._]
+It shall be as you wish. There. [_She tears it up._]
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Oh, thank you, Lady Frederick. I look upon that as a real favour. And
+now I really must be getting off.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Must you go? Well, good-bye. Paradine, take Madame Claude to her motor.
+Ada!
+
+            [_She kisses her on the cheek._
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Going._] I am pleased to have seen you.
+
+            [PARADINE _offers his arm and goes out with_
+            MADAME CLAUDE. LADY FREDERICK _goes
+            to the window, stands on a chair and waves
+            her handkerchief. While she is doing this_
+            CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _enters_.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+How d'you do?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Getting down._] How nice of you to come. I wanted to see you.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+May I sit down?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Of course. There are one or two things I'd like to talk to you about.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Yes?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+First I must thank you for your great kindness to Gerald. I didn't know
+last night that he owed you a good deal of money.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+It's a mere trifle.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You must be very rich to call nine hundred pounds that?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I am.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a laugh._] All the same it's extremely good of you to give him
+plenty of time.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I told Gerald he could have till to-morrow.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Obviously he wants to settle with you as soon as ever he can.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Quietly._] I often wonder why gambling debts are known as debts of
+honour.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Looking at him steadily._] Of course I realise that if you choose to
+press for the money and Gerald can't pay--he'll have to send in his
+papers.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Lightly._] You may be quite sure I have no wish to bring about such a
+calamity. By the way, have you thought over our little talk of last
+night?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+You would have been wise to do so.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear Captain Montgomerie, you really can't expect me to marry you
+because my brother has been so foolish as to lose more money at poker
+than he can afford.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Did you ever hear that my father was a money-lender?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+A lucrative profession, I believe.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+He found it so. He was a Polish Jew called Aaron Levitzki. He came to
+this country with three shillings in his pocket. He lent half-a-crown of
+it to a friend on the condition that he should be paid back seven and
+six in three days.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm not good at figures, but the interest sounds rather high.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+It is. That was one of my father's specialities. From these humble
+beginnings his business grew to such proportions that at his death he
+was able to leave me the name and arms of the great family of
+Montgomerie and something over a million of money.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+The result of thrift, industry, and good fortune.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+My father was able to gratify all his ambitions but one. He was eaten up
+with the desire to move in good society, and this he was never able to
+achieve. His dying wish was that I should live in those circles which he
+knew only....
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Across the counter?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Precisely. But my poor father was a little ignorant in these matters. To
+him one lord was as good as another. He thought a Marquess a finer man
+than an Earl, and a Viscount than a Baron. He would never have
+understood that a penniless Irish baronet might go into better society
+than many a belted earl.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And what is the application of this?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I wanted to explain to you one of the reasons which emboldened me last
+night to make you a proposal of marriage.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But surely you know some very nice people. I saw you lunching the other
+day with the widow of a city knight.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Many very excellent persons are glad to have me to dine with them. But I
+know quite well that they're not the real article. I'm as far off as
+ever from getting into those houses which you have been used to all your
+life. I'm not content with third-rate earls and rather seedy dowagers.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Forgive my frankness, but--aren't you rather a snob?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+My father, Aaron Levitzki, married an English woman, and I have all the
+English virtues.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But I'm not quite sure that people would swallow you even as my
+husband.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+They'd make a face, but they'd swallow me right enough. And when I asked
+them down to the best shoot in England they'd come to the conclusion
+that I agreed with them very well.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Still rather amused._] Your offer is eminently businesslike, but you
+see I'm not a business woman. It doesn't appeal to me.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I only ask you to perform such of the duties of a wife as are required
+by Society. They are few enough in all conscience. I should wish you to
+entertain largely and receive my guests, be polite to me, at least in
+public, and go with me to the various places people go to. Otherwise I
+leave you entire freedom. You will find me generous and heedful to all
+your wishes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Captain Montgomerie, I don't know how much of all that you have said is
+meant seriously. But, surely you're not choosing the right time to make
+such a proposal when my brother owes you so much money that if you care
+to be hard you can ruin him.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Why not?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+D'you mean to say ...?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I will be quite frank with you. I should never have allowed Gerald to
+lose so much money which there was no likelihood of his being able to
+pay, if I had not thought it earned me some claim upon your gratitude.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Shortly._] Gerald will pay every penny he owes you to-morrow.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Blandly._] Where d'you suppose he'll get it?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I have no doubt I shall be able to manage something.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Have you not tried this morning, entirely without success?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Startled._] What?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+You do not forget that you have sundry moneys of your own which are
+payable to-morrow?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+How d'you know that?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I told you that when I took a thing in hand I carried it through. You
+went to Dick Cohen, and he told you he'd parted with the bills. Didn't
+you guess that only one man could have the least interest in taking them
+over?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, God.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Come, come, don't be worried over it. There's nothing to be alarmed
+about. I'm a very decent chap--if you'd accepted me right away you would
+never have known that those bills were in my possession. Think it over
+once more. I'm sure we should get on well together. I can give you what
+you most need, money and the liberty to fling it away as recklessly as
+you choose; you can give me the assured and fixed position on which--my
+father's heart was set.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And if I don't accept, you'll make me a bankrupt and you'll ruin Gerald?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I refuse to consider that very unpleasant alternative.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh! I can't, I can't.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Laughing._] But you must, you must. When shall I come for your answer?
+To-morrow? I'll come with the bills and Gerald's I.O.U. in my pocket,
+and you shall burn them yourself. Good-bye.
+
+            [_He kisses her hand and goes out._ LADY
+            FREDERICK _remains staring in front of
+            her_. MERESTON _enters, followed by_ LADY
+            MERESTON _and_ PARADINE.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Going to her eagerly._] Hulloa! I wondered what on earth had become of
+you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a laugh._] It's only two hours since I chased you away from me.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm afraid I bore you to death.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Don't be so silly. You know you don't.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Where are you going now?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I have rather a headache. I'm going to lie down.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm so sorry.
+
+            [LADY FREDERICK _goes out_. MERESTON _stares
+            after her anxiously, and makes a step
+            towards the door_.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Sharply._] Where are you going, Charlie?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I never asked Lady Frederick if I could do anything.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Good heavens, there are surely plenty of servants in the hotel to get
+her anything she wants.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Don't you think a drive in the motor would do her good?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Unable to control herself._] Oh, I have no patience with you. I never
+saw such a ridiculous infatuation in my life.
+
+PARADINE.
+
+Steady, old girl, steady.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+What on earth d'you mean, mother?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Presumably you're not going to deny that you're in love with that woman.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Growing pale._] Would you mind speaking of her as Lady Frederick?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You try me very much, Charlie. Please answer my question.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I don't want to seem unkind to you, mother, but I think you have no
+right to ask about my private affairs.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+If you're going to talk this matter over you're more likely to come to
+an understanding if you both keep your tempers.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+There's nothing I wish to discuss.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Don't be absurd, Charlie. You're with Lady Frederick morning, noon and
+night. She can never stir a yard from the hotel but you go flying after.
+You pester her with your ridiculous attentions.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Blandly._] One's relations have always such an engaging frankness.
+Like a bad looking-glass, they always represent you with a crooked nose
+and a cast in your eye.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_To_ MERESTON.] I have certainly a right to know what you mean by all
+this and what is going to come of it.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I don't know what will come of it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+The question that excites our curiosity is this: are you going to ask
+Lady Frederick to marry you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I refuse to answer that. It seems to me excessively impertinent.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Come, come, my boy, you're too young to play the heavy father. We're
+both your friends. Hadn't you better make a clean breast of it? After
+all, your mother and I are interested in nothing so much as your
+welfare.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Imploring._] Charlie!
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Of course I'd ask her to marry me if I thought for a moment that she'd
+accept. But I'm so terrified that she'll refuse, and then perhaps I
+shall never see her again.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+The boy's stark, staring mad.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I don't know what I should do if she sent me about my business. I'd
+rather continue in this awful uncertainty than lose all hope for ever.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By George. You're pretty far gone, my son. The lover who's diffident is
+in a much worse way than the lover who protests.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_With a little laugh._] I must say it amuses me that Lady Frederick
+should have had both my brother and my son dangling at her skirts. Your
+respective passions are separated by quite a number of years.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Lady Frederick has already told me of that incident.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+With the usual indiscretion of her sex.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It appears that she was very unhappy and you, with questionable taste,
+made love to her.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Do your best not to preach at me, dear boy. It reminds me of your
+lamented father.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+And at last she promised to go away with you. You were to meet at
+Waterloo Station.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Such a draughty place for an assignation.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Your train was to start at nine, and you were going to take the boat
+over to the Channel Isles.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Lady Frederick has a very remarkable memory. I remember hoping the sea
+wouldn't be rough.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+And just as the train was starting her eye fell on the clock. At that
+moment her child was coming down to breakfast and would ask for her.
+Before you could stop her she'd jumped out of the carriage. The train
+was moving, and you couldn't get out, so you were taken on to
+Weymouth--alone.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You must have felt a quite egregious ass, Paradine.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I did, but you need not rub it in.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Doesn't it occur to you, Charlie, that a woman who loves so easily can't
+be very worthy of your affection?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But, my dear mother, d'you think she cared for my uncle?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+What the dickens d'you mean?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+D'you suppose if she loved you she would have hesitated to come? D'you
+know her so little as that? She thought of her child only because she
+was quite indifferent to you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Crossly._] You know nothing about it, and you're an impertinent young
+jackanapes.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+My dear Paradine, what can it matter if Lady Frederick was in love with
+you or not?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Calming down._] Of course it doesn't matter a bit.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I have no doubt you mistook wounded vanity for a broken heart.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Acidly._] My dear, you sometimes say things which explain to me why my
+brother-in-law so frequently abandoned his own fireside for the platform
+of Exeter Hall.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It may also interest you to learn that I am perfectly aware of Lady
+Frederick's financial difficulties. I know she has two bills falling due
+to-morrow.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+She's a very clever woman.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I've implored her to let me lend her the money, and she absolutely
+refuses. You see, she's kept nothing from me at all.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+My dear Charlie, it's a very old dodge to confess what doesn't matter in
+order to conceal what does.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+What do you mean, mother?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Lady Frederick has told you nothing of the Bellingham affair?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Why should she?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+It is surely expedient you should know that the woman you have some idea
+of marrying escaped the divorce court only by the skin of her teeth.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I don't believe that, mother.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Remember that you're talking to your respected parent, my boy.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm sorry that my mother should utter base and contemptible libels
+on--my greatest friend.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You may be quite sure that I say nothing which I can't prove.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I won't listen to anything against Lady Frederick.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+But you must.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Are you quite indifferent to the great pain you cause me?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I can't allow you to marry a woman who's hopelessly immoral.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Mother, how dare you say that?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+This isn't the sort of thing I much like, but hadn't you better hear the
+worst at once?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Very well. But if my mother insists on saying things, she must say them
+in Lady Frederick's presence.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+That I'm quite willing to do.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Good.
+
+            [_He rings the bell. A servant enters._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You'd better take care, Maudie. Lady Frederick's a dangerous woman to
+play the fool with.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_To the servant._] Go to Lady Frederick Berolles and say Lord Mereston
+is extremely sorry to trouble her ladyship, but would be very much
+obliged if she'd come to the drawing-room for two minutes.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Very well, my lord.
+
+            [_Exit._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+What are you going to do, Maud?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I knew there was a letter in existence in Lady Frederick's handwriting
+which proved all I've said about her. I've moved heaven and earth to get
+hold of it, and it came this morning.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Don't be such a fool. You're not going to use that?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I am indeed.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Your blood be upon your own head. Unless I'm vastly mistaken you'll
+suffer the greatest humiliation that you can imagine.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+That's absurd. I have nothing to fear.
+
+LADY FREDERICK. _comes in._
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm so sorry to disturb you. I hope you don't mind?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not at all. I knew you wouldn't have sent for me in that fashion without
+good cause.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm afraid you'll think me dreadfully impertinent.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Really you need not apologise so much, Charlie.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+My mother has something to say against you, and I think it right that
+she should say it in your presence.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That's very nice of you, Charlie--though I confess I prefer people to
+say horrid things of me only behind my back. Especially if they're true.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Look here, I think all this is rather nonsense. We've most of us got
+something in our past history that we don't want raked up, and we'd all
+better let bygones be bygones.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm waiting, Lady Mereston.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+It's merely that I thought my son should know that Lady Frederick had
+been the mistress of Roger Bellingham. [LADY FREDERICK _turns quickly
+and looks at her_; _then bursts into a peal of laughter_. LADY MERESTON
+_springs up angrily and hands her a letter_.] Is this in your
+handwriting?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Not at all disconcerted._] Dear me, how did you get hold of this?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You see that I have ample proof, Lady Frederick.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Handing the letter to_ MERESTON.] Would you like to read it? You know
+my writing well enough to be able to answer Lady Mereston's question.
+
+            [_He reads it through and looks at her in dismay._
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Good God!... What does it mean?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Pray read it aloud.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I can't.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then give it to me. [_She takes it from him._] It's addressed to my
+brother-in-law, Peter Berolles. The Kate to whom it refers was his wife.
+[_Reads._] Dear Peter: I'm sorry you should have had a row with Kate
+about Roger Bellingham. You are quite wrong in all you thought. There is
+absolutely nothing between them. I don't know where Kate was on Tuesday
+night, but certainly she was not within a hundred miles of Roger. This I
+know because....
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Interrupting._] For God's sake don't go on.
+
+            [LADY FREDERICK _looks at him and shrugs her
+            shoulders_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's signed Elizabeth Berolles. And there's a postscript: You may make
+what use of this letter you like.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+What does it mean? What does it mean?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Surely it's very clear? You can't want a more explicit confession of
+guilt.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I tried to make it as explicit as possible.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Won't you say something? I'm sure there must be some explanation.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't know how you got hold of this letter, Lady Mereston. I agree
+with you, it is compromising. But Kate and Peter are dead now, and
+there's nothing to prevent me from telling the truth.
+
+            [PARADINE FOULDES _takes a step forward and
+            watches her_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My sister-in-law was a meek and mild little person, as demure as you can
+imagine, and no one would have suspected her for a moment of kicking
+over the traces. Well, one morning she came to me in floods of tears and
+confessed that she and Roger Bellingham [_with a shrug_] had been
+foolish. Her husband suspected that something was wrong and had kicked
+up a row.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Drily._] There are men who will make a scene on the smallest
+provocation.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+To shield herself she told the first lie that came into her head. She
+said to Peter that Roger Bellingham was my lover--and she threw herself
+on my mercy. She was a poor, weak little creature, and if there'd been a
+scandal she'd have gone to the dogs altogether. It had only been a
+momentary infatuation for Roger, and the scare had cured her. At the
+bottom of her heart she loved her husband still. I was desperately
+unhappy, and I didn't care much what became of me. She promised to turn
+over a new leaf and all that sort of thing. I thought I'd better give
+her another chance of going straight. I did what she wanted. I wrote
+that letter taking all the blame on myself, and Kate lived happily with
+her husband till she died.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It was just like you.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+But Lord and Lady Peter are dead?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+And Roger Bellingham?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+He's dead too.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Then how can you prove your account of this affair?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I can't.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+And does this convince you, Charlie?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Of course.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Impatiently._] Good heavens, the boy's out of his senses. Paradine,
+for Heaven's sake say something.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, much as it may displease you, my dear, I'm afraid I agree with
+Charlie.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You don't mean to say you believe this cock-and-bull story?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I do.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Why?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, you see, Lady Frederick's a very clever woman. She would never
+have invented such an utterly improbable tale, which can't possibly be
+proved. If she'd been guilty, she'd have had ready at least a dozen
+proofs of her innocence.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+But that's absurd.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Besides, I've known Lady Frederick a long time, and she has at least a
+thousand faults.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With flashing eyes._] Thanks.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But there's something I will say for her. She's not a liar. If she tells
+me a thing, I don't hesitate for a moment to believe it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's not a matter of the smallest importance if any of you believe me or
+not. Be so good as to ring, Charlie.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Certainly.
+
+            [_He rings, and a_ SERVANT _immediately comes in_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Tell my servant that he's to come here at once and bring the
+despatch-box which is in my dressing-room.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_Exit._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Quickly._] I say, what are you going to do?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That is absolutely no business of yours.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Be a brick, Betsy, and don't give her those letters.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I think I've had enough of this business. I'm proposing to finish with
+it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Temper, temper.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Stamping her foot._] Don't say temper to me, Paradine.
+
+            [_She walks up and down angrily._ PARADINE
+            _sits at the piano and with one finger strums
+            "Rule Britannia."_
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Shut up.
+
+            [_He takes a book, flings it at his head and
+            misses._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Good shot, sir.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I often wonder how you got your reputation for wit, Paradine.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By making a point of laughing heartily at other people's jokes.
+
+            [_The_ FOOTMAN _enters with the despatch-box,
+            which_ LADY FREDERICK _opens. She takes
+            a bundle of letters from it._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Betsy, Betsy, for heaven's sake don't! Have mercy.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Was mercy shown to me? Albert!
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You'll go to the proprietor of the hotel and tell him that I propose to
+leave Monte Carlo to-morrow.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Aghast._] Are you going?
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Very well, my lady.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Have you a good memory for faces?
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Yes, my lady.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're not likely to forget Lord Mereston?
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+No, my lady.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then please take note that if his lordship calls upon me in London I'm
+not at home.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Lady Frederick!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_To_ FOOTMAN.] Go.
+
+            [_Exit_ FOOTMAN.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+What d'you mean? What have I done?
+
+            [_Without answering_ LADY FREDERICK _takes
+            the letters_. PARADINE _is watching her
+            anxiously. She goes up to the stove and
+            throws them in one by one._
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+What on earth is she doing?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I have some letters here which would ruin the happiness of a very
+worthless woman I know. I'm burning them so that I may never have the
+temptation to use them.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I never saw anything so melodramatic.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Hold your tongue, Paradine. [_Turning to_ MERESTON.] My dear Charlie, I
+came to Monte Carlo to be amused. Your mother has persecuted me
+incessantly. Your uncle--is too well-bred to talk to his servants as he
+has talked to me. I've been pestered in one way and another, and
+insulted till my blood boiled, because apparently they're afraid you may
+want to marry me. I'm sick and tired of it. I'm not used to treatment of
+this sort; my patience is quite exhausted. And since you are the cause
+of the whole thing I have an obvious remedy. I would much rather not
+have anything more to do with you. If we meet one another in the street
+you need not trouble to look my way because I shall cut you dead.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_In an undertone._] Thank God for that.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Mother, mother. [_To_ LADY FREDERICK.] I'm awfully sorry. I feel that
+you have a right to be angry. For all that you've suffered I beg your
+pardon most humbly. My mother has said and done things which I regret to
+say are quite unjustifiable.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Charlie!
+
+MERESTON.
+
+On her behalf and on mine I apologise with all my heart.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Smiling._] Don't take it too seriously. It really doesn't matter. But
+I think it's far wiser that we shouldn't see one another again.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But I can't live without you.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_With a gasp._] Ah!
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Don't you know that my whole happiness is wrapped up in you? I love you
+with all my heart and soul. I can never love any one but you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_To_ LADY MERESTON.] Now you've done it. You've done it very neatly.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Don't think me a presumptuous fool. I've been wanting to say this ever
+since I knew you, but I haven't dared. You're brilliant and charming and
+fascinating, but I have nothing whatever to offer you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Gently._] My dear Charlie.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But if you can overlook my faults, I daresay you could make something of
+me. Won't you marry me? I should look upon it as a great honour, and I
+would love you always to the end of my life. I'd try to be worthy of my
+great happiness and you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're very much too modest, Charlie. I'm enormously flattered and
+grateful. You must give me time to think it over.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Time?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But I can't wait. Don't you see how I love you? You'll never meet any
+one who'll care for you as I do.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I think you can wait a little. Come and see me to-morrow morning at ten,
+and I'll give you an answer.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Very well, if I must.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Smiling._] I'm afraid so.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_To_ LADY FREDERICK.] I wonder what the deuce your little game is now.
+
+            [_She smiles triumphantly and gives him a deep,
+            ironical curtsey._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Sir, your much obliged and very obedient, humble servant.
+
+
+END OF THE SECOND ACT.
+
+
+
+
+THIRD ACT
+
+
+     SCENE: LADY FREDERICK'S _dressing-room. At the back is a large
+     opening, curtained, which leads to the bedroom; on the right a door
+     leading to the passage; on the left a window. In front of the
+     window, of which the blind is drawn, is a dressing-table._ LADY
+     FREDERICK'S _maid is in the room, a very neat pretty Frenchwoman.
+     She speaks with a slight accent. She rings the bell, and the_
+     FOOTMAN _enters_.
+
+
+MAID.
+
+As soon as Lord Mereston arrives he is to be shown in.
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+[_Surprised._] Here?
+
+MAID.
+
+Where else?
+
+            [_The_ FOOTMAN _winks significantly. The_ MAID
+            _draws herself up with dignity, and with a
+            dramatic gesture points to the door_.
+
+MAID.
+
+Depart.
+
+            [_The_ FOOTMAN _goes out_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_From the bedroom._] Have you drawn the blind, Angélique?
+
+MAID.
+
+I will do so, miladi. [_She draws the blind, and the light falls
+brightly on the dressing-table._] But miladi will never be able to stand
+it. [_She looks at herself in the glass._] Oh, the light of the sun in
+the morning! I cannot look at myself.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_As before._] There's no reason that you should--especially in my
+glass.
+
+MAID.
+
+But if 'is lordship is coming, miladi must let me draw the blind. Oh, it
+is impossible.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Do as you're told and don't interfere.
+
+            [_The_ FOOTMAN _enters to announce_ MERESTON.
+            _The_ MAID _goes out._
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Lord Mereston.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_As before._] Is that you, Charlie? You're very punctual.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I've been walking about outside till the clock struck.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm not nearly dressed, you know. I've only just had my bath.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Must I go?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, of course not. You can talk to me while I'm finishing.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+All right. How are you this morning?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't know. I haven't looked at myself in the glass yet. How are you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+A 1, thanks.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Are you looking nice?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Going to the glass._] I hope so. By Jove, what a strong light. You
+must be pretty sure of your complexion to be able to stand that.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Appearing._] I am.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Going forward eagerly._] Ah.
+
+            [_She comes through the curtains. She wears a
+            kimono, her hair is all dishevelled, hanging
+            about her head in a tangled mop. She is
+            not made up and looks haggard and yellow
+            and lined. When_ MERESTON _sees her he
+            gives a slight start of surprise. She plays
+            the scene throughout with her broadest
+            brogue._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Good-morning.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Staring at her in dismay._] Good-morning.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, what have you to say to me?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Embarrassed._] I--er--hope you slept all right.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] Did you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I forget.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I believe you slept like a top, Charlie. You really might have lain
+awake and thought of me. What is the matter? You look as if you'd seen a
+ghost.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Oh no, not at all.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're not disappointed already?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+No, of course not. Only--you look so different with your hair not done.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a little cry._] Oh, I'd forgotten all about it. Angélique, come
+and do my hair.
+
+MAID.
+
+[_Appearing._] Yes, miladi.
+
+            [LADY FREDERICK _sits down at the dressing-table._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now, take pains, Angélique. I want to look my very best. Angélique is a
+jewel of incalculable value.
+
+MAID.
+
+Miladi is very kind.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+If I'm light-hearted, she does it one way. If I'm depressed she does it
+another.
+
+MAID.
+
+Oh, miladi, the perruquier who taught me said always that a good
+hairdresser could express every mood and every passion of the human
+heart.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Good heavens, you don't mean to say you can do all that?
+
+MAID.
+
+Miladi, he said I was his best pupil.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Very well. Express--express a great crisis in my affairs.
+
+MAID.
+
+That is the easiest thing in the world, miladi. I bring the hair rather
+low on the forehead, and that expresses a crisis in her ladyship's
+affairs.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But I always wear my hair low on the forehead.
+
+MAID.
+
+Then it is plain her ladyship's affairs are always in a critical
+condition.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+So they are. I never thought of that.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+You've got awfully stunning hair, Lady Frederick.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+D'you like it, really?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+The colour's perfectly beautiful.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It ought to be. It's frightfully expensive.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+You don't mean to say it's dyed?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, no. Only touched up. That's quite a different thing.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Is it?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's like superstition, you know, which is what other people believe. My
+friends dye their hair, but I only touch mine up. Unfortunately, it
+costs just as much.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+And you have such a lot.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, heaps. [_She opens a drawer and takes out a long switch._] Give him
+a bit to look at.
+
+MAID.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_She gives it to him._
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Er--yes. [_Not knowing what on earth to say._] How silky it is.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+A poor thing, but mine own. At least, I paid for it. By the way, have I
+paid for it yet, Angélique?
+
+MAID.
+
+Not yet, miladi. But the man can wait.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Taking it from_ MERESTON.] A poor thing, then, but my hairdresser's.
+Shall I put it on?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I wouldn't, if I were you.
+
+MAID.
+
+If her ladyship anticipates a tragic situation, I would venture to
+recommend it. A really pathetic scene is impossible without a quantity
+of hair worn quite high on the head.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, I know. Whenever I want to soften the hard heart of a creditor I
+clap on every bit I've got. But I don't think I will to-day. I'll tell
+you what, a temple curl would just fit the case.
+
+MAID.
+
+Then her ladyship inclines to comedy. Very well, I say no more.
+
+            [LADY FREDERICK _takes two temple-curls from
+            the drawer._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Aren't they dears?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You've admired them very often, Charlie, haven't you? I suppose you
+never knew they cost a guinea each?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It never occurred to me they were false.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+The masculine intelligence is so gross. Didn't your mother tell you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+My mother told me a great deal.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I expect she overdid it. There. Now that's done. D'you think it looks
+nice?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Charming.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Angélique, his lordship is satisfied. You may disappear.
+
+MAID.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_She goes._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now, tell me you think I'm the most ravishing creature you ever saw in
+your life.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I've told you that so often.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Stretching out her hands._] You are a nice boy. It was charming of you
+to say--what you did yesterday. I could have hugged you there and then.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Could you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, my dear, don't be so cold.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm very sorry, I didn't mean to be.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Haven't you got anything nice to say to me at all?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I don't know what I can say that I've not said a thousand times
+already.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Tell me what you thought of all night when you tossed on that sleepless
+pillow of yours.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I was awfully anxious to see you again.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Didn't you have a dreadful fear that I shouldn't be as nice as you
+imagined? Now, come--honestly.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Well, yes, I suppose it crossed my mind.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And am I?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Of course.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're sure you're not disappointed?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Quite sure.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What a relief! You know, I've been tormenting myself dreadfully. I said
+to myself: "He'll go on thinking of me till he imagines I'm the most
+beautiful woman in the world, and then, when he comes here and sees the
+plain reality, it'll be an awful blow."
+
+MERESTON.
+
+What nonsense! How could you think anything of the kind?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Are you aware that you haven't shown the least desire to kiss me yet?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I thought--I thought you might not like it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It'll be too late in a minute.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Why?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Because I'm just going to make up, you silly boy.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+How? I don't understand.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You said I must be very sure of my complexion. Of course I am. Here it
+is.
+
+            [_She runs her fingers over a row of little pots
+            and vases._
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Oh, I see. I beg your pardon.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You don't mean to say you thought it natural?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It never occurred to me it might be anything else.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's really too disheartening. I spend an hour every day of my life
+making the best complexion in Monte Carlo, and you think it's natural.
+Why, I might as well be a dairymaid of eighteen.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm very sorry.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I forgive you.... You may kiss my hand. [_He does so._] You dear boy.
+[_Looking at herself in the glass._] Oh, Betsy, you're not looking your
+best to-day. [_Shaking her finger at the glass._] This won't do, Betsy,
+my dear. You're very nearly looking your age. [_Turning round quickly._]
+D'you think I look forty?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I never asked myself how old you were.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, I'm not, you know. And I shan't be as long as there's a pot of
+rouge and a powder puff in the world. [_She rubs grease paint all over
+her face._]
+
+MERESTON.
+
+What _are_ you doing?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I wish I were an actress. They have such an advantage. They only have to
+make up to look well behind the footlights; but I have to expose myself
+to that beastly sun.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Nervously._] Yes, of course.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Is your mother dreadfully annoyed with you? And Paradine must be
+furious. I shall call him Uncle Paradine next time I see him. It'll make
+him feel so middle-aged. Charlie, you don't know how grateful I am for
+what you did yesterday. You acted like a real brick.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It's awfully good of you to say so.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Turning._] Do I look a fright?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Oh, no, not at all.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I love this powder. It plays no tricks with you. Once I put on a new
+powder that I bought in Paris, and as soon as I went into artificial
+light it turned a bright mauve. I was very much annoyed. You wouldn't
+like to go about with a mauve face, would you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+No, not at all.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Fortunately I had a green frock on. And mauve and green were very
+fashionable that year. Still I'd sooner it hadn't been on my face....
+There. I think that'll do as a foundation. I'm beginning to feel younger
+already. Now for the delicate soft bloom of youth. The great difficulty,
+you know, is to make both your cheeks the same colour. [_Turning to
+him._] Charlie, you're not bored, are you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+No, no.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I always think my observations have a peculiar piquancy when I have only
+one cheek rouged. I remember once I went out to dinner, and as soon as I
+sat down I grew conscious of the fact that one of my cheeks was much
+redder than the other.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+By George, that was awkward.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Charlie, you are a good-looking boy. I had no idea you were so handsome.
+And you look so young and fresh, it's quite a pleasure to look at you.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Laughing awkwardly._] D'you think so? What did you do when you
+discovered your predicament?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, by a merciful interposition of Providence, I had a foreign
+diplomatist on my right side which bloomed like a rose, and a bishop on
+my left which was white like the lily. The diplomatist told me risky
+stories all through dinner so it was quite natural that this cheek
+should blush fiery red. And as the Bishop whispered in my left ear
+harrowing details of distress in the East End, it was only decent that
+the other should exhibit a becoming pallor. [_Meanwhile she has been
+rouging her cheeks._] Now look carefully, Charlie, and you'll see how I
+make the Cupid's bow which is my mouth. I like a nice healthy colour on
+the lips, don't you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Isn't it awfully uncomfortable to have all that stuff on?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Ah, my dear boy, it's woman's lot to suffer in this world. But it's a
+great comfort to think that one is submitting to the decrees of
+Providence and at the same time adding to one's personal attractiveness.
+But I confess I sometimes wish I needn't blow my nose so carefully.
+Smile, Charlie. I don't think you're a very ardent lover, you know.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm sorry. What would you like me to do?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I should like you to make me impassioned speeches.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm afraid they'd be so hackneyed.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Never mind that. I've long discovered that under the influence of
+profound emotion a man always expresses himself in the terms of the
+_Family Herald_.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+You must remember that I'm awfully inexperienced.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, I'll let you off this time--because I like your curly hair. [_She
+sighs amorously._] Now for the delicate arch of my eyebrows. I don't
+know what I should do without this. I've got no eyebrows at all
+really.... Have you ever noticed that dark line under the eyes which
+gives such intensity to my expression?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Yes, often.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Holding out the pencil._] Well, here it is. Ah, my dear boy, in this
+pencil you have at will roguishness and languor, tenderness and
+indifference, sprightliness, passion, malice, what you will. Now be
+very quiet for one moment. If I overdo it my whole day will be spoilt.
+You mustn't breathe even. Whenever I do this I think how true those
+lines are:
+
+    "The little more and how much it is.
+    The little less and what worlds away."
+
+There! Now just one puff of powder, and the whole world's kind.
+[_Looking at herself in the glass and sighing with satisfaction._] Ah! I
+feel eighteen. I think it's a success, and I shall have a happy day. Oh,
+Betsy, Betsy, I think you'll do. You know, you're not unattractive, my
+dear. Not strictly beautiful, perhaps; but then I don't like the
+chocolate-box sort of woman. I'll just go and take off this
+dressing-gown. [MERESTON _gets up._] No, don't move. I'll go into my
+bedroom. I shall only be one moment. [LADY FREDERICK _goes through the
+curtains._] Angélique.
+
+            [_The_ MAID _enters._
+
+MAID.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Just clear away those things on the dressing-table.
+
+MAID.
+
+[_Doing so._] Very well, miladi.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You may have a cigarette, Charlie.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Thanks. My nerves are a bit dicky this morning.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, blow the thing! Angélique, come and help me.
+
+MAID.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_She goes out._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+At last.
+
+            [_She comes in, having changed the kimono for
+            a very beautiful dressing-gown of silk and
+            lace._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now, are you pleased?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Of course I'm pleased.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then you may make love to me.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+You say such disconcerting things.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] Well, Charlie, you've found no difficulty in doing it for
+the last fortnight. You're not going to pretend that you're already at a
+loss for pretty speeches?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+When I came here, I had a thousand things to say to you, but you've
+driven them all out of my head. Won't you give me an answer now?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What to?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+You've not forgotten that I asked you to marry me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, but you asked me under very peculiar circumstances. I wonder if you
+can repeat the offer now in cold blood?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Of course. What a cad you must think me!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Are you sure you want to marry me still--after having slept over it?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You are a good boy, and I'm a beast to treat you so abominably. It's
+awfully nice of you.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Well, what is the answer?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear, I've been giving it you for the last half-hour.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+How?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You don't for a moment suppose I should have let you into those horrible
+mysteries of my toilette if I'd had any intention of marrying you? Give
+me credit for a certain amount of intelligence and good feeling. I
+should have kept up the illusion, at all events till after the
+honeymoon.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Are you going to refuse me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Aren't you rather glad?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+No, no, no.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Putting her arm through his._] Now let us talk it over sensibly.
+You're a very nice boy, and I'm awfully fond of you. But you're
+twenty-two, and heaven only knows my age. You see, the church in which I
+was baptized was burnt down the year I was born, so I don't know how old
+I am.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Smiling._] Where was it burnt?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+In Ireland.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I thought so.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Just at present I can make a decent enough show by taking infinite
+pains; and my hand is not so heavy that the innocent eyes of your sex
+can discover how much of me is due to art. But in ten years you'll only
+be thirty-two, and then, if I married you, my whole life would be a
+mortal struggle to preserve some semblance of youth. Haven't you seen
+those old hags who've never surrendered to Anno Domini, with their poor,
+thin, wrinkled cheeks covered with paint, and the dreadful wigs that
+hide a hairless pate? Rather cock-eyed, don't you know, and invariably
+flaxen. You've laughed at their ridiculous graces, and you've been
+disgusted too. Oh, I'm so sorry for them, poor things. And I should
+become just like that, for I should never have the courage to let my
+hair be white so long as yours was brown. But if I don't marry you, I
+can look forward to the white hairs fairly happily. The first I shall
+pluck out, and the second I shall pluck out. But when the third comes
+I'll give in, and I'll throw my rouge and my poudre de riz and my
+pencils into the fire.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But d'you think I should ever change?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear boy, I'm sure of it. Can't you imagine what it would be to be
+tied to a woman who was always bound to sit with her back to the light?
+And sometimes you might want to kiss me.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I think it very probable.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, you couldn't--in case you disarranged my complexion. [MERESTON
+_sighs deeply._] Don't sigh, Charlie. I daresay I was horrid to let you
+fall in love with me, but I'm only human, and I was desperately
+flattered.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Was that all?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And rather touched. That is why I want to give a cure with my refusal.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But you break my heart.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear, men have said that to me ever since I was fifteen, but I've
+never noticed that in consequence they ate their dinner less heartily.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I suppose you think it was only calf-love?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm not such a fool as to imagine a boy can love any less than a man. If
+I'd thought your affection ridiculous I shouldn't have been so
+flattered.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It doesn't hurt any the less because the wounds you make are clean cut.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But they'll soon heal. And you'll fall in love with a nice girl of your
+own age, whose cheeks flush with youth and not with rouge, and whose
+eyes sparkle because they love you, and not because they're carefully
+made up.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But I wanted to help you. You're in such an awful scrape, and if you'll
+only marry me it can all be set right.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, my dear, don't go in for self-sacrifice. You must leave that to
+women. They're so much more used to it.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Isn't there anything I can do for you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, dear. I shall get out of the mess somehow. I always do. You really
+need not worry about me.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+You know, you _are_ a brick.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then it's all settled, isn't it? And you're not going to be unhappy?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'll try not to be.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'd like to imprint a chaste kiss on your forehead, only I'm afraid it
+would leave a mark.
+
+            [_The_ FOOTMAN _comes in and announces_ PARADINE
+            FOULDES.
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Mr. Paradine Fouldes.
+
+            [_Exit._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Do I disturb?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not at all. We've just finished our conversation.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+If any one wants to know who the best woman in the world is send 'em to
+me, and I'll tell them.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Taking his hand._] You dear! Good-bye.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Good-bye. And thanks for being so kind to me.
+
+            [_He goes out._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Do I see in front of me my prospective niece?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why d'you ask, Uncle Paradine?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Singularly enough because I want to know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, it so happens--you don't.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You've refused him?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I have.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Then will you tell me why you've been leading us all such a devil of a
+dance?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Because you interfered with me, and I allow no one to do that.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Hoity-toity.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You weren't really so foolish as to imagine I should marry a boy who set
+me up on a pedestal and vowed he was unworthy to kiss the hem of my
+garment?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Why not?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear Paradine, I don't want to commit suicide by sheer boredom.
+There's only one thing in the world more insufferable than being in
+love.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And what is that, pray?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why, having some one in love with you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I've suffered from it all my life.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Think of living up to the ideal Charlie has of me. My hair would turn a
+hydrogen yellow in a week. And then to be so desperately adored as all
+that--oh, it's so dull! I should have to wear a mask all day long. I
+could never venture to be natural in case I shocked him. And
+notwithstanding all my efforts I should see the illusions tumbling about
+his ears one by one till he realised I was no ethereal goddess, but a
+very ordinary human woman neither better nor worse than anybody else.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Your maxim appears to be, marry any one you like except the man that's
+in love with you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Ah, but don't you think I might find a man who loved me though he knew
+me through and through? I'd far rather that he saw my faults and forgave
+them than that he thought me perfect.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But how d'you know you've choked the boy off for good?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I took good care. I wanted to cure him. If it had been possible I would
+have shown him my naked soul. But I couldn't do that, so I let him
+see....
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Interrupting._] What!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] No, not quite. I had a dressing-gown on and other
+paraphernalia. But I made him come here when I wasn't made up, and he
+sat by while I rouged my cheeks.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And the young fool thought there was nothing more in you than a
+carefully prepared complexion?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+He was very nice about it. But I think he was rather relieved when I
+refused him.
+
+[_There is a knock at the door._]
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Outside._] May we come in?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Yes do.
+
+_Enter_ GERALD _and_ ROSE _and the_ ADMIRAL.
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Excitedly._] I say, it's all right. The Admiral's come down like a
+real brick. I've told him everything.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What do you mean? Good-morning, dear Admiral.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Good-morning.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I've made a clean breast of it. I talked it over with Rosie.
+
+ROSE.
+
+And we went to papa together.
+
+GERALD.
+
+And told him that I owed Montgomerie nine hundred pounds.
+
+ROSE.
+
+And we thought papa would make an awful scene.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Raise Cain, don't you know.
+
+ROSE.
+
+But he never said a word.
+
+GERALD.
+
+He was simply ripping over it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Putting her hands to her ears._] Oh, oh, oh. For heaven's sake be calm
+and coherent.
+
+GERALD.
+
+My dear, you don't know what a relief it is.
+
+ROSE.
+
+I saw Gerald was dreadfully worried, and I wormed it out of him.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I'm so glad to be out of the clutches of that brute.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Now we're going to live happily ever afterwards.
+
+[_All the while the_ ADMIRAL _has been trying to get a word in, but each
+time he is about to start one of the others has broken in._
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Silence. [_He puffs and blows._] I never saw such a pair in my life.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now do explain it all, Admiral. I can't make head or tail out of these
+foolish creatures.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Well, they came and told me that Montgomerie had an I.O.U. of Gerald's
+for nine hundred pounds and was using it to blackmail you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Is that a fact?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Yes.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I never liked the man's face. And when they said his terms were that you
+were to marry him or Gerald would have to send in his papers, I said ...
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Damn his impudence.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+How did you know?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Because I'd have said it myself.
+
+GERALD.
+
+And the Admiral stumped up like a man. He gave me a cheque for the
+money, and I've just this moment sent it on to Montgomerie.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Taking both his hands._] It's awfully good of you, and I'm sure you'll
+never regret that you gave Gerald a chance.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+May I have a few words' private conversation with you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Of course. [_To the others._] Make yourselves scarce.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+We'll go on the balcony, shall we?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I'm sorry to trouble you, but it'll only take three minutes.
+
+[GERALD _and_ ROSE _and_ FOULDES _go on to the balcony_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_When they've gone._] There.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Well, what I wanted to say to you was this: I like Gerald, but I think
+he wants guiding. D'you follow me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm sure he will take your advice always.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+It's a woman's hand that he wants. Now if you and I were to join forces
+we could keep him out of mischief, couldn't we?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, I'll come and stay with you whenever you ask me. I love giving good
+advice when I'm quite sure it won't be taken.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I was thinking of a more permanent arrangement. Look here, why don't you
+marry me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear Admiral!
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I don't think an attractive woman like you ought to live alone. She's
+bound to get in a scrape.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's awfully good of you, but....
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+You don't think I'm too old, do you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Of course not. You're in the very prime of life.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+There's life in the old dog yet, I can tell you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I feel sure of that. I never doubted it for a moment.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Then what have you got against me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You wouldn't like to commit polygamy, would you?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Eh?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You see, it's not a question of marrying me only, but all my
+tradespeople.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I hadn't thought of that.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Besides, you're Rose's father, and I'm Gerald's sister. If we married I
+should be my brother's mother-in-law, and my step-daughter would be my
+sister. Your daughter would be your sister-in-law, and your brother
+would just snap his fingers at your fatherly advice.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+[Confused.] Eh?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't know if the prayer-book allows things like that, but if it does
+I think it's hopelessly immoral.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Well, shall I tell them I've changed my mind and they can't marry?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then there'd be no reason for us to--commit the crime, would there?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I hadn't thought of that. I suppose not.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're not cross with me, are you? I'm very much flattered, and I thank
+you from the bottom of my heart.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Not at all, not at all. I only thought it might save trouble.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Calling._] Gerald. Come along. [_They come in._] We've had our little
+talk.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Everything satisfactory?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a look at the_ ADMIRAL.] Quite.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+[_Gruffly._] Quite.
+
+LADY FREDERICK'S FOOTMAN _enters._
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Captain Montgomerie wishes to know if he may see your ladyship.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'd forgotten all about him.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Let me go to him, shall I?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, I'm not afraid of him any longer. He can't do anything to you. And
+as far as I'm concerned it doesn't matter.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Then I'll tell him to go to the devil.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, I'm going to tell him that myself. [_To the_ FOOTMAN.] Ask Captain
+Montgomerie to come here.
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_Exit._
+
+Lady Frederick.
+
+[_Walking up and down furiously._] I'm going to tell him that myself.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Now keep calm, Betsy.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Very deliberately._] I shall not keep calm.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Remember that you're a perfect lady.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Don't interfere with me. I ate humble pie yesterday, and it didn't agree
+with me at all.
+
+[FOOTMAN _enters to announce_ CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE, _who follows him, and
+immediately withdraws._
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Captain Montgomerie.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+How d'you do.
+
+[_He is obviously surprised to see the others._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Pleasantly._] Quite a party, aren't we?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Yes. [_A pause._] I hope you don't mind my coming so early?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not at all. You made an appointment for half-past ten.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I trust you have good news for me.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Captain Montgomerie, every one here knows the circumstances that have
+brought you.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I should have thought it wiser for both our sakes not to make them too
+public.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Very amiably._] I don't see why you should be ashamed because you made
+me a proposal of marriage?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I'm sorry you should think it a laughing matter, Lady Frederick.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't. I never laugh at an impertinence.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Taken aback._] I beg your pardon.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Surely the receipt of my brother's letter was sufficient answer for you.
+After that you must have guessed there was no likelihood that I should
+change my mind.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+What letter? I don't understand.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I sent you a note this morning enclosing a cheque for the money I lost
+to you.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I've not received it.
+
+GERALD.
+
+It must be waiting for you at the hotel.
+
+            [CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _pauses and looks meditatively
+            at the assembled company_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I think there's nothing for which I need detain you longer.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Smiling._] I don't think I've quite finished yet. Has it slipped your
+memory that the two bills fall due to-day? Allow me to present them.
+
+            [_He takes them out of his pocket-book._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm very sorry I can't pay them--at present.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I regret that I can't wait. You must pay them.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I tell you it's impossible.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Then I shall get an order against you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That you may do to your heart's content.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+You realise the consequences. It's not very nice to be an undischarged
+bankrupt.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Much nicer than to marry a rascally money-lender.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+May I look at these interesting documents?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Certainly. [_Blandly._] I haven't the least wish to be offensive.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Taking them._] You fail lamentably in achieving your wish. Three
+thousand five hundred pounds in all. It seems hardly worth while to make
+a fuss about so small a sum.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I'm in urgent need of money.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Ironically._] So rich a man as you?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Even a rich man may be temporarily embarrassed.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Then be so good as to wait for one moment. [_He sits down at a table and
+writes a cheque._] No sight is more affecting than that of a
+millionaire in financial straits.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Paradine!
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Handing the cheque._] Now, sir, I think that settles it. Will you
+exchange my cheque for those bills?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Damn you, I forgot you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You may not be aware that it's unusual to swear in the presence of
+ladies.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Looking at the cheque._] I suppose it's all right.
+
+            [PARADINE _goes to the door and opens it_.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+There is the window, and here is the door. Which will you choose?
+
+            [CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _looks at him without
+            answering, shrugs his shoulders and goes
+            out_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, Paradine, you are a brick.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I say it's awfully good of you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Nonsense. I've got a strong sense of effect, and I always cultivate the
+dramatic situation.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I shall never be able to pay you back, Paradine.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear, I'm not entirely devoid of intelligence.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Well, well, I must be off to take my constitutional.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And Rose and Gerald must take care of you. We shall all meet at
+luncheon.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Yes, yes.
+
+[_The_ ADMIRAL, ROSE _and_ GERALD _go out._ LADY FREDERICK _goes up to_
+PARADINE _and takes his hands._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Thanks awfully. You are a good friend.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By George, how your eyes glitter!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's only belladonna, you know.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'm not such a fool as my nephew, my dear.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why did you do it?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+D'you know what gratitude is?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Thanks for past favours and a lively sense of benefits to come.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, yesterday you had my sister in the hollow of your hand. She gave
+you great provocation, and you burnt those confounded letters.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear Paradine, I can't get over my own magnanimity. And what are the
+benefits to come?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well it might be five per cent. on the capital.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't know why you should squeeze my hands all the time.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But it isn't. Look here, don't you get awfully tired of racketting
+about?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, my dear friend, I'm sick to death of it. I've got half a mind to
+retire from the world and bury myself in a hermitage.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+So have I, and I've bought the lease of a little house in Norfolk
+Street, Park Lane.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Just the place for a hermitage--fashionable without being vulgar.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And I propose to live there quite quietly, and I shall just subsist on a
+few dried herbs, don't you know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But do have them cooked by a really good French chef; it makes such a
+difference.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And what d'you say to joining me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, I _am_ a success to-day. That's another proposal of marriage.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It sounds very much like it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I've already had three this morning.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Then I should think you've said "no" quite often enough.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Come at ten o'clock to-morrow, and you shall see me make up.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+D'you think that would choke me off? D'you suppose I don't know that
+behind that very artificial complexion there's a dear little woman
+called Betsy who's genuine to the bottom of her soul?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, don't be so sentimental or I shall cry.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, what is it to be?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Her voice breaking._] D'you like me still, Paradine, after all these
+years?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Yes. [_She looks at him, her lips quivering. He stretches out his arms,
+and she, breaking down, hides her face on his shoulder._] Now don't be
+an ass, Betsy.... I know you'll say in a minute I'm the only man you
+ever loved.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Looking up with a laugh._] I shan't.... But what will your sister
+say?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'll tell her there was only one way in which I could save Charlie from
+your clutches.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By marrying you myself.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Putting up her face._] Monster.
+
+[_He kisses her lips._]
+
+
+THE END.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+_THE EXPLORER_
+
+
+_BY THE SAME AUTHOR_
+
+(_Uniform with this Volume_)
+
+_PLAYS_:
+
+    _A MAN OF HONOUR_
+    _LADY FREDERICK_
+    _JACK STRAW_
+    _MRS. DOT_
+    _PENELOPE_
+
+    (_In Preparation_)
+
+    _SMITH_
+    _THE TENTH MAN_
+    _GRACE_
+    _LOAVES AND FISHES_
+
+_LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN_
+
+
+
+
+_THE EXPLORER
+
+A MELODRAMA
+
+In Four Acts
+
+By W. S. MAUGHAM
+
+LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN
+
+MCMXII_
+
+_All rights reserved_
+
+This play was first produced at the Lyric Theatre on Saturday, June 13,
+1908, with the following cast:
+
+    ALEXANDER MACKENZIE            LEWIS WALLER
+    RICHARD LOMAS                  A. E. GEORGE
+    DR. ADAMSON                    CHARLES ROCK
+    SIR ROBERT BOULGER, BT.      OWEN ROUGHWOOD
+    GEORGE ALLERTON                 SHIEL BARRY
+    REV. JAMES CARBERY         S. J. WARMINGTON
+    CAPTAIN MALLINS          A. CATON WOODVILLE
+    MILLER                         CHARLES CECIL
+    CHARLES                            P. DIGAN
+    MRS. CROWLEY                      EVA MOORE
+    LADY KELSEY                      MARY RORKE
+    LUCY ALLERTON                EVELYN MILLARD
+
+
+
+
+_THE EXPLORER
+
+CHARACTERS_
+
+
+    ALEXANDER MACKENZIE
+    RICHARD LOMAS
+    DR. ADAMSON
+    SIR ROBERT BOULGER, BT.
+    GEORGE ALLERTON
+    THE REV. JAMES CARBERY
+    CAPTAIN MALLINS
+    MILLER
+    CHARLES
+    LADY KELSEY
+    MRS. CROWLEY
+    LUCY ALLERTON
+
+TIME: _The Present Day._
+
+SCENE: _The First and Third Acts take place at Lady Kelsey's house; the
+Second at Mackenzie's camp in Central Africa; and the Fourth at the
+house of Richard Lomas._
+
+_The Performing Rights of this play are fully protected, and permission
+to perform it, whether by Amateurs or Professionals, must be obtained in
+advance from the author's Sole Agent, R. Golding Bright, 20 Green
+Street, Leicester Square, London, W.C., from whom all particulars can be
+obtained._
+
+
+
+
+THE EXPLORER
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST ACT
+
+
+     SCENE: LADY KELSEY'S _drawing-room in Mayfair. At the back is a
+     window leading on to a balcony. On the right a door leads to the
+     staircase, and on the left is another door. It is the sumptuous
+     room of a rich woman._
+
+     [LADY KELSEY _is seated, dressed in black; she is a woman of fifty,
+     kind, emotional, and agitated. She is drying her eyes._ MRS.
+     CROWLEY, _a pretty little woman of twenty-eight, very beautifully
+     dressed, vivacious and gesticulative, is watching her quietly. The_
+     REV. JAMES CARBERY, _a young curate, tall and impressive in
+     appearance, ponderous and self-important, is very immaculate in a
+     silk waistcoat and a large gold cross._
+
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I cannot tell you how sincerely I feel for you in this affliction, Lady
+Kelsey.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+You're very kind. Every one has been very kind. But I shall never get
+over it. I shall never hold up my head again.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Nonsense! You talk as if the whole thing weren't perfectly monstrous.
+Surely you don't for a moment suppose that your brother-in-law won't be
+able to explain everything away?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+God forbid! But still, it's dreadful to think that at this very moment
+my poor sister's husband is standing in the felon's dock.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+Dreadful, dreadful!
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+If you only knew the agonies I've suffered since Fred was arrested! At
+first I couldn't believe it, I wouldn't believe it. If I'd only known
+such a thing was possible, I'd have done anything to help him.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+But had you any idea he was in difficulties?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+He came to me and said he must have three thousand pounds at once. But
+I'd given him money so often since my poor sister died, and every one
+said I oughtn't to give him any more. After all, someone must look after
+his children, and if I don't hoard my money a little, George and Lucy
+will be penniless.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Oh, you were quite right to refuse.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I thought it would only go in senseless extravagances as all the rest
+has gone, and when he said it was a matter of life and death, I couldn't
+believe it. He'd said that so often.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+It's shocking to think a man of his position and abilities should have
+come to such a pass.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Dear Mr. Carbery, don't draw the very obvious moral. We're all quite
+wretched enough as it is.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+And two days later Lucy came to me with a white face to say that he had
+been arrested for forging a cheque.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I only met him once, and I'm bound to say I thought him a most charming
+man.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Ah, that's what ruined him. He was always so entirely delightful. He
+could never say no to any one. But there's not an atom of harm in him.
+I'm quite certain he's never done anything criminal; he may have been
+foolish, but wicked never.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Of course he'll be able to clear himself. There's not the least doubt
+about that.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+But think of the disgrace of it. A public trial. And Fred Allerton of
+all people! The Allertons were always so proud of their family. It was
+almost a mania with them.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+For centuries they've cherished the firm belief that there was no one in
+the county fit to black their boots.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+Pride goeth before a fall.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Smiling._] And proverbs before a clergyman.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+They wouldn't give him bail, so he's remained in prison till now. Of
+course, I made Lucy and George come here.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You've been quite charming, Lady Kelsey, as every one knew you'd be. But
+don't think of these wretched weeks of suspense. Think only that Mr.
+Allerton has got his chance at last. Why, the trial may be over now, and
+he may this very minute be on his way to this house.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+What will he do when it's over? The position will be surely a little
+unpleasant.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I've talked it over with Lucy, and--I've made it possible for them all
+to go abroad. They'll need rest and quiet. Poor things, poor things!
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I suppose Miss Allerton and George are at the Old Bailey.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+No, their father begged them to stay away. They've been in all day,
+waiting for the papers.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But who is going to bring you the news? Surely you're not going to wait
+for the papers?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Oh, no, Dick Lomas is coming. He's one of the witnesses for Fred, and my
+nephew Bobby Boulger.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+And what about Mr. Mackenzie? He told me he would be there.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+Is that the great traveller? I thought I saw in the paper that he'd
+already started for Africa.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Not yet. He's going at the beginning of the month. Oh, he's been so good
+to us during this time. All our friends have been good to us.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I shouldn't have thought there was much of the milk of human kindness to
+overflow in Alexander Mackenzie. By all accounts he dealt with the
+slave-traders in Africa with a good deal of vigour.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+The slave-traders must be quaking in their shoes if they know he's
+starting out again, for he's made up his mind to exterminate them, and
+when Alec Mackenzie makes up his mind to do a thing, he appears to do
+it.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+He has the reputation of a hard man, but no one could be more delightful
+than he has been to me.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I don't think I like him, but he's certainly a strong man, and in
+England just now every one's so weak and floppy, it's rather a relief to
+come across somebody who's got a will of iron and nerves of steel.
+
+            [GEORGE ALLERTON _comes in_. _He is a very
+            young man, good-looking, though at the
+            moment pale and haggard, with a rather
+            weak face._
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I thought Lucy was here. [_To_ CARBERY _and_ MRS. CROWLEY.] How d'you
+do? Have you seen Lucy?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I went to her room for a moment.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+What is she doing?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Reading.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I wish I could take it as calmly as she does. An outsider would think
+there was nothing the matter at all. Oh, it's too awful!
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+My dear, you must bear up. We must all hope for the best.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+But there is no best. Whatever happens, it means disgrace and dishonour.
+How could he? How could he?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+No one knows your father as I do, George. I'm sure he's never been
+anything but thoughtless and foolish.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Of course he's not been actually criminal. That's absurd. But it's bad
+enough as it is.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You mustn't take it too much to heart. In another half-hour at the
+utmost your father will be here with everything cleared up, and you'll
+be able to go back to Oxford with a clear conscience.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+D'you think I can go to Oxford again when my father has been tried for
+forgery? No, no! No, no! I'd rather shoot myself.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+My poor boy.... Where have you been all day?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Heaven knows! I've walked through the streets till I'm dog-tired. Oh,
+the suspense is too awful. My feet carried me to the Old Bailey, and I
+would have given anything to go in and see how things were going, but
+I'd promised the Pater I wouldn't.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+How did he look this morning?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+He was most awfully worn and ill. I don't believe he'll ever get over
+it. I saw his counsel before the case began. They told me it was bound
+to come all right.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Is there anything in the evening papers?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I haven't dared to look. The placards are awful.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+Why, what do they say?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Can't you imagine? "Gentleman charged with forgery." "County gentleman
+at the Old Bailey." And all the rest of it. Damn them! Damn them!
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+It may be all over by now.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I feel that I shall never sleep again. I couldn't close my eyes last
+night. To think that one's own father....
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+For goodness' sake be quiet.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Starting._] There's a ring at the bell.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I've given orders that no one is to be admitted but Dick Lomas and
+Bobbie.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It must be finished by now. It's one or the other of them come to tell
+you the result.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Oh, I'm so frightfully anxious.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Aunt, you don't think....
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+No, no, of course not. They _must_ find him not guilty.
+
+            [_The_ BUTLER _enters followed by_ DICK LOMAS,
+            _a clean-shaven dapper man, with a sharp
+            face and good-natured smile. He is between
+            thirty-five and forty, but slim and youthful.
+            With him comes_ SIR ROBERT BOULGER,
+            LADY KELSEY'S _nephew, a good-looking,
+            spruce youth of twenty-two_.
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Mr. Lomas, Sir Robert Boulger.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Excitedly._] Well, well? For God's sake tell us quickly.
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear people, I have nothing to tell.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Oh!
+
+            [_He staggers with sudden faintness and falls
+            to the floor._
+
+DICK.
+
+Hulloa! What's this?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Poor boy!
+
+            [_They crowd round him._
+
+GEORGE.
+
+It's all right. What a fool I am! I was so strung up.
+
+DICK.
+
+You'd better come to the window.
+
+            [_He and_ BOULGER _take the boy's arms and lead
+            him to the window_. GEORGE _leans against
+            the balcony_.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I'm afraid I must go away. Every Wednesday at four I read _Little Lord
+Fauntleroy_ to forty charwomen.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Good-bye. And thanks so much for coming.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Shaking hands with him._] Good-bye. A clergyman always helps one so
+much to bear other people's misfortunes.
+
+            [CARBERY _goes out, and in a moment_ ROBERT
+            BOULGER _comes back into the room_.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Is he better?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Oh, much. He'll be all right in a minute. [LADY KELSEY _goes to the
+window, and he turns to_ MRS. CROWLEY.] You are a brick to come here
+to-day, when they're all in such awful trouble.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_With a little hesitation._] Did you really come away before the trial
+was ended?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Why, of course. What did you think? You don't imagine they'll convict
+him?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It's too dreadful.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Where is Lucy? I was hoping to get a glimpse of her.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I wouldn't trouble her to-day if I were you. I think she most wants to
+be left alone.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I wanted to tell her that if I could do anything at all, she had only to
+command.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I think she knows that. But I'll give her the message if you like....
+You're very devoted.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I've been madly in love with her ever since I was ten.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Take care then. There's nothing so tedious as the constant lover.
+
+            [DICK _comes into the room and speaks to_
+            ROBERT BOULGER.
+
+DICK.
+
+George is quite well now. He wants you to smoke a cigarette with him.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Certainly.
+
+            [_He goes on to the balcony._
+
+DICK.
+
+[_When_ BOULGER _is gone_.] At least, he will the moment he sees you.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+What do you mean by that?
+
+DICK.
+
+Merely that I wanted to talk to you. And Robert Boulger, being a youth
+of somewhat limited intelligence, seemed in the way.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Why did you leave the Old Bailey?
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear lady, I couldn't stand it. You don't know what it is to sit
+there and watch a man tortured, a man you've known all your life, whom
+you've dined with times out of number, in whose house you've stayed. He
+had just the look of a hunted beast, and his face was grey with terror.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+How was the case going?
+
+DICK.
+
+I couldn't judge. I could only see those haggard, despairing eyes.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But you're a barrister. You must have heard his answers. What did he
+reply to all the questions?
+
+DICK.
+
+He seemed quite dazed. I don't think he took in the gist of his
+cross-examination.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But the man's innocent.
+
+DICK.
+
+Yes, we all hope that.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+What d'you mean? There can be no doubt about that. When he was arrested
+Lucy went to him and begged him to tell her the exact truth. He swore
+that he wasn't guilty.
+
+DICK.
+
+Poor Lucy! She's borne up wonderfully. She'll stick to her father
+through thick and thin.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Abruptly._] Mr. Lomas, you're trying to put me off. It's not fair to
+let Lucy buoy herself up with false hopes. She's absolutely convinced
+that her father will be acquitted.
+
+DICK.
+
+Well, in another half-hour we shall all know. When I left, the judge was
+just going to sum up.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Mr. Lomas, what is your opinion?
+
+            [_He looks at her steadily for a moment._
+
+DICK.
+
+Were you very much surprised when you heard Fred Allerton was arrested?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Good heavens, I was overwhelmed!
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Dryly._] Ah!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+If you aggravate me I shall box your ears.
+
+DICK.
+
+When first I knew Fred he was a very rich man. You know that the
+Allertons are one of the oldest families in Cheshire?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Yes. I think Lucy's only failing is an inordinate pride in her family.
+She thinks it very snobbish to have any particular respect for a peer of
+the realm, but only natural to look up to persons of good family.
+
+DICK.
+
+Ah, you see, you and I who have a quite indecent lack of ancestors,
+can't realise what the cult of family may be. There are families in the
+remote parts of England--not very rich, not very clever, and not very
+good-looking--who would look askance at a belted earl who came to demand
+their daughter's hand in marriage. They have a natural conviction that
+they're the salt of the earth, and in their particular corner they rule
+more absolutely than half the monarchs in Europe. The Allertons were
+like that. But Fred somehow seemed to belong to a different stock. The
+first thing he did was to play ducks and drakes with his fortune.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But men ought to be extravagant. That's what they're there for.
+
+DICK.
+
+Women always took his side because he had an irresistible charm of
+manner.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I think George has, too, a little.
+
+DICK.
+
+I hope for Lucy's sake he will turn out a different man from his father.
+I wish he weren't so like him in appearance. At last Fred Allerton had
+squandered every penny, and he married Lady Kelsey's sister, one of the
+three rich daughters of a Liverpool merchant. But he ran through her
+money, too, gambling, racing, and so forth, and she died of a broken
+heart--adoring him still.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You're as well informed as an encyclopædia, Mr. Lomas.
+
+DICK.
+
+You see, I was made the trustee for the poor remains of Mrs. Allerton's
+fortune, and I know how Lucy has managed to keep all their heads above
+water. She's wonderful. Ever since she was a child she's held the reins
+in her own hands. She's stuck to her father, though Lady Kelsey implored
+her to leave him to his own foolish ways. She saw that George was
+decently educated. She hid from the world all the little shifts and
+devices to which she had to resort in order to keep up an appearance of
+decency.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I suppose you, too, think Fred Allerton little better than a scamp?
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear lady, when a man has had to leave his club because he plays
+cards too well, it's at least permissible to suppose that there's
+something odd about him.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Here's Lady Kelsey. For heaven's sake try and amuse her a little.
+
+[LADY KELSEY _comes back into the room_.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Oh, Dick, I'm so full of my own troubles, I forgot to ask about yours.
+I'm so sorry to hear that you're ill.
+
+DICK.
+
+On the contrary, I'm in the very best of health.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+But I saw in the papers that you were going to give up your seat in the
+House owing to ill-health.
+
+DICK.
+
+Of course, I'd forgotten. My heart is seriously deranged.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+How dreadful! What is the matter with it?
+
+DICK.
+
+Can you ask? I've banged it about at your feet so long that its
+functions are excessively impaired. And it's beaten all my waistcoats
+out of shape.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Don't be so foolish. I was quite alarmed.
+
+DICK.
+
+I'm going to retire.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+From the bar as well?
+
+DICK.
+
+From the bar as well. Henceforth I shall cultivate only such arts and
+graces as are proper to the man of leisure. My fellow men are a great
+deal too strenuous, and I propose to offer them the spectacle of a
+complete idler who demands from the world neither honours nor profit,
+but only entertainment.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+D'you mean to say you're going to give up a large practice and a
+position which may be very important merely to gratify a foolish whim?
+
+DICK.
+
+I haven't time to work. Life is so much too short. A little while ago it
+occurred to me that I was nearly forty. [_To_ MRS. CROWLEY.] D'you know
+the feeling?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+No, of course not. Don't be so uncivil.
+
+DICK.
+
+By the way, how old are you?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Twenty-nine!
+
+DICK.
+
+Nonsense! There's no such age.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I beg your pardon, upper parlourmaids are always twenty-nine.
+
+DICK.
+
+For years I've spent eight hours a day meddling with silly persons'
+silly quarrels, and eight hours more governing the nation. I've never
+been able to spend more than half my income. I'm merely working myself
+to death in order to leave a fortune to my nieces, two desperately plain
+girls with red noses.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+But what are you going to do?
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, I don't know. Perhaps I'll try my hand at big game shooting, if Alec
+will take me on this expedition of his. I've always thought shooting
+would be an agreeable pastime if partridges were the size of well-grown
+sheep and pheasants a little larger than a cow.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Then the breakdown in your health is all humbug?
+
+DICK.
+
+Absolute humbug. If I were to tell the truth people would shut me up in
+a lunatic asylum. I've come to the conclusion that there's only one game
+in the world worth playing, and that's the game of life. I'm rich enough
+to devote myself to it entirely.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But you'll get bored to death.
+
+DICK.
+
+Not I! Why, I'm growing younger every day. My dear Mrs. Crowley, I don't
+feel a day more than eighteen.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You certainly look quite twenty-five.
+
+DICK.
+
+I haven't a white hair in my head.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I suppose your servant plucks them out every morning.
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, very rarely. One a month at the outside.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I think I see one on the left temple.
+
+DICK.
+
+Really! How careless of Charles! I must speak to him.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Let me pluck it out.
+
+DICK.
+
+I shall allow you to do nothing so familiar.
+
+            [GEORGE _comes hurriedly into the room_.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+There's Alec Mackenzie. He's just driven up in a cab.
+
+DICK.
+
+He must have come from the trial. Then it's all over.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Quick! Go to the stairs, or Miller won't let him up.
+
+            [GEORGE _runs across the room and opens the door_.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Calling._] Miller, Miller, Mr. Mackenzie's to come up.
+
+[LUCY ALLERTON, _hearing a commotion, comes in. She is older than
+George, a tall girl, white now, with eyes heavy from want of sleep. She
+has lived in the country all her life, and has brought up to London a
+sort of remoteness from the world. She is beautiful in a very English
+manner, and her clear-cut features are an index to a character in which
+the moral notions are peculiarly rigid. Self-control is a quality which
+she possesses in a marked degree, and one which she enormously admires
+in others_.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Who is it?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+It's Alec Mackenzie. He's come from the trial!
+
+LUCY.
+
+Then it's finished at last. [_She shakes hands with_ DICK.] It's so good
+of you to come.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+You're perfectly wonderful, Lucy. How can you be so calm?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Because I'm quite sure of the result. D'you imagine I'd doubt my father
+for a moment?
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, Lucy, for heaven's sake don't be so sure. You must be prepared for
+everything.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, no, I know my father. D'you think I've not studied him during these
+years that I've looked after him? He's a child, with all a child's
+thoughtlessness and simplicity. And God knows, he's weak. I know his
+faults better than any one, but it would be impossible for him to do
+anything criminal.
+
+            [_The_ BUTLER _enters, followed by_ ALEC MACKENZIE.
+            ALEC _is a tall, wiry man, well-knit,
+            with dark hair and a small red
+            moustache and beard, cut close to the face.
+            He is about five-and-thirty. He has great
+            ease of manner, and there is about him an
+            air as though he were accustomed that
+            people should do as he told them._
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie!
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Is it finished? For God's sake tell us quickly, old man.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Why didn't father come with you? Is he following?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes, it's all over.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Thank goodness. The suspense was really too dreadful.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I knew they'd acquit him. Thank God!
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Looking at_ ALEC'S _face_.] Take care, George.
+
+            [_Suddenly_ LUCY _goes up to_ ALEC _and looks at
+            him. An expression of horror distorts her
+            features._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Lucy, what is it?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I don't know how I am going to tell you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You say the trial was over when you came away?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes.
+
+LUCY.
+
+The jury had given their verdict?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Lucy, what are you driving at? You don't think ...?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Your father asked me to come and break it to you.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+He's not dead?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Perhaps it would be better if he were.
+
+LUCY.
+
+They found him guilty?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_With a groan of despair._] Oh! But it's impossible.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Putting her hand on his arm._] Ssh!
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+My God, my God! I'm thankful that his wife is dead.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I'm awfully stupid, but if he was innocent, how could they find him
+guilty? I don't know what you mean.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I am afraid it's very clear.
+
+LUCY.
+
+There must be some horrible mistake.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I wish there were.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Breaking down into tears and sinking into a chair._] Oh, God! What
+shall I do?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Don't do that, George. We want all our calmness now.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Don't you see they all expected it? It was only you and I who believed
+in his innocence.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_To_ ALEC.] Did you hear the evidence?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes.
+
+LUCY.
+
+And you followed it carefully?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Very.
+
+LUCY.
+
+What impression did it leave on your mind?
+
+ALEC.
+
+What can it matter how it affected me?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I want to know.
+
+DICK.
+
+Lucy, you're torturing us all.
+
+LUCY.
+
+If you had been on the jury would your verdict have been the same as
+theirs?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I should have been obliged to judge according to my conscience.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I see. And you have no doubt that he was guilty?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Don't ask me these horrible questions.
+
+LUCY.
+
+But it's very important. I know that you are a perfectly honest and
+upright man. If you think he was guilty, there is nothing more to be
+said.
+
+ALEC.
+
+The case was so plain that the jury were not out of the box for more
+than ten minutes.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Did the judge say anything?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Hesitatingly._] He said there could be no doubt about the justice of
+the verdict.
+
+LUCY.
+
+What else?... [_He looks at her without answering._] You had better tell
+me now. I shall see it in the papers to-morrow.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_As though the words were dragged out of him._] He called it a very
+mean and shameful crime, worse than another man's because your father
+was a gentleman of ancient family and bore a name of great honour.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_To_ MRS. CROWLEY.] These judges have a weakness for pointing a moral.
+
+LUCY.
+
+And what was the sentence? [_A pause._] Well?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Seven years' penal servitude.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Oh, God!
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear girl, I can't tell you how sorry I am.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Lucy, what is it? You frighten me.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Try and bear up, George. We want all the strength we've got, you and I.
+
+[MRS. CROWLEY _puts her arms round_ LUCY _and kisses her._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Oh, my dear, my dear!
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Disengaging herself._] You're all very kind, and I know you sympathise
+with me....
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Interrupting her._] You know that we'll do everything we can to help
+you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+It's so good of you. There's really nothing that any one can do. Would
+you all mind leaving me alone with George? We must talk this over by
+ourselves.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Very well. Mr. Lomas, will you put me into a cab?
+
+DICK.
+
+Certainly. [_To_ LUCY.] Good-bye, dear, and God bless you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Shaking hands with him._] Don't worry too much about me. If there's
+anything I want, I'll let you know.
+
+DICK.
+
+Thanks.
+
+            [_He goes out with_ MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+ALEC.
+
+May I speak to you for a few minutes alone?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Not now, Mr. Mackenzie. I don't want to seem rude, but ...
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Interrupting._] I know, and I wouldn't insist unless it were a matter
+of the most urgent importance.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Very well. George, will you take Aunt Alice to her room? I shall want
+you in a moment.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_To_ LADY KELSEY.] Won't you lie down and try and sleep a little? You
+must be dreadfully exhausted.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Ah, don't think of me now, dear. Think of yourself.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Smiling._] It's purely selfish. It eases me a little to fuss about
+you.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I'll wait in the smoking-room, Lucy.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Do!
+
+[GEORGE _and_ LADY KELSEY _go out._
+
+ALEC.
+
+I think your self-command is wonderful. I've never admired you more than
+at this moment.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You make me feel such a prig. It's not really very strange if I keep my
+head, because I've had an immensely long training. Since I was fifteen
+I've been alone to care for George and my father.... Won't you sit down?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I can say what I want in a very few words. You know that in a week I
+start for Mombassa to take charge of the expedition in North-East
+Africa. I may be away for three or four years, and I shall be exposed to
+a certain amount of danger. When I left Africa last time to gather
+supplies, I determined I would crush those wretched slave-traders, and
+now I think I have the means to do it.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I think you are engaged on a very great work.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I don't know whether you ever noticed that--that I cared more for you
+than for any one in the world. But with the long journey in front of me
+I didn't think it was right to say anything to you. It wasn't fair to
+ask you to bind yourself during my long absence. And there was always
+the risk that a stray bullet might put an end to me. I made up my mind
+that I must wait till I returned. But things have changed now. Lucy, I
+love you with all my heart. Will you marry me before I go?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No, I can't do that. It's very generous of you, but I couldn't.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Why not? Don't you know that I love you? It would help me so much if I
+knew that you were waiting for me at home.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I must look after my father. I shall go and live near the--prison, so
+that I can see him whenever it's possible.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You can do that as well if you're my wife.... You have before you a very
+difficult and trying time. Won't you let me help you?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I couldn't. Heaven knows, I'm grateful to you for offering to marry me
+on this day of my bitter humiliation. I shall never forget your great
+kindness. But I must stand alone. I must devote myself to my father.
+When he's released I must have a home to bring him to, and I must tend
+him and care for him. Ah, now he wants me more than ever.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You're very proud.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Giving him her hand._] Dear friend, don't think hardly of me. I think
+I love you as much as it's possible for a woman to love a man.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Lucy!
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_With a smile._] Did you want me to tell you that in so many words? I
+admire you, and I trust you. I should be very happy if George could grow
+into so brave and honest a man as you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+They're very modest crumbs with which you want me to be satisfied.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I know in your heart you think I'm right. You would never seek to
+dissuade me from what I'm convinced is my duty.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Can't I do anything for you at all?
+
+[_She looks at him for a moment intently. She rings the bell._
+
+LUCY.
+
+Yes, you can do me the greatest possible service.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm so glad. What is it you mean?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Wait, and I'll tell you. [_The_ BUTLER _enters._] Ask Mr. George to come
+here, please.
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Very well, Miss.
+
+            [_He goes out._
+
+LUCY.
+
+I want you to help me.
+
+            [GEORGE _comes in._
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes, Lucy?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I want to give into your charge what I love most in the world....
+George, have you thought at all what you're going to do now? I'm afraid
+you can't go back to Oxford.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+No, I don't know what's to become of me. I wish I were dead.
+
+LUCY.
+
+An idea has just come to me. I'm going to ask Mr. Mackenzie to take you
+with him to Africa. Will you go?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes, yes! I'd do anything to get away from England. I daren't face my
+friends--I'm too ashamed.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Ah, but it's not to hide yourself that I want you to go. Mr. Mackenzie,
+I daresay you know that we've always been very proud of our name. And
+now it's hopelessly dishonoured.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Lucy, for God's sake ...
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Turning to him._] Now our only hope is in you. You have the
+opportunity of achieving a great thing. You can bring back the old name
+to its old honour. Oh, I wish I were a man. I can do nothing but wait
+and watch. If I could only fill you with my courage and with my
+ambition! Mr. Mackenzie, you asked if you could do anything for me. You
+can give George the chance of wiping out the shame of our family.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you know that he will have to suffer every sort of danger and
+privation, that often he will be parched by the heat, and often soaked
+to the skin for days together? Sometimes he'll not have enough to eat,
+and he'll have to work harder than a navvy.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Do you hear, George? Are you willing to go?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I'll do anything you want me to, Lucy.
+
+ALEC.
+
+And you know that he may get killed. There may be a good deal of
+fighting.
+
+LUCY.
+
+If he dies a brave man's death, I have nothing more to ask.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_To_ GEORGE.] Very well. Come with me, and I'll do my best for you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Ah, thanks. You are really my friend.
+
+ALEC.
+
+And when I come back?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Then, if you still care, ask your question again.
+
+ALEC.
+
+And the answer?
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_With a little smile._] The answer, perhaps, will be different.
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST ACT
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND ACT
+
+
+     SCENE: ALEC MACKENZIE'S _tent in North-East Africa. It is night.
+     The place is dimly lighted. There is a little camp bed in one
+     corner with a mosquito net over it. There are two or three folding
+     chairs, some tin cases, and a table. On this a gun is lying._
+
+     DICK _is seated with his head on his hands, leaning on the table,
+     fast asleep_. DR. ADAMSON, _the surgeon of the expedition, comes
+     in. He is a large-boned brawny fellow with a Scotch accent. He
+     looks at_ DICK _and smiles_.
+
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Hulloa, there! [DICK _starts up and seizes the gun. The_ DOCTOR
+_laughs_.] All right. Don't shoot. It's only me.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Why the dickens did you wake me up? I was
+dreaming--dreaming of a high-heeled boot and a neat ankle, and the swish
+of a white lace petticoat.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I thought I'd just have a look at your arm.
+
+DICK.
+
+It's one of the most æsthetic sights I know.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Your arm?
+
+DICK.
+
+A pretty woman crossing Piccadilly at Swan and Edgar's. You are a
+savage, my good doctor, and a barbarian. You don't know the care and
+forethought, the hours of anxious meditation, it has needed for her to
+hold up that well-made skirt with the elegant grace which enchants you.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I'm afraid you're a very immoral man, Lomas.
+
+DICK.
+
+Ah, my dear fellow, at my time of life I have to content myself with
+condemning the behaviour of the younger generation. Even a camp bed in a
+stuffy tent with mosquitoes buzzing all around me has allurements
+greater than those of youth and beauty. And I declare for all women to
+hear that I am proof against their wiles. Give me a comfortable bed to
+sleep in, plenty to eat, tobacco to smoke, and Amaryllis may go hang.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Well, let's look at this wound of yours. Has it been throbbing at all?
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, it's not worth bothering about. It'll be all right to-morrow.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I'll put a clean dressing on all the same.
+
+DICK.
+
+All right. [_He takes off his coat and rolls up his sleeve. His arm is
+bandaged, and during the next speeches the_ DOCTOR _puts on a dressing
+and a clean bandage_.] You must be pretty well done up, aren't you?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Just about dropping. But I've got a deuce of a lot more work before I
+turn in.
+
+DICK.
+
+The thing that amuses me is to remember that I came to Africa thinking I
+was going to have a rattling good time.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+You couldn't exactly describe it as a picnic, could you? But I don't
+suppose any of us knew it would be such a tough job as it's turned out.
+
+DICK.
+
+My friend, if ever I return to my native land, I will never be such a
+crass and blithering idiot as to give way again to a spirit of
+adventure.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+[_With a laugh._] You're not the sort of chap whom one would expect to
+take to African work. Why the blazes did you come?
+
+DICK.
+
+That's precisely what I've been asking myself ever since we landed in
+this God-forsaken swamp.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+The wound looks healthy enough. It'll hardly even leave a scar.
+
+DICK.
+
+I'm glad that my fatal beauty won't be injured.... You see, Alec's about
+the oldest friend I have. And then there's young Allerton, I've known
+him ever since he was a kid.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+That's an acquaintance that most of us wouldn't boast about.
+
+DICK.
+
+I had an idea I'd like Bond Street all the better when I got back. I
+never knew that I should be eaten alive by every kind of disgusting
+animal by night and day. I say, Doctor, do you ever think of a rump
+steak?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+When?
+
+DICK.
+
+[_With a wave of the hand._] Sometimes, when we're marching under a sun
+that just about takes the roof of your head off, and we've had the
+scantiest and most uncomfortable breakfast possible, I have a vision.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+D'you mind only gesticulating with one arm?
+
+DICK.
+
+I see the dining-room of my club and myself sitting at a little table by
+the window looking out on Piccadilly, and there's a spotless tablecloth,
+and all the accessories are spick and span. An obsequious servant brings
+me a rump steak, grilled to perfection, and so tender that it melts in
+the mouth. And he puts by my side a plate of crisp, fried potatoes.
+Can't you smell them?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+[_Laughing._] Shut up!
+
+DICK.
+
+And then another obsequious servant brings me a pewter tankard, and into
+it he pours a bottle, a large bottle, mind you, of foaming ale.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+You've certainly added considerably to our cheerfulness.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_With a shrug of the shoulders._] I've often been driven to appease the
+pangs of raging hunger with a careless epigram, and by the laborious
+composition of a limerick I have sought to deceive a most unholy
+thirst.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Well, last night I thought you'd made your last joke, old man, and that
+I had given my last dose of quinine.
+
+DICK.
+
+We were in rather a tight corner, weren't we?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+This is the third expedition I've gone with Mackenzie against the
+slave-raiders, and I promise you I've never been so certain that all was
+over with us.
+
+DICK.
+
+Funny thing death is, you know. When you think of it beforehand, it
+makes you squirm in your shoes, but when you've just got it face to
+face, it seems so obvious that you forget to be afraid. It's one of my
+principles never to be impressed by a platitude.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+It's only by a miracle we escaped. If those Arabs hadn't hesitated to
+attack us just those ten minutes we should have been wiped out.
+
+DICK.
+
+Alec was splendid, wasn't he?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Yes, by Jove! He thought we were done for.
+
+DICK.
+
+What makes you think that?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Well, you see, I know him pretty well. He's been a pal of yours for
+twenty years in England, but I've been with him out here three times,
+and I tell you there's not much about a man that you don't know then.
+
+DICK.
+
+Well?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Well, when things are going smoothly and everything's flourishing, he's
+apt to be a bit irritable. He keeps rather to himself, and he doesn't
+say much unless you do something he doesn't approve of.
+
+DICK.
+
+And then, by Jove, he comes down on one like a thousand of bricks. It's
+not for nothing the natives call him Thunder and Lightning.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+But when things begin to look black, his spirits go up like one o'clock.
+And the worse they are, the more cheerful he is.
+
+DICK.
+
+It's one of his most irritating characteristics.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+When every one is starving with hunger, and dead tired, and soaked to
+the skin, Mackenzie fairly bubbles over with good-humour.
+
+DICK.
+
+When I'm in a bad temper, I much prefer every one else to be in a bad
+temper too.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+These last few days, he's been positively hilarious. Yesterday he was
+cracking jokes with the natives.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Dryly._] Scotch jokes. I daresay they sound funny in an African
+dialect.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I've never seen him more cheerful. I said to myself: By the Lord Harry,
+the chief thinks we're in a devil of a bad way.
+
+DICK.
+
+Thank Heaven, it's all over now. We've none of us had any sleep for
+three days, and when I once get off, I don't mean to wake up for a week.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I must go and see the rest of my patients. Perkins has got a bad dose of
+fever this time. He was quite delirious a while ago.
+
+DICK.
+
+By Jove, I'd almost forgotten. How one changes out here! Here am I
+feeling happy and comfortable and inclined to make a little jest or two,
+and I've forgotten already that poor Richardson is dead and Lord knows
+how many natives.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Poor chap, we could ill spare him. The fates never choose the right man.
+
+DICK.
+
+What do you mean by that?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+If we had to lose some one, it would have been a damned sight better if
+that young cub had got the bullet which killed poor Richardson.
+
+DICK.
+
+George Allerton?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+He wouldn't have been much loss, would he?
+
+DICK.
+
+No, I'm afraid he wouldn't.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Mackenzie has been very patient with him. I wonder he didn't send him
+back to the coast months ago, when he sacked Macinnery.
+
+DICK.
+
+Poor George, everything has been against him.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Some men have got natures so crooked that with every chance in the world
+to go straight they can't manage it. The only thing is to let them go
+to the devil as best they may.
+
+DICK.
+
+Alec was bound to give him another chance. [ALEC MACKENZIE _comes in_.]
+Hulloa, Alec! Where have you been?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I've been going the round of the outlying sentries.
+
+DICK.
+
+All serene?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes. I've just seen a native messenger that Mindabi sent to me.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Anything important?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Curtly._] Yes. How's the arm, Dick?
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, that's nothing. It's only a scratch.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You'd better not make too light of it. The smallest wound has a way of
+being troublesome in this country.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+He'll be all right in a day or two.
+
+ALEC.
+
+How are the others?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+They're going on pretty well on the whole. Perkins, of course, will be
+down for some days longer. And some of the natives are rather badly
+hurt. Those devils have got explosive bullets.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Any one in great danger?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+No, I don't think so. There are two men who are in rather a bad way, but
+all they want is rest.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I see.
+
+DICK.
+
+I say, have you had anything to eat lately?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Good Lord! I quite forgot. I wonder when the dickens I
+had some food last.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Smiling._] You've had nothing to-day, have you?
+
+ALEC.
+
+No, I don't think so. Those Arabs kept us so confoundedly busy.
+
+DICK.
+
+You must be devilish hungry.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Now you mention it, I think I am. And thirsty, by Jove! I wouldn't give
+my thirst for an elephant tusk.
+
+DICK.
+
+And to think there's nothing but tepid water to drink!
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I'll go and tell the boy to bring you some food. It's a rotten game to
+play tricks with your digestion like that.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Gaily._] Stern man, the doctor, isn't he? It won't hurt me once in a
+way. And I shall enjoy it all the more now.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+[_Calling._] Selim!
+
+ALEC.
+
+No, don't trouble. The poor chap's just turned in, dropping with sleep.
+I told him he might till I called him. I don't want much, and I can
+easily get it myself. [_He goes to a case and takes out a tin of meat
+and some ship's biscuits._] It's rather a nuisance that we've not been
+able to get any game lately.
+
+            [_He sets the food down before him, sits down,
+            and begins to eat._
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Ironically._] Appetising, isn't it?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Splendid!
+
+DICK.
+
+You have all the instincts of the primeval savage, Alec. It enrages and
+disgusts me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Why?
+
+DICK.
+
+You take food for the gross and bestial purpose of appeasing your
+hunger. You have no appreciation for the delicacies of eating as a fine
+art.
+
+ALEC.
+
+The meat's getting rather mouldy, isn't it?
+
+DICK.
+
+Damnable! It's been a source of great anxiety to me in England.
+
+ALEC.
+
+What is he talking about now?
+
+DICK.
+
+I was going on with the thread of my observations, which you interrupted
+with the entirely obvious remark that the tinned meat was getting
+mouldy.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I apologise profusely. Pray go on!
+
+DICK.
+
+I was about to observe that even in England you will eat the most
+carefully ordered meal with an indifference which is an outrage to
+decency. Indeed, you pay less attention to it than here, because at all
+events you do notice that the meat is mouldy. But if any one gives you a
+good dinner, you notice nothing. I've given him priceless port, Doctor,
+and he drank it as though it were cooking sherry.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I confess it is lamentable. But why is it a source of anxiety to you?
+
+DICK.
+
+What on earth is to happen to him in his old age?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Explain yourself, my friend. Clearly but with as much brevity as
+possible.
+
+DICK.
+
+The pleasure of eating is the only pleasure that remains to the old.
+Love--what is love when you lose your figure, and your hair grows thin?
+Knowledge--one can never know everything, and the desire passes with the
+fire of youth. Even ambition fails you in the end. But to those who have
+lived wisely and well, there remain three pleasures every day of their
+lives: their breakfast, their luncheon, and their dinner.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a laugh._] I wouldn't worry about my old age if I were you, Dick.
+
+DICK.
+
+Why?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Because I think it's ten to one that we shall all be dead to-morrow
+morning.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+What?
+
+            [_There is a slight pause while both men stare
+            at him._
+
+DICK.
+
+Is this one of your little jokes, Alec?
+
+ALEC.
+
+You have often observed that I joke with difficulty.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+But what's wrong now?
+
+ALEC.
+
+You'll neither of you sleep in your beds to-night. Another sell for the
+mosquitoes, isn't it? I propose to break up the camp and start marching
+as soon as the moon goes down.
+
+DICK.
+
+I say, it's a bit thick after a day like this. We're all so done up that
+we shan't be able to go a mile.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Nonsense, you will have had two hours' rest.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+But some of those fellows who are wounded can't possibly be moved.
+
+ALEC.
+
+They must!
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I won't answer for their lives.
+
+ALEC.
+
+We must take the risk. Our only chance is to make a bold dash for it,
+and we can't leave the wounded here.
+
+DICK.
+
+I suppose there's going to be a deuce of a row?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Grimly._] There is.
+
+DICK.
+
+Your companions seldom have a chance to complain of the monotony of
+their existence, Alec. What are you going to do now?
+
+ALEC.
+
+At this moment, I'm going to fill my pipe.
+
+            [_There is a pause while_ ALEC _fills and lights
+            his pipe_.
+
+DICK.
+
+I gather from the general amiability of your demeanour that we're in a
+rather tight place?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Tighter than any of your patent-leather boots, my friend.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Gravely._] Have we any chance of getting through, old man?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Lightly._] Oh, I don't know. There's always a chance.
+
+DICK.
+
+Don't grin at me in that irritating fashion.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You must wish you were treading the light fantastic toe in a London
+ball-room, Dick.
+
+DICK.
+
+Frankly I do.... I suppose we're going to fight again?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Like Kilkenny cats.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Briskly._] Well, at all events that's some comfort. If I am going to
+be done out of my night's rest, I should like to take it out of some
+one.
+
+ALEC.
+
+If things turn out all right, we shall have come near finishing the job,
+and there won't be much more slave-raiding in this part of Africa.
+
+DICK.
+
+And if things don't turn out all right?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Why, then I'm afraid the tea-tables of Mayfair will be deprived of your
+scintillating repartee forever.
+
+DICK.
+
+Well, I've had a very good time in my life. I've loved a little, I've
+looked at some good pictures, read some thundering fine books, and I've
+worked and played. If I can only account for a few more of those damned
+scoundrels before I die, I shouldn't think I had much to complain of.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Smiling._] You're a philosopher, Dick.
+
+DICK.
+
+Doesn't the possibility of an extremely unpleasant demise tempt you to a
+few appropriate reflections?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I don't know that it does. I'm a bit of a fatalist, and my theory is
+that when my time comes nothing can help me, but at the bottom of my
+heart I can't resist the conviction that I shan't die till I let myself.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Well, I must go and put things in order. I'll bandage those fellows up,
+and I hope they'll stand the jolting.
+
+ALEC.
+
+What about Perkins?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Lord knows! I'll try and keep him quiet with chloral.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You needn't say anything about striking camp. I don't propose that any
+one should know till a quarter of an hour before we start.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+But that won't give them time.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It must. I've trained them often enough to get on the march quickly.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Very well.
+
+            [GEORGE ALLERTON _comes in as the_ DOCTOR _is
+            on the point of going_.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Can I come in?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes ... Doctor!
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Hulloa!
+
+ALEC.
+
+You might stay a minute, will you?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+[_Coming back._] Certainly.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Didn't Selim tell you that I wanted to speak to you?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+That's why I've come.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You've taken your time about it.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I say, could you give me a drink of brandy? I'm awfully done up.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Shortly._] There's no brandy left.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Hasn't the doctor got some?
+
+ALEC.
+
+No!
+
+            [_There is a pause._ ALEC _looks at him slowly_.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Why are you all looking at me like that? You look as if you were going
+to try me for something.
+
+DICK.
+
+Nonsense! Don't be so nervous.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Abruptly._] Do you know anything about the death of that Turkana
+woman?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+No! How should I?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Come now, you must know something about it. Last Tuesday you came into
+camp and told me the Turkana were very excited.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Unwillingly._] Oh, yes! I remember something about it. It had slipped
+my memory.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Well?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I'm not very clear about it. The woman had been shot, hadn't she? One of
+our station boys had been playing the fool with her, and he seems to
+have shot her.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Have you made no inquiries as to who the man was?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_In a surly way._] I haven't had time. We've all been worked off our
+legs during these three days.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you suspect no one?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I don't think so.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Think a moment.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+The only man who might have done it is that big scoundrel whom we got on
+the coast, the Swahili.
+
+ALEC.
+
+What makes you think that?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+He's been making an awful nuisance of himself, and I know he was running
+after her.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I understand she complained about him to you?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you think that would be enough evidence to punish him on?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+He's a thorough blackguard, and after all, if one does make a mistake,
+he's only a nigger.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You'll be surprised to hear that when the woman was found she wasn't
+dead.
+
+            [GEORGE _gives a movement of consternation_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+She didn't die for nearly an hour.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_After a short pause._] Was she able to say anything?
+
+ALEC.
+
+She accused you of having shot her.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Me?
+
+ALEC.
+
+It appears that _you_ were playing the fool with her, and when she got
+angry you took out a revolver and fired point blank. Presumably that she
+should tell no tales.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+It's a stupid lie. You know what they are. It's just like them to tell
+an absurd lie like that. You wouldn't believe a parcel of niggers rather
+than me, would you? After all, my word's worth more than theirs.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Taking from his pocket an exploded cartridge._] This was found about
+two yards from the body. As you see, it's a revolver cartridge. It was
+brought to me this evening.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I don't know what that proves.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You know just as well as I do that none of our natives has a revolver.
+Besides ourselves only two or three of the servants have them.
+
+            [GEORGE _becomes white with fear, he takes out
+            his handkerchief and wipes his face_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Quietly._] Will you give me your revolver?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I haven't got it. I lost it in the skirmish this afternoon. I didn't
+tell you as I thought you'd be annoyed.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I saw you cleaning it less than an hour ago.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_With a shrug of the shoulders._] Perhaps it's in my tent, I'll go and
+see.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Sharply._] Stop here.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Angrily._] You've no right to talk to me like that. I'm sick to death
+of being ordered about. You seem to think I'm a dog. I came out here of
+my own free will, and I won't let you treat me as if I were a servant.
+
+ALEC.
+
+If you put your hand to your hip pocket, I think you'll find your
+revolver there.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I'm not going to give it to you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Quietly._] D'you want me to come and take it from you myself?
+
+            [_The two men stare at one another for a moment.
+            Then_ GEORGE _slowly puts his hand to his
+            pocket. He lakes out the revolver and
+            suddenly aims at_ ALEC. DICK _beats up
+            his arm as he fires, and the_ DOCTOR,
+            _springing forward, seizes him round the
+            waist_. ALEC _remains still_.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_During the struggle._] You young blackguard!
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Let me go, damn you!
+
+ALEC.
+
+You need not hold him.
+
+            [_They leave go of_ GEORGE, _who sinks cowering
+            into a chair_. DICK _hands the revolver to_
+            ALEC. _He silently fits into a chamber the
+            cartridge that had been brought to him._
+
+ALEC.
+
+You see that it fits. Hadn't you better make a clean breast of it?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Cowed._] Yes, I shot her. She made a row, and the devil got into me. I
+didn't know I'd done anything till she screamed and I saw the blood....
+What a fool I was to throw the cartridge away! I wanted to have all the
+chambers charged.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you remember that two months ago I hanged a man to the nearest tree
+because he'd outraged a native woman?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Springing up in terror._] You wouldn't do that to me, Alec. Oh, God,
+no, Alec, have mercy on me. You wouldn't hang me. Oh, why did I ever
+come to this damned place?
+
+ALEC.
+
+You need not be afraid. I'm not going to do that. In any case I must
+preserve the native respect for the white man.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I was half drunk when I saw that woman. I wasn't responsible for my
+actions.
+
+ALEC.
+
+The result is that the whole tribe has turned against us. The chief is
+my friend, and he sent a message to tell me he couldn't hold them in.
+It's from him I got the cartridge. It wouldn't be so serious, only the
+best fighting part of our forces are the Turkana, and we must expect
+treachery. They've stirred up the neighbouring tribes against us, and
+all the work we've been doing for a year is undone. That's the
+explanation of the Arabs' attack three days ago.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Sullenly._] I knew it was all my fault.
+
+ALEC.
+
+The natives have made up their minds to join the slave-traders, and we
+shall be attacked on all sides to-morrow. We can't hold out against God
+knows how many thousands.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+D'you mean you'll all be killed?
+
+ALEC.
+
+If we remain here there's no escape.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_In a whisper._] What are you going to do to me, Alec?
+
+            [ALEC _walks up and down the tent_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Presently._] I think you might go and see your patients now, doctor.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Very well.
+
+DICK.
+
+Shall I go too, Alec?
+
+ALEC.
+
+No, you can stay here. But don't open your mouth till you're spoken to.
+
+[THE DOCTOR _goes out_.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I'm sorry I did that silly thing just now. I'm glad I didn't hit you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It doesn't matter at all. I'd forgotten all about it.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I lost my head, I didn't know what I was doing.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You need not trouble about that. In Africa even the strongest people are
+apt to get excited and lose their balance.
+
+[ALEC _re-lights his pipe, and there its a very short pause_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Did you ever know that before we came away I asked Lucy to marry me?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I knew you cared for her.
+
+ALEC.
+
+She asked me to bring you here in the hope that you would regain the
+good name of your family. I think that is the object she has most at
+heart in the world. It's as great as her love for you. The plan hasn't
+been much of a success, has it?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+She ought to have known that I wasn't suited for this kind of life.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I saw very soon that you were weak and irresolute. But I hoped to make
+something of you. Your intentions seemed good enough, but you never had
+the strength to carry them out.... I'm sorry if I seem to be preaching
+to you.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Bitterly._] Oh, d'you think I care what any one says to me now?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Gravely, but not unkindly._] Then I found you were drinking. I told
+you that no man could stand liquor in this country, and you gave me your
+word of honour that you wouldn't touch it again.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes, I broke it. I couldn't help it; the temptation was too strong.
+
+ALEC.
+
+When we came to the station at Muneas you and Macinnery got blind drunk,
+and the whole camp saw you. I ought to have sent you back to the coast
+then, but it would have broken Lucy's heart.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+It was Macinnery's fault.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's because I thought he was to blame that I sent him back alone. I
+wanted to give you another chance. It struck me that the feeling of
+authority might have some influence on you, and so when we came to the
+lake I left you to guard the ferry. I put the chief part of the stores
+in your care and marched on. I needn't remind you what happened then.
+
+[GEORGE _looks down sulkily, and in default of excuses keeps silent_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I came to the conclusion that it was hopeless. You seemed to me rotten
+through and through.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_With a little laugh._] Like my father before me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I couldn't believe a word you said. You did everything you shouldn't
+have done. The result was that the men mutinied, and if I hadn't come
+back in the nick of time they'd have killed you and looted all the
+stores.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+You always blame me for everything. A man's not responsible for what he
+does when he's down with fever.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It was too late to send you back to the coast then, and I was obliged to
+take you on. And now the end has come. Your murder of that woman has put
+us all in deadly peril. Already to your charge lie the deaths of
+Richardson and almost twenty natives. Tribes that were friendly have
+joined with the Arabs, and we're as near destruction as we can possibly
+be.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+What are you going to do?
+
+ALEC.
+
+We're far away from the coast, and I must take the law into my own
+hands.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_With a gasp._] You're not going to kill me?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Are you fond of Lucy?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Brokenly._] You--you know I am. Why d'you remind me of her now? I've
+made a rotten mess of everything, and I'm better out of the way. But
+think of the disgrace of it. It'll kill Lucy.... And she was hoping I'd
+do so much.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Listen to me. Our only chance of escaping from the confounded fix we're
+in is to make a sudden attack on the Arabs before the natives join them.
+We shall be enormously outnumbered, but we may just smash them if we can
+strike to-night. My plan is to start marching as if I didn't know that
+the Turkana were going to turn against us. After an hour all the whites
+but one, and the Swahilis whom I can trust implicitly, will take a short
+cut. The Arabs will have had news of our starting, and they'll try to
+cut us off at the pass. I shall fall on them just as they begin to
+attack. D'you understand?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Now I must have one white man to head the Turkana, and that man will run
+the greatest possible danger. I'd go myself, only the Swahilis won't
+fight unless I lead them.... Are you willing to take that post?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I could order you, but the job's too dangerous for me to force it on any
+one. If you refuse, I shall call the others together and ask some one to
+volunteer. In that case you will have to find your way back alone as
+best you can to the coast.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+No, no! Anything rather than the shame of that.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I won't hide from you that it means almost certain death. But there's no
+other way of saving ourselves. On the other hand, if you show perfect
+courage at the moment the Arabs attack and the Turkana find that we've
+given them the slip, you may escape. If you do, I promise nothing shall
+be said of all that has happened here.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+All right. I'll do that. And I thank you with all my heart for giving me
+the chance.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm glad you've accepted. Whatever happens you'll have done a brave
+action in your life. [_He holds out his hand to_ GEORGE, _who takes
+it_.] I think there's nothing more to be said. You must be ready to
+start in half an hour. Here's your revolver. Remember that one chamber's
+empty. You'd better put in another cartridge.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes, I'll do that.
+
+            [_He goes out._
+
+DICK.
+
+D'you think he has any chance of escaping?
+
+ALEC.
+
+If he has pluck he may get through.
+
+DICK.
+
+Well!
+
+ALEC.
+
+To-morrow we shall know if he has that last virtue of a
+blackguard--courage.
+
+DICK.
+
+And if he hasn't, it's death you're sending him to?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes. It's death!
+
+
+END OF THE SECOND ACT
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRD ACT
+
+
+     SCENE: _A smoking-room at_ LADY KELSEY'S, _leading by an archway
+     into a drawing-room at the back. On the right is a glass door which
+     leads into the garden. On one side is a sofa; on the other a table
+     with cigarettes, matches, whiskey, sodas, etc._
+
+     LADY KELSEY _is giving a dance, and the music of the Lancers is
+     heard vaguely from the ball-room as the curtain rises_. MRS.
+     CROWLEY _and_ SIR ROBERT BOULGER _are sitting down_. LADY KELSEY
+     _comes in with the_ REV. JAMES CARBERY.
+
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Oh, you wretched people, why aren't you dancing? It's too bad of you to
+hide yourselves here!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+We thought no one would find us in the smoking-room. But why have you
+abandoned your guests, Lady Kelsey?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Oh, I've got them all comfortably settled in the Lancers, and I'm free
+to rest myself for a quarter of an hour. You don't know what agonies
+I've been suffering the whole evening.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Good gracious me! Why?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I'm so afraid Alec Mackenzie will come.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+You needn't worry about that, Aunt Alice. He'll never venture to show
+his face.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I didn't know what to do. It was impossible to put the dance off. It's
+too dreadful that these horrible revelations should....
+
+CARBERY.
+
+[_Supplying the word._] Transpire.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Yes, transpire on the very day I've at last persuaded Lucy to come into
+the world again. I wish Dick would come.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Yes, he'll be able to tell us something.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But will he?
+
+CARBERY.
+
+Wherever I go people are talking about Mr. Mackenzie, and I'm bound to
+say I've found nobody who has a good word for him.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Bitterly._] Humpty-dumpty's had a great fall.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I wonder if I might have a cigarette?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I'm sure you might. And if you press me dreadfully, I'll have one, too.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Don't press her. She's already had far too many.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Well, I'll forego the pressing, but not the cigarette.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+[_Handing her the box and giving her a light._] It's against all my
+principles, you know.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+What _is_ the use of principles except to give one an agreeable
+sensation of wickedness when one doesn't act up to them?
+
+[DICK _comes in as she speaks._
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear lady, you're as epigrammatic as a dramatist. Do you say such
+things from choice or necessity?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+_Dick!_
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Dick!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Mr. Lomas!
+
+CARBERY.
+
+Ah!
+
+[_The four exclamations are simultaneous._
+
+DICK.
+
+This enthusiasm at my appearance is no less gratifying than unexpected.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I'm so glad you've come at last. Now we shall get at the truth.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Impatiently._] Well?
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear people, what _are_ you talking about?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Oh, don't be such an ass!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Good heavens, didn't you read the _Times_ this morning?
+
+DICK.
+
+I only came back from Paris to-night. Besides, I never read the papers
+except in August.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Raising her eyebrows._] When there's nothing in them?
+
+DICK.
+
+Pardon me, I'm an eager student of the sea-serpent and the giant
+gooseberry.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+My dear Dick, it's too shocking. I wish I'd had the courage to write and
+ask Mr. Mackenzie not to come. But since you both came back from Africa
+a month ago he's been here nearly every day. And he's been so good and
+kind to us, I couldn't treat him as though there was no doubt the story
+was true.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+There can't be the least doubt about it. By George, I should like to
+kick him.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Dryly._] My dear chap, Alec is a hardy Scot and bigger than you, so I
+shouldn't advise you to try.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I was engaged to dine with him to-night, but I wired to say I had a
+headache.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+What will he think if he sees you here?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+He can think what he jolly well likes.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I hope he has the sense to stay away.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I think you're pretty safe now, Lady Kelsey. It's growing late.
+
+DICK.
+
+Will some one kindly explain?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+D'you mean to say you really don't know--seriously? After all, you were
+with him.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+My dear Dick, there are two columns of fiery denunciation in this
+morning's _Times_.
+
+[DICK _is a little startled, but at once collects himself_.
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, that's only the reaction. That's nothing. Since he arrived in
+Mombassa, after three years in the heart of Africa, he's made almost a
+triumphal progress. Of course, it couldn't last. The reaction was bound
+to come.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Looking at him steadily._] The article is signed by a man named
+Macinnery.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Calmly._] Alec found Macinnery half starving at Mombassa, and took him
+solely out of charity. But he was a worthless rascal, and he had to send
+him back.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+He gives ample proof for every word he says.
+
+DICK.
+
+Whenever an explorer comes home, there's some one to tell nasty stories
+about him. People forget that kid gloves are not much use in a tropical
+forest, and grow very indignant when they hear that a man has used a
+little brute force to make himself respected.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Oh, my dear Dick, it's much worse than that. First poor Lucy's father
+died....
+
+DICK.
+
+You're not going to count that as an overwhelming misfortune? We were
+unanimous in describing that gentleman's demise as an uncommonly happy
+release.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+But Lucy was heart-broken all the same. And when her life seemed to grow
+a little more cheerful, came her brother's tragic death.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Abruptly, to_ MRS. CROWLEY.] What is it exactly?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+The long and short of it is that Mr. Mackenzie was the cause of George
+Allerton's death.
+
+DICK.
+
+Lucy's brother was killed by the slave-traders.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Mackenzie sent him into a confounded trap to save his own dirty skin.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+And the worst of it is that I think Lucy is in love with Mr. Mackenzie.
+
+[BOULGER _makes a slight movement, and for a moment there is an
+uncomfortable pause_.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I saw him this evening in Piccadilly, and I almost ran into his arms. It
+was quite awkward.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Frigidly._] Why?
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I don't think I want to shake the man's hand. He's nothing short of a
+murderer.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Savagely._] He's worse than that. He's ten times worse.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Well, for heaven's sake be polite to him if he comes to-night.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I really couldn't bring myself to shake hands with him.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Dryly._] Don't you think you'd better wait for evidence before you
+condemn him?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+My dear fellow, the letter in the _Times_ is absolutely damning.
+Interviewers went to him from the evening papers, and he refused to see
+them.
+
+DICK.
+
+What does Lucy say of it? After all, she's the person most concerned.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+She doesn't know. I took care that she shouldn't see the paper. I wanted
+to give her this evening's enjoyment unalloyed.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Take care, here she is.
+
+[LUCY _comes in_.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+[_Smiling and reaching out her hand._] Well, darling?
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Going to_ LADY KELSEY.] Are you growing very tired, my aunt?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I can rest myself for the time. I don't think any one else will come
+now.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Gaily._] You faithless woman, have you forgotten the guest of the
+evening?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie?
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Bending over her._] My dear, it was charming of you to hide the paper
+from me this morning....
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+[_Startled._] Did you see the letter? I so wanted you not to till
+to-morrow.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie very rightly thought I should know at once what was said
+about him and my brother. He sent me the paper himself this evening.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Did he write to you?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No, he merely scribbled on a card: "I think you should read this."
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Well, I'm damned!
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+What did you think of the letter, Lucy?
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Proudly._] I didn't believe it.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Bitterly._] You must be blinded by your--friendship for Alec
+Mackenzie. I never read anything more convincing.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I could hardly believe him guilty of such an odious crime if he
+confessed it with his own lips.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Of course, he won't do that.
+
+DICK.
+
+Did I ever tell you how I made acquaintance with Alec? In the
+Atlantic--about three hundred miles from land.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+What a perfectly ridiculous place for an introduction.
+
+DICK.
+
+I was a silly young fool in those days, and I habitually played the
+giddy goat. In the course of which, I fell overboard and was proceeding
+to drown when Alec jumped in after me. It was an incautious thing to do,
+because he very nearly got drowned himself.
+
+LUCY.
+
+That's not the only heroic thing he's done.
+
+DICK.
+
+No, it's one of his hobbies to risk his life to save unnecessary and
+useless people. But the funny thing is that ever since he saved mine,
+he's been quite absurdly grateful. He seems to think I did him an
+intentional service and fell into the water on purpose to give him a
+chance of pulling me out.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_With a long look at_ DICK.] It's very kind and good of you to have
+told that story.
+
+[_The_ BUTLER _comes in and announces_ ALEC MACKENZIE.
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Blandly._] Ah, I thought I should find you here, Lady Kelsey.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+[_Shaking hands with him._] How d'you do? We've just been talking of
+you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Really?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+It's so late, we were afraid you wouldn't come. I should have been
+dreadfully disappointed.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's very kind of you to say so. I've been at the Travellers', reading
+various appreciations of my own character.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+[_Somewhat embarrassed._] Oh, I heard there was something about you in
+the papers.
+
+ALEC.
+
+There's a good deal. I really had no idea the world was so interested in
+me.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+It's charming of you to come to-night. I'm sure you hate dances!
+
+ALEC.
+
+Oh, no, they interest me enormously. I remember, one of the Kings of
+Uganda gave a dance in my honour. Ten thousand warriors in war-paint. I
+assure you it was most impressive.
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear fellow, if paint is the attraction you really need not go much
+farther than Mayfair.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Pretending for the first time to notice_ BOULGER.] Ah, there's my
+little friend Bobbie. I thought you had a headache?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+[_Quickly._] I'm afraid Bobby is dreadfully dissipated. He's not looking
+at all well.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Good-humouredly._] You shouldn't keep such late hours, Bobbie. At your
+age one wants one's beauty sleep.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+It's very kind of you to take an interest in me. My headache has passed
+off.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm very glad. What do you use--Phenacetin?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+It went away of its own accord--after dinner.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Smiling._] So you resolved to give the girls a treat by coming to Lady
+Kelsey's dance? How nice of you not to disappoint them! [_He turns to_
+LUCY _and holds out his hand. They look into one another's eyes. She
+takes his hand._] I sent you a paper this evening.
+
+LUCY.
+
+It was very good of you.
+
+[CARBERY _comes forward and offers his arm._
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I think this is my dance, Miss Allerton. May I take you in?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Carbery? I saw you in Piccadilly just now! You were darting about just
+like a young gazelle. I had no idea you could be so active.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I didn't see you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I observed that you were deeply interested in the shop windows as I
+passed. How are you?
+
+[_He holds out his hand, and for a moment_ CARBERY _hesitates to take
+it. But_ ALEC'S _steady gaze compels him._
+
+CARBERY.
+
+How d'you do?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With an amused smile._] So glad to see you again, old man.
+
+[DICK _gives an audible chuckle, and_ CARBERY, _reddening, draws his
+hand away angrily. He goes to_ LUCY _and offers his arm._
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_To_ MRS. CROWLEY.] Shall I take you back?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Do!
+
+LADY KESLEY.
+
+Won't you come, Mr. Mackenzie?
+
+ALEC.
+
+If you don't mind I'll stay and smoke just one cigarette with Dick
+Lomas. You know I'm not a dancing man.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Very well.
+
+[_All go out except_ ALEC _and_ DICK.
+
+DICK.
+
+I suppose you know we were all beseeching Providence you'd have the
+grace to stay away to-night?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a smile._] I suspected it, I confess. I shouldn't have come only
+I wanted to see Lucy. I've been in the country all day, and I knew
+nothing about Macinnery's letter till I saw the placards at the station.
+
+DICK.
+
+Macinnery proposes to make things rather uncomfortable, I imagine.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a smile._] I made a mistake, didn't I? I ought to have dropped
+him in the river when I had no further use for him.
+
+DICK.
+
+What are you going to do?
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's not easy to clear myself at a dead man's expense. The earth covers
+his crime and his sins and his weakness.
+
+DICK.
+
+D'you mean to say that you are going to sit still and let them throw mud
+at you?
+
+ALEC.
+
+When George was dead I wrote to Lucy that he died like a brave man. I
+can't now publish to the whole world that he was a coward and a rogue. I
+can't rake up again the story of her father's crime.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Impatiently._] Surely, that's absolutely quixotic.
+
+ALEC.
+
+No, it isn't. I tell you I can't do anything else. I'm bound hand and
+foot. Lucy has talked to me of George's death, and the only thing that
+has consoled her is the idea that in a manner he had redeemed his
+father's good name. How can I rob her of that? She placed all her hopes
+in George. How could she face the world with the knowledge that her
+brother was rotten to the core, as rotten as her father.
+
+DICK.
+
+It seems awfully hard.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Besides, when all is said and done, the boy did die game. Don't you
+think that should count for something? No, I tell you I can't give him
+away now. I should never cease to reproach myself. I love Lucy far too
+much to cause her such bitter pain.
+
+DICK.
+
+And if it loses you her love?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I think she can do without love better than without self-respect.
+
+[LUCY _comes in with_ MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I've sent my partner away. I felt I must have a few words alone with
+you.
+
+DICK.
+
+Shall I take Mrs. Crowley into a retired corner?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No, we have nothing to say that you can't hear. You and Nellie know that
+we're engaged to be married. [_To_ ALEC.] I want you to dance with me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's very good of you.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Don't you think that's rather foolish, Lucy?
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_To_ ALEC.] I want to show them all that I don't believe that you're
+guilty of an odious crime.
+
+ALEC.
+
+They've said horrible things about me?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Not to me. They wanted to hide it from me, but I knew they were talking.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You'll grow used to hearing shameful things said of me. I suppose I
+shall grow used to it, too.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, I hate them.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Ah, it's not that I mind. What torments me is that it was so easy to
+despise their praise, and now I can't despise their blame.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Smiling._] I believe you have some glimmerings of human nature in you
+after all.
+
+LUCY.
+
+When you came to-night, so calm and self-possessed, I admired you as I'd
+never admired you before.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's easy enough to command one's face. I learnt to do that in Africa
+when often my life depended on my seeming to have no fear. But in my
+heart ... I never knew that I could feel so bitter. And yet, after all,
+it's only your good opinion that I care for.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I've trusted you implicitly from the first day I saw you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Thank God for that! To-day is the first time I've wanted to be assured
+that I was trusted. And yet I'm ashamed to want it.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Ah, don't be too hard upon yourself. You're so afraid of letting your
+tenderness appear.
+
+ALEC.
+
+The only way to be strong is never to surrender to one's weakness.
+Strength is merely a habit like everything else. I want you to be
+strong, too. I want you never to doubt me whatever you may hear said.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I gave my brother into your hands, and told you that if he died a brave
+man's death I could ask for no more.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I should tell you that I've made up my mind to make no answer to the
+charges that are made against me.
+
+[_There is a very short pause, while he looks at her steadily._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But why?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_To_ LUCY.] I can give you my word of honour that I've done nothing
+which I regret. I know that what I did was right with regard to George,
+and if it were all to come again I would do exactly as I did before.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I think I can trust you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I thought of you always, and everything I did was for your sake. Every
+single act of mine during these four years in Africa has been done
+because I loved you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You must love me always, Alec, for now I have only you. [_He bends down
+and kisses her hand._] Come!
+
+[_He gives her his arm and they walk out._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I feel as if I should rather like to cry.
+
+DICK.
+
+Do you really? So do I.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Don't be so silly.
+
+DICK.
+
+By the way, you don't want to dance with me, do you?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Certainly not. You dance abominably.
+
+DICK.
+
+It's charming of you to say so. It puts me at my ease at once.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Come and sit on the sofa and talk seriously.
+
+DICK.
+
+Ah, you want to flirt with me, Mrs. Crowley.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Good heavens, what on earth makes you think that?
+
+DICK.
+
+It's what a woman always means when she asks you to talk sensibly.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I can't bear a man who thinks women are in love with him.
+
+DICK.
+
+Bless you, I don't think that. I only think they want to marry me.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+That's equally detestable.
+
+DICK.
+
+Not at all. However old, ugly, and generally undesirable a man is,
+he'll find a heap of charming girls who are willing to marry him.
+Marriage is still the only decent means of livelihood for a really nice
+girl.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But, my dear friend, if a woman really makes up her mind to marry a man,
+nothing on earth can save him.
+
+DICK.
+
+Don't say that, you terrify me.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You need not be in the least alarmed, because I shall refuse you.
+
+DICK.
+
+Thanks, awfully. But all the same I don't think I'll risk a proposal.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+My dear Mr. Lomas, your only safety is in immediate flight.
+
+DICK.
+
+Why?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It must be obvious to the meanest intelligence that you've been on the
+verge of proposing to me for the last month.
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, I assure you, you're quite mistaken.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Then I shan't come to the play with you to-morrow?
+
+DICK.
+
+But I've taken the seats, and I've ordered an exquisite dinner at the
+Carlton.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+What have you ordered?
+
+DICK.
+
+    Potage Bisque... [_She makes a little face._]
+    Sole Normande... [_She shrugs her shoulders._]
+    Wild Duck.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+With an orange salad?
+
+DICK.
+
+Yes.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I don't positively dislike that.
+
+DICK.
+
+And I've ordered a soufflé with an ice in the middle of it.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I shan't come.
+
+DICK.
+
+I shouldn't have thought you kept very well abreast of dramatic art if
+you insist on marrying every man who takes you to a theatre.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Demurely._] I was very nicely brought up.
+
+DICK.
+
+Of course, if you're going to make yourself systematically disagreeable
+unless I marry you, I suppose I shall have to do it in self-defence.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I don't know if you have the least idea what you're talking about. I'm
+sure I haven't!
+
+DICK.
+
+I was merely asking you in a rather well-turned phrase to name the day.
+The lamb shall be ready for the slaughter!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Couldn't you infuse a little romance into it? You might begin by going
+down on your bended knees.
+
+DICK.
+
+I assure you that's quite out of fashion. Lovers, nowadays, are much too
+middle-aged, and their joints are creaky. Besides, it ruins the
+trousers.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+At all events, there can be no excuse for your not saying that you know
+you're utterly unworthy of me.
+
+DICK.
+
+Wild horses wouldn't induce me to make a statement which is so remote
+from the truth.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+And, of course, you must threaten to commit suicide if I don't consent.
+
+DICK.
+
+Women are such sticklers for routine. They have no originality.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Very well, have it your own way. But I must have a proposal in due form.
+
+DICK.
+
+Only four words are needed. [_Counting them on his fingers._] Will you
+marry me?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+That is both clear and simple. I reply in one: No!
+
+DICK.
+
+[_As though he were not sure that he had heard correctly._] I beg your
+pardon?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+The answer is in the negative.
+
+DICK.
+
+You're joking. You're certainly joking.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I will be a sister to you.
+
+DICK.
+
+Do you mean to say you deliberately refuse me?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Smiling._] I promised you I would.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_With much seriousness._] I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Puzzled._] The man's mad. The man's nothing short of a raving lunatic.
+
+DICK.
+
+I wanted to see if you were really attached to me. You have given me a
+proof of esteem which I promise you I will never forget.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Laughing._] You're a perfect idiot, Mr. Lomas!
+
+DICK.
+
+It's one of my cherished convictions that a really nice woman is never
+so cruel as to marry a man she cares for.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You're much too flippant to marry anybody, and you're perfectly odious
+into the bargain.
+
+[_She goes out._ DICK, _chuckling, lights a cigarette_. ALEC _comes in
+and lies down lazily on the sofa_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Why, Dick, what's the matter? You look as pleased as Punch.
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear fellow, I feel like the Terrible Turk. I've been wrestling, and
+I thought I was going to have a fall. But by the display of considerable
+agility I've managed to keep my legs.
+
+ALEC.
+
+What _do_ you mean?
+
+DICK.
+
+Nothing. It's merely the gaiety of forty-two.
+
+[BOULGER _comes into the room, followed immediately by_ MALLINS _and_
+CARBERY. _He starts slightly when he sees_ ALEC, _but then goes over to
+the table on which is the whiskey_.
+
+MALLINS.
+
+May we smoke here, Bobby?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Certainly. Dick insisted that this room should be particularly reserved
+for that purpose.
+
+[_The_ BUTLER _comes in with a small silver salver, and takes up one or
+two dirty glasses_.
+
+DICK.
+
+Lady Kelsey is the most admirable of all hostesses.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Taking a cigarette from his case._] Give me a match, Bobby, there's a
+good boy. [BOULGER, _with his back turned to_ ALEC, _takes no notice. He
+pours himself out some whiskey._ ALEC _smiles slightly._] Bobby, throw
+me over the matches!
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_With his back still turned._] Miller!
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Yes, sir?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie is asking for something.
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Yes, sir!
+
+ALEC.
+
+You might give me a light, will you?
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Yes, sir!
+
+[_The_ BUTLER _takes the matches to_ ALEC, _who lights his cigarette._
+
+ALEC.
+
+Thank you. [_Complete silence is preserved till the_ BUTLER _leaves the
+room._] I perceive, Bobbie, that during my absence you have not added
+good manners to your other accomplishments.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+If you want things, you can ask the servants for them.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Good-humouredly._] Don't be foolish, Bobbie!
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Would you be so kind as to remember that my name is Boulger?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Smiling._] Perhaps you would like me to call you Sir Robert?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I should prefer that you would call me nothing at all. I have absolutely
+no wish to know you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Which shows that your taste is as bad as your breeding.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Angrily, walking up to him._] By God, I'll knock you down!
+
+ALEC.
+
+You could hardly do that when I'm already lying on my back.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Look here, Mackenzie, I'm not going to let you play the fool with me. I
+want to know what answer you have to make to all these charges that
+have been brought against you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Might I suggest that only Miss Allerton has the least right to receive
+answers to her questions? And she hasn't questioned me.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I've given up trying to understand her attitude. If I were she, it would
+make me sick with horror to look at you. Since this morning you've
+rested under a direct accusation of causing George's death, and you've
+said nothing in self-defence.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Nothing.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+You've been given an opportunity to explain yourself, and you haven't
+taken it.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Quite true.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Are you not going to deny the charge?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm not.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Then I can only draw one conclusion. There appears to be no means of
+bringing you to justice, but at least I can refuse to know you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+All is over between us. And shall I return your letters and your
+photograph?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I'm not joking.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's singular that though I'm Scotch and you are English I should be
+able to see how ridiculous you are, while you're quite blind to your own
+absurdity.
+
+DICK.
+
+Come, Alec! Remember he's only a boy.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_To_ DICK LOMAS.] I'm perfectly able to look after myself, and I'll
+thank you not to interfere. [_To_ ALEC.] If Lucy's so indifferent to her
+brother's death that she's willing to keep up with you, that's her own
+affair ...
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Interrupting._] Come, Bobbie, don't make a scene.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Furiously._] Leave me alone, confound you!
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you think this is quite the place for an altercation? Wouldn't you
+gain more notoriety if you attacked me in my club or at Church parade on
+Sunday?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+It's mere shameless impudence that you should come here to-night. You're
+using these wretched women as a shield, because you know that as long as
+Lucy sticks to you there are people who won't believe the story.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I came for the same reason as yourself, dear boy. Because I was invited.
+
+DICK.
+
+Now then, Bobbie, shut up!
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I shan't shut up. The man's got no right to force himself here.
+
+DICK.
+
+Remember that you're Lady Kelsey's nephew.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I didn't ask him. D'you think I'd have come if I knew he was going to be
+here? He's acknowledged that he has no defence.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Pardon me, I acknowledge nothing and deny nothing.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+That won't do for me. I want the truth, and I'm going to get it. I've
+got a right to know.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Beginning to lose his temper._] Don't make an ass of yourself, Bobby.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+By God, I'll make you answer!
+
+[_As he says this he goes up to_ ALEC _furiously, but_ ALEC. _with a
+twist of his arm, hurls him back._
+
+ALEC.
+
+I could break your back, you silly boy.
+
+[_With a cry of anger_ BOULGER _is about to spring at_ ALEC _when_ DICK
+_gets in the way._
+
+DICK.
+
+Now then, no scenes. And you'll only get the worst of it, Bobby. Alec
+could just crumple you up. Take him away, Mallins. Don't stand there
+like a stuffed owl, Carbery.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Let me alone, you fool!
+
+MALLINS.
+
+Come along, old chap.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_To_ ALEC.] You damned skunk!
+
+DICK.
+
+Now then, be off with you. Don't make a silly ass of yourself.
+
+[BOULGER, MALLINS _and_ CARBERY _go out._
+
+DICK.
+
+Poor Lady Kelsey! To-morrow half London will be saying that you and
+Bobby had a stand-up fight in her drawing-room.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Furiously._] The damned cubs!
+
+DICK.
+
+The position is growing confoundedly awkward!
+
+ALEC.
+
+They lick my boots till I loathe them, and then they turn against me
+like a pack of curs. Oh, I despise them--these silly boys who stay at
+home wallowing in their ease while men work. Thank God, I've done with
+them all now. They think one can fight one's way through Africa as
+easily as one walks down Piccadilly. They think one goes through
+hardships and dangers, illness and starvation, to be the lion of a
+dinner-party in Mayfair.
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear Alec, keep calm.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a visible effort containing himself completely, with studied
+nonchalance._] D'you think that I look wildly excited?
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Ironically._] I don't think butter would melt in your mouth.
+
+[DICK _and_ ALEC _go out into the garden. In a moment_ BOULGER _comes in
+with_ LADY KELSEY.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Thank heaven, there's nobody here.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I think you're dreadfully foolish, Bobby. You know how Lucy resents any
+interference with her actions.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Won't you sit down? You must be dreadfully tired.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Why won't you wait till to-morrow?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I feel that it ought to be settled at once.
+
+[LUCY _appears_.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Did you send for me, my aunt? Mr. Carbery said you wanted to speak to me
+here.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Yes, I gave him that message.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I asked Aunt Alice to beg you to come here. I was afraid you wouldn't if
+I asked you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Lightly._] What nonsense! I'm always delighted to see you.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I wanted to speak to you about something, and I thought Aunt Alice
+should be present.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Is it so important that it can't wait till to-morrow?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I venture to think it's very important.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Smiling._] I'm all attention.
+
+[_He hesitates for a moment, then braces himself to the ordeal._
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I've told you often, Lucy, that I've been in love with you for as many
+years as I can remember.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Surely you've not snatched me from the unwilling arm of my partner in
+order to make me a proposal of marriage?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I'm perfectly serious, Lucy.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Smiling._] I assure you it doesn't suit you at all.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+The other day I asked you again to marry me, just before Alec Mackenzie
+came back.
+
+LUCY.
+
+It was very charming of you. You mustn't think that because I laugh at
+you a little I'm not grateful for your affection.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Except for that letter in this morning's _Times_, I should never have
+dared to say anything to you again. But that changes everything.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I don't understand what you mean.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_After a little pause._] I ask you again if you'll be my wife? When
+Alec Mackenzie came back I understood why you were so indifferent to me,
+but you can't marry him now.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You have no right to talk to me like this.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I'm the only man who's related to you at all, and I love you with my
+whole soul.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I think you should listen to him, Lucy. I'm growing old, and soon you'll
+be quite alone in the world.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I don't ask you to care for me. I only want to serve you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I can only repeat that I'm very grateful to you. I can never marry you.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Beginning to lose his temper again._] Are you going to continue to
+know Mackenzie? If you'll take the advice of any unprejudiced person
+about that letter, you'll find that he'll say the same as I. There can
+be no shadow of doubt that Mackenzie is guilty of a monstrous crime.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I don't care what the evidence is. I know he can't have done a shameful
+thing.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+But have you forgotten that it's your own brother he killed? The whole
+country is up in arms against him, and you are quite indifferent.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Much moved._] Oh, Bobbie, how can you be so cruel?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+If you ever really cared for George at all, you must wish to punish the
+man who caused his death.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, why d'you torment me? I tell you that he isn't guilty. It's because
+I'm convinced of that ...
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Interrupting._] But have you asked him?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+He might give you the truth.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I couldn't do that.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Why not?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+It's very strange that he should insist on this silence.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Do you believe that story too?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I don't know what to believe. It's so extraordinary. If the man's
+innocent, why doesn't he speak?
+
+LUCY.
+
+He knows I trust him. I couldn't cause him the great pain of asking him
+questions.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Are you afraid he couldn't answer them?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No, no, no!
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Well, just try. After all, you owe as much as that to the memory of
+George.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I think it's very unreasonable, Lucy. He knows we're his friends. He can
+count on our discretion.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I believe in him implicitly. I believe in him with all the strength I've
+got.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Then, surely it can make no difference if you ask him. There can be no
+reason for him not to trust you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, why don't you leave me alone?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Ask him point blank. If he refuses to answer you ...
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Hastily._] It would mean nothing. Why should he answer? I believe in
+him absolutely. I think he's the greatest and most honourable man I've
+ever known. I care more for his little finger than for the whole world.
+I love him with all my heart. And that's why he can't be guilty of this
+horrible crime. Because I've loved him for years, and he's known it. And
+he loves me. And he's loved me always.
+
+[ALEC _and_ DICK _stroll in from the garden_.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Alec, Alec, I want you! Thank God, you've come!
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Going to her quickly._] What is it?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Alec, you must tell them now about you and me.
+
+[ALEC _looks at_ LUCY _for a moment_, _and then turns to_ LADY KELSEY.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I think perhaps we ought to have told you before, Lady Kelsey. But we
+wanted to enjoy our little secret by ourselves.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I'm afraid to understand.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I have asked Lucy to be my wife, and she....
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Interrupting him._] She said she would be honoured and deeply
+grateful.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+[_Greatly embarrassed._] I hardly know what to say.... How long have you
+been engaged?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Won't you tell me you're pleased, my aunt? I know you want me to be
+happy.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Of course, I want you to be happy. But I--I....
+
+            [BOULGER _turns on his heel and walks out_.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Offering his arm to_ LADY KELSEY.] Wouldn't you like to go back to the
+drawing-room?
+
+            [_She allows herself to be led away, helplessly._
+            ALEC _and_ LUCY _are left alone_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a smile._] I don't think our announcement has been received with
+enthusiasm.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You're not angry with me, ALEC?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Of course not. Everything you do is right and charming.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I shall really think I'm a wonderful person if I've taught you to pay
+compliments.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm so glad to be alone with you. Now, at all events, people will have
+the sense to leave us by ourselves.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Passionately._] I want your love. I want your love so badly.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Taking her in his arms._] My darling!
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Clinging to him._] The moment I'm with you I feel so confident and
+happy.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Only when you're with me? [LUCY _looks at him for an instant. He repeats
+the question in a caressing voice._] Only when you're with me, darling?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Why d'you think I made you tell them we were engaged?
+
+ALEC.
+
+You took me by surprise.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I had to tell them. I couldn't keep it back. They made me suffer so
+dreadfully.
+
+ALEC.
+
+The brutes! Tell me what they did.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, they said horrible things about you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+No more than that?
+
+LUCY.
+
+It's nothing to you. But to me.... Oh, you don't know what agony I
+endure. I'm such a coward! I thought I was so much braver.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I don't understand you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I wanted to burn my ships behind me. I wanted to reassure myself. [ALEC
+_makes a slight movement away from her, but she holds him back
+anxiously_.] Forgive me, dear. You don't know how terrible it is. I
+stand so dreadfully alone. Every one is convinced that you caused poor
+George's death--every one but me. [ALEC _looks at her gravely, without
+speaking_.] I try to put the thoughts out of my head, but I can't--I
+can't. That letter in the _Times_ looks so dreadfully true. Don't you
+see what I mean? The uncertainty is more than I can bear. At the first
+moment I felt so absolutely sure of you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+And now you don't?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I trust you just as much as ever. I know it's impossible that you
+should have done a shameful thing. But there it stands in black and
+white, and you have nothing to say in answer.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I know it's very difficult. That is why I asked you to believe in me.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I do, Alec--with all my soul. But have mercy on me. I'm not so strong as
+I thought. It's easy for you to stand alone. You're iron, but I'm a weak
+woman.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Oh, no, you're not like other women. I was proud of your unconquerable
+spirit.
+
+LUCY.
+
+It was easy to be brave where my father was concerned, and George, but
+you're the man I love, and it's so different. I don't know any more how
+to stand alone.
+
+            [ALEC _looks at her, thinking, but does not reply
+            for a moment_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you remember that only an hour ago I told you that I'd done nothing
+which I wouldn't do again? I gave you my word of honour that I could
+reproach myself for nothing.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, I know. I'm so utterly ashamed of myself. But I can't bear the
+doubt.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Doubt! You've said the word at last.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I tell every one that I don't believe a word of these horrible charges,
+and I repeat to myself: I'm certain, I'm certain that he's innocent. And
+yet at the bottom of my heart there's a doubt, and I can't crush it.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Is that why you told them we were engaged to be married?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I wanted to kill that gnawing pain of suspicion. I thought if I stood up
+before them and cried out that my trust in you was so great, I was
+willing to marry you notwithstanding everything, I should at least have
+peace in my own heart.
+
+            [ALEC _walks up and down. Then he stops in
+            front of_ LUCY.
+
+ALEC.
+
+What is it precisely you want me to do?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I want you to have mercy on me because I love you. Don't tell the world
+if you choose not to, but tell me the truth. I know you're incapable of
+lying. If I only have it from your own lips I shall believe, I want to
+be certain, certain!
+
+ALEC.
+
+Don't you realise that I would never have asked you to marry me if my
+conscience hadn't been quite clear? Don't you realise that the reasons I
+have for holding my tongue must be of overwhelming strength?
+
+LUCY.
+
+But I am going to be your wife, and I love you, and you love me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I implore you not to insist, Lucy. Let us remember only that the past is
+gone and we love one another. It's impossible for me to tell you
+anything.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, but you must now. If any part of the story is true, you must give me
+a chance of judging for myself.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm very sorry, I can't.
+
+LUCY.
+
+But you'll kill my love for you. The doubt which lurked at the bottom of
+my soul now fills me. How can you let me suffer such maddening torture?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I thought you trusted me.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I'll be satisfied if you'll only tell me one thing: only tell me that
+when you sent George on that expedition you didn't know that he'd be
+killed. [ALEC _looks at her steadily_.] Only say that, Alec. Say that's
+not true, and I'll believe you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Very quietly._] But it is true.
+
+            [LUCY _does not answer, but stares at him with
+            terrified eyes_.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, I don't understand. Oh, my dearest, don't treat me as a child. Have
+mercy on me! You must be serious now. It's a matter of life and death to
+both of us.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm perfectly serious.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You knew that you were sending George into a death-trap? You knew he
+couldn't escape alive?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Except by a miracle.
+
+LUCY.
+
+And you don't believe in miracles?
+
+ALEC.
+
+No.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, it can't be true. Oh, Alec, Alec, Alec! Oh, what shall I do?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I tell you that whatever I did was inevitable.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Then if that's true, the rest must be true also. Oh, it's awful. I can't
+realise it. Haven't you anything to say at all?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_In a low voice._] Only that I've loved you always with all my soul.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You knew how much I loved my brother. You knew how much it meant to me
+that he should live to wipe out my father's dishonour. All the future
+was centred on him, and you sacrificed him.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Hesitatingly._] I think I might tell you this. He had committed a
+grave error of judgment. We were entrapped by the Arabs, and our only
+chance of escape entailed the almost certain death of one of us.
+
+            [_An inkling of the truth seizes_ LUCY, _and her
+            face is suddenly distorted with horror. She
+            goes up to him impulsively. Her voice
+            trembles with emotion._
+
+LUCY.
+
+Alec, Alec, he didn't do something--unworthy? You're not trying to
+shield him?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Hoarsely._] No, no, no!
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_With a gasp of relief, almost to herself._] Thank God! I couldn't have
+borne that. [_To_ ALEC, _hopelessly_.] Then I don't understand.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It was not unjust that he should suffer for the catastrophe which he had
+brought about.
+
+LUCY.
+
+At those times one doesn't think of justice. He was so young, so frank.
+Wouldn't it have been nobler to give your life for his?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Oh, my dear, you don't know how easy it is to give one's life. How
+little you know me! Do you think I should have hesitated if my death had
+been sufficient to solve the difficulty? I had my work to do. I was
+bound by solemn treaties to the surrounding tribes. It would have been
+cowardly for me to die. I tell you, my death would have meant the awful
+death of every man in my party.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I can only see one thing, that you took George, George of all others.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I knew at the time that what I did might cost me your love, and though
+you won't believe this, I did it for your sake.
+
+            [_At this moment_ MRS. CROWLEY _enters with_
+            SIR ROBERT BOULGER. _She has a cloak on._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I was just coming to say good-night. Bobby is going to drive me home.
+[_She suddenly notices_ LUCY'S _agitation_.] What on earth's the matter?
+
+            [LADY KELSEY _and_ DICK LOMAS _come in_. LADY
+            KELSEY _looks at_ LUCY _and then goes up to
+            her impulsively_.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Lucy, Lucy!
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Brokenly._] I'm no longer engaged to Mr. Mackenzie. He can't deny that
+what is said about him is true.
+
+            [_They look at him in astonishment, but he makes
+            no movement._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_To_ ALEC.] Haven't you anything to say at all? You must have some
+explanation to offer?
+
+ALEC.
+
+No, I have none whatever.
+
+DICK.
+
+Alec, old man, have you realised all that this means?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Quite. I see now that it was inevitable.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_With a sudden burst of furious anger._] You killed him! You killed him
+as surely as if you'd strangled him with your own hands.
+
+            [ROBERT BOULGER _goes to the door and flings
+            it open_. ALEC _gives_ LUCY _a look, then
+            slightly shrugs his shoulders. He walks
+            out without a word. The moment he has
+            gone_ LUCY _sinks down and bursts into
+            passionate tears_.
+
+
+END OF THE THIRD ACT.
+
+
+
+
+THE FOURTH ACT
+
+
+     SCENE.--_A library in the house of_ DICK LOMAS _in Portman Square_.
+
+     DICK _and his_ VALET. DICK _is putting flowers into a vase_.
+
+
+DICK.
+
+Has Mr. Mackenzie come in?
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Yes, sir. He's gone to his room.
+
+DICK.
+
+I expect Mrs. Crowley and Miss Allerton to tea. If any one else comes
+I'm not at home.
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Very well, sir.
+
+DICK.
+
+And if a caller should ask at what time I'm expected back, you haven't
+the least idea.
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Very well, sir.
+
+DICK.
+
+We shall want breakfast at eight to-morrow. I'm going down to
+Southampton to see Mr. Mackenzie off. But I shall be home to dinner. How
+about those cases in the hall?
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie said they were to be sent for this afternoon. They're only
+labelled Zanzibar. Is that sufficient, sir?
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, I suppose so. Mr. Mackenzie will have given the shippers all
+directions. You'd better bring the tea at once. Mrs. Crowley is coming
+at four.
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Very well, sir.
+
+            [_He goes out._ DICK _continues to arrange the
+            flowers, than goes to the window and looks
+            out. He comes back. The door is opened by_
+            CHARLES, _who announces_ MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Mrs. Crowley.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Going towards her eagerly and taking both her hands._] Best of women!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You seem quite glad to see me?
+
+DICK.
+
+I am. But where is Lucy?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+She's coming later.... I don't know why you should squeeze my hands in
+this pointed manner.
+
+DICK.
+
+What an age it is since I saw you!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+If you bury yourself in Scotland all the summer, you can't expect to see
+people who go to Homburg and the Italian lakes.
+
+DICK.
+
+Heavens, how you cultivate respectability!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It's a sensitive plant whose vagaries one has to humour.
+
+DICK.
+
+Aren't you delighted to be back in town?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+London's the most charming place in the world to get away from and to
+come back to. Now tell me all you've been doing, if I can hear it
+without blushing too furiously.
+
+DICK.
+
+My behaviour would have done credit to a clergyman's only daughter. I
+dragged Alec off to Scotland after that horrible scene at Lady Kelsey's,
+and we played golf.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Was he very wretched, poor thing?
+
+DICK.
+
+He didn't say a word. I wanted to comfort him, but he never gave me a
+chance. He never mentioned Lucy's name.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Did he seem unhappy?
+
+DICK.
+
+No. He was just the same as ever, impassive and collected.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Really he's inhuman.
+
+DICK.
+
+He's an anomaly in this juvenile century. He's an ancient Roman who buys
+his clothes in Savile Row. An eagle caged with a colony of canaries.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Then he's very much in the way in England, and it's much better for him
+that he should go back to Africa.
+
+DICK.
+
+This time to-morrow he'll be half-way down the channel.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I'm really beginning to think you're a perfect angel, Mr. Lomas.
+
+DICK.
+
+Don't say that, it makes me feel so middle-aged. I'd much sooner be a
+young sinner than an elderly cherub.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It was sweet of you to look after him through the summer and then insist
+on his staying here till he went away. How long is he going for this
+time?
+
+DICK.
+
+Heaven knows! Perhaps for ever.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Have you told him that Lucy is coming?
+
+DICK.
+
+No. I thought that was a pleasing piece of information which I'd leave
+you to impart.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Thanks!
+
+DICK.
+
+She's only coming to indulge a truly feminine passion for making scenes,
+and she's made Alec quite wretched enough already. Why doesn't she marry
+Robert Boulger?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Why should she?
+
+DICK.
+
+Half the women I know merely married their husbands to spite somebody
+else. It appears to be one of the commonest causes of matrimony.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_With a quizzical look at him._] Talking of which, what are you going
+to do when Mr. Mackenzie is gone?
+
+DICK.
+
+Talking of the weather and the crops, I propose to go to Spain.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Opening her eyes wide._] How very extraordinary! I thought of going
+there, too.
+
+DICK.
+
+Then, without a moment's hesitation, I shall go to Norway.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It'll be dreadfully cold.
+
+DICK.
+
+Dreadfully. But I shall be supported by the consciousness of having done
+my duty.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You don't think there would be room for both of us in Spain?
+
+DICK.
+
+I'm convinced there wouldn't. We should always be running against one
+another, and you'd insist on my looking out all your trains in
+Bradshaw.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I hope you remember that you asked me to tea to-day?
+
+DICK.
+
+Pardon me, you asked yourself. I keep the letter next to my heart and
+put it under my pillow every night.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You fibber! Besides, if I did, it was only on Lucy's account.
+
+DICK.
+
+That, I venture to think, is neither polite nor accurate.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I don't think I should so utterly detest you, if you hadn't such a good
+opinion of yourself.
+
+DICK.
+
+You forget that I vowed on the head of my maternal grandmother never to
+speak to you again.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Oh, I'm always doing that. I tell my maid that time she does my hair
+badly.
+
+DICK.
+
+You trifled with the tenderest affection of an innocent and
+unsophisticated old bachelor.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Is that you by any chance?
+
+DICK.
+
+Of course, it's me. D'you think I was talking of the man in the moon?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Looking at him critically._] With the light behind, you might still
+pass for thirty-five.
+
+DICK.
+
+I've given up youth and its vanities. I no longer pluck out my white
+hairs.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Then how on earth do you occupy your leisure?
+
+DICK.
+
+For the last three months I've been laboriously piecing together the
+fragments of a broken heart.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+If you hadn't been so certain that I was going to accept you, I should
+never have refused. I couldn't resist the temptation of saying "No" just
+to see how you took it.
+
+DICK.
+
+I flatter myself that I took it very well.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You didn't. You showed an entire lack of humour. You might have known
+that a nice woman doesn't marry a man the first time he asks her. It's
+making oneself too cheap. It was very silly of you to go off to Scotland
+as if you didn't care.... How was I to know that you meant to wait three
+months before asking me again?
+
+DICK.
+
+I haven't the least intention of asking you again.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Then why in heaven's name did you invite me to tea?
+
+DICK.
+
+May I respectfully remind you, first, that you invited yourself ...
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Interrupting._] You're so irrelevant.
+
+DICK.
+
+And, secondly, that an invitation to tea is not necessarily accompanied
+by a proposal of marriage.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I'm afraid you're lamentably ignorant of the usages of good society.
+
+DICK.
+
+I assure you it's not done in the best circles.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_With a little pout._] I shall be very cross with you in a minute.
+
+DICK.
+
+Why?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Because you're not behaving at all prettily.
+
+DICK.
+
+D'you know what I'd do if I were you? Propose to me.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Oh, I couldn't do anything so immodest.
+
+DICK.
+
+I have registered a vow that I will never offer my hand and heart to any
+woman again.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+On the head of your maternal grandmother?
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh no, far more serious than that. On the grave of my maiden aunt, who
+left me all my money.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+What will you say if I do?
+
+DICK.
+
+That depends entirely on how you do it. I may remind you, however, that
+first you go down on your bended knees.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Oh, I waived that with you.
+
+DICK.
+
+And then you confess you're unworthy of me.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Mr. Lomas, I am a widow. I am twenty-nine and extremely eligible. My
+maid is a treasure. My dressmaker is charming. I am clever enough to
+laugh at your jokes, and not so learned as to know where they come from.
+
+DICK.
+
+Really you're very long-winded. I said it all in four words.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+So could I if I might write it down.
+
+DICK.
+
+You must say it.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But what I'm trying to make you understand is that I don't want to marry
+you a bit. You're just the sort of man who'll beat his wife regularly
+every Saturday night.... You will say yes if I ask you, won't you?
+
+DICK.
+
+I've never been able to refuse a woman anything.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I have no doubt you will after six months of holy matrimony.
+
+DICK.
+
+I never saw any one make such a fuss about so insignificant a detail as
+a proposal of marriage.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Dick. [_She stretches out her hands, smiling, and he takes her in his
+arms._] You really are a detestable person.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_With a smile, taking a ring from his pocket._] I bought an engagement
+ring yesterday on the off chance of its being useful.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Then you meant to ask me all the time?
+
+DICK.
+
+Of course I did, you silly.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Oh, I wish I had known that before. I'd have refused you again.
+
+DICK.
+
+You absurd creature.
+
+            [_He kisses her._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Trying to release herself._] There's somebody coming.
+
+DICK.
+
+It's only Alec.
+
+            [ALEC _comes in_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Hulloa!
+
+DICK.
+
+Alec, we've made friends, Mrs. Crowley and I.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It certainly looks very much like it.
+
+DICK.
+
+The fact is, I've asked her to marry me, and she....
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Interrupting, with a smile._] After much pressure--
+
+DICK.
+
+Has consented.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm so glad. I heartily congratulate you both. I was rather unhappy at
+leaving Dick, Mrs. Crowley. But now I leave him in your hands, I'm
+perfectly content. He's the dearest, kindest old chap I've ever known.
+
+DICK.
+
+Shut up, Alec! Don't play the heavy father, or we shall burst into
+tears.
+
+ALEC.
+
+He'll be an admirable husband because he's an admirable friend.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I know he will. And I'm only prevented from saying all I think of him
+and how much I love him, by the fear that he'll become perfectly
+unmanageable.
+
+DICK.
+
+Spare me these chaste blushes which mantle my youthful brow. Will you
+pour out the tea ... Nellie?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Yes ... Dick.
+
+            [_She sits down at the tea-table and_ DICK _makes
+            himself comfortable in an arm-chair by
+            her side_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Well, I'm thankful to say that everything's packed and ready.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I wish you'd stay for our wedding.
+
+DICK.
+
+Do. You can go just as well by the next boat.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm afraid that everything is settled now. I've given instructions at
+Zanzibar to collect bearers, and I must arrive as quickly as I can.
+
+DICK.
+
+I wish to goodness you'd give up these horrible explorations.
+
+ALEC.
+
+But they're the very breath of my life. You don't know the exhilaration
+of the daily dangers--the joy of treading where only the wild beasts
+have trodden before. Oh, already I can hardly bear my impatience when I
+think of the boundless country and the enchanting freedom. Here one
+grows so small, so despicable, but in Africa everything is built to a
+nobler standard. There a man is really a man; there one knows what are
+will and strength and courage. Oh, you don't know what it is to stand on
+the edge of some great plain and breathe the pure keen air after the
+terrors of the forest. Then at last you know what freedom is.
+
+DICK.
+
+The boundless plain of Hyde Park is enough for me, and the aspect of
+Piccadilly on a fine day in June gives me quite as many emotions as I
+want.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But what will you gain by it all, now that your work in East Africa is
+over, by all the dangers and the hardships?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Nothing. I want to gain nothing. Perhaps I shall discover some new
+species of antelope or some unknown plant. Perhaps I shall find some new
+waterway. That is all the reward I want. I love the sense of power and
+mastery. What do you think I care for the tinsel rewards of kings and
+peoples?
+
+DICK.
+
+I always said you were melodramatic. I never heard anything so
+transpontine.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+And the end of it, what will be the end?
+
+ALEC.
+
+The end is death in some fever-stricken swamp, obscurely, worn out by
+exposure and ague and starvation. And the bearers will seize my gun and
+my clothes and leave me to the jackals.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Don't. It's too horrible.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Why, what does it matter? I shall die standing up. I shall go the last
+journey as I have gone every other.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Without fear?
+
+DICK.
+
+For all the world like the wicked baronet: Once aboard the lugger and
+the girl is mine!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Don't you want men to remember you?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Perhaps they will. Perhaps in a hundred years or so, in some flourishing
+town where I discovered nothing but wilderness, they will commission a
+second-rate sculptor to make a fancy statue of me. And I shall stand in
+front of the Stock Exchange, a convenient perch for birds, to look
+eternally upon the various shabby deeds of human kind.
+
+            [_During this speech_ MRS. CROWLEY _makes a sign
+            to_ DICK, _who walks slowly away and goes
+            out_.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+And is that really everything? I can't help thinking that at the bottom
+of your heart is something that you've never told to a living soul.
+
+            [_He gives her a long look, and then after a
+            moment's thought breaks into a little smile._
+
+ALEC.
+
+Why do you want to know so much?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Tell me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I daresay I shall never see you again. Perhaps it doesn't much matter
+what I say to you. You'll think me very silly, but I'm afraid I'm
+rather--patriotic. It's only we who live away from England who really
+love it. I'm so proud of my country, and I wanted so much to do
+something for it. Often in Africa I've thought of this dear England, and
+longed not to die till I had done my work. Behind all the soldiers and
+the statesmen whose fame is imperishable, there is a long line of men
+who've built up the Empire piece by piece. Their names are forgotten,
+and only students know their history, but each one of them gave a
+province to his country. And I, too, have my place among them. For five
+years I toiled night and day, and at the end of it was able to hand over
+to the Commissioners a broad tract of land, rich and fertile. After my
+death England will forget my faults and my mistakes. I care nothing for
+the flouts and gibes with which she has repaid all my pain, for I have
+added another fair jewel to her crown. I don't want rewards. I only want
+the honour of serving this dear land of ours.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Why is it, when you're so nice really, that you do all you can to make
+people think you utterly horrid?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Don't laugh at me because you've found out that at heart I'm nothing
+more than a sentimental old woman.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Putting her hand on his arm._] What would you do if Lucy came here
+to-day?
+
+            [ALEC _starts, looks at her sharply, then answers
+            with deliberation_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I have always lived in polite society. I should never dream of outraging
+its conventions. If Miss Allerton happened to come, you may be sure I
+should be scrupulously polite.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Is that all? Lucy has suffered very much.
+
+ALEC.
+
+And do you suppose I've not suffered? Because I don't whine my misery to
+all and sundry, d'you think I don't care? I'm not the man to fall in and
+out of love with every pretty face I meet. All my life I've kept an
+ideal before my eyes. Oh, you don't know what it meant to me to fall in
+love. I felt that I had lived all my life in a prison, and at last Lucy
+came and took me by the hand and led me out. And for the first time I
+breathed the free air of heaven. Oh God! how I've suffered for it! Why
+should it have come to me? Oh, if you knew my agony and the torture!
+
+            [_He hides his face, trying to master his emotion._
+            MRS. CROWLEY _goes to him and puts her
+            hand on his shoulder_.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Springing up._] Go away. Don't look at me. How can you stand there and
+watch my weakness? Oh God, give me strength.... My love was the last
+human weakness I had. It was right that I should drink that bitter cup.
+And I've drunk its very dregs. I should have known that I wasn't meant
+for happiness and a life of ease. I have other work to do in the world.
+And now that I have overcome this last temptation, I am ready to do it.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But haven't you any pity for yourself, haven't you any thought for Lucy?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Must I tell you, too, that everything I did was for Lucy's sake? And
+still I love her with all my heart and soul....
+
+DICK _comes in_.
+
+DICK.
+
+Here is Lucy!
+
+            [CHARLES _comes in and announces_ LUCY.
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Miss Allerton!
+
+            [_She enters, and_ DICK, _anxious that the meeting
+            shall not be more awkward than need be,
+            goes up to her very cordially_.
+
+DICK.
+
+Ah, my dear Lucy. So glad you were able to come.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Giving her hand to_ DICK, _but looking at_ ALEC.] How d'you do?
+
+ALEC.
+
+How d'you do? [_He forces himself to talk._] How is Lady Kelsey?
+
+LUCY.
+
+She's much better, thanks. We've been to Spa, you know, for her health.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Somebody told me you'd gone abroad. Was it you, Dick? Dick is an
+admirable person, a sort of gazetteer for polite society.
+
+DICK.
+
+Won't you have some tea, Lucy?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No, thanks!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Trying on her side also to make conversation._] We shall miss you
+dreadfully when you're gone, Mr. Mackenzie.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Cheerfully._] Not a bit of it.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Smiling._] London is an excellent place for showing one of how little
+importance one is in the world. One makes a certain figure, and perhaps
+is tempted to think oneself of some consequence. Then one goes away, and
+on returning is surprised to discover that nobody has even noticed one's
+absence.
+
+DICK.
+
+You're over-modest, Alec. If you weren't, you might be a great man.
+Now, I make a point of telling my friends that I'm indispensable, and
+they take me at my word.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You are a leaven of flippancy in the heavy dough of British
+righteousness.
+
+DICK.
+
+The wise man only takes the unimportant quite seriously.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a smile._] For it is obvious that it needs more brains to do
+nothing than to be a cabinet minister.
+
+DICK.
+
+You pay me a great compliment, Alec. You repeat to my very face one of
+my favourite observations.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Almost in a whisper._] Haven't I heard you say that only the
+impossible is worth doing?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Good heavens, I must have been reading the headings of a copy-book.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_To_ DICK.] Are you going to Southampton to see Mr. Mackenzie off?
+
+DICK.
+
+I shall hide my face on his shoulder and weep salt tears. It'll be most
+affecting, because in moments of emotion I always burst into epigram.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I loathe all solemn leave-takings. I prefer to part from people with a
+nod and a smile, whether I'm going for ever or for a day to Brighton.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You're very hard.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Dick has been teaching me to take life flippantly. And I have learnt
+that things are only serious if you take them seriously, and that is
+desperately stupid. [_To_ LUCY.] Don't you agree with me?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No.
+
+            [_Her tone, almost tragic, makes him pause
+            for an instant; but he is determined
+            that the conversation shall be purely conventional._
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's so difficult to be serious without being absurd. That is the chief
+power of women, that life and death are merely occasions for a change of
+costume: marriage a creation in white, and the worship of God an
+opportunity for a Paris bonnet.
+
+            [MRS. CROWLEY _makes up her mind to force a
+            crisis, and she gets up_.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It's growing late, Dick. Won't you take me round the house?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm afraid my luggage has made everything very disorderly.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It doesn't matter. Come, Dick!
+
+DICK.
+
+[_To_ LUCY.] You don't mind if we leave you?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, no.
+
+            [MRS. CROWLEY _and_ DICK _go out. There is a
+            moment's silence._
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you know that our friend Dick has offered his hand and heart to Mrs.
+Crowley this afternoon?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I hope they'll be very happy. They're very much in love with one
+another.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Bitterly._] And is that a reason for marrying? Surely love is the
+worst possible foundation for marriage. Love creates illusions, and
+marriages destroy them. True lovers should never marry.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Will you open the window? It seems stifling here.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Certainly. [_From the window._] You can't think what a joy it is to look
+upon London for the last time. I'm so thankful to get away.
+
+            [LUCY _gives a little sob and_ ALEC _turns to the
+            window. He wants to wound her and yet
+            cannot bear to see her suffer._
+
+ALEC.
+
+To-morrow at this time I shall be well started. Oh, I long for that
+infinite surface of the clean and comfortable sea.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Are you very glad to go?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Turning to her._] I feel quite boyish at the very thought.
+
+LUCY.
+
+And is there no one you regret to leave?
+
+ALEC.
+
+You see, Dick is going to marry. When a man does that, his bachelor
+friends are wise to depart gracefully before he shows them that he needs
+their company no longer. I have no relations and few friends. I can't
+flatter myself that any one will be much distressed at my departure.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_In a low voice._] You must have no heart at all.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Icily._] If I had, I certainly should not bring it to Portman Square.
+That sentimental organ would be surely out of place in such a
+neighbourhood.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Gets up and goes to him._] Oh, why do you treat me as if we were
+strangers? How can you be so cruel?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Gravely._] Don't you think that flippancy is the best refuge from an
+uncomfortable position. We should really be much wiser merely to discuss
+the weather.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Insisting._] Are you angry because I came?
+
+ALEC.
+
+That would be ungracious on my part. Perhaps it wasn't quite necessary
+that we should meet again.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You've been acting all the time I've been here. D'you think I didn't see
+it was unreal when you talked with such cynical indifference. I know you
+well enough to tell when you're hiding your real self behind a mask.
+
+ALEC.
+
+If I'm doing that, the inference is obvious that I wish my real self to
+be hidden.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I would rather you cursed me than treat me with such cold politeness.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm afraid you're rather difficult to please.
+
+            [LUCY _goes up to him passionately, but he draws
+            back so that she may not touch him_.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, you're of iron. Alec, Alec, I couldn't let you go without seeing you
+once more. Even you would be satisfied if you knew what bitter anguish
+I've suffered. Even you would pity me. I don't want you to think too
+badly of me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Does it much matter what I think? We shall be so many thousand miles
+apart.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I suppose that you utterly despise me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+No. I loved you far too much ever to do that. Believe me, I only wish
+you well. Now that the bitterness is past, I see that you did the only
+possible thing. I hope that you'll be very happy.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, Alec, don't be utterly pitiless. Don't leave me without a single
+word of kindness.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Nothing is changed, Lucy. You sent me away on account of your brother's
+death.
+
+            [_There is a long silence, and when she speaks
+            it is hesitatingly, as if the words were
+            painful to utter._
+
+LUCY.
+
+I hated you then, and yet I couldn't crush the love that was in my
+heart. I used to try and drive you away from my thoughts, but every word
+you had ever said came back to me. Don't you remember? You told me that
+everything you did was for my sake. Those words hammered at my heart as
+though it were an anvil. I struggled not to believe them. I said to
+myself that you had sacrificed George coldly, callously, prudently, but
+in my heart I knew it wasn't true. [_He looks at her, hardly able to
+believe what she is going to say, but does not speak._] Your whole life
+stood on one side and only this hateful story on the other. You couldn't
+have grown into a different man in one single instant. I came here
+to-day to tell you that I don't understand the reason of what you did. I
+don't want to understand. I believe in you now with all my strength. I
+know that whatever you did was right and just--because you did it.
+
+            [_He gives a long, deep sigh._
+
+ALEC.
+
+Thank God! Oh, I'm so grateful to you for that.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Haven't you anything more to say to me than that?
+
+ALEC.
+
+You see, it comes too late. Nothing much matters now, for to-morrow I go
+away.
+
+LUCY.
+
+But you'll come back.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm going to a part of Africa from which Europeans seldom return.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_With a sudden outburst of passion._] Oh, that's too horrible. Don't
+go, dearest! I can't bear it!
+
+ALEC.
+
+I must now. Everything is settled, and there can be no drawing back.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Don't you care for me any more?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Care for you? I love you with all my heart and soul.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Eagerly._] Then take me with you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You!
+
+LUCY.
+
+You don't know what I can do. With you to help me I can be brave. Let me
+come, Alec?
+
+ALEC.
+
+No, it's impossible. You don't know what you ask.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Then let me wait for you? Let me wait till you come back?
+
+ALEC.
+
+And if I never come back?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I will wait for you still.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Then have no fear. I will come back. My journey was only dangerous
+because I wanted to die. I want to live now, and I shall live.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, Alec, Alec, I'm so glad you love me.
+
+
+THE END
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
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+21 _Bedford St., W.C._
+
+
+
+
+_A MAN OF HONOUR_
+
+_A TRAGEDY_
+
+_In Four Acts_
+
+_By W. S. MAUGHAM_
+
+_LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN_
+
+_MCMXII_
+
+_Copyright: London William Heinemann 1912_
+
+        _TO
+    GERALD KELLY_
+
+"Ich übersah meine Sache und wusste wohin ich wollte."
+
+ECKERMANN, _Gespräche mit Goethe_.
+
+
+
+
+GENERAL PREFACE
+
+
+...For Clisthenes, son of Aristonymus, son of Myron, son of Andreas, had
+a daughter whose name was Agarista: her he resolved to give in marriage
+to the man whom he should find the most accomplished of all the Greeks.
+When therefore the Olympian games were being celebrated, Clisthenes,
+being victorious in them in the chariot race, made a proclamation; "that
+whoever of the Greeks deemed himself worthy to become the son-in-law of
+Clisthenes, should come to Sicyon on the sixtieth day, or even before;
+since Clisthenes had determined on the marriage in a year, reckoning
+from the sixtieth day." Thereupon such of the Greeks as were puffed up
+with themselves and their country, came as suitors; and Clisthenes,
+having made a race-course and palæstra for them, kept it for this very
+purpose. From Italy, accordingly, came Smindyrides, son of Hippocrates,
+a Sybarite, who more than any other man reached the highest pitch of
+luxury, (and Sybaris was at that time in a most flourishing condition;)
+and Damasus of Siris, son of Amyris called the Wise: these came from
+Italy. From the Ionian gulf, Amphimnestus, son of Epistrophus, an
+Epidamnian; he came from the Ionian gulf. An Ætolian came, Males,
+brother of that Titormus who surpassed the Greeks in strength, and fled
+from the society of men to the extremity of the Ætolian territory. And
+from Peloponnesus, Leocedes, son of Pheidon, tyrant of the Argives, a
+decendant of that Pheidon, who introduced measures among the
+Peloponnesians, and was the most insolent of all the Greeks, who having
+removed the Elean umpires, himself regulated the games at Olympia; his
+son accordingly came. And Amiantus, son of Lycurgus, an Arcadian from
+Trapezus; and an Azenian from the city of Pæos, Laphanes, son of
+Euphorion, who, as the story is told in Arcadia, received the Dioscuri
+in his house, and after that entertained all men; and an Elean,
+Onomastus, son of Agæus: these accordingly came from the Peloponnesus
+itself. From Athens there came Megacles, son of Alcmæon, the same who
+had visited Croesus, and another, Hippoclides, son of Tisander, who
+surpassed the Athenians in wealth and beauty. From Eretria, which was
+flourishing at that time, came Lysanias; he was the only one from
+Euboea. And from Thessaly there came, of the Scopades, Diactorides a
+Cranonian; and from the Molossi, Alcon. So many were the suitors. When
+they had arrived on the appointed day, Clisthenes made inquiries of
+their country, and the family of each; then detaining them for a year,
+he made trial of their manly qualities, their dispositions, learning,
+and morals; holding familiar intercourse with each separately, and with
+all together, and leading out to the gymnasia such of them as were
+younger; but most of all he made trial of them at the banquet; for as
+long as he detained them, he did this throughout, and at the same time
+entertained them magnificently. And somehow of all the suitors those
+that had come from Athens pleased him most, and of these Hippoclides,
+son of Tisander, was preferred both on account of his manly qualities,
+and because he was distantly related to the Cypselidæ in Corinth. When
+the day appointed for the consummation of the marriage arrived, and for
+the declaration of Clisthenes himself, whom he would choose of them all,
+Clisthenes, having sacrificed a hundred oxen, entertained both the
+suitors themselves and all the Sicyonians; and when they had concluded
+the feast, the suitors had a contest about music, and any subject
+proposed for conversation. As the drinking went on, Hippoclides, who
+much attracted the attention of the rest, ordered the flute-player to
+play a dance; and when the flute-player obeyed, he began to dance: and
+he danced, probably so as to please himself; but Clisthenes, seeing it,
+beheld the whole matter with suspicion. Afterwards, Hippoclides, having
+rested awhile, ordered some one to bring in a table; and when the table
+came in, he first danced Laconian figures on it, and then Attic ones;
+and in the third place, having leant his head on the table he
+gesticulated with his legs. But Clisthenes, when he danced the first and
+second time, revolted from the thought of having Hippoclides for his
+son-in-law, on account of his dancing and want of decorum, yet
+restrained himself, not wishing to burst out against him; but when he
+saw him gesticulating with his legs, he was no longer able to restrain
+himself, and said: "Son of Tisander, you have danced away your
+marriage." But Hippoclides answered: "Hippoclides cares not." Hence this
+answer became a proverb. (HERODOTUS VI. 126, _Cary's Translation_.)
+
+This play was first performed by the Stage Society at the Imperial
+Theatre on February 22, 1903, with the following cast:
+
+    BASIL KENT                    H. GRANVILLE BARKER
+    JENNY BUSH                    WINIFRED FRASER
+    JAMES BUSH                    O. B. CLARENCE
+    JOHN HALLIWELL                DENNIS EADIE
+    MABEL                         GERTRUDE BURNETT
+    HILDA MURRAY                  MABEL TERRY-LEWIS
+    ROBERT BRACKLEY               NIGEL PLAYFAIR
+    MRS. GRIGGS                   HENRIETTA COWEN
+    FANNY                         GERTRUDE DE BURGH
+    BUTLER                        A. BOWYER
+
+
+
+
+_A MAN OF HONOUR_
+
+_CHARACTERS_
+
+
+    BASIL KENT
+    JENNY BUSH
+    JAMES BUSH
+    JOHN HALLIWELL
+    MABEL
+    HILDA MURRAY
+    ROBERT BRACKLEY
+    MRS. GRIGGS
+    FANNY
+    BUTLER
+
+TIME: _The Present Day_.
+
+ACT I--_Basil's lodgings in Bloomsbury_.
+
+ACTS II AND IV--_The drawing-room of Basil's house at Putney_.
+
+ACT III--_Mrs. Murray's house in Charles Street_.
+
+_The Performing Rights of this Play are fully protected, and permission
+to perform it, whether by Amateurs or Professionals, must be obtained in
+advance from the author's Sole Agent, R. Golding Bright, 20 Green
+Street, Leicester Square, London, W.C., from whom all particulars can be
+obtained._
+
+
+
+
+A MAN OF HONOUR
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST ACT
+
+SITTING-ROOM OF BASIL'S LODGINGS IN BLOOMSBURY.
+
+
+     _In the wall facing the auditorium, two windows with little iron
+     balconies, giving a view of London roofs. Between the windows,
+     against the wall, is a writing-desk littered with papers and books.
+     On the right is a door, leading into the passage; on the left a
+     fire-place with arm-chairs on either side; on the chimney-piece
+     various smoking utensils. There are numerous bookshelves filled
+     with books; while on the walls are one or two Delft plates,
+     etchings after Rossetti, autotypes of paintings by Fra Angelico and
+     Botticelli. The furniture is simple and inexpensive, but there is
+     nothing ugly in the room. It is the dwelling-place of a person who
+     reads a great deal and takes pleasure in beautiful things._
+
+     BASIL KENT _is leaning back in his chair, with his feet on the
+     writing-table, smoking a pipe and cutting the pages of a book. He
+     is a very good-looking man of six-and-twenty, clean-shaven, with a
+     delicate face and clear-cut features. He is dressed in a
+     lounge-suit._
+
+
+            [_There is a knock at the door._
+
+BASIL.
+
+Come in.
+
+MRS. GRIGGS.
+
+Did you ring, sir?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes. I expect a lady to tea. And there's a cake that I bought on my way
+in.
+
+MRS. GRIGGS.
+
+Very well, sir.
+
+            [_She goes out, and immediately comes in with a
+            tray on which are two cups, sugar, milk,
+            &c._
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, Mrs. Griggs, I want to give up these rooms this day week. I'm going
+to be married. I'm sorry to leave you. You've made me very comfortable.
+
+MRS. GRIGGS.
+
+[_With a sigh of resignation._] Ah, well, sir, that's lodgers all over.
+If they're gents they get married; and if they're ladies they ain't
+respectable.
+
+            [_A ring is heard._
+
+BASIL.
+
+There's the bell, Mrs. Griggs. I dare say it's the lady I expect. If
+any one else comes, I'm not at home.
+
+MRS. GRIGGS.
+
+Very well, sir.
+
+            [_She goes out, and_ BASIL _occupies himself for a
+            moment in putting things in order_. MRS.
+            GRIGGS, _opening the door, ushers in the
+            new-comers_.
+
+MRS. GRIGGS.
+
+If you please, sir.
+
+            [_She goes out again, and during the next few
+            speeches brings two more cups and the tea._
+
+            [MABEL _and_ HILDA _enter, followed by_ JOHN
+            HALLIWELL. BASIL _going towards them
+            very cordially, half stops when he notices
+            who they are; and a slight expression of
+            embarrassment passes over his face. But
+            he immediately recovers himself and is
+            extremely gracious._ HILDA MURRAY _is a
+            tall, handsome woman, self-possessed and
+            admirably gowned_. MABEL HALLIWELL _is
+            smaller, pretty rather than beautiful,
+            younger than her sister, vivacious, very
+            talkative, and somewhat irresponsible_.
+            JOHN _is of the same age as_ BASIL, _good-humoured,
+            neither handsome nor plain
+            blunt of speech and open_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shaking hands._] How d'you do?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Look pleased to see us, Mr. Kent.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'm perfectly enchanted.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You _did_ ask us to come and have tea with you, didn't you?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I've asked you fifty times. Hulloa, John! I didn't see you.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I'm the discreet husband, I keep in the background.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Why don't you praise me instead of praising yourself? People would think
+it so much nicer.
+
+JOHN.
+
+On the contrary, they'd be convinced that when we were alone I beat you.
+Besides, I couldn't honestly say that you kept in the background.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_To_ BASIL.] I feel rather ashamed at taking you unawares.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I was only slacking. I was cutting a book.
+
+MABEL.
+
+That's ever so much more fun than reading it, isn't it? [_She catches
+sight of the tea things._] Oh, what a beautiful cake--and two cups!
+[_She looks at him, questioning._]
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_A little awkwardly._] Oh--I always have an extra cup in case some one
+turns up, you know.
+
+MABEL.
+
+How unselfish! And do you always have such expensive cake?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a smile, remonstrating._] Mabel!
+
+MABEL.
+
+Oh, but I know them well, and I love them dearly. They cost two
+shillings at the Army and Navy Stores, but I can't afford them myself.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wish you'd explain why we've come, or Basil will think I'm
+responsible.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Lightly._] I've been trying to remember ever since we arrived. You say
+it, Hilda; you invented it.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Mabel, I'll never take you out again. They're
+perfectly incorrigible, Mr. Kent.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_To_ JOHN _and_ MABEL, _smiling_.] I don't know why _you've_ come. Mrs.
+Murry has promised to come and have tea with me for ages.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Pretending to feel injured._] Well, you needn't turn me out the moment
+we arrive. Besides, I refuse to go till I've had a piece of that cake.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Well, here's the tea! [MRS. GRIGGS _brings it in as he speaks_. _He
+turns to_ HILDA.] I wish you'd pour it out. I'm so clumsy.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Smiling at him affectionately._] I shall be delighted.
+
+            [_She proceeds to do so, and the conversation goes
+            on while_ BASIL _hands_ MABEL _tea and cake_.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I told them it was improper for more than one woman at a time to call at
+a bachelor's rooms, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+If you'd warned me I'd have made the show a bit tidier.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Oh, that's just what we didn't want. We wanted to see the Celebrity at
+Home, without lime-light.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Ironically._] You're too flattering.
+
+MABEL.
+
+By the way, how is the book?
+
+_Basil._
+
+Quite well, thanks.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I always forget to ask how it's getting on.
+
+BASIL.
+
+On the contrary, you never let slip an opportunity of making kind
+inquiries.
+
+MABEL.
+
+_I_ don't believe you've written a word of it.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Nonsense, Mabel. I've read it.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Oh, but you're such a monster of discretion.... Now I want to see your
+medals, Mr. Kent.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] What medals?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Don't be coy! You know I mean the medals they gave you for going to the
+Cape.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Gets them from a drawer, and with a smile hands them to_ MABEL.] If
+you really care to see them, here they are.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Taking one._] What's this?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, that's just the common or garden South African medal.
+
+MABEL.
+
+And the other one?
+
+BASIL.
+
+That's the D.S.M.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Why didn't they give you the D.S.O.?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I was only a trooper, you know. They only give the D.S.O. to
+officers.
+
+MABEL.
+
+And what did you do to deserve it?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] I really forget.
+
+HILDA.
+
+It's given for distinguished service in the field, Mabel.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I knew. Only I wanted to see if Mr. Kent was modest or vain.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a smile, taking the medals from her and putting them away._] How
+spiteful of you!
+
+MABEL.
+
+John, why didn't you go to the Cape, and do heroic things?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I confined my heroism to the British Isles. I married you, my angel.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Is that funny or vulgar?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Laughing._] Are there no more questions you want to ask me, Mrs.
+Halliwell?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Yes, I want to know why you live up six flights of stairs.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Amused._] For the view, simply and solely.
+
+MABEL.
+
+But, good heavens, there is no view. There are only chimney-pots.
+
+BASIL.
+
+But they're most æsthetic chimney-pots. Do come and look, Mrs. Murray.
+[BASIL _and_ HILDA _approach one of the windows, and he opens it_.] And
+at night they're so mysterious. They look just like strange goblins
+playing on the house-tops. And you can't think how gorgeous the sunsets
+are: sometimes, after the rain, the slate roofs glitter like burnished
+gold. [_To_ HILDA.] Often I think I couldn't have lived without my view,
+it says such wonderful things to me. [_Turning to_ MABEL _gaily_.]
+Scoff, Mrs. Halliwell, I'm on the verge of being sentimental.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I was wondering if you'd made that up on the spur of the moment, or if
+you'd fished it out of an old note-book.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a look at_ BASIL.] May I go out?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes, do come.
+
+            [HILDA _and_ BASIL _step out on the balcony,
+            whereupon_ JOHN _goes to_ MABEL _and tries
+            to steal a kiss from her_.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Springing up._] Go away, you horror!
+
+JOHN.
+
+Don't be silly. I shall kiss you if I want to.
+
+[_She laughing, walks round the sofa while he pursues her._
+
+MABEL.
+
+I wish you'd treat life more seriously.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wish you wouldn't wear such prominent hats.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_As he puts his arm round her waist._] John, some body'll see us.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Mabel, I command you to let yourself be kissed.
+
+MABEL.
+
+How much will you give me?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Sixpence.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Slipping away from him._] I can't do it for less than half-a-crown.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Laughing._] I'll give you two shillings.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Coaxing._] Make it two-and-three.
+
+            [_He kisses her._
+
+JOHN.
+
+Now come and sit down quietly.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Sitting down by his side._] John, you mustn't make love to me. It
+would look so odd if they came in.
+
+JOHN.
+
+After all, I am your husband.
+
+MABEL.
+
+That's just it. If you wanted to make love to me you ought to have
+married somebody else. [_He puts his arm round her waist._] John, don't,
+I'm sure they'll come in.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't care if they do.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Sighing._] John, you do love me?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Yes.
+
+MABEL.
+
+And you won't ever care for anybody else?
+
+JOHN.
+
+No.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_In the same tone._] And you will give me that two-and-threepence,
+won't you?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Mabel, it was only two shillings.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Oh, you cheat!
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Getting up._] I'm going out on the balcony. I'm passionately devoted
+to chimney-pots.
+
+MABEL.
+
+No, John, I want you.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Isn't it enough for me to say I want you for you to hurl yourself at my
+feet immediately?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Oh, you poor thing, can't you do without me for two minutes?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Now you're taking a mean advantage. It's only this particular two
+minutes that I want you. Come and sit by me like a nice, dear boy.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Now what have you been doing that you shouldn't?
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Laughing._] Nothing. But I want you to do something for me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Ha, ha! I thought so.
+
+MABEL.
+
+It's merely to tie up my shoe. [_She puts out her foot._]
+
+JOHN.
+
+Is that all--honour bright?
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Laughing._] Yes. [JOHN _kneels down_.]
+
+JOHN.
+
+But, my good girl, it's not undone.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Then, my good boy, undo it and do it up again.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Starting up._] Mabel, are we playing gooseberry--at our time of life?
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Ironically._] Oh, you are clever! Do you think Hilda would have
+climbed six flights of stairs unless Love had lent her wings?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wish Love would provide wings for the chaperons as well.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Don't be flippant. It's a serious matter.
+
+JOHN.
+
+My dear girl, you really can't expect me to play the heavy father when
+we've only been married six months. It would be almost improper.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Don't be horrid, John.
+
+JOHN.
+
+It isn't horrid, it's natural history.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Primly._] I was never taught it. It's not thought nice for young girls
+to know.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why didn't you tell me that Hilda was fond of Basil! Does he like her?
+
+MABEL.
+
+I don't know. I expect that's precisely what she's asking him.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Mabel, do you mean to say you brought me here, an inoffensive, harmless
+creature, for your sister to propose to a pal of mine? It's an outrage.
+
+MABEL.
+
+She's doing nothing of the sort.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You needn't look indignant. You can't deny that you proposed to me.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I can, indeed. If I had I should never have taken such an unconscionably
+long time about it.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wonder why Hilda wants to marry poor Basil!
+
+MABEL.
+
+Well, Captain Murray left her five thousand a year, and she thinks Basil
+Kent a genius.
+
+JOHN.
+
+There's not a drawing-room in Regent's Park or in Bayswater that hasn't
+got its tame genius. I don't know if Basil Kent is much more than very
+clever.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Anyhow, I'm sure it's a mistake to marry geniuses. They're horribly
+bad-tempered, and they invariably make love to other people's wives.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Hilda always has gone in for literary people. That's the worst of
+marrying a cavalryman, it leads you to attach so much importance to
+brains.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Yes, but she needn't marry them. If she wants to encourage Basil let her
+do it from a discreet distance. Genius always thrives best on bread and
+water and platonic attachments. If Hilda marries him he'll only become
+fat and ugly and bald-headed and stupid.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why, then he'll make an ideal Member of Parliament.
+
+            [BASIL _and_ HILDA _come into the room again_.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Maliciously._] Well, what have you been talking about?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Acidly._] The weather and the crops, Shakespeare and the Musical
+Glasses.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Raising her eyebrows._] Oh!
+
+HILDA.
+
+It's getting very late, Mabel. We really must be going.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Getting up._] And I've got to pay at least twelve calls. I hope every
+one will be out.
+
+HILDA.
+
+People are so stupid, they're always in when you call.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Holding out her hand to_ BASIL.] Good-bye.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Coldly._] Thanks so much, Mr. Kent. I'm afraid we disturbed you
+awfully.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shaking hands with her._] I've been enchanted to see you. Good-bye.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Lightly._] We shall see you again before you go to Italy, shan't we?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I'm not going to Italy now, I've changed all my plans.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Giving_ JOHN _a look_.] Oh! Well, good-bye. Aren't you coming, John.
+
+JOHN.
+
+No: I think I'll stay and have a little chat with Basil, while you tread
+the path of duty.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Well, mind you're in early. We've got a lot of disgusting people coming
+to dinner.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a smile._] Poor things! Who are they?
+
+MABEL.
+
+I forget who they are. But I know they're loathsome. That's why I asked
+them.
+
+            [BASIL _opens the door, and the two women go out_.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Sitting down and stretching himself._] Now that we've got rid of our
+womankind let's make ourselves comfortable. [_Taking a pipe out of his
+pocket._] I think I'll sample your baccy if you'll pass it along.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Handing him the jar._] I'm rather glad you stayed, John. I wanted to
+talk to you.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Ha! ha!
+
+            [BASIL _pauses a moment, while_ JOHN _looks at
+            him with amusement. He fills his pipe._
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Lighting his pipe._] Nice gal, Hilda--ain't she?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Enthusiastically._] Oh, I think she's perfectly charming.... But what
+makes you say that?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Innocently._] Oh, I don't know. Passed through my head.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I say, I've got something to tell you, John.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well, don't be so beastly solemn about it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] It's a solemn thing.
+
+JOHN.
+
+No, it ain't. I've done it myself. It's like a high dive. When you look
+down at the water it fairly takes your breath away, but after you've
+done it--it's not so bad as you think. You're going to be married, my
+boy.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a smile._] How the deuce d'you know?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Gaily._] Saw it with mine own eyes. I congratulate you, and I give you
+my blessing. I'll get a new frock-coat to give the lady away in.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You?... [_Suddenly understanding._] You're on the wrong tack, old man.
+It's not your sister-in-law I'm going to marry.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Then why the dickens did you say it was?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I never mentioned her name.
+
+JOHN.
+
+H'm! I've made rather more than an average ass of myself, haven't I?
+
+BASIL.
+
+What on earth made you think ...?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Interrupting._] Oh, it was only some stupid idea of my wife's. Women
+are such fools, you know. And they think they're so confoundedly sharp.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Disconcerted_--_looking at him._] Has Mrs. Murray ...?
+
+JOHN.
+
+No, of course not! Well, who the deuce are you going to marry?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Flushing._] I'm going to marry Miss Jenny Bush.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Never heard of her. Is it any one I know?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes, you knew her.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Searching his memory._] Bush ... Bush.... [_With a smile._] The only
+Jenny Bush _I've_ ever heard of was a rather pretty little barmaid in
+Fleet Street. Presumably you're not going to marry her.
+
+[JOHN _has said this quite lightly, not guessing for a moment that it
+can have anything to do with the person_ BASIL _proposes to marry. Then,
+since_ BASIL _makes no answer_, JOHN _looks at him sharply: there is a
+silence while the two men stare at one another._
+
+JOHN.
+
+Basil, it's not the woman we used to know before you went out to the
+Cape?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Pale and nervous, but determined._] I've just told you that you used
+to know Jenny.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Man alive, you're not going to marry the barmaid of the "Golden Crown"?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looking at him steadily._] Jenny _was_ a barmaid at the "Golden
+Crown."
+
+JOHN.
+
+But, good Lord, Basil, what d'you mean? You're not serious?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Perfectly! We're going to be married this day week.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Are you stark, staring mad? Why on earth d'you want to marry Jenny Bush?
+
+BASIL.
+
+That's rather a delicate question, isn't it? [_With a smile._]
+Presumably because I'm in love with her.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well, that's a silly ass of an answer.
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's quite the most obvious.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Nonsense! Why, I've been in love with twenty girls, and I haven't
+married them all. One can't do that sort of thing in a country where
+they give you seven years for bigamy. Every public-house along the
+Thames from Barnes to Taplow is the tombstone of an unrequited passion
+of my youth. I loved 'em dearly, but I never asked 'em to marry me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Tightening his lips._] I'd rather you didn't make jokes about it,
+John.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Are you sure you're not making an ass of yourself? If you've got into a
+mess, surely we can get you out. Marriage, like hanging, is rather a
+desperate remedy.
+
+[BASIL _is sitting down and moodily shrugs his shoulders._ JOHN _goes up
+to him, and putting his hands on his friend's shoulders looks into his
+eyes._
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why are you going to marry her, Basil?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Springing up impatiently._] Damn you, why don't you mind your own
+business?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Don't be a fool, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Can't I marry any one I choose? It's nothing to you, is it? D'you
+suppose I care if she's a barmaid?
+
+[_He walks up and down excitedly, while_ JOHN _with steady eyes watches
+him._
+
+JOHN.
+
+Basil, old man, we've known each other a good many years now. Don't you
+think you'd better trust me?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Setting his teeth._] What d'you want to know?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why are you going to marry her?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Abruptly, fiercely._] Because I must.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Nodding his head quietly._] I see.
+
+[_There is a silence. Then_ BASIL, _more calmly turns to_ JOHN.
+
+BASIL.
+
+D'you remember Jenny?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Yes, rather. Why, we always lunched there in the old days.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Well, after I came back from the Cape I began going there again. When I
+was out there she took it into her head to write me a letter, rather
+ill-spelt and funny--but I was touched that she thought of me. And she
+sent some tobacco and some cigarettes.
+
+JOHN.
+
+My maiden aunt sent you a woollen comforter, but I'm not aware that in
+return you ever made her a proposal of marriage.
+
+BASIL.
+
+And so in one way and another I came to know Jenny rather well. She
+appeared to get rather fond of me--and I couldn't help seeing it.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But she always pretended to be engaged to that scrubby little chap with
+false teeth who used to hang about the bar and make sheep's eyes at her
+over innumerable Scotch-and-sodas.
+
+BASIL.
+
+He made a scene because I took her out on one of her off-nights, and she
+broke it off. I couldn't help knowing it was on my account.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well, and after that?
+
+BASIL.
+
+After that I got into the habit of taking her to the play, and so on.
+And finally ...!
+
+JOHN.
+
+How long has this been going on?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Several months.
+
+JOHN.
+
+And then?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Well, the other day she wired for me. I found her in the most awful
+state. She was simply crying her eyes out, poor thing. She'd been seedy
+and gone to the doctor's. And he told her ...
+
+JOHN.
+
+What you might really have foreseen.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes.... She was quite hysterical. She said she didn't know what to do
+nor where to go. And she was in an awful funk about her people. She
+said she'd kill herself.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Drily._] Naturally she was very much upset.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I felt the only thing I could do was to ask her to marry me. And when I
+saw the joy that came into her poor, tear-stained face I _knew_ I'd done
+the right thing.
+
+[_There is a pause._ JOHN _walks up and down, then stops suddenly and
+turns to_ BASIL.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Have you thought that you, who've never needed to economise, will have
+to look at every shilling you spend? You've always been careless with
+your money, and what you've had you've flung about freely.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shrugging his shoulders._] If I have to submit to nothing worse than
+going without a lot of useless luxuries, I really don't think I need
+complain.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But you can't afford to keep a wife and an increasing family.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I suppose I can make money as well as other men.
+
+JOHN.
+
+By writing books?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I shall set to work to earn my living at the Bar. Up till now I've never
+troubled myself.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't know any man less fit than you for the dreary waiting and the
+drudgery of the Bar.
+
+BASIL.
+
+We shall see.
+
+JOHN.
+
+And what d'you think your friends will say to your marrying--a barmaid?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Contemptuously._] I don't care two straws for my friends.
+
+JOHN.
+
+That's pleasant for them. You know, men and women without end have
+snapped their fingers at society and laughed at it, and for a while
+thought they had the better of it. But all the time society was quietly
+smiling up its sleeve, and suddenly it put out an iron hand--and
+scrunched them up.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[Shrugging his shoulders.] It only means that a few snobs will cut me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Not you--your wife.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'm not such a cad as to go to a house where I can't take my wife.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But you're the last man in the world to give up these things. There's
+nothing you enjoy more than going to dinner-parties and staying in
+country houses. Women's smiles are the very breath of your nostrils.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You talk of me as if I were a tame cat. I don't want to brag, John, but
+after all, I've shown that I'm fit for something in this world. I went
+to the Cape because I thought it was my duty. I intend to marry Jenny
+for the same reason.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Seriously._] Will you answer me one question--on your honour?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Are you in love with her?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_After a pause._] No.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Passionately._] Then, by God, you have no right to marry her. A man
+has no right to marry a woman for pity. It's a cruel thing to do. You
+can only end by making yourself and her entirely wretched.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I can't break the poor girl's heart.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You don't know what marriage is. Even with two people who are devoted to
+one another, who have the same interests and belong to the same class,
+it's sometimes almost unbearable. Marriage is the most terrible thing in
+the world unless passion makes it absolutely inevitable.
+
+BASIL.
+
+My marriage is absolutely inevitable--for another reason.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You talk as if such things had never happened before.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I know, they happen every day. It's no business of the man's. And as
+for the girl, let her throw herself in the river. Let her go to the
+deuce, and be hanged to her.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Nonsense. She can be provided for. It only needs a little
+discretion--and no one will be a ha'porth the wiser, nor she a ha'porth
+the worse.
+
+BASIL.
+
+But it's not a matter of people knowing. It's a matter of honour.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Opening his eyes._] And where precisely did the honour come in when
+you ...?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Good heavens, I'm a man like any other. I have passions as other men
+have.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Gravely._] My dear Basil, I wouldn't venture to judge you. But I think
+it's rather late in the day to set up for a moralist.
+
+BASIL.
+
+D'you think I've not regretted what I did? It's easy enough afterwards
+to say that I should have resisted. The world would be a Sunday School
+if we were all as level-headed at night as we are next morning.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Shaking his head._] After all, it's only a very regrettable incident
+due to your youth and--want of innocence.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With vehement seriousness._] I may have acted like a cur. I don't
+know. I acted as I suppose every other man would. But now I have a plain
+duty before me, and, by God, I mean to do it.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Don't you realise that you've only one life and that mistakes are
+irreparable? People play with life as if it were a game of chess in
+which they can try this move and that, and when they get into a muddle,
+sweep the board clear and begin again.
+
+BASIL.
+
+But life is a game of chess in which one is always beaten. Death sits on
+the other side of the board, and for every move he has a counter-move.
+And for all your deep-laid schemes he has a parry.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But if at the end Death always mates you, the fight is surely worth the
+fighting. Don't handicap yourself at the beginning by foolish quixotry.
+Life is so full. It has so much to offer, and you're throwing away
+almost everything that makes it worth the trouble.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Gravely._] Jenny would kill herself if I didn't marry her.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You don't seriously think she'd do that. People don't commit suicide so
+easily, you know.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You've thought of a great deal, John--you've not thought of the child. I
+can't let the child skulk into the world like a thief. Let him come in
+openly and lawfully. And let him go through the world with an honest
+name. Good heavens, the world's bad enough without fettering him all his
+life with a hideous stigma.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Oh, my dear Basil ...
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Interrupting._] You can bring forward a thousand objections, but
+nothing alters the fact that, under the circumstances, there's only one
+way open to a man of honour.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Drily._] Well, it's a way that may do credit to your heart, but
+scarcely to your understanding.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I thought you'd see at once that I was doing the only possible thing.
+
+JOHN.
+
+My dear Basil, you talk of pity, and you talk of duty, but are you sure
+there's anything more in it than vanity? You've set yourself up on a
+sort of moral pinnacle. Are you sure you don't admire your own heroism a
+little too much?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a good-natured smile._] Does it look so petty as that in your
+eyes? After all, it's only common morality.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Impatiently._] But, my dear chap, its absurd to act according to an
+unrealisable ideal in a world that's satisfied with the second-rate.
+You're tendering bank-notes to African savages, among whom cowrie shells
+are common coin.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] I don't know what you mean.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Society has made its own decalogue, a code that's just fit for middling
+people who are not very good and not very wicked. But Society punishes
+you equally if your actions are higher than its ideal or lower.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Sometimes it makes a god of you when you're dead.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But it takes precious good care to crucify you when you're alive.
+
+[_There is a knock at the door, and_ MRS. GRIGGS _comes in._
+
+MRS. GRIGGS.
+
+Some more visitors, Sir.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Show 'em in. [_To_ JOHN] It's Jenny. She said she was coming to tea.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_With a smile._] Oh, the cake was for her, was it? Would you like me to
+go?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Not unless you choose. Do you suppose I'm ashamed?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I thought, after all you've told me, you might not care for me to see
+her.
+
+[JENNY BUSH _and her brother_ JAMES _come in. She is very pretty, with
+delicate features and a beautiful complexion: her fair hair is abundant
+and very elaborately arranged. She is dressed smartly, rather showily.
+It is the usual type of barmaid, or tea-girl, a shade more refined
+perhaps than the common run. Her manners are unobjectionable, but not
+those of a gentlewoman._ JAMES _is a young man with clean-shaven face
+and a sharp expression. He is over-dressed in a very horsey manner, and
+is distinctly more vulgar than his sister. He talks English with a
+cockney accent, not invariably dropping his aitches, but only now and
+then. He is over cordial and over genial._
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Going up to_ BASIL.] I'm awfully late, I couldn't come before.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Jocosely._] Don't mind me. Give 'im a kiss, old tart.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I brought my brother Jimmie to see you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shaking hands._] How d'you do?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Nicely, thanks. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Looking at_ JOHN _and suddenly recognising him._]
+
+Well, I never! If that isn't old John Halliwell. I didn't expect to see
+you. This is a treat.
+
+JOHN.
+
+How d'you do?
+
+JENNY.
+
+What are you doing here?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I've been having a cup of tea with Basil.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Looking at the tea-things._] D'you always drink out of three cups at
+once?
+
+JOHN.
+
+My wife has been here--and her sister.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I see. Fancy your being married. How d'you like it?
+
+JOHN.
+
+All right, thanks.
+
+[BASIL _pours out a cup of tea, and during the following speeches gives_
+JENNY _milk and sugar and cake._
+
+JAMES.
+
+People say it wants a bit of gettin' used to.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Mr. Bush, you're a philosopher.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, I will say this for myself, you'd want to get up early in the
+morning to catch me nappin'. I didn't catch your name.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Halliwell.
+
+JAMES.
+
+'Alliwell?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Emphasising the H._] Halliwell.
+
+JAMES.
+
+That's what I say--'Alliwell. I knew a fellow in the meat trade called
+'Alliwell. Any relation?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't think so.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Fine business 'e 'ad too. There's a rare lot of money to be made out of
+meat.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I dare say.
+
+Jenny.
+
+[_To_ JOHN.] It _is_ a long time since I've seen you. I suppose you've
+quietened down now you're a married man. You were a hot 'un when you was
+a bachelor.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Facetiously._] Don't make 'im blush, Jenny. Accidents will 'appen in
+the best regulated families. And boys will be boys, as they say in the
+Bible.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I think I must be off, Basil.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, I'll be toddlin' too. I only come in just to say 'ow d'you do to
+my future brother-in-law. I'm a fellow as likes to be cordial. There's
+no 'aughtiness about me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Politely, but not effusively._] Oh; won't you stay and have some tea?
+
+JAMES.
+
+No, thanks. I'm not much of an 'and at tea; I leave that to females. I
+like something stronger myself.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Remonstrating._] Jimmie!
+
+BASIL.
+
+I have some whisky, Mr. Bush.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh, blow the Mister and blow the Bush. Call me Jimmie. I can't stand
+ceremony. The way I look on it is this. We're both of us gentlemen. Now,
+mind you, I'm not a fellow to praise myself. But I will say this: I am a
+gentleman. That's not self-praise, is it?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Dear me, no. Mere statement of fact.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, as I was saying, I know I'm a gentleman. It's a thing you can't
+'elp, so what's the good of being proud about it? If I meet a chap in a
+pub, and he invites me to have a drink, I don't ask him if he's a Lord.
+
+BASIL.
+
+But you just take it.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, you'd do the same yourself, wouldn't you?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I dare say. But will you have a drink now?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh, bless you, I know what it is to be engaged. I don't want to disturb
+you canary-birds. Me and 'Alliwell 'll go and have a gargle round the
+corner. I see you've got a public nice and 'andy. [_To_ JOHN.] I suppose
+you're not above goin' in there now and again, eh?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a laugh._] He came into the "Golden Crown" every day of his life,
+and chance it!
+
+JOHN.
+
+I'm afraid I'm in a great hurry.
+
+JAMES.
+
+'Ang it all, one's always got time to have a drop of Scotch in this
+life.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_To_ JAMES, _handing him the box._] Well, take a cigar with you.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Taking and examining one._] If you are so pressing. Villar y
+Villar.... What do they run you in a hundred?
+
+BASIL.
+
+They were given to me, I really don't know what they cost. [_He lights a
+match._] Won't you take the label off?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Not if I know it. I don't smoke a Villar y Villar every day, but when I
+do, I smoke it with the label on.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Laughing._] Jimmie, you are a caution!
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Shaking hands with_ JENNY.] Good-bye and--my best wishes.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Thanks. You didn't expect I'd marry Basil when I used to mix cocktails
+for you in the "Golden Crown," did you?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Come on, 'Alliwell. Don't stop there gassing. You'll only disturb the
+canary-birds. So long, old tart, see you later. Ta-ta, Basil, old man.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Good-bye--Jimmie.
+
+[JOHN HALLIWELL _and_ JAMES _go out_, JENNY _goes up to_ BASIL
+_impulsively._
+
+JENNY.
+
+Kiss me. [_He kisses her, smiling._] There! Now I can sit down quietly
+and talk. How d'you like my brother?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh--I hardly know him yet. He seems very amiable.
+
+JENNY.
+
+He's not a bad sort when you know him. He's just like my mother.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Raising his brows._] Is he? And--is your father like that too?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Well, you know, Pa hasn't had the education that Jimmie's had. Jimmie
+was at a boarding-school at Margate.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Was he?
+
+JENNY.
+
+You were at a boarding-school, too, weren't you?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] Yes, I was at Harrow.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Ah, you don't get the fine air at Harrow that you get at Margate.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Shall I put down your cup?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Placing it on a table._] Oh, thanks, it's all right. Come and sit by
+me, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Seating himself on the arm of her chair._] There.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Taking his hand._] I'm so glad we're alone. I should like to be alone
+with you all my life. You do love me, don't you, Basil?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Much?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] Yes.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I'm so glad. Oh, I don't know what I should do if you didn't love me. If
+you hadn't been kind to me I should have thrown myself in the river.
+
+BASIL.
+
+What nonsense you talk.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I mean it.
+
+[_He passes his hand affectionately over her hair._
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, you _are_ so good, Basil. I'm so proud of you. I shall be so proud
+to be your wife.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Gravely._] Don't think too well of me Jenny.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a laugh._] I'm not afraid of that. You're brave and you're
+clever and you're a professional man, and you're everything.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You foolish child.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Passionately._] I can't tell you how much I love you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'll try with all my might to be a good husband to you, Jenny.
+
+            [_She flings her arms round his neck and they
+            kiss one another._
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST ACT.
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND ACT
+
+AN INTERVAL OF ONE YEAR ELAPSES BETWEEN ACTS I. AND II.
+
+
+     _The drawing-room in Basil's house at Putney. In the wall facing
+     the auditorium there is a door leading from the passage. On the
+     right two doors lead into bedrooms, and opposite these is a bay
+     window. The same pictures and plates decorate the walls as in the
+     preceding Scene; the writing-table is between the side doors._
+     JENNY'S _influence is noticeable in the cushions in the wicker-work
+     arm-chairs, in the window curtains and portières of art serge, and
+     in the huge chrysanthemums of the wall paper_.
+
+
+            [JENNY _is sewing while_ JAMES BUSH _is lounging
+            in one of the arm chairs_.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Where's his lordship this afternoon?
+
+JENNY.
+
+He's gone out for a walk.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_With a malevolent laugh._] That's what he tells you, my dear.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Looking up quickly._] Have you seen him anywhere?
+
+JAMES.
+
+No, I can't say I 'ave. And if I 'ad I wouldn't boast about it.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Insisting._] What did you mean then?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, whenever I come here he's out for a walk.... I say, old tart,
+could you oblige me with a couple of sovereigns till next Saturday?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Pained to refuse._] Oh no, Jimmie, I can't manage it. Basil made me
+promise I wouldn't let you have any more.
+
+JAMES.
+
+What! He made you promise that?--Ugh, the mean skinflint.
+
+JENNY.
+
+We've lent you so much, Jimmie. And ma's had a lot, too.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, look here, you can manage a sovereign, can't you? You needn't say
+anything about it.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I can't really, Jimmie. I would if I could. But we've got a rare lot of
+debts worrying us, and the rent will be coming along next week.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Sulkily._] You can't lend it me because you won't. I should just like
+to know what Basil spends his money on.
+
+JENNY.
+
+He's had a bad year--it's not his fault. And I was so ill after the baby
+died, we had to pay the doctor nearly fifty pounds.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_With a sneer._] Well, it was a wonderful fine thing you did when you
+married him, Jenny. And you thought you done precious well for yourself,
+too.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Jimmie, don't!
+
+JAMES.
+
+I can't stick 'im at any price, and I don't mind who knows it.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Impetuously._] I won't have you say anything against him.
+
+JAMES.
+
+All right--keep your shirt in. I'm blowed if I know what you've got to
+stick up for him about. He don't care much about you.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Hastily._] How d'you know?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Think I can't see!
+
+JENNY.
+
+It's not true. It's not true.
+
+JAMES.
+
+You can't get round me, Jenny. I suppose you 'aven't been crying to-day?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Flushing._] I had a headache.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I know those sort of headaches.
+
+JENNY.
+
+We had a little tiff this morning. That's why he went out.... Oh, don't
+say he doesn't care for me. I couldn't live.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Go along with you. Basil Kent ain't the only pebble on
+the beach.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Vehemently._] Oh, Jimmie, Jimmie, sometimes I don't know which way to
+turn, I'm that unhappy. If the baby had only lived I might have kept my
+husband--I might have made him love me. [_The sound is heard of a door
+being closed._] There's Basil.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Good luck to 'im.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, Jimmie, take care not to say anything to make him angry.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I'd just like to give 'im a piece of my mind.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, Jimmie, don't. It was my fault that we quarrelled this morning. I
+wanted to make him angry, and I nagged at him. Don't let him see that
+I've said anything to you. I'll see--I'll see if I can't send you a
+pound to-morrow, Jimmie.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Defiantly._] He'd better not start patronising me, because I won't put
+up with it. I'm a gentleman, and I'm every bit as good as he is--if not
+better.
+
+            [BASIL _comes in_, _notices_ JAMES, _but does not
+            speak_.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Afternoon, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Indifferently._] You here again?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Looks like it, don't it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Quietly._] I'm afraid it does.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Becoming more aggressive as the conversation proceeds._] Are you? I
+suppose I can come and see my own sister?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I suppose it's inevitable.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] Only I should be excessively grateful if you'd time your
+coming with my--with my going. And _vice versa_.
+
+JAMES.
+
+That means you want me to get out, I reckon.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You show unusual perspicacity, dear James.
+
+JAMES.
+
+And who are you with your long words, I should like to know?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Blandly._] I? A person of not the least importance.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Angrily._] Well, I wouldn't put on so much side if I was you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I observe that you have not acquired the useful art of being uncivil
+without being impertinent.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Look 'ere, I'm not going to stand this. I'm as good as you are any day.
+
+BASIL.
+
+That is a fact I should never dream of contradicting.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Indignantly._] Then what 'ave you got to turn up your nose about, eh?
+What d'you mean by sneerin' and snarlin' at me when I come here?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Nervously._] Jimmie, don't!
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a smile._] You're very eloquent, James. You should join a
+debating society.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Yes, go on. That's right. You seem to think I'm nobody. I should just
+like to know why you go on as if I was I don't know what.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Abruptly._] Because I choose.
+
+JAMES.
+
+You can bet anything you like I don't come 'ere to see you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling acidly._] Then I have at least something to be thankful for.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I've got a right to come here as much as anybody. I come to see my
+sister.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Really, that's very thoughtful of you. I was under the impression you
+generally came to borrow money.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Throw that in my face now. I can't 'elp it if I'm out of work.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I haven't the least objection to your being out of work. All I
+protest against--and that very mildly--is that I should be expected to
+keep you. How much did you want to-day?
+
+JAMES.
+
+I don't want your dirty money.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Have you already tried to borrow it from Jenny?
+
+JAMES.
+
+No, I 'aven't.
+
+BASIL.
+
+And she refused, I suppose.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Storming._] I tell you I don't want your dirty money.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Well, then, we're both quite satisfied. You seemed to think that because
+I married Jenny I was bound to keep the whole gang of you for the rest
+of your lives. I'm sorry I can't afford it. And you will kindly tell the
+rest of them that I'm sick and tired of forking out.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I wonder you don't forbid me your house while you're about it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Coolly._] You may come here when I'm not at home--if you behave
+yourself.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I'm not good enough for you, I suppose?
+
+BASIL.
+
+No, you're not.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Angrily._] Ah, you're a pretty specimen, you are. You mean skinflint!
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't be abusive, James. It's rude.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I shall say what I choose.
+
+BASIL.
+
+And please don't talk so loud. It annoys me.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Malevolently._] I dare say you'd like to get me out of the way. But I
+mean to keep my eye on you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Sharply._] What d'you mean by that?
+
+JAMES.
+
+You know what I mean. Jenny has something to put up with, I lay.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Containing his anger._] You'll have the goodness to leave the
+relations between Jenny and myself alone--d'you hear?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Ha, that's touched you up, has it? You think I don't know what sort of a
+feller you are. I can just about see through two of you. And I know a
+good deal more about you than you think.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Contemptuously._] Don't be foolish, James.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Sarcastic._] A nice thing Jenny did when she married you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Recovering himself, with a smile._] Has she been telling you my
+numerous faults? [_To_ JENNY.] You must have had plenty to talk about,
+my love.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Who has been going on with her sewing, looking up now and then
+uneasily._] I haven't said a word against you, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Turning his back on_ JAMES.] Oh, my dear Jenny, if it amuses you, by
+all means discuss me with your brother and your sister and your father
+and your mother, and the whole crew of them.... I should be so dull if I
+had no faults.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Anxiously._] Tell him I've not said anything against him, Jimmie.
+
+JAMES.
+
+It's not for want of something to say, I lay.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Over his shoulder._] I'm getting rather tired, brother James. I'd go,
+if I were you.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Very aggressively._] I shan't go till I choose.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Turns round, smiling blandly._] Of course, we're both Christians, dear
+James; and there's a good deal of civilisation kicking about the world
+nowadays. But, notwithstanding, the last word is still with the
+strongest.
+
+JAMES.
+
+What d'you mean by that?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Good-humouredly._] Merely that discretion is the better part of
+valour. They say that proverbs are the wealth of nations.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Indignantly._] That's just the sort of thing you'd do--to 'it a feller
+smaller than yourself.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I wouldn't hit you for worlds, brother James. I should merely throw
+you downstairs.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Making for the door._] I should just like to see you try it on.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't be silly, James. You know you wouldn't like it at all.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I'm not afraid of you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Of course not. But still--you're not very muscular, are you?
+
+JAMES.
+
+You coward!
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] Your repartees are not brilliant, James.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Standing at the door for safety's sake._] I'll pay you out before I've
+done.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Raising his eyebrows._] James, I told you to get out five minutes ago.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I'm going. D'you think I want to stay 'ere? Good-bye, Jenny, I'm not
+going to stand being insulted by any one. [_He goes out slamming the
+door._]
+
+            [BASIL, _smiling quietly, goes to his writing-table
+            and turns over some papers_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+The only compensation in brother James is that he sometimes causes one a
+little mild amusement.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You might at least be polite to him, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I used up all my politeness six months ago.
+
+JENNY.
+
+After all, he is my brother.
+
+BASIL.
+
+That is a fact I deplore with all my heart, I assure you.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I don't know what's wrong with him.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't you? It doesn't matter.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I know he isn't a Society man.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a laugh._] No, he wouldn't shine at duchesses tea-parties.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Well, he's none the worse for that, is he?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Not at all.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Then why d'you treat him as if he was a dog?
+
+BASIL.
+
+My dear Jenny, I don't.... I'm very fond of dogs.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, you're always sneering. Isn't he as good as I am? And you
+condescended to marry me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Coldly._] I really can't see that because I married you I must
+necessarily take your whole family to my bosom.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Why don't you like them? They're honest and respectable.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a little sigh of boredom._] My dear Jenny, we don't choose our
+friends because they're honest and respectable any more than we choose
+them because they change their linen daily.
+
+JENNY.
+
+They can't help it if they're poor.
+
+BASIL.
+
+My dear, I'm willing to acknowledge that they have every grace and every
+virtue, but they rather bore me.
+
+JENNY.
+
+They wouldn't if they were swells.
+
+            [BASIL _gives a short laugh, but does not answer;
+            and_ JENNY _irritated, continues more
+            angrily_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+And after all we're not in such a bad position as all that. My mother's
+father was a gentleman.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I wish your mother's son were.
+
+JENNY.
+
+D'you know what Jimmie says you are?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I don't vastly care. But if it pleases you very much you may tell me.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Flushing angrily._] He says you're a damned snob.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Is that all? I could have invented far worse things than that to say of
+myself.... [_With a change of tone._] You know, Jenny, it's not worth
+while to worry ourselves about such trifles. One can't force oneself to
+like people. I'm very sorry that I can't stand your relations. Why on
+earth don't you resign yourself and make the best of it?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Vindictively._] You don't think they're good enough for you to
+associate with because they're not in swell positions.
+
+BASIL.
+
+My dear Jenny, I don't in the least object to their being grocers and
+haberdashers. I only wish they'd sell us things at cost price.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Jimmie isn't a grocer or a haberdasher. He's an auctioneer's clerk.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Ironically._] I humbly apologise. I thought he was a grocer, because
+last time he did us the honour of visiting us he asked how much a pound
+we paid for our tea and offered to sell us some at the same price....
+But then he also offered to insure our house against fire and to sell me
+a gold mine in Australia.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Well, it's better to make a bit as best one can than to.... [_She
+stops._]
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] Go on. Pray don't hesitate for fear of hurting my feelings.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Defiantly._] Well, then, it's better to do that than moon about like
+you do.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shrugging his shoulders._] Really, even to please you, I'm afraid I
+can't go about with little samples of tea in my pocket and sell my
+friends a pound or two when I call on them. Besides, I don't believe
+they'd ever pay me.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Scornfully._] Oh no, you're a gentleman and a barrister and an author,
+and you couldn't do anything to dirty those white hands that you're so
+careful about, could you?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looking at his hands, then up at_ JENNY.] And what is it precisely you
+want me to do?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Well, you've been at the Bar for five years. I should have thought you
+could make something after all that time.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I can't force the wily solicitor to give me briefs.
+
+JENNY.
+
+How do other fellows manage it?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a laugh._] The simplest way, I believe, is to marry the wily
+solicitor's daughter.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Instead of a barmaid?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Gravely._] I didn't say that, Jenny.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Passionately._] Oh no. You didn't say it, but you hinted it. You never
+say anything, but you're always hinting and insinuating--till you drive
+me out of my senses.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_After a moment's pause, gravely._] I'm very sorry if I hurt your
+feelings. I promise you I don't mean to. I always try to be kind to you.
+
+            [_He looks at_ JENNY, _expecting her to say something
+            in forgiveness or in apology. But
+            she, shrugging her shoulders, looks down
+            sullenly at her work, without a word, and
+            begins again to sew. Then_ BASIL, _tightening
+            his lips, picks up writing materials and
+            goes towards the door_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Looking up quickly._] Where are you going?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Stopping._] I have some letters to write.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Can't you write them here?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Certainly--if it pleases you.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Don't you want me to see who you're writing to?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I haven't the least objection to your knowing all about my
+correspondence.... And that's fortunate, since you invariably make
+yourself acquainted with it.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Accuse me of reading your letters now.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a smile._] You always leave my papers in such disorder after
+you've been to my desk.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You've got no right to say that.
+
+            [BASIL _pauses and looks at her steadily_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Are you willing to swear that you don't go to my desk when I'm away to
+read my letters? Come, Jenny, answer that question.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Disturbed but forced by his glance to reply._] Well, I'm you're wife,
+I have a right to know.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Bitterly._] You have such odd ideas about the duties of a wife, Jenny.
+They include reading my letters and following me in the street. But
+tolerance and charity and forbearance don't seem to come in your scheme
+of things.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Sullenly._] Why d'you want to write your letters elsewhere?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shrugging his shoulders._] I thought I should be quieter.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I suppose I disturb you?
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's a little difficult to write when you're talking.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Why shouldn't I talk? D'you think I'm not good enough, eh? I should have
+thought I was more important than your letters.
+
+            [BASIL _does not answer_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Angrily._] Am I your wife or not?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Ironically._] You have your marriage lines carefully locked up to
+prove it.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Then why don't you treat me as your wife? You seem to think I'm only fit
+to see after the house and order the dinner and mend your clothes. And
+after that I can go and sit in the kitchen with the servant.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Moving again towards the door._] D'you think it's worth while making a
+scene? We seem to have said all this before so many times.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Interrupting him._] I want to have it out.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Bored._] We've been having it out twice a week for the last six
+months--and we've never got anywhere yet.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I'm not going to be always put upon, I'm your wife and I'm as good as
+you are.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a thin smile._] Oh, my dear, if you're going in for women's
+rights, you may have my vote by all means. And you can plump for all the
+candidates at once if you choose.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You seem to think it's a joke.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Bitterly._] Oh no, I promise you I don't do that. It's lasted too
+long. And God knows where it'll end.... They say the first year of
+marriage is the worst; ours has been bad enough in all conscience.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Aggressively._] And I suppose you think it's my fault?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't you think we're both more or less to blame?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Oh, I'm glad you acknowledge that you have something
+to do with it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I tried to make you happy.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Well, you haven't succeeded very well. Did you think I was likely to be
+happy--when you leave me alone all day and half the night for your swell
+friends that I'm not good enough for?
+
+BASIL.
+
+That's not true. I hardly ever see any of my old friends.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Except Mrs. Murray, eh?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I've seen Mrs. Murray perhaps a dozen times in the last year.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, you needn't tell me that. I know it. She's a lady, isn't she?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Ignoring the charge._] And my work takes me away from you. I can't
+always be down here. Think how bored you'd be.
+
+JENNY.
+
+A precious lot of good your work does. You can't earn enough money to
+keep us out of debt.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Good-humouredly._] We are in debt. But we share that very respectable
+condition with half the nobility and gentry in the kingdom. We're
+neither of us good managers, and we've lived a bit beyond our means this
+year. But in future we'll be more economical.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Sullenly._] All the neighbours know that we've got bills with the
+tradesmen.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Acidly._] I'm sorry that you shouldn't have made so good a bargain as
+you expected when you married me.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I wonder what you do succeed in? Your book was very successful, wasn't
+it? You thought you were going to set the Thames on fire, and the book
+fell flat, flat, flat.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Recovering his good temper._] That is a fate which has befallen better
+books than mine.
+
+JENNY.
+
+It deserved it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I didn't expect _you_ to appreciate it. It isn't given to all of us
+to write about wicked earls and beautiful duchesses.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Well, I wasn't the only one. The papers praised it, didn't they?
+
+BASIL.
+
+The unanimity of their blame was the only thing that consoled me.
+
+JENNY.
+
+And one of them advised you to study an English grammar. And you're the
+fine gentleman who looks down on poor things like us!
+
+BASIL.
+
+I often wonder if the reviewer who abuses you for a printer's error
+realises what pleasure he causes the wife of your bosom.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I've learnt to know you so well this last six months--since the baby
+died. You've got no cause to set yourself up on a pedestal.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a laugh._] My dear Jenny, I never pretended to be a golden idol.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I know what you are now. And I was such a fool as to think you a hero.
+You're merely a failure. In everything you try you're a miserable
+failure.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a slight sigh._] Perhaps you're right, Jenny.
+
+            [BASIL _walks up and down; and then, stopping,
+            looks at her for a moment meditatively_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I sometimes wonder whether we shouldn't be happier--if we lived apart.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a start._] What d'you mean?
+
+BASIL.
+
+We don't seem able to get on very well. And I see no chance of things
+going any better.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With staring eyes._] D'you mean to say you want to separate?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I think it might be better for both of us--at least for a time. Perhaps
+later on we might try again.
+
+JENNY.
+
+And what'll _you_ do?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I should go abroad for a while.
+
+JENNY.
+
+With Mrs. Murray. Is that it? You want to go away with her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Impatiently._] No. Of course not.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I don't believe it. You're in love with her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You've got no right to say that.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Haven't I? I suppose I must shut my eyes and say nothing. You're in love
+with her. D'you think I've not seen it in these months? That's why you
+want to leave me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's impossible for us to live together. We shall never agree, and we
+shall never be happy. For God's sake let us separate and have done with
+it.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You're sick of me. You've had all you want out of me, and now I can go.
+The fine lady comes along, and you send me away like a housemaid. D'you
+think I can't see that you're in love with her? You'd sacrifice me
+without a thought to save her a moment's unpleasantness. And because you
+love her you hate me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's not true.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Can you deny that you're in love with her?
+
+BASIL.
+
+You're simply mad. Good heavens, I've done nothing that could give you
+the least cause to be jealous.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Passionately._] Will you swear that you're not in love with her? Swear
+it on your honour?
+
+BASIL.
+
+You're mad.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With growing excitement._] Swear it. You can't. You're simply madly in
+love with her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Nonsense.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Swear it. Swear it on your honour. Swear you don't care for her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shrugging his shoulders._] I swear it ... on my honour.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Scornfully._] It's a lie!... And she's just as much in love with you
+as you are with her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Seizing her wrists._] What d'you mean?
+
+JENNY.
+
+D'you think I haven't got eyes in my head? I saw it that day she came
+here. D'you suppose she came to see me? She despises me. I'm not a lady.
+She came here to please _you_. She was polite to me to please _you_. She
+asked me to go and see her to please _you_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Trying to compose himself._] It's absurd. She was an old friend of
+mine. Of course she came.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I know that sort of friend. D'you think I didn't see the way she looked
+at you, and how she followed you with her eyes? She simply hung on every
+word you said. When you smiled, she smiled. When you laughed, she
+laughed. Oh, I should think she was in love with you; I know what love
+is, and I felt it. And when she looked at me I know she hated me because
+I'd robbed her of you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Unable to contain himself._] Oh, what a dog's life it is we lead!
+We've been both utterly wretched. It can't go on--and I only see one way
+out.
+
+JENNY.
+
+That's what you've been brooding over this last week, is it? Separation!
+I knew there was something, and I couldn't find out what it was.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I do my best to hold myself in, but sometimes I feel it's impossible. I
+shall be led to saying things that we shall both regret. For Heaven's
+sake let us part.
+
+JENNY.
+
+No.
+
+BASIL.
+
+We can't go on having these awful quarrels. It's too degrading. It was a
+horrible mistake that we ever married.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Horror-stricken._] Basil!
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, you must see that as well as I. We're utterly unsuited to one
+another. And the baby's death removed the only necessity that held us
+together.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You talk as if we only remained together because it was convenient.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Passionately._] Let me go, Jenny. I can't stand it any more. I feel as
+if I shall go mad.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Full of pain and anguish._] It's nothing at all to you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Jenny, I did my best for you a year ago. I gave you all I had to give.
+It was little enough in all conscience. Now I ask you to give me back my
+freedom.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Distracted._] You only think of yourself. What is to become of me?
+
+BASIL.
+
+You'll be much happier. It's the best thing for both of us. I'll do all
+I can for you, and you can have your mother and sister to live here.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a cry of grief and passion._] But I love you, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You!! Why, you've tortured me for six months beyond all endurance.
+You've made all my days a burden to me. You've made my life a perfect
+hell.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Gives a long groan of horror and dismay._] Oh!
+
+            [_They stand facing one another, when the
+            housemaid_, FANNY, _comes in_.
+
+FANNY.
+
+Mr. Halliwell.
+
+            [JOHN _comes in_. JENNY, _after taking his hand,
+            sinks down on a chair, paying no attention
+            to the following conversation; she stares in
+            front of her, quite distraught_. BASIL _tries
+            with all his might to appear calm and
+            natural_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Hulloa, what are you doing in these parts?
+
+JOHN.
+
+How d'you do, Mrs. Kent? I've been having an early lunch at Richmond,
+and I thought I'd just drop in on my way back. As it was Saturday
+afternoon I thought I might find you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'm sure we're delighted to see you. [JOHN _gives a side-glance at_
+JENNY, _and slightly raises his eyebrows_.] But you've only just come in
+time, because I've got to go up to town. We might travel up together.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Certainly.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Where are you going, Basil?
+
+BASIL.
+
+To Chancery Lane, to see my agent on business.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Suspiciously._] On Saturday afternoon? Why, he won't be there.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I have an appointment with him.
+
+            [JENNY _does not answer, but is obviously unconvinced_.
+            JOHN, _somewhat embarrassed, exerts
+            himself to make conversation_.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I was thinking as I came along that one must lead quite an idyllic
+existence in the suburbs--with the river--and one's little garden.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Ironically._] And the spectacle of the fifty little houses opposite
+all exactly like one another.
+
+JOHN.
+
+And the quiet is perfectly enchanting.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, yes. The only vehicles that disturb the peaceful seclusion are the
+milk-cart and the barrel-organs. It's quite idyllic.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I think it's a very nice neighbourhood. And you get such a superior
+class of people here.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'll just go and change. [_Looking at his watch._ There's a train at
+4.15.
+
+JOHN.
+
+All right, hurry up.
+
+            [BASIL _goes out of the room_. JENNY _at once
+            springs to her feet and goes towards_ JOHN.
+            _She is distracted and hardly knows what
+            she says._
+
+JENNY.
+
+Can I trust you?
+
+JOHN.
+
+What d'you mean?
+
+            [_She stares into his eyes, doubting, trying to see
+            whether he will be willing to help her._
+
+JENNY.
+
+You used to be a good sort. You never looked down on me because I was a
+barmaid. Tell me I can trust you, John. There's no one I can speak to,
+and I feel if I don't speak I shall go off my head.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What is the matter?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Will you tell me the truth if I ask you something?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Of course.
+
+JENNY.
+
+On your oath?
+
+JOHN.
+
+On my oath.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_After a momentary pause._] Is there anything between Basil and Mrs.
+Murray?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Aghast._] No. Certainly not.
+
+JENNY.
+
+How d'you know? Are you sure? You wouldn't tell me, if there was. You're
+all against me because I'm not a lady.... Oh, I'm so unhappy.
+
+            [_She tries to restrain her tears, she is half-hysterical._
+            JOHN _stares at her, surprised,
+            at a loss for words_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+If you only knew what a life we lead! He calls it a dog's life, and he's
+right.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I thought you got on so well.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, before you we've always kept up appearances. He's ashamed to let you
+know he regrets he ever married me. He wants to separate.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What!
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Impatiently._] Oh, don't look so surprised. You're not an utter fool,
+are you? He proposed it to-day before you came in. We'd been having one
+of our rows.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But what on earth is it all about?
+
+JENNY.
+
+God knows!
+
+JOHN.
+
+It's nonsense. It can only be a little passing quarrel. You must expect
+to have those.
+
+JENNY.
+
+No, it isn't. No, it isn't. He doesn't love me. He's in love with your
+sister-in-law.
+
+JOHN.
+
+It's impossible.
+
+JENNY.
+
+He's always there. He was there twice last week and twice the week
+before.
+
+JOHN.
+
+How d'you know?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I've followed him.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You followed him in the street, Jenny?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Defiantly._] Yes. If I'm not ladylike enough for him, I needn't play
+the lady there. You're shocked now, I suppose?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wouldn't presume to judge you, Jenny.
+
+JENNY.
+
+And I've read his letters, too--because I wanted to know what he was
+doing. I steamed one open, and he saw it, and he never said a word.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Good heavens, why did you do it?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Because I can't live unless I know the truth. I thought it was Mrs.
+Murray's handwriting.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Was it from her?
+
+JENNY.
+
+No. It was a receipt from the coal merchant. I could see how he despised
+me when he looked at the envelope--I didn't stick it down again very
+well. And I saw him smile when he found it was only a receipt.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Upon my word, I don't think you've got much cause to be jealous.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, you don't know. Last Tuesday he was dining there, and you should
+have seen the state he was in. He was so restless he couldn't sit still.
+He looked at his watch every minute. His eyes simply glittered with
+excitement, and I could almost hear his heart beating.
+
+JOHN.
+
+It can't be true.
+
+JENNY.
+
+He never loved me. He married me because he thought it was his duty. And
+then when the baby died--he thought I'd entrapped him.
+
+JOHN.
+
+He didn't say so.
+
+JENNY.
+
+No. He never says anything--but I saw it in his eyes. [_Passionately
+clasping her hands._] Oh, you don't know what our life is. For days he
+doesn't say a word except to answer my questions. And the silence simply
+drives me mad. I shouldn't mind if he blackguarded me. I'd rather he hit
+me than simply look and look. I can see he's keeping himself in. He's
+said more to-day than he's ever said before. I knew it was getting
+towards the end.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_With a helpless gesture._] I'm very sorry.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, don't you pity me, too. I've had a great deal too much pity. I
+don't want it. Basil married me from pity. Oh, I wish he hadn't. I can't
+stand the unhappiness.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Gravely._] You know, Jenny, he's a man of honour.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I know he's a man of honour. I wish he had a little less of it. One
+doesn't want a lot of fine sentiments in married life. They don't
+work.... Oh, why couldn't I fall in love with a man of my own class? I
+should have been so much happier. I used to be so proud that Basil
+wasn't a clerk, or something in the City. He's right, we shall never be
+happy.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Trying to calm her._] Oh, yes, you will. You mustn't take things too
+seriously.
+
+JENNY.
+
+It isn't a matter of yesterday, or to-day, or to-morrow. I can't alter
+myself. He knew I wasn't a lady when he married me. My father had to
+bring up five children on two-ten a week. You can't expect a man to send
+his daughters to a boarding-school at Brighton on that, and have them
+finished in Paris.... He doesn't say a word when I do something or say
+something a lady wouldn't--but he purses up his lips, and looks.... Then
+I get so mad that I do things just to aggravate him. Sometimes I try to
+be vulgar. One learns a good deal in a bar in the City, and I know so
+well the things to say that'll make Basil curl up. I want to get a bit
+of revenge out of him sometimes, and I know exactly where he's raw and
+where I can hurt him. [_With a laugh of scorn._] You should see the way
+he looks when I don't eat properly, or when I call a man a Johnny.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Drily._] It opens up endless possibilities of domestic unhappiness.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I know it isn't fair to him, but I lose my head. I can't always be
+refined. Sometimes I can't help breaking out. I feel I must let myself
+go.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why don't you separate, then?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Because I love him. Oh, John, you don't know how I love him. I'd do
+anything to make him happy. I'd give my life if he wanted it. Oh, I
+can't say it, but when I think of him my heart burns so that sometimes I
+can hardly breathe. I can never show him that he's all in the world to
+me; I try to make him love me, and I only make him hate me. What can I
+do to show him? Ah, if he only knew, I'm sure he'd not regret that he
+married me. I feel--I feel as if my heart was full of music, and yet
+something prevents me from ever bringing it out.
+
+JOHN.
+
+D'you think he means it seriously when he talks of separation?
+
+JENNY.
+
+He's been brooding over it. I know him so well, I knew there was
+something he was thinking over. Oh, John, I couldn't live without him.
+I'd rather die. If he leaves me, I swear I'll kill myself.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Walking up and down._] I wish I could help you. I don't see anything I
+can do.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, yes, there is. Speak to your sister-in-law. Ask her to have mercy on
+me. Perhaps she doesn't know what she's doing. Tell her I love him....
+Take care. There's Basil. If he knew what I'd said he'd never speak to
+me again.
+
+            [BASIL _comes in, dressed in a frock-coat; with a
+            tall hat in his hand_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'm ready. We've just got time to catch the train.
+
+JOHN.
+
+All right. Good-bye, Mrs. Kent.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Keeping her eyes fixed on_ BASIL.] Good-bye.
+
+            [_The two men go out._ JENNY _runs to the door
+            and calls out_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Basil, I want you a moment, Basil!
+
+            [BASIL _appears at the door_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Are you really going to Chancery Lane?
+
+            [BASIL _makes a movement of impatience and
+            goes out again without answering_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Alone._] Oh, well, I'm going to see that for myself. [_Calling to the_
+MAID.] Fanny!... Bring my hat and my jacket. Quick!
+
+            [_She runs to the window and looks out at_ BASIL
+            _and_ JOHN _going away_. FANNY _appears
+            with the clothes_. JENNY _hurriedly puts
+            them on_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_As_ FANNY _is helping her_.] What time is it?
+
+FANNY.
+
+[_Looking up at the clock._] Five minutes past four.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I think I can catch it. He said 4.15.
+
+FANNY.
+
+Will you be in to tea, mum?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I don't know. [_She runs to the door and rushes out._]
+
+
+END OF THE SECOND ACT.
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRD ACT
+
+THE SAME AFTERNOON.
+
+
+     [_A luxuriously furnished drawing-room at_ MRS. MURRAY'S _house in
+     Charles Street, Mayfair. Everything in it is beautiful, but
+     suggests in the owner good taste rather than originality._]
+
+     [HILDA _is seated near a tea-table, elaborately gowned, and with
+     her is_ MABEL. MR. ROBERT BRACKLEY _is sitting down, a stout,
+     round-faced man, clean-shaven and very bald; about forty; he is
+     attired in the height of fashion, in a frock-coat, patent-leather
+     boots and an eye-glass. He talks very quickly, in a careless
+     frivolous fashion, and is always much amused at what he says._]
+
+
+MABEL.
+
+What is the time, Mr. Brackley?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+I shan't tell you again.
+
+MABEL.
+
+How brutal of you!
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+There's something unhealthy in your passion for information. I've
+already told you five times.
+
+HILDA.
+
+It's very unflattering to us who've been doing our little best to amuse
+you.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I can't imagine what's happened to John. He promised to fetch me here.
+
+HILDA.
+
+He's sure to come if you'll only wait patiently.
+
+MABEL.
+
+But I hate waiting patiently.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You shouldn't have let him out of your sight.
+
+MABEL.
+
+He went to Putney after luncheon to see your friend Mr. Kent. Have you
+seen him lately?
+
+HILDA.
+
+John? I saw him at the Martins yesterday.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Slyly._] I meant Mr. Kent.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Indifferently._] Yes. He called the other day. [_To change the
+conversation._] You're unusually silent, Mr. Brackley.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+[_Smiling._] I have nothing whatever to say.
+
+MABEL.
+
+That's usually when clever people talk most.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Are you doing anything now?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Oh yes, I'm writing a play in blank verse.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You brave man. What is it about?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Cleopatra.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Dear me! Shakespeare wrote a play about Cleopatra, didn't he?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+I daresay. I haven't read it. Shakespeare bores me. He lived so long
+ago.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Of course there are people who read him.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Are there? What do they look like?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Smiling._] They bear no distinctive mark of their eccentricity.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+The English are so original.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I think I shall go and ring up the flat. I wonder if John has gone
+straight home.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Do. I'm growing very uneasy about him.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Laughing._] You absurd creature.
+
+            [_She goes out._
+
+HILDA.
+
+You talk more nonsense than anyone I ever met.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+That's my stock in trade. You don't imagine people would read my poems
+if they knew that I was sober, industrious, and economical. As a matter
+of fact I lead the virtuous life of a clergyman's daughter, but not a
+reviewer would notice me if he knew it.
+
+HILDA.
+
+And the little things that the indiscreet read of in the papers....
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Are merely another proof of my passion for duty. The British public
+wants its poets to lead romantic lives.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Are you ever serious?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+May I come to lunch with you on Thursday?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_A little surprised._] Certainly. But why on Thursday?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Because on that day I intend to ask you to marry me.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a smile._] I'm sorry, I've just remembered that I'm lunching out.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+You break my heart.
+
+HILDA.
+
+On the contrary, I provide you with the materials for a sonnet.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Won't you marry me?
+
+HILDA.
+
+No.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Why not?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Amused._] I'm not in the least in love with you.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+People who propose to marry should ask themselves if they can look
+forward with equanimity to breakfasting opposite one another for an
+indefinite number of years.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You're very unromantic.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+My dear lady, if you want romance I'll send you my complete works bound
+in vellum. I've ground out ten volumes of romance to Phyllis and Chloe
+and heaven knows who. The Lord save me from a romantic wife.
+
+HILDA.
+
+But I'm afraid I'm hopelessly romantic.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Well, six months of marriage with a poet will cure you.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I'd rather not be cured.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Won't you be in to luncheon on Thursday?
+
+HILDA.
+
+No.
+
+            [_The_ BUTLER _comes in_.
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Mr. Halliwell, Mr. Kent.
+
+            [BASIL _and_ JOHN _appear_, _and at the same
+            moment_ MABEL _comes in from the room in
+            which she has been telephoning_.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_To_ JOHN.] Wretched creature! I've been trying to ring you up.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Have I kept you waiting? I went down to Chancery Lane with Basil.
+
+            [JOHN _turns to shake hands with_ HILDA _and_
+            BRACKLEY, _while_ BASIL, _who has said how
+            d'you do to_ HILDA, _comes down to speak to_
+            MABEL. _The conversation between_ MABEL
+            _and_ BASIL _is in an undertone_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+How d'you do. You must scold me for keeping John so long.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I didn't really want him, you know.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Pointing with his head to_ BRACKLEY.] I say, who is that?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Robert Brackley. Don't you know him?
+
+BASIL.
+
+The poet?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Of course. They say he'd have been given the Laureateship if it hadn't
+been abolished at Tennyson's death.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Tightening his lips._] He's rather a low blackguard, isn't he?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Heavens, what's the matter with him, poor man? He's Hilda's latest
+celebrity. He pretends to adore her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't you remember the Grange case that he was mixed up in?
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_In tones of surprise._] But, my dear Mr. Kent, that was two years ago.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Mr. Kent, I want to introduce you to Mr. Brackley.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Going up._] How d'you do.
+
+            [JOHN _comes down to his wife_.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Wretched creature!
+
+JOHN.
+
+I say, Mabel, is Basil often here?
+
+MABEL.
+
+I don't know. I met him here last week.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why the Dickens does he come? He's got no business to.
+
+MABEL.
+
+You brought him yourself to-day.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I didn't. He insisted on coming--when I said I had to fetch you.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Perhaps he came to see me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Fiddledidee! I think you ought to speak to Hilda about it.
+
+MABEL.
+
+My dear John, are you mad? She'd jump down my throat.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why does she let him hang about her? She must know she's turning his
+silly head.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I daresay she wants to prove to him that he showed very bad taste a year
+ago. It is rather annoying when you're attached to a young man that he
+should go and marry somebody else.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well, I don't think she's playing the game, and I shall tell her so.
+
+MABEL.
+
+She'll snub you awfully.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't care.... Look here, you make a diversion so that I can get hold
+of her.
+
+MABEL.
+
+How?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Dryly._] I don't know. Exercise your invention.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Going towards the others._] Hilda, John is clamouring for some tea.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Coming down._] Why on earth can't he help himself?
+
+JOHN.
+
+My native modesty prevents.
+
+HILDA.
+
+That's quite a new trait in you.
+
+            [HILDA _sits down and pours out tea for_ JOHN.
+            _He looks at her silently._
+
+HILDA.
+
+You've been lunching at Richmond?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Yes.... Then I went on to Putney.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You've been making quite a day of it.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Taking the cup._] I say, old gal--you're not going to make a fool of
+yourself, are you?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Opening her eyes._] Oh, I hope not. Why?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I thought it might have slipped your memory that Basil was married about
+a year ago.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Freezing._] What on earth d'you mean? [_Calling_] Mabel.
+
+JOHN.
+
+One moment.... You can give me a little conversation, can't you?
+
+HILDA.
+
+I'm afraid you're going to bore me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Good-humouredly._] I assure you I'm not.... Isn't Basil here rather
+often?
+
+HILDA.
+
+I wonder you haven't learnt to mind your own business, John.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Don't you think it's rather rough on that poor little woman in Putney?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a suspicion of contempt._] I went down to see her. I thought she
+was vulgar and pretentious. I'm afraid I can't arouse any interest in
+her.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Gently._] She may be vulgar, but she told me her love was like music
+in her heart. Don't you think she must have suffered awfully to get hold
+of a thought like that?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_After a pause, changing suddenly both voice and manner._] And d'you
+think I've not suffered, John? I'm so unhappy.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Do you really care for him?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_In a low voice hoarse with passion._] No, I don't care for him. I
+worship the very ground he treads on.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Very gravely._] Then you must do as you think best.... You're playing
+the most dangerous game in the world. You're playing with human
+hearts.... Good-bye.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Taking his hand._] Good-bye, John. You're not angry with me because I
+was horrid.... I'm glad you told me about his wife. Now I shall know
+what to do.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Mabel.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Coming forward._] Yes, we really must be going. I've not seen my
+precious baby for two hours.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Taking both her hands._] Good-bye, you happy child. You've got a
+precious baby, and you've got a husband you love. What can you want
+more?
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Flippantly._] I want a motor-car.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Kissing her._] Good-bye, darling.
+
+            [MABEL _and_ JOHN _go out_.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+I like this room, Mrs. Murray. It never seems to say to you: now it's
+really time for you to go away, as some drawing-rooms do.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Recovering her serenity._] I suppose it's the furniture. I'm thinking
+of changing it.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+[_With a smile._] Upon my word, that almost suggests that I've outstayed
+my welcome.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Gaily._] I shouldn't have said that if I didn't know that nothing
+would induce you to go till you wanted to.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+[_Rising._] You know me like your glove. But it really is growing
+monstrous late.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You mustn't go till you've told me who the fair charmer was I saw you
+with at the play last night.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Ah, the green-eyed monster!
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Laughing._] Don't be so absurd, but I thought you'd like to know her
+yellow hair was dyed.
+
+            [BASIL _looks over the pages of a book_, _somewhat
+            annoyed that_ HILDA _takes no notice of him_.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Of course it was dyed. That was just the charm of it. Any woman can have
+yellow hair naturally: there's no more credit in that than in having it
+blue or green.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I've always wanted to make mine purple.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Don't you think women ought to be artificial? It's just as much their
+duty to rouge their cheeks and powder their noses as it is for them to
+wear nice frocks.
+
+HILDA.
+
+But I know many women who wear horrid frocks.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Oh, those are the others. I treat them as non-existent.
+
+_Hilda._
+
+What do you mean?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+There are only two sorts of women in the world--the women who powder
+their noses and the others.
+
+HILDA.
+
+And who are they if you please?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+I haven't examined the matter very carefully, but I understand they are
+clergymen's daughters by profession.
+
+            [_He shakes hands with her._
+
+HILDA.
+
+It's so nice of you to have come.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+[_Nodding at_ BASIL.] Good-bye.... May I come again soon?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Looking at him quickly._] Were you serious just now, or were you
+laughing at me?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+I've never been more serious in my life.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Then perhaps I shall be in to luncheon on Thursday after all.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+A thousand thanks. Good-bye.
+
+            [_He nods to_ BASIL _and goes out_. HILDA _looks
+            at_ BASIL _with a smile_.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Is that a very interesting book?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Putting it down._] I thought that man was never going away.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Laughing._] I suspect he thought precisely the same of you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Ill-temperedly._] What an ass he is! How _can_ you stand him?
+
+HILDA.
+
+I'm rather attached to him. I don't take everything he says very
+seriously. And young men ought to be foolish.
+
+BASIL.
+
+He didn't strike me as so juvenile as all that.
+
+HILDA.
+
+He's only forty, poor thing--and I've never known a coming young man who
+was less than that.
+
+BASIL.
+
+He's a young man with a very bald head.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Amused._] I wonder why you dislike him!
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a jealous glance, icily._] I thought he wasn't admitted into
+decent houses.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Opening her eyes._] He comes here, Mr. Kent.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Unable to restrain his ill-temper._] Don't you know that he's been
+mixed up in every scandal for the last twenty years?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Good-humouredly_, _seeing that_ BASIL _is merely jealous_.] There must
+be people in the world to provide gossip for their neighbours.
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's no business of mine. I have no right to talk to you like this.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I wonder why you do it?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Almost savagely._] Because I love you.
+
+            [_There is a little pause._
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a smile, ironically._] Won't you have some more tea, Mr. Kent?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Going up to her, speaking with a sort of vehement gravity._] You don't
+know what I've suffered. You don't know what a hell my life is.... I
+tried so hard to prevent myself from coming here. When I married I swore
+I'd break with all my old friends.... When I married I found I loved
+_you_.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I can't listen to you if you talk like that.
+
+BASIL.
+
+D'you want me to go?
+
+            [_She does not answer for a moment, but walks
+            up and down in agitation. At last she
+            stops and faces him._
+
+HILDA.
+
+Did you hear me tell Mr. Brackley to come on Thursday?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes.
+
+HILDA.
+
+He's asked me to be his wife. And on Thursday I shall give him an
+answer.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Hilda!
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Earnestly._] It's you who've driven me into it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Hilda, what are you going to say to him?
+
+HILDA.
+
+I don't know--perhaps, yes?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, Hilda, Hilda, you don't care for him?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Shrugging her shoulders._] He amuses me. I dare say we should get on
+very well together.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Passionately._] Oh, you can't. You don't know what you're doing. I
+thought--I thought you loved me.
+
+HILDA.
+
+It's because I love you that I shall marry Mr. Brackley.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, it's absurd. I won't let you. You're making us both utterly
+wretched. I won't let you sacrifice our happiness. Oh, Hilda, I love
+you. I can't live without you. At first I tried to resist seeing you. I
+used to pass your door and look up at your windows; and the door seemed
+as if it were waiting for me. And at the end of the street I used to
+look back. Oh, how I used to want to come in and see you once more! I
+thought if I saw you just once, I should get over it. And at last I
+couldn't help myself. I'm so weak. Do you despise me?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Almost in a whisper._] I don't know.
+
+BASIL.
+
+And you were so kind I couldn't help coming again. I thought I did no
+harm.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I saw you were unhappy.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I should think I was unhappy. For months I've dreaded going home. When I
+saw my house as I walked along I almost turned sick. You don't know how
+fervently I've wished that I'd got killed in the war. I can't go on.
+
+HILDA.
+
+But you must. It's your duty.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I think I've had enough of duty and honour. I've used up all my
+principles in the last year.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Don't say that, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+After all, it's my own fault. I brought it on myself, and I must take
+the consequences.... But I haven't the strength, I don't love her.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Then don't let her ever find it out. Be kind to her, and gentle and
+forbearing.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I can't be kind and gentle and forbearing day after day, for weeks, and
+months, and years.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I thought you were a brave man. They wouldn't have given you that medal
+if you'd been a coward.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, my dearest, it's not hard to risk your life in the midst of battle.
+I can do that--but this needs more strength than I've got. I tell you I
+can't endure it.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Tenderly._] But it'll get better. You'll get used to one another, and
+you'll understand one another better.
+
+BASIL.
+
+We're too different. It's impossible for it to get better. We can't even
+go on as we have been. I've felt that the end was coming.
+
+HILDA.
+
+But try--try for my sake.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You don't know what it is. Everything she says, everything she does,
+jars upon me so frightfully. I try to restrain myself. I clench my teeth
+to prevent myself from breaking out at her. Sometimes I can't help it,
+and I say things that I'd give anything to have left unsaid. She's
+dragging me down. I'm getting as common and vulgar as she is.
+
+HILDA.
+
+How can you say that of your wife?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't you think I must have gone through a good deal before I could
+acknowledge to myself what she was? I'm chained to her for all my life.
+And when I look into the future--I see her a vulgar, slatternly shrew
+like her mother, and myself abject, degraded, and despicable. The woman
+never tires in her conflict with the man, and in the end _he_ always
+succumbs. A man, when he marries a woman like that, thinks he's going to
+lift her up to his own station. The fool! It's she who drags him down to
+hers.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Much disturbed, rising from her seat._] I wanted you to be so happy.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Going towards her._] Hilda!
+
+HILDA.
+
+No--don't.... Please!
+
+BASIL.
+
+If it weren't for you I couldn't have lived. It was only by seeing you
+that I gathered courage to go on with it. And each time I came here I
+loved you more passionately.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Oh, why did you come?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I couldn't help it. I knew it was poison, but I loved the poison. I
+would give my whole soul for one look of your eyes.
+
+HILDA.
+
+If you care for me at all, do your duty like a brave man--and let me
+respect you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Say that you love me, Hilda.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Distracted._] You're making our friendship impossible. Don't you see
+that you're preventing me from ever having you here again?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I can't help it.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I ought never to have seen you again. I thought there was no harm in
+your coming, and I--I couldn't bear to lose you altogether.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Even if I never see you again, I must tell you now that I love you. I
+made you suffer, I was blind. But I love you with all my heart, Hilda.
+All day I think of you, and I dream of you in the night. I long to take
+you in my arms and kiss you, to kiss your lips, and your beautiful hair,
+and your hands. My whole soul is yours, Hilda.
+
+            [_He goes towards her again to take her in his
+            arms._
+
+HILDA.
+
+Oh, no, go away. For God's sake, go now. I can't bear it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Hilda, I can't live without you.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Have mercy on me. Don't you see how weak I am? Oh, God help me!
+
+BASIL.
+
+You don't love me?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Vehemently._] You know I love you. But because of my great love I
+beseech you to do your duty.
+
+BASIL.
+
+My duty is to be happy. Let us go where we can love one another--away
+from England, to a land where love isn't sinful and ugly.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Oh, Basil, let us try to walk straight. Think of your wife, who loves
+you also--as much as I do. You're all the world to her. You can't treat
+her so shamefully.
+
+            [_She puts her handkerchief to her eyes, and_ BASIL
+            _gently takes away her hand_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't cry, Hilda. I can't bear it.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_In broken tones._] Don't you understand that we could never respect
+ourselves again if we did that poor creature such a fearful wrong? She
+would be always between us with her tears and her sorrows. I tell you I
+couldn't bear it. Have mercy on me--if you love me at all.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Wavering._] Hilda, it's too hard. I can't leave you.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You must. I _know_ it's better to do our duty. For my sake, dearest, go
+back to your wife, and don't let her ever know that you love me. It's
+because we're stronger than she that we must sacrifice ourselves.
+
+            [_He leans his head on his hands, and sighs
+            deeply. For a while they remain in silence.
+            At last, with another sigh, he gets up._
+
+BASIL.
+
+I don't know any longer what's right and what's wrong. It all seems
+confused. It's very hard.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Hoarsely._] It's just as hard for me, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Broken-hearted._] Good-bye, then. I dare say you're right. And perhaps
+I should only make you very unhappy.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Good-bye, my dearest.
+
+            [_He bends down and kisses her hands. She
+            stifles a sob. He goes slowly to the door,
+            with his back turned to her; and then_
+            HILDA, _unable to endure it, gives a groan_.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Basil. Don't go.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a cry of joy._] Ah! Hilda.
+
+            [_He clasps her passionately in his arms._
+
+HILDA.
+
+Oh, I can't bear it. I won't lose you. Basil, say you love me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_In a madness of joy._] Yes. I love you with all my heart.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I could have borne it if you'd been happy.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Now _nothing_ can separate us, Hilda. You belong to me for ever.
+
+HILDA.
+
+God help me! What have I done?
+
+BASIL.
+
+If we lose our souls, what does it matter? We gain the whole world.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Oh, Basil, I want your love. I want your love so badly.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Will you come with me, Hilda? I can take you to a land where the whole
+earth speaks only of love--and where only love and youth and beauty
+matter.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Let us go where we can be together always. We have so short a time; let
+us snatch all the happiness we can.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Kissing her again._] My darling.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Oh, Basil, Basil.... [_She starts away._] Take care!
+
+            [_The_ BUTLER _comes in_.]
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Mrs. Kent.
+
+            [JENNY _enters hurriedly, as he gives her name.
+            The_ BUTLER _at once goes out_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Jenny!
+
+JENNY.
+
+I've caught you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Trying to be urbane_--_to_ HILDA] I think you know my wife.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_In a loud angry voice._] Oh, yes, I know her. You needn't introduce
+me. I've come for my husband.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Jenny, what are you saying?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I don't want any of your Society shams. I've come here to speak out.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_To_ HILDA.] Would you mind leaving us alone?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Also to_ HILDA, _passionately_.] No, I want to speak to you. You're
+trying to get my husband from me. He's _my_ husband.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Be quiet, Jenny. Are you mad? Mrs. Murray, for God's sake leave us.
+She'll insult you.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You think of her, you don't think of me. You don't care how much I
+suffer.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Taking her arm._] Come away, Jenny.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Shaking him off._] I won't. You're afraid to let me see her.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Pale and trembling, conscience-stricken._] Let her speak.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Going up to_ HILDA _threateningly_.] You're stealing my husband from
+me. Oh, you.... [_She is at a loss for words violent enough._
+
+HILDA.
+
+I don't want to make you unhappy, Mrs. Kent.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You can't get round me with polite words. I'm sick of all that. I want
+to speak straight.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_To_ HILDA.] Please go. You can do no good.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Still more vehemently._] You're stealing my husband from me. You're a
+wicked woman.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Almost in a whisper._] If you like I'll promise you never to see your
+husband again.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With angry scorn._] Much good your promises will do me. I wouldn't
+believe a word you said. I know what Society ladies are. We know all
+about them in the City.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_To_ HILDA.] You _must_ leave us alone.
+
+            [_He opens the door, and she goes out, looking
+            away from him._
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Savagely._] She's frightened of me. She daren't stand up to me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_As_ HILDA _goes_.] I'm so sorry.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You're sorry for her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Turning on her._] Yes, I am. What d'you mean by coming here and
+behaving like this?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I've caught you at last.... You liar! You dirty liar! You told me you
+were going to Chancery Lane.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I have been to Chancery Lane.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I know you have--for five minutes. It was only an excuse. You might
+just as well have come here straight.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Angrily._] How dare you follow me?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I've got a right to follow you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Unable to contain himself._] What d'you want here?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I want you. D'you think I didn't guess what was going on? I saw you come
+in with Halliwell. Then I saw him go out with his wife. Then another man
+went out, and I knew you were alone with her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Sharply._] How did you know?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I gave the butler a sovereign, and he told me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looking for a word to express his contempt._] Oh, you ... you cad!
+It's only what I should have expected you to do.
+
+JENNY.
+
+And then I waited for you, and you didn't come. And at last I couldn't
+wait any longer.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Well, you've finished it now.
+
+[JENNY _catches sight of a photograph of_ BASIL, _standing on a table_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Pointing to it._] What's she got your photograph here for?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I gave it to Mrs. Murray before I was married.
+
+JENNY.
+
+She's got no right to keep it there.
+
+            [_She takes the photograph and flings it violently
+            on the floor._
+
+BASIL.
+
+Jenny, what are you doing?
+
+            [JENNY _digs her heel into it savagely, viciously_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Hissing the words._] Oh, I hate her. I hate her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Striving to contain himself._] You drive me perfectly mad. You'll make
+me say things that I shall regret all my life. For Heaven's sake, go.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I shan't go till you come with me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Beside himself._] I choose to remain.
+
+JENNY.
+
+What d'you mean?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Look here, until to-day I swear to you before God that I've never done
+anything or said anything that you couldn't have known. Do you believe
+me?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I don't believe that you're not in love with that woman.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I don't ask you to.
+
+JENNY.
+
+What!
+
+BASIL.
+
+I said, until to-day I've been absolutely faithful to you. Heaven knows,
+I've tried to do my duty. I've done all I could to make you happy. And
+I've struggled with all my might to love you.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Say it out if you've got anything to say, I'm not afraid to hear.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I don't wish to deceive you. It's best that you should know what has
+happened.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Scornfully._] Now for another thumping lie.
+
+BASIL.
+
+This afternoon I told Hilda I loved her.... And she loves me too.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a cry of rage._] Oh!
+
+            [_She hits at his face with her umbrella, but he
+            wards the blow, and, snatching the umbrella
+            from her, throws it away._
+
+BASIL.
+
+You've brought it on yourself. You made me too unhappy.
+
+            [JENNY, _panting and bewildered, stands helpless,
+            trying to control herself_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+And now it's the end. The life we led was impossible. I tried to do
+something that was beyond my power. I'm going away. I can't and I won't
+live with you any longer.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Frightened at herself and at what he says._] Basil, you don't mean
+that?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I've struggled against it for months. And now I'm beaten.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You've got me to count with. I won't let you go.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Bitterly._] What more d'you want? Isn't it enough that you've ruined
+my whole life?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Hoarsely._] You don't love me?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I never loved you.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Why did you marry me?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Because you made me.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_In a whisper._] You never loved me--even at the beginning?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Never.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Basil!
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's too late now to keep it in. I must tell you and have done with it.
+_You've_ been having it out for months--now it's my turn.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Going up to him and trying to put her arm round his neck._] But I love
+you, Basil. I'll make you love me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shrinking from her._] Don't touch me!
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a movement of despair._] I really think you loathe me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+For Heaven's sake, Jenny, let us finish with it. I'm very sorry. I don't
+wish to be unkind to you. But you must have seen that--that I didn't
+care for you. What's the good of going on humbugging, and pretending,
+and making ourselves utterly wretched?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Yes, I've seen it. But I wouldn't believe it. When I've put my hand on
+your shoulder, I've seen that you could hardly help shuddering. And
+sometimes when I've kissed you, I've seen you put out all your strength
+to prevent yourself from pushing me away.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Jenny, I can't help it if I don't love you. I can't help it if I--if I
+love some one else.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Dazed and cowed._] What are you going to do?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'm going away.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Where?
+
+BASIL.
+
+God knows.
+
+            [_There is a knock at the door._
+
+BASIL.
+
+Come in.
+
+            [_The_ BUTLER _enters with a note, which he gives
+            to_ BASIL.
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Mrs. Murray told me to give you this note, Sir.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Taking it._] Thank you.
+
+            [_He opens and reads it as the_ SERVANT _goes out
+            of the room, then looks up at_ JENNY, _who
+            is anxiously watching him_.
+
+[_Reading._] "You may tell your wife that I've made up my mind to marry
+Mr. Brackley. I will never see you again."
+
+JENNY.
+
+What does she mean?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Bitterly._] Isn't it clear? Some one has asked her to marry him, and
+she means to accept.
+
+JENNY.
+
+But you said she loved you.
+
+            [_He shrugs his shoulders without answering._
+            JENNY _goes up to him imploringly_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, Basil, if it's true, give me another chance. She doesn't love you as
+I love you. I've been selfish and quarrelsome and exacting, but I've
+always loved you. Oh, don't leave me, Basil. Let me try once more if I
+can't make you care for me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looking down, hoarsely._] I'm very sorry. It's too late.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Despairingly._] Oh, God, what shall I do? And even though she's going
+to marry somebody else, you care for her better than any one else in the
+world?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_In a whisper._] Yes.
+
+JENNY.
+
+And even if she does marry that other man she'll love you still. There's
+no room for me between you. I can go away like a discharged servant....
+Oh, God! oh, God! what have I done to deserve it?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Touched by her utter misery._] I'm very sorry to make you so unhappy.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, don't pity me. D'you think I want your pity now?
+
+BASIL.
+
+You had better come away, Jenny.
+
+JENNY.
+
+No. You've told me you don't want me any more. I shall go my own way.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looks at her for a moment, hesitating; then shrugs his shoulders._]
+Then good-bye.
+
+            [_He goes out, and_ JENNY, _looking after him,
+            passes her hand wearily over her forehead_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a sigh._] He's so glad to go.... [_She gives a little sob._]
+They've got no room for me.
+
+            [_She takes up from the floor the photograph on
+            which she stamped, and looks at it; then
+            sinks down, burying her face in her hands,
+            and bursts into a passion of tears._
+
+
+END OF THE THIRD ACT.
+
+
+
+
+THE FOURTH ACT.
+
+THE NEXT MORNING.
+
+
+     [_The scene is the same as in the Second Act, the drawing-room at
+     Basil's house in Putney._ BASIL _is sitting at the table, with his
+     head in his hands. He looks tired and worn; his face is very white,
+     and there are great black lines under his eyes. His hair is
+     dishevelled. On the table lies a revolver._
+
+
+            [_A knock at the door._
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Without looking up._] Come in.
+
+            [FANNY _enters_.]
+
+FANNY.
+
+[_Subdued and pale._] I came to see if you wanted anything, sir.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looking up at her slowly, his voice is dull and hoarse._] No.
+
+FANNY.
+
+Shall I open the windows, Sir? It's a beautiful morning.
+
+BASIL.
+
+No, I'm cold. Make up the fire.
+
+FANNY.
+
+Wouldn't you like a cup of tea? You ought to 'ave something after not
+going to bed all night.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I don't want anything.... Don't worry, there's a good woman.
+
+            [FANNY _puts coals on the fire, while BASIL
+            listlessly watches her_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+How long is it since you sent the telegrams?
+
+FANNY.
+
+I took them the moment the office was opened.
+
+BASIL.
+
+What's the time?
+
+FANNY.
+
+Well, sir, it must be 'alf-past nine by now.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Good Heavens, how slowly the hours go. I thought the night would never
+end.... Oh, God, what shall I do?
+
+FANNY.
+
+I'll make you a strong cup of tea. If you don't 'ave something to pull
+you together--I don't know what'll 'appen to you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes, make it quickly, I'm thirsty.... And I'm so cold.
+
+            [_A ring at the front door is heard._
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Jumping up._] There's some one at the door, Fanny. Hurry up.
+
+            [_She goes out, and he follows her to the door of
+            the room._
+
+BASIL.
+
+Fanny, don't let any one up beside Mr. Halliwell. Say I can see no one.
+[_He waits for a moment, anxiously._] Is that you, John?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Outside._] Yes.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_To himself._] Thank God!
+
+            [JOHN _comes in_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I thought you were never coming. I begged you to come at once.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I started immediately I got your wire.
+
+BASIL.
+
+It seems hours since the girl went to the post-office.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What's the matter?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Hoarsely._] Don't you know? I thought I had said it in my telegram.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You simply wired that you were in great trouble.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I suppose I thought you'd see it in the papers.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What on earth d'you mean? I've not seen a paper. Where's your wife?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_After a pause, almost in a whisper._] She's dead.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Thunderstruck._] Good God!
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Impatiently._] Don't look at me like that. Isn't it plain enough?
+Don't you understand?
+
+JOHN.
+
+But she was all right yesterday.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Dully._] Yes. She was all right yesterday.
+
+JOHN.
+
+For goodness sake tell me what you mean, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+She's dead.... And she was all right yesterday.
+
+            [JOHN _does not understand. He is greatly
+            distressed, and does not know what to say._
+
+BASIL.
+
+I killed her--as surely as if I'd strangled her with my own hands.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What d'you mean? She's not really dead!
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_In agony._] She threw herself into the river last night.
+
+JOHN.
+
+How awful!
+
+BASIL.
+
+Haven't you got something more to say than how awful? I feel as if I
+were going mad.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But I can't understand! Why did she do it?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh--yesterday we had an awful row ... before you came.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I know.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Then she followed me to ... to your sister-in-law's. And she came up and
+made another scene. Then I lost my head. I was so furious, I don't know
+what I said. I was mad. I told her I'd have nothing more to do with
+her.... Oh, I can't bear it, I can't bear it.
+
+            [_He breaks down and hides his face in his hands,
+            sobbing._
+
+JOHN.
+
+Come, Basil--pull yourself together a bit.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looking up despairingly._] I can hear her voice now. I can see the
+look of her eyes. She asked me to give her another chance, and I
+refused. It was so pitiful to hear the way she appealed to me, only I
+was mad, and I couldn't feel it.
+
+            [FANNY _comes in with the cup of tea, which_
+            BASIL _silently takes and drinks_.
+
+FANNY.
+
+[_To_ JOHN.] He ain't slept a wink all night, sir.... No more 'ave I,
+for the matter of that.
+
+            [JOHN _nods, but does not answer; and_ FANNY,
+            _wiping her eyes with her apron, leaves the
+            room_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I'd give everything not to have said what I did. I'd always held
+myself in before, but yesterday--I couldn't.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I didn't get back here till nearly ten, and the maid told me Jenny had
+just gone out. I thought she'd gone back to her mother's.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Yes?
+
+BASIL.
+
+And soon after a constable came up and asked me to go down to the river.
+He said there'd been an accident.... She was dead. A man had seen her
+walk along the tow-path and throw herself in.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Where is she now?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Pointing to one of the doors._] In there.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Will you take me in?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Go in alone, John. I daren't, I'm afraid to look at her. I can't bear
+the look on her face.... I killed her--as surely as if I'd strangled her
+with my own hands. I've been looking at the door all night, and once I
+thought I heard a sound. I thought she was coming to reproach me for
+killing her.
+
+            [JOHN _goes to the door, and as he opens it_, BASIL
+            _averts his head. When_ JOHN _shuts the
+            door after him, he looks at it with staring,
+            frightened eyes, half mad with agony. He
+            tries to contain himself. After a while_
+            JOHN _comes back, very quietly_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Whispering._] What does she look like?
+
+JOHN.
+
+There's nothing to be afraid of, Basil. She might be sleeping.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Clenching his hands._] But the ghastly pallor....
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Gravely._] She's happier than she would ever have been if she'd lived.
+
+            [BASIL _sighs deeply_.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Seeing the revolver._] What's this for?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a groan of self-contempt._] I tried to kill myself in the night.
+
+JOHN.
+
+H'm!
+
+            [_He takes the cartridges out and puts the revolver
+            in his pocket._
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Bitterly._] Oh, don't be afraid, I haven't got the pluck.... I was
+afraid to go on living. I thought if I killed myself it would be a
+reparation for her death. I went down to the river, and I walked along
+the tow-path to the same spot--but I couldn't do it. The water looked so
+black and cold and pitiless. And yet she did it so easily. She just
+walked along and threw herself in. [_A pause._] Then I came back, and I
+thought I'd shoot myself.
+
+JOHN.
+
+D'you think that would have done any one much good?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I despised myself. I felt I hadn't the right to live, and I thought it
+would be easier just to pull a trigger.... People say it's cowardly to
+destroy oneself, they don't know what courage it wants. I couldn't face
+the pain--and then, I don't know what's on the other side. After all, it
+may be true that there's a cruel, avenging God, who will punish us to
+all eternity if we break His unknown laws.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I'm very glad you sent for me. You had better come back to London, and
+stay with me for the present.
+
+BASIL.
+
+And d'you know what happened in the night? I couldn't go to bed. I felt
+I could never sleep again--and then, presently, I dozed off quite
+quietly in my chair. And I slept as comfortably--as if Jenny weren't
+lying in there, cold and dead. And the maid pities me because she thinks
+I passed as sleepless a night as she did.
+
+            [_A sound of voices is heard outside, in altercation._
+            FANNY _comes in_.
+
+FANNY.
+
+Please, sir, Mr. James.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Angrily._] I won't see him.
+
+FANNY.
+
+He won't go away, I told 'im you was too ill to see anybody.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I won't see him. I knew he'd be round, curse him!
+
+JOHN.
+
+After all, I suppose he has a certain right to come here--under the
+circumstances. Hadn't you better see what he wants?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, he'll make a scene. I shall knock him down. I've suffered too much
+through him already.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Let _me_ see him. You don't want him to make a fuss at the inquest.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I've been thinking of that. I know the stories he and his people will
+make up. And the papers will get hold of it, and every one will
+blackguard me. They'll say it was my fault.
+
+JOHN.
+
+D'you mind if I have a talk to him? I think I can save you from all
+that.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shrugging his shoulders, impatiently._] Do whatever you like.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_To_ FANNY.] Show him up, Fanny.
+
+FANNY.
+
+Yes, sir.
+
+            [_She goes out._
+
+BASIL.
+
+Then I shall go.
+
+            [JOHN _nods, and_ BASIL _goes out by the door
+            next to that of the room in which_ JENNY _is
+            lying._ JAMES BUSH _appears_.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Grave and cold._] Good morning, Mr. Bush.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Aggressively._] Where's that man?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Raising his eyebrows._] It's usual to take one's hat off in other
+people's houses.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I'm a man of principle, I am; and I keep my 'at on to show it.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Ah, well, we won't discuss the point.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I want to see that man.
+
+JOHN.
+
+May I ask to whom you're referring? There are so many men in the world.
+In fact, it's very over-crowded.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Who are you, I should like to know?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Politely._] My name is Halliwell. I had the pleasure of meeting you at
+Basil's rooms in Bloomsbury.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Aggressively._] I know that.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I beg your pardon. I thought you were asking for information.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I tell you I want to see my brother-in-law.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I'm afraid you can't.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I tell you I will see 'im. He's murdered my sister. He's a blackguard
+and a murderer, and I'll tell him so to his face.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Sarcastic._] Take care he doesn't hear you.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I want him to hear me. I'm not frightened of him. I should just like to
+see him touch me now. [_He sidles viciously to_ JOHN.] H'm, you tried to
+keep me out, did yer? Said I couldn't come to my sister's 'ouse--and
+kept me waitin' in the 'all like a tradesman. Oh, I'll make you all pay
+for this. I'll get my own back now. Measley set of West End curs, that's
+all you are.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Mr. Bush, you'll be so good as to keep a civil tongue in your mouth
+while you're here--and you'll talk less loudly.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Scornfully._] Who says so?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Looking at him quietly._] I do.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Less decisively._] Don't you try and bully me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Pointing to a chair._] Won't you sit down?
+
+JAMES.
+
+No, I won't sit down. This ain't the 'ouse that a gentleman would sit
+down in. I'll be even with 'im yet. I'll tell the jury a pretty story.
+He deserves to be strung up, he does.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I can't tell you how extremely sorry I am for what has happened.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh, don't try and get round me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Really, Mr. Bush, you have no reason to be indignant with me.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, I don't think much of you, any 'ow.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I'm very sorry. Last time we met I thought you a very amiable person.
+Don't you remember, we went and had a drink together?
+
+JAMES.
+
+I don't say _you_'re not a gentleman.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Taking out his cigar-case._] Won't you have a cigar?
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Suspiciously._] Look here, you're not trying to bluff me, are you?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Certainly not. I wouldn't dream of such a thing.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Taking a cigar._] Larranaga.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_With an acid smile._] Nine pounds a hundred.
+
+JAMES.
+
+That's one and nine apiece, ain't it?
+
+JOHN.
+
+How quickly you reckon!
+
+JAMES.
+
+You must be pretty oofy to be able to afford that.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Drily._] It does inspire respect, doesn't it?
+
+JAMES.
+
+I don't know what you mean by that. But I flatter myself I know a good
+cigar when I see it.
+
+            [JOHN _sits down, and_ JAMES BUSH, _without
+            thinking, follows his example_.]
+
+JOHN.
+
+What d'you think you'll get out of making a row at the inquest? Of
+course, there'll be an inquest.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Yes, I know there will. And I'm lookin' forward to it, I can tell you.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wouldn't have said that if I'd been you.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Quite unconscious of the construction that may be put on his last
+words--full of his own grievances._] I've 'ad something to put up with,
+I 'ave.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Really?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh, he's treated me shockin'! He simply treated me like dirt. I wouldn't
+'ave stood it a minute, except for Jenny's sake. _I_ wasn't good enough
+for 'im, if you please. And the way he used to look right through me as
+if I wasn't there at all--Oh, I'll be even with 'im now.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What are you going to do?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Never you mind. I'm going to make it hot for 'im.
+
+JOHN.
+
+D'you think that'll do you any good?
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Springing up._] Yes. And I mean to....
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Interrupting._] Now sit down, there's a good chap, and let's have a
+little talk about it.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Angrily._] You're trying to bamboozle me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Nonsense.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh, yes, you are. Don't try to deny it. I can see through you as if you
+was a pane of glass. You people in the West End--you think you know
+everything.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I assure you....
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Interrupting._] But I've had a City training, and you can lay anything
+you like there ain't no flies on me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+We're both men of the world, Mr. Bush. Will you do me a great favour as
+a--friend?
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Suspiciously._] That depends on what it is.
+
+JOHN.
+
+It's merely to listen to me quietly for two or three minutes.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I don't mind doing that.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well, the fact is--Basil's going away, and he wants to get rid of the
+furniture and the house. What d'you think it's worth, as an auctioneer?
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Looking round._] It's a very different business what a thing's worth,
+and what it'll fetch.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Of course, but a clever man like you....
+
+JAMES.
+
+Now then, no bluff. I tell you it won't work with me.... D'you include
+plate and linen?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Everything.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, if it was well sold--by a man as knew his business....
+
+JOHN.
+
+If you sold it, for instance?
+
+JAMES.
+
+It might fetch a hundred pounds--it might fetch a hundred and fifty.
+
+JOHN.
+
+That wouldn't be a bad present to make to any one, would it?
+
+JAMES.
+
+No. I think I can agree with you there.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well, Basil thought of giving the entire contents of the house to your
+mother and sister.
+
+JAMES.
+
+To tell you the truth, it's no more than he ought to do.
+
+JOHN.
+
+The condition is, of course, that nothing is said at the inquest.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_With a sneer._] You make me laugh. D'you think you can gag me by
+giving a houseful of furniture to my mother?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I had no such exalted opinion of your disinterestedness, Mr. Bush. I
+come to you now.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Sharply._] What d'you mean by that?
+
+JOHN.
+
+It appears that you owe Basil a good deal of money. Can you pay it?
+
+JAMES.
+
+No.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Also it appears that there was some difficulty with your accounts in
+your last place.
+
+JAMES.
+
+That's a lie.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Possibly. But altogether I fancy we could make it uncommonly nasty for
+you if you made a fuss. If dirty linen is going to be washed in
+public--there's generally a good deal to be done on both sides.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I don't care. I mean to get my own back. If I can only get my knife into
+that man--I'll take the consequences.
+
+JOHN.
+
+On the other hand--if you won't make a fuss at the inquest, I'll give
+you fifty pounds.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Jumping up indignantly._] Are you trying to bribe me?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Calmly._] Yes.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I would 'ave you know that I'm a gentleman, and what's more, I'm an
+Englishman. And I'm proud of it. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
+I've never 'ad any one try and bribe me before.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Indifferently._] Otherwise you would, doubtless, have accepted.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I've got more than half a mind to knock you down.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_With a slight smile._] Come, come, Mr. Bush, don't be ridiculous.
+You'd far better keep quiet, you know.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Scornfully._] What do you think fifty pounds is to me?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_With a sharp look._] Who spoke of fifty pounds?
+
+JAMES.
+
+You did.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You must have mistaken me. A hundred and fifty.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh! [_At first he is surprised, then, as the amount sinks into his mind,
+grows doubtful._] That's a very different pair of shoes.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't ask you to say anything untrue. After all, it's not worth while
+for a man of the world like you--a business man--to give way to petty
+spite. And we don't want to have any scandal. That would be just as
+unpleasant for you as for us.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Undecided._] There's no denying that she was hysterical. If he'd only
+treated me like a gentleman, I shouldn't have had anything to say.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well?
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_With a foxy, keen glance at_ JOHN.] Make it two 'undred, and I'll say
+done.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Firmly._] No. You can take a hundred and fifty, or go to the devil.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh, well, 'and it over.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Taking a cheque out of his pocket._] I'll give you fifty now and the
+rest after the inquest.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_With a certain admiration._] You're a sharp 'un, you are.
+
+            [JOHN _writes out the cheque and gives it to_
+            JAMES BUSH.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Shall I give you a receipt? I'm a business man, you know.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Yes, I know; but it's not necessary. You'll tell your mother and sister?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Don't you fear. I'm a gentleman, and I don't go back on my friends.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Now I think I'll say good morning to you. You can understand that Basil
+isn't fit to see any one.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I understand. So long.
+
+            [_He stretches out his hand, which_ JOHN _shakes
+            gravely_.]
+
+JOHN.
+
+Good morning.
+
+            [FANNY _comes in by one door as_ JAMES BUSH
+            _goes out by another_.]
+
+FANNY.
+
+Good riddance to bad rubbish.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Ah, Fanny, if there were no rogues in the world, life would really be
+too difficult for honest men.
+
+            [FANNY _goes out, and_ JOHN _walks to the door
+            and calls_.]
+
+JOHN.
+
+Basil--he's gone.... Where are you?
+
+[BASIL _comes out of the room in which is lying Jenny's body_.]
+
+JOHN.
+
+I didn't know you were in there.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I wonder if she forgives me?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wouldn't worry myself too much if I were you, Basil, old man.
+
+BASIL.
+
+If you only knew how I despise myself!
+
+JOHN.
+
+Come, come, Basil, you must make an effort....
+
+BASIL.
+
+I've not told you the worst. I feel such a cad. There's one thought
+that's been with me all night. And I _can't_ drive it away. It's worse
+than anything else. It's too shameful.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What _do_ you mean?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, it's so despicable. And yet it's too strong for me.... I can't help
+thinking that I'm--free.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Free?
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's treachery to her memory. But you don't know what it is when your
+prison door is opened. [_As he speaks he grows more and more excited._]
+I don't want to die. I want to live, and I want to take life by both
+hands and enjoy it. I've got such a desire for happiness. Let's open the
+windows, and let the sunlight in. [_He goes to the window and flings it
+open._] It's so good just to be alive. How can I help thinking that now
+I can start fresh? The slate is wiped clean, and I can begin again. I
+_will_ be happy. God forgive me, I can't help the thought. I'm free. I
+made a ghastly mistake, and I suffered for it. Heaven knows how I
+suffered, and how hard I tried to make the best of it. It wasn't all my
+fault. In this world we're made to act and think things because other
+people have thought them good. We never have a chance of going our own
+way. We're bound down by the prejudices and the morals of everybody
+else. For God's sake, let us be free. Let us do this and that because we
+want to and because we must, not because other people think we ought.
+[_He stops suddenly in front of_ JOHN.] Why don't you say something? You
+stare at me as if you thought me raving mad!
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't know what to say.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I suppose you're shocked and scandalised. I ought to go on posing. I
+ought to act the part decently to the end. _You_ would never have had
+the courage to do what I did, and yet, because I've failed, you think
+you can look down on me from the height of your moral elevation.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Gravely._] I was thinking how far a man may fall when he attempts to
+climb the stars.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I gave the world fine gold, and their currency is only cowrie-shells. I
+held up an ideal, and they sneered at me. In this world you must wallow
+in the trough with the rest of them.... The only moral I can see is that
+if I'd acted like a blackguard--as ninety-nine men out of a hundred
+would have done--and let Jenny go to the dogs, I should have remained
+happy and contented and prosperous. And she, I dare say, wouldn't have
+died.... It's because I tried to do my duty and act like a gentleman and
+a man of honour, that all this misery has come about.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Looking at him quietly._] I think I should put it in another way. One
+has to be very strong and very sure of oneself to go against the
+ordinary view of things. And if one isn't, perhaps it's better not to
+run any risks, but just to walk along the same secure old road as the
+common herd. It's not exhilarating, it's not brave, and it's rather
+dull. But it's eminently safe.
+
+            [BASIL _scarcely hears the last words, but listens
+            intently to other sounds outside_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+What's that? I thought I heard a carriage.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_A little surprised._] Do you expect any one?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I sent a wire to--to Hilda at the same time as to you.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Already?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Excited._] D'you think she'll come?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't know. [_A ring is heard at the front door._
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Running to the window._] There's some one at the door.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Perhaps it's occurred to her also that you're free.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With the utmost passion._] Oh, she loves me, and I--I adore her. God
+forgive me, I can't help it.
+
+            [FANNY _comes in_.
+
+FANNY.
+
+If you please, sir, the Coroner's officer.
+
+THE END.
+
+PRINTED BY
+BALLANTYNE & COMPANY LTD
+AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS
+TAVISTOCK STREET COVENT GARDEN
+LONDON
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A
+Man of Honor, by William Somerset Maugham
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+"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
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+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en" xml:lang="en">
+  <head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+<title>
+  The Project Gutenberg eBook of Plays vol 1, by W. S. Maugham.
+</title>
+<style type="text/css">
+ p {margin-top:.2em;text-align:justify;margin-bottom:.2em;text-indent:2%;}
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+
+.blockquot {margin:10% 25% 10% 25%;}
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+  </head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man
+of Honor, by William Somerset Maugham
+
+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: Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honor
+
+Author: William Somerset Maugham
+
+Release Date: November 9, 2011 [EBook #37962]
+[Last updated: October 21, 2021]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLAYS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images available at The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<ul>
+<li><a href="#LADY_FREDERICK"><b>LADY FREDERICK</b></a>
+<ul>
+<li><a href="#THE_FIRST_ACT_F"><b>THE FIRST ACT</b></a></li>
+<li><a href="#THE_SECOND_ACT_F"><b>THE SECOND ACT</b></a></li>
+<li><a href="#THIRD_ACT_F"><b>THIRD ACT</b></a></li>
+</ul></li>
+
+<li><a href="#THE_EXPLORER"><b>THE EXPLORER</b></a>
+
+<ul>
+<li><a href="#THE_FIRST_ACT_E"><b>THE FIRST ACT</b></a></li>
+<li><a href="#THE_SECOND_ACT_E"><b>THE SECOND ACT</b></a></li>
+<li><a href="#THE_THIRD_ACT_E"><b>THE THIRD ACT</b></a></li>
+<li><a href="#THE_FOURTH_ACT_E"><b>THE FOURTH ACT</b></a></li>
+</ul>
+</li>
+
+<li><a href="#A_MAN_OF_HONOUR"><b>A MAN OF HONOUR</b></a>
+
+<ul>
+<li><a href="#THE_FIRST_ACT_H"><b>THE FIRST ACT</b></a></li>
+<li><a href="#THE_SECOND_ACT_H"><b>THE SECOND ACT</b></a></li>
+<li><a href="#THE_THIRD_ACT_H"><b>THE THIRD ACT</b></a></li>
+<li><a href="#THE_FOURTH_ACT_H"><b>THE FOURTH ACT.</b></a></li>
+</ul>
+</li>
+</ul>
+
+<h1><i><a name="LADY_FREDERICK" id="LADY_FREDERICK"></a>LADY FREDERICK</i></h1>
+
+<p class="c"><span class="un"><i><big>HEINEMANN'S MODERN PLAYS</big></i></span><br />
+16mo. Each price is 6d paper, or 2s 6d cloth<br /><br />
+By the same Author<br /><br />
+<i>A MAN OF HONOUR</i><br />
+<i>JACK STRAW</i><br /><br />
+<i>THE PLAYS OF SIR ARTHUR W. PINERO</i><br />
+Complete Edition Twenty-three Volumes<br />
+<br />
+<i>PLAYS OF HUBERT HENRY DAVIES</i><br />
+Two Volumes<br />
+<br />
+<i>PLAYS OF C. HADDON CHAMBERS</i><br />
+Two Volumes<br />
+<br />
+<i>THE PLAYS OF W. E. HENLEY AND R. L. STEVENSON</i><br />
+Four Volumes<br />
+Also in One Volume, crown 8vo, buckram, Price 6s<br />
+<br />
+<i>THE COLLECTED WORKS OF HENRIK IBSEN</i><br />
+Copyright Edition entirely revised by<br />
+<span class="smcap">William Archer</span><br />
+<br />
+Complete in Eleven Volumes, crown 8vo, Price 4s each.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c">&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="c"><i>LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN</i><br />
+<i>21 Bedford St., W.C.</i></p>
+
+<h1><i><span class="smcap"><big>Lady Frederick</big></span></i></h1>
+
+<p class="r"><i>A COMEDY</i><br />
+<i>In Three Acts</i></p>
+
+<p class="c"><i><span class="smcap">By</span> W. S. MAUGHAM</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="hang"><i>LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN</i><br />
+<i>MCMXII</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c"><i>Copyright: London William Heinemann 1912</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td colspan="2">This play was produced at the Court Theatre on<br />
+Saturday, October 26, 1907, with the following cast:</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick Berolles</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Ethel Irving</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Sir Gerald O'Mara</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Edmund Breon</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Mr. Paradine Fouldes</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">C. M. Lowne</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Marchioness of Mereston</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Beryl Faber</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Marquess of Mereston</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">W. Graham Brown</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Arthur Holmes-Gore</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Admiral Carlisle</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">E. W. Garden</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Rose</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Beatrice Terry</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick's Dressmaker</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Florence Wood</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick's Footman</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Claude Vernon</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick's Maid</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Ina Pelly</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Thompson</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Reginald Eyre</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Waiter</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Heath J. Haviland</span></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="title"><i>LADY FREDERICK</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="center"><i>CHARACTERS</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick Berolles</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Sir Gerald O'Mara</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Mr. Paradine Fouldes</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Marchioness of Mereston</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Marquess of Mereston</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Admiral Carlisle</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Rose</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick's Dressmaker</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick's Footman</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick's Maid</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Thompson</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Waiter at the Hotel Splendide</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><span class="smcap">Time</span>: <i>The Present Day</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><span class="smcap">Acts</span> I and II&mdash;<i>Drawing-room at the Hotel Splendide, Monte Carlo.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><span class="smcap">Act</span> III&mdash;<i>Lady Frederick's Dressing-Room.</i></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Performing Rights of this play are
+fully protected, and permission to perform
+it, whether by Amateurs or Professionals,
+must be obtained in advance from the
+author's Sole Agent, R. Golding Bright,
+20 Green Street, Leicester Square, London,
+W.C., from whom all particulars can
+be obtained.</i></p></div>
+
+<h1>LADY FREDERICK</h1>
+
+<h2><a name="THE_FIRST_ACT_F" id="THE_FIRST_ACT_F"></a>THE FIRST ACT</h2>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>: <i>Drawing-room of the Hotel Splendide at Monte
+Carlo. A large, handsomely furnished room,
+with doors right and left, and French windows at
+the back leading to a terrace. Through these is
+seen the starry southern night. On one side is
+a piano, on the other a table with papers neatly
+laid out on it. There is a lighted stove.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston</span>, <i>in evening dress, rather magnificently
+attired, is reading the papers. She is a handsome
+woman of forty. She puts down the paper impatiently
+and rings the bell. A servant answers.
+He has a French accent.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did Mr. Paradine Fouldes come this evening?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Servant.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, miladi.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is he in the hotel now?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Servant.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, miladi.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Will you send some one up to his room to say I'm
+waiting to see him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Servant.</span></p>
+
+<p>Pardon, miladi, but the gentleman say 'e was on no
+account to be disturbed.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nonsense. Mr. Fouldes is my brother. You must
+go to him immediately.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Servant.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Fouldes his valet is in the 'all. Will your
+ladyship speak with him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Fouldes is more difficult to see than a cabinet
+minister. Send his servant to me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Servant.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very good, miladi.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>Exit Servant, and presently</i> <span class="smcap">Thompson</span>, Mr.
+Fouldes' <i>man, comes in</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Thompson.</span></p>
+
+<p>Your ladyship wished to see me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good evening, Thompson. I hope you had a comfortable
+journey.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Thompson.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, my lady. Mr. Fouldes always has a comfortable
+journey.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Was the sea calm when you crossed?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Thompson.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, my lady. Mr. Fouldes would look upon it as
+a great liberty if the sea was not calm.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Will you tell Mr. Fouldes that I should like to see
+him at once?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Thompson.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at his watch.</i>] Excuse me, my lady, but Mr.
+Fouldes said no one was to disturb him till ten o'clock.
+It's more than my place is worth to go to him at five
+minutes to.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>But what on earth's he doing?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Thompson.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know at all, my lady.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>How long have you been with Mr. Fouldes?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Thompson.</span></p>
+
+<p>Twenty-five years, my lady.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I should have thought you knew how he spent
+every minute of his day.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Paradine</span> <i>comes in. He is a very well-dressed<br />
+man of forty-odd. Self-possessed, worldly,<br />
+urbane. He is never at a loss or put out<br />
+of countenance. He overhears</i> <span class="smcap">Lady<br />
+Mereston's</span> <i>last words</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>When I engaged Thompson I told him the first
+thing he must learn was the very difficult feat of
+keeping his eyes open and shut at one and the same
+time.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Paradine, I've been waiting to see you for
+the last two hours. How tiresome you are.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You may give me a kiss, Maud, but don't be rough.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Kissing his cheek.</i>] You ridiculous creature. You
+really might have come to see me at once.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear, you cannot grudge me a little repose
+after a long and tedious journey. I had to repair the
+ravages to my person caused by twenty-seven hours
+in the train.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be so absurd. I'm sure your person is never
+ravished.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ravaged, my dear, ravaged. I should look upon it
+as an affectation at my age if I were not a little upset
+by the journey from London to Monte Carlo.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'll be bound you ate a very hearty dinner.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thompson, did I eat any dinner at all?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Thompson.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Stolidly.</i>] Soup, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I remember looking at it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Thompson.</span></p>
+
+<p>Fish, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I trifled with a fried sole.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Thompson.</span></p>
+
+<p>Bouchées à la Reine, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>They have left absolutely no impression upon me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Thompson.</span></p>
+
+<p>Tournedos à la Splendide.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>They were distinctly tough, Thompson. You must
+lodge a complaint in the proper quarter.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Thompson.</span></p>
+
+<p>Roast pheasant, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, yes, now you mention it, I do remember the
+pheasant.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Thompson.</span></p>
+
+<p>Chocolate ice, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>It was too cold, Thompson. It was distinctly too
+cold.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Paradine, I think you dined uncommonly
+well.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have reached an age when love, ambition and
+wealth pale into insignificance beside a really well-grilled
+steak. That'll do, Thompson.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Thompson.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He goes out.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's too bad of you, Paradine, to devour a substantial
+meal when I'm eating out my very heart with
+anxiety.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>It seems to agree with you very well. I've not
+seen you look better for years.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>For heaven's sake be serious and listen to me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I started immediately I got your telegram. Pray
+tell me what I can do for you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Paradine, Charlie's head over ears in love.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's not altogether an unexpected condition for a
+young man of twenty-two. If the lady's respectable,
+marry him and resign yourself to being a dowager.
+If she's not, give her five hundred pounds and pack
+her off to Paris or London or wherever else she
+habitually practises her arts and graces.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish I could. But who d'you think it is?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear, there's nothing I detest more than
+riddles. I can imagine quite a number of fair ladies
+who would look without disdain upon a young
+marquess with fifty thousand a year.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lady Frederick Berolles.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>By Jupiter!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>She's fifteen years older than he is.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then she's not old enough to be his mother, which
+is a distinct advantage.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>She dyes her hair.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>She dyes it uncommonly well.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>She paints.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Much better than a Royal Academician.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>And poor Charlie's simply infatuated. He rides
+with her all the morning, motors with her all the
+afternoon, and gambles with her half the night. I
+never see him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>But why should you think Lady Frederick cares
+two straws for him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be ridiculous, Paradine. Every one knows
+she hasn't a penny, and she's crippled with debts.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>One has to keep up appearances in this world. Life
+nowadays for the woman of fashion is a dilemma of
+which one horn is the Bankruptcy Court and the other&mdash;dear
+Sir Francis Jeune.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish I knew how she manages to dress so beautifully.
+It's one of the injustices of fate that clothes
+only hang on a woman really well when she's lost every
+shred of reputation.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear, you must console yourself with the thought
+that she'll probably frizzle for it hereafter.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I hope I'm not wicked, Paradine, but to wear
+draperies and wings in the next world offers me no
+compensation for looking dowdy in a Paquin gown in
+this.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I surmised she was on the verge of bankruptcy
+when I heard she'd bought a new motor. And you
+seriously think Charlie wants to marry her?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sure of it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>And what d'you want me to do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good heavens, I want you to prevent it. After all
+he has a magnificent position; he's got every chance
+of making a career for himself. There's no reason
+why he shouldn't be Prime Minister&mdash;it's not fair to
+the boy to let him marry a woman like that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course you know Lady Frederick?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Paradine, we're the greatest friends. You
+don't suppose I'm going to give her the advantage of
+quarrelling with me. I think I shall ask her to
+luncheon to meet you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Women have such an advantage over men in affairs
+of this sort. They're troubled by no scruples, and,
+like George Washington, never hesitate to lie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I look upon her as an abandoned creature, and I tell
+you frankly I shall stop at nothing to save my son
+from her clutches.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Only a thoroughly good woman could so calmly
+announce her intention of using the crookedest ways
+to gain her ends.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at him.</i>] There must be some incident in
+her career which she wouldn't like raked up. If we
+could only get hold of that....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Blandly.</i>] How d'you imagine I can help you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>A reformed burglar is always the best detective.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear, I wish you could be frank without being
+sententious.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've run through two fortunes, and if we all got
+our deserts you would be starving now instead of being
+richer than ever.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>My second cousins have a knack of dying at the
+psychological moment.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've been a horrid, dissipated wretch all your
+life, and heaven knows the disreputable people who've
+been your bosom friends.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>With my knowledge of the world and your entire
+lack of scruple we should certainly be a match for one
+defenceless woman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at him sharply.</i>] Common report says that
+at one time you were very much in love with her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Common report is an ass whose long ears only catch
+its own braying.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was wondering how far things went. If you
+could tell Charlie of the relations between you....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>My good Maud, there were no relations&mdash;unfortunately.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Poor George was very uneasy about you at the
+time.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Your deceased husband, being a strictly religious
+man, made a point of believing the worst about his
+neighbours.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't, Paradine; I know you didn't like one another,
+but remember that I loved him with all my heart. I
+shall never get over his death.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear girl, you know I didn't mean to wound you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>After all, it was largely your fault. He was
+deeply religious, and as the president of the Broad
+Church Union he couldn't countenance your mode of
+life.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With great unction.</i>] Thank God in my day I've
+been a miserable sinner!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] You're quite incurable, Paradine. But
+you will help me now. Since his father's death, the
+boy and I have lived a very retired life, and now we're
+quite helpless. It would break my heart if Charlie
+married that woman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'll do my best. I think I can promise you that
+nothing will come of it.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The door is flung open, and</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span><br />
+<i>enters, followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Mereston</span>, <i>a young<br />
+boyish man of twenty-two; by her brother</i>,<br />
+<span class="smcap">Sir Gerald O'Mara</span>, <i>a handsome fellow of<br />
+six-and-twenty; by</i> <span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie</span>,<br />
+<span class="smcap">Admiral Carlisle</span>, <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Rose</span>, <i>his daughter</i>.<br />
+<span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>is a handsome Irish<br />
+woman of thirty to thirty-five, beautifully<br />
+dressed. She is very vivacious, and light-hearted.<br />
+She has all the Irish recklessness<br />
+and unconcern for the morrow. Whenever<br />
+she wants to get round anybody she falls<br />
+into an Irish brogue, and then, as she knows<br />
+very well, she is quite irresistible.</i> <span class="smcap">Captain<br />
+Montgomerie</span> <i>is a polished, well-groomed<br />
+man of thirty-five, with suave manners</i>.<br />
+<span class="smcap">The Admiral</span> <i>is bluff and downright</i>.<br />
+<span class="smcap">Rose</span> <i>is a pretty ingénue of nineteen</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Here they are.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Enthusiastically going to him with open arms.</i>]
+Paradine! Paradine! Paradine!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, my prophetic soul, mine uncle!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shaking hands with</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span>] I heard
+you were at the Casino.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charlie lost all his money, so I brought him away.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish you wouldn't gamble, Charlie dear.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear mother, I've only lost ten thousand francs.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Paradine Fouldes.</span>] I see you're in your usual
+robust health.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You needn't throw it in my face. I shall probably
+be very unwell to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you know Admiral Carlisle? This is my brother
+Gerald.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shaking hands.</i>] How d'you do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Introducing.</i>] Captain Montgomerie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think we've met before.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm very pleased to hear it. How d'you do. [<i>To</i>
+<span class="smcap">Mereston</span>.] Are you having a good time in Monte
+Carlo, Charles?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>A 1, thanks.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>And what do you do with yourself?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, hang about generally, you know&mdash;and there's
+always the tables.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's right, my boy; I'm glad to see that you
+prepare yourself properly for your duties as a
+hereditary legislator.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Oh, shut it, Uncle Paradine.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I rejoice also to find that you have already a
+certain command of the vernacular.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, if you can browbeat a London cabby and
+hold your own in repartee with a barmaid, it oughtn't
+to be difficult to get on all right in the House of Lords.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>But let me give you a solemn warning. You have
+a magnificent chance, dear boy, with all the
+advantages of wealth and station. I beseech you not
+to throw it away by any exhibition of talent. The
+field is clear and the British people are waiting for
+a leader. But remember that the British people
+like their leaders dull. Capacity they mistrust,
+versatility they cannot bear, and wit they utterly
+abhor. Look at the fate of poor Lord Parnaby. His
+urbanity gained him the premiership, but his
+brilliancy overthrew him. How could the fortunes
+of the nation be safe with a man whose speeches were
+pointed and sparkling, whose mind was so quick, so
+agile, that it reminded you of a fencer's play? Every
+one is agreed that Lord Parnaby is flippant and
+unsubstantial; we doubt his principles and we have
+grave fears about his morality. Take warning, my
+dear boy, take warning. Let the sprightly epigram
+never lighten the long periods of your speech nor the
+Attic salt flavour the roast beef of your conversation.
+Be careful that your metaphors show no imagination
+and conceal your brains as you would a discreditable
+secret. Above all, if you have a sense of humour,
+crush it. Crush it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear uncle, you move me very much. I will
+be as stupid as an owl.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>There's a good, brave boy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I will be heavy and tedious.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I see already the riband of the Garter adorning
+your shirt-front. Remember, there's no damned
+merit about that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>None shall listen to my speeches without falling
+into a profound sleep.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Seizing his hand.</i>] The premiership itself is within
+your grasp.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Dear Paradine, let us take a stroll on the terrace
+before we go to bed.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>And you shall softly whisper all the latest scandal
+in my ear.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He puts on her cloak and they go out.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>May I speak to you, Admiral?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly, certainly. What can I do for you?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>While</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>and the</i> <span class="smcap">Admiral</span> <i>talk,<br />
+the others go slowly out. Through the<br />
+conversation she uses her Irish brogue.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you in a good temper?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Fairly, fairly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm glad of that because I want to make you a
+proposal of marriage.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Lady Frederick, you take me entirely by
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Not on my own behalf, you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I see.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>The fact is, my brother Gerald has asked your
+daughter to marry him, and she has accepted.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Rose is a minx, Lady Frederick, and she's much
+too young to marry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now don't fly into a passion. We're going to talk
+it over quite calmly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I tell you I won't hear of it. The boy's penniless.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's why it's so lucky you're rich.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Eh?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've been talking of buying a place in Ireland.
+You couldn't want anything nicer than Gerald's&mdash;gravel
+soil, you know. And you simply dote on
+Elizabethan architecture.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't bear it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>How fortunate, then, that the house was burnt
+down in the eighteenth century and rebuilt in the
+best Georgian style.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ugh.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And you'd love to have little grandsons to dandle
+on your knee.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>How do I know they wouldn't be girls?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, it's most unusual in our family.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I tell you I won't hear of it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You know, it's not bad to have the oldest baronetcy
+in the country but one.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I suppose I shall have to pack Rose off to England.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And break her heart?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Women's hearts are like old china, none the worse
+for a break or two.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did you ever know my husband, Admiral?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was married to him at seventeen because my
+mother thought it a good match, and I was desperately
+in love with another man. Before we'd
+been married a fortnight he came home blind drunk,
+and I had never seen a drunken man before. Then
+I found out he was a confirmed tippler. I was so
+ashamed. If you only knew what my life was for the
+ten years I lived with him. I've done a lot of foolish
+things in my time, but, my God, I have suffered.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, I know, I know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And believe me, when two young things love one
+another it's better to let them marry. Love is so
+very rare in this world. One really ought to make
+the most of it when it's there.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm very sorry, but I've made up my mind.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, but won't you alter it&mdash;like Nelson. Don't be
+hard on Rose. She's really in love with Gerald. Do
+give them a chance. Won't you? Ah, do&mdash;there's a
+dear.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't want to hurt your feelings, but Sir Gerald
+is about the most ineligible young man that I've ever
+come across.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Triumphantly.</i>] There, I knew we should agree.
+That's precisely what I told him this morning.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I understand his place is heavily mortgaged.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>No one will lend a penny more on it. If they
+would Gerald would borrow it at once.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's got nothing but his pay to live upon.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And his tastes are very extravagant.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's a gambler.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, but then he's so good looking.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Eh?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm glad that we agree so entirely about him. Now
+there's nothing left but to call the young things in,
+join their hands and give them our united blessing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Before I consent to this marriage, madam, I'll see
+your brother&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Damned?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, madam, damned.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now listen to me quietly, will you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I should warn you, Lady Frederick, that when I
+once make up my mind about a thing, I never
+change it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now that is what I really admire. I like a man
+of character. You know, I've always been impressed
+by your strength and determination.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know about that. But when I say a thing,
+I do it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, I know. And in five minutes you're going to
+say that Gerald may marry your pretty Rose.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, no, no.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now look here, don't be obstinate, I don't like
+you when you're obstinate.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not obstinate. I'm firm.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>After all, Gerald has lots of good qualities. He's
+simply devoted to your daughter. He's been a little
+wild, but you know you wouldn't give much for a
+young man who hadn't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gruffly.</i>] I don't want a milksop for a son-in-law.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>As soon as he's married, he'll settle into a model
+country squire.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, he's a gambler, and I can't get over that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Shall he promise you never to play cards again?
+Now, don't be horrid. You don't want to make me
+utterly wretched, do you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Unwillingly.</i>] Well, I'll tell you what I'll do&mdash;they
+shall marry if he doesn't gamble for a year.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, you duck. [<i>She impulsively throws her arms
+round his neck and kisses him. He is a good deal
+taken aback.</i>] I beg your pardon, I couldn't help it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't altogether object, you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Upon my word, in some ways you're rather
+fascinating.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you think so, really?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I do indeed.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I rather wish that proposal of marriage had been
+on your own behalf.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, with me, dear Admiral, experience triumphs
+over hope. I must tell the children. [<i>Calling.</i>]
+Gerald, come here. Rose.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Gerald</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Rose</span> <i>come in</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I always knew your father was a perfect darling,
+Rose.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, papa, you are a brick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thoroughly disapprove of the marriage, my dear,
+but&mdash;it's not easy to say no to Lady Frederick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's awfully good of you, Admiral, and I'll do my
+best to make Rose a ripping husband.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not so fast, young man, not so fast. There's a
+condition.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, father!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Gerald is to behave himself for a year, and then
+you may marry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>But won't Gerald grow very dull if he behaves
+himself?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have no doubt of it. But dullness is the first
+requisite of a good husband.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now you must pack off to bed, my dear. I'm going
+to smoke my pipe before turning in.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Kissing</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span>] Good-night, dearest.
+I'll never forget your kindness.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You'd better not thank me till you've been married
+a few years.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Holding out her hand to</i> <span class="smcap">GERALD.</span>] Good-night.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking it and looking at her.</i>] Good-night.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gruffly.</i>] You may as well do it in front of my
+face as behind my back.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Lifting up her lips.</i>] Good-night.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>He kisses her, and the</i> <span class="smcap">Admiral</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Rose</span>
+<i>go out.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh lord, I wish I were eighteen.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>She sinks into a chair, and an expression of
+utter weariness comes over her face.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>I say, what's up?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Starting.</i>] I thought you'd gone. Nothing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Come, out with it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, my poor boy, if you only knew. I'm so worried
+that I don't know what on earth to do.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Money?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Last year I made a solemn determination to be
+economical. And it's ruined me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear, how could it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't make it out. It seems very unfair. The
+more I tried not to be extravagant, the more I spent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Can't you borrow?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] I have borrowed. That's just it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, borrow again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've tried to. But no one's such a fool as to lend
+me a penny.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did you say I'd sign anything they liked?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was so desperate I said we'd both sign anything.
+It was Dick Cohen.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Oh lord, what did he say?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Imitating a Jewish accent.</i>] What's the good of
+wathting a nithe clean sheet of paper, my dear lady?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shouting with laughter.</i>] By George, don't I
+know it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>For heaven's sake don't let's talk of my affairs.
+They're in such a state that if I think of them at all
+I shall have a violent fit of hysterics.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>But look here, what d'you really mean?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, if you want it&mdash;I owe my dressmaker seven
+hundred pounds, and last year I signed two horrid
+bills, one for fifteen hundred and the other for two
+thousand. They fall due the day after to-morrow,
+and if I can't raise the money I shall have to go
+through the Bankruptcy Court.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>By George, that's serious.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's so serious that I can't help thinking something
+will happen. Whenever I've got in a really
+tight fix something has turned up and put me on my
+legs again. Last time, Aunt Elizabeth had an
+apoplectic fit. But of course it wasn't really very
+profitable because mourning is so desperately expensive.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why don't you marry?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, my dear Gerald, you know I'm always unlucky
+at games of chance.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charlie Mereston's awfully gone on you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>That must be obvious to the meanest intelligence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, why don't you have him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good heavens, I'm old enough to be his mother.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nonsense. You're only ten years older than he is,
+and nowadays no nice young man marries a woman
+younger than himself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's such a good fellow. I couldn't do him a
+nasty turn like that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>How about Montgomerie? He simply stinks of
+money, and he's not a bad sort.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Surprised.</i>] My dear boy, I hardly know him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I'm afraid it means marriage or bankruptcy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Here's Charlie. Take him away, there's a dear. I
+want to talk to Paradine.</p>
+
+<p class="dir"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Paradine Fouldes</span> <i>with</i> <span class="smcap">Mereston</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>What, still here, Lady Frederick?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>As large as life.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>We've been taking a turn on the terrace.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mereston</span>.] And has your astute uncle been
+pumping you, Charlie?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Eh, what?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't think he got much out of me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Good-naturedly.</i>] All I wanted, dear boy. There's
+no one so transparent as the person who thinks he's
+devilish deep. By the way, what's the time?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>About eleven, isn't it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah! How old are you, Charlie?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Twenty-two.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then it's high time you went to bed.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charlie's not going to bed till I tell him. Are you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course not.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Has it escaped your acute intelligence, my friend,
+that I want to talk to Lady Frederick?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not at all. But I have no reason to believe that
+Lady Frederick wants to talk to you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Let's go and have a game of pills, Charlie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you want to be left alone with the old villain?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You show no respect for my dyed hairs, young man.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've not seen him for years, you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, all right. I say, you're coming for a ride to-morrow,
+aren't you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly. But it must be in the afternoon.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sorry, but Charles has arranged to motor me
+over to Nice in the afternoon.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span>.] That'll suit me A 1. I
+had an engagement, but it was quite unimportant.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then that's settled. Good-night.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good-night.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He goes out with</i> <span class="smcap">Gerald</span>. <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span><br />
+<i>turns and good-humouredly scrutinises</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Paradine Fouldes</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You wear excellently, Paradine.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thanks.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>How do you manage it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>By getting up late and never going to bed early,
+by eating whatever I like and drinking whenever I'm
+thirsty, by smoking strong cigars, taking no exercise,
+and refusing under any circumstances to be bored.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sorry you had to leave town in such a hurry.
+Were you amusing yourself?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I come to the Riviera every year.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I daresay, but not so early.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've never surrendered so far to middle age as to
+make habits.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Paradine, the day before yesterday, Lady
+Mereston, quite distracted, went to the post office
+and sent you the following wire: "Come at once,
+your help urgently needed. Charlie in toils designing
+female, Maud." Am I right?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I never admit even to myself that a well-dressed
+woman is mistaken.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>So you started post-haste, bent upon protecting
+your nephew, and were infinitely surprised to learn
+that the designing female was no other than your
+humble servant.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You'd be irresistible, Lady Frederick, if you didn't
+know you were so clever.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And now what are you going to do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear lady, I'm not a police officer, but a very
+harmless, inoffensive old bachelor.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>With more wiles than the mother of many daughters
+and the subtlety of a company promoter.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Maud seems to think that as I've racketted about a
+little in my time, I'm just the sort of man to deal
+with you. Set a thief to catch a thief, don't you
+know? She's rather fond of proverbs.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>She should have thought rather of: When Greek
+meets Greek, then comes the tug of war. I hear
+Lady Mereston has been saying the most agreeable
+things about me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, that's women's fault; they always show their
+hand. You're the only woman I ever knew who
+didn't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a brogue.</i>] You should have avoided the
+Blarney Stone when you went to Ireland.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Look here, d'you want to marry Charlie?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why should I?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Because he's got fifty thousand a year, and you're
+head over ears in debt. You've got to raise something
+like four thousand pounds at once, or you go
+under. You've got yourself a good deal talked about
+during the last ten years, but people have stood you
+because you had plenty of money. If you go broke
+they'll drop you like a hot potato. And I daresay it
+wouldn't be inconvenient to change Lady Frederick
+Berolles into Lady Mereston. My sister has always
+led me to believe that it is rather attractive to be a
+Marchioness.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Unlike a duchess, its cheap without being gaudy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You asked me why you might want to marry a
+boy from ten to fifteen years younger than yourself,
+and I've told you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And now perhaps you'll tell me why you're going
+to interfere in my private concerns?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, you see his mother happens to be my sister,
+and I'm rather fond of her. It's true her husband
+was the most sanctimonious prig I've ever met in my
+life.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I remember him well. He was president of the
+Broad Church Union and wore side-whiskers.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>But she stuck to me through thick and thin. I've
+been in some pretty tight places in my day, and she's
+always given me a leg up when I wanted it. I've got
+an idea it would just about break her heart if Charlie
+married you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thanks.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You know, I don't want to be offensive, but I think
+it would be a pity myself. And besides, unless I'm
+much mistaken, I've got a little score of my own that
+I want to pay off.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Have you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've got a good enough memory not to have
+forgotten that you made a blithering fool of me once.
+I swore I'd get even with you, and by George, I mean
+to do it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] And how do you propose to stop me
+if I make up my mind that I'm going to accept
+Charlie?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, he's not proposed yet, has he?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not yet, but I've had to use every trick and device
+I can think of to prevent him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Look here, I'm going to play this game with my
+cards on the table.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then I shall be on my guard. You're never so
+dangerous as when you pretend to be frank.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sorry you should think so badly of me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't. Only it was a stroke of genius when
+Nature put the soul of a Jesuit priest into the body
+of a Yorkshire squire.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wonder what you're paying me compliments for.
+You must be rather afraid of me.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>They look at one another for a moment.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, let's look at these cards.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>First of all, there's this money you've got to raise.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>This is my sister's suggestion.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>That means you don't much like it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you'll refuse the boy and clear out&mdash;we'll give
+you forty thousand pounds.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I suppose you'd be rather surprised if I boxed your
+ears.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now, look here, between you and me high falutin's
+rather absurd, don't you think so? You're in desperate
+want of money, and I don't suppose it would amuse
+you much to have a young hobbledehoy hanging about
+your skirts for the rest of your life.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well, we'll have no high falutin! You may
+tell Lady Mereston that if I really wanted the money
+I shouldn't be such an idiot as to take forty thousand
+down when I can have fifty thousand a year for the
+asking.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I told her that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You showed great perspicacity. Now for the second
+card.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear, it's no good getting into a paddy over it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've never been calmer in my life.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You always had the very deuce of a temper. I
+suppose you've not given Charlie a sample of it yet,
+have you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Not yet.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, the second card's your reputation.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I haven't got any. I thought that such an
+advantage.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You see Charlie is a young fool. He thinks you a
+paragon of all the virtues, and it's never occurred to
+him that you've rather gone the pace in your time.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's one of my greatest consolations to think that
+even a hundred horse-power racing motor couldn't be
+more rapid than I've been.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Still it'll be rather a shock to Charlie when he hears
+that this modest flower whom he trembles to adore
+has....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very nearly eloped with his own uncle. But you
+won't tell him that story because you hate looking a
+perfect ass.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Madam, when duty calls, Paradine Fouldes consents
+even to look ridiculous. But I was thinking
+of the Bellingham affair.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, of course, there's the Bellingham affair. I'd
+forgotten it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nasty little business that, eh?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Horrid.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you think it would choke him off?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think it very probable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, hadn't you better cave in?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Ringing the bell.</i>] Ah, but you've not seen my
+cards yet. [<i>A servant enters.</i>] Tell my servant to
+bring down the despatch-box which is on my writing-table.</p>
+
+<p>SERVANT.</p>
+
+<p>Yes, miladi.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>Exit.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>What's up now?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, four or five years ago I was staying at this
+hotel, and Mimi la Bretonne had rooms here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I never heard of the lady, but her name suggests
+that she had an affectionate nature.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>She was a little singer at the Folies Bergères, and
+she had the loveliest emeralds I ever saw.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>But you don't know Maud's.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>The late Lord Mereston had a passion for emeralds.
+He always thought they were such pure stones.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Quickly.</i>] I beg your pardon?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, Mimi fell desperately ill, and there was no one
+to look after her. Of course the pious English ladies
+in the hotel wouldn't go within a mile of her, so I
+went and did the usual thing, don't you know.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Lady Frederick's</span> <i>man comes in with a small<br />
+despatch-box which he places on a table. He<br />
+goes out.</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>as she talks,<br />
+unlocks it</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thank God I'm a bachelor, and no ministering
+angel ever smoothes my pillow when I particularly
+want to be left alone.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I nursed her more or less through the whole illness,
+and afterwards she fancied she owed me her worthless
+little life. She wanted to give me the precious
+emeralds, and when I refused was so heart-broken
+that I said I'd take one thing if I might.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>And what was that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>A bundle of letters. I'd seen the address on the
+back of the envelope, and then I recognised the writing.
+I thought they'd be much safer in my hands than in
+hers. [<i>She takes them out of the box and hands them to</i>
+<span class="smcap">Paradine</span>.] Here they are.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He looks and starts violently.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>89 Grosvenor Square. It's Mereston's writing.
+You don't mean? What! Ah, ah, ah. [<i>He bursts
+into a shout of laughter.</i>] The old sinner. And
+Mereston wouldn't have me in the house, if you please,
+because I was a dissolute libertine. And he was the
+president of the Broad Church Union. Good Lord,
+how often have I heard him say: "Gentlemen, I take
+my stand on the morality, the cleanliness and the
+purity of English Family Life." Oh, oh, oh.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've often noticed that the religious temperament
+is very susceptible to the charms of my sex.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>May I look?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I don't know. I suppose so.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Reading.</i>] "Heart's delight".... And he signs
+himself, "your darling chickabiddy." The old
+ruffian.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>She was a very pretty little thing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I daresay, but thank heaven, I have some sense of
+decency left, and it outrages all my susceptibilities
+that a man in side-whiskers should call himself anybody's
+chickabiddy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Protestations of undying affection are never
+ridiculous when they are accompanied by such
+splendid emeralds.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Starting and growing suddenly serious.</i>] And what
+about Maud?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Poor girl, it'd simply break her heart. He
+preached at her steadily for twenty years, and she
+worshipped the very ground he trod on. She'd have
+died of grief at his death except she felt it her duty
+to go on with his work.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>By Jove, it's a good card. You were quite right
+to refuse the emeralds: these letters are twice as
+valuable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Would you like to burn them?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Betsy!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>There's the stove. Put them in.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He takes them up in both hands and hurries to<br />
+the stove. But he stops and brings them<br />
+back, he throws them on the sofa.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, I won't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why not?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's too dooced generous. I'll fight you tooth and
+nail, but it's not fair to take an advantage over me
+like that. You'll bind my hands with fetters.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well. You've had your chance.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>But, by Jove, you must have a good hand to throw
+away a card like that. What have you got&mdash;a
+straight flush?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I may be only bluffing, you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lord, it does me good to hear your nice old Irish
+brogue again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Faith, and does it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I believe you only put it on to get over people.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Begorrah, it's not easy to get over you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lord, I was in love with you once, wasn't I?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not more than lots of other people have been.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>And you did treat me abominably.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, that's what they all said. But you got over it
+very well.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I didn't. My digestion was permanently impaired
+by your brutal treatment.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is that why you went to Carlsbad afterwards instead
+of the Rocky Mountains?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You may laugh, but the fact remains that I've only
+been in love once, and that was with you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling as she holds out her hand.</i>] Good-night.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>For all that I'm going to fight you now for all I'm
+worth.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not frightened of you, Paradine.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good-night.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>As he goes out</i>, <span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie</span> <i>enters</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Yawning and stretching her arms.</i>] Oh I'm so
+sleepy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sorry for that. I wanted to have a talk with
+you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I daresay I can keep awake for five
+minutes, you know&mdash;especially if you offer me a
+cigarette.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Here you are.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He hands her his case and lights her cigarette.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a sigh.</i>] Oh, what a comfort.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wanted to tell you, I had a letter this morning
+from my solicitor to say that he's just bought
+Crowley Castle on my behalf.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Really. But it's a lovely place. You must ask
+me to come and stay.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I should like you to stay there indefinitely.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a quick look.</i>] That's charming of you, but
+I never desert my London long.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I have a very nice house in Portman
+Square.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Surprised.</i>] Really?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>And I'm thinking of going into Parliament at the
+next election.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It appears to be a very delightful pastime to govern
+the British nation, dignified without being laborious.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lady Frederick, although I've been in the service
+I have rather a good head for business, and I hate
+beating about the bush. I wanted to ask you to
+marry me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's nice of you not to make a fuss about it. I'm
+very much obliged but I'm afraid I can't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why not?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, you see, I don't know you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>We could spend the beginning of our married life
+so usefully in making one another's acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It would be rather late in the day then to come to
+the conclusion that we couldn't bear the sight of one
+another.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Shall I send my banker's book so that you may see
+that my antecedents are respectable and my circumstances&mdash;such
+as to inspire affection.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have no doubt it would be very interesting&mdash;but
+not to me.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She makes as if to go.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, don't go yet. Won't you give me some
+reason?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you insist. I'm not in the least in love with
+you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you think that much matters?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're a friend of Gerald's, and he says you're a
+very good sort. But I really can't marry every one
+that Gerald rather likes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>He said he'd put in a good word for me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>If I ever marry again it shall be to please myself,
+not to please my brother.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I hope I shall induce you to alter your mind.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid I can give you no hope of that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>You know, when I determine to do a thing, I
+generally do it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>That sounds very like a threat.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>You may take it as such if you please.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And you've made up your mind that you're going
+to marry me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Quite.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I've made up mine that you shan't. So
+we're quits.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why don't you talk to your brother about it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Because it's no business of his.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Isn't it? Ask him!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>What do you mean by that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ask him? Good-night.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good-night. [<i>He goes out.</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>goes
+to the French window that leads to the terrace and
+calls</i>.] Gerald!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hulloa!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He appears and comes into the room.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did you know that Captain Montgomerie was going
+to propose to me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is there any reason why I should marry him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Only that I owe him nine hundred pounds.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Aghast.</i>] Oh, why didn't you tell me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>You were so worried, I couldn't. Oh, I've been
+such a fool. I tried to make a <i>coup</i> for Rose's sake.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is it a gambling debt?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] What they call a debt of honour?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>I must pay it the day after to-morrow without fail.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>But that's the day my two bills fall due. And if
+you don't?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shall have to send in my papers, and I shall lose
+Rosie. And then I shall blow out my silly brains.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>But who is the man?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's the son of Aaron Levitzki, the money-lender.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Half-comic, half-aghast.</i>] Oh lord!</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="cb">END OF THE FIRST ACT</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<h2><a name="THE_SECOND_ACT_F" id="THE_SECOND_ACT_F"></a>THE SECOND ACT</h2>
+
+<p class="hang"><i>The scene is the same as in</i> <span class="smcap">Act I</span>. <span class="smcap">Admiral Carlisle</span>
+<i>is sleeping in an armchair with a handkerchief
+over his face</i>. <span class="smcap">Rose</span> <i>is sitting on a grandfather's
+chair, and</i> <span class="smcap">Gerald</span> <i>is leaning over the back</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>Isn't papa a perfectly adorable chaperon?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Admiral</span> <i>snores</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Perfectly.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>A pause.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've started fifteen topics of conversation in the
+last quarter of an hour, Gerald.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Have you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>You always agree with me, and there's an end of
+it. So I have to rack my brains again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>All you say is so very wise and sensible. Of course
+I agree.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wonder if you'll think me sensible and wise in
+ten years.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm quite sure I shall.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why, then, I'm afraid we shan't cultivate any great
+brilliancy of repartee.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, don't say that. When a man's in love, he at
+once makes a pedestal of the Ten Commandments
+and stands on the top of them with his arms akimbo.
+When a woman's in love she doesn't care two straws
+for Thou Shalt and Thou Shalt Not.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>When a woman's in love she can put her heart on
+the slide of a microscope and examine how it beats.
+When a man's in love, what do you think he cares
+for science and philosophy and all the rest of it!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>When a man's in love he can only write sonnets to
+the moon. When a woman's in love she can still cook
+his dinner and darn her own stockings.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish you wouldn't cap all my observations.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She lifts up her face, and he kisses her lips.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm beginning to think you're rather nice, you
+know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's reassuring, at all events.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>But no one could accuse you of being a scintillating
+talker.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Have you ever watched the lovers in the Park
+sitting on the benches hour after hour without saying
+a word?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Because I've always thought that they must be
+bored to the verge of tears. Now I know they're
+only happy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're certainly my soldier, so I suppose I'm your
+nursery-maid.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>You know, when I was at Trinity College,
+Dublin&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] Were you there? I thought you
+went to Oxford.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, why?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>Only all my people go to Magdalen.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>And I've decided that if I ever have a son he shall
+go there too.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Admiral</span> <i>starts and pulls the handkerchief<br />
+off his face. The others do not notice him.<br />
+He is aghast and astounded at the conversation.</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>comes in later and<br />
+stands smiling as she listens</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>My darling, you know I hate to thwart you in any
+way, but I've quite made up my mind that my son shall
+go to Dublin as I did.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm awfully sorry, Gerald, but the boy must be
+educated like a gentleman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>There I quite agree, Rose, but first of all he's an
+Irishman, and it's right that he should be educated in
+Ireland.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>Darling Gerald, a mother's love is naturally the
+safest guide in these things.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Dearest Rose, a father's wisdom is always the most
+reliable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Pardon my interfering, but&mdash;aren't you just a
+little previous?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Bursting out.</i>] Did you ever hear such a conversation
+in your life between a young unmarried
+couple?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear papa, we must be prepared for everything.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>In my youth young ladies did not refer to things
+of that sort.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I don't suppose they're any the worse for
+having an elementary knowledge of natural history.
+Personally I doubt whether ignorance is quite the
+same thing as virtue, and I'm not quite sure that a
+girl makes a better wife because she's been brought
+up like a perfect fool.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I am old-fashioned, Lady Frederick; and my idea
+of a modest girl is that when certain topics are
+mentioned she should swoon. Swoon, madam, swoon.
+They always did it when I was a lad.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, father, I've often tried to faint when I
+wanted something that you wouldn't give me, and I've
+never been able to manage it. So I'm sure I couldn't
+swoon.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>And with regard to this ridiculous discussion as to
+which University your son is to be sent, you seem to
+forget that I have the right to be consulted.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Admiral, I don't see how it can possibly
+matter to you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>And before we go any further I should like you to
+know that the very day Rose was born I determined
+that her son should go to Cambridge.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear papa, I think Gerald and I are far and
+away the best judges of our son's welfare.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>The boy must work, Rose. I will have no good-for-nothing
+as my grandson.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Exactly. And that is why I'm resolved he shall go
+to Dublin.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>The important thing is that he should have really
+nice manners, and that they teach at Oxford if they
+teach nothing else.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, don't you think you'd better wait another
+twenty years or so before you discuss this?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>There are some matters which must be settled at
+once, Lady Frederick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You know, young things are fairly independent
+nowadays. I don't know what they'll be in twenty
+years' time.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>The first thing the boy shall learn is obedience.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span>
+Certainly. There's nothing so hateful as a disobedient
+child.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't see my grandson venturing to disobey me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then you're all agreed. So that's settled. I came
+to tell you your carriage was ready.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Go and put on your bonnet, Rose. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lady
+Frederick</span>.] Are you coming with us?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid I can't. Au revoir.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>A tout à l'heure.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He and</i> <span class="smcap">Rose</span> <i>go out</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Have you ever seen in your life any one so entirely
+delightful as Rose?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Only when I've looked in the glass.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Elizabeth, how vain you are.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're very happy, my Gerald.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's such a relief to have got over all the difficulties.
+I thought it never would come right. You are a
+brick, Elizabeth.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I really think I am rather.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>The moment you promised to arrange things I felt
+as safe as a house.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I said I'd do my best, didn't I? And I told you
+not to worry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Turning round suddenly.</i>] Isn't it all right?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, it's about as wrong as it can possibly be. I
+knew Cohen was staying here, and I thought I could
+get him to hold the bills over for a few days.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>And won't he?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>He hasn't got them any more.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Startled.</i>] What!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>They've been negotiated, and he swears he doesn't
+know who has them.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>But who could have been such a fool?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know, that's just the awful part of it. It
+was bad enough before. I knew the worst Cohen
+could do, but now.... It couldn't be Paradine.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>And then there's Montgomerie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shall see him to-day.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>What are you going to say to him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I haven't an idea. I'm rather frightened of him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>You know, dear, if the worst comes to the
+worst....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Whatever happens you shall marry Rose. I promise
+you that.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Paradine Fouldes</span> <i>appears</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>May I come in?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gaily.</i>] It's a public room. I don't see how we
+can possibly prevent you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm just going to take a stroll.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He goes out.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well? How are things going?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Quite well, thank you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've left Charlie with his mother. I hope you can
+spare him for a couple of hours.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I told him he must spend the afternoon with her.
+I don't approve of his neglecting his filial duty.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah!... I saw Dick Cohen this morning.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Quickly.</i>] Did you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>It seems to interest you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not at all. Why should it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Nice little man, isn't he?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Good humouredly.</i>] I wish I had something to
+throw at you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] Well, I haven't got the confounded
+bills. I was too late.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did you try?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh&mdash;yes, I thought it would interest Charlie to
+know how extremely needful it was for you to marry
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then who on earth has got them?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I haven't an idea, but they must make you very
+uncomfortable. Three thousand five hundred, eh?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't say it all at once. It sounds so much.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You wouldn't like to exchange those letters of
+Mereston's for seven thousand pounds, would you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] No.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah.... By the way, d'you mind if I tell Charlie
+the full story of your&mdash;relations with me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why should I? It's not I who'll look ridiculous.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thanks. I may avail myself of your permission.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I daresay you've noticed that Charlie has a very
+keen sense of humour.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you're going to be disagreeable to me I shall go.
+[<i>He stops.</i>] I say, are you quite sure there's nothing
+else that can be brought up against you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Quite sure, thanks.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>My sister's very jubilant to-day. What about the
+Bellingham affair?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Merely scandal, my friend.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, look out. She's a woman, and she'll stick at
+nothing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wonder why you warn me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>For the sake of old times, my dear.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're growing sentimental, Paradine. It's the
+punishment which the gods inflict on a cynic when
+he grows old.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>It may be, but for the life of me I can't forget that
+once&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] My dear friend, don't rake up my
+lamentable past.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't think I've met any one so entirely devoid
+of sentiment as you are.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Let us agree that I have every vice under the sun
+and have done with it.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>A</i> <span class="smcap">Servant</span> <i>comes in</i>.]<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Servant.</span></p>
+
+<p>Madame Claude wishes to see your ladyship.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, my dressmaker.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Another bill?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's the worst of Monte. One meets as many
+creditors as in Bond Street. Say I'm engaged.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Servant.</span></p>
+
+<p>Madame Claude says she will wait till miladi is
+free.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You make a mistake. One should always be polite
+to people whose bills one can't pay.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Show her in.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Servant.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, miladi.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Servant.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is it a big one?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, no; only seven hundred pounds.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>By Jove.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear friend, one must dress. I can't go about
+in fig-leaves.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>One can dress simply.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I do. That's why it costs so much.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You know, you're devilish extravagant.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not. I'm content with the barest necessities
+of existence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've got a maid.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course I've got a maid. I was never taught to
+dress myself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>And you've got a footman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've always had a footman. And my mother
+always had a footman. I couldn't live a day without
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>What does he do for you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>He inspires confidence in tradesmen.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>And you have the most expensive suite of rooms in
+the hotel.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm in such a dreadful mess. If I hadn't got nice
+rooms I should brood over it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then, as if that weren't enough, you fling your
+money away at the tables.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>When you're as poor as I am, a few louis more or
+less can make absolutely no difference.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] You're quite incorrigible.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's really not my fault. I do try to be economical,
+but money slips through my fingers like water. I
+can't help it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You want a sensible sort of a man to look after you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I want a very rich sort of a man to look after me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you were my wife, I should advertise in the
+papers that I wasn't responsible for your debts.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you were my husband, I'd advertise immediately
+underneath that I wasn't responsible for your
+manners.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wonder why you're so reckless.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>When my husband was alive I was so utterly
+wretched. And afterwards, when I looked forward
+to a little happiness, my boy died. Then I didn't
+care any more. I did everything I could to stupefy
+myself. I squandered money as other women take
+morphia&mdash;that's all.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's the same dear scatter-brained, good-hearted
+Betsy that I used to know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're the only person who calls me Betsy now. To
+all the others I'm only Elizabeth.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Look here, what are you going to do with this
+dressmaker?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know. I always trust to the inspiration of
+the moment.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>She'll make a devil of a fuss, won't she?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, no; I shall be quite nice to her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I daresay. But won't she be very disagreeable to
+you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You don't know what a way I have with my
+creditors.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I know it's not a paying way.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Isn't it? I bet you a hundred louis that I offer
+her the money and she refuses it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'll take that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Here she is.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Madame Claude</span> <i>enters, ushered in by the</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Servant</span>. <i>She is a stout, genteel person,<br />
+very splendidly gowned, with a Cockney<br />
+accent. Her face is set to sternness, decision<br />
+to make a scene, and general sourness.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Servant.</span></p>
+
+<p>Madame Claude.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Servant</span>. <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>goes up to<br />
+her enthusiastically and takes both her<br />
+hands</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Best of women. This is a joyful surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Drawing herself up.</i>] I 'eard quite by chance that
+your ladyship was at Monte.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>So you came to see me at once. That was nice of
+you. You're the very person I wanted to see.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Significantly.</i>] I'm glad of that, my lady, I must
+confess.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You dear creature. That's one advantage of Monte
+Carlo, one meets all one's friends. Do you know Mr.
+Fouldes? This is Madame Claude, an artist, my dear
+Paradine, a real artist.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Grimly.</i>] I'm pleased that your ladyship should
+think so.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>How d'you do.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now, this gown. Look, look, look. In this skirt
+there's genius, <i>mon cher</i>. In the way it hangs my
+whole character is expressed. Observe the fullness of
+it, that indicates those admirable virtues which make
+me an ornament to Society, while the frill at the
+bottom just suggests those foibles&mdash;you can hardly
+call them faults&mdash;which add a certain grace and
+interest to my personality. And the flounce. Paradine,
+I beseech you to look at it carefully. I would
+sooner have designed this flounce than won the Battle
+of Waterloo.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>Your ladyship is very kind.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not at all, not at all. You remember that rose
+chiffon. I wore it the other day, and the dear Archduchess
+came up to me and said: "My dear, my
+dear." I thought she was going to have a fit. But
+when she recovered she kissed me on both cheeks and
+said: "Lady Frederick, you have a dressmaker
+worth her weight in gold." You heard her, Paradine,
+didn't you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You forget that I only arrived last night.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course. How stupid of me. She'll be perfectly
+delighted to hear that you're in Monte Carlo. But I
+shall have to break it to her gently.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Unmoved.</i>] I'm sorry to intrude upon your
+ladyship.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now what are you talking about? If you hadn't
+come to see me I should never have forgiven you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wanted to have a little talk with your ladyship.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, but I hope we shall have many little talks.
+Have you brought your motor down?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's charming. You shall take me for a drive
+in it every day. I hope you're going to stay some
+time.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>That depends on circumstances, Lady Frederick. I
+'ave a little business to do here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then let me give you one warning&mdash;don't gamble.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, no, my lady. I gamble quite enough in my
+business as it is. I never know when my customers
+will pay their bills&mdash;if ever.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Slightly taken aback.</i>] Ha, ha, ha.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a deep guffaw.</i>] Ho, ho, ho.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Isn't she clever? I must tell that to the Archduchess.
+She'll be so amused. Ha, ha, ha, ha. The
+dear Archduchess, you know she loves a little joke.
+You must really meet her. Will you come and lunch?
+I know you'd hit it off together.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>More genially.</i>] That's very kind of your ladyship.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear, you know perfectly well that I've always
+looked upon you as one of my best friends. Now who
+shall we have? There's you and me and the Archduchess.
+Then I'll ask Lord Mereston.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>The Marquess of Mereston, Lady Frederick?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes. And Mr. Fouldes, his uncle.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>Excuse me, are you the Mr. Paradine Fouldes?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Bowing.</i>] At your service, madam.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm so glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Fouldes.
+[<i>Unctuously.</i>] I've always heard you're such a bad
+man.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Madam, you overwhelm me with confusion.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>Believe me, Mr. Fouldes, it's not the ladies that
+are married to saints who take the trouble to dress
+well.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now we want a third man. Shall we ask my
+brother&mdash;you know Sir Gerald O'Mara, don't you?
+Or shall we ask Prince Doniani? Yes, I think we'll
+ask the Prince. I'm sure you'd like him. Such a
+handsome man! That'll make six.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's very kind of you, Lady Frederick, but&mdash;well,
+I'm only a tradeswoman, you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>A tradeswoman? How can you talk such nonsense.
+You are an artist&mdash;a real artist, my dear. And an
+artist is fit to meet a king.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I don't deny that I'd be ashamed to dress
+my customers in the gowns I see painted at the
+Royal Academy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then it's quite settled, isn't it, Madame Claude&mdash;oh,
+may I call you Ada?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Lady Frederick, I should be very much flattered.
+But how did you know that was my name?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why you wrote me a letter only the other day.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did I?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And such a cross letter too.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Apologetically.</i>] Oh, but Lady Frederick, that was
+only in the way of business. I don't exactly remember
+what expressions I may have made use of&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting, as if the truth had suddenly flashed
+across her.</i>] Ada! I do believe you came here to-day
+about my account.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, no, my lady, I promise you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You did; I know you did. I see it in your face.
+Now that really wasn't nice of you. I thought you
+came as a friend.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>I did, Lady Frederick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, you wanted to dun me. I'm disappointed in
+you. I did think, after all the things I've had from
+you, you wouldn't treat me like that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I assure your ladyship....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not another word. You came to ask for a cheque.
+You shall have it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, Lady Frederick, I wouldn't take it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>What is the exact figure, Madame Claude?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>I&mdash;I don't remember.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Seven hundred and fifty pounds, seventeen and
+ninepence. You see, I remember. You came for
+your cheque and you shall have it.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She sits down and takes a pen.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now, Lady Frederick, I should look upon that as
+most unkind. It's treating me like a very second-rate
+establishment.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sorry, but you should have thought of that
+before. Now I haven't got a cheque; how tiresome.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, it doesn't matter, Lady Frederick. I promise
+you it never entered my 'ead.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>What shall I do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You can write it on a sheet of paper, you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a look, aside to him.</i>] Monster! [<i>Aloud.</i>] Of
+course I can. I hadn't thought of that. [<i>She takes a
+sheet of paper.</i>] But how on earth am I to get a
+stamp?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Much amused.</i>] I happen to have one on me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wonder why on earth you should have English
+stamps in Monte Carlo?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Handing her one.</i>] A penny stamp may sometimes
+save one a hundred louis.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] Thanks so much. I write the name
+of my bank on the top, don't I? Pay Madame
+Claude....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now, it's no good, Lady Frederick, I won't take it.
+After all I 'ave my self-respect to think of.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's too late now.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sniffing a little.</i>] No, no, Lady Frederick. Don't
+be too 'ard on me. As one lady to another I ask you
+to forgive me. I did come about my account, but&mdash;well,
+I don't want the money.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking up good-humouredly.</i>] Well, well. [<i>She looks
+at the cheque.</i>] It shall be as you wish. There. [<i>She
+tears it up.</i>]</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, thank you, Lady Frederick. I look upon that
+as a real favour. And now I really must be getting
+off.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Must you go? Well, good-bye. Paradine, take
+Madame Claude to her motor. Ada!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She kisses her on the cheek.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Madame Claude.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going.</i>] I am pleased to have seen you.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Paradine</span> <i>offers his arm and goes out with</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Madame Claude</span>. <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>goes<br />
+to the window, stands on a chair and waves<br />
+her handkerchief. While she is doing this</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie</span> <i>enters</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>How d'you do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Getting down.</i>] How nice of you to come. I
+wanted to see you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>May I sit down?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course. There are one or two things I'd like to
+talk to you about.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>First I must thank you for your great kindness to
+Gerald. I didn't know last night that he owed you
+a good deal of money.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's a mere trifle.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You must be very rich to call nine hundred pounds
+that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I am.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] All the same it's extremely good of
+you to give him plenty of time.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I told Gerald he could have till to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Obviously he wants to settle with you as soon as
+ever he can.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Quietly.</i>] I often wonder why gambling debts are
+known as debts of honour.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at him steadily.</i>] Of course I realise that if
+you choose to press for the money and Gerald can't
+pay&mdash;he'll have to send in his papers.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Lightly.</i>] You may be quite sure I have no wish
+to bring about such a calamity. By the way, have
+you thought over our little talk of last night?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>No.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>You would have been wise to do so.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Captain Montgomerie, you really can't
+expect me to marry you because my brother has been
+so foolish as to lose more money at poker than he can
+afford.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did you ever hear that my father was a money-lender?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>A lucrative profession, I believe.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>He found it so. He was a Polish Jew called Aaron
+Levitzki. He came to this country with three
+shillings in his pocket. He lent half-a-crown of it
+to a friend on the condition that he should be paid
+back seven and six in three days.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not good at figures, but the interest sounds
+rather high.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>It is. That was one of my father's specialities.
+From these humble beginnings his business grew to
+such proportions that at his death he was able to
+leave me the name and arms of the great family of
+Montgomerie and something over a million of money.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>The result of thrift, industry, and good fortune.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>My father was able to gratify all his ambitions but
+one. He was eaten up with the desire to move in
+good society, and this he was never able to achieve.
+His dying wish was that I should live in those circles
+which he knew only....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Across the counter?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Precisely. But my poor father was a little ignorant
+in these matters. To him one lord was as good as
+another. He thought a Marquess a finer man than an
+Earl, and a Viscount than a Baron. He would never
+have understood that a penniless Irish baronet might
+go into better society than many a belted earl.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And what is the application of this?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wanted to explain to you one of the reasons which
+emboldened me last night to make you a proposal of
+marriage.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>But surely you know some very nice people. I saw
+you lunching the other day with the widow of a city
+knight.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Many very excellent persons are glad to have me
+to dine with them. But I know quite well that
+they're not the real article. I'm as far off as ever
+from getting into those houses which you have been
+used to all your life. I'm not content with third-rate
+earls and rather seedy dowagers.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Forgive my frankness, but&mdash;aren't you rather a
+snob?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>My father, Aaron Levitzki, married an English
+woman, and I have all the English virtues.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I'm not quite sure that people would swallow
+you even as my husband.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>They'd make a face, but they'd swallow me right
+enough. And when I asked them down to the best
+shoot in England they'd come to the conclusion that
+I agreed with them very well.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Still rather amused.</i>] Your offer is eminently
+businesslike, but you see I'm not a business woman.
+It doesn't appeal to me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I only ask you to perform such of the duties of a
+wife as are required by Society. They are few enough
+in all conscience. I should wish you to entertain
+largely and receive my guests, be polite to me, at
+least in public, and go with me to the various places
+people go to. Otherwise I leave you entire freedom.
+You will find me generous and heedful to all your
+wishes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Captain Montgomerie, I don't know how much of
+all that you have said is meant seriously. But, surely
+you're not choosing the right time to make such a
+proposal when my brother owes you so much money
+that if you care to be hard you can ruin him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why not?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you mean to say...?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I will be quite frank with you. I should never
+have allowed Gerald to lose so much money which
+there was no likelihood of his being able to pay, if I
+had not thought it earned me some claim upon your
+gratitude.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shortly.</i>] Gerald will pay every penny he owes
+you to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Blandly.</i>] Where d'you suppose he'll get it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have no doubt I shall be able to manage something.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Have you not tried this morning, entirely without
+success?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Startled.</i>] What?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>You do not forget that you have sundry moneys of
+your own which are payable to-morrow?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>How d'you know that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I told you that when I took a thing in hand I
+carried it through. You went to Dick Cohen, and he
+told you he'd parted with the bills. Didn't you
+guess that only one man could have the least interest
+in taking them over?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, God.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Come, come, don't be worried over it. There's
+nothing to be alarmed about. I'm a very decent
+chap&mdash;if you'd accepted me right away you would
+never have known that those bills were in my
+possession. Think it over once more. I'm sure we
+should get on well together. I can give you what
+you most need, money and the liberty to fling it
+away as recklessly as you choose; you can give me
+the assured and fixed position on which&mdash;my father's
+heart was set.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And if I don't accept, you'll make me a bankrupt
+and you'll ruin Gerald?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I refuse to consider that very unpleasant alternative.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh! I can't, I can't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] But you must, you must. When shall
+I come for your answer? To-morrow? I'll come
+with the bills and Gerald's I.O.U. in my pocket, and
+you shall burn them yourself. Good-bye.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He kisses her hand and goes out.</i> <span class="smcap">Lady<br />
+Frederick</span> <i>remains staring in front of<br />
+her</i>. <span class="smcap">Mereston</span> <i>enters, followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Lady<br />
+Mereston</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Paradine</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going to her eagerly.</i>] Hulloa! I wondered what on
+earth had become of you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] It's only two hours since I chased
+you away from me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid I bore you to death.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be so silly. You know you don't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Where are you going now?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have rather a headache. I'm going to lie down.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm so sorry.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>goes out</i>. <span class="smcap">Mereston</span> <i>stares<br />
+after her anxiously, and makes a step<br />
+towards the door</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sharply.</i>] Where are you going, Charlie?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I never asked Lady Frederick if I could do anything.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good heavens, there are surely plenty of servants
+in the hotel to get her anything she wants.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you think a drive in the motor would do her
+good?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Unable to control herself.</i>] Oh, I have no patience
+with you. I never saw such a ridiculous infatuation
+in my life.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Paradine.</span></p>
+
+<p>Steady, old girl, steady.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>What on earth d'you mean, mother?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Presumably you're not going to deny that you're
+in love with that woman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Growing pale.</i>] Would you mind speaking of her
+as Lady Frederick?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>You try me very much, Charlie. Please answer
+my question.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't want to seem unkind to you, mother, but I
+think you have no right to ask about my private
+affairs.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you're going to talk this matter over you're more
+likely to come to an understanding if you both keep
+your tempers.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>There's nothing I wish to discuss.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be absurd, Charlie. You're with Lady
+Frederick morning, noon and night. She can never
+stir a yard from the hotel but you go flying after.
+You pester her with your ridiculous attentions.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Blandly.</i>] One's relations have always such an
+engaging frankness. Like a bad looking-glass, they
+always represent you with a crooked nose and a cast
+in your eye.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mereston</span>.] I have certainly a right to know
+what you mean by all this and what is going to come
+of it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know what will come of it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>The question that excites our curiosity is this: are
+you going to ask Lady Frederick to marry you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I refuse to answer that. It seems to me excessively
+impertinent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Come, come, my boy, you're too young to play the
+heavy father. We're both your friends. Hadn't you
+better make a clean breast of it? After all, your
+mother and I are interested in nothing so much as
+your welfare.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Imploring.</i>] Charlie!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course I'd ask her to marry me if I thought for
+a moment that she'd accept. But I'm so terrified
+that she'll refuse, and then perhaps I shall never see
+her again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>The boy's stark, staring mad.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know what I should do if she sent me about
+my business. I'd rather continue in this awful
+uncertainty than lose all hope for ever.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>By George. You're pretty far gone, my son. The
+lover who's diffident is in a much worse way than the
+lover who protests.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a little laugh.</i>] I must say it amuses me that
+Lady Frederick should have had both my brother and
+my son dangling at her skirts. Your respective
+passions are separated by quite a number of years.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lady Frederick has already told me of that
+incident.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>With the usual indiscretion of her sex.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>It appears that she was very unhappy and you,
+with questionable taste, made love to her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do your best not to preach at me, dear boy. It
+reminds me of your lamented father.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>And at last she promised to go away with you.
+You were to meet at Waterloo Station.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Such a draughty place for an assignation.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Your train was to start at nine, and you were going
+to take the boat over to the Channel Isles.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lady Frederick has a very remarkable memory. I
+remember hoping the sea wouldn't be rough.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>And just as the train was starting her eye fell on
+the clock. At that moment her child was coming
+down to breakfast and would ask for her. Before
+you could stop her she'd jumped out of the carriage.
+The train was moving, and you couldn't get out, so
+you were taken on to Weymouth&mdash;alone.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>You must have felt a quite egregious ass,
+Paradine.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I did, but you need not rub it in.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Doesn't it occur to you, Charlie, that a woman
+who loves so easily can't be very worthy of your
+affection?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>But, my dear mother, d'you think she cared for my
+uncle?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>What the dickens d'you mean?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you suppose if she loved you she would have
+hesitated to come? D'you know her so little as that?
+She thought of her child only because she was quite
+indifferent to you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Crossly.</i>] You know nothing about it, and you're
+an impertinent young jackanapes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Paradine, what can it matter if Lady
+Frederick was in love with you or not?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Calming down.</i>] Of course it doesn't matter a bit.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have no doubt you mistook wounded vanity for a
+broken heart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Acidly.</i>] My dear, you sometimes say things which
+explain to me why my brother-in-law so frequently
+abandoned his own fireside for the platform of Exeter
+Hall.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>It may also interest you to learn that I am perfectly
+aware of Lady Frederick's financial difficulties. I
+know she has two bills falling due to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>She's a very clever woman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've implored her to let me lend her the money, and
+she absolutely refuses. You see, she's kept nothing
+from me at all.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Charlie, it's a very old dodge to confess
+what doesn't matter in order to conceal what does.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>What do you mean, mother?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lady Frederick has told you nothing of the
+Bellingham affair?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why should she?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>It is surely expedient you should know that the
+woman you have some idea of marrying escaped the
+divorce court only by the skin of her teeth.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't believe that, mother.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Remember that you're talking to your respected
+parent, my boy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sorry that my mother should utter base and
+contemptible libels on&mdash;my greatest friend.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>You may be quite sure that I say nothing which
+I can't prove.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I won't listen to anything against Lady Frederick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>But you must.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you quite indifferent to the great pain you
+cause me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't allow you to marry a woman who's hopelessly
+immoral.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mother, how dare you say that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>This isn't the sort of thing I much like, but hadn't
+you better hear the worst at once?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well. But if my mother insists on saying
+things, she must say them in Lady Frederick's
+presence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>That I'm quite willing to do.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He rings the bell. A servant enters.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You'd better take care, Maudie. Lady Frederick's
+a dangerous woman to play the fool with.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To the servant.</i>] Go to Lady Frederick Berolles and
+say Lord Mereston is extremely sorry to trouble
+her ladyship, but would be very much obliged if she'd
+come to the drawing-room for two minutes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Servant.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well, my lord.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>Exit.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>What are you going to do, Maud?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I knew there was a letter in existence in Lady
+Frederick's handwriting which proved all I've said
+about her. I've moved heaven and earth to get
+hold of it, and it came this morning.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be such a fool. You're not going to use
+that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I am indeed.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Your blood be upon your own head. Unless I'm
+vastly mistaken you'll suffer the greatest humiliation
+that you can imagine.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's absurd. I have nothing to fear.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span> <i>comes in.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm so sorry to disturb you. I hope you don't
+mind?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not at all. I knew you wouldn't have sent for me
+in that fashion without good cause.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid you'll think me dreadfully impertinent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Really you need not apologise so much, Charlie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>My mother has something to say against you, and
+I think it right that she should say it in your
+presence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's very nice of you, Charlie&mdash;though I confess
+I prefer people to say horrid things of me only
+behind my back. Especially if they're true.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Look here, I think all this is rather nonsense.
+We've most of us got something in our past history
+that we don't want raked up, and we'd all better let
+bygones be bygones.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm waiting, Lady Mereston.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's merely that I thought my son should know
+that Lady Frederick had been the mistress of Roger
+Bellingham. [<span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>turns quickly and
+looks at her</i>; <i>then bursts into a peal of laughter</i>.
+<span class="smcap">Lady Mereston</span> <i>springs up angrily and hands her a
+letter</i>.] Is this in your handwriting?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Not at all disconcerted.</i>] Dear me, how did you get
+hold of this?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>You see that I have ample proof, Lady Frederick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Handing the letter to</i> <span class="smcap">Mereston</span>.] Would you like
+to read it? You know my writing well enough to be
+able to answer Lady Mereston's question.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He reads it through and looks at her in dismay.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good God!... What does it mean?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Pray read it aloud.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then give it to me. [<i>She takes it from him.</i>] It's
+addressed to my brother-in-law, Peter Berolles. The
+Kate to whom it refers was his wife. [<i>Reads.</i>] Dear
+Peter: I'm sorry you should have had a row with
+Kate about Roger Bellingham. You are quite wrong
+in all you thought. There is absolutely nothing
+between them. I don't know where Kate was on
+Tuesday night, but certainly she was not within a
+hundred miles of Roger. This I know because....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] For God's sake don't go on.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>looks at him and shrugs her<br />
+shoulders</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's signed Elizabeth Berolles. And there's a postscript:
+You may make what use of this letter you
+like.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>What does it mean? What does it mean?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Surely it's very clear? You can't want a more
+explicit confession of guilt.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I tried to make it as explicit as possible.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Won't you say something? I'm sure there must
+be some explanation.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know how you got hold of this letter, Lady
+Mereston. I agree with you, it is compromising.
+But Kate and Peter are dead now, and there's nothing
+to prevent me from telling the truth.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Paradine Fouldes</span> <i>takes a step forward and<br />
+watches her</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My sister-in-law was a meek and mild little person,
+as demure as you can imagine, and no one would have
+suspected her for a moment of kicking over the traces.
+Well, one morning she came to me in floods of tears
+and confessed that she and Roger Bellingham [<i>with
+a shrug</i>] had been foolish. Her husband suspected
+that something was wrong and had kicked up a row.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Drily.</i>] There are men who will make a scene on
+the smallest provocation.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>To shield herself she told the first lie that came
+into her head. She said to Peter that Roger Bellingham
+was my lover&mdash;and she threw herself on my mercy.
+She was a poor, weak little creature, and if there'd
+been a scandal she'd have gone to the dogs altogether.
+It had only been a momentary infatuation for Roger,
+and the scare had cured her. At the bottom of her
+heart she loved her husband still. I was desperately
+unhappy, and I didn't care much what became of me.
+She promised to turn over a new leaf and all that
+sort of thing. I thought I'd better give her another
+chance of going straight. I did what she wanted.
+I wrote that letter taking all the blame on myself,
+and Kate lived happily with her husband till she
+died.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>It was just like you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>But Lord and Lady Peter are dead?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>And Roger Bellingham?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's dead too.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then how can you prove your account of this
+affair?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>And does this convince you, Charlie?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Good heavens, the boy's out of his
+senses. Paradine, for Heaven's sake say something.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, much as it may displease you, my dear, I'm
+afraid I agree with Charlie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>You don't mean to say you believe this cock-and-bull
+story?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I do.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, you see, Lady Frederick's a very clever
+woman. She would never have invented such an
+utterly improbable tale, which can't possibly be proved.
+If she'd been guilty, she'd have had ready at least a
+dozen proofs of her innocence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>But that's absurd.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Besides, I've known Lady Frederick a long time,
+and she has at least a thousand faults.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With flashing eyes.</i>] Thanks.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>But there's something I will say for her. She's
+not a liar. If she tells me a thing, I don't hesitate
+for a moment to believe it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's not a matter of the smallest importance if any
+of you believe me or not. Be so good as to ring,
+Charlie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He rings, and a</i> <span class="smcap">Servant</span> <i>immediately comes in</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Tell my servant that he's to come here at once and
+bring the despatch-box which is in my dressing-room.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Servant.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, miladi.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>Exit.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Quickly.</i>] I say, what are you going to do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>That is absolutely no business of yours.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Be a brick, Betsy, and don't give her those letters.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think I've had enough of this business. I'm
+proposing to finish with it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Temper, temper.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Stamping her foot.</i>] Don't say temper to me,
+Paradine.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She walks up and down angrily.</i> <span class="smcap">Paradine</span><br />
+<i>sits at the piano and with one finger strums<br />
+"Rule Britannia."</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Shut up.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He takes a book, flings it at his head and<br />
+misses.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good shot, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I often wonder how you got your reputation for
+wit, Paradine.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>By making a point of laughing heartily at other
+people's jokes.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Footman</span> <i>enters with the despatch-box,<br />
+which</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>opens. She takes<br />
+a bundle of letters from it.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Betsy, Betsy, for heaven's sake don't! Have
+mercy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Was mercy shown to me? Albert!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Footman.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, miladi.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You'll go to the proprietor of the hotel and tell him
+that I propose to leave Monte Carlo to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Aghast.</i>] Are you going?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Footman.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well, my lady.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Have you a good memory for faces?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Footman.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, my lady.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're not likely to forget Lord Mereston?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Footman.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, my lady.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then please take note that if his lordship calls
+upon me in London I'm not at home.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lady Frederick!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Footman</span>.] Go.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Footman</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>What d'you mean? What have I done?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>Without answering</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>takes<br />
+the letters</i>. <span class="smcap">Paradine</span> <i>is watching her<br />
+anxiously. She goes up to the stove and<br />
+throws them in one by one.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>What on earth is she doing?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have some letters here which would ruin the
+happiness of a very worthless woman I know. I'm
+burning them so that I may never have the temptation
+to use them.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I never saw anything so melodramatic.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hold your tongue, Paradine. [<i>Turning to</i>
+<span class="smcap">Mereston</span>.] My dear Charlie, I came to Monte
+Carlo to be amused. Your mother has persecuted
+me incessantly. Your uncle&mdash;is too well-bred to talk
+to his servants as he has talked to me. I've been
+pestered in one way and another, and insulted till my
+blood boiled, because apparently they're afraid you
+may want to marry me. I'm sick and tired of it.
+I'm not used to treatment of this sort; my patience
+is quite exhausted. And since you are the cause of
+the whole thing I have an obvious remedy. I would
+much rather not have anything more to do with you.
+If we meet one another in the street you need not
+trouble to look my way because I shall cut you dead.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In an undertone.</i>] Thank God for that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mother, mother. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span>.] I'm
+awfully sorry. I feel that you have a right to be
+angry. For all that you've suffered I beg your
+pardon most humbly. My mother has said and done
+things which I regret to say are quite unjustifiable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charlie!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>On her behalf and on mine I apologise with all my
+heart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Don't take it too seriously. It really
+doesn't matter. But I think it's far wiser that we
+shouldn't see one another again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I can't live without you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a gasp.</i>] Ah!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you know that my whole happiness is wrapped
+up in you? I love you with all my heart and soul.
+I can never love any one but you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Mereston</span>.] Now you've done it. You've
+done it very neatly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't think me a presumptuous fool. I've been
+wanting to say this ever since I knew you, but I
+haven't dared. You're brilliant and charming and
+fascinating, but I have nothing whatever to offer you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gently.</i>] My dear Charlie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>But if you can overlook my faults, I daresay you
+could make something of me. Won't you marry me?
+I should look upon it as a great honour, and I would
+love you always to the end of my life. I'd try to be
+worthy of my great happiness and you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're very much too modest, Charlie. I'm enormously
+flattered and grateful. You must give me
+time to think it over.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Time?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I can't wait. Don't you see how I love you?
+You'll never meet any one who'll care for you as I do.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think you can wait a little. Come and see me
+to-morrow morning at ten, and I'll give you an
+answer.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well, if I must.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I'm afraid so.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span>.] I wonder what the deuce
+your little game is now.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She smiles triumphantly and gives him a deep,<br />
+ironical curtsey.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Sir, your much obliged and very obedient, humble
+servant.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c">END OF THE SECOND ACT.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<h2><a name="THIRD_ACT_F" id="THIRD_ACT_F"></a>THIRD ACT</h2>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>: <span class="smcap">Lady Frederick's</span> <i>dressing-room. At the back
+is a large opening, curtained, which leads to the bedroom;
+on the right a door leading to the passage;
+on the left a window. In front of the window, of
+which the blind is drawn, is a dressing-table.</i>
+<span class="smcap">Lady Frederick's</span> <i>maid is in the room, a very
+neat pretty Frenchwoman. She speaks with a
+slight accent. She rings the bell, and the</i> <span class="smcap">Footman</span>
+<i>enters</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>As soon as Lord Mereston arrives he is to be
+shown in.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Footman.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Surprised.</i>] Here?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>Where else?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Footman</span> <i>winks significantly. The</i> <span class="smcap">Maid</span><br />
+<i>draws herself up with dignity, and with a<br />
+dramatic gesture points to the door</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>Depart.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Footman</span> <i>goes out</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>From the bedroom.</i>] Have you drawn the blind,
+Angélique?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>I will do so, miladi. [<i>She draws the blind, and the
+light falls brightly on the dressing-table.</i>] But miladi
+will never be able to stand it. [<i>She looks at herself in
+the glass.</i>] Oh, the light of the sun in the morning!
+I cannot look at myself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>As before.</i>] There's no reason that you should&mdash;especially
+in my glass.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>But if 'is lordship is coming, miladi must let me
+draw the blind. Oh, it is impossible.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do as you're told and don't interfere.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Footman</span> <i>enters to announce</i> <span class="smcap">Mereston</span>.<br />
+<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Maid</span> <i>goes out.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Footman.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lord Mereston.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>As before.</i>] Is that you, Charlie? You're very
+punctual.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've been walking about outside till the clock
+struck.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not nearly dressed, you know. I've only just
+had my bath.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Must I go?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, of course not. You can talk to me while I'm
+finishing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>All right. How are you this morning?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know. I haven't looked at myself in the
+glass yet. How are you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>A 1, thanks.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you looking nice?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going to the glass.</i>] I hope so. By Jove, what a
+strong light. You must be pretty sure of your
+complexion to be able to stand that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Appearing.</i>] I am.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going forward eagerly.</i>] Ah.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She comes through the curtains. She wears a<br />
+kimono, her hair is all dishevelled, hanging<br />
+about her head in a tangled mop. She is<br />
+not made up and looks haggard and yellow<br />
+and lined. When</i> <span class="smcap">Mereston</span> <i>sees her he<br />
+gives a slight start of surprise. She plays<br />
+the scene throughout with her broadest<br />
+brogue.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good-morning.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Staring at her in dismay.</i>] Good-morning.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, what have you to say to me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Embarrassed.</i>] I&mdash;er&mdash;hope you slept all right.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Did you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I forget.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I believe you slept like a top, Charlie. You really
+might have lain awake and thought of me. What is
+the matter? You look as if you'd seen a ghost.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh no, not at all.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're not disappointed already?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, of course not. Only&mdash;you look so different
+with your hair not done.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a little cry.</i>] Oh, I'd forgotten all about it.
+Angélique, come and do my hair.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Appearing.</i>] Yes, miladi.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>sits down at the dressing-table.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now, take pains, Angélique. I want to look my
+very best. Angélique is a jewel of incalculable value.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>Miladi is very kind.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>If I'm light-hearted, she does it one way. If I'm
+depressed she does it another.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, miladi, the perruquier who taught me said
+always that a good hairdresser could express every
+mood and every passion of the human heart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good heavens, you don't mean to say you can do
+all that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>Miladi, he said I was his best pupil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well. Express&mdash;express a great crisis in my
+affairs.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>That is the easiest thing in the world, miladi. I
+bring the hair rather low on the forehead, and that
+expresses a crisis in her ladyship's affairs.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I always wear my hair low on the forehead.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then it is plain her ladyship's affairs are always in
+a critical condition.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>So they are. I never thought of that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've got awfully stunning hair, Lady Frederick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you like it, really?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>The colour's perfectly beautiful.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It ought to be. It's frightfully expensive.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>You don't mean to say it's dyed?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, no. Only touched up. That's quite a different
+thing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's like superstition, you know, which is what
+other people believe. My friends dye their hair, but
+I only touch mine up. Unfortunately, it costs just
+as much.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>And you have such a lot.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, heaps. [<i>She opens a drawer and takes out a long
+switch.</i>] Give him a bit to look at.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, miladi.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She gives it to him.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Er&mdash;yes. [<i>Not knowing what on earth to say.</i>] How
+silky it is.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>A poor thing, but mine own. At least, I paid for
+it. By the way, have I paid for it yet, Angélique?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not yet, miladi. But the man can wait.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking it from</i> <span class="smcap">Mereston.</span>] A poor thing, then,
+but my hairdresser's. Shall I put it on?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wouldn't, if I were you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>If her ladyship anticipates a tragic situation, I
+would venture to recommend it. A really pathetic
+scene is impossible without a quantity of hair worn
+quite high on the head.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I know. Whenever I want to soften the hard
+heart of a creditor I clap on every bit I've got. But
+I don't think I will to-day. I'll tell you what, a
+temple curl would just fit the case.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then her ladyship inclines to comedy. Very well,
+I say no more.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>takes two temple-curls from<br />
+the drawer.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Aren't they dears?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've admired them very often, Charlie, haven't
+you? I suppose you never knew they cost a guinea
+each?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>It never occurred to me they were false.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>The masculine intelligence is so gross. Didn't
+your mother tell you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>My mother told me a great deal.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I expect she overdid it. There. Now that's done.
+D'you think it looks nice?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charming.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Angélique, his lordship is satisfied. You may
+disappear.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, miladi.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She goes.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now, tell me you think I'm the most ravishing
+creature you ever saw in your life.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've told you that so often.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Stretching out her hands.</i>] You are a nice boy. It
+was charming of you to say&mdash;what you did yesterday.
+I could have hugged you there and then.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Could you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, my dear, don't be so cold.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm very sorry, I didn't mean to be.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Haven't you got anything nice to say to me at all?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know what I can say that I've not said a
+thousand times already.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Tell me what you thought of all night when you
+tossed on that sleepless pillow of yours.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was awfully anxious to see you again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Didn't you have a dreadful fear that I shouldn't
+be as nice as you imagined? Now, come&mdash;honestly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, yes, I suppose it crossed my mind.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And am I?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're sure you're not disappointed?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Quite sure.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>What a relief! You know, I've been tormenting
+myself dreadfully. I said to myself: "He'll go on
+thinking of me till he imagines I'm the most
+beautiful woman in the world, and then, when he
+comes here and sees the plain reality, it'll be an awful
+blow."</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>What nonsense! How could you think anything
+of the kind?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you aware that you haven't shown the least
+desire to kiss me yet?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thought&mdash;I thought you might not like it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It'll be too late in a minute.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Because I'm just going to make up, you silly boy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>How? I don't understand.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You said I must be very sure of my complexion.
+Of course I am. Here it is.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She runs her fingers over a row of little pots<br />
+and vases.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I see. I beg your pardon.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You don't mean to say you thought it natural?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>It never occurred to me it might be anything else.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's really too disheartening. I spend an hour
+every day of my life making the best complexion in
+Monte Carlo, and you think it's natural. Why, I
+might as well be a dairymaid of eighteen.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm very sorry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I forgive you.... You may kiss my hand. [<i>He does
+so.</i>] You dear boy. [<i>Looking at herself in the glass.</i>]
+Oh, Betsy, you're not looking your best to-day.
+[<i>Shaking her finger at the glass.</i>] This won't do, Betsy,
+my dear. You're very nearly looking your age.
+[<i>Turning round quickly.</i>] D'you think I look forty?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I never asked myself how old you were.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I'm not, you know. And I shan't be as long
+as there's a pot of rouge and a powder puff in the
+world. [<i>She rubs grease paint all over her face.</i>]</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>What <i>are</i> you doing?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish I were an actress. They have such an
+advantage. They only have to make up to look well
+behind the footlights; but I have to expose myself to
+that beastly sun.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Nervously.</i>] Yes, of course.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is your mother dreadfully annoyed with you? And
+Paradine must be furious. I shall call him Uncle
+Paradine next time I see him. It'll make him feel
+so middle-aged. Charlie, you don't know how grateful
+I am for what you did yesterday. You acted like a
+real brick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's awfully good of you to say so.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Turning.</i>] Do I look a fright?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, no, not at all.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I love this powder. It plays no tricks with you.
+Once I put on a new powder that I bought in Paris, and
+as soon as I went into artificial light it turned a bright
+mauve. I was very much annoyed. You wouldn't
+like to go about with a mauve face, would you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, not at all.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Fortunately I had a green frock on. And mauve
+and green were very fashionable that year. Still I'd
+sooner it hadn't been on my face.... There. I think
+that'll do as a foundation. I'm beginning to feel
+younger already. Now for the delicate soft bloom of
+youth. The great difficulty, you know, is to make
+both your cheeks the same colour. [<i>Turning to him.</i>]
+Charlie, you're not bored, are you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, no.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I always think my observations have a peculiar
+piquancy when I have only one cheek rouged. I
+remember once I went out to dinner, and as soon as I
+sat down I grew conscious of the fact that one of my
+cheeks was much redder than the other.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>By George, that was awkward.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Charlie, you are a good-looking boy. I had no
+idea you were so handsome. And you look so young
+and fresh, it's quite a pleasure to look at you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing awkwardly.</i>] D'you think so? What
+did you do when you discovered your predicament?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, by a merciful interposition of Providence, I
+had a foreign diplomatist on my right side which
+bloomed like a rose, and a bishop on my left which
+was white like the lily. The diplomatist told
+me risky stories all through dinner so it was quite
+natural that this cheek should blush fiery red. And
+as the Bishop whispered in my left ear harrowing
+details of distress in the East End, it was only decent
+that the other should exhibit a becoming pallor.
+[<i>Meanwhile she has been rouging her cheeks.</i>] Now
+look carefully, Charlie, and you'll see how I make the
+Cupid's bow which is my mouth. I like a nice
+healthy colour on the lips, don't you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Isn't it awfully uncomfortable to have all that
+stuff on?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, my dear boy, it's woman's lot to suffer in this
+world. But it's a great comfort to think that one is
+submitting to the decrees of Providence and at the
+same time adding to one's personal attractiveness.
+But I confess I sometimes wish I needn't blow my
+nose so carefully. Smile, Charlie. I don't think
+you're a very ardent lover, you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sorry. What would you like me to do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I should like you to make me impassioned speeches.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid they'd be so hackneyed.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Never mind that. I've long discovered that under
+the influence of profound emotion a man always
+expresses himself in the terms of the <i>Family Herald</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>You must remember that I'm awfully inexperienced.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I'll let you off this time&mdash;because I like
+your curly hair. [<i>She sighs amorously.</i>] Now for
+the delicate arch of my eyebrows. I don't know what
+I should do without this. I've got no eyebrows at
+all really.... Have you ever noticed that dark line
+under the eyes which gives such intensity to my expression?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, often.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Holding out the pencil.</i>] Well, here it is. Ah, my
+dear boy, in this pencil you have at will roguishness
+and languor, tenderness and indifference, sprightliness,
+passion, malice, what you will. Now be very
+quiet for one moment. If I overdo it my whole
+day will be spoilt. You mustn't breathe even.
+Whenever I do this I think how true those lines are:</p>
+
+<p>
+"The little more and how much it is.<br />
+The little less and what worlds away."<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>There! Now just one puff of powder, and the whole
+world's kind. [<i>Looking at herself in the glass and sighing
+with satisfaction.</i>] Ah! I feel eighteen. I think
+it's a success, and I shall have a happy day. Oh,
+Betsy, Betsy, I think you'll do. You know, you're
+not unattractive, my dear. Not strictly beautiful,
+perhaps; but then I don't like the chocolate-box sort
+of woman. I'll just go and take off this dressing-gown.
+[<span class="smcap">Mereston</span> <i>gets up.</i>] No, don't move. I'll go
+into my bedroom. I shall only be one moment.
+[<span class="smcap">Lady Frederick</span> <i>goes through the curtains.</i>] Angélique.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Maid</span> <i>enters.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, miladi.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Just clear away those things on the dressing-table.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Doing so.</i>] Very well, miladi.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You may have a cigarette, Charlie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thanks. My nerves are a bit dicky this morning.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, blow the thing! Angélique, come and help
+me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Maid.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, miladi.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She goes out.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>At last.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She comes in, having changed the kimono for<br />
+a very beautiful dressing-gown of silk and<br />
+lace.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now, are you pleased?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course I'm pleased.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then you may make love to me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>You say such disconcerting things.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Well, Charlie, you've found no difficulty
+in doing it for the last fortnight. You're not
+going to pretend that you're already at a loss for
+pretty speeches?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>When I came here, I had a thousand things to say
+to you, but you've driven them all out of my head.
+Won't you give me an answer now?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>What to?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've not forgotten that I asked you to marry
+me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, but you asked me under very peculiar circumstances.
+I wonder if you can repeat the offer now in
+cold blood?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course. What a cad you must think me!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you sure you want to marry me still&mdash;after
+having slept over it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You are a good boy, and I'm a beast to treat you
+so abominably. It's awfully nice of you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, what is the answer?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear, I've been giving it you for the last half-hour.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>How?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You don't for a moment suppose I should have let
+you into those horrible mysteries of my toilette if I'd
+had any intention of marrying you? Give me credit
+for a certain amount of intelligence and good feeling.
+I should have kept up the illusion, at all events till
+after the honeymoon.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you going to refuse me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Aren't you rather glad?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, no, no.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Putting her arm through his.</i>] Now let us talk it
+over sensibly. You're a very nice boy, and I'm
+awfully fond of you. But you're twenty-two, and
+heaven only knows my age. You see, the church in
+which I was baptized was burnt down the year I was
+born, so I don't know how old I am.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Where was it burnt?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>In Ireland.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thought so.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Just at present I can make a decent enough show
+by taking infinite pains; and my hand is not so heavy
+that the innocent eyes of your sex can discover how
+much of me is due to art. But in ten years you'll
+only be thirty-two, and then, if I married you, my
+whole life would be a mortal struggle to preserve
+some semblance of youth. Haven't you seen those
+old hags who've never surrendered to Anno Domini,
+with their poor, thin, wrinkled cheeks covered with
+paint, and the dreadful wigs that hide a hairless pate?
+Rather cock-eyed, don't you know, and invariably
+flaxen. You've laughed at their ridiculous graces, and
+you've been disgusted too. Oh, I'm so sorry for them,
+poor things. And I should become just like that,
+for I should never have the courage to let my hair
+be white so long as yours was brown. But if I
+don't marry you, I can look forward to the white
+hairs fairly happily. The first I shall pluck out, and
+the second I shall pluck out. But when the third
+comes I'll give in, and I'll throw my rouge and my
+poudre de riz and my pencils into the fire.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>But d'you think I should ever change?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear boy, I'm sure of it. Can't you imagine
+what it would be to be tied to a woman who was
+always bound to sit with her back to the light? And
+sometimes you might want to kiss me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think it very probable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, you couldn't&mdash;in case you disarranged my
+complexion. [<span class="smcap">Mereston</span> <i>sighs deeply.</i>] Don't sigh,
+Charlie. I daresay I was horrid to let you fall in
+love with me, but I'm only human, and I was
+desperately flattered.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Was that all?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And rather touched. That is why I want to give
+a cure with my refusal.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>But you break my heart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear, men have said that to me ever since I was
+fifteen, but I've never noticed that in consequence
+they ate their dinner less heartily.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I suppose you think it was only calf-love?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not such a fool as to imagine a boy can love
+any less than a man. If I'd thought your affection
+ridiculous I shouldn't have been so flattered.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>It doesn't hurt any the less because the wounds you
+make are clean cut.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>But they'll soon heal. And you'll fall in love with
+a nice girl of your own age, whose cheeks flush with
+youth and not with rouge, and whose eyes sparkle
+because they love you, and not because they're
+carefully made up.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I wanted to help you. You're in such an
+awful scrape, and if you'll only marry me it can all
+be set right.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, my dear, don't go in for self-sacrifice. You
+must leave that to women. They're so much more
+used to it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Isn't there anything I can do for you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, dear. I shall get out of the mess somehow. I
+always do. You really need not worry about me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>You know, you <i>are</i> a brick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then it's all settled, isn't it? And you're not going
+to be unhappy?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'll try not to be.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'd like to imprint a chaste kiss on your forehead,
+only I'm afraid it would leave a mark.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Footman</span> <i>comes in and announces</i> <span class="smcap">Paradine<br />
+Fouldes.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Footman.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Paradine Fouldes.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>Exit.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do I disturb?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not at all. We've just finished our conversation.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>If any one wants to know who the best woman in
+the world is send 'em to me, and I'll tell them.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking his hand.</i>] You dear! Good-bye.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mereston.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good-bye. And thanks for being so kind to me.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He goes out.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do I see in front of me my prospective niece?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why d'you ask, Uncle Paradine?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Singularly enough because I want to know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, it so happens&mdash;you don't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've refused him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then will you tell me why you've been leading us
+all such a devil of a dance?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Because you interfered with me, and I allow no
+one to do that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hoity-toity.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You weren't really so foolish as to imagine I should
+marry a boy who set me up on a pedestal and vowed
+he was unworthy to kiss the hem of my garment?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why not?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Paradine, I don't want to commit suicide
+by sheer boredom. There's only one thing in the
+world more insufferable than being in love.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>And what is that, pray?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why, having some one in love with you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've suffered from it all my life.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Think of living up to the ideal Charlie has of me.
+My hair would turn a hydrogen yellow in a week.
+And then to be so desperately adored as all that&mdash;oh,
+it's so dull! I should have to wear a mask all day
+long. I could never venture to be natural in case
+I shocked him. And notwithstanding all my efforts
+I should see the illusions tumbling about his ears
+one by one till he realised I was no ethereal goddess,
+but a very ordinary human woman neither better
+nor worse than anybody else.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Your maxim appears to be, marry any one you like
+except the man that's in love with you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, but don't you think I might find a man who
+loved me though he knew me through and through?
+I'd far rather that he saw my faults and forgave
+them than that he thought me perfect.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>But how d'you know you've choked the boy off for
+good?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I took good care. I wanted to cure him. If it
+had been possible I would have shown him my naked
+soul. But I couldn't do that, so I let him see....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] What!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] No, not quite. I had a dressing-gown
+on and other paraphernalia. But I made him come
+here when I wasn't made up, and he sat by while I
+rouged my cheeks.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>And the young fool thought there was nothing
+more in you than a carefully prepared complexion?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>He was very nice about it. But I think he was
+rather relieved when I refused him.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>There is a knock at the door.</i>]</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Outside.</i>] May we come in?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes do.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Gerald</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Rose</span> <i>and the</i> <span class="smcap">Admiral</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Excitedly.</i>] I say, it's all right. The Admiral's
+come down like a real brick. I've told him everything.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>What do you mean? Good-morning, dear Admiral.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good-morning.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've made a clean breast of it. I talked it over
+with Rosie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>And we went to papa together.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>And told him that I owed Montgomerie nine
+hundred pounds.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>And we thought papa would make an awful scene.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Raise Cain, don't you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>But he never said a word.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>He was simply ripping over it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Putting her hands to her ears.</i>] Oh, oh, oh. For
+heaven's sake be calm and coherent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear, you don't know what a relief it is.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>I saw Gerald was dreadfully worried, and I wormed
+it out of him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm so glad to be out of the clutches of that brute.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Rose.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now we're going to live happily ever afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>All the while the</i> <span class="smcap">Admiral</span> <i>has been trying to
+get a word in, but each time he is about to
+start one of the others has broken in.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Silence. [<i>He puffs and blows.</i>] I never saw such a
+pair in my life.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now do explain it all, Admiral. I can't make head
+or tail out of these foolish creatures.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, they came and told me that Montgomerie
+had an I.O.U. of Gerald's for nine hundred pounds
+and was using it to blackmail you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is that a fact?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I never liked the man's face. And when they said
+his terms were that you were to marry him or Gerald
+would have to send in his papers, I said ...</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Damn his impudence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>How did you know?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Because I'd have said it myself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>And the Admiral stumped up like a man. He
+gave me a cheque for the money, and I've just this
+moment sent it on to Montgomerie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking both his hands.</i>] It's awfully good of you,
+and I'm sure you'll never regret that you gave Gerald
+a chance.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>May I have a few words' private conversation with
+you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course. [<i>To the others.</i>] Make yourselves scarce.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>We'll go on the balcony, shall we?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sorry to trouble you, but it'll only take three
+minutes.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Gerald</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Rose</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Fouldes</span> <i>go on to the
+balcony</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>When they've gone.</i>] There.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, what I wanted to say to you was this: I
+like Gerald, but I think he wants guiding. D'you
+follow me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sure he will take your advice always.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's a woman's hand that he wants. Now if you
+and I were to join forces we could keep him out of
+mischief, couldn't we?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I'll come and stay with you whenever you ask
+me. I love giving good advice when I'm quite sure it
+won't be taken.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was thinking of a more permanent arrangement.
+Look here, why don't you marry me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Admiral!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't think an attractive woman like you ought
+to live alone. She's bound to get in a scrape.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's awfully good of you, but....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>You don't think I'm too old, do you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course not. You're in the very prime of life.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>There's life in the old dog yet, I can tell you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I feel sure of that. I never doubted it for a
+moment.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then what have you got against me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You wouldn't like to commit polygamy, would
+you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Eh?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You see, it's not a question of marrying me only,
+but all my tradespeople.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I hadn't thought of that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Besides, you're Rose's father, and I'm Gerald's
+sister. If we married I should be my brother's
+mother-in-law, and my step-daughter would be my
+sister. Your daughter would be your sister-in-law,
+and your brother would just snap his fingers at your
+fatherly advice.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>[Confused.] Eh?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know if the prayer-book allows things like
+that, but if it does I think it's hopelessly immoral.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, shall I tell them I've changed my mind and
+they can't marry?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then there'd be no reason for us to&mdash;commit the
+crime, would there?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>I hadn't thought of that. I suppose not.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're not cross with me, are you? I'm very
+much flattered, and I thank you from the bottom of
+my heart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not at all, not at all. I only thought it might save
+trouble.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Calling.</i>] Gerald. Come along. [<i>They come in.</i>]
+We've had our little talk.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Everything satisfactory?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a look at the</i> <span class="smcap">Admiral.</span>] Quite.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gruffly.</i>] Quite.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick's Footman</span> <i>enters.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Footman.</span></p>
+
+<p>Captain Montgomerie wishes to know if he may see
+your ladyship.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'd forgotten all about him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Let me go to him, shall I?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, I'm not afraid of him any longer. He can't do
+anything to you. And as far as I'm concerned it
+doesn't matter.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then I'll tell him to go to the devil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, I'm going to tell him that myself. [<i>To the</i>
+<span class="smcap">Footman.</span>] Ask Captain Montgomerie to come here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Footman.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, miladi.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>Exit.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Lady Frederick.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>Walking up and down furiously.</i>] I'm going to tell
+him that myself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now keep calm, Betsy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Very deliberately.</i>] I shall not keep calm.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Remember that you're a perfect lady.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't interfere with me. I ate humble pie yesterday,
+and it didn't agree with me at all.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Footman</span> <i>enters to announce</i> <span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie</span>,
+<i>who follows him, and immediately
+withdraws.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Footman.</span></p>
+
+<p>Captain Montgomerie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>How d'you do.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>He is obviously surprised to see the others.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Pleasantly.</i>] Quite a party, aren't we?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes. [<i>A pause.</i>] I hope you don't mind my coming
+so early?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not at all. You made an appointment for half-past
+ten.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I trust you have good news for me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Captain Montgomerie, every one here knows the
+circumstances that have brought you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I should have thought it wiser for both our sakes
+not to make them too public.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Very amiably.</i>] I don't see why you should be
+ashamed because you made me a proposal of
+marriage?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sorry you should think it a laughing matter,
+Lady Frederick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't. I never laugh at an impertinence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taken aback.</i>] I beg your pardon.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Surely the receipt of my brother's letter was
+sufficient answer for you. After that you must have
+guessed there was no likelihood that I should change
+my mind.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>What letter? I don't understand.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>I sent you a note this morning enclosing a cheque
+for the money I lost to you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've not received it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>It must be waiting for you at the hotel.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie</span> <i>pauses and looks meditatively<br />
+at the assembled company</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think there's nothing for which I need detain
+you longer.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I don't think I've quite finished yet.
+Has it slipped your memory that the two bills fall due
+to-day? Allow me to present them.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He takes them out of his pocket-book.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm very sorry I can't pay them&mdash;at present.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I regret that I can't wait. You must pay them.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I tell you it's impossible.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then I shall get an order against you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>That you may do to your heart's content.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>You realise the consequences. It's not very nice
+to be an undischarged bankrupt.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Much nicer than to marry a rascally money-lender.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>May I look at these interesting documents?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly. [<i>Blandly.</i>] I haven't the least wish to
+be offensive.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking them.</i>] You fail lamentably in achieving
+your wish. Three thousand five hundred pounds in
+all. It seems hardly worth while to make a fuss about
+so small a sum.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm in urgent need of money.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] So rich a man as you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Even a rich man may be temporarily embarrassed.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then be so good as to wait for one moment. [<i>He sits
+down at a table and writes a cheque.</i>] No sight is
+more affecting than that of a millionaire in financial
+straits.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Paradine!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Handing the cheque.</i>] Now, sir, I think that settles
+it. Will you exchange my cheque for those bills?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>Damn you, I forgot you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You may not be aware that it's unusual to swear in
+the presence of ladies.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at the cheque.</i>] I suppose it's all right.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Paradine</span> <i>goes to the door and opens it</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>There is the window, and here is the door. Which
+will you choose?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Captain Montgomerie</span> <i>looks at him without<br />
+answering, shrugs his shoulders and goes<br />
+out</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Paradine, you are a brick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gerald.</span></p>
+
+<p>I say it's awfully good of you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nonsense. I've got a strong sense of effect, and I
+always cultivate the dramatic situation.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shall never be able to pay you back, Paradine.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear, I'm not entirely devoid of intelligence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, well, I must be off to take my constitutional.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And Rose and Gerald must take care of you. We
+shall all meet at luncheon.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, yes.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Admiral</span>, <span class="smcap">Rose</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Gerald</span> <i>go out.</i> <span class="smcap">Lady
+Frederick</span> <i>goes up to</i> <span class="smcap">Paradine</span> <i>and takes
+his hands.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thanks awfully. You are a good friend.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>By George, how your eyes glitter!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's only belladonna, you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not such a fool as my nephew, my dear.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why did you do it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you know what gratitude is?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thanks for past favours and a lively sense of benefits
+to come.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, yesterday you had my sister in the hollow of
+your hand. She gave you great provocation, and you
+burnt those confounded letters.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Paradine, I can't get over my own
+magnanimity. And what are the benefits to come?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well it might be five per cent. on the capital.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know why you should squeeze my hands all
+the time.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>But it isn't. Look here, don't you get awfully tired
+of racketting about?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, my dear friend, I'm sick to death of it. I've
+got half a mind to retire from the world and bury
+myself in a hermitage.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>So have I, and I've bought the lease of a little
+house in Norfolk Street, Park Lane.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Just the place for a hermitage&mdash;fashionable without
+being vulgar.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>And I propose to live there quite quietly, and I
+shall just subsist on a few dried herbs, don't you
+know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>But do have them cooked by a really good French
+chef; it makes such a difference.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>And what d'you say to joining me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>You.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I <i>am</i> a success to-day. That's another proposal
+of marriage.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>It sounds very much like it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've already had three this morning.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then I should think you've said "no" quite often
+enough.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Come at ten o'clock to-morrow, and you shall see me
+make up.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you think that would choke me off? D'you
+suppose I don't know that behind that very artificial
+complexion there's a dear little woman called Betsy
+who's genuine to the bottom of her soul?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, don't be so sentimental or I shall cry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, what is it to be?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Her voice breaking.</i>] D'you like me still, Paradine,
+after all these years?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes. [<i>She looks at him, her lips quivering. He
+stretches out his arms, and she, breaking down, hides
+her face on his shoulder.</i>] Now don't be an ass,
+Betsy.... I know you'll say in a minute I'm the
+only man you ever loved.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking up with a laugh.</i>] I shan't.... But what
+will your sister say?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'll tell her there was only one way in which I
+could save Charlie from your clutches.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>What?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fouldes.</span></p>
+
+<p>By marrying you myself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Frederick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Putting up her face.</i>] Monster.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>He kisses her lips.</i>]</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c">THE END.</p>
+
+<p class="title"><a name="THE_EXPLORER" id="THE_EXPLORER"></a><i>THE EXPLORER</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="center"><i>BY THE SAME AUTHOR</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">(<i>Uniform with this Volume</i>)</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: -2em;"><i>PLAYS</i>:</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>A MAN OF HONOUR</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>LADY FREDERICK</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>JACK STRAW</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>MRS. DOT</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>PENELOPE</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">&nbsp; &nbsp;(<i>In Preparation</i>)</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>SMITH</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>THE TENTH MAN</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>GRACE</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>LOAVES AND FISHES</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><i>LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN</i></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<h1><i><span class="smcap">The Explorer</span></i></h1>
+
+<p class="r">A MELODRAMA<br />
+In Four Acts<br /><br />
+<br />
+By W. S. MAUGHAM</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c"><i>LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN<br />
+MCMXII</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c"><i>All rights reserved</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="left">This play was first produced at the Lyric Theatre on<br />
+Saturday, June 13, 1908, with the following cast:</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Alexander Mackenzie</td><td align="right">Lewis Waller</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Richard Lomas</td><td align="right">A. E. George</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Dr. Adamson</td><td align="right">Charles Rock</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Sir Robert Boulger, Bt.</td><td align="right">Owen Roughwood</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">George Allerton</td><td align="right">Shiel Barry</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Rev. James Carbery</td><td align="right">S. J. Warmington</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Captain Mallins</td><td align="right">A. Caton Woodville</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Miller</td><td align="right">Charles Cecil</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Charles</td><td align="right">P. Digan</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Mrs. Crowley</td><td align="right">Eva Moore</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Lady Kelsey</td><td align="right">Mary Rorke</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Lucy Allerton</td><td align="right">Evelyn Millard</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="title"><i>THE EXPLORER</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left"><i><big>CHARACTERS</big></i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Alexander Mackenzie</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Richard Lomas</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Dr. Adamson</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Sir Robert Boulger, Bt.</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">George Allerton</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">The Rev. James Carbery</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Captain Mallins</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Miller</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Charles</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Lady Kelsey</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Mrs. Crowley</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Lucy Allerton</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Time</span>: <i>The Present Day.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>: <i>The First and Third Acts take place at Lady Kelsey's
+house; the Second at Mackenzie's camp in Central Africa;
+and the Fourth at the house of Richard Lomas.</i></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Performing Rights of this play are
+fully protected, and permission to perform it,
+whether by Amateurs or Professionals, must
+be obtained in advance from the author's Sole
+Agent, R. Golding Bright, 20 Green Street,
+Leicester Square, London, W.C., from whom
+all particulars can be obtained.</i></p></div>
+
+<p class="title">THE EXPLORER</p>
+
+<h2><a name="THE_FIRST_ACT_E" id="THE_FIRST_ACT_E"></a>THE FIRST ACT</h2>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>: <span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey's</span> <i>drawing-room in Mayfair.
+At the back is a window leading on to a balcony.
+On the right a door leads to the staircase, and on
+the left is another door. It is the sumptuous room
+of a rich woman.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">[<span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey</span> <i>is seated, dressed in black; she is a
+woman of fifty, kind, emotional, and agitated.
+She is drying her eyes.</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span>, <i>a pretty
+little woman of twenty-eight, very beautifully
+dressed, vivacious and gesticulative, is watching
+her quietly. The</i> <span class="smcap">Rev. James Carbery</span>, <i>a young
+curate, tall and impressive in appearance, ponderous
+and self-important, is very immaculate in a silk
+waistcoat and a large gold cross.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>I cannot tell you how sincerely I feel for you in this
+affliction, Lady Kelsey.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're very kind. Every one has been very kind.
+But I shall never get over it. I shall never hold up
+my head again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nonsense! You talk as if the whole thing weren't
+perfectly monstrous. Surely you don't for a moment
+suppose that your brother-in-law won't be able to
+explain everything away?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>God forbid! But still, it's dreadful to think that
+at this very moment my poor sister's husband is
+standing in the felon's dock.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>Dreadful, dreadful!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you only knew the agonies I've suffered since
+Fred was arrested! At first I couldn't believe it, I
+wouldn't believe it. If I'd only known such a thing
+was possible, I'd have done anything to help him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>But had you any idea he was in difficulties?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>He came to me and said he must have three
+thousand pounds at once. But I'd given him money
+so often since my poor sister died, and every one said
+I oughtn't to give him any more. After all, someone
+must look after his children, and if I don't hoard my
+money a little, George and Lucy will be penniless.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, you were quite right to refuse.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thought it would only go in senseless extravagances
+as all the rest has gone, and when he said it was a matter
+of life and death, I couldn't believe it. He'd said that
+so often.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's shocking to think a man of his position and
+abilities should have come to such a pass.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Dear Mr. Carbery, don't draw the very obvious
+moral. We're all quite wretched enough as it is.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>And two days later Lucy came to me with a white
+face to say that he had been arrested for forging a
+cheque.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>I only met him once, and I'm bound to say I
+thought him a most charming man.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, that's what ruined him. He was always so
+entirely delightful. He could never say no to any one.
+But there's not an atom of harm in him. I'm quite
+certain he's never done anything criminal; he may
+have been foolish, but wicked never.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course he'll be able to clear himself. There's
+not the least doubt about that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>But think of the disgrace of it. A public trial.
+And Fred Allerton of all people! The Allertons were
+always so proud of their family. It was almost a
+mania with them.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>For centuries they've cherished the firm belief that
+there was no one in the county fit to black their
+boots.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>Pride goeth before a fall.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] And proverbs before a clergyman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>They wouldn't give him bail, so he's remained in
+prison till now. Of course, I made Lucy and George
+come here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've been quite charming, Lady Kelsey, as every
+one knew you'd be. But don't think of these wretched
+weeks of suspense. Think only that Mr. Allerton
+has got his chance at last. Why, the trial may be
+over now, and he may this very minute be on his way
+to this house.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>What will he do when it's over? The position will
+be surely a little unpleasant.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've talked it over with Lucy, and&mdash;I've made it
+possible for them all to go abroad. They'll need rest
+and quiet. Poor things, poor things!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>I suppose Miss Allerton and George are at the Old
+Bailey.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, their father begged them to stay away. They've
+been in all day, waiting for the papers.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>But who is going to bring you the news? Surely
+you're not going to wait for the papers?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, no, Dick Lomas is coming. He's one of the
+witnesses for Fred, and my nephew Bobby Boulger.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>And what about Mr. Mackenzie? He told me he
+would be there.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is that the great traveller? I thought I saw in
+the paper that he'd already started for Africa.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not yet. He's going at the beginning of the month.
+Oh, he's been so good to us during this time. All
+our friends have been good to us.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shouldn't have thought there was much of the
+milk of human kindness to overflow in Alexander
+Mackenzie. By all accounts he dealt with the slave-traders
+in Africa with a good deal of vigour.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>The slave-traders must be quaking in their shoes
+if they know he's starting out again, for he's made
+up his mind to exterminate them, and when Alec
+Mackenzie makes up his mind to do a thing, he
+appears to do it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>He has the reputation of a hard man, but no one
+could be more delightful than he has been to me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't think I like him, but he's certainly a strong
+man, and in England just now every one's so weak
+and floppy, it's rather a relief to come across somebody
+who's got a will of iron and nerves of steel.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">George Allerton</span> <i>comes in</i>. <i>He is a very<br />
+young man, good-looking, though at the<br />
+moment pale and haggard, with a rather<br />
+weak face.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thought Lucy was here. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Carbery</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs.
+Crowley</span>.] How d'you do? Have you seen Lucy?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I went to her room for a moment.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>What is she doing?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Reading.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish I could take it as calmly as she does. An
+outsider would think there was nothing the matter
+at all. Oh, it's too awful!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear, you must bear up. We must all hope
+for the best.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>But there is no best. Whatever happens, it means
+disgrace and dishonour. How could he? How could
+he?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>No one knows your father as I do, George. I'm
+sure he's never been anything but thoughtless and
+foolish.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course he's not been actually criminal. That's
+absurd. But it's bad enough as it is.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>You mustn't take it too much to heart. In another
+half-hour at the utmost your father will be here with
+everything cleared up, and you'll be able to go back
+to Oxford with a clear conscience.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you think I can go to Oxford again when my
+father has been tried for forgery? No, no! No, no!
+I'd rather shoot myself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>My poor boy.... Where have you been all day?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Heaven knows! I've walked through the streets
+till I'm dog-tired. Oh, the suspense is too awful.
+My feet carried me to the Old Bailey, and I would
+have given anything to go in and see how things
+were going, but I'd promised the Pater I wouldn't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>How did he look this morning?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>He was most awfully worn and ill. I don't believe
+he'll ever get over it. I saw his counsel before the
+case began. They told me it was bound to come all
+right.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is there anything in the evening papers?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I haven't dared to look. The placards are awful.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why, what do they say?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Can't you imagine? "Gentleman charged with
+forgery." "County gentleman at the Old Bailey."
+And all the rest of it. Damn them! Damn them!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>It may be all over by now.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I feel that I shall never sleep again. I couldn't
+close my eyes last night. To think that one's own
+father....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>For goodness' sake be quiet.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Starting.</i>] There's a ring at the bell.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've given orders that no one is to be admitted but
+Dick Lomas and Bobbie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>It must be finished by now. It's one or the other
+of them come to tell you the result.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I'm so frightfully anxious.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Aunt, you don't think....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, no, of course not. They <i>must</i> find him not
+guilty.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>enters followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Dick Lomas</span>,<br />
+<i>a clean-shaven dapper man, with a sharp<br />
+face and good-natured smile. He is between<br />
+thirty-five and forty, but slim and youthful.<br />
+With him comes</i> <span class="smcap">Sir Robert Boulger</span>,<br />
+<span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey's</span> <i>nephew, a good-looking,<br />
+spruce youth of twenty-two</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Butler.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Lomas, Sir Robert Boulger.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Excitedly.</i>] Well, well? For God's sake tell us
+quickly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear people, I have nothing to tell.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He staggers with sudden faintness and falls<br />
+to the floor.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hulloa! What's this?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Poor boy!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>They crowd round him.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's all right. What a fool I am! I was so
+strung up.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You'd better come to the window.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He and</i> <span class="smcap">Boulger</span> <i>take the boy's arms and lead<br />
+him to the window</i>. <span class="smcap">George</span> <i>leans against<br />
+the balcony</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid I must go away. Every Wednesday at
+four I read <i>Little Lord Fauntleroy</i> to forty charwomen.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good-bye. And thanks so much for coming.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shaking hands with him.</i>] Good-bye. A clergyman
+always helps one so much to bear other people's
+misfortunes.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Carbery</span> <i>goes out, and in a moment</i> <span class="smcap">Robert<br />
+Boulger</span> <i>comes back into the room</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is he better?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, much. He'll be all right in a minute. [<span class="smcap">Lady
+Kelsey</span> <i>goes to the window, and he turns to</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs.
+Crowley</span>.] You are a brick to come here to-day, when
+they're all in such awful trouble.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a little hesitation.</i>] Did you really come away
+before the trial was ended?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why, of course. What did you think? You don't
+imagine they'll convict him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's too dreadful.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Where is Lucy? I was hoping to get a glimpse
+of her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wouldn't trouble her to-day if I were you. I
+think she most wants to be left alone.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wanted to tell her that if I could do anything at
+all, she had only to command.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think she knows that. But I'll give her the
+message if you like.... You're very devoted.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've been madly in love with her ever since I
+was ten.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Take care then. There's nothing so tedious as the
+constant lover.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>comes into the room and speaks to</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Robert Boulger</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>George is quite well now. He wants you to smoke
+a cigarette with him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He goes on to the balcony.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>When</i> <span class="smcap">Boulger</span> <i>is gone</i>.] At least, he will the
+moment he sees you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>What do you mean by that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Merely that I wanted to talk to you. And Robert
+Boulger, being a youth of somewhat limited intelligence,
+seemed in the way.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why did you leave the Old Bailey?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear lady, I couldn't stand it. You don't know
+what it is to sit there and watch a man tortured, a
+man you've known all your life, whom you've dined
+with times out of number, in whose house you've
+stayed. He had just the look of a hunted beast, and
+his face was grey with terror.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>How was the case going?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I couldn't judge. I could only see those haggard,
+despairing eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>But you're a barrister. You must have heard his
+answers. What did he reply to all the questions?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>He seemed quite dazed. I don't think he took in
+the gist of his cross-examination.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>But the man's innocent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, we all hope that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>What d'you mean? There can be no doubt about
+that. When he was arrested Lucy went to him and
+begged him to tell her the exact truth. He swore
+that he wasn't guilty.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Poor Lucy! She's borne up wonderfully. She'll
+stick to her father through thick and thin.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Abruptly.</i>] Mr. Lomas, you're trying to put me off.
+It's not fair to let Lucy buoy herself up with false
+hopes. She's absolutely convinced that her father
+will be acquitted.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, in another half-hour we shall all know.
+When I left, the judge was just going to sum up.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Lomas, what is your opinion?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He looks at her steadily for a moment.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Were you very much surprised when you heard
+Fred Allerton was arrested?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good heavens, I was overwhelmed!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Dryly.</i>] Ah!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you aggravate me I shall box your ears.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>When first I knew Fred he was a very rich man.
+You know that the Allertons are one of the oldest
+families in Cheshire?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes. I think Lucy's only failing is an inordinate
+pride in her family. She thinks it very snobbish to
+have any particular respect for a peer of the realm,
+but only natural to look up to persons of good family.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, you see, you and I who have a quite indecent
+lack of ancestors, can't realise what the cult of family
+may be. There are families in the remote parts of
+England&mdash;not very rich, not very clever, and not very
+good-looking&mdash;who would look askance at a belted
+earl who came to demand their daughter's hand in
+marriage. They have a natural conviction that they're
+the salt of the earth, and in their particular corner
+they rule more absolutely than half the monarchs
+in Europe. The Allertons were like that. But
+Fred somehow seemed to belong to a different stock.
+The first thing he did was to play ducks and drakes
+with his fortune.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>But men ought to be extravagant. That's what
+they're there for.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Women always took his side because he had an
+irresistible charm of manner.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think George has, too, a little.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I hope for Lucy's sake he will turn out a different
+man from his father. I wish he weren't so like him
+in appearance. At last Fred Allerton had squandered
+every penny, and he married Lady Kelsey's sister,
+one of the three rich daughters of a Liverpool
+merchant. But he ran through her money, too,
+gambling, racing, and so forth, and she died of a
+broken heart&mdash;adoring him still.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're as well informed as an encyclopædia, Mr.
+Lomas.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You see, I was made the trustee for the poor
+remains of Mrs. Allerton's fortune, and I know how
+Lucy has managed to keep all their heads above
+water. She's wonderful. Ever since she was a child
+she's held the reins in her own hands. She's stuck
+to her father, though Lady Kelsey implored her to
+leave him to his own foolish ways. She saw that
+George was decently educated. She hid from the
+world all the little shifts and devices to which she
+had to resort in order to keep up an appearance of
+decency.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I suppose you, too, think Fred Allerton little
+better than a scamp?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear lady, when a man has had to leave his
+club because he plays cards too well, it's at least
+permissible to suppose that there's something odd
+about him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Here's Lady Kelsey. For heaven's sake try and
+amuse her a little.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey</span> <i>comes back into the room</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Dick, I'm so full of my own troubles, I forgot
+to ask about yours. I'm so sorry to hear that
+you're ill.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>On the contrary, I'm in the very best of health.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I saw in the papers that you were going to
+give up your seat in the House owing to ill-health.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course, I'd forgotten. My heart is seriously
+deranged.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>How dreadful! What is the matter with it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Can you ask? I've banged it about at your feet
+so long that its functions are excessively impaired.
+And it's beaten all my waistcoats out of shape.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be so foolish. I was quite alarmed.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm going to retire.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>From the bar as well?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>From the bar as well. Henceforth I shall cultivate
+only such arts and graces as are proper to the man of
+leisure. My fellow men are a great deal too strenuous,
+and I propose to offer them the spectacle of a complete
+idler who demands from the world neither honours
+nor profit, but only entertainment.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you mean to say you're going to give up a large
+practice and a position which may be very important
+merely to gratify a foolish whim?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I haven't time to work. Life is so much too short.
+A little while ago it occurred to me that I was nearly
+forty. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span>.] D'you know the feeling?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, of course not. Don't be so uncivil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>By the way, how old are you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Twenty-nine!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nonsense! There's no such age.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I beg your pardon, upper parlourmaids are always
+twenty-nine.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>For years I've spent eight hours a day meddling
+with silly persons' silly quarrels, and eight hours
+more governing the nation. I've never been able
+to spend more than half my income. I'm merely
+working myself to death in order to leave a fortune
+to my nieces, two desperately plain girls with red
+noses.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>But what are you going to do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I don't know. Perhaps I'll try my hand at
+big game shooting, if Alec will take me on this
+expedition of his. I've always thought shooting
+would be an agreeable pastime if partridges were the
+size of well-grown sheep and pheasants a little larger
+than a cow.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then the breakdown in your health is all humbug?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Absolute humbug. If I were to tell the truth
+people would shut me up in a lunatic asylum. I've
+come to the conclusion that there's only one game in
+the world worth playing, and that's the game of life.
+I'm rich enough to devote myself to it entirely.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>But you'll get bored to death.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not I! Why, I'm growing younger every day.
+My dear Mrs. Crowley, I don't feel a day more than
+eighteen.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>You certainly look quite twenty-five.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I haven't a white hair in my head.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I suppose your servant plucks them out every
+morning.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, very rarely. One a month at the outside.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think I see one on the left temple.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Really! How careless of Charles! I must speak
+to him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Let me pluck it out.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shall allow you to do nothing so familiar.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">George</span> <i>comes hurriedly into the room</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>There's Alec Mackenzie. He's just driven up in
+a cab.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>He must have come from the trial. Then it's
+all over.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Quick! Go to the stairs, or Miller won't let him up.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">George</span> <i>runs across the room and opens the door</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Calling.</i>] Miller, Miller, Mr. Mackenzie's to
+come up.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Lucy Allerton</span>, <i>hearing a commotion, comes
+in. She is older than George, a tall girl,
+white now, with eyes heavy from want of
+sleep. She has lived in the country all her
+life, and has brought up to London a sort of
+remoteness from the world. She is beautiful
+in a very English manner, and her
+clear-cut features are an index to a character
+in which the moral notions are peculiarly
+rigid. Self-control is a quality which she
+possesses in a marked degree, and one which
+she enormously admires in others</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Who is it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's Alec Mackenzie. He's come from the trial!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then it's finished at last. [<i>She shakes hands with</i>
+<span class="smcap">Dick.</span>] It's so good of you to come.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're perfectly wonderful, Lucy. How can you
+be so calm?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Because I'm quite sure of the result. D'you
+imagine I'd doubt my father for a moment?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Lucy, for heaven's sake don't be so sure. You
+must be prepared for everything.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, no, I know my father. D'you think I've not
+studied him during these years that I've looked after
+him? He's a child, with all a child's thoughtlessness
+and simplicity. And God knows, he's weak. I know
+his faults better than any one, but it would be impossible
+for him to do anything criminal.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>enters, followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Alec Mackenzie</span>.<br />
+<span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>is a tall, wiry man, well-knit,<br />
+with dark hair and a small red<br />
+moustache and beard, cut close to the face.<br />
+He is about five-and-thirty. He has great<br />
+ease of manner, and there is about him an<br />
+air as though he were accustomed that<br />
+people should do as he told them.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Butler.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Mackenzie!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is it finished? For God's sake tell us quickly,
+old man.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why didn't father come with you? Is he following?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, it's all over.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thank goodness. The suspense was really too
+dreadful.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I knew they'd acquit him. Thank God!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Alec's</span> <i>face</i>.] Take care, George.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>Suddenly</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>goes up to</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>and looks at<br />
+him. An expression of horror distorts her<br />
+features.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lucy, what is it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know how I am going to tell you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>You say the trial was over when you came away?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>The jury had given their verdict?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lucy, what are you driving at? You don't
+think...?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Your father asked me to come and break it to you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's not dead?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Perhaps it would be better if he were.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>They found him guilty?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a groan of despair.</i>] Oh! But it's impossible.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Putting her hand on his arm.</i>] Ssh!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>My God, my God! I'm thankful that his wife is
+dead.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm awfully stupid, but if he was innocent, how
+could they find him guilty? I don't know what
+you mean.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I am afraid it's very clear.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>There must be some horrible mistake.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish there were.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Breaking down into tears and sinking into a chair.</i>]
+Oh, God! What shall I do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't do that, George. We want all our calmness
+now.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you see they all expected it? It was only
+you and I who believed in his innocence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span>.] Did you hear the evidence?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>And you followed it carefully?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>What impression did it leave on your mind?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>What can it matter how it affected me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I want to know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lucy, you're torturing us all.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you had been on the jury would your verdict
+have been the same as theirs?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I should have been obliged to judge according to
+my conscience.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I see. And you have no doubt that he was guilty?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't ask me these horrible questions.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>But it's very important. I know that you are a
+perfectly honest and upright man. If you think he
+was guilty, there is nothing more to be said.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>The case was so plain that the jury were not out
+of the box for more than ten minutes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did the judge say anything?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Hesitatingly.</i>] He said there could be no doubt about
+the justice of the verdict.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>What else?... [<i>He looks at her without answering.</i>]
+You had better tell me now. I shall see it in the
+papers to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>As though the words were dragged out of him.</i>]
+He called it a very mean and shameful crime,
+worse than another man's because your father was
+a gentleman of ancient family and bore a name of
+great honour.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span>.] These judges have a weakness
+for pointing a moral.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>And what was the sentence? [<i>A pause.</i>] Well?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Seven years' penal servitude.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, God!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear girl, I can't tell you how sorry I am.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lucy, what is it? You frighten me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Try and bear up, George. We want all the
+strength we've got, you and I.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span> <i>puts her arms round</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>
+<i>and kisses her.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, my dear, my dear!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Disengaging herself.</i>] You're all very kind, and I
+know you sympathise with me....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting her.</i>] You know that we'll do
+everything we can to help you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's so good of you. There's really nothing that
+any one can do. Would you all mind leaving me
+alone with George? We must talk this over by
+ourselves.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well. Mr. Lomas, will you put me into a cab?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>.] Good-bye, dear, and God
+bless you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shaking hands with him.</i>] Don't worry too much
+about me. If there's anything I want, I'll let you
+know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thanks.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He goes out with</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>May I speak to you for a few minutes alone?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not now, Mr. Mackenzie. I don't want to seem
+rude, but ...</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] I know, and I wouldn't insist unless
+it were a matter of the most urgent importance.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well. George, will you take Aunt Alice to
+her room? I shall want you in a moment.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey</span>.] Won't you lie down and try
+and sleep a little? You must be dreadfully exhausted.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, don't think of me now, dear. Think of yourself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] It's purely selfish. It eases me a little
+to fuss about you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'll wait in the smoking-room, Lucy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do!</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">George</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey</span> <i>go out.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think your self-command is wonderful. I've
+never admired you more than at this moment.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>You make me feel such a prig. It's not really very
+strange if I keep my head, because I've had an
+immensely long training. Since I was fifteen I've
+been alone to care for George and my father....
+Won't you sit down?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can say what I want in a very few words. You
+know that in a week I start for Mombassa to take
+charge of the expedition in North-East Africa. I
+may be away for three or four years, and I shall be
+exposed to a certain amount of danger. When I left
+Africa last time to gather supplies, I determined I
+would crush those wretched slave-traders, and now I
+think I have the means to do it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think you are engaged on a very great work.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know whether you ever noticed that&mdash;that
+I cared more for you than for any one in the world.
+But with the long journey in front of me I didn't
+think it was right to say anything to you. It wasn't
+fair to ask you to bind yourself during my long
+absence. And there was always the risk that a
+stray bullet might put an end to me. I made up
+my mind that I must wait till I returned. But
+things have changed now. Lucy, I love you with all
+my heart. Will you marry me before I go?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, I can't do that. It's very generous of you, but
+I couldn't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why not? Don't you know that I love you? It
+would help me so much if I knew that you were
+waiting for me at home.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I must look after my father. I shall go and live
+near the&mdash;prison, so that I can see him whenever it's
+possible.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You can do that as well if you're my wife....
+You have before you a very difficult and trying time.
+Won't you let me help you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I couldn't. Heaven knows, I'm grateful to you for
+offering to marry me on this day of my bitter humiliation.
+I shall never forget your great kindness. But
+I must stand alone. I must devote myself to my
+father. When he's released I must have a home to
+bring him to, and I must tend him and care for him.
+Ah, now he wants me more than ever.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're very proud.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Giving him her hand.</i>] Dear friend, don't think
+hardly of me. I think I love you as much as it's
+possible for a woman to love a man.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lucy!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] Did you want me to tell you that in
+so many words? I admire you, and I trust you. I
+should be very happy if George could grow into so
+brave and honest a man as you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>They're very modest crumbs with which you want
+me to be satisfied.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I know in your heart you think I'm right. You
+would never seek to dissuade me from what I'm
+convinced is my duty.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Can't I do anything for you at all?</p>
+
+<p>[<i>She looks at him for a moment intently. She
+rings the bell.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, you can do me the greatest possible service.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm so glad. What is it you mean?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Wait, and I'll tell you. [<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>enters.</i>] Ask
+Mr. George to come here, please.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Butler.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well, Miss.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He goes out.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I want you to help me.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">George</span> <i>comes in.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, Lucy?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I want to give into your charge what I love most
+in the world.... George, have you thought at all
+what you're going to do now? I'm afraid you can't
+go back to Oxford.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, I don't know what's to become of me. I wish
+I were dead.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>An idea has just come to me. I'm going to ask
+Mr. Mackenzie to take you with him to Africa. Will
+you go?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, yes! I'd do anything to get away from
+England. I daren't face my friends&mdash;I'm too
+ashamed.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, but it's not to hide yourself that I want you to
+go. Mr. Mackenzie, I daresay you know that we've
+always been very proud of our name. And now it's
+hopelessly dishonoured.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lucy, for God's sake ...</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Turning to him.</i>] Now our only hope is in you.
+You have the opportunity of achieving a great thing.
+You can bring back the old name to its old honour.
+Oh, I wish I were a man. I can do nothing but
+wait and watch. If I could only fill you with my
+courage and with my ambition! Mr. Mackenzie,
+you asked if you could do anything for me. You can
+give George the chance of wiping out the shame of
+our family.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do you know that he will have to suffer every sort
+of danger and privation, that often he will be parched
+by the heat, and often soaked to the skin for days
+together? Sometimes he'll not have enough to eat,
+and he'll have to work harder than a navvy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do you hear, George? Are you willing to go?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'll do anything you want me to, Lucy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>And you know that he may get killed. There may
+be a good deal of fighting.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>If he dies a brave man's death, I have nothing
+more to ask.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">George</span>.] Very well. Come with me, and I'll
+do my best for you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, thanks. You are really my friend.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>And when I come back?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then, if you still care, ask your question again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>And the answer?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a little smile.</i>] The answer, perhaps, will be
+different.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c">END OF THE FIRST ACT</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<h2><a name="THE_SECOND_ACT_E" id="THE_SECOND_ACT_E"></a>THE SECOND ACT</h2>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>: <span class="smcap">Alec Mackenzie's</span> <i>tent in North-East Africa.
+It is night. The place is dimly lighted. There is
+a little camp bed in one corner with a mosquito net
+over it. There are two or three folding chairs, some
+tin cases, and a table. On this a gun is lying.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>is seated with his head on his hands, leaning on
+the table, fast asleep</i>. <span class="smcap">Dr. Adamson</span>, <i>the surgeon
+of the expedition, comes in. He is a large-boned
+brawny fellow with a Scotch accent. He looks at</i>
+<span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>and smiles</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hulloa, there! [<span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>starts up and seizes the gun.
+The</i> <span class="smcap">Doctor</span> <i>laughs</i>.] All right. Don't shoot. It's
+only me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] Why the dickens did you wake me
+up? I was dreaming&mdash;dreaming of a high-heeled
+boot and a neat ankle, and the swish of a white lace
+petticoat.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thought I'd just have a look at your arm.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's one of the most æsthetic sights I know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Your arm?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>A pretty woman crossing Piccadilly at Swan and
+Edgar's. You are a savage, my good doctor, and a
+barbarian. You don't know the care and forethought,
+the hours of anxious meditation, it has needed for her
+to hold up that well-made skirt with the elegant grace
+which enchants you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid you're a very immoral man, Lomas.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, my dear fellow, at my time of life I have to
+content myself with condemning the behaviour of the
+younger generation. Even a camp bed in a stuffy
+tent with mosquitoes buzzing all around me has allurements
+greater than those of youth and beauty. And
+I declare for all women to hear that I am proof
+against their wiles. Give me a comfortable bed to
+sleep in, plenty to eat, tobacco to smoke, and
+Amaryllis may go hang.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, let's look at this wound of yours. Has it
+been throbbing at all?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, it's not worth bothering about. It'll be all
+right to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'll put a clean dressing on all the same.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>All right. [<i>He takes off his coat and rolls up his
+sleeve. His arm is bandaged, and during the next
+speeches the</i> <span class="smcap">Doctor</span> <i>puts on a dressing and a clean
+bandage</i>.] You must be pretty well done up, aren't
+you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Just about dropping. But I've got a deuce of a lot
+more work before I turn in.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>The thing that amuses me is to remember that I
+came to Africa thinking I was going to have a rattling
+good time.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>You couldn't exactly describe it as a picnic, could
+you? But I don't suppose any of us knew it would
+be such a tough job as it's turned out.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My friend, if ever I return to my native land, I
+will never be such a crass and blithering idiot as to
+give way again to a spirit of adventure.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] You're not the sort of chap whom
+one would expect to take to African work. Why the
+blazes did you come?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's precisely what I've been asking myself ever
+since we landed in this God-forsaken swamp.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>The wound looks healthy enough. It'll hardly even
+leave a scar.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm glad that my fatal beauty won't be injured....
+You see, Alec's about the oldest friend I have. And
+then there's young Allerton, I've known him ever
+since he was a kid.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's an acquaintance that most of us wouldn't
+boast about.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I had an idea I'd like Bond Street all the better
+when I got back. I never knew that I should be
+eaten alive by every kind of disgusting animal by
+night and day. I say, Doctor, do you ever think of
+a rump steak?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>When?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a wave of the hand.</i>] Sometimes, when we're
+marching under a sun that just about takes the roof
+of your head off, and we've had the scantiest and
+most uncomfortable breakfast possible, I have a
+vision.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you mind only gesticulating with one arm?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I see the dining-room of my club and myself
+sitting at a little table by the window looking out on
+Piccadilly, and there's a spotless tablecloth, and all
+the accessories are spick and span. An obsequious
+servant brings me a rump steak, grilled to perfection,
+and so tender that it melts in the mouth. And he
+puts by my side a plate of crisp, fried potatoes.
+Can't you smell them?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Shut up!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And then another obsequious servant brings me a
+pewter tankard, and into it he pours a bottle, a large
+bottle, mind you, of foaming ale.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've certainly added considerably to our cheerfulness.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a shrug of the shoulders.</i>] I've often been
+driven to appease the pangs of raging hunger with
+a careless epigram, and by the laborious composition
+of a limerick I have sought to deceive a most unholy
+thirst.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, last night I thought you'd made your last
+joke, old man, and that I had given my last dose of
+quinine.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>We were in rather a tight corner, weren't we?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>This is the third expedition I've gone with
+Mackenzie against the slave-raiders, and I promise
+you I've never been so certain that all was over
+with us.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Funny thing death is, you know. When you
+think of it beforehand, it makes you squirm in your
+shoes, but when you've just got it face to face, it
+seems so obvious that you forget to be afraid. It's
+one of my principles never to be impressed by a
+platitude.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's only by a miracle we escaped. If those Arabs
+hadn't hesitated to attack us just those ten minutes
+we should have been wiped out.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Alec was splendid, wasn't he?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, by Jove! He thought we were done for.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>What makes you think that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, you see, I know him pretty well. He's been
+a pal of yours for twenty years in England, but I've
+been with him out here three times, and I tell you
+there's not much about a man that you don't know
+then.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, when things are going smoothly and everything's
+flourishing, he's apt to be a bit irritable. He
+keeps rather to himself, and he doesn't say much
+unless you do something he doesn't approve of.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And then, by Jove, he comes down on one like a
+thousand of bricks. It's not for nothing the natives
+call him Thunder and Lightning.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>But when things begin to look black, his spirits go
+up like one o'clock. And the worse they are, the
+more cheerful he is.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's one of his most irritating characteristics.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>When every one is starving with hunger, and dead
+tired, and soaked to the skin, Mackenzie fairly bubbles
+over with good-humour.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>When I'm in a bad temper, I much prefer every one
+else to be in a bad temper too.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>These last few days, he's been positively hilarious.
+Yesterday he was cracking jokes with the natives.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Dryly.</i>] Scotch jokes. I daresay they sound
+funny in an African dialect.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've never seen him more cheerful. I said to
+myself: By the Lord Harry, the chief thinks we're
+in a devil of a bad way.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thank Heaven, it's all over now. We've none of
+us had any sleep for three days, and when I once get
+off, I don't mean to wake up for a week.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>I must go and see the rest of my patients. Perkins
+has got a bad dose of fever this time. He was quite
+delirious a while ago.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>By Jove, I'd almost forgotten. How one changes
+out here! Here am I feeling happy and comfortable
+and inclined to make a little jest or two, and I've
+forgotten already that poor Richardson is dead and
+Lord knows how many natives.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Poor chap, we could ill spare him. The fates
+never choose the right man.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>What do you mean by that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>If we had to lose some one, it would have been a
+damned sight better if that young cub had got the
+bullet which killed poor Richardson.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>George Allerton?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>He wouldn't have been much loss, would he?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, I'm afraid he wouldn't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mackenzie has been very patient with him. I
+wonder he didn't send him back to the coast
+months ago, when he sacked Macinnery.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Poor George, everything has been against him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Some men have got natures so crooked that with
+every chance in the world to go straight they can't
+manage it. The only thing is to let them go to the
+devil as best they may.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Alec was bound to give him another chance. [<span class="smcap">Alec
+Mackenzie</span> <i>comes in</i>.] Hulloa, Alec! Where have
+you been?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've been going the round of the outlying sentries.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>All serene?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes. I've just seen a native messenger that
+Mindabi sent to me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Anything important?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Curtly.</i>] Yes. How's the arm, Dick?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, that's nothing. It's only a scratch.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You'd better not make too light of it. The
+smallest wound has a way of being troublesome in
+this country.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>He'll be all right in a day or two.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>How are the others?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>They're going on pretty well on the whole.
+Perkins, of course, will be down for some days
+longer. And some of the natives are rather badly
+hurt. Those devils have got explosive bullets.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Any one in great danger?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, I don't think so. There are two men who are
+in rather a bad way, but all they want is rest.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I see.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I say, have you had anything to eat lately?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] Good Lord! I quite forgot. I
+wonder when the dickens I had some food last.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] You've had nothing to-day, have you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, I don't think so. Those Arabs kept us so
+confoundedly busy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You must be devilish hungry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now you mention it, I think I am. And thirsty,
+by Jove! I wouldn't give my thirst for an elephant
+tusk.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And to think there's nothing but tepid water to
+drink!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'll go and tell the boy to bring you some food.
+It's a rotten game to play tricks with your digestion
+like that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gaily.</i>] Stern man, the doctor, isn't he? It won't
+hurt me once in a way. And I shall enjoy it all the
+more now.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Calling.</i>] Selim!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, don't trouble. The poor chap's just turned in,
+dropping with sleep. I told him he might till I
+called him. I don't want much, and I can easily get
+it myself. [<i>He goes to a case and takes out a tin of
+meat and some ship's biscuits.</i>] It's rather a nuisance
+that we've not been able to get any game lately.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He sets the food down before him, sits down,<br />
+and begins to eat.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] Appetising, isn't it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Splendid!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You have all the instincts of the primeval savage,
+Alec. It enrages and disgusts me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] Why?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You take food for the gross and bestial purpose of
+appeasing your hunger. You have no appreciation
+for the delicacies of eating as a fine art.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>The meat's getting rather mouldy, isn't it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Damnable! It's been a source of great anxiety to
+me in England.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>What is he talking about now?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was going on with the thread of my observations,
+which you interrupted with the entirely obvious
+remark that the tinned meat was getting mouldy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I apologise profusely. Pray go on!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was about to observe that even in England you
+will eat the most carefully ordered meal with an
+indifference which is an outrage to decency. Indeed,
+you pay less attention to it than here, because at all
+events you do notice that the meat is mouldy. But
+if any one gives you a good dinner, you notice
+nothing. I've given him priceless port, Doctor, and
+he drank it as though it were cooking sherry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>I confess it is lamentable. But why is it a source
+of anxiety to you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>What on earth is to happen to him in his old age?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Explain yourself, my friend. Clearly but with as
+much brevity as possible.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>The pleasure of eating is the only pleasure that
+remains to the old. Love&mdash;what is love when
+you lose your figure, and your hair grows thin?
+Knowledge&mdash;one can never know everything, and
+the desire passes with the fire of youth. Even
+ambition fails you in the end. But to those who
+have lived wisely and well, there remain three
+pleasures every day of their lives: their breakfast,
+their luncheon, and their dinner.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] I wouldn't worry about my old age
+if I were you, Dick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Because I think it's ten to one that we shall all be
+dead to-morrow morning.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>What?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>There is a slight pause while both men stare<br />
+at him.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is this one of your little jokes, Alec?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You have often observed that I joke with difficulty.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>But what's wrong now?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You'll neither of you sleep in your beds to-night.
+Another sell for the mosquitoes, isn't it? I propose
+to break up the camp and start marching as soon as
+the moon goes down.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I say, it's a bit thick after a day like this. We're
+all so done up that we shan't be able to go a mile.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nonsense, you will have had two hours' rest.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>But some of those fellows who are wounded can't
+possibly be moved.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>They must!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>I won't answer for their lives.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>We must take the risk. Our only chance is to
+make a bold dash for it, and we can't leave the
+wounded here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I suppose there's going to be a deuce of a row?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Grimly.</i>] There is.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Your companions seldom have a chance to complain
+of the monotony of their existence, Alec. What are
+you going to do now?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>At this moment, I'm going to fill my pipe.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>There is a pause while</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>fills and lights<br />
+his pipe</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I gather from the general amiability of your
+demeanour that we're in a rather tight place?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Tighter than any of your patent-leather boots, my
+friend.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gravely.</i>] Have we any chance of getting through,
+old man?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Lightly.</i>] Oh, I don't know. There's always a
+chance.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't grin at me in that irritating fashion.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You must wish you were treading the light
+fantastic toe in a London ball-room, Dick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Frankly I do.... I suppose we're going to fight
+again?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Like Kilkenny cats.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Briskly.</i>] Well, at all events that's some comfort.
+If I am going to be done out of my night's rest, I
+should like to take it out of some one.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>If things turn out all right, we shall have come
+near finishing the job, and there won't be much more
+slave-raiding in this part of Africa.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And if things don't turn out all right?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why, then I'm afraid the tea-tables of Mayfair
+will be deprived of your scintillating repartee forever.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I've had a very good time in my life. I've
+loved a little, I've looked at some good pictures, read
+some thundering fine books, and I've worked and
+played. If I can only account for a few more of
+those damned scoundrels before I die, I shouldn't
+think I had much to complain of.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] You're a philosopher, Dick.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Doesn't the possibility of an extremely unpleasant
+demise tempt you to a few appropriate reflections?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know that it does. I'm a bit of a fatalist,
+and my theory is that when my time comes nothing
+can help me, but at the bottom of my heart I can't
+resist the conviction that I shan't die till I let myself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I must go and put things in order. I'll
+bandage those fellows up, and I hope they'll stand the
+jolting.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>What about Perkins?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lord knows! I'll try and keep him quiet with
+chloral.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You needn't say anything about striking camp. I
+don't propose that any one should know till a quarter
+of an hour before we start.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>But that won't give them time.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>It must. I've trained them often enough to get
+on the march quickly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">George Allerton</span> <i>comes in as the</i> <span class="smcap">Doctor</span> <i>is<br />
+on the point of going</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Can I come in?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes ... Doctor!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hulloa!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You might stay a minute, will you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Coming back.</i>] Certainly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Didn't Selim tell you that I wanted to speak
+to you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's why I've come.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've taken your time about it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I say, could you give me a drink of brandy? I'm
+awfully done up.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shortly.</i>] There's no brandy left.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hasn't the doctor got some?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>No!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>There is a pause.</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>looks at him slowly</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why are you all looking at me like that? You
+look as if you were going to try me for something.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nonsense! Don't be so nervous.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Abruptly.</i>] Do you know anything about the
+death of that Turkana woman?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>No! How should I?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Come now, you must know something about it.
+Last Tuesday you came into camp and told me the
+Turkana were very excited.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Unwillingly.</i>] Oh, yes! I remember something
+about it. It had slipped my memory.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not very clear about it. The woman had been
+shot, hadn't she? One of our station boys had been
+playing the fool with her, and he seems to have
+shot her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Have you made no inquiries as to who the man
+was?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In a surly way.</i>] I haven't had time. We've all
+been worked off our legs during these three days.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do you suspect no one?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't think so.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Think a moment.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>The only man who might have done it is that big
+scoundrel whom we got on the coast, the Swahili.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>What makes you think that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's been making an awful nuisance of himself,
+and I know he was running after her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I understand she complained about him to you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do you think that would be enough evidence to
+punish him on?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's a thorough blackguard, and after all, if one
+does make a mistake, he's only a nigger.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You'll be surprised to hear that when the woman
+was found she wasn't dead.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">George</span> <i>gives a movement of consternation</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>She didn't die for nearly an hour.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>After a short pause.</i>] Was she able to say anything?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>She accused you of having shot her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>It appears that <i>you</i> were playing the fool with her,
+and when she got angry you took out a revolver and
+fired point blank. Presumably that she should tell
+no tales.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's a stupid lie. You know what they are. It's
+just like them to tell an absurd lie like that. You
+wouldn't believe a parcel of niggers rather than me,
+would you? After all, my word's worth more than
+theirs.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking from his pocket an exploded cartridge.</i>] This
+was found about two yards from the body. As you
+see, it's a revolver cartridge. It was brought to me
+this evening.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know what that proves.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You know just as well as I do that none of our
+natives has a revolver. Besides ourselves only two or
+three of the servants have them.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">George</span> <i>becomes white with fear, he takes out<br />
+his handkerchief and wipes his face</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Quietly.</i>] Will you give me your revolver?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I haven't got it. I lost it in the skirmish this
+afternoon. I didn't tell you as I thought you'd be
+annoyed.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I saw you cleaning it less than an hour ago.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a shrug of the shoulders.</i>] Perhaps it's in my
+tent, I'll go and see.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sharply.</i>] Stop here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Angrily.</i>] You've no right to talk to me like that.
+I'm sick to death of being ordered about. You seem
+to think I'm a dog. I came out here of my own free
+will, and I won't let you treat me as if I were a
+servant.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you put your hand to your hip pocket, I think
+you'll find your revolver there.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not going to give it to you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Quietly.</i>] D'you want me to come and take it from
+you myself?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The two men stare at one another for a moment.<br />
+Then</i> <span class="smcap">George</span> <i>slowly puts his hand to his<br />
+pocket. He lakes out the revolver and<br />
+suddenly aims at</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span>. <span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>beats up<br />
+his arm as he fires, and the</i> <span class="smcap">Doctor</span>,<br />
+<i>springing forward, seizes him round the<br />
+waist</i>. <span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>remains still</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>During the struggle.</i>] You young blackguard!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Let me go, damn you!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You need not hold him.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>They leave go of</i> <span class="smcap">George</span>, <i>who sinks cowering<br />
+into a chair</i>. <span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>hands the revolver to</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Alec</span>. <i>He silently fits into a chamber the<br />
+cartridge that had been brought to him.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You see that it fits. Hadn't you better make a
+clean breast of it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Cowed.</i>] Yes, I shot her. She made a row, and
+the devil got into me. I didn't know I'd done
+anything till she screamed and I saw the blood....
+What a fool I was to throw the cartridge away!
+I wanted to have all the chambers charged.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do you remember that two months ago I hanged
+a man to the nearest tree because he'd outraged a
+native woman?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Springing up in terror.</i>] You wouldn't do that to
+me, Alec. Oh, God, no, Alec, have mercy on me.
+You wouldn't hang me. Oh, why did I ever come to
+this damned place?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You need not be afraid. I'm not going to do that.
+In any case I must preserve the native respect for
+the white man.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was half drunk when I saw that woman. I
+wasn't responsible for my actions.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>The result is that the whole tribe has turned
+against us. The chief is my friend, and he sent a
+message to tell me he couldn't hold them in. It's
+from him I got the cartridge. It wouldn't be so
+serious, only the best fighting part of our forces are
+the Turkana, and we must expect treachery. They've
+stirred up the neighbouring tribes against us, and all
+the work we've been doing for a year is undone.
+That's the explanation of the Arabs' attack three
+days ago.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sullenly.</i>] I knew it was all my fault.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>The natives have made up their minds to join the
+slave-traders, and we shall be attacked on all sides
+to-morrow. We can't hold out against God knows
+how many thousands.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you mean you'll all be killed?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>If we remain here there's no escape.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In a whisper.</i>] What are you going to do to me,
+Alec?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>walks up and down the tent</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Presently.</i>] I think you might go and see your
+patients now, doctor.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Doctor.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Shall I go too, Alec?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, you can stay here. But don't open your
+mouth till you're spoken to.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">The Doctor</span> <i>goes out</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sorry I did that silly thing just now. I'm
+glad I didn't hit you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>It doesn't matter at all. I'd forgotten all about it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I lost my head, I didn't know what I was doing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You need not trouble about that. In Africa even
+the strongest people are apt to get excited and lose
+their balance.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>re-lights his pipe, and there its a very
+short pause</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did you ever know that before we came away
+I asked Lucy to marry me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I knew you cared for her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>She asked me to bring you here in the hope that
+you would regain the good name of your family.
+I think that is the object she has most at heart in the
+world. It's as great as her love for you. The plan
+hasn't been much of a success, has it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>She ought to have known that I wasn't suited for
+this kind of life.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I saw very soon that you were weak and irresolute.
+But I hoped to make something of you. Your
+intentions seemed good enough, but you never had
+the strength to carry them out.... I'm sorry if I
+seem to be preaching to you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Bitterly.</i>] Oh, d'you think I care what any one
+says to me now?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gravely, but not unkindly.</i>] Then I found you were
+drinking. I told you that no man could stand liquor
+in this country, and you gave me your word of honour
+that you wouldn't touch it again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, I broke it. I couldn't help it; the temptation
+was too strong.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>When we came to the station at Muneas you and
+Macinnery got blind drunk, and the whole camp saw
+you. I ought to have sent you back to the coast then,
+but it would have broken Lucy's heart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>It was Macinnery's fault.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's because I thought he was to blame that I sent
+him back alone. I wanted to give you another chance.
+It struck me that the feeling of authority might have
+some influence on you, and so when we came to the
+lake I left you to guard the ferry. I put the chief
+part of the stores in your care and marched on. I
+needn't remind you what happened then.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">George</span> <i>looks down sulkily, and in default of
+excuses keeps silent</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I came to the conclusion that it was hopeless. You
+seemed to me rotten through and through.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a little laugh.</i>] Like my father before me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I couldn't believe a word you said. You did everything
+you shouldn't have done. The result was that
+the men mutinied, and if I hadn't come back in the
+nick of time they'd have killed you and looted all
+the stores.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>You always blame me for everything. A man's
+not responsible for what he does when he's down
+with fever.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>It was too late to send you back to the coast then,
+and I was obliged to take you on. And now the end
+has come. Your murder of that woman has put us all
+in deadly peril. Already to your charge lie the deaths
+of Richardson and almost twenty natives. Tribes that
+were friendly have joined with the Arabs, and we're
+as near destruction as we can possibly be.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>What are you going to do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>We're far away from the coast, and I must take the
+law into my own hands.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a gasp.</i>] You're not going to kill me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you fond of Lucy?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Brokenly.</i>] You&mdash;you know I am. Why d'you
+remind me of her now? I've made a rotten mess of
+everything, and I'm better out of the way. But think
+of the disgrace of it. It'll kill Lucy.... And she
+was hoping I'd do so much.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Listen to me. Our only chance of escaping from
+the confounded fix we're in is to make a sudden attack
+on the Arabs before the natives join them. We shall
+be enormously outnumbered, but we may just smash
+them if we can strike to-night. My plan is to start
+marching as if I didn't know that the Turkana were
+going to turn against us. After an hour all the
+whites but one, and the Swahilis whom I can trust
+implicitly, will take a short cut. The Arabs will have
+had news of our starting, and they'll try to cut us off
+at the pass. I shall fall on them just as they begin to
+attack. D'you understand?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now I must have one white man to head the
+Turkana, and that man will run the greatest possible
+danger. I'd go myself, only the Swahilis won't fight
+unless I lead them.... Are you willing to take that
+post?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>I?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I could order you, but the job's too dangerous for
+me to force it on any one. If you refuse, I shall call
+the others together and ask some one to volunteer.
+In that case you will have to find your way back alone
+as best you can to the coast.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, no! Anything rather than the shame of that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I won't hide from you that it means almost certain
+death. But there's no other way of saving ourselves.
+On the other hand, if you show perfect courage at the
+moment the Arabs attack and the Turkana find that
+we've given them the slip, you may escape. If you
+do, I promise nothing shall be said of all that has
+happened here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>All right. I'll do that. And I thank you with all
+my heart for giving me the chance.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm glad you've accepted. Whatever happens
+you'll have done a brave action in your life. [<i>He holds
+out his hand to</i> <span class="smcap">George</span>, <i>who takes it</i>.] I think there's
+nothing more to be said. You must be ready to start
+in half an hour. Here's your revolver. Remember
+that one chamber's empty. You'd better put in
+another cartridge.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">George.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, I'll do that.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He goes out.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you think he has any chance of escaping?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>If he has pluck he may get through.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>To-morrow we shall know if he has that last virtue
+of a blackguard&mdash;courage.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And if he hasn't, it's death you're sending him to?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes. It's death!</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c">END OF THE SECOND ACT</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<h2><a name="THE_THIRD_ACT_E" id="THE_THIRD_ACT_E"></a>THE THIRD ACT</h2>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>: <i>A smoking-room at</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey's</span>, <i>leading by
+an archway into a drawing-room at the back. On
+the right is a glass door which leads into the garden.
+On one side is a sofa; on the other a table with
+cigarettes, matches, whiskey, sodas, etc.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey</span> <i>is giving a dance, and the music of the
+Lancers is heard vaguely from the ball-room as
+the curtain rises</i>. <span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Sir Robert
+Boulger</span> <i>are sitting down</i>. <span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey</span> <i>comes
+in with the</i> <span class="smcap">Rev. James Carbery</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, you wretched people, why aren't you dancing?
+It's too bad of you to hide yourselves here!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>We thought no one would find us in the smoking-room.
+But why have you abandoned your guests,
+Lady Kelsey?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I've got them all comfortably settled in the
+Lancers, and I'm free to rest myself for a quarter of
+an hour. You don't know what agonies I've been
+suffering the whole evening.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good gracious me! Why?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm so afraid Alec Mackenzie will come.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>You needn't worry about that, Aunt Alice. He'll
+never venture to show his face.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>I didn't know what to do. It was impossible to
+put the dance off. It's too dreadful that these
+horrible revelations should....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Supplying the word.</i>] Transpire.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, transpire on the very day I've at last
+persuaded Lucy to come into the world again. I
+wish Dick would come.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, he'll be able to tell us something.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>But will he?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>Wherever I go people are talking about Mr.
+Mackenzie, and I'm bound to say I've found nobody
+who has a good word for him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Bitterly.</i>] Humpty-dumpty's had a great fall.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wonder if I might have a cigarette?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sure you might. And if you press me dreadfully,
+I'll have one, too.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't press her. She's already had far too many.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I'll forego the pressing, but not the cigarette.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Handing her the box and giving her a light.</i>] It's
+against all my principles, you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>What <i>is</i> the use of principles except to give one an
+agreeable sensation of wickedness when one doesn't
+act up to them?</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>comes in as she speaks.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear lady, you're as epigrammatic as a
+dramatist. Do you say such things from choice or
+necessity?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p><i>Dick!</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Dick!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Lomas!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah!</p>
+
+<p>[<i>The four exclamations are simultaneous.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>This enthusiasm at my appearance is no less
+gratifying than unexpected.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm so glad you've come at last. Now we shall get
+at the truth.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Well?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear people, what <i>are</i> you talking about?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, don't be such an ass!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good heavens, didn't you read the <i>Times</i> this
+morning?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I only came back from Paris to-night. Besides, I
+never read the papers except in August.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Raising her eyebrows.</i>] When there's nothing in
+them?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Pardon me, I'm an eager student of the sea-serpent
+and the giant gooseberry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Dick, it's too shocking. I wish I'd had
+the courage to write and ask Mr. Mackenzie not to
+come. But since you both came back from Africa a
+month ago he's been here nearly every day. And
+he's been so good and kind to us, I couldn't treat
+him as though there was no doubt the story was true.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>There can't be the least doubt about it. By
+George, I should like to kick him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Dryly.</i>] My dear chap, Alec is a hardy Scot and
+bigger than you, so I shouldn't advise you to try.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was engaged to dine with him to-night, but I
+wired to say I had a headache.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>What will he think if he sees you here?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>He can think what he jolly well likes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>I hope he has the sense to stay away.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think you're pretty safe now, Lady Kelsey. It's
+growing late.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Will some one kindly explain?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you mean to say you really don't know&mdash;seriously?
+After all, you were with him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Dick, there are two columns of fiery
+denunciation in this morning's <i>Times</i>.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>is a little startled, but at once collects
+himself</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, that's only the reaction. That's nothing.
+Since he arrived in Mombassa, after three years in
+the heart of Africa, he's made almost a triumphal
+progress. Of course, it couldn't last. The reaction
+was bound to come.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at him steadily.</i>] The article is signed by
+a man named Macinnery.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Calmly.</i>] Alec found Macinnery half starving at
+Mombassa, and took him solely out of charity. But
+he was a worthless rascal, and he had to send him
+back.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>He gives ample proof for every word he says.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Whenever an explorer comes home, there's some
+one to tell nasty stories about him. People forget
+that kid gloves are not much use in a tropical forest,
+and grow very indignant when they hear that a
+man has used a little brute force to make himself
+respected.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, my dear Dick, it's much worse than that.
+First poor Lucy's father died....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're not going to count that as an overwhelming
+misfortune? We were unanimous in describing
+that gentleman's demise as an uncommonly happy
+release.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>But Lucy was heart-broken all the same. And
+when her life seemed to grow a little more cheerful,
+came her brother's tragic death.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Abruptly, to</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span>.] What is it exactly?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>The long and short of it is that Mr. Mackenzie was
+the cause of George Allerton's death.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lucy's brother was killed by the slave-traders.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mackenzie sent him into a confounded trap to save
+his own dirty skin.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>And the worst of it is that I think Lucy is in love
+with Mr. Mackenzie.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Boulger</span> <i>makes a slight movement, and for a
+moment there is an uncomfortable pause</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>I saw him this evening in Piccadilly, and I almost
+ran into his arms. It was quite awkward.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Frigidly.</i>] Why?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't think I want to shake the man's hand.
+He's nothing short of a murderer.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Savagely.</i>] He's worse than that. He's ten times
+worse.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, for heaven's sake be polite to him if he
+comes to-night.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>I really couldn't bring myself to shake hands with
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Dryly.</i>] Don't you think you'd better wait for
+evidence before you condemn him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear fellow, the letter in the <i>Times</i> is absolutely
+damning. Interviewers went to him from the evening
+papers, and he refused to see them.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>What does Lucy say of it? After all, she's the
+person most concerned.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>She doesn't know. I took care that she shouldn't
+see the paper. I wanted to give her this evening's
+enjoyment unalloyed.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Take care, here she is.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>comes in</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling and reaching out her hand.</i>] Well, darling?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going to</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey</span>.] Are you growing very
+tired, my aunt?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can rest myself for the time. I don't think any
+one else will come now.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gaily.</i>] You faithless woman, have you forgotten
+the guest of the evening?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Mackenzie?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Bending over her.</i>] My dear, it was charming of
+you to hide the paper from me this morning....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Startled.</i>] Did you see the letter? I so wanted
+you not to till to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Mackenzie very rightly thought I should know
+at once what was said about him and my brother. He
+sent me the paper himself this evening.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did he write to you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, he merely scribbled on a card: "I think you
+should read this."</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I'm damned!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>What did you think of the letter, Lucy?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Proudly.</i>] I didn't believe it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">BOULGER.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Bitterly.</i>] You must be blinded by your&mdash;friendship
+for Alec Mackenzie. I never read anything
+more convincing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I could hardly believe him guilty of such an odious
+crime if he confessed it with his own lips.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course, he won't do that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did I ever tell you how I made acquaintance with
+Alec? In the Atlantic&mdash;about three hundred miles
+from land.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>What a perfectly ridiculous place for an introduction.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was a silly young fool in those days, and I
+habitually played the giddy goat. In the course of
+which, I fell overboard and was proceeding to drown
+when Alec jumped in after me. It was an incautious
+thing to do, because he very nearly got drowned
+himself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's not the only heroic thing he's done.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, it's one of his hobbies to risk his life to save
+unnecessary and useless people. But the funny thing
+is that ever since he saved mine, he's been quite
+absurdly grateful. He seems to think I did him an
+intentional service and fell into the water on purpose
+to give him a chance of pulling me out.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a long look at</i> <span class="smcap">Dick.</span>] It's very kind and good
+of you to have told that story.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>comes in and announces</i> <span class="smcap">Alec
+Mackenzie</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Butler.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Mackenzie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Blandly.</i>] Ah, I thought I should find you here,
+Lady Kelsey.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shaking hands with him.</i>] How d'you do? We've
+just been talking of you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Really?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's so late, we were afraid you wouldn't come. I
+should have been dreadfully disappointed.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's very kind of you to say so. I've been at the
+Travellers', reading various appreciations of my own
+character.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Somewhat embarrassed.</i>] Oh, I heard there was
+something about you in the papers.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>There's a good deal. I really had no idea the world
+was so interested in me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's charming of you to come to-night. I'm sure
+you hate dances!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, no, they interest me enormously. I remember,
+one of the Kings of Uganda gave a dance in my
+honour. Ten thousand warriors in war-paint. I
+assure you it was most impressive.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear fellow, if paint is the attraction you really
+need not go much farther than Mayfair.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Pretending for the first time to notice</i> <span class="smcap">Boulger.</span>]
+Ah, there's my little friend Bobbie. I thought you
+had a headache?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Quickly.</i>] I'm afraid Bobby is dreadfully dissipated.
+He's not looking at all well.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Good-humouredly.</i>] You shouldn't keep such late
+hours, Bobbie. At your age one wants one's beauty
+sleep.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's very kind of you to take an interest in me.
+My headache has passed off.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm very glad. What do you use&mdash;Phenacetin?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>It went away of its own accord&mdash;after dinner.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] So you resolved to give the girls a treat
+by coming to Lady Kelsey's dance? How nice of you
+not to disappoint them! [<i>He turns to</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>and holds
+out his hand. They look into one another's eyes. She
+takes his hand.</i>] I sent you a paper this evening.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>It was very good of you.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Carbery</span> <i>comes forward and offers his arm.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think this is my dance, Miss Allerton. May I
+take you in?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Carbery? I saw you in Piccadilly just now! You
+were darting about just like a young gazelle. I had
+no idea you could be so active.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>I didn't see you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I observed that you were deeply interested in the
+shop windows as I passed. How are you?</p>
+
+<p>[<i>He holds out his hand, and for a moment</i>
+<span class="smcap">Carbery</span> <i>hesitates to take it. But</i> <span class="smcap">Alec's</span>
+<i>steady gaze compels him.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Carbery.</span></p>
+
+<p>How d'you do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With an amused smile.</i>] So glad to see you again,
+old man.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>gives an audible chuckle, and</i> <span class="smcap">Carbery,</span>
+<i>reddening, draws his hand away angrily.
+He goes to</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>and offers his arm.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span>] Shall I take you back?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kesley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Won't you come, Mr. Mackenzie?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you don't mind I'll stay and smoke just one
+cigarette with Dick Lomas. You know I'm not a
+dancing man.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>All go out except</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Dick</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I suppose you know we were all beseeching
+Providence you'd have the grace to stay away
+to-night?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] I suspected it, I confess. I shouldn't
+have come only I wanted to see Lucy. I've been
+in the country all day, and I knew nothing about
+Macinnery's letter till I saw the placards at the
+station.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Macinnery proposes to make things rather uncomfortable,
+I imagine.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] I made a mistake, didn't I? I
+ought to have dropped him in the river when I had
+no further use for him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>What are you going to do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's not easy to clear myself at a dead man's
+expense. The earth covers his crime and his sins
+and his weakness.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you mean to say that you are going to sit still
+and let them throw mud at you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>When George was dead I wrote to Lucy that he
+died like a brave man. I can't now publish to the
+whole world that he was a coward and a rogue. I
+can't rake up again the story of her father's crime.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Surely, that's absolutely quixotic.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, it isn't. I tell you I can't do anything else.
+I'm bound hand and foot. Lucy has talked to me of
+George's death, and the only thing that has consoled
+her is the idea that in a manner he had redeemed his
+father's good name. How can I rob her of that?
+She placed all her hopes in George. How could she
+face the world with the knowledge that her brother
+was rotten to the core, as rotten as her father.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It seems awfully hard.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Besides, when all is said and done, the boy did die
+game. Don't you think that should count for something?
+No, I tell you I can't give him away now. I
+should never cease to reproach myself. I love Lucy
+far too much to cause her such bitter pain.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And if it loses you her love?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think she can do without love better than without
+self-respect.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>comes in with</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've sent my partner away. I felt I must have a
+few words alone with you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Shall I take Mrs. Crowley into a retired corner?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, we have nothing to say that you can't hear.
+You and Nellie know that we're engaged to be married.
+[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span>.] I want you to dance with me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's very good of you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you think that's rather foolish, Lucy?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span>.] I want to show them all that I don't
+believe that you're guilty of an odious crime.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>They've said horrible things about me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not to me. They wanted to hide it from me, but I
+knew they were talking.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You'll grow used to hearing shameful things said of
+me. I suppose I shall grow used to it, too.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I hate them.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, it's not that I mind. What torments me is
+that it was so easy to despise their praise, and now I
+can't despise their blame.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I believe you have some glimmerings of
+human nature in you after all.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>When you came to-night, so calm and self-possessed,
+I admired you as I'd never admired you before.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's easy enough to command one's face. I learnt
+to do that in Africa when often my life depended on
+my seeming to have no fear. But in my heart ...
+I never knew that I could feel so bitter. And yet,
+after all, it's only your good opinion that I care for.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've trusted you implicitly from the first day I
+saw you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thank God for that! To-day is the first time I've
+wanted to be assured that I was trusted. And yet
+I'm ashamed to want it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, don't be too hard upon yourself. You're so
+afraid of letting your tenderness appear.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>The only way to be strong is never to surrender
+to one's weakness. Strength is merely a habit like
+everything else. I want you to be strong, too.
+I want you never to doubt me whatever you may
+hear said.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I gave my brother into your hands, and told you
+that if he died a brave man's death I could ask for
+no more.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I should tell you that I've made up my mind to
+make no answer to the charges that are made
+against me.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>There is a very short pause, while he looks at her
+steadily.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>But why?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>.] I can give you my word of honour
+that I've done nothing which I regret. I know that
+what I did was right with regard to George, and if it
+were all to come again I would do exactly as I did
+before.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think I can trust you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thought of you always, and everything I did was
+for your sake. Every single act of mine during these
+four years in Africa has been done because I loved you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>You must love me always, Alec, for now I have
+only you. [<i>He bends down and kisses her hand.</i>] Come!</p>
+
+<p>[<i>He gives her his arm and they walk out.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I feel as if I should rather like to cry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do you really? So do I.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be so silly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>By the way, you don't want to dance with me,
+do you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly not. You dance abominably.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's charming of you to say so. It puts me at my
+ease at once.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Come and sit on the sofa and talk seriously.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, you want to flirt with me, Mrs. Crowley.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good heavens, what on earth makes you think
+that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's what a woman always means when she asks
+you to talk sensibly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't bear a man who thinks women are in love
+with him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Bless you, I don't think that. I only think they
+want to marry me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's equally detestable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not at all. However old, ugly, and generally
+undesirable a man is, he'll find a heap of charming
+girls who are willing to marry him. Marriage is
+still the only decent means of livelihood for a really
+nice girl.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>But, my dear friend, if a woman really makes up
+her mind to marry a man, nothing on earth can
+save him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't say that, you terrify me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>You need not be in the least alarmed, because
+I shall refuse you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thanks, awfully. But all the same I don't think
+I'll risk a proposal.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Mr. Lomas, your only safety is in immediate
+flight.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>It must be obvious to the meanest intelligence that
+you've been on the verge of proposing to me for the
+last month.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I assure you, you're quite mistaken.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then I shan't come to the play with you to-morrow?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I've taken the seats, and I've ordered an
+exquisite dinner at the Carlton.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>What have you ordered?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>
+Potage Bisque... [<i>She makes a little face.</i>]<br />
+Sole Normande... [<i>She shrugs her shoulders.</i>]<br />
+Wild Duck.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>With an orange salad?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't positively dislike that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And I've ordered a soufflé with an ice in the middle
+of it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shan't come.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shouldn't have thought you kept very well abreast
+of dramatic art if you insist on marrying every man
+who takes you to a theatre.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Demurely.</i>] I was very nicely brought up.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course, if you're going to make yourself systematically
+disagreeable unless I marry you, I suppose
+I shall have to do it in self-defence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know if you have the least idea what you're
+talking about. I'm sure I haven't!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was merely asking you in a rather well-turned
+phrase to name the day. The lamb shall be ready
+for the slaughter!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Couldn't you infuse a little romance into it? You
+might begin by going down on your bended knees.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I assure you that's quite out of fashion. Lovers,
+nowadays, are much too middle-aged, and their joints
+are creaky. Besides, it ruins the trousers.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>At all events, there can be no excuse for your not
+saying that you know you're utterly unworthy of me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Wild horses wouldn't induce me to make a statement
+which is so remote from the truth.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>And, of course, you must threaten to commit
+suicide if I don't consent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Women are such sticklers for routine. They have
+no originality.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well, have it your own way. But I must
+have a proposal in due form.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Only four words are needed. [<i>Counting them on
+his fingers.</i>] Will you marry me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>That is both clear and simple. I reply in one: No!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>As though he were not sure that he had heard
+correctly.</i>] I beg your pardon?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>The answer is in the negative.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're joking. You're certainly joking.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I will be a sister to you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do you mean to say you deliberately refuse me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I promised you I would.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With much seriousness.</i>] I thank you from the
+bottom of my heart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Puzzled.</i>] The man's mad. The man's nothing
+short of a raving lunatic.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wanted to see if you were really attached to me.
+You have given me a proof of esteem which I promise
+you I will never forget.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] You're a perfect idiot, Mr. Lomas!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's one of my cherished convictions that a really
+nice woman is never so cruel as to marry a man she
+cares for.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're much too flippant to marry anybody, and
+you're perfectly odious into the bargain.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>She goes out.</i> <span class="smcap">Dick</span>, <i>chuckling, lights a cigarette</i>.
+<span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>comes in and lies down lazily on the
+sofa</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why, Dick, what's the matter? You look as
+pleased as Punch.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear fellow, I feel like the Terrible Turk. I've
+been wrestling, and I thought I was going to have a
+fall. But by the display of considerable agility I've
+managed to keep my legs.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>What <i>do</i> you mean?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nothing. It's merely the gaiety of forty-two.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Boulger</span> <i>comes into the room, followed immediately
+by</i> <span class="smcap">Mallins</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Carbery</span>. <i>He
+starts slightly when he sees</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span>, <i>but then
+goes over to the table on which is the
+whiskey</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mallins.</span></p>
+
+<p>May we smoke here, Bobby?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly. Dick insisted that this room should be
+particularly reserved for that purpose.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>comes in with a small silver salver,
+and takes up one or two dirty glasses</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lady Kelsey is the most admirable of all hostesses.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking a cigarette from his case.</i>] Give me a match,
+Bobby, there's a good boy. [<span class="smcap">Boulger</span>, <i>with his back
+turned to</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span>, <i>takes no notice. He pours himself
+out some whiskey.</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>smiles slightly.</i>] Bobby, throw
+me over the matches!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With his back still turned.</i>] Miller!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Butler.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, sir?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Mackenzie is asking for something.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Butler.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, sir!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You might give me a light, will you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Butler.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, sir!</p>
+
+<p>[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>takes the matches to</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span>, <i>who
+lights his cigarette.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thank you. [<i>Complete silence is preserved till the</i>
+<span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>leaves the room.</i>] I perceive, Bobbie, that
+during my absence you have not added good manners
+to your other accomplishments.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you want things, you can ask the servants for
+them.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Good-humouredly.</i>] Don't be foolish, Bobbie!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Would you be so kind as to remember that my
+name is Boulger?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Perhaps you would like me to call you
+Sir Robert?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I should prefer that you would call me nothing at
+all. I have absolutely no wish to know you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Which shows that your taste is as bad as your
+breeding.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Angrily, walking up to him.</i>] By God, I'll knock
+you down!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You could hardly do that when I'm already lying
+on my back.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Look here, Mackenzie, I'm not going to let you
+play the fool with me. I want to know what answer
+you have to make to all these charges that have been
+brought against you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Might I suggest that only Miss Allerton has the
+least right to receive answers to her questions? And
+she hasn't questioned me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've given up trying to understand her attitude.
+If I were she, it would make me sick with horror to
+look at you. Since this morning you've rested under
+a direct accusation of causing George's death, and
+you've said nothing in self-defence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nothing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've been given an opportunity to explain yourself,
+and you haven't taken it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Quite true.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you not going to deny the charge?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then I can only draw one conclusion. There
+appears to be no means of bringing you to justice,
+but at least I can refuse to know you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>All is over between us. And shall I return your
+letters and your photograph?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not joking.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's singular that though I'm Scotch and you are
+English I should be able to see how ridiculous you
+are, while you're quite blind to your own absurdity.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Come, Alec! Remember he's only a boy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Dick Lomas.</span>] I'm perfectly able to look after
+myself, and I'll thank you not to interfere. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Alec.</span>]
+If Lucy's so indifferent to her brother's death that
+she's willing to keep up with you, that's her own
+affair ...</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] Come, Bobbie, don't make a scene.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Furiously.</i>] Leave me alone, confound you!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do you think this is quite the place for an altercation?
+Wouldn't you gain more notoriety if you
+attacked me in my club or at Church parade on
+Sunday?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's mere shameless impudence that you should
+come here to-night. You're using these wretched
+women as a shield, because you know that as long as
+Lucy sticks to you there are people who won't believe
+the story.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I came for the same reason as yourself, dear boy.
+Because I was invited.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now then, Bobbie, shut up!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shan't shut up. The man's got no right to force
+himself here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Remember that you're Lady Kelsey's nephew.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I didn't ask him. D'you think I'd have come if I
+knew he was going to be here? He's acknowledged
+that he has no defence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Pardon me, I acknowledge nothing and deny
+nothing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>That won't do for me. I want the truth, and I'm
+going to get it. I've got a right to know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Beginning to lose his temper.</i>] Don't make an ass
+of yourself, Bobby.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>By God, I'll make you answer!</p>
+
+<p>[<i>As he says this he goes up to</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>furiously,
+but</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span>. <i>with a twist of his arm, hurls
+him back.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I could break your back, you silly boy.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a cry of anger</i> <span class="smcap">Boulger</span> <i>is about to spring
+at</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>when</i> <span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>gets in the way.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now then, no scenes. And you'll only get the
+worst of it, Bobby. Alec could just crumple you up.
+Take him away, Mallins. Don't stand there like a
+stuffed owl, Carbery.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Let me alone, you fool!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mallins.</span></p>
+
+<p>Come along, old chap.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Alec.</span>] You damned skunk!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now then, be off with you. Don't make a silly ass
+of yourself.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Boulger</span>, <span class="smcap">Mallins</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Carbery</span> <i>go out.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Poor Lady Kelsey! To-morrow half London will
+be saying that you and Bobby had a stand-up fight
+in her drawing-room.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Furiously.</i>] The damned cubs!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>The position is growing confoundedly awkward!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>They lick my boots till I loathe them, and then they
+turn against me like a pack of curs. Oh, I despise
+them&mdash;these silly boys who stay at home wallowing in
+their ease while men work. Thank God, I've done
+with them all now. They think one can fight one's
+way through Africa as easily as one walks down
+Piccadilly. They think one goes through hardships
+and dangers, illness and starvation, to be the lion of a
+dinner-party in Mayfair.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Alec, keep calm.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a visible effort containing himself completely,
+with studied nonchalance.</i>] D'you think that I look
+wildly excited?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] I don't think butter would melt in
+your mouth.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>go out into the garden. In a
+moment</i> <span class="smcap">Boulger</span> <i>comes in with</i> <span class="smcap">Lady
+Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thank heaven, there's nobody here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think you're dreadfully foolish, Bobby. You
+know how Lucy resents any interference with her
+actions.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Won't you sit down? You must be dreadfully
+tired.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why won't you wait till to-morrow?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I feel that it ought to be settled at once.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>appears</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did you send for me, my aunt? Mr. Carbery said
+you wanted to speak to me here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, I gave him that message.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I asked Aunt Alice to beg you to come here. I was
+afraid you wouldn't if I asked you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Lightly.</i>] What nonsense! I'm always delighted
+to see you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wanted to speak to you about something, and
+I thought Aunt Alice should be present.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is it so important that it can't wait till to-morrow?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I venture to think it's very important.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I'm all attention.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>He hesitates for a moment, then braces himself
+to the ordeal.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've told you often, Lucy, that I've been in love
+with you for as many years as I can remember.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Surely you've not snatched me from the unwilling
+arm of my partner in order to make me a proposal of
+marriage?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm perfectly serious, Lucy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I assure you it doesn't suit you at all.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>The other day I asked you again to marry me, just
+before Alec Mackenzie came back.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>It was very charming of you. You mustn't think
+that because I laugh at you a little I'm not grateful
+for your affection.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Except for that letter in this morning's <i>Times</i>, I
+should never have dared to say anything to you again.
+But that changes everything.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't understand what you mean.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>After a little pause.</i>] I ask you again if you'll
+be my wife? When Alec Mackenzie came back I
+understood why you were so indifferent to me, but
+you can't marry him now.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>You have no right to talk to me like this.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm the only man who's related to you at all, and I
+love you with my whole soul.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think you should listen to him, Lucy. I'm
+growing old, and soon you'll be quite alone in the
+world.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't ask you to care for me. I only want to
+serve you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can only repeat that I'm very grateful to you. I
+can never marry you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Beginning to lose his temper again.</i>] Are you going
+to continue to know Mackenzie? If you'll take the
+advice of any unprejudiced person about that letter,
+you'll find that he'll say the same as I. There can be
+no shadow of doubt that Mackenzie is guilty of a
+monstrous crime.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't care what the evidence is. I know he can't
+have done a shameful thing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>But have you forgotten that it's your own brother
+he killed? The whole country is up in arms against
+him, and you are quite indifferent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Much moved.</i>] Oh, Bobbie, how can you be so
+cruel?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you ever really cared for George at all, you must
+wish to punish the man who caused his death.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, why d'you torment me? I tell you that he
+isn't guilty. It's because I'm convinced of that ...</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] But have you asked him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>No.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>He might give you the truth.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I couldn't do that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why not?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's very strange that he should insist on this
+silence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do you believe that story too?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know what to believe. It's so extraordinary.
+If the man's innocent, why doesn't he
+speak?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>He knows I trust him. I couldn't cause him the
+great pain of asking him questions.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you afraid he couldn't answer them?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, no, no!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, just try. After all, you owe as much as that
+to the memory of George.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think it's very unreasonable, Lucy. He knows
+we're his friends. He can count on our discretion.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I believe in him implicitly. I believe in him with
+all the strength I've got.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then, surely it can make no difference if you ask
+him. There can be no reason for him not to trust
+you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, why don't you leave me alone?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Boulger.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ask him point blank. If he refuses to answer
+you ...</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Hastily.</i>] It would mean nothing. Why should
+he answer? I believe in him absolutely. I think
+he's the greatest and most honourable man I've ever
+known. I care more for his little finger than for the
+whole world. I love him with all my heart. And
+that's why he can't be guilty of this horrible crime.
+Because I've loved him for years, and he's known it.
+And he loves me. And he's loved me always.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>stroll in from the garden</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Alec, Alec, I want you! Thank God, you've come!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going to her quickly.</i>] What is it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Alec, you must tell them now about you and me.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>for a moment</i>, <i>and then
+turns to</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think perhaps we ought to have told you before,
+Lady Kelsey. But we wanted to enjoy our little
+secret by ourselves.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid to understand.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have asked Lucy to be my wife, and she....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting him.</i>] She said she would be honoured
+and deeply grateful.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Greatly embarrassed.</i>] I hardly know what to
+say.... How long have you been engaged?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Won't you tell me you're pleased, my aunt? I
+know you want me to be happy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course, I want you to be happy. But I&mdash;I....</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Boulger</span> <i>turns on his heel and walks out</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Offering his arm to</i> <span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey</span>.] Wouldn't you
+like to go back to the drawing-room?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She allows herself to be led away, helplessly.</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>are left alone</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] I don't think our announcement
+has been received with enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're not angry with me, <span class="smcap">Alec</span>?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course not. Everything you do is right and
+charming.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shall really think I'm a wonderful person if I've
+taught you to pay compliments.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm so glad to be alone with you. Now, at all
+events, people will have the sense to leave us by
+ourselves.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Passionately.</i>] I want your love. I want your
+love so badly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking her in his arms.</i>] My darling!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Clinging to him.</i>] The moment I'm with you
+I feel so confident and happy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Only when you're with me? [<span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>looks at him
+for an instant. He repeats the question in a caressing
+voice.</i>] Only when you're with me, darling?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why d'you think I made you tell them we were
+engaged?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You took me by surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I had to tell them. I couldn't keep it back. They
+made me suffer so dreadfully.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>The brutes! Tell me what they did.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, they said horrible things about you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>No more than that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's nothing to you. But to me.... Oh, you
+don't know what agony I endure. I'm such a
+coward! I thought I was so much braver.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't understand you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wanted to burn my ships behind me. I wanted
+to reassure myself. [<span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>makes a slight movement
+away from her, but she holds him back anxiously</i>.]
+Forgive me, dear. You don't know how terrible it is.
+I stand so dreadfully alone. Every one is convinced
+that you caused poor George's death&mdash;every one
+but me. [<span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>looks at her gravely, without speaking</i>.]
+I try to put the thoughts out of my head, but I can't&mdash;I
+can't. That letter in the <i>Times</i> looks so dreadfully
+true. Don't you see what I mean? The uncertainty
+is more than I can bear. At the first
+moment I felt so absolutely sure of you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>And now you don't?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I trust you just as much as ever. I know it's
+impossible that you should have done a shameful
+thing. But there it stands in black and white, and
+you have nothing to say in answer.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I know it's very difficult. That is why I asked you
+to believe in me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I do, Alec&mdash;with all my soul. But have mercy on
+me. I'm not so strong as I thought. It's easy for
+you to stand alone. You're iron, but I'm a weak
+woman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, no, you're not like other women. I was proud
+of your unconquerable spirit.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>It was easy to be brave where my father was concerned,
+and George, but you're the man I love, and
+it's so different. I don't know any more how to
+stand alone.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>looks at her, thinking, but does not reply<br />
+for a moment</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do you remember that only an hour ago I told you
+that I'd done nothing which I wouldn't do again? I
+gave you my word of honour that I could reproach
+myself for nothing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I know. I'm so utterly ashamed of myself.
+But I can't bear the doubt.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Doubt! You've said the word at last.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I tell every one that I don't believe a word of these
+horrible charges, and I repeat to myself: I'm certain,
+I'm certain that he's innocent. And yet at the
+bottom of my heart there's a doubt, and I can't
+crush it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is that why you told them we were engaged to be
+married?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wanted to kill that gnawing pain of suspicion. I
+thought if I stood up before them and cried out that
+my trust in you was so great, I was willing to marry
+you notwithstanding everything, I should at least
+have peace in my own heart.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>walks up and down. Then he stops in<br />
+front of</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>What is it precisely you want me to do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I want you to have mercy on me because I love you.
+Don't tell the world if you choose not to, but tell me
+the truth. I know you're incapable of lying. If I
+only have it from your own lips I shall believe, I
+want to be certain, certain!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you realise that I would never have asked
+you to marry me if my conscience hadn't been quite
+clear? Don't you realise that the reasons I have for
+holding my tongue must be of overwhelming strength?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I am going to be your wife, and I love you, and
+you love me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I implore you not to insist, Lucy. Let us remember
+only that the past is gone and we love one
+another. It's impossible for me to tell you anything.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, but you must now. If any part of the story is
+true, you must give me a chance of judging for myself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm very sorry, I can't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>But you'll kill my love for you. The doubt which
+lurked at the bottom of my soul now fills me. How
+can you let me suffer such maddening torture?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thought you trusted me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'll be satisfied if you'll only tell me one thing:
+only tell me that when you sent George on that
+expedition you didn't know that he'd be killed. [<span class="smcap">Alec</span>
+<i>looks at her steadily</i>.] Only say that, Alec. Say that's
+not true, and I'll believe you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Very quietly.</i>] But it is true.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>does not answer, but stares at him with<br />
+terrified eyes</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I don't understand. Oh, my dearest, don't
+treat me as a child. Have mercy on me! You must
+be serious now. It's a matter of life and death to
+both of us.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm perfectly serious.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>You knew that you were sending George into a
+death-trap? You knew he couldn't escape alive?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Except by a miracle.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>And you don't believe in miracles?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>No.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, it can't be true. Oh, Alec, Alec, Alec! Oh,
+what shall I do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I tell you that whatever I did was inevitable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then if that's true, the rest must be true also. Oh,
+it's awful. I can't realise it. Haven't you anything
+to say at all?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In a low voice.</i>] Only that I've loved you always
+with all my soul.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>You knew how much I loved my brother. You
+knew how much it meant to me that he should live
+to wipe out my father's dishonour. All the future
+was centred on him, and you sacrificed him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Hesitatingly.</i>] I think I might tell you this. He
+had committed a grave error of judgment. We were
+entrapped by the Arabs, and our only chance of escape
+entailed the almost certain death of one of us.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>An inkling of the truth seizes</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>, <i>and her<br />
+face is suddenly distorted with horror. She<br />
+goes up to him impulsively. Her voice<br />
+trembles with emotion.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Alec, Alec, he didn't do something&mdash;unworthy?
+You're not trying to shield him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Hoarsely.</i>] No, no, no!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a gasp of relief, almost to herself.</i>] Thank
+God! I couldn't have borne that. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span>, <i>hopelessly</i>.]
+Then I don't understand.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>It was not unjust that he should suffer for the
+catastrophe which he had brought about.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>At those times one doesn't think of justice. He
+was so young, so frank. Wouldn't it have been
+nobler to give your life for his?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, my dear, you don't know how easy it is to give
+one's life. How little you know me! Do you think
+I should have hesitated if my death had been sufficient
+to solve the difficulty? I had my work to do. I was
+bound by solemn treaties to the surrounding tribes.
+It would have been cowardly for me to die. I tell
+you, my death would have meant the awful death of
+every man in my party.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can only see one thing, that you took George,
+George of all others.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I knew at the time that what I did might cost me
+your love, and though you won't believe this, I did it
+for your sake.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>At this moment</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span> <i>enters with</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Sir Robert Boulger</span>. <i>She has a cloak on.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was just coming to say good-night. Bobby is
+going to drive me home. [<i>She suddenly notices</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy's</span>
+<i>agitation</i>.] What on earth's the matter?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Dick Lomas</span> <i>come in</i>. <span class="smcap">Lady<br />
+Kelsey</span> <i>looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>and then goes up to<br />
+her impulsively</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lady Kelsey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lucy, Lucy!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Brokenly.</i>] I'm no longer engaged to Mr.
+Mackenzie. He can't deny that what is said about
+him is true.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>They look at him in astonishment, but he makes<br />
+no movement.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span>.] Haven't you anything to say at all?
+You must have some explanation to offer?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, I have none whatever.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Alec, old man, have you realised all that this
+means?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Quite. I see now that it was inevitable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a sudden burst of furious anger.</i>] You killed
+him! You killed him as surely as if you'd strangled
+him with your own hands.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Robert Boulger</span> <i>goes to the door and flings<br />
+it open</i>. <span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>gives</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>a look, then<br />
+slightly shrugs his shoulders. He walks<br />
+out without a word. The moment he has<br />
+gone</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>sinks down and bursts into<br />
+passionate tears</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c">END OF THE THIRD ACT.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<h2><a name="THE_FOURTH_ACT_E" id="THE_FOURTH_ACT_E"></a>THE FOURTH ACT</h2>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Scene.</span>&mdash;<i>A library in the house of</i> <span class="smcap">Dick Lomas</span> <i>in
+Portman Square</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>and his</i> <span class="smcap">Valet</span>. <span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>is putting flowers into
+a vase</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Has Mr. Mackenzie come in?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Charles.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, sir. He's gone to his room.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I expect Mrs. Crowley and Miss Allerton to tea.
+If any one else comes I'm not at home.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Charles.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And if a caller should ask at what time I'm expected
+back, you haven't the least idea.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Charles.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>We shall want breakfast at eight to-morrow. I'm
+going down to Southampton to see Mr. Mackenzie
+off. But I shall be home to dinner. How about those
+cases in the hall?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Charles.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Mackenzie said they were to be sent for this
+afternoon. They're only labelled Zanzibar. Is that
+sufficient, sir?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I suppose so. Mr. Mackenzie will have given
+the shippers all directions. You'd better bring the
+tea at once. Mrs. Crowley is coming at four.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Charles.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He goes out.</i> <span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>continues to arrange the<br />
+flowers, than goes to the window and looks<br />
+out. He comes back. The door is opened by</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Charles</span>, <i>who announces</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Charles.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Crowley.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going towards her eagerly and taking both her
+hands.</i>] Best of women!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>You seem quite glad to see me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I am. But where is Lucy?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>She's coming later.... I don't know why you
+should squeeze my hands in this pointed manner.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>What an age it is since I saw you!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you bury yourself in Scotland all the summer,
+you can't expect to see people who go to Homburg
+and the Italian lakes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Heavens, how you cultivate respectability!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's a sensitive plant whose vagaries one has to
+humour.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Aren't you delighted to be back in town?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>London's the most charming place in the world to
+get away from and to come back to. Now tell me all
+you've been doing, if I can hear it without blushing
+too furiously.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>My behaviour would have done credit to a clergyman's
+only daughter. I dragged Alec off to Scotland
+after that horrible scene at Lady Kelsey's, and we
+played golf.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Was he very wretched, poor thing?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>He didn't say a word. I wanted to comfort him,
+but he never gave me a chance. He never mentioned
+Lucy's name.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did he seem unhappy?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>No. He was just the same as ever, impassive and
+collected.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Really he's inhuman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's an anomaly in this juvenile century. He's
+an ancient Roman who buys his clothes in Savile
+Row. An eagle caged with a colony of canaries.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then he's very much in the way in England, and
+it's much better for him that he should go back to
+Africa.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>This time to-morrow he'll be half-way down the
+channel.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm really beginning to think you're a perfect
+angel, Mr. Lomas.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't say that, it makes me feel so middle-aged.
+I'd much sooner be a young sinner than an elderly
+cherub.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>It was sweet of you to look after him through the
+summer and then insist on his staying here till he
+went away. How long is he going for this time?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Heaven knows! Perhaps for ever.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Have you told him that Lucy is coming?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>No. I thought that was a pleasing piece of information
+which I'd leave you to impart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thanks!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>She's only coming to indulge a truly feminine
+passion for making scenes, and she's made Alec quite
+wretched enough already. Why doesn't she marry
+Robert Boulger?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why should she?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Half the women I know merely married their
+husbands to spite somebody else. It appears to be
+one of the commonest causes of matrimony.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a quizzical look at him.</i>] Talking of which,
+what are you going to do when Mr. Mackenzie is
+gone?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Talking of the weather and the crops, I propose to
+go to Spain.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Opening her eyes wide.</i>] How very extraordinary!
+I thought of going there, too.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then, without a moment's hesitation, I shall go to
+Norway.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>It'll be dreadfully cold.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Dreadfully. But I shall be supported by the
+consciousness of having done my duty.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>You don't think there would be room for both of
+us in Spain?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm convinced there wouldn't. We should always
+be running against one another, and you'd insist on
+my looking out all your trains in Bradshaw.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I hope you remember that you asked me to tea
+to-day?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Pardon me, you asked yourself. I keep the letter
+next to my heart and put it under my pillow every
+night.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>You fibber! Besides, if I did, it was only on
+Lucy's account.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>That, I venture to think, is neither polite nor
+accurate.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't think I should so utterly detest you, if you
+hadn't such a good opinion of yourself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You forget that I vowed on the head of my
+maternal grandmother never to speak to you again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I'm always doing that. I tell my maid that
+time she does my hair badly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You trifled with the tenderest affection of an
+innocent and unsophisticated old bachelor.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is that you by any chance?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course, it's me. D'you think I was talking of
+the man in the moon?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at him critically.</i>] With the light behind,
+you might still pass for thirty-five.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've given up youth and its vanities. I no longer
+pluck out my white hairs.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then how on earth do you occupy your leisure?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>For the last three months I've been laboriously
+piecing together the fragments of a broken heart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you hadn't been so certain that I was going to
+accept you, I should never have refused. I couldn't
+resist the temptation of saying "No" just to see how
+you took it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I flatter myself that I took it very well.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>You didn't. You showed an entire lack of humour.
+You might have known that a nice woman doesn't
+marry a man the first time he asks her. It's making
+oneself too cheap. It was very silly of you to go off
+to Scotland as if you didn't care.... How was I to
+know that you meant to wait three months before
+asking me again?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I haven't the least intention of asking you again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then why in heaven's name did you invite me
+to tea?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>May I respectfully remind you, first, that you
+invited yourself ...</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] You're so irrelevant.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And, secondly, that an invitation to tea is not
+necessarily accompanied by a proposal of marriage.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid you're lamentably ignorant of the usages
+of good society.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I assure you it's not done in the best circles.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a little pout.</i>] I shall be very cross with you
+in a minute.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Because you're not behaving at all prettily.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you know what I'd do if I were you? Propose
+to me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I couldn't do anything so immodest.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have registered a vow that I will never offer my
+hand and heart to any woman again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>On the head of your maternal grandmother?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh no, far more serious than that. On the grave
+of my maiden aunt, who left me all my money.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>What will you say if I do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>That depends entirely on how you do it. I may
+remind you, however, that first you go down on your
+bended knees.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I waived that with you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>And then you confess you're unworthy of me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Lomas, I am a widow. I am twenty-nine and
+extremely eligible. My maid is a treasure. My
+dressmaker is charming. I am clever enough to laugh
+at your jokes, and not so learned as to know where
+they come from.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Really you're very long-winded. I said it all in four
+words.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>So could I if I might write it down.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You must say it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>But what I'm trying to make you understand is
+that I don't want to marry you a bit. You're just
+the sort of man who'll beat his wife regularly every
+Saturday night.... You will say yes if I ask you,
+won't you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've never been able to refuse a woman anything.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have no doubt you will after six months of holy
+matrimony.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I never saw any one make such a fuss about so
+insignificant a detail as a proposal of marriage.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Dick. [<i>She stretches out her hands, smiling, and he
+takes her in his arms.</i>] You really are a detestable
+person.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile, taking a ring from his pocket.</i>] I
+bought an engagement ring yesterday on the off
+chance of its being useful.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then you meant to ask me all the time?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course I did, you silly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I wish I had known that before. I'd have
+refused you again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You absurd creature.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He kisses her.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Trying to release herself.</i>] There's somebody coming.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's only Alec.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>comes in</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hulloa!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Alec, we've made friends, Mrs. Crowley and I.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>It certainly looks very much like it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>The fact is, I've asked her to marry me, and
+she....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting, with a smile.</i>] After much pressure&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Has consented.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm so glad. I heartily congratulate you both. I
+was rather unhappy at leaving Dick, Mrs. Crowley.
+But now I leave him in your hands, I'm perfectly
+content. He's the dearest, kindest old chap I've
+ever known.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Shut up, Alec! Don't play the heavy father, or we
+shall burst into tears.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>He'll be an admirable husband because he's an
+admirable friend.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I know he will. And I'm only prevented from
+saying all I think of him and how much I love him,
+by the fear that he'll become perfectly unmanageable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Spare me these chaste blushes which mantle my
+youthful brow. Will you pour out the tea ...
+Nellie?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes ... Dick.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She sits down at the tea-table and</i> <span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>makes<br />
+himself comfortable in an arm-chair by<br />
+her side</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I'm thankful to say that everything's packed
+and ready.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish you'd stay for our wedding.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do. You can go just as well by the next boat.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid that everything is settled now. I've
+given instructions at Zanzibar to collect bearers, and
+I must arrive as quickly as I can.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish to goodness you'd give up these horrible
+explorations.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>But they're the very breath of my life. You don't
+know the exhilaration of the daily dangers&mdash;the joy
+of treading where only the wild beasts have trodden
+before. Oh, already I can hardly bear my impatience
+when I think of the boundless country and the
+enchanting freedom. Here one grows so small, so
+despicable, but in Africa everything is built to a
+nobler standard. There a man is really a man; there
+one knows what are will and strength and courage.
+Oh, you don't know what it is to stand on the edge
+of some great plain and breathe the pure keen air
+after the terrors of the forest. Then at last you
+know what freedom is.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>The boundless plain of Hyde Park is enough for
+me, and the aspect of Piccadilly on a fine day in June
+gives me quite as many emotions as I want.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>But what will you gain by it all, now that your
+work in East Africa is over, by all the dangers and
+the hardships?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nothing. I want to gain nothing. Perhaps I
+shall discover some new species of antelope or some
+unknown plant. Perhaps I shall find some new
+waterway. That is all the reward I want. I love
+the sense of power and mastery. What do you think
+I care for the tinsel rewards of kings and peoples?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I always said you were melodramatic. I never
+heard anything so transpontine.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>And the end of it, what will be the end?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>The end is death in some fever-stricken swamp,
+obscurely, worn out by exposure and ague and starvation.
+And the bearers will seize my gun and my
+clothes and leave me to the jackals.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't. It's too horrible.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why, what does it matter? I shall die standing
+up. I shall go the last journey as I have gone every
+other.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Without fear?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>For all the world like the wicked baronet: Once
+aboard the lugger and the girl is mine!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you want men to remember you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Perhaps they will. Perhaps in a hundred years
+or so, in some flourishing town where I discovered
+nothing but wilderness, they will commission a
+second-rate sculptor to make a fancy statue of me.
+And I shall stand in front of the Stock Exchange, a
+convenient perch for birds, to look eternally upon
+the various shabby deeds of human kind.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>During this speech</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span> <i>makes a sign<br />
+to</i> <span class="smcap">Dick</span>, <i>who walks slowly away and goes<br />
+out</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>And is that really everything? I can't help
+thinking that at the bottom of your heart is something
+that you've never told to a living soul.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He gives her a long look, and then after a<br />
+moment's thought breaks into a little smile.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why do you want to know so much?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Tell me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I daresay I shall never see you again. Perhaps it
+doesn't much matter what I say to you. You'll think
+me very silly, but I'm afraid I'm rather&mdash;patriotic.
+It's only we who live away from England who really
+love it. I'm so proud of my country, and I wanted
+so much to do something for it. Often in Africa I've
+thought of this dear England, and longed not to die till
+I had done my work. Behind all the soldiers and the
+statesmen whose fame is imperishable, there is a long
+line of men who've built up the Empire piece by piece.
+Their names are forgotten, and only students know
+their history, but each one of them gave a province to
+his country. And I, too, have my place among them.
+For five years I toiled night and day, and at the end
+of it was able to hand over to the Commissioners a
+broad tract of land, rich and fertile. After my death
+England will forget my faults and my mistakes. I
+care nothing for the flouts and gibes with which she
+has repaid all my pain, for I have added another fair
+jewel to her crown. I don't want rewards. I only
+want the honour of serving this dear land of ours.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why is it, when you're so nice really, that you do
+all you can to make people think you utterly horrid?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't laugh at me because you've found out that
+at heart I'm nothing more than a sentimental old
+woman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Putting her hand on his arm.</i>] What would you
+do if Lucy came here to-day?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>starts, looks at her sharply, then answers<br />
+with deliberation</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have always lived in polite society. I should
+never dream of outraging its conventions. If Miss
+Allerton happened to come, you may be sure I should
+be scrupulously polite.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is that all? Lucy has suffered very much.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>And do you suppose I've not suffered? Because I
+don't whine my misery to all and sundry, d'you think
+I don't care? I'm not the man to fall in and out of
+love with every pretty face I meet. All my life I've
+kept an ideal before my eyes. Oh, you don't know
+what it meant to me to fall in love. I felt that I had
+lived all my life in a prison, and at last Lucy came
+and took me by the hand and led me out. And for
+the first time I breathed the free air of heaven. Oh
+God! how I've suffered for it! Why should it have
+come to me? Oh, if you knew my agony and the
+torture!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He hides his face, trying to master his emotion.</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span> <i>goes to him and puts her<br />
+hand on his shoulder</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Mackenzie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Springing up.</i>] Go away. Don't look at me.
+How can you stand there and watch my weakness?
+Oh God, give me strength.... My love was the last
+human weakness I had. It was right that I should
+drink that bitter cup. And I've drunk its very dregs.
+I should have known that I wasn't meant for happiness
+and a life of ease. I have other work to do in
+the world. And now that I have overcome this last
+temptation, I am ready to do it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>But haven't you any pity for yourself, haven't you
+any thought for Lucy?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Must I tell you, too, that everything I did was for
+Lucy's sake? And still I love her with all my heart
+and soul....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>comes in</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Here is Lucy!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Charles</span> <i>comes in and announces</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Charles.</span></p>
+
+<p>Miss Allerton!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She enters, and</i> <span class="smcap">Dick</span>, <i>anxious that the meeting<br />
+shall not be more awkward than need be,<br />
+goes up to her very cordially</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, my dear Lucy. So glad you were able to come.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Giving her hand to</i> <span class="smcap">Dick</span>, <i>but looking at</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span>.]
+How d'you do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>How d'you do? [<i>He forces himself to talk.</i>] How
+is Lady Kelsey?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>She's much better, thanks. We've been to Spa,
+you know, for her health.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Somebody told me you'd gone abroad. Was it
+you, Dick? Dick is an admirable person, a sort of
+gazetteer for polite society.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>Won't you have some tea, Lucy?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, thanks!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Trying on her side also to make conversation.</i>]
+We shall miss you dreadfully when you're gone,
+Mr. Mackenzie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Cheerfully.</i>] Not a bit of it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] London is an excellent place for showing
+one of how little importance one is in the world.
+One makes a certain figure, and perhaps is tempted
+to think oneself of some consequence. Then one goes
+away, and on returning is surprised to discover that
+nobody has even noticed one's absence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're over-modest, Alec. If you weren't, you
+might be a great man. Now, I make a point of
+telling my friends that I'm indispensable, and they
+take me at my word.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You are a leaven of flippancy in the heavy dough
+of British righteousness.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>The wise man only takes the unimportant quite
+seriously.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] For it is obvious that it needs more
+brains to do nothing than to be a cabinet minister.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>You pay me a great compliment, Alec. You repeat
+to my very face one of my favourite observations.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Almost in a whisper.</i>] Haven't I heard you say
+that only the impossible is worth doing?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good heavens, I must have been reading the
+headings of a copy-book.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Dick</span>.] Are you going to Southampton to see
+Mr. Mackenzie off?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shall hide my face on his shoulder and weep salt
+tears. It'll be most affecting, because in moments of
+emotion I always burst into epigram.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I loathe all solemn leave-takings. I prefer to part
+from people with a nod and a smile, whether I'm
+going for ever or for a day to Brighton.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're very hard.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Dick has been teaching me to take life flippantly.
+And I have learnt that things are only serious if you
+take them seriously, and that is desperately stupid.
+[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>.] Don't you agree with me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>No.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>Her tone, almost tragic, makes him pause<br />
+for an instant; but he is determined<br />
+that the conversation shall be purely conventional.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's so difficult to be serious without being absurd.
+That is the chief power of women, that life and death
+are merely occasions for a change of costume:
+marriage a creation in white, and the worship of God
+an opportunity for a Paris bonnet.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span> <i>makes up her mind to force a<br />
+crisis, and she gets up</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's growing late, Dick. Won't you take me round
+the house?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid my luggage has made everything very
+disorderly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley.</span></p>
+
+<p>It doesn't matter. Come, Dick!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Dick.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Lucy</span>.] You don't mind if we leave you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, no.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Mrs. Crowley</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Dick</span> <i>go out. There is a<br />
+moment's silence.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do you know that our friend Dick has offered his
+hand and heart to Mrs. Crowley this afternoon?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I hope they'll be very happy. They're very much
+in love with one another.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Bitterly.</i>] And is that a reason for marrying?
+Surely love is the worst possible foundation for
+marriage. Love creates illusions, and marriages
+destroy them. True lovers should never marry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Will you open the window? It seems stifling here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly. [<i>From the window.</i>] You can't think
+what a joy it is to look upon London for the last
+time. I'm so thankful to get away.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>gives a little sob and</i> <span class="smcap">Alec</span> <i>turns to the<br />
+window. He wants to wound her and yet<br />
+cannot bear to see her suffer.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>To-morrow at this time I shall be well started.
+Oh, I long for that infinite surface of the clean and
+comfortable sea.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you very glad to go?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Turning to her.</i>] I feel quite boyish at the very
+thought.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>And is there no one you regret to leave?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You see, Dick is going to marry. When a man
+does that, his bachelor friends are wise to depart
+gracefully before he shows them that he needs their
+company no longer. I have no relations and few
+friends. I can't flatter myself that any one will be
+much distressed at my departure.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In a low voice.</i>] You must have no heart at all.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Icily.</i>] If I had, I certainly should not bring it to
+Portman Square. That sentimental organ would be
+surely out of place in such a neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gets up and goes to him.</i>] Oh, why do you treat me
+as if we were strangers? How can you be so cruel?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gravely.</i>] Don't you think that flippancy is the best
+refuge from an uncomfortable position. We should
+really be much wiser merely to discuss the weather.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Insisting.</i>] Are you angry because I came?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>That would be ungracious on my part. Perhaps it
+wasn't quite necessary that we should meet again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've been acting all the time I've been here.
+D'you think I didn't see it was unreal when you
+talked with such cynical indifference. I know you
+well enough to tell when you're hiding your real self
+behind a mask.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>If I'm doing that, the inference is obvious that I
+wish my real self to be hidden.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I would rather you cursed me than treat me with
+such cold politeness.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid you're rather difficult to please.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Lucy</span> <i>goes up to him passionately, but he draws<br />
+back so that she may not touch him</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, you're of iron. Alec, Alec, I couldn't let you
+go without seeing you once more. Even you would
+be satisfied if you knew what bitter anguish I've
+suffered. Even you would pity me. I don't want
+you to think too badly of me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Does it much matter what I think? We shall be
+so many thousand miles apart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I suppose that you utterly despise me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>No. I loved you far too much ever to do that.
+Believe me, I only wish you well. Now that the
+bitterness is past, I see that you did the only possible
+thing. I hope that you'll be very happy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Alec, don't be utterly pitiless. Don't leave me
+without a single word of kindness.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nothing is changed, Lucy. You sent me away on
+account of your brother's death.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>There is a long silence, and when she speaks<br />
+it is hesitatingly, as if the words were<br />
+painful to utter.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I hated you then, and yet I couldn't crush the love
+that was in my heart. I used to try and drive you
+away from my thoughts, but every word you had ever
+said came back to me. Don't you remember? You
+told me that everything you did was for my sake.
+Those words hammered at my heart as though it
+were an anvil. I struggled not to believe them.
+I said to myself that you had sacrificed George coldly,
+callously, prudently, but in my heart I knew it wasn't
+true. [<i>He looks at her, hardly able to believe what she
+is going to say, but does not speak.</i>] Your whole life
+stood on one side and only this hateful story on the
+other. You couldn't have grown into a different man
+in one single instant. I came here to-day to tell you
+that I don't understand the reason of what you did. I
+don't want to understand. I believe in you now with
+all my strength. I know that whatever you did was
+right and just&mdash;because you did it.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He gives a long, deep sigh.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thank God! Oh, I'm so grateful to you for that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Haven't you anything more to say to me than that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You see, it comes too late. Nothing much matters
+now, for to-morrow I go away.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>But you'll come back.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm going to a part of Africa from which Europeans
+seldom return.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a sudden outburst of passion.</i>] Oh, that's too
+horrible. Don't go, dearest! I can't bear it!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>I must now. Everything is settled, and there can
+be no drawing back.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you care for me any more?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Care for you? I love you with all my heart and
+soul.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Eagerly.</i>] Then take me with you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>You!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>You don't know what I can do. With you to help
+me I can be brave. Let me come, Alec?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, it's impossible. You don't know what you ask.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then let me wait for you? Let me wait till you
+come back?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>And if I never come back?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>I will wait for you still.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Alec.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then have no fear. I will come back. My journey
+was only dangerous because I wanted to die. I want
+to live now, and I shall live.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Lucy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Alec, Alec, I'm so glad you love me.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c">THE END</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""
+style="border:2px black solid;">
+<tr><td align="center"><i>THE NOVELS OF W. S. MAUGHAM</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"
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+
+<tr><td align="left"><i>THE EXPLORER</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>THE MAGICIAN</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>THE MERRY-GO-ROUND</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td
+style="border-bottom:2px black solid;" align="left"><i>MRS. CRADDOCK</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><i>LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN</i></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="title"><a name="A_MAN_OF_HONOUR" id="A_MAN_OF_HONOUR"></a><i>A MAN OF HONOUR</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c"><span class="un"><i><big>HEINEMANN'S MODERN PLAYS</big></i></span><br />
+16mo. Each price is 6d paper, or 2s 6d cloth<br /><br />
+By the same Author<br /><br />
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+</p>
+
+<p class="c">&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="c"><i>LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN</i><br />
+<i>21 Bedford St., W.C.</i></p>
+
+<h1><i><span class="smcap">A Man of Honour</span></i></h1>
+
+<p class="r"><i>A TRAGEDY</i><br />
+<i>In Four Acts</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="r"><i>By W. S. MAUGHAM</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p><i>LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN</i><br />
+<i>MCMXII</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c"><i>Copyright: London William Heinemann 1912</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c">
+<i>TO<br />
+GERALD KELLY</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""
+style="margin-left:60%;">
+<tr><td align="left">"Ich übersah meine Sache und wusste<br />
+wohin ich wollte."</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><span class="smcap">Eckermann</span>, <i>Gespräche mit Goethe</i>.</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<h2><a name="GENERAL_PREFACE" id="GENERAL_PREFACE"></a>GENERAL PREFACE</h2>
+
+<p>...For Clisthenes, son of Aristonymus, son of
+Myron, son of Andreas, had a daughter whose name
+was Agarista: her he resolved to give in marriage to
+the man whom he should find the most accomplished
+of all the Greeks. When therefore the Olympian
+games were being celebrated, Clisthenes, being
+victorious in them in the chariot race, made a proclamation;
+"that whoever of the Greeks deemed
+himself worthy to become the son-in-law of Clisthenes,
+should come to Sicyon on the sixtieth day, or even
+before; since Clisthenes had determined on the
+marriage in a year, reckoning from the sixtieth day."
+Thereupon such of the Greeks as were puffed up with
+themselves and their country, came as suitors; and
+Clisthenes, having made a race-course and palæstra
+for them, kept it for this very purpose. From Italy,
+accordingly, came Smindyrides, son of Hippocrates,
+a Sybarite, who more than any other man reached the
+highest pitch of luxury, (and Sybaris was at that
+time in a most flourishing condition;) and Damasus
+of Siris, son of Amyris called the Wise: these came
+from Italy. From the Ionian gulf, Amphimnestus,
+son of Epistrophus, an Epidamnian; he came from
+the Ionian gulf. An Ætolian came, Males, brother
+of that Titormus who surpassed the Greeks in
+strength, and fled from the society of men to the
+extremity of the Ætolian territory. And from
+Peloponnesus, Leocedes, son of Pheidon, tyrant of the
+Argives, a decendant of that Pheidon, who introduced
+measures among the Peloponnesians, and was the
+most insolent of all the Greeks, who having removed
+the Elean umpires, himself regulated the games at
+Olympia; his son accordingly came. And Amiantus,
+son of Lycurgus, an Arcadian from Trapezus; and an
+Azenian from the city of Pæos, Laphanes, son of
+Euphorion, who, as the story is told in Arcadia,
+received the Dioscuri in his house, and after that
+entertained all men; and an Elean, Onomastus, son
+of Agæus: these accordingly came from the
+Peloponnesus itself. From Athens there came
+Megacles, son of Alcmæon, the same who had visited
+Cr&oelig;sus, and another, Hippoclides, son of Tisander,
+who surpassed the Athenians in wealth and beauty.
+From Eretria, which was flourishing at that time,
+came Lysanias; he was the only one from Eub&oelig;a.
+And from Thessaly there came, of the Scopades,
+Diactorides a Cranonian; and from the Molossi, Alcon.
+So many were the suitors. When they had arrived
+on the appointed day, Clisthenes made inquiries of
+their country, and the family of each; then detaining
+them for a year, he made trial of their manly
+qualities, their dispositions, learning, and morals;
+holding familiar intercourse with each separately, and
+with all together, and leading out to the gymnasia
+such of them as were younger; but most of all he
+made trial of them at the banquet; for as long as he
+detained them, he did this throughout, and at the
+same time entertained them magnificently. And
+somehow of all the suitors those that had come from
+Athens pleased him most, and of these Hippoclides,
+son of Tisander, was preferred both on account of
+his manly qualities, and because he was distantly
+related to the Cypselidæ in Corinth. When the day
+appointed for the consummation of the marriage
+arrived, and for the declaration of Clisthenes himself,
+whom he would choose of them all, Clisthenes, having
+sacrificed a hundred oxen, entertained both the suitors
+themselves and all the Sicyonians; and when they
+had concluded the feast, the suitors had a contest
+about music, and any subject proposed for conversation.
+As the drinking went on, Hippoclides, who much
+attracted the attention of the rest, ordered the flute-player
+to play a dance; and when the flute-player
+obeyed, he began to dance: and he danced, probably
+so as to please himself; but Clisthenes, seeing it,
+beheld the whole matter with suspicion. Afterwards,
+Hippoclides, having rested awhile, ordered some one
+to bring in a table; and when the table came in, he
+first danced Laconian figures on it, and then Attic
+ones; and in the third place, having leant his head
+on the table he gesticulated with his legs. But
+Clisthenes, when he danced the first and second time,
+revolted from the thought of having Hippoclides for
+his son-in-law, on account of his dancing and want
+of decorum, yet restrained himself, not wishing to
+burst out against him; but when he saw him
+gesticulating with his legs, he was no longer able to
+restrain himself, and said: "Son of Tisander, you
+have danced away your marriage." But Hippoclides
+answered: "Hippoclides cares not." Hence this
+answer became a proverb. (<span class="smcap">Herodotus</span> VI. 126,
+<i>Cary's Translation</i>.)</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left" colspan="2">This play was first performed by the Stage Society<br />
+at the Imperial Theatre on February 22, 1903, with<br />
+the following cast:</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Basil Kent</td><td align="right">H. Granville Barker</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Jenny Bush</td><td align="right">Winifred Fraser</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">James Bush</td><td align="right">O. B. Clarence</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">John Halliwell</td><td align="right">Dennis Eadie</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Mabel</td><td align="right">Gertrude Burnett</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Hilda Murray</td><td align="right">Mabel Terry-Lewis</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Robert Brackley</td><td align="right">Nigel Playfair</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Mrs. Griggs</td><td align="right">Henrietta Cowen</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Fanny</td><td align="right">Gertrude de Burgh</td></tr>
+<tr class="smcap"><td align="left">Butler</td><td align="right">A. Bowyer</td></tr>
+</table>
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<h2><i>A MAN OF HONOUR</i></h2>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="center"><i><big>CHARACTERS</big></i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Basil Kent</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Jenny Bush</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">James Bush</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">John Halliwell</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Mabel</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Hilda Murray</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Robert Brackley</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Griggs</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Fanny</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Butler</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><span class="smcap">Time</span>: <i>The Present Day</i>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><span class="smcap">Act I</span>&mdash;<i>Basil's lodgings in Bloomsbury</i>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><span class="smcap">Acts II and IV</span>&mdash;<i>The drawing-room of Basil's house at Putney</i>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><span class="smcap">Act III</span>&mdash;<i>Mrs. Murray's house in Charles Street</i>.</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p><i>The Performing Rights of this Play are
+fully protected, and permission to perform
+it, whether by Amateurs or Professionals,
+must be obtained in advance from the
+author's Sole Agent, R. Golding Bright,
+20 Green Street, Leicester Square, London,
+W.C., from whom all particulars can
+be obtained.</i></p></div>
+
+<p class="title">A MAN OF HONOUR</p>
+
+<h2><a name="THE_FIRST_ACT_H" id="THE_FIRST_ACT_H"></a>THE FIRST ACT</h2>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Sitting-room of Basil's Lodgings in Bloomsbury.</span></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><i>In the wall facing the auditorium, two windows with
+little iron balconies, giving a view of London
+roofs. Between the windows, against the wall, is
+a writing-desk littered with papers and books. On
+the right is a door, leading into the passage; on
+the left a fire-place with arm-chairs on either side;
+on the chimney-piece various smoking utensils.
+There are numerous bookshelves filled with books;
+while on the walls are one or two Delft plates,
+etchings after Rossetti, autotypes of paintings by
+Fra Angelico and Botticelli. The furniture is
+simple and inexpensive, but there is nothing ugly
+in the room. It is the dwelling-place of a person
+who reads a great deal and takes pleasure in
+beautiful things.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Basil Kent</span> <i>is leaning back in his chair, with his feet
+on the writing-table, smoking a pipe and cutting
+the pages of a book. He is a very good-looking
+man of six-and-twenty, clean-shaven, with a
+delicate face and clear-cut features. He is dressed
+in a lounge-suit.</i></p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>There is a knock at the door.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Come in.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Griggs.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did you ring, sir?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes. I expect a lady to tea. And there's a cake
+that I bought on my way in.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Griggs.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She goes out, and immediately comes in with a<br />
+tray on which are two cups, sugar, milk,<br />
+&amp;c.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Mrs. Griggs, I want to give up these rooms
+this day week. I'm going to be married. I'm sorry
+to leave you. You've made me very comfortable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Griggs.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a sigh of resignation.</i>] Ah, well, sir, that's
+lodgers all over. If they're gents they get married;
+and if they're ladies they ain't respectable.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>A ring is heard.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>There's the bell, Mrs. Griggs. I dare say it's the
+lady I expect. If any one else comes, I'm not at
+home.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Griggs.</span></p>
+
+<p>Very well, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She goes out, and</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>occupies himself for a<br />
+moment in putting things in order</i>. <span class="smcap">Mrs.<br />
+Griggs</span>, <i>opening the door, ushers in the<br />
+new-comers</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Griggs.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you please, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She goes out again, and during the next few<br />
+speeches brings two more cups and the tea.</i><br />
+<br />
+[<span class="smcap">Mabel</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span> <i>enter, followed by</i> <span class="smcap">John<br />
+Halliwell</span>. <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>going towards them<br />
+very cordially, half stops when he notices<br />
+who they are; and a slight expression of<br />
+embarrassment passes over his face. But<br />
+he immediately recovers himself and is<br />
+extremely gracious.</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda Murray</span> <i>is a<br />
+tall, handsome woman, self-possessed and<br />
+admirably gowned</i>. <span class="smcap">Mabel Halliwell</span> <i>is<br />
+smaller, pretty rather than beautiful,<br />
+younger than her sister, vivacious, very<br />
+talkative, and somewhat irresponsible</i>.<br />
+<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>is of the same age as</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span>, <i>good-humoured,<br />
+neither handsome nor plain<br />
+blunt of speech and open</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shaking hands.</i>] How d'you do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Look pleased to see us, Mr. Kent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm perfectly enchanted.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>You <i>did</i> ask us to come and have tea with you,
+didn't you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've asked you fifty times. Hulloa, John! I didn't
+see you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm the discreet husband, I keep in the background.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why don't you praise me instead of praising
+yourself? People would think it so much nicer.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>On the contrary, they'd be convinced that when
+we were alone I beat you. Besides, I couldn't
+honestly say that you kept in the background.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span>.] I feel rather ashamed at taking you
+unawares.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was only slacking. I was cutting a book.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's ever so much more fun than reading it, isn't
+it? [<i>She catches sight of the tea things.</i>] Oh, what a
+beautiful cake&mdash;and two cups! [<i>She looks at him,
+questioning.</i>]</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>A little awkwardly.</i>] Oh&mdash;I always have an extra
+cup in case some one turns up, you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>How unselfish! And do you always have such
+expensive cake?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile, remonstrating.</i>] Mabel!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, but I know them well, and I love them dearly.
+They cost two shillings at the Army and Navy Stores,
+but I can't afford them myself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish you'd explain why we've come, or Basil will
+think I'm responsible.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Lightly.</i>] I've been trying to remember ever since
+we arrived. You say it, Hilda; you invented it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] Mabel, I'll never take you out
+again. They're perfectly incorrigible, Mr. Kent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">John</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mabel</span>, <i>smiling</i>.] I don't know why
+<i>you've</i> come. Mrs. Murry has promised to come and
+have tea with me for ages.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Pretending to feel injured.</i>] Well, you needn't turn
+me out the moment we arrive. Besides, I refuse to
+go till I've had a piece of that cake.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, here's the tea! [<span class="smcap">Mrs. Griggs</span> <i>brings it in as
+he speaks</i>. <i>He turns to</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span>.] I wish you'd pour it
+out. I'm so clumsy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling at him affectionately.</i>] I shall be delighted.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She proceeds to do so, and the conversation goes<br />
+on while</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>hands</i> <span class="smcap">Mabel</span> <i>tea and cake</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I told them it was improper for more than one
+woman at a time to call at a bachelor's rooms, Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you'd warned me I'd have made the show a bit
+tidier.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, that's just what we didn't want. We wanted
+to see the Celebrity at Home, without lime-light.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] You're too flattering.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>By the way, how is the book?</p>
+
+<p><i>Basil.</i></p>
+
+<p>Quite well, thanks.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>I always forget to ask how it's getting on.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>On the contrary, you never let slip an opportunity
+of making kind inquiries.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p><i>I</i> don't believe you've written a word of it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nonsense, Mabel. I've read it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, but you're such a monster of discretion....
+Now I want to see your medals, Mr. Kent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] What medals?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be coy! You know I mean the medals they
+gave you for going to the Cape.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gets them from a drawer, and with a smile hands
+them to</i> <span class="smcap">Mabel</span>.] If you really care to see them, here
+they are.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking one.</i>] What's this?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, that's just the common or garden South
+African medal.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>And the other one?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's the D.S.M.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why didn't they give you the D.S.O.?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I was only a trooper, you know. They only
+give the D.S.O. to officers.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>And what did you do to deserve it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I really forget.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's given for distinguished service in the field,
+Mabel.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>I knew. Only I wanted to see if Mr. Kent was
+modest or vain.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile, taking the medals from her and
+putting them away.</i>] How spiteful of you!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>John, why didn't you go to the Cape, and do heroic
+things?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I confined my heroism to the British Isles. I
+married you, my angel.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is that funny or vulgar?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Are there no more questions you want
+to ask me, Mrs. Halliwell?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, I want to know why you live up six flights of
+stairs.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Amused.</i>] For the view, simply and solely.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>But, good heavens, there is no view. There are
+only chimney-pots.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>But they're most æsthetic chimney-pots. Do come
+and look, Mrs. Murray. [<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span> <i>approach
+one of the windows, and he opens it</i>.] And at night
+they're so mysterious. They look just like strange
+goblins playing on the house-tops. And you can't
+think how gorgeous the sunsets are: sometimes, after
+the rain, the slate roofs glitter like burnished gold.
+[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span>.] Often I think I couldn't have lived without
+my view, it says such wonderful things to me.
+[<i>Turning to</i> <span class="smcap">Mabel</span> <i>gaily</i>.] Scoff, Mrs. Halliwell, I'm
+on the verge of being sentimental.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was wondering if you'd made that up on the spur
+of the moment, or if you'd fished it out of an old
+note-book.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a look at</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span>.] May I go out?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, do come.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Hilda</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>step out on the balcony,<br />
+whereupon</i> <span class="smcap">John</span> <i>goes to</i> <span class="smcap">Mabel</span> <i>and tries<br />
+to steal a kiss from her</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Springing up.</i>] Go away, you horror!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be silly. I shall kiss you if I want to.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>She laughing, walks round the sofa while he
+pursues her.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish you'd treat life more seriously.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish you wouldn't wear such prominent hats.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>As he puts his arm round her waist.</i>] John, some
+body'll see us.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mabel, I command you to let yourself be kissed.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>How much will you give me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Sixpence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Slipping away from him.</i>] I can't do it for less
+than half-a-crown.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] I'll give you two shillings.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Coaxing.</i>] Make it two-and-three.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He kisses her.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now come and sit down quietly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sitting down by his side.</i>] John, you mustn't make
+love to me. It would look so odd if they came in.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>After all, I am your husband.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's just it. If you wanted to make love to me
+you ought to have married somebody else. [<i>He puts
+his arm round her waist.</i>] John, don't, I'm sure they'll
+come in.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't care if they do.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sighing.</i>] John, you do love me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>And you won't ever care for anybody else?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>No.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In the same tone.</i>] And you will give me that two-and-threepence,
+won't you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mabel, it was only two shillings.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, you cheat!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Getting up.</i>] I'm going out on the balcony. I'm
+passionately devoted to chimney-pots.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, John, I want you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Isn't it enough for me to say I want you for you
+to hurl yourself at my feet immediately?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, you poor thing, can't you do without me for
+two minutes?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now you're taking a mean advantage. It's only
+this particular two minutes that I want you. Come
+and sit by me like a nice, dear boy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now what have you been doing that you shouldn't?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Nothing. But I want you to do something
+for me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ha, ha! I thought so.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's merely to tie up my shoe. [<i>She puts out her
+foot.</i>]</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is that all&mdash;honour bright?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Yes. [<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>kneels down</i>.]</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>But, my good girl, it's not undone.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then, my good boy, undo it and do it up again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Starting up.</i>] Mabel, are we playing gooseberry&mdash;at
+our time of life?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] Oh, you are clever! Do you think
+Hilda would have climbed six flights of stairs unless
+Love had lent her wings?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish Love would provide wings for the chaperons
+as well.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be flippant. It's a serious matter.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear girl, you really can't expect me to play
+the heavy father when we've only been married six
+months. It would be almost improper.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be horrid, John.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>It isn't horrid, it's natural history.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Primly.</i>] I was never taught it. It's not thought
+nice for young girls to know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why didn't you tell me that Hilda was fond of
+Basil! Does he like her?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know. I expect that's precisely what she's
+asking him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mabel, do you mean to say you brought me here,
+an inoffensive, harmless creature, for your sister to
+propose to a pal of mine? It's an outrage.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>She's doing nothing of the sort.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>You needn't look indignant. You can't deny that
+you proposed to me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can, indeed. If I had I should never have taken
+such an unconscionably long time about it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wonder why Hilda wants to marry poor Basil!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, Captain Murray left her five thousand a year,
+and she thinks Basil Kent a genius.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>There's not a drawing-room in Regent's Park or in
+Bayswater that hasn't got its tame genius. I don't
+know if Basil Kent is much more than very clever.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Anyhow, I'm sure it's a mistake to marry geniuses.
+They're horribly bad-tempered, and they invariably
+make love to other people's wives.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hilda always has gone in for literary people.
+That's the worst of marrying a cavalryman, it leads
+you to attach so much importance to brains.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, but she needn't marry them. If she wants to
+encourage Basil let her do it from a discreet distance.
+Genius always thrives best on bread and water and
+platonic attachments. If Hilda marries him he'll
+only become fat and ugly and bald-headed and
+stupid.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why, then he'll make an ideal Member of Parliament.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span> <i>come into the room again</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Maliciously.</i>] Well, what have you been talking
+about?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Acidly.</i>] The weather and the crops, Shakespeare
+and the Musical Glasses.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Raising her eyebrows.</i>] Oh!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's getting very late, Mabel. We really must be
+going.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Getting up.</i>] And I've got to pay at least twelve
+calls. I hope every one will be out.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>People are so stupid, they're always in when you
+call.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Holding out her hand to</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span>.] Good-bye.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Coldly.</i>] Thanks so much, Mr. Kent. I'm afraid
+we disturbed you awfully.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shaking hands with her.</i>] I've been enchanted to
+see you. Good-bye.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Lightly.</i>] We shall see you again before you go to
+Italy, shan't we?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I'm not going to Italy now, I've changed all
+my plans.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Giving</i> <span class="smcap">John</span> <i>a look</i>.] Oh! Well, good-bye.
+Aren't you coming, John.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>No: I think I'll stay and have a little chat with
+Basil, while you tread the path of duty.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, mind you're in early. We've got a lot of
+disgusting people coming to dinner.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] Poor things! Who are they?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>I forget who they are. But I know they're loathsome.
+That's why I asked them.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>opens the door, and the two women go out</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sitting down and stretching himself.</i>] Now that
+we've got rid of our womankind let's make ourselves
+comfortable. [<i>Taking a pipe out of his pocket.</i>] I
+think I'll sample your baccy if you'll pass it along.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Handing him the jar.</i>] I'm rather glad you stayed,
+John. I wanted to talk to you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ha! ha!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>pauses a moment, while</i> <span class="smcap">John</span> <i>looks at<br />
+him with amusement. He fills his pipe.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Lighting his pipe.</i>] Nice gal, Hilda&mdash;ain't she?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Enthusiastically.</i>] Oh, I think she's perfectly
+charming.... But what makes you say that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Innocently.</i>] Oh, I don't know. Passed through
+my head.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I say, I've got something to tell you, John.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, don't be so beastly solemn about it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] It's a solemn thing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, it ain't. I've done it myself. It's like a high
+dive. When you look down at the water it fairly
+takes your breath away, but after you've done it&mdash;it's
+not so bad as you think. You're going to be married,
+my boy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] How the deuce d'you know?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gaily.</i>] Saw it with mine own eyes. I congratulate
+you, and I give you my blessing. I'll get a new frock-coat
+to give the lady away in.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You?... [<i>Suddenly understanding.</i>] You're on
+the wrong tack, old man. It's not your sister-in-law
+I'm going to marry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then why the dickens did you say it was?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I never mentioned her name.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>H'm! I've made rather more than an average ass
+of myself, haven't I?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>What on earth made you think...?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] Oh, it was only some stupid idea
+of my wife's. Women are such fools, you know.
+And they think they're so confoundedly sharp.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Disconcerted</i>&mdash;<i>looking at him.</i>] Has Mrs.
+Murray...?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, of course not! Well, who the deuce are you
+going to marry?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Flushing.</i>] I'm going to marry Miss Jenny Bush.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Never heard of her. Is it any one I know?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, you knew her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Searching his memory.</i>] Bush ... Bush....
+[<i>With a smile.</i>] The only Jenny Bush <i>I've</i> ever heard
+of was a rather pretty little barmaid in Fleet Street.
+Presumably you're not going to marry her.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>has said this quite lightly, not guessing
+for a moment that it can have anything to
+do with the person</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>proposes to marry.
+Then, since</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>makes no answer</i>, <span class="smcap">John</span>
+<i>looks at him sharply: there is a silence
+while the two men stare at one another.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Basil, it's not the woman we used to know before
+you went out to the Cape?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Pale and nervous, but determined.</i>] I've just told
+you that you used to know Jenny.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Man alive, you're not going to marry the barmaid
+of the "Golden Crown"?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at him steadily.</i>] Jenny <i>was</i> a barmaid at
+the "Golden Crown."</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>But, good Lord, Basil, what d'you mean? You're
+not serious?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Perfectly! We're going to be married this day
+week.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you stark, staring mad? Why on earth d'you
+want to marry Jenny Bush?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's rather a delicate question, isn't it? [<i>With
+a smile.</i>] Presumably because I'm in love with her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, that's a silly ass of an answer.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's quite the most obvious.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nonsense! Why, I've been in love with twenty
+girls, and I haven't married them all. One can't do
+that sort of thing in a country where they give you
+seven years for bigamy. Every public-house along
+the Thames from Barnes to Taplow is the tombstone
+of an unrequited passion of my youth. I loved 'em
+dearly, but I never asked 'em to marry me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Tightening his lips.</i>] I'd rather you didn't make
+jokes about it, John.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you sure you're not making an ass of yourself?
+If you've got into a mess, surely we can get
+you out. Marriage, like hanging, is rather a desperate
+remedy.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>is sitting down and moodily shrugs his
+shoulders.</i> <span class="smcap">John</span> <i>goes up to him, and
+putting his hands on his friend's shoulders
+looks into his eyes.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why are you going to marry her, Basil?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Springing up impatiently.</i>] Damn you, why don't
+you mind your own business?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be a fool, Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Can't I marry any one I choose? It's nothing to
+you, is it? D'you suppose I care if she's a barmaid?</p>
+
+<p>[<i>He walks up and down excitedly, while</i> <span class="smcap">John</span>
+<i>with steady eyes watches him.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Basil, old man, we've known each other a good
+many years now. Don't you think you'd better trust
+me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Setting his teeth.</i>] What d'you want to know?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why are you going to marry her?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Abruptly, fiercely.</i>] Because I must.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Nodding his head quietly.</i>] I see.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>There is a silence. Then</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span>, <i>more calmly
+turns to</i> <span class="smcap">John</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you remember Jenny?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, rather. Why, we always lunched there in the
+old days.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, after I came back from the Cape I began
+going there again. When I was out there she took
+it into her head to write me a letter, rather ill-spelt
+and funny&mdash;but I was touched that she thought of
+me. And she sent some tobacco and some cigarettes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>My maiden aunt sent you a woollen comforter, but
+I'm not aware that in return you ever made her a
+proposal of marriage.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>And so in one way and another I came to know
+Jenny rather well. She appeared to get rather fond
+of me&mdash;and I couldn't help seeing it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>But she always pretended to be engaged to that
+scrubby little chap with false teeth who used to hang
+about the bar and make sheep's eyes at her over
+innumerable Scotch-and-sodas.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>He made a scene because I took her out on one of
+her off-nights, and she broke it off. I couldn't help
+knowing it was on my account.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, and after that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>After that I got into the habit of taking her to the
+play, and so on. And finally...!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>How long has this been going on?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Several months.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>And then?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, the other day she wired for me. I found her
+in the most awful state. She was simply crying her
+eyes out, poor thing. She'd been seedy and gone to
+the doctor's. And he told her ...</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>What you might really have foreseen.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.... She was quite hysterical. She said she
+didn't know what to do nor where to go. And she
+was in an awful funk about her people. She said she'd
+kill herself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Drily.</i>] Naturally she was very much upset.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I felt the only thing I could do was to ask her to
+marry me. And when I saw the joy that came into
+her poor, tear-stained face I <i>knew</i> I'd done the right
+thing.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>There is a pause.</i> <span class="smcap">John</span> <i>walks up and down,
+then stops suddenly and turns to</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Have you thought that you, who've never needed
+to economise, will have to look at every shilling you
+spend? You've always been careless with your money,
+and what you've had you've flung about freely.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shrugging his shoulders.</i>] If I have to submit to
+nothing worse than going without a lot of useless
+luxuries, I really don't think I need complain.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>But you can't afford to keep a wife and an increasing
+family.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I suppose I can make money as well as other men.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>By writing books?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shall set to work to earn my living at the Bar.
+Up till now I've never troubled myself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know any man less fit than you for the
+dreary waiting and the drudgery of the Bar.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>We shall see.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>And what d'you think your friends will say to your
+marrying&mdash;a barmaid?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Contemptuously.</i>] I don't care two straws for
+my friends.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's pleasant for them. You know, men and women
+without end have snapped their fingers at society and
+laughed at it, and for a while thought they had the
+better of it. But all the time society was quietly smiling
+up its sleeve, and suddenly it put out an iron hand&mdash;and
+scrunched them up.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[Shrugging his shoulders.] It only means that a
+few snobs will cut me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not you&mdash;your wife.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not such a cad as to go to a house where I can't
+take my wife.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>But you're the last man in the world to give up
+these things. There's nothing you enjoy more than
+going to dinner-parties and staying in country houses.
+Women's smiles are the very breath of your nostrils.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You talk of me as if I were a tame cat. I don't
+want to brag, John, but after all, I've shown that I'm
+fit for something in this world. I went to the Cape
+because I thought it was my duty. I intend to marry
+Jenny for the same reason.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Seriously.</i>] Will you answer me one question&mdash;on
+your honour?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you in love with her?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>After a pause.</i>] No.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Passionately.</i>] Then, by God, you have no right to
+marry her. A man has no right to marry a woman
+for pity. It's a cruel thing to do. You can only
+end by making yourself and her entirely wretched.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't break the poor girl's heart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>You don't know what marriage is. Even with
+two people who are devoted to one another, who
+have the same interests and belong to the same
+class, it's sometimes almost unbearable. Marriage
+is the most terrible thing in the world unless passion
+makes it absolutely inevitable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>My marriage is absolutely inevitable&mdash;for another
+reason.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>You talk as if such things had never happened
+before.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I know, they happen every day. It's no business
+of the man's. And as for the girl, let her throw
+herself in the river. Let her go to the deuce, and be
+hanged to her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nonsense. She can be provided for. It only
+needs a little discretion&mdash;and no one will be a ha'porth
+the wiser, nor she a ha'porth the worse.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>But it's not a matter of people knowing. It's a
+matter of honour.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Opening his eyes.</i>] And where precisely did the
+honour come in when you...?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good heavens, I'm a man like any other. I have
+passions as other men have.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gravely.</i>] My dear Basil, I wouldn't venture to
+judge you. But I think it's rather late in the day to
+set up for a moralist.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you think I've not regretted what I did? It's
+easy enough afterwards to say that I should have
+resisted. The world would be a Sunday School if we
+were all as level-headed at night as we are next
+morning.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shaking his head.</i>] After all, it's only a very
+regrettable incident due to your youth and&mdash;want of
+innocence.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With vehement seriousness.</i>] I may have acted like
+a cur. I don't know. I acted as I suppose every
+other man would. But now I have a plain duty
+before me, and, by God, I mean to do it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you realise that you've only one life and that
+mistakes are irreparable? People play with life as if
+it were a game of chess in which they can try this
+move and that, and when they get into a muddle,
+sweep the board clear and begin again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>But life is a game of chess in which one is always
+beaten. Death sits on the other side of the board, and
+for every move he has a counter-move. And for all
+your deep-laid schemes he has a parry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>But if at the end Death always mates you, the
+fight is surely worth the fighting. Don't handicap
+yourself at the beginning by foolish quixotry. Life
+is so full. It has so much to offer, and you're
+throwing away almost everything that makes it
+worth the trouble.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gravely.</i>] Jenny would kill herself if I didn't
+marry her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>You don't seriously think she'd do that. People
+don't commit suicide so easily, you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've thought of a great deal, John&mdash;you've not
+thought of the child. I can't let the child skulk into
+the world like a thief. Let him come in openly and
+lawfully. And let him go through the world with an
+honest name. Good heavens, the world's bad enough
+without fettering him all his life with a hideous
+stigma.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, my dear Basil ...</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] You can bring forward a thousand
+objections, but nothing alters the fact that, under the
+circumstances, there's only one way open to a man of
+honour.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Drily.</i>] Well, it's a way that may do credit to your
+heart, but scarcely to your understanding.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thought you'd see at once that I was doing the
+only possible thing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Basil, you talk of pity, and you talk of
+duty, but are you sure there's anything more in it than
+vanity? You've set yourself up on a sort of moral
+pinnacle. Are you sure you don't admire your own
+heroism a little too much?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a good-natured smile.</i>] Does it look so petty
+as that in your eyes? After all, it's only common
+morality.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] But, my dear chap, its absurd to act
+according to an unrealisable ideal in a world that's
+satisfied with the second-rate. You're tendering
+bank-notes to African savages, among whom cowrie
+shells are common coin.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I don't know what you mean.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Society has made its own decalogue, a code that's
+just fit for middling people who are not very good and
+not very wicked. But Society punishes you equally
+if your actions are higher than its ideal or lower.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Sometimes it makes a god of you when you're
+dead.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>But it takes precious good care to crucify you when
+you're alive.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>There is a knock at the door, and</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Griggs</span>
+<i>comes in.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Griggs.</span></p>
+
+<p>Some more visitors, Sir.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Show 'em in. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">John</span>] It's Jenny. She said she
+was coming to tea.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] Oh, the cake was for her, was it?
+Would you like me to go?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not unless you choose. Do you suppose I'm
+ashamed?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thought, after all you've told me, you might not
+care for me to see her.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Jenny Bush</span> <i>and her brother</i> <span class="smcap">James</span> <i>come in.
+She is very pretty, with delicate features
+and a beautiful complexion: her fair hair
+is abundant and very elaborately arranged.
+She is dressed smartly, rather showily. It
+is the usual type of barmaid, or tea-girl, a
+shade more refined perhaps than the common
+run. Her manners are unobjectionable,
+but not those of a gentlewoman.</i> <span class="smcap">James</span> <i>is
+a young man with clean-shaven face and a
+sharp expression. He is over-dressed in a
+very horsey manner, and is distinctly more
+vulgar than his sister. He talks English with
+a cockney accent, not invariably dropping
+his aitches, but only now and then. He is
+over cordial and over genial.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going up to</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span>.] I'm awfully late, I couldn't
+come before.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Jocosely.</i>] Don't mind me. Give 'im a kiss, old
+tart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I brought my brother Jimmie to see you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shaking hands.</i>] How d'you do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nicely, thanks. Pleased to make your acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at</i> <span class="smcap">John</span> <i>and suddenly recognising him.</i>]</p>
+
+<p>Well, I never! If that isn't old John Halliwell. I
+didn't expect to see you. This is a treat.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>How d'you do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>What are you doing here?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've been having a cup of tea with Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at the tea-things.</i>] D'you always drink
+out of three cups at once?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>My wife has been here&mdash;and her sister.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I see. Fancy your being married. How d'you
+like it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>All right, thanks.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>pours out a cup of tea, and during the
+following speeches gives</i> <span class="smcap">Jenny</span> <i>milk and
+sugar and cake.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>People say it wants a bit of gettin' used to.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bush, you're a philosopher.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I will say this for myself, you'd want to get
+up early in the morning to catch me nappin'. I didn't
+catch your name.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Halliwell.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>'Alliwell?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Emphasising the H.</i>] Halliwell.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's what I say&mdash;'Alliwell. I knew a fellow in
+the meat trade called 'Alliwell. Any relation?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't think so.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Fine business 'e 'ad too. There's a rare lot of money
+to be made out of meat.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I dare say.</p>
+
+<p>Jenny.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">John</span>.] It <i>is</i> a long time since I've seen you. I
+suppose you've quietened down now you're a married
+man. You were a hot 'un when you was a bachelor.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Facetiously.</i>] Don't make 'im blush, Jenny. Accidents
+will 'appen in the best regulated families. And
+boys will be boys, as they say in the Bible.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think I must be off, Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I'll be toddlin' too. I only come in just to
+say 'ow d'you do to my future brother-in-law. I'm a
+fellow as likes to be cordial. There's no 'aughtiness
+about me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Politely, but not effusively.</i>] Oh; won't you stay
+and have some tea?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, thanks. I'm not much of an 'and at tea; I
+leave that to females. I like something stronger
+myself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Remonstrating.</i>] Jimmie!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have some whisky, Mr. Bush.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, blow the Mister and blow the Bush. Call me
+Jimmie. I can't stand ceremony. The way I look
+on it is this. We're both of us gentlemen. Now,
+mind you, I'm not a fellow to praise myself. But I
+will say this: I am a gentleman. That's not self-praise,
+is it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Dear me, no. Mere statement of fact.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, as I was saying, I know I'm a gentleman.
+It's a thing you can't 'elp, so what's the good of being
+proud about it? If I meet a chap in a pub, and he
+invites me to have a drink, I don't ask him if he's a
+Lord.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>But you just take it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, you'd do the same yourself, wouldn't you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I dare say. But will you have a drink now?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, bless you, I know what it is to be engaged. I
+don't want to disturb you canary-birds. Me and
+'Alliwell 'll go and have a gargle round the corner. I
+see you've got a public nice and 'andy. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">John</span>.]
+I suppose you're not above goin' in there now and
+again, eh?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] He came into the "Golden Crown"
+every day of his life, and chance it!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid I'm in a great hurry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>'Ang it all, one's always got time to have a drop of
+Scotch in this life.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">James</span>, <i>handing him the box.</i>] Well, take a
+cigar with you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking and examining one.</i>] If you are so pressing.
+Villar y Villar.... What do they run you in a
+hundred?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>They were given to me, I really don't know what
+they cost. [<i>He lights a match.</i>] Won't you take the
+label off?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not if I know it. I don't smoke a Villar y Villar
+every day, but when I do, I smoke it with the label
+on.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Jimmie, you are a caution!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shaking hands with</i> <span class="smcap">Jenny</span>.] Good-bye and&mdash;my
+best wishes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Thanks. You didn't expect I'd marry Basil when
+I used to mix cocktails for you in the "Golden
+Crown," did you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Come on, 'Alliwell. Don't stop there gassing.
+You'll only disturb the canary-birds. So long, old
+tart, see you later. Ta-ta, Basil, old man.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good-bye&mdash;Jimmie.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">John Halliwell</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">James</span> <i>go out</i>, <span class="smcap">Jenny</span>
+<i>goes up to</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>impulsively.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Kiss me. [<i>He kisses her, smiling.</i>] There! Now
+I can sit down quietly and talk. How d'you like my
+brother?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh&mdash;I hardly know him yet. He seems very
+amiable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's not a bad sort when you know him. He's
+just like my mother.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Raising his brows.</i>] Is he? And&mdash;is your father
+like that too?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, you know, Pa hasn't had the education that
+Jimmie's had. Jimmie was at a boarding-school at
+Margate.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Was he?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>You were at a boarding-school, too, weren't you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Yes, I was at Harrow.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, you don't get the fine air at Harrow that you
+get at Margate.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Shall I put down your cup?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Placing it on a table.</i>] Oh, thanks, it's all right.
+Come and sit by me, Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Seating himself on the arm of her chair.</i>] There.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking his hand.</i>] I'm so glad we're alone. I
+should like to be alone with you all my life. You do
+love me, don't you, Basil?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Much?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm so glad. Oh, I don't know what I should do
+if you didn't love me. If you hadn't been kind to
+me I should have thrown myself in the river.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>What nonsense you talk.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I mean it.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>He passes his hand affectionately over her hair.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, you <i>are</i> so good, Basil. I'm so proud of you.
+I shall be so proud to be your wife.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gravely.</i>] Don't think too well of me Jenny.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] I'm not afraid of that. You're
+brave and you're clever and you're a professional man,
+and you're everything.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You foolish child.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Passionately.</i>] I can't tell you how much I love
+you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'll try with all my might to be a good husband to
+you, Jenny.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She flings her arms round his neck and they<br />
+kiss one another.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c"><span class="smcap">End of the First Act.</span></p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<h2><a name="THE_SECOND_ACT_H" id="THE_SECOND_ACT_H"></a>THE SECOND ACT</h2>
+
+<p class="c"><span class="smcap">An Interval of One Year Elapses Between
+Acts I. and II.</span></p>
+
+<p class="hang"><i>The drawing-room in Basil's house at Putney. In the
+wall facing the auditorium there is a door leading
+from the passage. On the right two doors lead
+into bedrooms, and opposite these is a bay window.
+The same pictures and plates decorate the walls as
+in the preceding Scene; the writing-table is between
+the side doors.</i> <span class="smcap">Jenny's</span> <i>influence is noticeable in
+the cushions in the wicker-work arm-chairs, in the
+window curtains and portières of art serge, and in
+the huge chrysanthemums of the wall paper</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Jenny</span> <i>is sewing while</i> <span class="smcap">James Bush</span> <i>is lounging<br />
+in one of the arm chairs</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Where's his lordship this afternoon?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's gone out for a walk.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a malevolent laugh.</i>] That's what he tells you,
+my dear.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking up quickly.</i>] Have you seen him
+anywhere?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, I can't say I 'ave. And if I 'ad I wouldn't
+boast about it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Insisting.</i>] What did you mean then?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, whenever I come here he's out for a walk....
+I say, old tart, could you oblige me with a couple of
+sovereigns till next Saturday?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Pained to refuse.</i>] Oh no, Jimmie, I can't manage
+it. Basil made me promise I wouldn't let you have
+any more.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>What! He made you promise that?&mdash;Ugh, the
+mean skinflint.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>We've lent you so much, Jimmie. And ma's had a
+lot, too.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, look here, you can manage a sovereign, can't
+you? You needn't say anything about it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't really, Jimmie. I would if I could. But
+we've got a rare lot of debts worrying us, and the rent
+will be coming along next week.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sulkily.</i>] You can't lend it me because you won't.
+I should just like to know what Basil spends his
+money on.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's had a bad year&mdash;it's not his fault. And I was
+so ill after the baby died, we had to pay the doctor
+nearly fifty pounds.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a sneer.</i>] Well, it was a wonderful fine thing
+you did when you married him, Jenny. And you
+thought you done precious well for yourself, too.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Jimmie, don't!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't stick 'im at any price, and I don't mind who
+knows it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Impetuously.</i>] I won't have you say anything
+against him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James</span>.</p>
+
+<p>All right&mdash;keep your shirt in. I'm blowed if I know
+what you've got to stick up for him about. He don't
+care much about you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Hastily.</i>] How d'you know?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Think I can't see!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's not true. It's not true.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>You can't get round me, Jenny. I suppose you
+'aven't been crying to-day?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Flushing.</i>] I had a headache.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I know those sort of headaches.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>We had a little tiff this morning. That's why he
+went out.... Oh, don't say he doesn't care for me.
+I couldn't live.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] Go along with you. Basil Kent
+ain't the only pebble on the beach.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Vehemently.</i>] Oh, Jimmie, Jimmie, sometimes I
+don't know which way to turn, I'm that unhappy.
+If the baby had only lived I might have kept my
+husband&mdash;I might have made him love me. [<i>The
+sound is heard of a door being closed.</i>] There's Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good luck to 'im.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Jimmie, take care not to say anything to make
+him angry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'd just like to give 'im a piece of my mind.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Jimmie, don't. It was my fault that we
+quarrelled this morning. I wanted to make him
+angry, and I nagged at him. Don't let him see that
+I've said anything to you. I'll see&mdash;I'll see if I can't
+send you a pound to-morrow, Jimmie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Defiantly.</i>] He'd better not start patronising me,
+because I won't put up with it. I'm a gentleman,
+and I'm every bit as good as he is&mdash;if not better.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>comes in</i>, <i>notices</i> <span class="smcap">James</span>, <i>but does not<br />
+speak</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Afternoon, Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Indifferently.</i>] You here again?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Looks like it, don't it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Quietly.</i>] I'm afraid it does.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Becoming more aggressive as the conversation proceeds.</i>]
+Are you? I suppose I can come and see my
+own sister?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I suppose it's inevitable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Only I should be excessively grateful if
+you'd time your coming with my&mdash;with my going.
+And <i>vice versa</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>That means you want me to get out, I reckon.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You show unusual perspicacity, dear James.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>And who are you with your long words, I should
+like to know?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Blandly.</i>] I? A person of not the least importance.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Angrily.</i>] Well, I wouldn't put on so much side if
+I was you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I observe that you have not acquired the useful
+art of being uncivil without being impertinent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Look 'ere, I'm not going to stand this. I'm as
+good as you are any day.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>That is a fact I should never dream of contradicting.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Indignantly.</i>] Then what 'ave you got to turn up
+your nose about, eh? What d'you mean by sneerin'
+and snarlin' at me when I come here?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Nervously.</i>] Jimmie, don't!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] You're very eloquent, James. You
+should join a debating society.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, go on. That's right. You seem to think I'm
+nobody. I should just like to know why you go on
+as if I was I don't know what.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Abruptly.</i>] Because I choose.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>You can bet anything you like I don't come 'ere to
+see you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling acidly.</i>] Then I have at least something to
+be thankful for.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've got a right to come here as much as anybody.
+I come to see my sister.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Really, that's very thoughtful of you. I was
+under the impression you generally came to borrow
+money.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Throw that in my face now. I can't 'elp it if I'm
+out of work.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I haven't the least objection to your being out
+of work. All I protest against&mdash;and that very mildly&mdash;is
+that I should be expected to keep you. How
+much did you want to-day?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't want your dirty money.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] Have you already tried to borrow it
+from Jenny?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, I 'aven't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>And she refused, I suppose.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Storming.</i>] I tell you I don't want your dirty
+money.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, then, we're both quite satisfied. You seemed
+to think that because I married Jenny I was bound
+to keep the whole gang of you for the rest of your
+lives. I'm sorry I can't afford it. And you will
+kindly tell the rest of them that I'm sick and tired of
+forking out.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wonder you don't forbid me your house while
+you're about it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Coolly.</i>] You may come here when I'm not at
+home&mdash;if you behave yourself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not good enough for you, I suppose?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, you're not.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Angrily.</i>] Ah, you're a pretty specimen, you are.
+You mean skinflint!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be abusive, James. It's rude.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shall say what I choose.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>And please don't talk so loud. It annoys me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Malevolently.</i>] I dare say you'd like to get me out
+of the way. But I mean to keep my eye on you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sharply.</i>] What d'you mean by that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>You know what I mean. Jenny has something to
+put up with, I lay.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Containing his anger.</i>] You'll have the goodness to
+leave the relations between Jenny and myself alone&mdash;d'you
+hear?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ha, that's touched you up, has it? You think I
+don't know what sort of a feller you are. I can just
+about see through two of you. And I know a good
+deal more about you than you think.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Contemptuously.</i>] Don't be foolish, James.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sarcastic.</i>] A nice thing Jenny did when she
+married you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Recovering himself, with a smile.</i>] Has she been
+telling you my numerous faults? [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Jenny</span>.] You
+must have had plenty to talk about, my love.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Who has been going on with her sewing, looking up
+now and then uneasily.</i>] I haven't said a word against
+you, Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Turning his back on</i> <span class="smcap">James</span>.] Oh, my dear Jenny,
+if it amuses you, by all means discuss me with your
+brother and your sister and your father and your
+mother, and the whole crew of them.... I should
+be so dull if I had no faults.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Anxiously.</i>] Tell him I've not said anything
+against him, Jimmie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's not for want of something to say, I lay.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Over his shoulder.</i>] I'm getting rather tired,
+brother James. I'd go, if I were you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Very aggressively.</i>] I shan't go till I choose.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Turns round, smiling blandly.</i>] Of course, we're
+both Christians, dear James; and there's a good deal
+of civilisation kicking about the world nowadays.
+But, notwithstanding, the last word is still with the
+strongest.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>What d'you mean by that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Good-humouredly.</i>] Merely that discretion is the
+better part of valour. They say that proverbs are
+the wealth of nations.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Indignantly.</i>] That's just the sort of thing you'd
+do&mdash;to 'it a feller smaller than yourself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I wouldn't hit you for worlds, brother James.
+I should merely throw you downstairs.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Making for the door.</i>] I should just like to see you
+try it on.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't be silly, James. You know you wouldn't
+like it at all.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not afraid of you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course not. But still&mdash;you're not very muscular,
+are you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>You coward!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Your repartees are not brilliant, James.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Standing at the door for safety's sake.</i>] I'll pay
+you out before I've done.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Raising his eyebrows.</i>] James, I told you to get out
+five minutes ago.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm going. D'you think I want to stay 'ere?
+Good-bye, Jenny, I'm not going to stand being
+insulted by any one. [<i>He goes out slamming the
+door.</i>]</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span>, <i>smiling quietly, goes to his writing-table<br />
+and turns over some papers</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>The only compensation in brother James is that he
+sometimes causes one a little mild amusement.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>You might at least be polite to him, Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I used up all my politeness six months ago.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>After all, he is my brother.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>That is a fact I deplore with all my heart, I assure
+you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know what's wrong with him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you? It doesn't matter.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I know he isn't a Society man.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] No, he wouldn't shine at duchesses
+tea-parties.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, he's none the worse for that, is he?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not at all.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then why d'you treat him as if he was a dog?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Jenny, I don't.... I'm very fond of
+dogs.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, you're always sneering. Isn't he as good as I
+am? And you condescended to marry me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Coldly.</i>] I really can't see that because I married
+you I must necessarily take your whole family to my
+bosom.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why don't you like them? They're honest and
+respectable.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a little sigh of boredom.</i>] My dear Jenny, we
+don't choose our friends because they're honest and
+respectable any more than we choose them because
+they change their linen daily.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>They can't help it if they're poor.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear, I'm willing to acknowledge that they
+have every grace and every virtue, but they rather
+bore me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>They wouldn't if they were swells.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>gives a short laugh, but does not answer;<br />
+and</i> <span class="smcap">Jenny</span> <i>irritated, continues more<br />
+angrily</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>And after all we're not in such a bad position as
+all that. My mother's father was a gentleman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wish your mother's son were.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you know what Jimmie says you are?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't vastly care. But if it pleases you very
+much you may tell me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Flushing angrily.</i>] He says you're a damned snob.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is that all? I could have invented far worse
+things than that to say of myself.... [<i>With a
+change of tone.</i>] You know, Jenny, it's not worth
+while to worry ourselves about such trifles. One
+can't force oneself to like people. I'm very sorry
+that I can't stand your relations. Why on earth
+don't you resign yourself and make the best of it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Vindictively.</i>] You don't think they're good enough
+for you to associate with because they're not in swell
+positions.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear Jenny, I don't in the least object to their
+being grocers and haberdashers. I only wish they'd
+sell us things at cost price.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Jimmie isn't a grocer or a haberdasher. He's an
+auctioneer's clerk.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] I humbly apologise. I thought he
+was a grocer, because last time he did us the honour
+of visiting us he asked how much a pound we paid
+for our tea and offered to sell us some at the
+same price.... But then he also offered to insure
+our house against fire and to sell me a gold mine in
+Australia.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, it's better to make a bit as best one can than
+to.... [<i>She stops.</i>]</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Go on. Pray don't hesitate for fear of
+hurting my feelings.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Defiantly.</i>] Well, then, it's better to do that than
+moon about like you do.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shrugging his shoulders.</i>] Really, even to please
+you, I'm afraid I can't go about with little samples of
+tea in my pocket and sell my friends a pound or two
+when I call on them. Besides, I don't believe they'd
+ever pay me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Scornfully.</i>] Oh no, you're a gentleman and a
+barrister and an author, and you couldn't do anything
+to dirty those white hands that you're so careful
+about, could you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at his hands, then up at</i> <span class="smcap">Jenny</span>.] And
+what is it precisely you want me to do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, you've been at the Bar for five years. I
+should have thought you could make something after
+all that time.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't force the wily solicitor to give me briefs.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>How do other fellows manage it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] The simplest way, I believe, is to
+marry the wily solicitor's daughter.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Instead of a barmaid?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gravely.</i>] I didn't say that, Jenny.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Passionately.</i>] Oh no. You didn't say it, but you
+hinted it. You never say anything, but you're
+always hinting and insinuating&mdash;till you drive me
+out of my senses.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>After a moment's pause, gravely.</i>] I'm very sorry if
+I hurt your feelings. I promise you I don't mean to.
+I always try to be kind to you.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Jenny</span>, <i>expecting her to say something<br />
+in forgiveness or in apology. But<br />
+she, shrugging her shoulders, looks down<br />
+sullenly at her work, without a word, and<br />
+begins again to sew. Then</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span>, <i>tightening<br />
+his lips, picks up writing materials and<br />
+goes towards the door</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking up quickly.</i>] Where are you going?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Stopping.</i>] I have some letters to write.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Can't you write them here?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly&mdash;if it pleases you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you want me to see who you're writing to?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I haven't the least objection to your knowing all
+about my correspondence.... And that's fortunate,
+since you invariably make yourself acquainted with it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Accuse me of reading your letters now.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] You always leave my papers in
+such disorder after you've been to my desk.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've got no right to say that.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>pauses and looks at her steadily</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you willing to swear that you don't go to my
+desk when I'm away to read my letters? Come,
+Jenny, answer that question.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Disturbed but forced by his glance to reply.</i>] Well,
+I'm you're wife, I have a right to know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Bitterly.</i>] You have such odd ideas about the
+duties of a wife, Jenny. They include reading my
+letters and following me in the street. But tolerance
+and charity and forbearance don't seem to come in your
+scheme of things.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sullenly.</i>] Why d'you want to write your letters
+elsewhere?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shrugging his shoulders.</i>] I thought I should be
+quieter.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I suppose I disturb you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's a little difficult to write when you're talking.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why shouldn't I talk? D'you think I'm not good
+enough, eh? I should have thought I was more important
+than your letters.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>does not answer</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Angrily.</i>] Am I your wife or not?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] You have your marriage lines carefully
+locked up to prove it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then why don't you treat me as your wife? You
+seem to think I'm only fit to see after the house and
+order the dinner and mend your clothes. And after
+that I can go and sit in the kitchen with the servant.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Moving again towards the door.</i>] D'you think it's
+worth while making a scene? We seem to have said
+all this before so many times.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting him.</i>] I want to have it out.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Bored.</i>] We've been having it out twice a week
+for the last six months&mdash;and we've never got anywhere
+yet.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm not going to be always put upon, I'm your wife
+and I'm as good as you are.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a thin smile.</i>] Oh, my dear, if you're going
+in for women's rights, you may have my vote by all
+means. And you can plump for all the candidates at
+once if you choose.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>You seem to think it's a joke.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Bitterly.</i>] Oh no, I promise you I don't do that.
+It's lasted too long. And God knows where it'll
+end.... They say the first year of marriage is the
+worst; ours has been bad enough in all conscience.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Aggressively.</i>] And I suppose you think it's my
+fault?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you think we're both more or less to blame?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] Oh, I'm glad you acknowledge that
+you have something to do with it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I tried to make you happy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, you haven't succeeded very well. Did you
+think I was likely to be happy&mdash;when you leave me
+alone all day and half the night for your swell friends
+that I'm not good enough for?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's not true. I hardly ever see any of my old
+friends.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Except Mrs. Murray, eh?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've seen Mrs. Murray perhaps a dozen times in the
+last year.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, you needn't tell me that. I know it. She's a
+lady, isn't she?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Ignoring the charge.</i>] And my work takes me
+away from you. I can't always be down here. Think
+how bored you'd be.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>A precious lot of good your work does. You can't
+earn enough money to keep us out of debt.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Good-humouredly.</i>] We are in debt. But we share
+that very respectable condition with half the nobility
+and gentry in the kingdom. We're neither of us
+good managers, and we've lived a bit beyond our
+means this year. But in future we'll be more
+economical.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sullenly.</i>] All the neighbours know that we've got
+bills with the tradesmen.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Acidly.</i>] I'm sorry that you shouldn't have made
+so good a bargain as you expected when you married
+me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wonder what you do succeed in? Your book
+was very successful, wasn't it? You thought you
+were going to set the Thames on fire, and the book
+fell flat, flat, flat.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Recovering his good temper.</i>] That is a fate which
+has befallen better books than mine.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>It deserved it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I didn't expect <i>you</i> to appreciate it. It isn't
+given to all of us to write about wicked earls and
+beautiful duchesses.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I wasn't the only one. The papers praised
+it, didn't they?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>The unanimity of their blame was the only thing
+that consoled me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>And one of them advised you to study an English
+grammar. And you're the fine gentleman who looks
+down on poor things like us!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I often wonder if the reviewer who abuses you for
+a printer's error realises what pleasure he causes the
+wife of your bosom.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I've learnt to know you so well this last six
+months&mdash;since the baby died. You've got no cause
+to set yourself up on a pedestal.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] My dear Jenny, I never pretended
+to be a golden idol.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I know what you are now. And I was such a fool
+as to think you a hero. You're merely a failure.
+In everything you try you're a miserable failure.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a slight sigh.</i>] Perhaps you're right, Jenny.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>walks up and down; and then, stopping,<br />
+looks at her for a moment meditatively</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I sometimes wonder whether we shouldn't be
+happier&mdash;if we lived apart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a start.</i>] What d'you mean?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>We don't seem able to get on very well. And
+I see no chance of things going any better.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With staring eyes.</i>] D'you mean to say you want to
+separate?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think it might be better for both of us&mdash;at least
+for a time. Perhaps later on we might try again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>And what'll <i>you</i> do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I should go abroad for a while.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>With Mrs. Murray. Is that it? You want to go
+away with her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] No. Of course not.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't believe it. You're in love with her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've got no right to say that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Haven't I? I suppose I must shut my eyes and
+say nothing. You're in love with her. D'you think
+I've not seen it in these months? That's why you
+want to leave me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's impossible for us to live together. We shall
+never agree, and we shall never be happy. For God's
+sake let us separate and have done with it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're sick of me. You've had all you want out
+of me, and now I can go. The fine lady comes along,
+and you send me away like a housemaid. D'you
+think I can't see that you're in love with her? You'd
+sacrifice me without a thought to save her a moment's
+unpleasantness. And because you love her you hate
+me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's not true.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Can you deny that you're in love with her?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're simply mad. Good heavens, I've done
+nothing that could give you the least cause to be
+jealous.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Passionately.</i>] Will you swear that you're not in
+love with her? Swear it on your honour?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're mad.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With growing excitement.</i>] Swear it. You can't.
+You're simply madly in love with her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nonsense.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Swear it. Swear it on your honour. Swear you
+don't care for her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shrugging his shoulders.</i>] I swear it ... on my
+honour.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny</span>.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>Scornfully.</i>] It's a lie!... And she's just as
+much in love with you as you are with her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Seizing her wrists.</i>] What d'you mean?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you think I haven't got eyes in my head? I
+saw it that day she came here. D'you suppose she
+came to see me? She despises me. I'm not a
+lady. She came here to please <i>you</i>. She was polite
+to me to please <i>you</i>. She asked me to go and see her
+to please <i>you</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Trying to compose himself.</i>] It's absurd. She was
+an old friend of mine. Of course she came.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I know that sort of friend. D'you think I didn't
+see the way she looked at you, and how she followed
+you with her eyes? She simply hung on every word
+you said. When you smiled, she smiled. When you
+laughed, she laughed. Oh, I should think she was in
+love with you; I know what love is, and I felt it.
+And when she looked at me I know she hated me
+because I'd robbed her of you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Unable to contain himself.</i>] Oh, what a dog's life it
+is we lead! We've been both utterly wretched. It
+can't go on&mdash;and I only see one way out.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's what you've been brooding over this last
+week, is it? Separation! I knew there was something,
+and I couldn't find out what it was.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I do my best to hold myself in, but sometimes I
+feel it's impossible. I shall be led to saying things
+that we shall both regret. For Heaven's sake let us
+part.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>No.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>We can't go on having these awful quarrels. It's
+too degrading. It was a horrible mistake that we
+ever married.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Horror-stricken.</i>] Basil!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, you must see that as well as I. We're utterly
+unsuited to one another. And the baby's death removed
+the only necessity that held us together.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>You talk as if we only remained together because
+it was convenient.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Passionately.</i>] Let me go, Jenny. I can't stand
+it any more. I feel as if I shall go mad.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Full of pain and anguish.</i>] It's nothing at all to
+you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Jenny, I did my best for you a year ago. I gave
+you all I had to give. It was little enough in all
+conscience. Now I ask you to give me back my
+freedom.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Distracted.</i>] You only think of yourself. What
+is to become of me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You'll be much happier. It's the best thing for
+both of us. I'll do all I can for you, and you can have
+your mother and sister to live here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a cry of grief and passion.</i>] But I love you,
+Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You!! Why, you've tortured me for six months
+beyond all endurance. You've made all my days a
+burden to me. You've made my life a perfect hell.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gives a long groan of horror and dismay.</i>] Oh!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>They stand facing one another, when the<br />
+housemaid</i>, <span class="smcap">Fanny</span>, <i>comes in</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Halliwell.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>comes in</i>. <span class="smcap">Jenny</span>, <i>after taking his hand,<br />
+sinks down on a chair, paying no attention<br />
+to the following conversation; she stares in<br />
+front of her, quite distraught</i>. <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>tries<br />
+with all his might to appear calm and<br />
+natural</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hulloa, what are you doing in these parts?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>How d'you do, Mrs. Kent? I've been having an
+early lunch at Richmond, and I thought I'd just drop
+in on my way back. As it was Saturday afternoon I
+thought I might find you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm sure we're delighted to see you. [<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>gives
+a side-glance at</i> <span class="smcap">Jenny</span>, <i>and slightly raises his eyebrows</i>.]
+But you've only just come in time, because I've got to
+go up to town. We might travel up together.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Where are you going, Basil?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>To Chancery Lane, to see my agent on business.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Suspiciously.</i>] On Saturday afternoon? Why,
+he won't be there.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have an appointment with him.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Jenny</span> <i>does not answer, but is obviously unconvinced</i>.<br />
+<span class="smcap">John</span>, <i>somewhat embarrassed, exerts<br />
+himself to make conversation</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I was thinking as I came along that one must lead
+quite an idyllic existence in the suburbs&mdash;with the
+river&mdash;and one's little garden.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Ironically.</i>] And the spectacle of the fifty little
+houses opposite all exactly like one another.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>And the quiet is perfectly enchanting.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, yes. The only vehicles that disturb the peaceful
+seclusion are the milk-cart and the barrel-organs.
+It's quite idyllic.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think it's a very nice neighbourhood. And you
+get such a superior class of people here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'll just go and change. [<i>Looking at his watch.</i>
+There's a train at 4.15.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>All right, hurry up.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>goes out of the room</i>. <span class="smcap">Jenny</span> <i>at once<br />
+springs to her feet and goes towards</i> <span class="smcap">John</span>.<br />
+<i>She is distracted and hardly knows what<br />
+she says.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Can I trust you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>What d'you mean?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She stares into his eyes, doubting, trying to see<br />
+whether he will be willing to help her.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>You used to be a good sort. You never looked down
+on me because I was a barmaid. Tell me I can trust
+you, John. There's no one I can speak to, and I feel
+if I don't speak I shall go off my head.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>What is the matter?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Will you tell me the truth if I ask you something?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>On your oath?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>On my oath.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>After a momentary pause.</i>] Is there anything
+between Basil and Mrs. Murray?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Aghast.</i>] No. Certainly not.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>How d'you know? Are you sure? You wouldn't
+tell me, if there was. You're all against me because
+I'm not a lady.... Oh, I'm so unhappy.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She tries to restrain her tears, she is half-hysterical.</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>stares at her, surprised,<br />
+at a loss for words</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you only knew what a life we lead! He calls it
+a dog's life, and he's right.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thought you got on so well.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, before you we've always kept up appearances.
+He's ashamed to let you know he regrets he ever
+married me. He wants to separate.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>What!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Oh, don't look so surprised. You're
+not an utter fool, are you? He proposed it to-day
+before you came in. We'd been having one of our
+rows.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>But what on earth is it all about?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>God knows!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's nonsense. It can only be a little passing
+quarrel. You must expect to have those.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, it isn't. No, it isn't. He doesn't love me.
+He's in love with your sister-in-law.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's impossible.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's always there. He was there twice last week
+and twice the week before.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>How d'you know?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've followed him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>You followed him in the street, Jenny?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Defiantly.</i>] Yes. If I'm not ladylike enough for
+him, I needn't play the lady there. You're shocked
+now, I suppose?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wouldn't presume to judge you, Jenny.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>And I've read his letters, too&mdash;because I wanted to
+know what he was doing. I steamed one open, and
+he saw it, and he never said a word.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good heavens, why did you do it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Because I can't live unless I know the truth. I
+thought it was Mrs. Murray's handwriting.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Was it from her?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>No. It was a receipt from the coal merchant. I
+could see how he despised me when he looked at the
+envelope&mdash;I didn't stick it down again very well.
+And I saw him smile when he found it was only a
+receipt.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Upon my word, I don't think you've got much
+cause to be jealous.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, you don't know. Last Tuesday he was dining
+there, and you should have seen the state he was in.
+He was so restless he couldn't sit still. He looked at
+his watch every minute. His eyes simply glittered
+with excitement, and I could almost hear his heart
+beating.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>It can't be true.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>He never loved me. He married me because he
+thought it was his duty. And then when the baby died&mdash;he
+thought I'd entrapped him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>He didn't say so.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>No. He never says anything&mdash;but I saw it in his
+eyes. [<i>Passionately clasping her hands.</i>] Oh, you don't
+know what our life is. For days he doesn't say a word
+except to answer my questions. And the silence
+simply drives me mad. I shouldn't mind if he blackguarded
+me. I'd rather he hit me than simply look
+and look. I can see he's keeping himself in. He's
+said more to-day than he's ever said before. I knew
+it was getting towards the end.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a helpless gesture.</i>] I'm very sorry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, don't you pity me, too. I've had a great deal
+too much pity. I don't want it. Basil married me
+from pity. Oh, I wish he hadn't. I can't stand the
+unhappiness.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gravely.</i>] You know, Jenny, he's a man of honour.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I know he's a man of honour. I wish he had
+a little less of it. One doesn't want a lot of fine
+sentiments in married life. They don't work....
+Oh, why couldn't I fall in love with a man of my own
+class? I should have been so much happier. I used
+to be so proud that Basil wasn't a clerk, or something
+in the City. He's right, we shall never be
+happy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Trying to calm her.</i>] Oh, yes, you will. You
+mustn't take things too seriously.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>It isn't a matter of yesterday, or to-day, or to-morrow.
+I can't alter myself. He knew I wasn't
+a lady when he married me. My father had to bring
+up five children on two-ten a week. You can't
+expect a man to send his daughters to a boarding-school
+at Brighton on that, and have them finished
+in Paris.... He doesn't say a word when I do
+something or say something a lady wouldn't&mdash;but he
+purses up his lips, and looks.... Then I get so mad
+that I do things just to aggravate him. Sometimes
+I try to be vulgar. One learns a good deal in a bar
+in the City, and I know so well the things to say
+that'll make Basil curl up. I want to get a bit of
+revenge out of him sometimes, and I know exactly
+where he's raw and where I can hurt him. [<i>With a
+laugh of scorn.</i>] You should see the way he looks
+when I don't eat properly, or when I call a man a
+Johnny.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Drily.</i>] It opens up endless possibilities of domestic
+unhappiness.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I know it isn't fair to him, but I lose my head.
+I can't always be refined. Sometimes I can't help
+breaking out. I feel I must let myself go.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why don't you separate, then?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Because I love him. Oh, John, you don't know
+how I love him. I'd do anything to make him
+happy. I'd give my life if he wanted it. Oh, I
+can't say it, but when I think of him my heart burns
+so that sometimes I can hardly breathe. I can never
+show him that he's all in the world to me; I try to
+make him love me, and I only make him hate me.
+What can I do to show him? Ah, if he only knew,
+I'm sure he'd not regret that he married me. I feel&mdash;I
+feel as if my heart was full of music, and yet
+something prevents me from ever bringing it out.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you think he means it seriously when he talks of
+separation?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's been brooding over it. I know him so well,
+I knew there was something he was thinking over.
+Oh, John, I couldn't live without him. I'd rather
+die. If he leaves me, I swear I'll kill myself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Walking up and down.</i>] I wish I could help you.
+I don't see anything I can do.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, yes, there is. Speak to your sister-in-law.
+Ask her to have mercy on me. Perhaps she doesn't
+know what she's doing. Tell her I love him....
+Take care. There's Basil. If he knew what I'd said
+he'd never speak to me again.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>comes in, dressed in a frock-coat; with a<br />
+tall hat in his hand</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm ready. We've just got time to catch the train.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>All right. Good-bye, Mrs. Kent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Keeping her eyes fixed on</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span>.] Good-bye.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The two men go out.</i> <span class="smcap">Jenny</span> <i>runs to the door<br />
+and calls out</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Basil, I want you a moment, Basil!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>appears at the door</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you really going to Chancery Lane?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>makes a movement of impatience and<br />
+goes out again without answering</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Alone.</i>] Oh, well, I'm going to see that for myself.
+[<i>Calling to the</i> <span class="smcap">Maid</span>.] Fanny!... Bring my hat
+and my jacket. Quick!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She runs to the window and looks out at</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span><br />
+<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">John</span> <i>going away</i>. <span class="smcap">Fanny</span> <i>appears<br />
+with the clothes</i>. <span class="smcap">Jenny</span> <i>hurriedly puts<br />
+them on</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>As</i> <span class="smcap">Fanny</span> <i>is helping her</i>.] What time is it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking up at the clock.</i>] Five minutes past four.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think I can catch it. He said 4.15.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Will you be in to tea, mum?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know. [<i>She runs to the door and rushes out.</i>]</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c">END OF THE SECOND ACT.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<h2><a name="THE_THIRD_ACT_H" id="THE_THIRD_ACT_H"></a>THE THIRD ACT</h2>
+
+<p class="c"><span class="smcap">The Same Afternoon.</span></p>
+
+<p class="hang">[<i>A luxuriously furnished drawing-room at</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs.
+Murray's</span> <i>house in Charles Street, Mayfair.
+Everything in it is beautiful, but suggests in the
+owner good taste rather than originality.</i>]</p>
+
+<p class="hang">[<span class="smcap">Hilda</span> <i>is seated near a tea-table, elaborately gowned,
+and with her is</i> <span class="smcap">Mabel</span>. <span class="smcap">Mr. Robert Brackley</span>
+<i>is sitting down, a stout, round-faced man, clean-shaven
+and very bald; about forty; he is attired
+in the height of fashion, in a frock-coat, patent-leather
+boots and an eye-glass. He talks very
+quickly, in a careless frivolous fashion, and is
+always much amused at what he says.</i>]</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>What is the time, Mr. Brackley?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shan't tell you again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>How brutal of you!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>There's something unhealthy in your passion for
+information. I've already told you five times.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's very unflattering to us who've been doing our
+little best to amuse you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't imagine what's happened to John. He
+promised to fetch me here.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's sure to come if you'll only wait patiently.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I hate waiting patiently.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>You shouldn't have let him out of your sight.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>He went to Putney after luncheon to see your
+friend Mr. Kent. Have you seen him lately?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>John? I saw him at the Martins yesterday.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Slyly.</i>] I meant Mr. Kent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Indifferently.</i>] Yes. He called the other day.
+[<i>To change the conversation.</i>] You're unusually silent,
+Mr. Brackley.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I have nothing whatever to say.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's usually when clever people talk most.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you doing anything now?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh yes, I'm writing a play in blank verse.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>You brave man. What is it about?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Cleopatra.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Dear me! Shakespeare wrote a play about
+Cleopatra, didn't he?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I daresay. I haven't read it. Shakespeare bores
+me. He lived so long ago.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course there are people who read him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are there? What do they look like?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] They bear no distinctive mark of their
+eccentricity.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>The English are so original.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>I think I shall go and ring up the flat. I wonder
+if John has gone straight home.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do. I'm growing very uneasy about him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] You absurd creature.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She goes out.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>You talk more nonsense than anyone I ever met.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's my stock in trade. You don't imagine
+people would read my poems if they knew that I was
+sober, industrious, and economical. As a matter of
+fact I lead the virtuous life of a clergyman's daughter,
+but not a reviewer would notice me if he knew it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>And the little things that the indiscreet read of in
+the papers....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are merely another proof of my passion for duty.
+The British public wants its poets to lead romantic
+lives.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Are you ever serious?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>May I come to lunch with you on Thursday?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>A little surprised.</i>] Certainly. But why on
+Thursday?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Because on that day I intend to ask you to marry
+me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] I'm sorry, I've just remembered
+that I'm lunching out.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>You break my heart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>On the contrary, I provide you with the materials
+for a sonnet.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Won't you marry me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>No.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why not?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Amused.</i>] I'm not in the least in love with you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>People who propose to marry should ask themselves
+if they can look forward with equanimity to breakfasting
+opposite one another for an indefinite number
+of years.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're very unromantic.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear lady, if you want romance I'll send you
+my complete works bound in vellum. I've ground
+out ten volumes of romance to Phyllis and Chloe and
+heaven knows who. The Lord save me from a
+romantic wife.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I'm afraid I'm hopelessly romantic.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, six months of marriage with a poet will cure
+you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'd rather not be cured.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Won't you be in to luncheon on Thursday?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>No.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>comes in</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Butler.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Halliwell, Mr. Kent.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">John</span> <i>appear</i>, <i>and at the same<br />
+moment</i> <span class="smcap">Mabel</span> <i>comes in from the room in<br />
+which she has been telephoning</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">John</span>.] Wretched creature! I've been trying
+to ring you up.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Have I kept you waiting? I went down to
+Chancery Lane with Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>turns to shake hands with</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span> <i>and</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Brackley</span>, <i>while</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span>, <i>who has said how<br />
+d'you do to</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span>, <i>comes down to speak to</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Mabel</span>. <i>The conversation between</i> <span class="smcap">Mabel</span><br />
+<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>is in an undertone</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>How d'you do. You must scold me for keeping
+John so long.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>I didn't really want him, you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Pointing with his head to</i> <span class="smcap">Brackley</span>.] I say, who is
+that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Robert Brackley. Don't you know him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>The poet?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course. They say he'd have been given the
+Laureateship if it hadn't been abolished at Tennyson's
+death.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Tightening his lips.</i>] He's rather a low blackguard,
+isn't he?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Heavens, what's the matter with him, poor man?
+He's Hilda's latest celebrity. He pretends to adore
+her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you remember the Grange case that he was
+mixed up in?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In tones of surprise.</i>] But, my dear Mr. Kent, that
+was two years ago.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Kent, I want to introduce you to Mr. Brackley.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going up.</i>] How d'you do.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>comes down to his wife</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Wretched creature!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I say, Mabel, is Basil often here?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know. I met him here last week.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why the Dickens does he come? He's got no
+business to.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>You brought him yourself to-day.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I didn't. He insisted on coming&mdash;when I said I
+had to fetch you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Perhaps he came to see me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Fiddledidee! I think you ought to speak to Hilda
+about it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>My dear John, are you mad? She'd jump down
+my throat.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why does she let him hang about her? She must
+know she's turning his silly head.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>I daresay she wants to prove to him that he
+showed very bad taste a year ago. It is rather
+annoying when you're attached to a young man that
+he should go and marry somebody else.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I don't think she's playing the game, and I
+shall tell her so.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>She'll snub you awfully.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't care.... Look here, you make a diversion
+so that I can get hold of her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>How?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Dryly.</i>] I don't know. Exercise your invention.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going towards the others.</i>] Hilda, John is clamouring
+for some tea.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Coming down.</i>] Why on earth can't he help
+himself?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>My native modesty prevents.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's quite a new trait in you.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Hilda</span> <i>sits down and pours out tea for</i> <span class="smcap">John</span>.<br />
+<i>He looks at her silently.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've been lunching at Richmond?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.... Then I went on to Putney.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've been making quite a day of it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking the cup.</i>] I say, old gal&mdash;you're not going
+to make a fool of yourself, are you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Opening her eyes.</i>] Oh, I hope not. Why?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thought it might have slipped your memory that
+Basil was married about a year ago.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Freezing.</i>] What on earth d'you mean? [<i>Calling</i>]
+Mabel.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>One moment.... You can give me a little conversation,
+can't you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid you're going to bore me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Good-humouredly.</i>] I assure you I'm not....
+Isn't Basil here rather often?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wonder you haven't learnt to mind your own
+business, John.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you think it's rather rough on that poor little
+woman in Putney?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a suspicion of contempt.</i>] I went down to see
+her. I thought she was vulgar and pretentious. I'm
+afraid I can't arouse any interest in her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gently.</i>] She may be vulgar, but she told me her
+love was like music in her heart. Don't you think
+she must have suffered awfully to get hold of a thought
+like that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>After a pause, changing suddenly both voice and
+manner.</i>] And d'you think I've not suffered, John?
+I'm so unhappy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Do you really care for him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In a low voice hoarse with passion.</i>] No, I don't care
+for him. I worship the very ground he treads on.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Very gravely.</i>] Then you must do as you think
+best.... You're playing the most dangerous game
+in the world. You're playing with human hearts....
+Good-bye.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking his hand.</i>] Good-bye, John. You're not
+angry with me because I was horrid.... I'm glad
+you told me about his wife. Now I shall know what
+to do.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mabel.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Coming forward.</i>] Yes, we really must be going.
+I've not seen my precious baby for two hours.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking both her hands.</i>] Good-bye, you happy
+child. You've got a precious baby, and you've got a
+husband you love. What can you want more?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mabel.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Flippantly.</i>] I want a motor-car.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Kissing her.</i>] Good-bye, darling.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Mabel</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">John</span> <i>go out</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I like this room, Mrs. Murray. It never seems to
+say to you: now it's really time for you to go away,
+as some drawing-rooms do.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Recovering her serenity.</i>] I suppose it's the furniture.
+I'm thinking of changing it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] Upon my word, that almost suggests
+that I've outstayed my welcome.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gaily.</i>] I shouldn't have said that if I didn't know
+that nothing would induce you to go till you wanted
+to.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Rising.</i>] You know me like your glove. But it
+really is growing monstrous late.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>You mustn't go till you've told me who the fair
+charmer was I saw you with at the play last night.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, the green-eyed monster!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] Don't be so absurd, but I thought
+you'd like to know her yellow hair was dyed.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>looks over the pages of a book</i>, <i>somewhat<br />
+annoyed that</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span> <i>takes no notice of him</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course it was dyed. That was just the charm
+of it. Any woman can have yellow hair naturally:
+there's no more credit in that than in having it blue
+or green.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've always wanted to make mine purple.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you think women ought to be artificial? It's
+just as much their duty to rouge their cheeks and
+powder their noses as it is for them to wear nice
+frocks.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I know many women who wear horrid frocks.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, those are the others. I treat them as non-existent.</p>
+
+<p><i>Hilda.</i></p>
+
+<p>What do you mean?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>There are only two sorts of women in the world&mdash;the
+women who powder their noses and the others.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>And who are they if you please?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I haven't examined the matter very carefully, but
+I understand they are clergymen's daughters by
+profession.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He shakes hands with her.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's so nice of you to have come.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Nodding at</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span>.] Good-bye.... May I come
+again soon?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at him quickly.</i>] Were you serious just
+now, or were you laughing at me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've never been more serious in my life.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then perhaps I shall be in to luncheon on Thursday
+after all.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Brackley.</span></p>
+
+<p>A thousand thanks. Good-bye.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He nods to</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>and goes out</i>. <span class="smcap">Hilda</span> <i>looks<br />
+at</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>with a smile</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Is that a very interesting book?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Putting it down.</i>] I thought that man was never
+going away.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Laughing.</i>] I suspect he thought precisely the
+same of you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Ill-temperedly.</i>] What an ass he is! How <i>can</i> you
+stand him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm rather attached to him. I don't take everything
+he says very seriously. And young men ought to be
+foolish.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>He didn't strike me as so juvenile as all that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's only forty, poor thing&mdash;and I've never known
+a coming young man who was less than that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's a young man with a very bald head.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Amused.</i>] I wonder why you dislike him!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a jealous glance, icily.</i>] I thought he wasn't
+admitted into decent houses.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Opening her eyes.</i>] He comes here, Mr. Kent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Unable to restrain his ill-temper.</i>] Don't you know
+that he's been mixed up in every scandal for the
+last twenty years?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Good-humouredly</i>, <i>seeing that</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>is merely
+jealous</i>.] There must be people in the world to provide
+gossip for their neighbours.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's no business of mine. I have no right to talk
+to you like this.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wonder why you do it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Almost savagely.</i>] Because I love you.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>There is a little pause.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a smile, ironically.</i>] Won't you have some
+more tea, Mr. Kent?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going up to her, speaking with a sort of vehement
+gravity.</i>] You don't know what I've suffered. You
+don't know what a hell my life is.... I tried so hard
+to prevent myself from coming here. When I married
+I swore I'd break with all my old friends.... When
+I married I found I loved <i>you</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't listen to you if you talk like that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you want me to go?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She does not answer for a moment, but walks<br />
+up and down in agitation. At last she<br />
+stops and faces him.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Did you hear me tell Mr. Brackley to come on
+Thursday?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>He's asked me to be his wife. And on Thursday I
+shall give him an answer.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hilda!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Earnestly.</i>] It's you who've driven me into it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hilda, what are you going to say to him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know&mdash;perhaps, yes?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Hilda, Hilda, you don't care for him?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shrugging her shoulders.</i>] He amuses me. I dare
+say we should get on very well together.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Passionately.</i>] Oh, you can't. You don't know
+what you're doing. I thought&mdash;I thought you loved
+me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's because I love you that I shall marry Mr.
+Brackley.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, it's absurd. I won't let you. You're making
+us both utterly wretched. I won't let you sacrifice
+our happiness. Oh, Hilda, I love you. I can't live
+without you. At first I tried to resist seeing you.
+I used to pass your door and look up at your
+windows; and the door seemed as if it were waiting
+for me. And at the end of the street I used to look
+back. Oh, how I used to want to come in and see
+you once more! I thought if I saw you just once, I
+should get over it. And at last I couldn't help
+myself. I'm so weak. Do you despise me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Almost in a whisper.</i>] I don't know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>And you were so kind I couldn't help coming again.
+I thought I did no harm.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>I saw you were unhappy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I should think I was unhappy. For months I've
+dreaded going home. When I saw my house as I
+walked along I almost turned sick. You don't know
+how fervently I've wished that I'd got killed in the
+war. I can't go on.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>But you must. It's your duty.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I think I've had enough of duty and honour.
+I've used up all my principles in the last year.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't say that, Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>After all, it's my own fault. I brought it on myself,
+and I must take the consequences.... But I
+haven't the strength, I don't love her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then don't let her ever find it out. Be kind to
+her, and gentle and forbearing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't be kind and gentle and forbearing day after
+day, for weeks, and months, and years.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thought you were a brave man. They wouldn't
+have given you that medal if you'd been a coward.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, my dearest, it's not hard to risk your life in
+the midst of battle. I can do that&mdash;but this needs
+more strength than I've got. I tell you I can't
+endure it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Tenderly.</i>] But it'll get better. You'll get used to
+one another, and you'll understand one another better.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>We're too different. It's impossible for it to get
+better. We can't even go on as we have been. I've
+felt that the end was coming.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>But try&mdash;try for my sake.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You don't know what it is. Everything she says,
+everything she does, jars upon me so frightfully. I
+try to restrain myself. I clench my teeth to prevent
+myself from breaking out at her. Sometimes I can't
+help it, and I say things that I'd give anything to have
+left unsaid. She's dragging me down. I'm getting
+as common and vulgar as she is.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>How can you say that of your wife?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you think I must have gone through a good
+deal before I could acknowledge to myself what she
+was? I'm chained to her for all my life. And when
+I look into the future&mdash;I see her a vulgar, slatternly
+shrew like her mother, and myself abject, degraded,
+and despicable. The woman never tires in her conflict
+with the man, and in the end <i>he</i> always succumbs.
+A man, when he marries a woman like that, thinks he's
+going to lift her up to his own station. The fool!
+It's she who drags him down to hers.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Much disturbed, rising from her seat.</i>] I wanted
+you to be so happy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going towards her.</i>] Hilda!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>No&mdash;don't.... Please!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>If it weren't for you I couldn't have lived. It was
+only by seeing you that I gathered courage to go on
+with it. And each time I came here I loved you
+more passionately.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, why did you come?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I couldn't help it. I knew it was poison, but I
+loved the poison. I would give my whole soul for one
+look of your eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you care for me at all, do your duty like a brave
+man&mdash;and let me respect you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Say that you love me, Hilda.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Distracted.</i>] You're making our friendship impossible.
+Don't you see that you're preventing me from
+ever having you here again?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't help it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>I ought never to have seen you again. I thought
+there was no harm in your coming, and I&mdash;I couldn't
+bear to lose you altogether.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Even if I never see you again, I must tell you now
+that I love you. I made you suffer, I was blind. But
+I love you with all my heart, Hilda. All day I think
+of you, and I dream of you in the night. I long to
+take you in my arms and kiss you, to kiss your lips,
+and your beautiful hair, and your hands. My whole
+soul is yours, Hilda.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He goes towards her again to take her in his<br />
+arms.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, no, go away. For God's sake, go now. I can't
+bear it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Hilda, I can't live without you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Have mercy on me. Don't you see how weak I am?
+Oh, God help me!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You don't love me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Vehemently.</i>] You know I love you. But because
+of my great love I beseech you to do your duty.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>My duty is to be happy. Let us go where we can
+love one another&mdash;away from England, to a land
+where love isn't sinful and ugly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Basil, let us try to walk straight. Think of
+your wife, who loves you also&mdash;as much as I do.
+You're all the world to her. You can't treat her so
+shamefully.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She puts her handkerchief to her eyes, and</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span><br />
+<i>gently takes away her hand</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't cry, Hilda. I can't bear it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In broken tones.</i>] Don't you understand that we
+could never respect ourselves again if we did that
+poor creature such a fearful wrong? She would be
+always between us with her tears and her sorrows. I
+tell you I couldn't bear it. Have mercy on me&mdash;if
+you love me at all.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Wavering.</i>] Hilda, it's too hard. I can't leave you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>You must. I <i>know</i> it's better to do our duty.
+For my sake, dearest, go back to your wife, and don't
+let her ever know that you love me. It's because
+we're stronger than she that we must sacrifice
+ourselves.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He leans his head on his hands, and sighs<br />
+deeply. For a while they remain in silence.<br />
+At last, with another sigh, he gets up.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know any longer what's right and what's
+wrong. It all seems confused. It's very hard.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Hoarsely.</i>] It's just as hard for me, Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Broken-hearted.</i>] Good-bye, then. I dare say
+you're right. And perhaps I should only make you
+very unhappy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good-bye, my dearest.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He bends down and kisses her hands. She<br />
+stifles a sob. He goes slowly to the door,<br />
+with his back turned to her; and then</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Hilda</span>, <i>unable to endure it, gives a groan</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Basil. Don't go.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a cry of joy.</i>] Ah! Hilda.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He clasps her passionately in his arms.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I can't bear it. I won't lose you. Basil, say
+you love me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In a madness of joy.</i>] Yes. I love you with all
+my heart.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>I could have borne it if you'd been happy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now <i>nothing</i> can separate us, Hilda. You belong
+to me for ever.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>God help me! What have I done?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>If we lose our souls, what does it matter? We gain
+the whole world.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Basil, I want your love. I want your love so
+badly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Will you come with me, Hilda? I can take you
+to a land where the whole earth speaks only of love&mdash;and
+where only love and youth and beauty matter.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Let us go where we can be together always. We
+have so short a time; let us snatch all the happiness
+we can.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Kissing her again.</i>] My darling.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Basil, Basil.... [<i>She starts away.</i>] Take care!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>comes in</i>.]<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Butler.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Kent.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Jenny</span> <i>enters hurriedly, as he gives her name.<br />
+The</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>at once goes out</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Jenny!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've caught you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Trying to be urbane</i>&mdash;<i>to</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span>] I think you know
+my wife.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In a loud angry voice.</i>] Oh, yes, I know her. You
+needn't introduce me. I've come for my husband.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Jenny, what are you saying?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I don't want any of your Society shams. I've
+come here to speak out.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span>.] Would you mind leaving us alone?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Also to</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span>, <i>passionately</i>.] No, I want to speak
+to you. You're trying to get my husband from me.
+He's <i>my</i> husband.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Be quiet, Jenny. Are you mad? Mrs. Murray,
+for God's sake leave us. She'll insult you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>You think of her, you don't think of me. You
+don't care how much I suffer.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking her arm.</i>] Come away, Jenny.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shaking him off.</i>] I won't. You're afraid to
+let me see her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Pale and trembling, conscience-stricken.</i>] Let her
+speak.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going up to</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span> <i>threateningly</i>.] You're stealing
+my husband from me. Oh, you.... [<i>She is at a loss
+for words violent enough.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't want to make you unhappy, Mrs. Kent.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>You can't get round me with polite words. I'm
+sick of all that. I want to speak straight.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span>.] Please go. You can do no good.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Still more vehemently.</i>] You're stealing my husband
+from me. You're a wicked woman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Hilda.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Almost in a whisper.</i>] If you like I'll promise you
+never to see your husband again.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With angry scorn.</i>] Much good your promises will
+do me. I wouldn't believe a word you said. I know
+what Society ladies are. We know all about them in
+the City.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span>.] You <i>must</i> leave us alone.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He opens the door, and she goes out, looking<br />
+away from him.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Savagely.</i>] She's frightened of me. She daren't
+stand up to me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>As</i> <span class="smcap">Hilda</span> <i>goes</i>.] I'm so sorry.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>You're sorry for her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Turning on her.</i>] Yes, I am. What d'you mean
+by coming here and behaving like this?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've caught you at last.... You liar! You dirty
+liar! You told me you were going to Chancery Lane.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have been to Chancery Lane.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I know you have&mdash;for five minutes. It was
+only an excuse. You might just as well have come
+here straight.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Angrily.</i>] How dare you follow me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've got a right to follow you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Unable to contain himself.</i>] What d'you want here?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I want you. D'you think I didn't guess what was
+going on? I saw you come in with Halliwell. Then
+I saw him go out with his wife. Then another man
+went out, and I knew you were alone with her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sharply.</i>] How did you know?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I gave the butler a sovereign, and he told me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking for a word to express his contempt.</i>] Oh,
+you ... you cad! It's only what I should have
+expected you to do.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>And then I waited for you, and you didn't come.
+And at last I couldn't wait any longer.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, you've finished it now.</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Jenny</span> <i>catches sight of a photograph of</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span>,
+<i>standing on a table</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Pointing to it.</i>] What's she got your photograph
+here for?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I gave it to Mrs. Murray before I was married.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>She's got no right to keep it there.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She takes the photograph and flings it violently<br />
+on the floor.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Jenny, what are you doing?</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Jenny</span> <i>digs her heel into it savagely, viciously</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Hissing the words.</i>] Oh, I hate her. I hate her.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Striving to contain himself.</i>] You drive me perfectly
+mad. You'll make me say things that I shall
+regret all my life. For Heaven's sake, go.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I shan't go till you come with me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Beside himself.</i>] I choose to remain.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>What d'you mean?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Look here, until to-day I swear to you before God
+that I've never done anything or said anything that
+you couldn't have known. Do you believe me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't believe that you're not in love with that
+woman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't ask you to.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>What!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I said, until to-day I've been absolutely faithful to
+you. Heaven knows, I've tried to do my duty. I've
+done all I could to make you happy. And I've
+struggled with all my might to love you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Say it out if you've got anything to say, I'm not
+afraid to hear.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't wish to deceive you. It's best that you
+should know what has happened.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Scornfully.</i>] Now for another thumping lie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>This afternoon I told Hilda I loved her.... And
+she loves me too.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a cry of rage.</i>] Oh!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She hits at his face with her umbrella, but he<br />
+wards the blow, and, snatching the umbrella<br />
+from her, throws it away.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've brought it on yourself. You made me too
+unhappy.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Jenny</span>, <i>panting and bewildered, stands helpless,<br />
+trying to control herself</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>And now it's the end. The life we led was impossible.
+I tried to do something that was beyond
+my power. I'm going away. I can't and I won't
+live with you any longer.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Frightened at herself and at what he says.</i>] Basil,
+you don't mean that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've struggled against it for months. And now
+I'm beaten.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>You've got me to count with. I won't let you go.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Bitterly.</i>] What more d'you want? Isn't it enough
+that you've ruined my whole life?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Hoarsely.</i>] You don't love me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I never loved you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Why did you marry me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Because you made me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In a whisper.</i>] You never loved me&mdash;even at the
+beginning?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Never.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Basil!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's too late now to keep it in. I must tell you
+and have done with it. <i>You've</i> been having it out for
+months&mdash;now it's my turn.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Going up to him and trying to put her arm round
+his neck.</i>] But I love you, Basil. I'll make you love
+me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shrinking from her.</i>] Don't touch me!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a movement of despair.</i>] I really think you
+loathe me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>For Heaven's sake, Jenny, let us finish with it.
+I'm very sorry. I don't wish to be unkind to you.
+But you must have seen that&mdash;that I didn't care for
+you. What's the good of going on humbugging,
+and pretending, and making ourselves utterly
+wretched?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, I've seen it. But I wouldn't believe it.
+When I've put my hand on your shoulder, I've seen
+that you could hardly help shuddering. And sometimes
+when I've kissed you, I've seen you put out all
+your strength to prevent yourself from pushing me
+away.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Jenny, I can't help it if I don't love you. I can't
+help it if I&mdash;if I love some one else.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Dazed and cowed.</i>] What are you going to do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm going away.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Where?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>God knows.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>There is a knock at the door.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Come in.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>enters with a note, which he gives<br />
+to</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Butler.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Murray told me to give you this note, Sir.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking it.</i>] Thank you.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He opens and reads it as the</i> <span class="smcap">Servant</span> <i>goes out<br />
+of the room, then looks up at</i> <span class="smcap">Jenny</span>, <i>who<br />
+is anxiously watching him</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>[<i>Reading.</i>] "You may tell your wife that I've made
+up my mind to marry Mr. Brackley. I will never
+see you again."</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>What does she mean?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Bitterly.</i>] Isn't it clear? Some one has asked her
+to marry him, and she means to accept.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>But you said she loved you.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He shrugs his shoulders without answering.</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Jenny</span> <i>goes up to him imploringly</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, Basil, if it's true, give me another chance. She
+doesn't love you as I love you. I've been selfish and
+quarrelsome and exacting, but I've always loved you.
+Oh, don't leave me, Basil. Let me try once more if
+I can't make you care for me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking down, hoarsely.</i>] I'm very sorry. It's too
+late.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Despairingly.</i>] Oh, God, what shall I do? And
+even though she's going to marry somebody else, you
+care for her better than any one else in the world?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In a whisper.</i>] Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>And even if she does marry that other man she'll
+love you still. There's no room for me between you.
+I can go away like a discharged servant.... Oh,
+God! oh, God! what have I done to deserve it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Touched by her utter misery.</i>] I'm very sorry to
+make you so unhappy.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, don't pity me. D'you think I want your pity
+now?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>You had better come away, Jenny.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>No. You've told me you don't want me any more.
+I shall go my own way.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looks at her for a moment, hesitating; then shrugs
+his shoulders.</i>] Then good-bye.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He goes out, and</i> <span class="smcap">Jenny</span>, <i>looking after him,<br />
+passes her hand wearily over her forehead</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Jenny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a sigh.</i>] He's so glad to go.... [<i>She gives a
+little sob.</i>] They've got no room for me.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She takes up from the floor the photograph on<br />
+which she stamped, and looks at it; then<br />
+sinks down, burying her face in her hands,<br />
+and bursts into a passion of tears.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c">END OF THE THIRD ACT.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<h2><a name="THE_FOURTH_ACT_H" id="THE_FOURTH_ACT_H"></a>THE FOURTH ACT.</h2>
+
+<p class="c"><span class="smcap">The Next Morning.</span></p>
+
+<p class="hang">[<i>The scene is the same as in the Second Act, the drawing-room
+at Basil's house in Putney.</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>is sitting
+at the table, with his head in his hands. He looks
+tired and worn; his face is very white, and there
+are great black lines under his eyes. His hair is
+dishevelled. On the table lies a revolver.</i></p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>A knock at the door.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Without looking up.</i>] Come in.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Fanny</span> <i>enters</i>.]<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Subdued and pale.</i>] I came to see if you wanted
+anything, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking up at her slowly, his voice is dull and
+hoarse.</i>] No.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Shall I open the windows, Sir? It's a beautiful
+morning.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, I'm cold. Make up the fire.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Wouldn't you like a cup of tea? You ought to
+'ave something after not going to bed all night.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't want anything.... Don't worry, there's
+a good woman.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Fanny</span> <i>puts coals on the fire, while BASIL<br />
+listlessly watches her</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>How long is it since you sent the telegrams?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I took them the moment the office was opened.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>What's the time?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, sir, it must be 'alf-past nine by now.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good Heavens, how slowly the hours go. I
+thought the night would never end.... Oh, God,
+what shall I do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'll make you a strong cup of tea. If you don't
+'ave something to pull you together&mdash;I don't know
+what'll 'appen to you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, make it quickly, I'm thirsty.... And I'm so
+cold.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>A ring at the front door is heard.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Jumping up.</i>] There's some one at the door,
+Fanny. Hurry up.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She goes out, and he follows her to the door of<br />
+the room.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Fanny, don't let any one up beside Mr. Halliwell.
+Say I can see no one. [<i>He waits for a moment,
+anxiously.</i>] Is that you, John?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Outside.</i>] Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To himself.</i>] Thank God!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>comes in</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I thought you were never coming. I begged you
+to come at once.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I started immediately I got your wire.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>It seems hours since the girl went to the post-office.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>What's the matter?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Hoarsely.</i>] Don't you know? I thought I had
+said it in my telegram.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>You simply wired that you were in great trouble.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I suppose I thought you'd see it in the papers.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>What on earth d'you mean? I've not seen a paper.
+Where's your wife?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>After a pause, almost in a whisper.</i>] She's dead.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Thunderstruck.</i>] Good God!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Don't look at me like that. Isn't it
+plain enough? Don't you understand?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>But she was all right yesterday.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Dully.</i>] Yes. She was all right yesterday.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>For goodness sake tell me what you mean, Basil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>She's dead.... And she was all right yesterday.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>does not understand. He is greatly<br />
+distressed, and does not know what to say.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I killed her&mdash;as surely as if I'd strangled her with
+my own hands.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>What d'you mean? She's not really dead!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>In agony.</i>] She threw herself into the river last
+night.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>How awful!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Haven't you got something more to say than how
+awful? I feel as if I were going mad.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I can't understand! Why did she do it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh&mdash;yesterday we had an awful row ... before
+you came.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then she followed me to ... to your sister-in-law's.
+And she came up and made another scene.
+Then I lost my head. I was so furious, I don't know
+what I said. I was mad. I told her I'd have
+nothing more to do with her.... Oh, I can't bear
+it, I can't bear it.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He breaks down and hides his face in his hands,<br />
+sobbing.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Come, Basil&mdash;pull yourself together a bit.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking up despairingly.</i>] I can hear her voice
+now. I can see the look of her eyes. She asked me
+to give her another chance, and I refused. It was
+so pitiful to hear the way she appealed to me, only I
+was mad, and I couldn't feel it.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Fanny</span> <i>comes in with the cup of tea, which</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>silently takes and drinks</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">John</span>.] He ain't slept a wink all night, sir....
+No more 'ave I, for the matter of that.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>nods, but does not answer; and</i> <span class="smcap">Fanny</span>,<br />
+<i>wiping her eyes with her apron, leaves the<br />
+room</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I'd give everything not to have said what I
+did. I'd always held myself in before, but yesterday&mdash;I
+couldn't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I didn't get back here till nearly ten, and the maid
+told me Jenny had just gone out. I thought she'd
+gone back to her mother's.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>And soon after a constable came up and asked me
+to go down to the river. He said there'd been an
+accident.... She was dead. A man had seen her
+walk along the tow-path and throw herself in.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Where is she now?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Pointing to one of the doors.</i>] In there.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Will you take me in?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Go in alone, John. I daren't, I'm afraid to look
+at her. I can't bear the look on her face.... I
+killed her&mdash;as surely as if I'd strangled her with my
+own hands. I've been looking at the door all night,
+and once I thought I heard a sound. I thought she
+was coming to reproach me for killing her.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>goes to the door, and as he opens it</i>, <span class="smcap">Basil</span><br />
+<i>averts his head. When</i> <span class="smcap">John</span> <i>shuts the<br />
+door after him, he looks at it with staring,<br />
+frightened eyes, half mad with agony. He<br />
+tries to contain himself. After a while</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>comes back, very quietly</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Whispering.</i>] What does she look like?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>There's nothing to be afraid of, Basil. She might
+be sleeping.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Clenching his hands.</i>] But the ghastly pallor....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gravely.</i>] She's happier than she would ever have
+been if she'd lived.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>sighs deeply</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Seeing the revolver.</i>] What's this for?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a groan of self-contempt.</i>] I tried to kill
+myself in the night.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>H'm!</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He takes the cartridges out and puts the revolver<br />
+in his pocket.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Bitterly.</i>] Oh, don't be afraid, I haven't got the
+pluck.... I was afraid to go on living. I thought
+if I killed myself it would be a reparation for her
+death. I went down to the river, and I walked along
+the tow-path to the same spot&mdash;but I couldn't do it.
+The water looked so black and cold and pitiless. And
+yet she did it so easily. She just walked along and
+threw herself in. [<i>A pause.</i>] Then I came back, and
+I thought I'd shoot myself.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you think that would have done any one much
+good?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I despised myself. I felt I hadn't the right to
+live, and I thought it would be easier just to pull a
+trigger.... People say it's cowardly to destroy
+oneself, they don't know what courage it wants. I
+couldn't face the pain&mdash;and then, I don't know what's
+on the other side. After all, it may be true that
+there's a cruel, avenging God, who will punish us to
+all eternity if we break His unknown laws.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm very glad you sent for me. You had better
+come back to London, and stay with me for the
+present.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>And d'you know what happened in the night? I
+couldn't go to bed. I felt I could never sleep again&mdash;and
+then, presently, I dozed off quite quietly in
+my chair. And I slept as comfortably&mdash;as if Jenny
+weren't lying in there, cold and dead. And the maid
+pities me because she thinks I passed as sleepless a
+night as she did.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>A sound of voices is heard outside, in altercation.</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Fanny</span> <i>comes in</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Please, sir, Mr. James.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Angrily.</i>] I won't see him.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>He won't go away, I told 'im you was too ill to see
+anybody.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I won't see him. I knew he'd be round, curse
+him!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>After all, I suppose he has a certain right to come
+here&mdash;under the circumstances. Hadn't you better
+see what he wants?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, he'll make a scene. I shall knock him down.
+I've suffered too much through him already.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Let <i>me</i> see him. You don't want him to make a
+fuss at the inquest.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've been thinking of that. I know the stories he
+and his people will make up. And the papers will
+get hold of it, and every one will blackguard me.
+They'll say it was my fault.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you mind if I have a talk to him? I think I
+can save you from all that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Shrugging his shoulders, impatiently.</i>] Do whatever
+you like.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Fanny</span>.] Show him up, Fanny.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, sir.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>She goes out.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then I shall go.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>nods, and</i> <span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>goes out by the door<br />
+next to that of the room in which</i> <span class="smcap">Jenny</span> <i>is<br />
+lying.</i> <span class="smcap">James Bush</span> <i>appears</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Grave and cold.</i>] Good morning, Mr. Bush.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Aggressively.</i>] Where's that man?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Raising his eyebrows.</i>] It's usual to take one's hat
+off in other people's houses.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm a man of principle, I am; and I keep my 'at
+on to show it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, well, we won't discuss the point.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I want to see that man.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>May I ask to whom you're referring? There are
+so many men in the world. In fact, it's very over-crowded.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Who are you, I should like to know?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Politely.</i>] My name is Halliwell. I had the
+pleasure of meeting you at Basil's rooms in Bloomsbury.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Aggressively.</i>] I know that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I beg your pardon. I thought you were asking
+for information.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I tell you I want to see my brother-in-law.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm afraid you can't.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I tell you I will see 'im. He's murdered my
+sister. He's a blackguard and a murderer, and I'll
+tell him so to his face.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sarcastic.</i>] Take care he doesn't hear you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I want him to hear me. I'm not frightened of
+him. I should just like to see him touch me now.
+[<i>He sidles viciously to</i> <span class="smcap">John</span>.] H'm, you tried to keep
+me out, did yer? Said I couldn't come to my sister's
+'ouse&mdash;and kept me waitin' in the 'all like a tradesman.
+Oh, I'll make you all pay for this. I'll get my own
+back now. Measley set of West End curs, that's all
+you are.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bush, you'll be so good as to keep a civil
+tongue in your mouth while you're here&mdash;and you'll
+talk less loudly.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Scornfully.</i>] Who says so?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at him quietly.</i>] I do.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Less decisively.</i>] Don't you try and bully me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Pointing to a chair.</i>] Won't you sit down?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>No, I won't sit down. This ain't the 'ouse that a
+gentleman would sit down in. I'll be even with 'im
+yet. I'll tell the jury a pretty story. He deserves
+to be strung up, he does.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I can't tell you how extremely sorry I am for what
+has happened.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, don't try and get round me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Really, Mr. Bush, you have no reason to be indignant
+with me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, I don't think much of you, any 'ow.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I'm very sorry. Last time we met I thought you
+a very amiable person. Don't you remember, we
+went and had a drink together?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't say <i>you</i>'re not a gentleman.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking out his cigar-case.</i>] Won't you have a
+cigar?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Suspiciously.</i>] Look here, you're not trying to
+bluff me, are you?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Certainly not. I wouldn't dream of such a thing.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking a cigar.</i>] Larranaga.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With an acid smile.</i>] Nine pounds a hundred.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's one and nine apiece, ain't it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>How quickly you reckon!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>You must be pretty oofy to be able to afford that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Drily.</i>] It does inspire respect, doesn't it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know what you mean by that. But I
+flatter myself I know a good cigar when I see it.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>sits down, and</i> <span class="smcap">James Bush</span>, <i>without<br />
+thinking, follows his example</i>.]<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>What d'you think you'll get out of making a row
+at the inquest? Of course, there'll be an inquest.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, I know there will. And I'm lookin' forward
+to it, I can tell you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wouldn't have said that if I'd been you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Quite unconscious of the construction that may be
+put on his last words&mdash;full of his own grievances.</i>]
+I've 'ad something to put up with, I 'ave.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Really?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, he's treated me shockin'! He simply treated
+me like dirt. I wouldn't 'ave stood it a minute,
+except for Jenny's sake. <i>I</i> wasn't good enough for
+'im, if you please. And the way he used to look
+right through me as if I wasn't there at all&mdash;Oh, I'll
+be even with 'im now.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>What are you going to do?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Never you mind. I'm going to make it hot for
+'im.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>D'you think that'll do you any good?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Springing up.</i>] Yes. And I mean to....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] Now sit down, there's a good chap,
+and let's have a little talk about it.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Angrily.</i>] You're trying to bamboozle me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nonsense.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, yes, you are. Don't try to deny it. I can see
+through you as if you was a pane of glass. You
+people in the West End&mdash;you think you know everything.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I assure you....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] But I've had a City training, and
+you can lay anything you like there ain't no flies
+on me.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>We're both men of the world, Mr. Bush. Will
+you do me a great favour as a&mdash;friend?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Suspiciously.</i>] That depends on what it is.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's merely to listen to me quietly for two or three
+minutes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't mind doing that.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, the fact is&mdash;Basil's going away, and he wants
+to get rid of the furniture and the house. What
+d'you think it's worth, as an auctioneer?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking round.</i>] It's a very different business what
+a thing's worth, and what it'll fetch.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Of course, but a clever man like you....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now then, no bluff. I tell you it won't work with
+me.... D'you include plate and linen?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Everything.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, if it was well sold&mdash;by a man as knew his
+business....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you sold it, for instance?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>It might fetch a hundred pounds&mdash;it might fetch a
+hundred and fifty.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>That wouldn't be a bad present to make to any one,
+would it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>No. I think I can agree with you there.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well, Basil thought of giving the entire contents
+of the house to your mother and sister.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>To tell you the truth, it's no more than he ought
+to do.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>The condition is, of course, that nothing is said at
+the inquest.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a sneer.</i>] You make me laugh. D'you think
+you can gag me by giving a houseful of furniture to
+my mother?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I had no such exalted opinion of your disinterestedness,
+Mr. Bush. I come to you now.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Sharply.</i>] What d'you mean by that?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>It appears that you owe Basil a good deal of money.
+Can you pay it?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>No.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Also it appears that there was some difficulty with
+your accounts in your last place.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>That's a lie.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Possibly. But altogether I fancy we could make
+it uncommonly nasty for you if you made a fuss. If
+dirty linen is going to be washed in public&mdash;there's
+generally a good deal to be done on both sides.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't care. I mean to get my own back. If I
+can only get my knife into that man&mdash;I'll take the
+consequences.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>On the other hand&mdash;if you won't make a fuss at
+the inquest, I'll give you fifty pounds.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Jumping up indignantly.</i>] Are you trying to bribe
+me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Calmly.</i>] Yes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I would 'ave you know that I'm a gentleman, and
+what's more, I'm an Englishman. And I'm proud of
+it. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. I've never
+'ad any one try and bribe me before.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Indifferently.</i>] Otherwise you would, doubtless,
+have accepted.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've got more than half a mind to knock you down.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a slight smile.</i>] Come, come, Mr. Bush, don't
+be ridiculous. You'd far better keep quiet, you
+know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Scornfully.</i>] What do you think fifty pounds is
+to me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a sharp look.</i>] Who spoke of fifty pounds?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>You did.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>You must have mistaken me. A hundred and
+fifty.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh! [<i>At first he is surprised, then, as the amount
+sinks into his mind, grows doubtful.</i>] That's a very
+different pair of shoes.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't ask you to say anything untrue. After all,
+it's not worth while for a man of the world like you&mdash;a
+business man&mdash;to give way to petty spite. And
+we don't want to have any scandal. That would be
+just as unpleasant for you as for us.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Undecided.</i>] There's no denying that she was hysterical.
+If he'd only treated me like a gentleman, I
+shouldn't have had anything to say.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Well?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a foxy, keen glance at</i> <span class="smcap">John</span>.] Make it two
+'undred, and I'll say done.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Firmly.</i>] No. You can take a hundred and fifty,
+or go to the devil.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, well, 'and it over.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Taking a cheque out of his pocket.</i>] I'll give you fifty
+now and the rest after the inquest.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With a certain admiration.</i>] You're a sharp 'un,
+you are.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">John</span> <i>writes out the cheque and gives it to</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">James Bush</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Shall I give you a receipt? I'm a business man,
+you know.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yes, I know; but it's not necessary. You'll tell
+your mother and sister?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't you fear. I'm a gentleman, and I don't go
+back on my friends.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now I think I'll say good morning to you. You
+can understand that Basil isn't fit to see any one.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">James.</span></p>
+
+<p>I understand. So long.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<i>He stretches out his hand, which</i> <span class="smcap">John</span> <i>shakes<br />
+gravely</i>.]<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good morning.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Fanny</span> <i>comes in by one door as</i> <span class="smcap">James Bush</span><br />
+<i>goes out by another</i>.]<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>Good riddance to bad rubbish.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Ah, Fanny, if there were no rogues in the world,
+life would really be too difficult for honest men.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Fanny</span> <i>goes out, and</i> <span class="smcap">John</span> <i>walks to the door<br />
+and calls</i>.]<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Basil&mdash;he's gone.... Where are you?</p>
+
+<p>[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>comes out of the room in which is lying
+Jenny's body</i>.]</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I didn't know you were in there.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wonder if she forgives me?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I wouldn't worry myself too much if I were you,
+Basil, old man.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you only knew how I despise myself!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Come, come, Basil, you must make an effort....</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I've not told you the worst. I feel such a cad.
+There's one thought that's been with me all night.
+And I <i>can't</i> drive it away. It's worse than anything
+else. It's too shameful.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>What <i>do</i> you mean?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, it's so despicable. And yet it's too strong for
+me.... I can't help thinking that I'm&mdash;free.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Free?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's treachery to her memory. But you don't know
+what it is when your prison door is opened. [<i>As he
+speaks he grows more and more excited.</i>] I don't want
+to die. I want to live, and I want to take life by
+both hands and enjoy it. I've got such a desire for
+happiness. Let's open the windows, and let the
+sunlight in. [<i>He goes to the window and flings it
+open.</i>] It's so good just to be alive. How can I help
+thinking that now I can start fresh? The slate is
+wiped clean, and I can begin again. I <i>will</i> be happy.
+God forgive me, I can't help the thought. I'm free.
+I made a ghastly mistake, and I suffered for it.
+Heaven knows how I suffered, and how hard I tried
+to make the best of it. It wasn't all my fault. In
+this world we're made to act and think things because
+other people have thought them good. We never
+have a chance of going our own way. We're bound
+down by the prejudices and the morals of everybody
+else. For God's sake, let us be free. Let us do this
+and that because we want to and because we must,
+not because other people think we ought. [<i>He stops
+suddenly in front of</i> <span class="smcap">John</span>.] Why don't you say
+something? You stare at me as if you thought me
+raving mad!</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know what to say.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, I suppose you're shocked and scandalised. I
+ought to go on posing. I ought to act the part
+decently to the end. <i>You</i> would never have had the
+courage to do what I did, and yet, because I've failed,
+you think you can look down on me from the height
+of your moral elevation.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Gravely.</i>] I was thinking how far a man may fall
+when he attempts to climb the stars.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I gave the world fine gold, and their currency is
+only cowrie-shells. I held up an ideal, and they
+sneered at me. In this world you must wallow in
+the trough with the rest of them.... The only
+moral I can see is that if I'd acted like a blackguard&mdash;as
+ninety-nine men out of a hundred would have
+done&mdash;and let Jenny go to the dogs, I should have
+remained happy and contented and prosperous. And
+she, I dare say, wouldn't have died.... It's because
+I tried to do my duty and act like a gentleman and a
+man of honour, that all this misery has come about.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Looking at him quietly.</i>] I think I should put it in
+another way. One has to be very strong and very
+sure of oneself to go against the ordinary view of
+things. And if one isn't, perhaps it's better not to
+run any risks, but just to walk along the same secure
+old road as the common herd. It's not exhilarating,
+it's not brave, and it's rather dull. But it's eminently
+safe.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Basil</span> <i>scarcely hears the last words, but listens<br />
+intently to other sounds outside</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>What's that? I thought I heard a carriage.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>A little surprised.</i>] Do you expect any one?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>I sent a wire to&mdash;to Hilda at the same time as to
+you.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Already?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Excited.</i>] D'you think she'll come?</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>I don't know. [<i>A ring is heard at the front door.</i></p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>Running to the window.</i>] There's some one at the
+door.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">John.</span></p>
+
+<p>Perhaps it's occurred to her also that you're free.</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Basil.</span></p>
+
+<p>[<i>With the utmost passion.</i>] Oh, she loves me, and
+I&mdash;I adore her. God forgive me, I can't help it.</p>
+
+<p class="dir">[<span class="smcap">Fanny</span> <i>comes in</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Fanny.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you please, sir, the Coroner's officer.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c">THE END.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="c"><small>P<small>RINTED BY</small><br />
+BALLANTYNE &amp; COMPANY LTD<br />
+AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS<br />
+T<small>AVISTOCK</small> S<small>TREET</small> C<small>OVENT</small> G<small>ARDEN</small><br />
+L<small>ONDON</small></small>
+</p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
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+</body>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man
+of Honor, by William Somerset Maugham
+
+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: Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honor
+
+Author: William Somerset Maugham
+
+Release Date: November 9, 2011 [EBook #37962]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLAYS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images available at The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+_LADY FREDERICK_
+
+_HEINEMANN'S MODERN PLAYS_
+
+16mo. Each price is 6d paper, or 2s 6d cloth
+
+By the same Author
+
+
+_A MAN OF HONOUR_
+
+_JACK STRAW_
+
+_THE PLAYS OF SIR ARTHUR W. PINERO_
+Complete Edition Twenty-three Volumes
+
+_PLAYS OF HUBERT HENRY DAVIES_
+Two Volumes
+
+_PLAYS OF C. HADDON CHAMBERS_
+Two Volumes
+
+_THE PLAYS OF W. E. HENLEY AND R. L. STEVENSON_
+Four Volumes
+Also in One Volume, crown 8vo, buckram, Price 6s
+
+_THE COLLECTED WORKS OF HENRIK IBSEN_
+Copyright Edition entirely revised by
+WILLIAM ARCHER
+
+Complete in Eleven Volumes, crown 8vo, Price 4s each.
+
+_LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN_
+
+_21 Bedford St., W.C._
+
+
+
+
+_LADY FREDERICK_
+
+
+_A COMEDY_
+
+_In Three Acts_
+
+_BY W. S. MAUGHAM_
+
+_LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN_
+
+_MCMXII_
+
+_Copyright: London William Heinemann 1912_
+
+This play was produced at the Court Theatre on Saturday, October 26,
+1907, with the following cast:
+
+    LADY FREDERICK BEROLLES            ETHEL IRVING
+    SIR GERALD O'MARA                  EDMUND BREON
+    MR. PARADINE FOULDES                C. M. LOWNE
+    MARCHIONESS OF MERESTON             BERYL FABER
+    MARQUESS OF MERESTON            W. GRAHAM BROWN
+    CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE          ARTHUR HOLMES-GORE
+    ADMIRAL CARLISLE                   E. W. GARDEN
+    ROSE                             BEATRICE TERRY
+    LADY FREDERICK'S DRESSMAKER       FLORENCE WOOD
+    LADY FREDERICK'S FOOTMAN          CLAUDE VERNON
+    LADY FREDERICK'S MAID                 INA PELLY
+    THOMPSON                          REGINALD EYRE
+    A WAITER                      HEATH J. HAVILAND
+
+
+
+
+_LADY FREDERICK_
+
+
+_CHARACTERS_
+
+LADY FREDERICK BEROLLES
+
+SIR GERALD O'MARA
+
+MR. PARADINE FOULDES
+
+MARCHIONESS OF MERESTON
+
+MARQUESS OF MERESTON
+
+ADMIRAL CARLISLE
+
+ROSE
+
+LADY FREDERICK'S DRESSMAKER
+
+LADY FREDERICK'S FOOTMAN
+
+LADY FREDERICK'S MAID
+
+THOMPSON
+
+A WAITER AT THE HOTEL SPLENDIDE
+
+TIME: _The Present Day_
+
+ACTS I and II--_Drawing-room at the Hotel Splendide, Monte Carlo._
+
+ACT III--_Lady Frederick's Dressing-Room._
+
+
+     _The Performing Rights of this play are fully protected, and
+     permission to perform it, whether by Amateurs or Professionals,
+     must be obtained in advance from the author's Sole Agent, R.
+     Golding Bright, 20 Green Street, Leicester Square, London, W.C.,
+     from whom all particulars can be obtained._
+
+
+
+
+LADY FREDERICK
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST ACT
+
+
+     SCENE: _Drawing-room of the Hotel Splendide at Monte Carlo. A
+     large, handsomely furnished room, with doors right and left, and
+     French windows at the back leading to a terrace. Through these is
+     seen the starry southern night. On one side is a piano, on the
+     other a table with papers neatly laid out on it. There is a lighted
+     stove._
+
+     LADY MERESTON, _in evening dress, rather magnificently attired, is
+     reading the papers. She is a handsome woman of forty. She puts down
+     the paper impatiently and rings the bell. A servant answers. He has
+     a French accent._
+
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Did Mr. Paradine Fouldes come this evening?
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Is he in the hotel now?
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Will you send some one up to his room to say I'm waiting to see him?
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Pardon, miladi, but the gentleman say 'e was on no account to be
+disturbed.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Nonsense. Mr. Fouldes is my brother. You must go to him immediately.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Mr. Fouldes his valet is in the 'all. Will your ladyship speak with him?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Mr. Fouldes is more difficult to see than a cabinet minister. Send his
+servant to me.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Very good, miladi.
+
+[_Exit Servant, and presently_ THOMPSON, Mr. Fouldes' _man, comes in_.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Your ladyship wished to see me.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Good evening, Thompson. I hope you had a comfortable journey.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Yes, my lady. Mr. Fouldes always has a comfortable journey.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Was the sea calm when you crossed?
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Yes, my lady. Mr. Fouldes would look upon it as a great liberty if the
+sea was not calm.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Will you tell Mr. Fouldes that I should like to see him at once?
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+[_Looking at his watch._] Excuse me, my lady, but Mr. Fouldes said no
+one was to disturb him till ten o'clock. It's more than my place is
+worth to go to him at five minutes to.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+But what on earth's he doing?
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+I don't know at all, my lady.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+How long have you been with Mr. Fouldes?
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Twenty-five years, my lady.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I should have thought you knew how he spent every minute of his day.
+
+[PARADINE _comes in. He is a very well-dressed man of forty-odd.
+Self-possessed, worldly, urbane. He is never at a loss or put out of
+countenance. He overhears_ LADY MERESTON'S _last words_.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+When I engaged Thompson I told him the first thing he must learn was the
+very difficult feat of keeping his eyes open and shut at one and the
+same time.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+My dear Paradine, I've been waiting to see you for the last two hours.
+How tiresome you are.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You may give me a kiss, Maud, but don't be rough.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Kissing his cheek._] You ridiculous creature. You really might have
+come to see me at once.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear, you cannot grudge me a little repose after a long and tedious
+journey. I had to repair the ravages to my person caused by twenty-seven
+hours in the train.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Don't be so absurd. I'm sure your person is never ravished.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Ravaged, my dear, ravaged. I should look upon it as an affectation at my
+age if I were not a little upset by the journey from London to Monte
+Carlo.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I'll be bound you ate a very hearty dinner.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Thompson, did I eat any dinner at all?
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+[_Stolidly._] Soup, sir.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I remember looking at it.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Fish, sir.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I trifled with a fried sole.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Bouchees a la Reine, sir.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+They have left absolutely no impression upon me.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Tournedos a la Splendide.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+They were distinctly tough, Thompson. You must lodge a complaint in the
+proper quarter.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Roast pheasant, sir.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Yes, yes, now you mention it, I do remember the pheasant.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Chocolate ice, sir.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It was too cold, Thompson. It was distinctly too cold.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+My dear Paradine, I think you dined uncommonly well.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I have reached an age when love, ambition and wealth pale into
+insignificance beside a really well-grilled steak. That'll do, Thompson.
+
+THOMPSON.
+
+Very well, sir.
+
+            [_He goes out._
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+It's too bad of you, Paradine, to devour a substantial meal when I'm
+eating out my very heart with anxiety.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It seems to agree with you very well. I've not seen you look better for
+years.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+For heaven's sake be serious and listen to me.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I started immediately I got your telegram. Pray tell me what I can do
+for you?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+My dear Paradine, Charlie's head over ears in love.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It's not altogether an unexpected condition for a young man of
+twenty-two. If the lady's respectable, marry him and resign yourself to
+being a dowager. If she's not, give her five hundred pounds and pack her
+off to Paris or London or wherever else she habitually practises her
+arts and graces.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I wish I could. But who d'you think it is?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear, there's nothing I detest more than riddles. I can imagine quite
+a number of fair ladies who would look without disdain upon a young
+marquess with fifty thousand a year.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Lady Frederick Berolles.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By Jupiter!
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+She's fifteen years older than he is.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Then she's not old enough to be his mother, which is a distinct
+advantage.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+She dyes her hair.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+She dyes it uncommonly well.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+She paints.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Much better than a Royal Academician.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+And poor Charlie's simply infatuated. He rides with her all the morning,
+motors with her all the afternoon, and gambles with her half the night.
+I never see him.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But why should you think Lady Frederick cares two straws for him?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Don't be ridiculous, Paradine. Every one knows she hasn't a penny, and
+she's crippled with debts.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+One has to keep up appearances in this world. Life nowadays for the
+woman of fashion is a dilemma of which one horn is the Bankruptcy Court
+and the other--dear Sir Francis Jeune.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I wish I knew how she manages to dress so beautifully. It's one of the
+injustices of fate that clothes only hang on a woman really well when
+she's lost every shred of reputation.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear, you must console yourself with the thought that she'll probably
+frizzle for it hereafter.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I hope I'm not wicked, Paradine, but to wear draperies and wings in the
+next world offers me no compensation for looking dowdy in a Paquin gown
+in this.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I surmised she was on the verge of bankruptcy when I heard she'd bought
+a new motor. And you seriously think Charlie wants to marry her?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I'm sure of it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And what d'you want me to do?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Good heavens, I want you to prevent it. After all he has a magnificent
+position; he's got every chance of making a career for himself. There's
+no reason why he shouldn't be Prime Minister--it's not fair to the boy
+to let him marry a woman like that.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Of course you know Lady Frederick?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+My dear Paradine, we're the greatest friends. You don't suppose I'm
+going to give her the advantage of quarrelling with me. I think I shall
+ask her to luncheon to meet you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Women have such an advantage over men in affairs of this sort. They're
+troubled by no scruples, and, like George Washington, never hesitate to
+lie.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I look upon her as an abandoned creature, and I tell you frankly I shall
+stop at nothing to save my son from her clutches.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Only a thoroughly good woman could so calmly announce her intention of
+using the crookedest ways to gain her ends.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Looking at him._] There must be some incident in her career which she
+wouldn't like raked up. If we could only get hold of that....
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Blandly._] How d'you imagine I can help you?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+A reformed burglar is always the best detective.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear, I wish you could be frank without being sententious.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You've run through two fortunes, and if we all got our deserts you would
+be starving now instead of being richer than ever.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My second cousins have a knack of dying at the psychological moment.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You've been a horrid, dissipated wretch all your life, and heaven knows
+the disreputable people who've been your bosom friends.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+With my knowledge of the world and your entire lack of scruple we should
+certainly be a match for one defenceless woman.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Looking at him sharply._] Common report says that at one time you were
+very much in love with her.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Common report is an ass whose long ears only catch its own braying.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I was wondering how far things went. If you could tell Charlie of the
+relations between you....
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My good Maud, there were no relations--unfortunately.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Poor George was very uneasy about you at the time.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Your deceased husband, being a strictly religious man, made a point of
+believing the worst about his neighbours.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Don't, Paradine; I know you didn't like one another, but remember that I
+loved him with all my heart. I shall never get over his death.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear girl, you know I didn't mean to wound you.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+After all, it was largely your fault. He was deeply religious, and as
+the president of the Broad Church Union he couldn't countenance your
+mode of life.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_With great unction._] Thank God in my day I've been a miserable
+sinner!
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Laughing._] You're quite incurable, Paradine. But you will help me
+now. Since his father's death, the boy and I have lived a very retired
+life, and now we're quite helpless. It would break my heart if Charlie
+married that woman.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'll do my best. I think I can promise you that nothing will come of it.
+
+     [_The door is flung open, and_ LADY FREDERICK _enters, followed by_
+     MERESTON, _a young boyish man of twenty-two; by her brother_, SIR
+     GERALD O'MARA, _a handsome fellow of six-and-twenty; by_ CAPTAIN
+     MONTGOMERIE, ADMIRAL CARLISLE, _and_ ROSE, _his daughter_. LADY
+     FREDERICK _is a handsome Irish woman of thirty to thirty-five,
+     beautifully dressed. She is very vivacious, and light-hearted. She
+     has all the Irish recklessness and unconcern for the morrow.
+     Whenever she wants to get round anybody she falls into an Irish
+     brogue, and then, as she knows very well, she is quite
+     irresistible._ CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _is a polished, well-groomed man
+     of thirty-five, with suave manners_. THE ADMIRAL _is bluff and
+     downright_. ROSE _is a pretty ingenue of nineteen_.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Here they are.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Enthusiastically going to him with open arms._] Paradine! Paradine!
+Paradine!
+
+MERERSTON.
+
+Oh, my prophetic soul, mine uncle!
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Shaking hands with_ LADY FREDERICK.] I heard you were at the Casino.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Charlie lost all his money, so I brought him away.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I wish you wouldn't gamble, Charlie dear.
+
+MERERSTON.
+
+My dear mother, I've only lost ten thousand francs.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_To_ PARADINE FOULDES.] I see you're in your usual robust health.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You needn't throw it in my face. I shall probably be very unwell
+to-morrow.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+D'you know Admiral Carlisle? This is my brother Gerald.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Shaking hands._] How d'you do?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Introducing._] Captain Montgomerie.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I think we've met before.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'm very pleased to hear it. How d'you do. [_To_ MERERSTON.] Are you
+having a good time in Monte Carlo, Charles?
+
+MERERSTON.
+
+A 1, thanks.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And what do you do with yourself?
+
+MERERSTON.
+
+Oh, hang about generally, you know--and there's always the tables.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+That's right, my boy; I'm glad to see that you prepare yourself properly
+for your duties as a hereditary legislator.
+
+MERERSTON.
+
+[_Laughing._] Oh, shut it, Uncle Paradine.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I rejoice also to find that you have already a certain command of the
+vernacular.
+
+MERERSTON.
+
+Well, if you can browbeat a London cabby and hold your own in repartee
+with a barmaid, it oughtn't to be difficult to get on all right in the
+House of Lords.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But let me give you a solemn warning. You have a magnificent chance,
+dear boy, with all the advantages of wealth and station. I beseech you
+not to throw it away by any exhibition of talent. The field is clear and
+the British people are waiting for a leader. But remember that the
+British people like their leaders dull. Capacity they mistrust,
+versatility they cannot bear, and wit they utterly abhor. Look at the
+fate of poor Lord Parnaby. His urbanity gained him the premiership, but
+his brilliancy overthrew him. How could the fortunes of the nation be
+safe with a man whose speeches were pointed and sparkling, whose mind
+was so quick, so agile, that it reminded you of a fencer's play? Every
+one is agreed that Lord Parnaby is flippant and unsubstantial; we doubt
+his principles and we have grave fears about his morality. Take warning,
+my dear boy, take warning. Let the sprightly epigram never lighten the
+long periods of your speech nor the Attic salt flavour the roast beef of
+your conversation. Be careful that your metaphors show no imagination
+and conceal your brains as you would a discreditable secret. Above all,
+if you have a sense of humour, crush it. Crush it.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+My dear uncle, you move me very much. I will be as stupid as an owl.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+There's a good, brave boy.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I will be heavy and tedious.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I see already the riband of the Garter adorning your shirt-front.
+Remember, there's no damned merit about that.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+None shall listen to my speeches without falling into a profound sleep.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Seizing his hand._] The premiership itself is within your grasp.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Dear Paradine, let us take a stroll on the terrace before we go to bed.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And you shall softly whisper all the latest scandal in my ear.
+
+            [_He puts on her cloak and they go out._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+May I speak to you, Admiral?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Certainly, certainly. What can I do for you?
+
+            [_While_ LADY FREDERICK _and the_ ADMIRAL _talk,
+            the others go slowly out. Through the
+            conversation she uses her Irish brogue._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Are you in a good temper?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Fairly, fairly.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm glad of that because I want to make you a proposal of marriage.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+My dear Lady Frederick, you take me entirely by surprise.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] Not on my own behalf, you know.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Oh, I see.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+The fact is, my brother Gerald has asked your daughter to marry him, and
+she has accepted.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Rose is a minx, Lady Frederick, and she's much too young to marry.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now don't fly into a passion. We're going to talk it over quite calmly.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I tell you I won't hear of it. The boy's penniless.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That's why it's so lucky you're rich.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Eh?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You've been talking of buying a place in Ireland. You couldn't want
+anything nicer than Gerald's--gravel soil, you know. And you simply dote
+on Elizabethan architecture.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I can't bear it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+How fortunate, then, that the house was burnt down in the eighteenth
+century and rebuilt in the best Georgian style.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Ugh.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And you'd love to have little grandsons to dandle on your knee.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+How do I know they wouldn't be girls?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, it's most unusual in our family.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I tell you I won't hear of it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You know, it's not bad to have the oldest baronetcy in the country but
+one.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I suppose I shall have to pack Rose off to England.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And break her heart?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Women's hearts are like old china, none the worse for a break or two.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Did you ever know my husband, Admiral?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I was married to him at seventeen because my mother thought it a good
+match, and I was desperately in love with another man. Before we'd been
+married a fortnight he came home blind drunk, and I had never seen a
+drunken man before. Then I found out he was a confirmed tippler. I was
+so ashamed. If you only knew what my life was for the ten years I lived
+with him. I've done a lot of foolish things in my time, but, my God, I
+have suffered.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Yes, I know, I know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And believe me, when two young things love one another it's better to
+let them marry. Love is so very rare in this world. One really ought to
+make the most of it when it's there.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I'm very sorry, but I've made up my mind.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Ah, but won't you alter it--like Nelson. Don't be hard on Rose. She's
+really in love with Gerald. Do give them a chance. Won't you? Ah,
+do--there's a dear.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I don't want to hurt your feelings, but Sir Gerald is about the most
+ineligible young man that I've ever come across.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Triumphantly._] There, I knew we should agree. That's precisely what I
+told him this morning.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I understand his place is heavily mortgaged.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No one will lend a penny more on it. If they would Gerald would borrow
+it at once.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+He's got nothing but his pay to live upon.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And his tastes are very extravagant.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+He's a gambler.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Yes, but then he's so good looking.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Eh?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm glad that we agree so entirely about him. Now there's nothing left
+but to call the young things in, join their hands and give them our
+united blessing.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Before I consent to this marriage, madam, I'll see your brother----
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Damned?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Yes, madam, damned.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now listen to me quietly, will you?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I should warn you, Lady Frederick, that when I once make up my mind
+about a thing, I never change it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now that is what I really admire. I like a man of character. You know,
+I've always been impressed by your strength and determination.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I don't know about that. But when I say a thing, I do it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Yes, I know. And in five minutes you're going to say that Gerald may
+marry your pretty Rose.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+No, no, no.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now look here, don't be obstinate, I don't like you when you're
+obstinate.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I'm not obstinate. I'm firm.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+After all, Gerald has lots of good qualities. He's simply devoted to
+your daughter. He's been a little wild, but you know you wouldn't give
+much for a young man who hadn't.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+[_Gruffly._] I don't want a milksop for a son-in-law.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+As soon as he's married, he'll settle into a model country squire.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Well, he's a gambler, and I can't get over that.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Shall he promise you never to play cards again? Now, don't be horrid.
+You don't want to make me utterly wretched, do you?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+[_Unwillingly._] Well, I'll tell you what I'll do--they shall marry if
+he doesn't gamble for a year.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, you duck. [_She impulsively throws her arms round his neck and
+kisses him. He is a good deal taken aback._] I beg your pardon, I
+couldn't help it.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I don't altogether object, you know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Upon my word, in some ways you're rather fascinating.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+D'you think so, really?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I do indeed.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I rather wish that proposal of marriage had been on your own behalf.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Ah, with me, dear Admiral, experience triumphs over hope. I must tell
+the children. [_Calling._] Gerald, come here. Rose.
+
+            [GERALD _and_ ROSE _come in_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I always knew your father was a perfect darling, Rose.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Oh, papa, you are a brick.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I thoroughly disapprove of the marriage, my dear, but--it's not easy to
+say no to Lady Frederick.
+
+GERALD.
+
+It's awfully good of you, Admiral, and I'll do my best to make Rose a
+ripping husband.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Not so fast, young man, not so fast. There's a condition.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Oh, father!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Gerald is to behave himself for a year, and then you may marry.
+
+ROSE.
+
+But won't Gerald grow very dull if he behaves himself?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I have no doubt of it. But dullness is the first requisite of a good
+husband.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Now you must pack off to bed, my dear. I'm going to smoke my pipe before
+turning in.
+
+ROSE.
+
+[_Kissing_ LADY FREDERICK.] Good-night, dearest. I'll never forget your
+kindness.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You'd better not thank me till you've been married a few years.
+
+ROSE.
+
+[_Holding out her hand to_ GERALD.] Good-night.
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Taking it and looking at her._] Good-night.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+[_Gruffly._] You may as well do it in front of my face as behind my
+back.
+
+ROSE.
+
+[_Lifting up her lips._] Good-night.
+
+[_He kisses her, and the_ ADMIRAL _and_ ROSE _go out._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh lord, I wish I were eighteen.
+
+[_She sinks into a chair, and an expression of utter weariness comes
+over her face._
+
+GERALD.
+
+I say, what's up?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Starting._] I thought you'd gone. Nothing.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Come, out with it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, my poor boy, if you only knew. I'm so worried that I don't know what
+on earth to do.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Money?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Last year I made a solemn determination to be economical. And it's
+ruined me.
+
+GERALD.
+
+My dear, how could it?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I can't make it out. It seems very unfair. The more I tried not to be
+extravagant, the more I spent.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Can't you borrow?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] I have borrowed. That's just it.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Well, borrow again.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I've tried to. But no one's such a fool as to lend me a penny.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Did you say I'd sign anything they liked?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I was so desperate I said we'd both sign anything. It was Dick Cohen.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Oh lord, what did he say?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Imitating a Jewish accent._] What's the good of wathting a nithe clean
+sheet of paper, my dear lady?
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Shouting with laughter._] By George, don't I know it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+For heaven's sake don't let's talk of my affairs. They're in such a
+state that if I think of them at all I shall have a violent fit of
+hysterics.
+
+GERALD.
+
+But look here, what d'you really mean?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, if you want it--I owe my dressmaker seven hundred pounds, and last
+year I signed two horrid bills, one for fifteen hundred and the other
+for two thousand. They fall due the day after to-morrow, and if I can't
+raise the money I shall have to go through the Bankruptcy Court.
+
+GERALD.
+
+By George, that's serious.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's so serious that I can't help thinking something will happen.
+Whenever I've got in a really tight fix something has turned up and put
+me on my legs again. Last time, Aunt Elizabeth had an apoplectic fit.
+But of course it wasn't really very profitable because mourning is so
+desperately expensive.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Why don't you marry?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, my dear Gerald, you know I'm always unlucky at games of chance.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Charlie Mereston's awfully gone on you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That must be obvious to the meanest intelligence.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Well, why don't you have him?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Good heavens, I'm old enough to be his mother.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Nonsense. You're only ten years older than he is, and nowadays no nice
+young man marries a woman younger than himself.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+He's such a good fellow. I couldn't do him a nasty turn like that.
+
+GERALD.
+
+How about Montgomerie? He simply stinks of money, and he's not a bad
+sort.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Surprised._] My dear boy, I hardly know him.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Well, I'm afraid it means marriage or bankruptcy.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Here's Charlie. Take him away, there's a dear. I want to talk to
+Paradine.
+
+            _Enter_ PARADINE FOULDES _with_ MERESTON.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+What, still here, Lady Frederick?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+As large as life.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+We've been taking a turn on the terrace.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_To_ MERESTON.] And has your astute uncle been pumping you, Charlie?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Eh, what?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I don't think he got much out of me.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Good-naturedly._] All I wanted, dear boy. There's no one so
+transparent as the person who thinks he's devilish deep. By the way,
+what's the time?
+
+GERALD.
+
+About eleven, isn't it?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Ah! How old are you, Charlie?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Twenty-two.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Then it's high time you went to bed.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Charlie's not going to bed till I tell him. Are you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Of course not.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Has it escaped your acute intelligence, my friend, that I want to talk
+to Lady Frederick?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Not at all. But I have no reason to believe that Lady Frederick wants to
+talk to you.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Let's go and have a game of pills, Charlie.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+D'you want to be left alone with the old villain?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You show no respect for my dyed hairs, young man.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I've not seen him for years, you know.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Oh, all right. I say, you're coming for a ride to-morrow, aren't you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Certainly. But it must be in the afternoon.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'm sorry, but Charles has arranged to motor me over to Nice in the
+afternoon.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_To_ LADY FREDERICK.] That'll suit me A 1. I had an engagement, but it
+was quite unimportant.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then that's settled. Good-night.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Good-night.
+
+            [_He goes out with_ GERALD. LADY FREDERICK
+            _turns and good-humouredly scrutinises_
+            PARADISE FOULDES.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You wear excellently, Paradine.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Thanks.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+How do you manage it?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By getting up late and never going to bed early, by eating whatever I
+like and drinking whenever I'm thirsty, by smoking strong cigars, taking
+no exercise, and refusing under any circumstances to be bored.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm sorry you had to leave town in such a hurry. Were you amusing
+yourself?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I come to the Riviera every year.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I daresay, but not so early.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I've never surrendered so far to middle age as to make habits.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear Paradine, the day before yesterday, Lady Mereston, quite
+distracted, went to the post office and sent you the following wire:
+"Come at once, your help urgently needed. Charlie in toils designing
+female, Maud." Am I right?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I never admit even to myself that a well-dressed woman is mistaken.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+So you started post-haste, bent upon protecting your nephew, and were
+infinitely surprised to learn that the designing female was no other
+than your humble servant.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You'd be irresistible, Lady Frederick, if you didn't know you were so
+clever.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And now what are you going to do?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear lady, I'm not a police officer, but a very harmless, inoffensive
+old bachelor.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+With more wiles than the mother of many daughters and the subtlety of a
+company promoter.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Maud seems to think that as I've racketted about a little in my time,
+I'm just the sort of man to deal with you. Set a thief to catch a thief,
+don't you know? She's rather fond of proverbs.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+She should have thought rather of: When Greek meets Greek, then comes
+the tug of war. I hear Lady Mereston has been saying the most agreeable
+things about me.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Ah, that's women's fault; they always show their hand. You're the only
+woman I ever knew who didn't.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a brogue._] You should have avoided the Blarney Stone when you
+went to Ireland.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Look here, d'you want to marry Charlie?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why should I?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Because he's got fifty thousand a year, and you're head over ears in
+debt. You've got to raise something like four thousand pounds at once,
+or you go under. You've got yourself a good deal talked about during the
+last ten years, but people have stood you because you had plenty of
+money. If you go broke they'll drop you like a hot potato. And I daresay
+it wouldn't be inconvenient to change Lady Frederick Berolles into Lady
+Mereston. My sister has always led me to believe that it is rather
+attractive to be a Marchioness.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Unlike a duchess, its cheap without being gaudy.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You asked me why you might want to marry a boy from ten to fifteen years
+younger than yourself, and I've told you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And now perhaps you'll tell me why you're going to interfere in my
+private concerns?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, you see his mother happens to be my sister, and I'm rather fond of
+her. It's true her husband was the most sanctimonious prig I've ever met
+in my life.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I remember him well. He was president of the Broad Church Union and wore
+side-whiskers.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But she stuck to me through thick and thin. I've been in some pretty
+tight places in my day, and she's always given me a leg up when I wanted
+it. I've got an idea it would just about break her heart if Charlie
+married you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Thanks.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You know, I don't want to be offensive, but I think it would be a pity
+myself. And besides, unless I'm much mistaken, I've got a little score
+of my own that I want to pay off.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Have you?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You've got a good enough memory not to have forgotten that you made a
+blithering fool of me once. I swore I'd get even with you, and by
+George, I mean to do it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] And how do you propose to stop me if I make up my mind
+that I'm going to accept Charlie?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, he's not proposed yet, has he?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not yet, but I've had to use every trick and device I can think of to
+prevent him.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Look here, I'm going to play this game with my cards on the table.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then I shall be on my guard. You're never so dangerous as when you
+pretend to be frank.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'm sorry you should think so badly of me.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't. Only it was a stroke of genius when Nature put the soul of a
+Jesuit priest into the body of a Yorkshire squire.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I wonder what you're paying me compliments for. You must be rather
+afraid of me.
+
+            [_They look at one another for a moment._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, let's look at these cards.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+First of all, there's this money you've got to raise.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+This is my sister's suggestion.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That means you don't much like it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+If you'll refuse the boy and clear out--we'll give you forty thousand
+pounds.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I suppose you'd be rather surprised if I boxed your ears.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Now, look here, between you and me high falutin's rather absurd, don't
+you think so? You're in desperate want of money, and I don't suppose it
+would amuse you much to have a young hobbledehoy hanging about your
+skirts for the rest of your life.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Very well, we'll have no high falutin! You may tell Lady Mereston that
+if I really wanted the money I shouldn't be such an idiot as to take
+forty thousand down when I can have fifty thousand a year for the
+asking.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I told her that.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You showed great perspicacity. Now for the second card.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear, it's no good getting into a paddy over it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I've never been calmer in my life.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You always had the very deuce of a temper. I suppose you've not given
+Charlie a sample of it yet, have you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] Not yet.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, the second card's your reputation.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But I haven't got any. I thought that such an advantage.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You see Charlie is a young fool. He thinks you a paragon of all the
+virtues, and it's never occurred to him that you've rather gone the pace
+in your time.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's one of my greatest consolations to think that even a hundred
+horse-power racing motor couldn't be more rapid than I've been.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Still it'll be rather a shock to Charlie when he hears that this modest
+flower whom he trembles to adore has....
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Very nearly eloped with his own uncle. But you won't tell him that story
+because you hate looking a perfect ass.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Madam, when duty calls, Paradine Fouldes consents even to look
+ridiculous. But I was thinking of the Bellingham affair.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Ah, of course, there's the Bellingham affair. I'd forgotten it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Nasty little business that, eh?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Horrid.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Don't you think it would choke him off?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I think it very probable.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, hadn't you better cave in?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Ringing the bell._] Ah, but you've not seen my cards yet. [_A servant
+enters._] Tell my servant to bring down the despatch-box which is on my
+writing-table.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_Exit._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+What's up now?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, four or five years ago I was staying at this hotel, and Mimi la
+Bretonne had rooms here.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I never heard of the lady, but her name suggests that she had an
+affectionate nature.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+She was a little singer at the Folies Bergeres, and she had the
+loveliest emeralds I ever saw.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But you don't know Maud's.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+The late Lord Mereston had a passion for emeralds. He always thought
+they were such pure stones.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Quickly._] I beg your pardon?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, Mimi fell desperately ill, and there was no one to look after her.
+Of course the pious English ladies in the hotel wouldn't go within a
+mile of her, so I went and did the usual thing, don't you know.
+
+            [LADY FREDERICK'S _man comes in with a small
+            despatch-box which he places on a table. He
+            goes out._ LADY FREDERICK _as she talks,
+            unlocks it_.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Thank God I'm a bachelor, and no ministering angel ever smoothes my
+pillow when I particularly want to be left alone.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I nursed her more or less through the whole illness, and afterwards she
+fancied she owed me her worthless little life. She wanted to give me the
+precious emeralds, and when I refused was so heart-broken that I said
+I'd take one thing if I might.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And what was that?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+A bundle of letters. I'd seen the address on the back of the envelope,
+and then I recognised the writing. I thought they'd be much safer in my
+hands than in hers. [_She takes them out of the box and hands them to_
+PARADINE.] Here they are.
+
+            [_He looks and starts violently._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+89 Grosvenor Square. It's Mereston's writing. You don't mean? What! Ah,
+ah, ah. [_He bursts into a shout of laughter._] The old sinner. And
+Mereston wouldn't have me in the house, if you please, because I was a
+dissolute libertine. And he was the president of the Broad Church Union.
+Good Lord, how often have I heard him say: "Gentlemen, I take my stand
+on the morality, the cleanliness and the purity of English Family Life."
+Oh, oh, oh.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I've often noticed that the religious temperament is very susceptible to
+the charms of my sex.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+May I look?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, I don't know. I suppose so.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Reading._] "Heart's delight".... And he signs himself, "your darling
+chickabiddy." The old ruffian.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+She was a very pretty little thing.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I daresay, but thank heaven, I have some sense of decency left, and it
+outrages all my susceptibilities that a man in side-whiskers should call
+himself anybody's chickabiddy.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Protestations of undying affection are never ridiculous when they are
+accompanied by such splendid emeralds.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Starting and growing suddenly serious._] And what about Maud?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Poor girl, it'd simply break her heart. He preached at her steadily for
+twenty years, and she worshipped the very ground he trod on. She'd have
+died of grief at his death except she felt it her duty to go on with his
+work.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I know.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By Jove, it's a good card. You were quite right to refuse the emeralds:
+these letters are twice as valuable.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Would you like to burn them?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Betsy!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+There's the stove. Put them in.
+
+            [_He takes them up in both hands and hurries to
+            the stove. But he stops and brings them
+            back, he throws them on the sofa._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+No, I won't.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why not?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It's too dooced generous. I'll fight you tooth and nail, but it's not
+fair to take an advantage over me like that. You'll bind my hands with
+fetters.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Very well. You've had your chance.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But, by Jove, you must have a good hand to throw away a card like that.
+What have you got--a straight flush?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I may be only bluffing, you know.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Lord, it does me good to hear your nice old Irish brogue again.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Faith, and does it?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I believe you only put it on to get over people.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Smiling._] Begorrah, it's not easy to get over you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Lord, I was in love with you once, wasn't I?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not more than lots of other people have been.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And you did treat me abominably.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Ah, that's what they all said. But you got over it very well.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I didn't. My digestion was permanently impaired by your brutal
+treatment.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Is that why you went to Carlsbad afterwards instead of the Rocky
+Mountains?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You may laugh, but the fact remains that I've only been in love once,
+and that was with you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Smiling as she holds out her hand._] Good-night.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+For all that I'm going to fight you now for all I'm worth.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm not frightened of you, Paradine.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Good-night.
+
+            [_As he goes out_, CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _enters_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Yawning and stretching her arms._] Oh I'm so sleepy.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I'm sorry for that. I wanted to have a talk with you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Smiling._] I daresay I can keep awake for five minutes, you
+know--especially if you offer me a cigarette.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Here you are.
+
+            [_He hands her his case and lights her cigarette._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a sigh._] Oh, what a comfort.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I wanted to tell you, I had a letter this morning from my solicitor to
+say that he's just bought Crowley Castle on my behalf.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Really. But it's a lovely place. You must ask me to come and stay.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I should like you to stay there indefinitely.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a quick look._] That's charming of you, but I never desert my
+London long.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Smiling._] I have a very nice house in Portman Square.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Surprised._] Really?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+And I'm thinking of going into Parliament at the next election.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It appears to be a very delightful pastime to govern the British nation,
+dignified without being laborious.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Lady Frederick, although I've been in the service I have rather a good
+head for business, and I hate beating about the bush. I wanted to ask
+you to marry me.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's nice of you not to make a fuss about it. I'm very much obliged but
+I'm afraid I can't.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Why not?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, you see, I don't know you.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+We could spend the beginning of our married life so usefully in making
+one another's acquaintance.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It would be rather late in the day then to come to the conclusion that
+we couldn't bear the sight of one another.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Shall I send my banker's book so that you may see that my antecedents
+are respectable and my circumstances--such as to inspire affection.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I have no doubt it would be very interesting--but not to me.
+
+            [_She makes as if to go._
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Ah, don't go yet. Won't you give me some reason?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+If you insist. I'm not in the least in love with you.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+D'you think that much matters?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're a friend of Gerald's, and he says you're a very good sort. But I
+really can't marry every one that Gerald rather likes.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+He said he'd put in a good word for me.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+If I ever marry again it shall be to please myself, not to please my
+brother.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I hope I shall induce you to alter your mind.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm afraid I can give you no hope of that.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+You know, when I determine to do a thing, I generally do it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That sounds very like a threat.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+You may take it as such if you please.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And you've made up your mind that you're going to marry me?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Quite.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, I've made up mine that you shan't. So we're quits.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Why don't you talk to your brother about it?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Because it's no business of his.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Isn't it? Ask him!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What do you mean by that?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Ask him? Good-night.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Good-night. [_He goes out._ LADY FREDERICK _goes to the French window
+that leads to the terrace and calls_.] Gerald!
+
+GERALD.
+
+Hulloa!
+
+            [_He appears and comes into the room._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Did you know that Captain Montgomerie was going to propose to me?
+
+GERALD.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Is there any reason why I should marry him?
+
+GERALD.
+
+Only that I owe him nine hundred pounds.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Aghast._] Oh, why didn't you tell me?
+
+GERALD.
+
+You were so worried, I couldn't. Oh, I've been such a fool. I tried to
+make a _coup_ for Rose's sake.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Is it a gambling debt?
+
+GERALD.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Ironically._] What they call a debt of honour?
+
+GERALD.
+
+I must pay it the day after to-morrow without fail.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But that's the day my two bills fall due. And if you don't?
+
+GERALD.
+
+I shall have to send in my papers, and I shall lose Rosie. And then I
+shall blow out my silly brains.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But who is the man?
+
+GERALD.
+
+He's the son of Aaron Levitzki, the money-lender.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Half-comic, half-aghast._] Oh lord!
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST ACT
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND ACT
+
+
+     _The scene is the same as in_ ACT I. ADMIRAL CARLISLE _is sleeping
+     in an armchair with a handkerchief over his face_. ROSE _is sitting
+     on a grandfather's chair, and_ GERALD _is leaning over the back_.
+
+
+ROSE.
+
+Isn't papa a perfectly adorable chaperon?
+
+            [_The_ ADMIRAL _snores_.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Perfectly.
+
+            [_A pause._
+
+ROSE.
+
+I've started fifteen topics of conversation in the last quarter of an
+hour, Gerald.
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Smiling._] Have you?
+
+ROSE.
+
+You always agree with me, and there's an end of it. So I have to rack my
+brains again.
+
+GERALD.
+
+All you say is so very wise and sensible. Of course I agree.
+
+ROSE.
+
+I wonder if you'll think me sensible and wise in ten years.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I'm quite sure I shall.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Why, then, I'm afraid we shan't cultivate any great brilliancy of
+repartee.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Oh, don't say that. When a man's in love, he at once makes a pedestal of
+the Ten Commandments and stands on the top of them with his arms akimbo.
+When a woman's in love she doesn't care two straws for Thou Shalt and
+Thou Shalt Not.
+
+GERALD.
+
+When a woman's in love she can put her heart on the slide of a
+microscope and examine how it beats. When a man's in love, what do you
+think he cares for science and philosophy and all the rest of it!
+
+ROSE.
+
+When a man's in love he can only write sonnets to the moon. When a
+woman's in love she can still cook his dinner and darn her own
+stockings.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I wish you wouldn't cap all my observations.
+
+            [_She lifts up her face, and he kisses her lips._
+
+ROSE.
+
+I'm beginning to think you're rather nice, you know.
+
+GERALD.
+
+That's reassuring, at all events.
+
+ROSE.
+
+But no one could accuse you of being a scintillating talker.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Have you ever watched the lovers in the Park sitting on the benches hour
+after hour without saying a word?
+
+ROSE.
+
+Why?
+
+GERALD.
+
+Because I've always thought that they must be bored to the verge of
+tears. Now I know they're only happy.
+
+ROSE.
+
+You're certainly my soldier, so I suppose I'm your nursery-maid.
+
+GERALD.
+
+You know, when I was at Trinity College, Dublin----
+
+ROSE.
+
+[_Interrupting._] Were you there? I thought you went to Oxford.
+
+GERALD.
+
+No, why?
+
+ROSE.
+
+Only all my people go to Magdalen.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Yes.
+
+ROSE.
+
+And I've decided that if I ever have a son he shall go there too.
+
+            [_The_ ADMIRAL _starts and pulls the handkerchief
+            off his face. The others do not notice him.
+            He is aghast and astounded at the conversation._
+            LADY FREDERICK _comes in later and
+            stands smiling as she listens_.
+
+GERALD.
+
+My darling, you know I hate to thwart you in any way, but I've quite
+made up my mind that my son shall go to Dublin as I did.
+
+ROSE.
+
+I'm awfully sorry, Gerald, but the boy must be educated like a
+gentleman.
+
+GERALD.
+
+There I quite agree, Rose, but first of all he's an Irishman, and it's
+right that he should be educated in Ireland.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Darling Gerald, a mother's love is naturally the safest guide in these
+things.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Dearest Rose, a father's wisdom is always the most reliable.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Pardon my interfering, but--aren't you just a little previous?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+[_Bursting out._] Did you ever hear such a conversation in your life
+between a young unmarried couple?
+
+ROSE.
+
+My dear papa, we must be prepared for everything.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+In my youth young ladies did not refer to things of that sort.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, I don't suppose they're any the worse for having an elementary
+knowledge of natural history. Personally I doubt whether ignorance is
+quite the same thing as virtue, and I'm not quite sure that a girl makes
+a better wife because she's been brought up like a perfect fool.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I am old-fashioned, Lady Frederick; and my idea of a modest girl is that
+when certain topics are mentioned she should swoon. Swoon, madam,
+swoon. They always did it when I was a lad.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Well, father, I've often tried to faint when I wanted something that you
+wouldn't give me, and I've never been able to manage it. So I'm sure I
+couldn't swoon.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+And with regard to this ridiculous discussion as to which University
+your son is to be sent, you seem to forget that I have the right to be
+consulted.
+
+GERALD.
+
+My dear Admiral, I don't see how it can possibly matter to you.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+And before we go any further I should like you to know that the very day
+Rose was born I determined that her son should go to Cambridge.
+
+ROSE.
+
+My dear papa, I think Gerald and I are far and away the best judges of
+our son's welfare.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+The boy must work, Rose. I will have no good-for-nothing as my grandson.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Exactly. And that is why I'm resolved he shall go to Dublin.
+
+ROSE.
+
+The important thing is that he should have really nice manners, and that
+they teach at Oxford if they teach nothing else.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, don't you think you'd better wait another twenty years or so
+before you discuss this?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+There are some matters which must be settled at once, Lady Frederick.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You know, young things are fairly independent nowadays. I don't know
+what they'll be in twenty years' time.
+
+GERALD.
+
+The first thing the boy shall learn is obedience.
+
+ROSE. Certainly. There's nothing so hateful as a disobedient child.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I can't see my grandson venturing to disobey me.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then you're all agreed. So that's settled. I came to tell you your
+carriage was ready.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Go and put on your bonnet, Rose. [_To_ LADY FREDERICK.] Are you coming
+with us?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm afraid I can't. Au revoir.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+A tout a l'heure.
+
+            [_He and_ ROSE _go out_.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Have you ever seen in your life any one so entirely delightful as Rose?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] Only when I've looked in the glass.
+
+GERALD.
+
+My dear Elizabeth, how vain you are.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're very happy, my Gerald.
+
+GERALD.
+
+It's such a relief to have got over all the difficulties. I thought it
+never would come right. You are a brick, Elizabeth.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I really think I am rather.
+
+GERALD.
+
+The moment you promised to arrange things I felt as safe as a house.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I said I'd do my best, didn't I? And I told you not to worry.
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Turning round suddenly._] Isn't it all right?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, it's about as wrong as it can possibly be. I knew Cohen was staying
+here, and I thought I could get him to hold the bills over for a few
+days.
+
+GERALD.
+
+And won't he?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+He hasn't got them any more.
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Startled._] What!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+They've been negotiated, and he swears he doesn't know who has them.
+
+GERALD.
+
+But who could have been such a fool?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't know, that's just the awful part of it. It was bad enough
+before. I knew the worst Cohen could do, but now.... It couldn't be
+Paradine.
+
+GERALD.
+
+And then there's Montgomerie.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I shall see him to-day.
+
+GERALD.
+
+What are you going to say to him?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I haven't an idea. I'm rather frightened of him.
+
+GERALD.
+
+You know, dear, if the worst comes to the worst....
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Whatever happens you shall marry Rose. I promise you that.
+
+            [PARADINE FOULDES _appears_.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+May I come in?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Gaily._] It's a public room. I don't see how we can possibly prevent
+you.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I'm just going to take a stroll.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Do.
+
+            [_He goes out._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well? How are things going?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Quite well, thank you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I've left Charlie with his mother. I hope you can spare him for a couple
+of hours.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I told him he must spend the afternoon with her. I don't approve of his
+neglecting his filial duty.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Ah!... I saw Dick Cohen this morning.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Quickly._] Did you?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It seems to interest you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not at all. Why should it?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Smiling._] Nice little man, isn't he?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Good humouredly._] I wish I had something to throw at you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Well, I haven't got the confounded bills. I was too
+late.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Did you try?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Oh--yes, I thought it would interest Charlie to know how extremely
+needful it was for you to marry him.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then who on earth has got them?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I haven't an idea, but they must make you very uncomfortable. Three
+thousand five hundred, eh?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Don't say it all at once. It sounds so much.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You wouldn't like to exchange those letters of Mereston's for seven
+thousand pounds, would you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] No.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Ah.... By the way, d'you mind if I tell Charlie the full story of
+your--relations with me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why should I? It's not I who'll look ridiculous.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Thanks. I may avail myself of your permission.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I daresay you've noticed that Charlie has a very keen sense of humour.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+If you're going to be disagreeable to me I shall go. [_He stops._] I
+say, are you quite sure there's nothing else that can be brought up
+against you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] Quite sure, thanks.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My sister's very jubilant to-day. What about the Bellingham affair?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Merely scandal, my friend.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, look out. She's a woman, and she'll stick at nothing.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I wonder why you warn me.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+For the sake of old times, my dear.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're growing sentimental, Paradine. It's the punishment which the gods
+inflict on a cynic when he grows old.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It may be, but for the life of me I can't forget that once----
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Interrupting._] My dear friend, don't rake up my lamentable past.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I don't think I've met any one so entirely devoid of sentiment as you
+are.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Let us agree that I have every vice under the sun and have done with it.
+
+            [_A_ SERVANT _comes in_.]
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Madame Claude wishes to see your ladyship.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, my dressmaker.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Another bill?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That's the worst of Monte. One meets as many creditors as in Bond
+Street. Say I'm engaged.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Madame Claude says she will wait till miladi is free.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You make a mistake. One should always be polite to people whose bills
+one can't pay.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Show her in.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_Exit_ SERVANT.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Is it a big one?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, no; only seven hundred pounds.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By Jove.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear friend, one must dress. I can't go about in fig-leaves.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+One can dress simply.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I do. That's why it costs so much.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You know, you're devilish extravagant.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm not. I'm content with the barest necessities of existence.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You've got a maid.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Of course I've got a maid. I was never taught to dress myself.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And you've got a footman.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I've always had a footman. And my mother always had a footman. I
+couldn't live a day without him.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+What does he do for you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+He inspires confidence in tradesmen.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And you have the most expensive suite of rooms in the hotel.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm in such a dreadful mess. If I hadn't got nice rooms I should brood
+over it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Then, as if that weren't enough, you fling your money away at the
+tables.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+When you're as poor as I am, a few louis more or less can make
+absolutely no difference.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_With a laugh._] You're quite incorrigible.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's really not my fault. I do try to be economical, but money slips
+through my fingers like water. I can't help it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You want a sensible sort of a man to look after you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I want a very rich sort of a man to look after me.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+If you were my wife, I should advertise in the papers that I wasn't
+responsible for your debts.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+If you were my husband, I'd advertise immediately underneath that I
+wasn't responsible for your manners.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I wonder why you're so reckless.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+When my husband was alive I was so utterly wretched. And afterwards,
+when I looked forward to a little happiness, my boy died. Then I didn't
+care any more. I did everything I could to stupefy myself. I squandered
+money as other women take morphia--that's all.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It's the same dear scatter-brained, good-hearted Betsy that I used to
+know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're the only person who calls me Betsy now. To all the others I'm
+only Elizabeth.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Look here, what are you going to do with this dressmaker?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't know. I always trust to the inspiration of the moment.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+She'll make a devil of a fuss, won't she?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, no; I shall be quite nice to her.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I daresay. But won't she be very disagreeable to you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You don't know what a way I have with my creditors.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I know it's not a paying way.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Isn't it? I bet you a hundred louis that I offer her the money and she
+refuses it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'll take that.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Here she is.
+
+            [MADAME CLAUDE _enters, ushered in by the_
+            SERVANT. _She is a stout, genteel person,
+            very splendidly gowned, with a Cockney
+            accent. Her face is set to sternness, decision
+            to make a scene, and general sourness._
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Madame Claude.
+
+            [_Exit_ SERVANT. LADY FREDERICK _goes up to
+            her enthusiastically and takes both her
+            hands_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Best of women. This is a joyful surprise.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Drawing herself up._] I 'eard quite by chance that your ladyship was
+at Monte.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+So you came to see me at once. That was nice of you. You're the very
+person I wanted to see.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Significantly._] I'm glad of that, my lady, I must confess.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You dear creature. That's one advantage of Monte Carlo, one meets all
+one's friends. Do you know Mr. Fouldes? This is Madame Claude, an
+artist, my dear Paradine, a real artist.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Grimly._] I'm pleased that your ladyship should think so.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+How d'you do.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now, this gown. Look, look, look. In this skirt there's genius, _mon
+cher_. In the way it hangs my whole character is expressed. Observe the
+fullness of it, that indicates those admirable virtues which make me an
+ornament to Society, while the frill at the bottom just suggests those
+foibles--you can hardly call them faults--which add a certain grace and
+interest to my personality. And the flounce. Paradine, I beseech you to
+look at it carefully. I would sooner have designed this flounce than won
+the Battle of Waterloo.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Your ladyship is very kind.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not at all, not at all. You remember that rose chiffon. I wore it the
+other day, and the dear Archduchess came up to me and said: "My dear, my
+dear." I thought she was going to have a fit. But when she recovered she
+kissed me on both cheeks and said: "Lady Frederick, you have a
+dressmaker worth her weight in gold." You heard her, Paradine, didn't
+you?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You forget that I only arrived last night.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Of course. How stupid of me. She'll be perfectly delighted to hear that
+you're in Monte Carlo. But I shall have to break it to her gently.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Unmoved._] I'm sorry to intrude upon your ladyship.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now what are you talking about? If you hadn't come to see me I should
+never have forgiven you.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+I wanted to have a little talk with your ladyship.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, but I hope we shall have many little talks. Have you brought your
+motor down?
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That's charming. You shall take me for a drive in it every day. I hope
+you're going to stay some time.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+That depends on circumstances, Lady Frederick. I 'ave a little business
+to do here.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then let me give you one warning--don't gamble.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Oh, no, my lady. I gamble quite enough in my business as it is. I never
+know when my customers will pay their bills--if ever.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Slightly taken aback._] Ha, ha, ha.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_With a deep guffaw._] Ho, ho, ho.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Isn't she clever? I must tell that to the Archduchess. She'll be so
+amused. Ha, ha, ha, ha. The dear Archduchess, you know she loves a
+little joke. You must really meet her. Will you come and lunch? I know
+you'd hit it off together.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_More genially._] That's very kind of your ladyship.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear, you know perfectly well that I've always looked upon you as one
+of my best friends. Now who shall we have? There's you and me and the
+Archduchess. Then I'll ask Lord Mereston.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+The Marquess of Mereston, Lady Frederick?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Yes. And Mr. Fouldes, his uncle.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Excuse me, are you the Mr. Paradine Fouldes?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Bowing._] At your service, madam.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+I'm so glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Fouldes. [_Unctuously._] I've
+always heard you're such a bad man.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Madam, you overwhelm me with confusion.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Believe me, Mr. Fouldes, it's not the ladies that are married to saints
+who take the trouble to dress well.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now we want a third man. Shall we ask my brother--you know Sir Gerald
+O'Mara, don't you? Or shall we ask Prince Doniani? Yes, I think we'll
+ask the Prince. I'm sure you'd like him. Such a handsome man! That'll
+make six.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+It's very kind of you, Lady Frederick, but--well, I'm only a
+tradeswoman, you know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+A tradeswoman? How can you talk such nonsense. You are an artist--a real
+artist, my dear. And an artist is fit to meet a king.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Well, I don't deny that I'd be ashamed to dress my customers in the
+gowns I see painted at the Royal Academy.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then it's quite settled, isn't it, Madame Claude--oh, may I call you
+Ada?
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Oh, Lady Frederick, I should be very much flattered. But how did you
+know that was my name?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why you wrote me a letter only the other day.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Did I?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And such a cross letter too.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Apologetically._] Oh, but Lady Frederick, that was only in the way of
+business. I don't exactly remember what expressions I may have made use
+of----
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Interrupting, as if the truth had suddenly flashed across her._] Ada!
+I do believe you came here to-day about my account.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Oh, no, my lady, I promise you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You did; I know you did. I see it in your face. Now that really wasn't
+nice of you. I thought you came as a friend.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+I did, Lady Frederick.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, you wanted to dun me. I'm disappointed in you. I did think, after
+all the things I've had from you, you wouldn't treat me like that.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+But I assure your ladyship....
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not another word. You came to ask for a cheque. You shall have it.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+No, Lady Frederick, I wouldn't take it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What is the exact figure, Madame Claude?
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+I--I don't remember.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Seven hundred and fifty pounds, seventeen and ninepence. You see, I
+remember. You came for your cheque and you shall have it.
+
+            [_She sits down and takes a pen._
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Now, Lady Frederick, I should look upon that as most unkind. It's
+treating me like a very second-rate establishment.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm sorry, but you should have thought of that before. Now I haven't got
+a cheque; how tiresome.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Oh, it doesn't matter, Lady Frederick. I promise you it never entered my
+'ead.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What shall I do?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You can write it on a sheet of paper, you know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a look, aside to him._] Monster! [_Aloud._] Of course I can. I
+hadn't thought of that. [_She takes a sheet of paper._] But how on earth
+am I to get a stamp?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Much amused._] I happen to have one on me.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I wonder why on earth you should have English stamps in Monte Carlo?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Handing her one._] A penny stamp may sometimes save one a hundred
+louis.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Ironically._] Thanks so much. I write the name of my bank on the top,
+don't I? Pay Madame Claude....
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Now, it's no good, Lady Frederick, I won't take it. After all I 'ave my
+self-respect to think of.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's too late now.
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Sniffing a little._] No, no, Lady Frederick. Don't be too 'ard on me.
+As one lady to another I ask you to forgive me. I did come about my
+account, but--well, I don't want the money.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Looking up good-humouredly._] Well, well. [_She looks at the cheque._]
+It shall be as you wish. There. [_She tears it up._]
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+Oh, thank you, Lady Frederick. I look upon that as a real favour. And
+now I really must be getting off.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Must you go? Well, good-bye. Paradine, take Madame Claude to her motor.
+Ada!
+
+            [_She kisses her on the cheek._
+
+MADAME CLAUDE.
+
+[_Going._] I am pleased to have seen you.
+
+            [PARADINE _offers his arm and goes out with_
+            MADAME CLAUDE. LADY FREDERICK _goes
+            to the window, stands on a chair and waves
+            her handkerchief. While she is doing this_
+            CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _enters_.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+How d'you do?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Getting down._] How nice of you to come. I wanted to see you.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+May I sit down?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Of course. There are one or two things I'd like to talk to you about.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Yes?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+First I must thank you for your great kindness to Gerald. I didn't know
+last night that he owed you a good deal of money.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+It's a mere trifle.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You must be very rich to call nine hundred pounds that?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I am.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a laugh._] All the same it's extremely good of you to give him
+plenty of time.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I told Gerald he could have till to-morrow.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Obviously he wants to settle with you as soon as ever he can.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Quietly._] I often wonder why gambling debts are known as debts of
+honour.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Looking at him steadily._] Of course I realise that if you choose to
+press for the money and Gerald can't pay--he'll have to send in his
+papers.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Lightly._] You may be quite sure I have no wish to bring about such a
+calamity. By the way, have you thought over our little talk of last
+night?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+You would have been wise to do so.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear Captain Montgomerie, you really can't expect me to marry you
+because my brother has been so foolish as to lose more money at poker
+than he can afford.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Did you ever hear that my father was a money-lender?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+A lucrative profession, I believe.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+He found it so. He was a Polish Jew called Aaron Levitzki. He came to
+this country with three shillings in his pocket. He lent half-a-crown of
+it to a friend on the condition that he should be paid back seven and
+six in three days.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm not good at figures, but the interest sounds rather high.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+It is. That was one of my father's specialities. From these humble
+beginnings his business grew to such proportions that at his death he
+was able to leave me the name and arms of the great family of
+Montgomerie and something over a million of money.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+The result of thrift, industry, and good fortune.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+My father was able to gratify all his ambitions but one. He was eaten up
+with the desire to move in good society, and this he was never able to
+achieve. His dying wish was that I should live in those circles which he
+knew only....
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Across the counter?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Precisely. But my poor father was a little ignorant in these matters. To
+him one lord was as good as another. He thought a Marquess a finer man
+than an Earl, and a Viscount than a Baron. He would never have
+understood that a penniless Irish baronet might go into better society
+than many a belted earl.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And what is the application of this?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I wanted to explain to you one of the reasons which emboldened me last
+night to make you a proposal of marriage.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But surely you know some very nice people. I saw you lunching the other
+day with the widow of a city knight.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Many very excellent persons are glad to have me to dine with them. But I
+know quite well that they're not the real article. I'm as far off as
+ever from getting into those houses which you have been used to all your
+life. I'm not content with third-rate earls and rather seedy dowagers.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Forgive my frankness, but--aren't you rather a snob?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+My father, Aaron Levitzki, married an English woman, and I have all the
+English virtues.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But I'm not quite sure that people would swallow you even as my
+husband.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+They'd make a face, but they'd swallow me right enough. And when I asked
+them down to the best shoot in England they'd come to the conclusion
+that I agreed with them very well.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Still rather amused._] Your offer is eminently businesslike, but you
+see I'm not a business woman. It doesn't appeal to me.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I only ask you to perform such of the duties of a wife as are required
+by Society. They are few enough in all conscience. I should wish you to
+entertain largely and receive my guests, be polite to me, at least in
+public, and go with me to the various places people go to. Otherwise I
+leave you entire freedom. You will find me generous and heedful to all
+your wishes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Captain Montgomerie, I don't know how much of all that you have said is
+meant seriously. But, surely you're not choosing the right time to make
+such a proposal when my brother owes you so much money that if you care
+to be hard you can ruin him.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Why not?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+D'you mean to say ...?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I will be quite frank with you. I should never have allowed Gerald to
+lose so much money which there was no likelihood of his being able to
+pay, if I had not thought it earned me some claim upon your gratitude.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Shortly._] Gerald will pay every penny he owes you to-morrow.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Blandly._] Where d'you suppose he'll get it?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I have no doubt I shall be able to manage something.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Have you not tried this morning, entirely without success?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Startled._] What?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+You do not forget that you have sundry moneys of your own which are
+payable to-morrow?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+How d'you know that?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I told you that when I took a thing in hand I carried it through. You
+went to Dick Cohen, and he told you he'd parted with the bills. Didn't
+you guess that only one man could have the least interest in taking them
+over?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, God.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Come, come, don't be worried over it. There's nothing to be alarmed
+about. I'm a very decent chap--if you'd accepted me right away you would
+never have known that those bills were in my possession. Think it over
+once more. I'm sure we should get on well together. I can give you what
+you most need, money and the liberty to fling it away as recklessly as
+you choose; you can give me the assured and fixed position on which--my
+father's heart was set.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And if I don't accept, you'll make me a bankrupt and you'll ruin Gerald?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I refuse to consider that very unpleasant alternative.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh! I can't, I can't.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Laughing._] But you must, you must. When shall I come for your answer?
+To-morrow? I'll come with the bills and Gerald's I.O.U. in my pocket,
+and you shall burn them yourself. Good-bye.
+
+            [_He kisses her hand and goes out._ LADY
+            FREDERICK _remains staring in front of
+            her_. MERESTON _enters, followed by_ LADY
+            MERESTON _and_ PARADINE.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Going to her eagerly._] Hulloa! I wondered what on earth had become of
+you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a laugh._] It's only two hours since I chased you away from me.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm afraid I bore you to death.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Don't be so silly. You know you don't.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Where are you going now?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I have rather a headache. I'm going to lie down.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm so sorry.
+
+            [LADY FREDERICK _goes out_. MERESTON _stares
+            after her anxiously, and makes a step
+            towards the door_.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Sharply._] Where are you going, Charlie?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I never asked Lady Frederick if I could do anything.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Good heavens, there are surely plenty of servants in the hotel to get
+her anything she wants.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Don't you think a drive in the motor would do her good?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Unable to control herself._] Oh, I have no patience with you. I never
+saw such a ridiculous infatuation in my life.
+
+PARADINE.
+
+Steady, old girl, steady.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+What on earth d'you mean, mother?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Presumably you're not going to deny that you're in love with that woman.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Growing pale._] Would you mind speaking of her as Lady Frederick?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You try me very much, Charlie. Please answer my question.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I don't want to seem unkind to you, mother, but I think you have no
+right to ask about my private affairs.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+If you're going to talk this matter over you're more likely to come to
+an understanding if you both keep your tempers.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+There's nothing I wish to discuss.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Don't be absurd, Charlie. You're with Lady Frederick morning, noon and
+night. She can never stir a yard from the hotel but you go flying after.
+You pester her with your ridiculous attentions.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Blandly._] One's relations have always such an engaging frankness.
+Like a bad looking-glass, they always represent you with a crooked nose
+and a cast in your eye.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_To_ MERESTON.] I have certainly a right to know what you mean by all
+this and what is going to come of it.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I don't know what will come of it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+The question that excites our curiosity is this: are you going to ask
+Lady Frederick to marry you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I refuse to answer that. It seems to me excessively impertinent.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Come, come, my boy, you're too young to play the heavy father. We're
+both your friends. Hadn't you better make a clean breast of it? After
+all, your mother and I are interested in nothing so much as your
+welfare.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Imploring._] Charlie!
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Of course I'd ask her to marry me if I thought for a moment that she'd
+accept. But I'm so terrified that she'll refuse, and then perhaps I
+shall never see her again.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+The boy's stark, staring mad.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I don't know what I should do if she sent me about my business. I'd
+rather continue in this awful uncertainty than lose all hope for ever.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By George. You're pretty far gone, my son. The lover who's diffident is
+in a much worse way than the lover who protests.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_With a little laugh._] I must say it amuses me that Lady Frederick
+should have had both my brother and my son dangling at her skirts. Your
+respective passions are separated by quite a number of years.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Lady Frederick has already told me of that incident.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+With the usual indiscretion of her sex.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It appears that she was very unhappy and you, with questionable taste,
+made love to her.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Do your best not to preach at me, dear boy. It reminds me of your
+lamented father.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+And at last she promised to go away with you. You were to meet at
+Waterloo Station.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Such a draughty place for an assignation.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Your train was to start at nine, and you were going to take the boat
+over to the Channel Isles.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Lady Frederick has a very remarkable memory. I remember hoping the sea
+wouldn't be rough.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+And just as the train was starting her eye fell on the clock. At that
+moment her child was coming down to breakfast and would ask for her.
+Before you could stop her she'd jumped out of the carriage. The train
+was moving, and you couldn't get out, so you were taken on to
+Weymouth--alone.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You must have felt a quite egregious ass, Paradine.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I did, but you need not rub it in.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Doesn't it occur to you, Charlie, that a woman who loves so easily can't
+be very worthy of your affection?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But, my dear mother, d'you think she cared for my uncle?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+What the dickens d'you mean?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+D'you suppose if she loved you she would have hesitated to come? D'you
+know her so little as that? She thought of her child only because she
+was quite indifferent to you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Crossly._] You know nothing about it, and you're an impertinent young
+jackanapes.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+My dear Paradine, what can it matter if Lady Frederick was in love with
+you or not?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Calming down._] Of course it doesn't matter a bit.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I have no doubt you mistook wounded vanity for a broken heart.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Acidly._] My dear, you sometimes say things which explain to me why my
+brother-in-law so frequently abandoned his own fireside for the platform
+of Exeter Hall.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It may also interest you to learn that I am perfectly aware of Lady
+Frederick's financial difficulties. I know she has two bills falling due
+to-morrow.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+She's a very clever woman.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I've implored her to let me lend her the money, and she absolutely
+refuses. You see, she's kept nothing from me at all.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+My dear Charlie, it's a very old dodge to confess what doesn't matter in
+order to conceal what does.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+What do you mean, mother?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Lady Frederick has told you nothing of the Bellingham affair?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Why should she?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+It is surely expedient you should know that the woman you have some idea
+of marrying escaped the divorce court only by the skin of her teeth.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I don't believe that, mother.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Remember that you're talking to your respected parent, my boy.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm sorry that my mother should utter base and contemptible libels
+on--my greatest friend.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You may be quite sure that I say nothing which I can't prove.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I won't listen to anything against Lady Frederick.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+But you must.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Are you quite indifferent to the great pain you cause me?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I can't allow you to marry a woman who's hopelessly immoral.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Mother, how dare you say that?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+This isn't the sort of thing I much like, but hadn't you better hear the
+worst at once?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Very well. But if my mother insists on saying things, she must say them
+in Lady Frederick's presence.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+That I'm quite willing to do.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Good.
+
+            [_He rings the bell. A servant enters._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You'd better take care, Maudie. Lady Frederick's a dangerous woman to
+play the fool with.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_To the servant._] Go to Lady Frederick Berolles and say Lord Mereston
+is extremely sorry to trouble her ladyship, but would be very much
+obliged if she'd come to the drawing-room for two minutes.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Very well, my lord.
+
+            [_Exit._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+What are you going to do, Maud?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I knew there was a letter in existence in Lady Frederick's handwriting
+which proved all I've said about her. I've moved heaven and earth to get
+hold of it, and it came this morning.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Don't be such a fool. You're not going to use that?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+I am indeed.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Your blood be upon your own head. Unless I'm vastly mistaken you'll
+suffer the greatest humiliation that you can imagine.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+That's absurd. I have nothing to fear.
+
+LADY FREDERICK. _comes in._
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm so sorry to disturb you. I hope you don't mind?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not at all. I knew you wouldn't have sent for me in that fashion without
+good cause.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm afraid you'll think me dreadfully impertinent.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Really you need not apologise so much, Charlie.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+My mother has something to say against you, and I think it right that
+she should say it in your presence.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That's very nice of you, Charlie--though I confess I prefer people to
+say horrid things of me only behind my back. Especially if they're true.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Look here, I think all this is rather nonsense. We've most of us got
+something in our past history that we don't want raked up, and we'd all
+better let bygones be bygones.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm waiting, Lady Mereston.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+It's merely that I thought my son should know that Lady Frederick had
+been the mistress of Roger Bellingham. [LADY FREDERICK _turns quickly
+and looks at her_; _then bursts into a peal of laughter_. LADY MERESTON
+_springs up angrily and hands her a letter_.] Is this in your
+handwriting?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Not at all disconcerted._] Dear me, how did you get hold of this?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You see that I have ample proof, Lady Frederick.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Handing the letter to_ MERESTON.] Would you like to read it? You know
+my writing well enough to be able to answer Lady Mereston's question.
+
+            [_He reads it through and looks at her in dismay._
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Good God!... What does it mean?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Pray read it aloud.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I can't.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then give it to me. [_She takes it from him._] It's addressed to my
+brother-in-law, Peter Berolles. The Kate to whom it refers was his wife.
+[_Reads._] Dear Peter: I'm sorry you should have had a row with Kate
+about Roger Bellingham. You are quite wrong in all you thought. There is
+absolutely nothing between them. I don't know where Kate was on Tuesday
+night, but certainly she was not within a hundred miles of Roger. This I
+know because....
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Interrupting._] For God's sake don't go on.
+
+            [LADY FREDERICK _looks at him and shrugs her
+            shoulders_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's signed Elizabeth Berolles. And there's a postscript: You may make
+what use of this letter you like.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+What does it mean? What does it mean?
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Surely it's very clear? You can't want a more explicit confession of
+guilt.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I tried to make it as explicit as possible.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Won't you say something? I'm sure there must be some explanation.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't know how you got hold of this letter, Lady Mereston. I agree
+with you, it is compromising. But Kate and Peter are dead now, and
+there's nothing to prevent me from telling the truth.
+
+            [PARADINE FOULDES _takes a step forward and
+            watches her_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My sister-in-law was a meek and mild little person, as demure as you can
+imagine, and no one would have suspected her for a moment of kicking
+over the traces. Well, one morning she came to me in floods of tears and
+confessed that she and Roger Bellingham [_with a shrug_] had been
+foolish. Her husband suspected that something was wrong and had kicked
+up a row.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Drily._] There are men who will make a scene on the smallest
+provocation.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+To shield herself she told the first lie that came into her head. She
+said to Peter that Roger Bellingham was my lover--and she threw herself
+on my mercy. She was a poor, weak little creature, and if there'd been a
+scandal she'd have gone to the dogs altogether. It had only been a
+momentary infatuation for Roger, and the scare had cured her. At the
+bottom of her heart she loved her husband still. I was desperately
+unhappy, and I didn't care much what became of me. She promised to turn
+over a new leaf and all that sort of thing. I thought I'd better give
+her another chance of going straight. I did what she wanted. I wrote
+that letter taking all the blame on myself, and Kate lived happily with
+her husband till she died.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It was just like you.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+But Lord and Lady Peter are dead?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+And Roger Bellingham?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+He's dead too.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Then how can you prove your account of this affair?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I can't.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+And does this convince you, Charlie?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Of course.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_Impatiently._] Good heavens, the boy's out of his senses. Paradine,
+for Heaven's sake say something.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, much as it may displease you, my dear, I'm afraid I agree with
+Charlie.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+You don't mean to say you believe this cock-and-bull story?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I do.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Why?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, you see, Lady Frederick's a very clever woman. She would never
+have invented such an utterly improbable tale, which can't possibly be
+proved. If she'd been guilty, she'd have had ready at least a dozen
+proofs of her innocence.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+But that's absurd.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Besides, I've known Lady Frederick a long time, and she has at least a
+thousand faults.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With flashing eyes._] Thanks.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But there's something I will say for her. She's not a liar. If she tells
+me a thing, I don't hesitate for a moment to believe it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's not a matter of the smallest importance if any of you believe me or
+not. Be so good as to ring, Charlie.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Certainly.
+
+            [_He rings, and a_ SERVANT _immediately comes in_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Tell my servant that he's to come here at once and bring the
+despatch-box which is in my dressing-room.
+
+SERVANT.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_Exit._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Quickly._] I say, what are you going to do?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That is absolutely no business of yours.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Be a brick, Betsy, and don't give her those letters.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I think I've had enough of this business. I'm proposing to finish with
+it.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Temper, temper.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Stamping her foot._] Don't say temper to me, Paradine.
+
+            [_She walks up and down angrily._ PARADINE
+            _sits at the piano and with one finger strums
+            "Rule Britannia."_
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Shut up.
+
+            [_He takes a book, flings it at his head and
+            misses._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Good shot, sir.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I often wonder how you got your reputation for wit, Paradine.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By making a point of laughing heartily at other people's jokes.
+
+            [_The_ FOOTMAN _enters with the despatch-box,
+            which_ LADY FREDERICK _opens. She takes
+            a bundle of letters from it._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Betsy, Betsy, for heaven's sake don't! Have mercy.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Was mercy shown to me? Albert!
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You'll go to the proprietor of the hotel and tell him that I propose to
+leave Monte Carlo to-morrow.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Aghast._] Are you going?
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Very well, my lady.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Have you a good memory for faces?
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Yes, my lady.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're not likely to forget Lord Mereston?
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+No, my lady.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then please take note that if his lordship calls upon me in London I'm
+not at home.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Lady Frederick!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_To_ FOOTMAN.] Go.
+
+            [_Exit_ FOOTMAN.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+What d'you mean? What have I done?
+
+            [_Without answering_ LADY FREDERICK _takes
+            the letters_. PARADINE _is watching her
+            anxiously. She goes up to the stove and
+            throws them in one by one._
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+What on earth is she doing?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I have some letters here which would ruin the happiness of a very
+worthless woman I know. I'm burning them so that I may never have the
+temptation to use them.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I never saw anything so melodramatic.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Hold your tongue, Paradine. [_Turning to_ MERESTON.] My dear Charlie, I
+came to Monte Carlo to be amused. Your mother has persecuted me
+incessantly. Your uncle--is too well-bred to talk to his servants as he
+has talked to me. I've been pestered in one way and another, and
+insulted till my blood boiled, because apparently they're afraid you may
+want to marry me. I'm sick and tired of it. I'm not used to treatment of
+this sort; my patience is quite exhausted. And since you are the cause
+of the whole thing I have an obvious remedy. I would much rather not
+have anything more to do with you. If we meet one another in the street
+you need not trouble to look my way because I shall cut you dead.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_In an undertone._] Thank God for that.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Mother, mother. [_To_ LADY FREDERICK.] I'm awfully sorry. I feel that
+you have a right to be angry. For all that you've suffered I beg your
+pardon most humbly. My mother has said and done things which I regret to
+say are quite unjustifiable.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Charlie!
+
+MERESTON.
+
+On her behalf and on mine I apologise with all my heart.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Smiling._] Don't take it too seriously. It really doesn't matter. But
+I think it's far wiser that we shouldn't see one another again.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But I can't live without you.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+[_With a gasp._] Ah!
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Don't you know that my whole happiness is wrapped up in you? I love you
+with all my heart and soul. I can never love any one but you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_To_ LADY MERESTON.] Now you've done it. You've done it very neatly.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Don't think me a presumptuous fool. I've been wanting to say this ever
+since I knew you, but I haven't dared. You're brilliant and charming and
+fascinating, but I have nothing whatever to offer you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Gently._] My dear Charlie.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But if you can overlook my faults, I daresay you could make something of
+me. Won't you marry me? I should look upon it as a great honour, and I
+would love you always to the end of my life. I'd try to be worthy of my
+great happiness and you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're very much too modest, Charlie. I'm enormously flattered and
+grateful. You must give me time to think it over.
+
+LADY MERESTON.
+
+Time?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But I can't wait. Don't you see how I love you? You'll never meet any
+one who'll care for you as I do.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I think you can wait a little. Come and see me to-morrow morning at ten,
+and I'll give you an answer.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Very well, if I must.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Smiling._] I'm afraid so.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_To_ LADY FREDERICK.] I wonder what the deuce your little game is now.
+
+            [_She smiles triumphantly and gives him a deep,
+            ironical curtsey._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Sir, your much obliged and very obedient, humble servant.
+
+
+END OF THE SECOND ACT.
+
+
+
+
+THIRD ACT
+
+
+     SCENE: LADY FREDERICK'S _dressing-room. At the back is a large
+     opening, curtained, which leads to the bedroom; on the right a door
+     leading to the passage; on the left a window. In front of the
+     window, of which the blind is drawn, is a dressing-table._ LADY
+     FREDERICK'S _maid is in the room, a very neat pretty Frenchwoman.
+     She speaks with a slight accent. She rings the bell, and the_
+     FOOTMAN _enters_.
+
+
+MAID.
+
+As soon as Lord Mereston arrives he is to be shown in.
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+[_Surprised._] Here?
+
+MAID.
+
+Where else?
+
+            [_The_ FOOTMAN _winks significantly. The_ MAID
+            _draws herself up with dignity, and with a
+            dramatic gesture points to the door_.
+
+MAID.
+
+Depart.
+
+            [_The_ FOOTMAN _goes out_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_From the bedroom._] Have you drawn the blind, Angelique?
+
+MAID.
+
+I will do so, miladi. [_She draws the blind, and the light falls
+brightly on the dressing-table._] But miladi will never be able to stand
+it. [_She looks at herself in the glass._] Oh, the light of the sun in
+the morning! I cannot look at myself.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_As before._] There's no reason that you should--especially in my
+glass.
+
+MAID.
+
+But if 'is lordship is coming, miladi must let me draw the blind. Oh, it
+is impossible.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Do as you're told and don't interfere.
+
+            [_The_ FOOTMAN _enters to announce_ MERESTON.
+            _The_ MAID _goes out._
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Lord Mereston.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_As before._] Is that you, Charlie? You're very punctual.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I've been walking about outside till the clock struck.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm not nearly dressed, you know. I've only just had my bath.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Must I go?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, of course not. You can talk to me while I'm finishing.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+All right. How are you this morning?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't know. I haven't looked at myself in the glass yet. How are you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+A 1, thanks.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Are you looking nice?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Going to the glass._] I hope so. By Jove, what a strong light. You
+must be pretty sure of your complexion to be able to stand that.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Appearing._] I am.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Going forward eagerly._] Ah.
+
+            [_She comes through the curtains. She wears a
+            kimono, her hair is all dishevelled, hanging
+            about her head in a tangled mop. She is
+            not made up and looks haggard and yellow
+            and lined. When_ MERESTON _sees her he
+            gives a slight start of surprise. She plays
+            the scene throughout with her broadest
+            brogue._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Good-morning.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Staring at her in dismay._] Good-morning.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, what have you to say to me?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Embarrassed._] I--er--hope you slept all right.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] Did you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I forget.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I believe you slept like a top, Charlie. You really might have lain
+awake and thought of me. What is the matter? You look as if you'd seen a
+ghost.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Oh no, not at all.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're not disappointed already?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+No, of course not. Only--you look so different with your hair not done.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a little cry._] Oh, I'd forgotten all about it. Angelique, come
+and do my hair.
+
+MAID.
+
+[_Appearing._] Yes, miladi.
+
+            [LADY FREDERICK _sits down at the dressing-table._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now, take pains, Angelique. I want to look my very best. Angelique is a
+jewel of incalculable value.
+
+MAID.
+
+Miladi is very kind.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+If I'm light-hearted, she does it one way. If I'm depressed she does it
+another.
+
+MAID.
+
+Oh, miladi, the perruquier who taught me said always that a good
+hairdresser could express every mood and every passion of the human
+heart.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Good heavens, you don't mean to say you can do all that?
+
+MAID.
+
+Miladi, he said I was his best pupil.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Very well. Express--express a great crisis in my affairs.
+
+MAID.
+
+That is the easiest thing in the world, miladi. I bring the hair rather
+low on the forehead, and that expresses a crisis in her ladyship's
+affairs.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But I always wear my hair low on the forehead.
+
+MAID.
+
+Then it is plain her ladyship's affairs are always in a critical
+condition.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+So they are. I never thought of that.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+You've got awfully stunning hair, Lady Frederick.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+D'you like it, really?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+The colour's perfectly beautiful.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It ought to be. It's frightfully expensive.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+You don't mean to say it's dyed?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, no. Only touched up. That's quite a different thing.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Is it?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's like superstition, you know, which is what other people believe. My
+friends dye their hair, but I only touch mine up. Unfortunately, it
+costs just as much.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+And you have such a lot.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, heaps. [_She opens a drawer and takes out a long switch._] Give him
+a bit to look at.
+
+MAID.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_She gives it to him._
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Er--yes. [_Not knowing what on earth to say._] How silky it is.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+A poor thing, but mine own. At least, I paid for it. By the way, have I
+paid for it yet, Angelique?
+
+MAID.
+
+Not yet, miladi. But the man can wait.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Taking it from_ MERESTON.] A poor thing, then, but my hairdresser's.
+Shall I put it on?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I wouldn't, if I were you.
+
+MAID.
+
+If her ladyship anticipates a tragic situation, I would venture to
+recommend it. A really pathetic scene is impossible without a quantity
+of hair worn quite high on the head.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, I know. Whenever I want to soften the hard heart of a creditor I
+clap on every bit I've got. But I don't think I will to-day. I'll tell
+you what, a temple curl would just fit the case.
+
+MAID.
+
+Then her ladyship inclines to comedy. Very well, I say no more.
+
+            [LADY FREDERICK _takes two temple-curls from
+            the drawer._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Aren't they dears?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You've admired them very often, Charlie, haven't you? I suppose you
+never knew they cost a guinea each?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It never occurred to me they were false.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+The masculine intelligence is so gross. Didn't your mother tell you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+My mother told me a great deal.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I expect she overdid it. There. Now that's done. D'you think it looks
+nice?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Charming.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Angelique, his lordship is satisfied. You may disappear.
+
+MAID.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_She goes._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now, tell me you think I'm the most ravishing creature you ever saw in
+your life.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I've told you that so often.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Stretching out her hands._] You are a nice boy. It was charming of you
+to say--what you did yesterday. I could have hugged you there and then.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Could you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, my dear, don't be so cold.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm very sorry, I didn't mean to be.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Haven't you got anything nice to say to me at all?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I don't know what I can say that I've not said a thousand times
+already.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Tell me what you thought of all night when you tossed on that sleepless
+pillow of yours.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I was awfully anxious to see you again.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Didn't you have a dreadful fear that I shouldn't be as nice as you
+imagined? Now, come--honestly.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Well, yes, I suppose it crossed my mind.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And am I?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Of course.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're sure you're not disappointed?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Quite sure.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What a relief! You know, I've been tormenting myself dreadfully. I said
+to myself: "He'll go on thinking of me till he imagines I'm the most
+beautiful woman in the world, and then, when he comes here and sees the
+plain reality, it'll be an awful blow."
+
+MERESTON.
+
+What nonsense! How could you think anything of the kind?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Are you aware that you haven't shown the least desire to kiss me yet?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I thought--I thought you might not like it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It'll be too late in a minute.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Why?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Because I'm just going to make up, you silly boy.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+How? I don't understand.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You said I must be very sure of my complexion. Of course I am. Here it
+is.
+
+            [_She runs her fingers over a row of little pots
+            and vases._
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Oh, I see. I beg your pardon.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You don't mean to say you thought it natural?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It never occurred to me it might be anything else.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's really too disheartening. I spend an hour every day of my life
+making the best complexion in Monte Carlo, and you think it's natural.
+Why, I might as well be a dairymaid of eighteen.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm very sorry.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I forgive you.... You may kiss my hand. [_He does so._] You dear boy.
+[_Looking at herself in the glass._] Oh, Betsy, you're not looking your
+best to-day. [_Shaking her finger at the glass._] This won't do, Betsy,
+my dear. You're very nearly looking your age. [_Turning round quickly._]
+D'you think I look forty?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I never asked myself how old you were.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, I'm not, you know. And I shan't be as long as there's a pot of
+rouge and a powder puff in the world. [_She rubs grease paint all over
+her face._]
+
+MERESTON.
+
+What _are_ you doing?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I wish I were an actress. They have such an advantage. They only have to
+make up to look well behind the footlights; but I have to expose myself
+to that beastly sun.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Nervously._] Yes, of course.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Is your mother dreadfully annoyed with you? And Paradine must be
+furious. I shall call him Uncle Paradine next time I see him. It'll make
+him feel so middle-aged. Charlie, you don't know how grateful I am for
+what you did yesterday. You acted like a real brick.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It's awfully good of you to say so.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Turning._] Do I look a fright?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Oh, no, not at all.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I love this powder. It plays no tricks with you. Once I put on a new
+powder that I bought in Paris, and as soon as I went into artificial
+light it turned a bright mauve. I was very much annoyed. You wouldn't
+like to go about with a mauve face, would you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+No, not at all.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Fortunately I had a green frock on. And mauve and green were very
+fashionable that year. Still I'd sooner it hadn't been on my face....
+There. I think that'll do as a foundation. I'm beginning to feel younger
+already. Now for the delicate soft bloom of youth. The great difficulty,
+you know, is to make both your cheeks the same colour. [_Turning to
+him._] Charlie, you're not bored, are you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+No, no.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I always think my observations have a peculiar piquancy when I have only
+one cheek rouged. I remember once I went out to dinner, and as soon as I
+sat down I grew conscious of the fact that one of my cheeks was much
+redder than the other.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+By George, that was awkward.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Charlie, you are a good-looking boy. I had no idea you were so handsome.
+And you look so young and fresh, it's quite a pleasure to look at you.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Laughing awkwardly._] D'you think so? What did you do when you
+discovered your predicament?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, by a merciful interposition of Providence, I had a foreign
+diplomatist on my right side which bloomed like a rose, and a bishop on
+my left which was white like the lily. The diplomatist told me risky
+stories all through dinner so it was quite natural that this cheek
+should blush fiery red. And as the Bishop whispered in my left ear
+harrowing details of distress in the East End, it was only decent that
+the other should exhibit a becoming pallor. [_Meanwhile she has been
+rouging her cheeks._] Now look carefully, Charlie, and you'll see how I
+make the Cupid's bow which is my mouth. I like a nice healthy colour on
+the lips, don't you?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Isn't it awfully uncomfortable to have all that stuff on?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Ah, my dear boy, it's woman's lot to suffer in this world. But it's a
+great comfort to think that one is submitting to the decrees of
+Providence and at the same time adding to one's personal attractiveness.
+But I confess I sometimes wish I needn't blow my nose so carefully.
+Smile, Charlie. I don't think you're a very ardent lover, you know.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm sorry. What would you like me to do?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I should like you to make me impassioned speeches.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'm afraid they'd be so hackneyed.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Never mind that. I've long discovered that under the influence of
+profound emotion a man always expresses himself in the terms of the
+_Family Herald_.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+You must remember that I'm awfully inexperienced.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, I'll let you off this time--because I like your curly hair. [_She
+sighs amorously._] Now for the delicate arch of my eyebrows. I don't
+know what I should do without this. I've got no eyebrows at all
+really.... Have you ever noticed that dark line under the eyes which
+gives such intensity to my expression?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Yes, often.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Holding out the pencil._] Well, here it is. Ah, my dear boy, in this
+pencil you have at will roguishness and languor, tenderness and
+indifference, sprightliness, passion, malice, what you will. Now be
+very quiet for one moment. If I overdo it my whole day will be spoilt.
+You mustn't breathe even. Whenever I do this I think how true those
+lines are:
+
+    "The little more and how much it is.
+    The little less and what worlds away."
+
+There! Now just one puff of powder, and the whole world's kind.
+[_Looking at herself in the glass and sighing with satisfaction._] Ah! I
+feel eighteen. I think it's a success, and I shall have a happy day. Oh,
+Betsy, Betsy, I think you'll do. You know, you're not unattractive, my
+dear. Not strictly beautiful, perhaps; but then I don't like the
+chocolate-box sort of woman. I'll just go and take off this
+dressing-gown. [MERESTON _gets up._] No, don't move. I'll go into my
+bedroom. I shall only be one moment. [LADY FREDERICK _goes through the
+curtains._] Angelique.
+
+            [_The_ MAID _enters._
+
+MAID.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Just clear away those things on the dressing-table.
+
+MAID.
+
+[_Doing so._] Very well, miladi.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You may have a cigarette, Charlie.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Thanks. My nerves are a bit dicky this morning.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, blow the thing! Angelique, come and help me.
+
+MAID.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_She goes out._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+At last.
+
+            [_She comes in, having changed the kimono for
+            a very beautiful dressing-gown of silk and
+            lace._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now, are you pleased?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Of course I'm pleased.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then you may make love to me.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+You say such disconcerting things.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] Well, Charlie, you've found no difficulty in doing it for
+the last fortnight. You're not going to pretend that you're already at a
+loss for pretty speeches?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+When I came here, I had a thousand things to say to you, but you've
+driven them all out of my head. Won't you give me an answer now?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What to?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+You've not forgotten that I asked you to marry me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, but you asked me under very peculiar circumstances. I wonder if you
+can repeat the offer now in cold blood?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Of course. What a cad you must think me!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Are you sure you want to marry me still--after having slept over it?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Yes.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You are a good boy, and I'm a beast to treat you so abominably. It's
+awfully nice of you.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Well, what is the answer?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear, I've been giving it you for the last half-hour.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+How?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You don't for a moment suppose I should have let you into those horrible
+mysteries of my toilette if I'd had any intention of marrying you? Give
+me credit for a certain amount of intelligence and good feeling. I
+should have kept up the illusion, at all events till after the
+honeymoon.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Are you going to refuse me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Aren't you rather glad?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+No, no, no.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Putting her arm through his._] Now let us talk it over sensibly.
+You're a very nice boy, and I'm awfully fond of you. But you're
+twenty-two, and heaven only knows my age. You see, the church in which I
+was baptized was burnt down the year I was born, so I don't know how old
+I am.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+[_Smiling._] Where was it burnt?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+In Ireland.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I thought so.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Just at present I can make a decent enough show by taking infinite
+pains; and my hand is not so heavy that the innocent eyes of your sex
+can discover how much of me is due to art. But in ten years you'll only
+be thirty-two, and then, if I married you, my whole life would be a
+mortal struggle to preserve some semblance of youth. Haven't you seen
+those old hags who've never surrendered to Anno Domini, with their poor,
+thin, wrinkled cheeks covered with paint, and the dreadful wigs that
+hide a hairless pate? Rather cock-eyed, don't you know, and invariably
+flaxen. You've laughed at their ridiculous graces, and you've been
+disgusted too. Oh, I'm so sorry for them, poor things. And I should
+become just like that, for I should never have the courage to let my
+hair be white so long as yours was brown. But if I don't marry you, I
+can look forward to the white hairs fairly happily. The first I shall
+pluck out, and the second I shall pluck out. But when the third comes
+I'll give in, and I'll throw my rouge and my poudre de riz and my
+pencils into the fire.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But d'you think I should ever change?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear boy, I'm sure of it. Can't you imagine what it would be to be
+tied to a woman who was always bound to sit with her back to the light?
+And sometimes you might want to kiss me.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I think it very probable.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, you couldn't--in case you disarranged my complexion. [MERESTON
+_sighs deeply._] Don't sigh, Charlie. I daresay I was horrid to let you
+fall in love with me, but I'm only human, and I was desperately
+flattered.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Was that all?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And rather touched. That is why I want to give a cure with my refusal.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But you break my heart.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear, men have said that to me ever since I was fifteen, but I've
+never noticed that in consequence they ate their dinner less heartily.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I suppose you think it was only calf-love?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm not such a fool as to imagine a boy can love any less than a man. If
+I'd thought your affection ridiculous I shouldn't have been so
+flattered.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+It doesn't hurt any the less because the wounds you make are clean cut.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But they'll soon heal. And you'll fall in love with a nice girl of your
+own age, whose cheeks flush with youth and not with rouge, and whose
+eyes sparkle because they love you, and not because they're carefully
+made up.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+But I wanted to help you. You're in such an awful scrape, and if you'll
+only marry me it can all be set right.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, my dear, don't go in for self-sacrifice. You must leave that to
+women. They're so much more used to it.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Isn't there anything I can do for you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, dear. I shall get out of the mess somehow. I always do. You really
+need not worry about me.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+You know, you _are_ a brick.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then it's all settled, isn't it? And you're not going to be unhappy?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+I'll try not to be.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'd like to imprint a chaste kiss on your forehead, only I'm afraid it
+would leave a mark.
+
+            [_The_ FOOTMAN _comes in and announces_ PARADINE
+            FOULDES.
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Mr. Paradine Fouldes.
+
+            [_Exit._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Do I disturb?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not at all. We've just finished our conversation.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well?
+
+MERESTON.
+
+If any one wants to know who the best woman in the world is send 'em to
+me, and I'll tell them.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Taking his hand._] You dear! Good-bye.
+
+MERESTON.
+
+Good-bye. And thanks for being so kind to me.
+
+            [_He goes out._
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Do I see in front of me my prospective niece?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why d'you ask, Uncle Paradine?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Singularly enough because I want to know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Well, it so happens--you don't.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You've refused him?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I have.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Then will you tell me why you've been leading us all such a devil of a
+dance?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Because you interfered with me, and I allow no one to do that.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Hoity-toity.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You weren't really so foolish as to imagine I should marry a boy who set
+me up on a pedestal and vowed he was unworthy to kiss the hem of my
+garment?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Why not?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear Paradine, I don't want to commit suicide by sheer boredom.
+There's only one thing in the world more insufferable than being in
+love.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And what is that, pray?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why, having some one in love with you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I've suffered from it all my life.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Think of living up to the ideal Charlie has of me. My hair would turn a
+hydrogen yellow in a week. And then to be so desperately adored as all
+that--oh, it's so dull! I should have to wear a mask all day long. I
+could never venture to be natural in case I shocked him. And
+notwithstanding all my efforts I should see the illusions tumbling about
+his ears one by one till he realised I was no ethereal goddess, but a
+very ordinary human woman neither better nor worse than anybody else.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Your maxim appears to be, marry any one you like except the man that's
+in love with you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Ah, but don't you think I might find a man who loved me though he knew
+me through and through? I'd far rather that he saw my faults and forgave
+them than that he thought me perfect.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But how d'you know you've choked the boy off for good?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I took good care. I wanted to cure him. If it had been possible I would
+have shown him my naked soul. But I couldn't do that, so I let him
+see....
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Interrupting._] What!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Laughing._] No, not quite. I had a dressing-gown on and other
+paraphernalia. But I made him come here when I wasn't made up, and he
+sat by while I rouged my cheeks.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And the young fool thought there was nothing more in you than a
+carefully prepared complexion?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+He was very nice about it. But I think he was rather relieved when I
+refused him.
+
+[_There is a knock at the door._]
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Outside._] May we come in?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Yes do.
+
+_Enter_ GERALD _and_ ROSE _and the_ ADMIRAL.
+
+GERALD.
+
+[_Excitedly._] I say, it's all right. The Admiral's come down like a
+real brick. I've told him everything.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What do you mean? Good-morning, dear Admiral.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Good-morning.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I've made a clean breast of it. I talked it over with Rosie.
+
+ROSE.
+
+And we went to papa together.
+
+GERALD.
+
+And told him that I owed Montgomerie nine hundred pounds.
+
+ROSE.
+
+And we thought papa would make an awful scene.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Raise Cain, don't you know.
+
+ROSE.
+
+But he never said a word.
+
+GERALD.
+
+He was simply ripping over it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Putting her hands to her ears._] Oh, oh, oh. For heaven's sake be calm
+and coherent.
+
+GERALD.
+
+My dear, you don't know what a relief it is.
+
+ROSE.
+
+I saw Gerald was dreadfully worried, and I wormed it out of him.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I'm so glad to be out of the clutches of that brute.
+
+ROSE.
+
+Now we're going to live happily ever afterwards.
+
+[_All the while the_ ADMIRAL _has been trying to get a word in, but each
+time he is about to start one of the others has broken in._
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Silence. [_He puffs and blows._] I never saw such a pair in my life.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Now do explain it all, Admiral. I can't make head or tail out of these
+foolish creatures.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Well, they came and told me that Montgomerie had an I.O.U. of Gerald's
+for nine hundred pounds and was using it to blackmail you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Is that a fact?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Yes.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I never liked the man's face. And when they said his terms were that you
+were to marry him or Gerald would have to send in his papers, I said ...
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Damn his impudence.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+How did you know?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Because I'd have said it myself.
+
+GERALD.
+
+And the Admiral stumped up like a man. He gave me a cheque for the
+money, and I've just this moment sent it on to Montgomerie.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Taking both his hands._] It's awfully good of you, and I'm sure you'll
+never regret that you gave Gerald a chance.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+May I have a few words' private conversation with you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Of course. [_To the others._] Make yourselves scarce.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+We'll go on the balcony, shall we?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I'm sorry to trouble you, but it'll only take three minutes.
+
+[GERALD _and_ ROSE _and_ FOULDES _go on to the balcony_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_When they've gone._] There.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Well, what I wanted to say to you was this: I like Gerald, but I think
+he wants guiding. D'you follow me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm sure he will take your advice always.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+It's a woman's hand that he wants. Now if you and I were to join forces
+we could keep him out of mischief, couldn't we?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, I'll come and stay with you whenever you ask me. I love giving good
+advice when I'm quite sure it won't be taken.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I was thinking of a more permanent arrangement. Look here, why don't you
+marry me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear Admiral!
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I don't think an attractive woman like you ought to live alone. She's
+bound to get in a scrape.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's awfully good of you, but....
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+You don't think I'm too old, do you?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Of course not. You're in the very prime of life.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+There's life in the old dog yet, I can tell you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I feel sure of that. I never doubted it for a moment.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Then what have you got against me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You wouldn't like to commit polygamy, would you?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Eh?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You see, it's not a question of marrying me only, but all my
+tradespeople.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I hadn't thought of that.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Besides, you're Rose's father, and I'm Gerald's sister. If we married I
+should be my brother's mother-in-law, and my step-daughter would be my
+sister. Your daughter would be your sister-in-law, and your brother
+would just snap his fingers at your fatherly advice.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+[Confused.] Eh?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't know if the prayer-book allows things like that, but if it does
+I think it's hopelessly immoral.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Well, shall I tell them I've changed my mind and they can't marry?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Then there'd be no reason for us to--commit the crime, would there?
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+I hadn't thought of that. I suppose not.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+You're not cross with me, are you? I'm very much flattered, and I thank
+you from the bottom of my heart.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Not at all, not at all. I only thought it might save trouble.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Calling._] Gerald. Come along. [_They come in._] We've had our little
+talk.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Everything satisfactory?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_With a look at the_ ADMIRAL.] Quite.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+[_Gruffly._] Quite.
+
+LADY FREDERICK'S FOOTMAN _enters._
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Captain Montgomerie wishes to know if he may see your ladyship.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'd forgotten all about him.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Let me go to him, shall I?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, I'm not afraid of him any longer. He can't do anything to you. And
+as far as I'm concerned it doesn't matter.
+
+GERALD.
+
+Then I'll tell him to go to the devil.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+No, I'm going to tell him that myself. [_To the_ FOOTMAN.] Ask Captain
+Montgomerie to come here.
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Yes, miladi.
+
+            [_Exit._
+
+Lady Frederick.
+
+[_Walking up and down furiously._] I'm going to tell him that myself.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Now keep calm, Betsy.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Very deliberately._] I shall not keep calm.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Remember that you're a perfect lady.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Don't interfere with me. I ate humble pie yesterday, and it didn't agree
+with me at all.
+
+[FOOTMAN _enters to announce_ CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE, _who follows him, and
+immediately withdraws._
+
+FOOTMAN.
+
+Captain Montgomerie.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+How d'you do.
+
+[_He is obviously surprised to see the others._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Pleasantly._] Quite a party, aren't we?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Yes. [_A pause._] I hope you don't mind my coming so early?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Not at all. You made an appointment for half-past ten.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I trust you have good news for me.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Captain Montgomerie, every one here knows the circumstances that have
+brought you.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I should have thought it wiser for both our sakes not to make them too
+public.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Very amiably._] I don't see why you should be ashamed because you made
+me a proposal of marriage?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I'm sorry you should think it a laughing matter, Lady Frederick.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't. I never laugh at an impertinence.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Taken aback._] I beg your pardon.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Surely the receipt of my brother's letter was sufficient answer for you.
+After that you must have guessed there was no likelihood that I should
+change my mind.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+What letter? I don't understand.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I sent you a note this morning enclosing a cheque for the money I lost
+to you.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I've not received it.
+
+GERALD.
+
+It must be waiting for you at the hotel.
+
+            [CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _pauses and looks meditatively
+            at the assembled company_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I think there's nothing for which I need detain you longer.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Smiling._] I don't think I've quite finished yet. Has it slipped your
+memory that the two bills fall due to-day? Allow me to present them.
+
+            [_He takes them out of his pocket-book._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I'm very sorry I can't pay them--at present.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I regret that I can't wait. You must pay them.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I tell you it's impossible.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Then I shall get an order against you.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+That you may do to your heart's content.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+You realise the consequences. It's not very nice to be an undischarged
+bankrupt.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Much nicer than to marry a rascally money-lender.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+May I look at these interesting documents?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Certainly. [_Blandly._] I haven't the least wish to be offensive.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Taking them._] You fail lamentably in achieving your wish. Three
+thousand five hundred pounds in all. It seems hardly worth while to make
+a fuss about so small a sum.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+I'm in urgent need of money.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Ironically._] So rich a man as you?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Even a rich man may be temporarily embarrassed.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Then be so good as to wait for one moment. [_He sits down at a table and
+writes a cheque._] No sight is more affecting than that of a
+millionaire in financial straits.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Paradine!
+
+FOULDES.
+
+[_Handing the cheque._] Now, sir, I think that settles it. Will you
+exchange my cheque for those bills?
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+Damn you, I forgot you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You may not be aware that it's unusual to swear in the presence of
+ladies.
+
+CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE.
+
+[_Looking at the cheque._] I suppose it's all right.
+
+            [PARADINE _goes to the door and opens it_.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+There is the window, and here is the door. Which will you choose?
+
+            [CAPTAIN MONTGOMERIE _looks at him without
+            answering, shrugs his shoulders and goes
+            out_.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, Paradine, you are a brick.
+
+GERALD.
+
+I say it's awfully good of you.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Nonsense. I've got a strong sense of effect, and I always cultivate the
+dramatic situation.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I shall never be able to pay you back, Paradine.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+My dear, I'm not entirely devoid of intelligence.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Well, well, I must be off to take my constitutional.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+And Rose and Gerald must take care of you. We shall all meet at
+luncheon.
+
+ADMIRAL.
+
+Yes, yes.
+
+[_The_ ADMIRAL, ROSE _and_ GERALD _go out._ LADY FREDERICK _goes up to_
+PARADINE _and takes his hands._
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Thanks awfully. You are a good friend.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By George, how your eyes glitter!
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+It's only belladonna, you know.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'm not such a fool as my nephew, my dear.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Why did you do it?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+D'you know what gratitude is?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Thanks for past favours and a lively sense of benefits to come.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, yesterday you had my sister in the hollow of your hand. She gave
+you great provocation, and you burnt those confounded letters.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+My dear Paradine, I can't get over my own magnanimity. And what are the
+benefits to come?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well it might be five per cent. on the capital.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I don't know why you should squeeze my hands all the time.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+But it isn't. Look here, don't you get awfully tired of racketting
+about?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, my dear friend, I'm sick to death of it. I've got half a mind to
+retire from the world and bury myself in a hermitage.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+So have I, and I've bought the lease of a little house in Norfolk
+Street, Park Lane.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Just the place for a hermitage--fashionable without being vulgar.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And I propose to live there quite quietly, and I shall just subsist on a
+few dried herbs, don't you know.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+But do have them cooked by a really good French chef; it makes such a
+difference.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+And what d'you say to joining me?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+You.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, I _am_ a success to-day. That's another proposal of marriage.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+It sounds very much like it.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+I've already had three this morning.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Then I should think you've said "no" quite often enough.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Come at ten o'clock to-morrow, and you shall see me make up.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+D'you think that would choke me off? D'you suppose I don't know that
+behind that very artificial complexion there's a dear little woman
+called Betsy who's genuine to the bottom of her soul?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+Oh, don't be so sentimental or I shall cry.
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Well, what is it to be?
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Her voice breaking._] D'you like me still, Paradine, after all these
+years?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+Yes. [_She looks at him, her lips quivering. He stretches out his arms,
+and she, breaking down, hides her face on his shoulder._] Now don't be
+an ass, Betsy.... I know you'll say in a minute I'm the only man you
+ever loved.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Looking up with a laugh._] I shan't.... But what will your sister
+say?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+I'll tell her there was only one way in which I could save Charlie from
+your clutches.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+What?
+
+FOULDES.
+
+By marrying you myself.
+
+LADY FREDERICK.
+
+[_Putting up her face._] Monster.
+
+[_He kisses her lips._]
+
+
+THE END.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+_THE EXPLORER_
+
+
+_BY THE SAME AUTHOR_
+
+(_Uniform with this Volume_)
+
+_PLAYS_:
+
+    _A MAN OF HONOUR_
+    _LADY FREDERICK_
+    _JACK STRAW_
+    _MRS. DOT_
+    _PENELOPE_
+
+    (_In Preparation_)
+
+    _SMITH_
+    _THE TENTH MAN_
+    _GRACE_
+    _LOAVES AND FISHES_
+
+_LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN_
+
+
+
+
+_THE EXPLORER
+
+A MELODRAMA
+
+In Four Acts
+
+By W. S. MAUGHAM
+
+LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN
+
+MCMXII_
+
+_All rights reserved_
+
+This play was first produced at the Lyric Theatre on Saturday, June 13,
+1908, with the following cast:
+
+    ALEXANDER MACKENZIE            LEWIS WALLER
+    RICHARD LOMAS                  A. E. GEORGE
+    DR. ADAMSON                    CHARLES ROCK
+    SIR ROBERT BOULGER, BT.      OWEN ROUGHWOOD
+    GEORGE ALLERTON                 SHIEL BARRY
+    REV. JAMES CARBERY         S. J. WARMINGTON
+    CAPTAIN MALLINS          A. CATON WOODVILLE
+    MILLER                         CHARLES CECIL
+    CHARLES                            P. DIGAN
+    MRS. CROWLEY                      EVA MOORE
+    LADY KELSEY                      MARY RORKE
+    LUCY ALLERTON                EVELYN MILLARD
+
+
+
+
+_THE EXPLORER
+
+CHARACTERS_
+
+
+    ALEXANDER MACKENZIE
+    RICHARD LOMAS
+    DR. ADAMSON
+    SIR ROBERT BOULGER, BT.
+    GEORGE ALLERTON
+    THE REV. JAMES CARBERY
+    CAPTAIN MALLINS
+    MILLER
+    CHARLES
+    LADY KELSEY
+    MRS. CROWLEY
+    LUCY ALLERTON
+
+TIME: _The Present Day._
+
+SCENE: _The First and Third Acts take place at Lady Kelsey's house; the
+Second at Mackenzie's camp in Central Africa; and the Fourth at the
+house of Richard Lomas._
+
+_The Performing Rights of this play are fully protected, and permission
+to perform it, whether by Amateurs or Professionals, must be obtained in
+advance from the author's Sole Agent, R. Golding Bright, 20 Green
+Street, Leicester Square, London, W.C., from whom all particulars can be
+obtained._
+
+
+
+
+THE EXPLORER
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST ACT
+
+
+     SCENE: LADY KELSEY'S _drawing-room in Mayfair. At the back is a
+     window leading on to a balcony. On the right a door leads to the
+     staircase, and on the left is another door. It is the sumptuous
+     room of a rich woman._
+
+     [LADY KELSEY _is seated, dressed in black; she is a woman of fifty,
+     kind, emotional, and agitated. She is drying her eyes._ MRS.
+     CROWLEY, _a pretty little woman of twenty-eight, very beautifully
+     dressed, vivacious and gesticulative, is watching her quietly. The_
+     REV. JAMES CARBERY, _a young curate, tall and impressive in
+     appearance, ponderous and self-important, is very immaculate in a
+     silk waistcoat and a large gold cross._
+
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I cannot tell you how sincerely I feel for you in this affliction, Lady
+Kelsey.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+You're very kind. Every one has been very kind. But I shall never get
+over it. I shall never hold up my head again.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Nonsense! You talk as if the whole thing weren't perfectly monstrous.
+Surely you don't for a moment suppose that your brother-in-law won't be
+able to explain everything away?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+God forbid! But still, it's dreadful to think that at this very moment
+my poor sister's husband is standing in the felon's dock.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+Dreadful, dreadful!
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+If you only knew the agonies I've suffered since Fred was arrested! At
+first I couldn't believe it, I wouldn't believe it. If I'd only known
+such a thing was possible, I'd have done anything to help him.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+But had you any idea he was in difficulties?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+He came to me and said he must have three thousand pounds at once. But
+I'd given him money so often since my poor sister died, and every one
+said I oughtn't to give him any more. After all, someone must look after
+his children, and if I don't hoard my money a little, George and Lucy
+will be penniless.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Oh, you were quite right to refuse.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I thought it would only go in senseless extravagances as all the rest
+has gone, and when he said it was a matter of life and death, I couldn't
+believe it. He'd said that so often.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+It's shocking to think a man of his position and abilities should have
+come to such a pass.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Dear Mr. Carbery, don't draw the very obvious moral. We're all quite
+wretched enough as it is.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+And two days later Lucy came to me with a white face to say that he had
+been arrested for forging a cheque.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I only met him once, and I'm bound to say I thought him a most charming
+man.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Ah, that's what ruined him. He was always so entirely delightful. He
+could never say no to any one. But there's not an atom of harm in him.
+I'm quite certain he's never done anything criminal; he may have been
+foolish, but wicked never.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Of course he'll be able to clear himself. There's not the least doubt
+about that.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+But think of the disgrace of it. A public trial. And Fred Allerton of
+all people! The Allertons were always so proud of their family. It was
+almost a mania with them.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+For centuries they've cherished the firm belief that there was no one in
+the county fit to black their boots.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+Pride goeth before a fall.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Smiling._] And proverbs before a clergyman.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+They wouldn't give him bail, so he's remained in prison till now. Of
+course, I made Lucy and George come here.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You've been quite charming, Lady Kelsey, as every one knew you'd be. But
+don't think of these wretched weeks of suspense. Think only that Mr.
+Allerton has got his chance at last. Why, the trial may be over now, and
+he may this very minute be on his way to this house.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+What will he do when it's over? The position will be surely a little
+unpleasant.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I've talked it over with Lucy, and--I've made it possible for them all
+to go abroad. They'll need rest and quiet. Poor things, poor things!
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I suppose Miss Allerton and George are at the Old Bailey.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+No, their father begged them to stay away. They've been in all day,
+waiting for the papers.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But who is going to bring you the news? Surely you're not going to wait
+for the papers?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Oh, no, Dick Lomas is coming. He's one of the witnesses for Fred, and my
+nephew Bobby Boulger.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+And what about Mr. Mackenzie? He told me he would be there.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+Is that the great traveller? I thought I saw in the paper that he'd
+already started for Africa.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Not yet. He's going at the beginning of the month. Oh, he's been so good
+to us during this time. All our friends have been good to us.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I shouldn't have thought there was much of the milk of human kindness to
+overflow in Alexander Mackenzie. By all accounts he dealt with the
+slave-traders in Africa with a good deal of vigour.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+The slave-traders must be quaking in their shoes if they know he's
+starting out again, for he's made up his mind to exterminate them, and
+when Alec Mackenzie makes up his mind to do a thing, he appears to do
+it.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+He has the reputation of a hard man, but no one could be more delightful
+than he has been to me.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I don't think I like him, but he's certainly a strong man, and in
+England just now every one's so weak and floppy, it's rather a relief to
+come across somebody who's got a will of iron and nerves of steel.
+
+            [GEORGE ALLERTON _comes in_. _He is a very
+            young man, good-looking, though at the
+            moment pale and haggard, with a rather
+            weak face._
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I thought Lucy was here. [_To_ CARBERY _and_ MRS. CROWLEY.] How d'you
+do? Have you seen Lucy?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I went to her room for a moment.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+What is she doing?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Reading.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I wish I could take it as calmly as she does. An outsider would think
+there was nothing the matter at all. Oh, it's too awful!
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+My dear, you must bear up. We must all hope for the best.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+But there is no best. Whatever happens, it means disgrace and dishonour.
+How could he? How could he?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+No one knows your father as I do, George. I'm sure he's never been
+anything but thoughtless and foolish.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Of course he's not been actually criminal. That's absurd. But it's bad
+enough as it is.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You mustn't take it too much to heart. In another half-hour at the
+utmost your father will be here with everything cleared up, and you'll
+be able to go back to Oxford with a clear conscience.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+D'you think I can go to Oxford again when my father has been tried for
+forgery? No, no! No, no! I'd rather shoot myself.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+My poor boy.... Where have you been all day?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Heaven knows! I've walked through the streets till I'm dog-tired. Oh,
+the suspense is too awful. My feet carried me to the Old Bailey, and I
+would have given anything to go in and see how things were going, but
+I'd promised the Pater I wouldn't.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+How did he look this morning?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+He was most awfully worn and ill. I don't believe he'll ever get over
+it. I saw his counsel before the case began. They told me it was bound
+to come all right.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Is there anything in the evening papers?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I haven't dared to look. The placards are awful.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+Why, what do they say?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Can't you imagine? "Gentleman charged with forgery." "County gentleman
+at the Old Bailey." And all the rest of it. Damn them! Damn them!
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+It may be all over by now.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I feel that I shall never sleep again. I couldn't close my eyes last
+night. To think that one's own father....
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+For goodness' sake be quiet.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Starting._] There's a ring at the bell.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I've given orders that no one is to be admitted but Dick Lomas and
+Bobbie.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It must be finished by now. It's one or the other of them come to tell
+you the result.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Oh, I'm so frightfully anxious.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Aunt, you don't think....
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+No, no, of course not. They _must_ find him not guilty.
+
+            [_The_ BUTLER _enters followed by_ DICK LOMAS,
+            _a clean-shaven dapper man, with a sharp
+            face and good-natured smile. He is between
+            thirty-five and forty, but slim and youthful.
+            With him comes_ SIR ROBERT BOULGER,
+            LADY KELSEY'S _nephew, a good-looking,
+            spruce youth of twenty-two_.
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Mr. Lomas, Sir Robert Boulger.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Excitedly._] Well, well? For God's sake tell us quickly.
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear people, I have nothing to tell.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Oh!
+
+            [_He staggers with sudden faintness and falls
+            to the floor._
+
+DICK.
+
+Hulloa! What's this?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Poor boy!
+
+            [_They crowd round him._
+
+GEORGE.
+
+It's all right. What a fool I am! I was so strung up.
+
+DICK.
+
+You'd better come to the window.
+
+            [_He and_ BOULGER _take the boy's arms and lead
+            him to the window_. GEORGE _leans against
+            the balcony_.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I'm afraid I must go away. Every Wednesday at four I read _Little Lord
+Fauntleroy_ to forty charwomen.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Good-bye. And thanks so much for coming.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Shaking hands with him._] Good-bye. A clergyman always helps one so
+much to bear other people's misfortunes.
+
+            [CARBERY _goes out, and in a moment_ ROBERT
+            BOULGER _comes back into the room_.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Is he better?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Oh, much. He'll be all right in a minute. [LADY KELSEY _goes to the
+window, and he turns to_ MRS. CROWLEY.] You are a brick to come here
+to-day, when they're all in such awful trouble.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_With a little hesitation._] Did you really come away before the trial
+was ended?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Why, of course. What did you think? You don't imagine they'll convict
+him?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It's too dreadful.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Where is Lucy? I was hoping to get a glimpse of her.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I wouldn't trouble her to-day if I were you. I think she most wants to
+be left alone.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I wanted to tell her that if I could do anything at all, she had only to
+command.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I think she knows that. But I'll give her the message if you like....
+You're very devoted.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I've been madly in love with her ever since I was ten.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Take care then. There's nothing so tedious as the constant lover.
+
+            [DICK _comes into the room and speaks to_
+            ROBERT BOULGER.
+
+DICK.
+
+George is quite well now. He wants you to smoke a cigarette with him.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Certainly.
+
+            [_He goes on to the balcony._
+
+DICK.
+
+[_When_ BOULGER _is gone_.] At least, he will the moment he sees you.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+What do you mean by that?
+
+DICK.
+
+Merely that I wanted to talk to you. And Robert Boulger, being a youth
+of somewhat limited intelligence, seemed in the way.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Why did you leave the Old Bailey?
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear lady, I couldn't stand it. You don't know what it is to sit
+there and watch a man tortured, a man you've known all your life, whom
+you've dined with times out of number, in whose house you've stayed. He
+had just the look of a hunted beast, and his face was grey with terror.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+How was the case going?
+
+DICK.
+
+I couldn't judge. I could only see those haggard, despairing eyes.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But you're a barrister. You must have heard his answers. What did he
+reply to all the questions?
+
+DICK.
+
+He seemed quite dazed. I don't think he took in the gist of his
+cross-examination.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But the man's innocent.
+
+DICK.
+
+Yes, we all hope that.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+What d'you mean? There can be no doubt about that. When he was arrested
+Lucy went to him and begged him to tell her the exact truth. He swore
+that he wasn't guilty.
+
+DICK.
+
+Poor Lucy! She's borne up wonderfully. She'll stick to her father
+through thick and thin.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Abruptly._] Mr. Lomas, you're trying to put me off. It's not fair to
+let Lucy buoy herself up with false hopes. She's absolutely convinced
+that her father will be acquitted.
+
+DICK.
+
+Well, in another half-hour we shall all know. When I left, the judge was
+just going to sum up.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Mr. Lomas, what is your opinion?
+
+            [_He looks at her steadily for a moment._
+
+DICK.
+
+Were you very much surprised when you heard Fred Allerton was arrested?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Good heavens, I was overwhelmed!
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Dryly._] Ah!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+If you aggravate me I shall box your ears.
+
+DICK.
+
+When first I knew Fred he was a very rich man. You know that the
+Allertons are one of the oldest families in Cheshire?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Yes. I think Lucy's only failing is an inordinate pride in her family.
+She thinks it very snobbish to have any particular respect for a peer of
+the realm, but only natural to look up to persons of good family.
+
+DICK.
+
+Ah, you see, you and I who have a quite indecent lack of ancestors,
+can't realise what the cult of family may be. There are families in the
+remote parts of England--not very rich, not very clever, and not very
+good-looking--who would look askance at a belted earl who came to demand
+their daughter's hand in marriage. They have a natural conviction that
+they're the salt of the earth, and in their particular corner they rule
+more absolutely than half the monarchs in Europe. The Allertons were
+like that. But Fred somehow seemed to belong to a different stock. The
+first thing he did was to play ducks and drakes with his fortune.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But men ought to be extravagant. That's what they're there for.
+
+DICK.
+
+Women always took his side because he had an irresistible charm of
+manner.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I think George has, too, a little.
+
+DICK.
+
+I hope for Lucy's sake he will turn out a different man from his father.
+I wish he weren't so like him in appearance. At last Fred Allerton had
+squandered every penny, and he married Lady Kelsey's sister, one of the
+three rich daughters of a Liverpool merchant. But he ran through her
+money, too, gambling, racing, and so forth, and she died of a broken
+heart--adoring him still.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You're as well informed as an encyclopaedia, Mr. Lomas.
+
+DICK.
+
+You see, I was made the trustee for the poor remains of Mrs. Allerton's
+fortune, and I know how Lucy has managed to keep all their heads above
+water. She's wonderful. Ever since she was a child she's held the reins
+in her own hands. She's stuck to her father, though Lady Kelsey implored
+her to leave him to his own foolish ways. She saw that George was
+decently educated. She hid from the world all the little shifts and
+devices to which she had to resort in order to keep up an appearance of
+decency.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I suppose you, too, think Fred Allerton little better than a scamp?
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear lady, when a man has had to leave his club because he plays
+cards too well, it's at least permissible to suppose that there's
+something odd about him.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Here's Lady Kelsey. For heaven's sake try and amuse her a little.
+
+[LADY KELSEY _comes back into the room_.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Oh, Dick, I'm so full of my own troubles, I forgot to ask about yours.
+I'm so sorry to hear that you're ill.
+
+DICK.
+
+On the contrary, I'm in the very best of health.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+But I saw in the papers that you were going to give up your seat in the
+House owing to ill-health.
+
+DICK.
+
+Of course, I'd forgotten. My heart is seriously deranged.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+How dreadful! What is the matter with it?
+
+DICK.
+
+Can you ask? I've banged it about at your feet so long that its
+functions are excessively impaired. And it's beaten all my waistcoats
+out of shape.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Don't be so foolish. I was quite alarmed.
+
+DICK.
+
+I'm going to retire.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+From the bar as well?
+
+DICK.
+
+From the bar as well. Henceforth I shall cultivate only such arts and
+graces as are proper to the man of leisure. My fellow men are a great
+deal too strenuous, and I propose to offer them the spectacle of a
+complete idler who demands from the world neither honours nor profit,
+but only entertainment.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+D'you mean to say you're going to give up a large practice and a
+position which may be very important merely to gratify a foolish whim?
+
+DICK.
+
+I haven't time to work. Life is so much too short. A little while ago it
+occurred to me that I was nearly forty. [_To_ MRS. CROWLEY.] D'you know
+the feeling?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+No, of course not. Don't be so uncivil.
+
+DICK.
+
+By the way, how old are you?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Twenty-nine!
+
+DICK.
+
+Nonsense! There's no such age.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I beg your pardon, upper parlourmaids are always twenty-nine.
+
+DICK.
+
+For years I've spent eight hours a day meddling with silly persons'
+silly quarrels, and eight hours more governing the nation. I've never
+been able to spend more than half my income. I'm merely working myself
+to death in order to leave a fortune to my nieces, two desperately plain
+girls with red noses.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+But what are you going to do?
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, I don't know. Perhaps I'll try my hand at big game shooting, if Alec
+will take me on this expedition of his. I've always thought shooting
+would be an agreeable pastime if partridges were the size of well-grown
+sheep and pheasants a little larger than a cow.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Then the breakdown in your health is all humbug?
+
+DICK.
+
+Absolute humbug. If I were to tell the truth people would shut me up in
+a lunatic asylum. I've come to the conclusion that there's only one game
+in the world worth playing, and that's the game of life. I'm rich enough
+to devote myself to it entirely.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But you'll get bored to death.
+
+DICK.
+
+Not I! Why, I'm growing younger every day. My dear Mrs. Crowley, I don't
+feel a day more than eighteen.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You certainly look quite twenty-five.
+
+DICK.
+
+I haven't a white hair in my head.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I suppose your servant plucks them out every morning.
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, very rarely. One a month at the outside.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I think I see one on the left temple.
+
+DICK.
+
+Really! How careless of Charles! I must speak to him.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Let me pluck it out.
+
+DICK.
+
+I shall allow you to do nothing so familiar.
+
+            [GEORGE _comes hurriedly into the room_.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+There's Alec Mackenzie. He's just driven up in a cab.
+
+DICK.
+
+He must have come from the trial. Then it's all over.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Quick! Go to the stairs, or Miller won't let him up.
+
+            [GEORGE _runs across the room and opens the door_.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Calling._] Miller, Miller, Mr. Mackenzie's to come up.
+
+[LUCY ALLERTON, _hearing a commotion, comes in. She is older than
+George, a tall girl, white now, with eyes heavy from want of sleep. She
+has lived in the country all her life, and has brought up to London a
+sort of remoteness from the world. She is beautiful in a very English
+manner, and her clear-cut features are an index to a character in which
+the moral notions are peculiarly rigid. Self-control is a quality which
+she possesses in a marked degree, and one which she enormously admires
+in others_.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Who is it?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+It's Alec Mackenzie. He's come from the trial!
+
+LUCY.
+
+Then it's finished at last. [_She shakes hands with_ DICK.] It's so good
+of you to come.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+You're perfectly wonderful, Lucy. How can you be so calm?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Because I'm quite sure of the result. D'you imagine I'd doubt my father
+for a moment?
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, Lucy, for heaven's sake don't be so sure. You must be prepared for
+everything.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, no, I know my father. D'you think I've not studied him during these
+years that I've looked after him? He's a child, with all a child's
+thoughtlessness and simplicity. And God knows, he's weak. I know his
+faults better than any one, but it would be impossible for him to do
+anything criminal.
+
+            [_The_ BUTLER _enters, followed by_ ALEC MACKENZIE.
+            ALEC _is a tall, wiry man, well-knit,
+            with dark hair and a small red
+            moustache and beard, cut close to the face.
+            He is about five-and-thirty. He has great
+            ease of manner, and there is about him an
+            air as though he were accustomed that
+            people should do as he told them._
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie!
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Is it finished? For God's sake tell us quickly, old man.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Why didn't father come with you? Is he following?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes, it's all over.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Thank goodness. The suspense was really too dreadful.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I knew they'd acquit him. Thank God!
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Looking at_ ALEC'S _face_.] Take care, George.
+
+            [_Suddenly_ LUCY _goes up to_ ALEC _and looks at
+            him. An expression of horror distorts her
+            features._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Lucy, what is it?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I don't know how I am going to tell you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You say the trial was over when you came away?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes.
+
+LUCY.
+
+The jury had given their verdict?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Lucy, what are you driving at? You don't think ...?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Your father asked me to come and break it to you.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+He's not dead?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Perhaps it would be better if he were.
+
+LUCY.
+
+They found him guilty?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_With a groan of despair._] Oh! But it's impossible.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Putting her hand on his arm._] Ssh!
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+My God, my God! I'm thankful that his wife is dead.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I'm awfully stupid, but if he was innocent, how could they find him
+guilty? I don't know what you mean.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I am afraid it's very clear.
+
+LUCY.
+
+There must be some horrible mistake.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I wish there were.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Breaking down into tears and sinking into a chair._] Oh, God! What
+shall I do?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Don't do that, George. We want all our calmness now.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Don't you see they all expected it? It was only you and I who believed
+in his innocence.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_To_ ALEC.] Did you hear the evidence?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes.
+
+LUCY.
+
+And you followed it carefully?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Very.
+
+LUCY.
+
+What impression did it leave on your mind?
+
+ALEC.
+
+What can it matter how it affected me?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I want to know.
+
+DICK.
+
+Lucy, you're torturing us all.
+
+LUCY.
+
+If you had been on the jury would your verdict have been the same as
+theirs?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I should have been obliged to judge according to my conscience.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I see. And you have no doubt that he was guilty?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Don't ask me these horrible questions.
+
+LUCY.
+
+But it's very important. I know that you are a perfectly honest and
+upright man. If you think he was guilty, there is nothing more to be
+said.
+
+ALEC.
+
+The case was so plain that the jury were not out of the box for more
+than ten minutes.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Did the judge say anything?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Hesitatingly._] He said there could be no doubt about the justice of
+the verdict.
+
+LUCY.
+
+What else?... [_He looks at her without answering._] You had better tell
+me now. I shall see it in the papers to-morrow.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_As though the words were dragged out of him._] He called it a very
+mean and shameful crime, worse than another man's because your father
+was a gentleman of ancient family and bore a name of great honour.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_To_ MRS. CROWLEY.] These judges have a weakness for pointing a moral.
+
+LUCY.
+
+And what was the sentence? [_A pause._] Well?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Seven years' penal servitude.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Oh, God!
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear girl, I can't tell you how sorry I am.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Lucy, what is it? You frighten me.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Try and bear up, George. We want all the strength we've got, you and I.
+
+[MRS. CROWLEY _puts her arms round_ LUCY _and kisses her._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Oh, my dear, my dear!
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Disengaging herself._] You're all very kind, and I know you sympathise
+with me....
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Interrupting her._] You know that we'll do everything we can to help
+you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+It's so good of you. There's really nothing that any one can do. Would
+you all mind leaving me alone with George? We must talk this over by
+ourselves.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Very well. Mr. Lomas, will you put me into a cab?
+
+DICK.
+
+Certainly. [_To_ LUCY.] Good-bye, dear, and God bless you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Shaking hands with him._] Don't worry too much about me. If there's
+anything I want, I'll let you know.
+
+DICK.
+
+Thanks.
+
+            [_He goes out with_ MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+ALEC.
+
+May I speak to you for a few minutes alone?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Not now, Mr. Mackenzie. I don't want to seem rude, but ...
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Interrupting._] I know, and I wouldn't insist unless it were a matter
+of the most urgent importance.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Very well. George, will you take Aunt Alice to her room? I shall want
+you in a moment.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_To_ LADY KELSEY.] Won't you lie down and try and sleep a little? You
+must be dreadfully exhausted.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Ah, don't think of me now, dear. Think of yourself.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Smiling._] It's purely selfish. It eases me a little to fuss about
+you.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I'll wait in the smoking-room, Lucy.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Do!
+
+[GEORGE _and_ LADY KELSEY _go out._
+
+ALEC.
+
+I think your self-command is wonderful. I've never admired you more than
+at this moment.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You make me feel such a prig. It's not really very strange if I keep my
+head, because I've had an immensely long training. Since I was fifteen
+I've been alone to care for George and my father.... Won't you sit down?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I can say what I want in a very few words. You know that in a week I
+start for Mombassa to take charge of the expedition in North-East
+Africa. I may be away for three or four years, and I shall be exposed to
+a certain amount of danger. When I left Africa last time to gather
+supplies, I determined I would crush those wretched slave-traders, and
+now I think I have the means to do it.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I think you are engaged on a very great work.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I don't know whether you ever noticed that--that I cared more for you
+than for any one in the world. But with the long journey in front of me
+I didn't think it was right to say anything to you. It wasn't fair to
+ask you to bind yourself during my long absence. And there was always
+the risk that a stray bullet might put an end to me. I made up my mind
+that I must wait till I returned. But things have changed now. Lucy, I
+love you with all my heart. Will you marry me before I go?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No, I can't do that. It's very generous of you, but I couldn't.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Why not? Don't you know that I love you? It would help me so much if I
+knew that you were waiting for me at home.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I must look after my father. I shall go and live near the--prison, so
+that I can see him whenever it's possible.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You can do that as well if you're my wife.... You have before you a very
+difficult and trying time. Won't you let me help you?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I couldn't. Heaven knows, I'm grateful to you for offering to marry me
+on this day of my bitter humiliation. I shall never forget your great
+kindness. But I must stand alone. I must devote myself to my father.
+When he's released I must have a home to bring him to, and I must tend
+him and care for him. Ah, now he wants me more than ever.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You're very proud.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Giving him her hand._] Dear friend, don't think hardly of me. I think
+I love you as much as it's possible for a woman to love a man.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Lucy!
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_With a smile._] Did you want me to tell you that in so many words? I
+admire you, and I trust you. I should be very happy if George could grow
+into so brave and honest a man as you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+They're very modest crumbs with which you want me to be satisfied.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I know in your heart you think I'm right. You would never seek to
+dissuade me from what I'm convinced is my duty.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Can't I do anything for you at all?
+
+[_She looks at him for a moment intently. She rings the bell._
+
+LUCY.
+
+Yes, you can do me the greatest possible service.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm so glad. What is it you mean?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Wait, and I'll tell you. [_The_ BUTLER _enters._] Ask Mr. George to come
+here, please.
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Very well, Miss.
+
+            [_He goes out._
+
+LUCY.
+
+I want you to help me.
+
+            [GEORGE _comes in._
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes, Lucy?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I want to give into your charge what I love most in the world....
+George, have you thought at all what you're going to do now? I'm afraid
+you can't go back to Oxford.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+No, I don't know what's to become of me. I wish I were dead.
+
+LUCY.
+
+An idea has just come to me. I'm going to ask Mr. Mackenzie to take you
+with him to Africa. Will you go?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes, yes! I'd do anything to get away from England. I daren't face my
+friends--I'm too ashamed.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Ah, but it's not to hide yourself that I want you to go. Mr. Mackenzie,
+I daresay you know that we've always been very proud of our name. And
+now it's hopelessly dishonoured.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Lucy, for God's sake ...
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Turning to him._] Now our only hope is in you. You have the
+opportunity of achieving a great thing. You can bring back the old name
+to its old honour. Oh, I wish I were a man. I can do nothing but wait
+and watch. If I could only fill you with my courage and with my
+ambition! Mr. Mackenzie, you asked if you could do anything for me. You
+can give George the chance of wiping out the shame of our family.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you know that he will have to suffer every sort of danger and
+privation, that often he will be parched by the heat, and often soaked
+to the skin for days together? Sometimes he'll not have enough to eat,
+and he'll have to work harder than a navvy.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Do you hear, George? Are you willing to go?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I'll do anything you want me to, Lucy.
+
+ALEC.
+
+And you know that he may get killed. There may be a good deal of
+fighting.
+
+LUCY.
+
+If he dies a brave man's death, I have nothing more to ask.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_To_ GEORGE.] Very well. Come with me, and I'll do my best for you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Ah, thanks. You are really my friend.
+
+ALEC.
+
+And when I come back?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Then, if you still care, ask your question again.
+
+ALEC.
+
+And the answer?
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_With a little smile._] The answer, perhaps, will be different.
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST ACT
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND ACT
+
+
+     SCENE: ALEC MACKENZIE'S _tent in North-East Africa. It is night.
+     The place is dimly lighted. There is a little camp bed in one
+     corner with a mosquito net over it. There are two or three folding
+     chairs, some tin cases, and a table. On this a gun is lying._
+
+     DICK _is seated with his head on his hands, leaning on the table,
+     fast asleep_. DR. ADAMSON, _the surgeon of the expedition, comes
+     in. He is a large-boned brawny fellow with a Scotch accent. He
+     looks at_ DICK _and smiles_.
+
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Hulloa, there! [DICK _starts up and seizes the gun. The_ DOCTOR
+_laughs_.] All right. Don't shoot. It's only me.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Why the dickens did you wake me up? I was
+dreaming--dreaming of a high-heeled boot and a neat ankle, and the swish
+of a white lace petticoat.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I thought I'd just have a look at your arm.
+
+DICK.
+
+It's one of the most aesthetic sights I know.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Your arm?
+
+DICK.
+
+A pretty woman crossing Piccadilly at Swan and Edgar's. You are a
+savage, my good doctor, and a barbarian. You don't know the care and
+forethought, the hours of anxious meditation, it has needed for her to
+hold up that well-made skirt with the elegant grace which enchants you.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I'm afraid you're a very immoral man, Lomas.
+
+DICK.
+
+Ah, my dear fellow, at my time of life I have to content myself with
+condemning the behaviour of the younger generation. Even a camp bed in a
+stuffy tent with mosquitoes buzzing all around me has allurements
+greater than those of youth and beauty. And I declare for all women to
+hear that I am proof against their wiles. Give me a comfortable bed to
+sleep in, plenty to eat, tobacco to smoke, and Amaryllis may go hang.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Well, let's look at this wound of yours. Has it been throbbing at all?
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, it's not worth bothering about. It'll be all right to-morrow.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I'll put a clean dressing on all the same.
+
+DICK.
+
+All right. [_He takes off his coat and rolls up his sleeve. His arm is
+bandaged, and during the next speeches the_ DOCTOR _puts on a dressing
+and a clean bandage_.] You must be pretty well done up, aren't you?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Just about dropping. But I've got a deuce of a lot more work before I
+turn in.
+
+DICK.
+
+The thing that amuses me is to remember that I came to Africa thinking I
+was going to have a rattling good time.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+You couldn't exactly describe it as a picnic, could you? But I don't
+suppose any of us knew it would be such a tough job as it's turned out.
+
+DICK.
+
+My friend, if ever I return to my native land, I will never be such a
+crass and blithering idiot as to give way again to a spirit of
+adventure.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+[_With a laugh._] You're not the sort of chap whom one would expect to
+take to African work. Why the blazes did you come?
+
+DICK.
+
+That's precisely what I've been asking myself ever since we landed in
+this God-forsaken swamp.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+The wound looks healthy enough. It'll hardly even leave a scar.
+
+DICK.
+
+I'm glad that my fatal beauty won't be injured.... You see, Alec's about
+the oldest friend I have. And then there's young Allerton, I've known
+him ever since he was a kid.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+That's an acquaintance that most of us wouldn't boast about.
+
+DICK.
+
+I had an idea I'd like Bond Street all the better when I got back. I
+never knew that I should be eaten alive by every kind of disgusting
+animal by night and day. I say, Doctor, do you ever think of a rump
+steak?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+When?
+
+DICK.
+
+[_With a wave of the hand._] Sometimes, when we're marching under a sun
+that just about takes the roof of your head off, and we've had the
+scantiest and most uncomfortable breakfast possible, I have a vision.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+D'you mind only gesticulating with one arm?
+
+DICK.
+
+I see the dining-room of my club and myself sitting at a little table by
+the window looking out on Piccadilly, and there's a spotless tablecloth,
+and all the accessories are spick and span. An obsequious servant brings
+me a rump steak, grilled to perfection, and so tender that it melts in
+the mouth. And he puts by my side a plate of crisp, fried potatoes.
+Can't you smell them?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+[_Laughing._] Shut up!
+
+DICK.
+
+And then another obsequious servant brings me a pewter tankard, and into
+it he pours a bottle, a large bottle, mind you, of foaming ale.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+You've certainly added considerably to our cheerfulness.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_With a shrug of the shoulders._] I've often been driven to appease the
+pangs of raging hunger with a careless epigram, and by the laborious
+composition of a limerick I have sought to deceive a most unholy
+thirst.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Well, last night I thought you'd made your last joke, old man, and that
+I had given my last dose of quinine.
+
+DICK.
+
+We were in rather a tight corner, weren't we?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+This is the third expedition I've gone with Mackenzie against the
+slave-raiders, and I promise you I've never been so certain that all was
+over with us.
+
+DICK.
+
+Funny thing death is, you know. When you think of it beforehand, it
+makes you squirm in your shoes, but when you've just got it face to
+face, it seems so obvious that you forget to be afraid. It's one of my
+principles never to be impressed by a platitude.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+It's only by a miracle we escaped. If those Arabs hadn't hesitated to
+attack us just those ten minutes we should have been wiped out.
+
+DICK.
+
+Alec was splendid, wasn't he?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Yes, by Jove! He thought we were done for.
+
+DICK.
+
+What makes you think that?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Well, you see, I know him pretty well. He's been a pal of yours for
+twenty years in England, but I've been with him out here three times,
+and I tell you there's not much about a man that you don't know then.
+
+DICK.
+
+Well?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Well, when things are going smoothly and everything's flourishing, he's
+apt to be a bit irritable. He keeps rather to himself, and he doesn't
+say much unless you do something he doesn't approve of.
+
+DICK.
+
+And then, by Jove, he comes down on one like a thousand of bricks. It's
+not for nothing the natives call him Thunder and Lightning.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+But when things begin to look black, his spirits go up like one o'clock.
+And the worse they are, the more cheerful he is.
+
+DICK.
+
+It's one of his most irritating characteristics.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+When every one is starving with hunger, and dead tired, and soaked to
+the skin, Mackenzie fairly bubbles over with good-humour.
+
+DICK.
+
+When I'm in a bad temper, I much prefer every one else to be in a bad
+temper too.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+These last few days, he's been positively hilarious. Yesterday he was
+cracking jokes with the natives.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Dryly._] Scotch jokes. I daresay they sound funny in an African
+dialect.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I've never seen him more cheerful. I said to myself: By the Lord Harry,
+the chief thinks we're in a devil of a bad way.
+
+DICK.
+
+Thank Heaven, it's all over now. We've none of us had any sleep for
+three days, and when I once get off, I don't mean to wake up for a week.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I must go and see the rest of my patients. Perkins has got a bad dose of
+fever this time. He was quite delirious a while ago.
+
+DICK.
+
+By Jove, I'd almost forgotten. How one changes out here! Here am I
+feeling happy and comfortable and inclined to make a little jest or two,
+and I've forgotten already that poor Richardson is dead and Lord knows
+how many natives.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Poor chap, we could ill spare him. The fates never choose the right man.
+
+DICK.
+
+What do you mean by that?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+If we had to lose some one, it would have been a damned sight better if
+that young cub had got the bullet which killed poor Richardson.
+
+DICK.
+
+George Allerton?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+He wouldn't have been much loss, would he?
+
+DICK.
+
+No, I'm afraid he wouldn't.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Mackenzie has been very patient with him. I wonder he didn't send him
+back to the coast months ago, when he sacked Macinnery.
+
+DICK.
+
+Poor George, everything has been against him.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Some men have got natures so crooked that with every chance in the world
+to go straight they can't manage it. The only thing is to let them go
+to the devil as best they may.
+
+DICK.
+
+Alec was bound to give him another chance. [ALEC MACKENZIE _comes in_.]
+Hulloa, Alec! Where have you been?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I've been going the round of the outlying sentries.
+
+DICK.
+
+All serene?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes. I've just seen a native messenger that Mindabi sent to me.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Anything important?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Curtly._] Yes. How's the arm, Dick?
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, that's nothing. It's only a scratch.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You'd better not make too light of it. The smallest wound has a way of
+being troublesome in this country.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+He'll be all right in a day or two.
+
+ALEC.
+
+How are the others?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+They're going on pretty well on the whole. Perkins, of course, will be
+down for some days longer. And some of the natives are rather badly
+hurt. Those devils have got explosive bullets.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Any one in great danger?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+No, I don't think so. There are two men who are in rather a bad way, but
+all they want is rest.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I see.
+
+DICK.
+
+I say, have you had anything to eat lately?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Good Lord! I quite forgot. I wonder when the dickens I
+had some food last.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Smiling._] You've had nothing to-day, have you?
+
+ALEC.
+
+No, I don't think so. Those Arabs kept us so confoundedly busy.
+
+DICK.
+
+You must be devilish hungry.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Now you mention it, I think I am. And thirsty, by Jove! I wouldn't give
+my thirst for an elephant tusk.
+
+DICK.
+
+And to think there's nothing but tepid water to drink!
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I'll go and tell the boy to bring you some food. It's a rotten game to
+play tricks with your digestion like that.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Gaily._] Stern man, the doctor, isn't he? It won't hurt me once in a
+way. And I shall enjoy it all the more now.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+[_Calling._] Selim!
+
+ALEC.
+
+No, don't trouble. The poor chap's just turned in, dropping with sleep.
+I told him he might till I called him. I don't want much, and I can
+easily get it myself. [_He goes to a case and takes out a tin of meat
+and some ship's biscuits._] It's rather a nuisance that we've not been
+able to get any game lately.
+
+            [_He sets the food down before him, sits down,
+            and begins to eat._
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Ironically._] Appetising, isn't it?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Splendid!
+
+DICK.
+
+You have all the instincts of the primeval savage, Alec. It enrages and
+disgusts me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Why?
+
+DICK.
+
+You take food for the gross and bestial purpose of appeasing your
+hunger. You have no appreciation for the delicacies of eating as a fine
+art.
+
+ALEC.
+
+The meat's getting rather mouldy, isn't it?
+
+DICK.
+
+Damnable! It's been a source of great anxiety to me in England.
+
+ALEC.
+
+What is he talking about now?
+
+DICK.
+
+I was going on with the thread of my observations, which you interrupted
+with the entirely obvious remark that the tinned meat was getting
+mouldy.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I apologise profusely. Pray go on!
+
+DICK.
+
+I was about to observe that even in England you will eat the most
+carefully ordered meal with an indifference which is an outrage to
+decency. Indeed, you pay less attention to it than here, because at all
+events you do notice that the meat is mouldy. But if any one gives you a
+good dinner, you notice nothing. I've given him priceless port, Doctor,
+and he drank it as though it were cooking sherry.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I confess it is lamentable. But why is it a source of anxiety to you?
+
+DICK.
+
+What on earth is to happen to him in his old age?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Explain yourself, my friend. Clearly but with as much brevity as
+possible.
+
+DICK.
+
+The pleasure of eating is the only pleasure that remains to the old.
+Love--what is love when you lose your figure, and your hair grows thin?
+Knowledge--one can never know everything, and the desire passes with the
+fire of youth. Even ambition fails you in the end. But to those who have
+lived wisely and well, there remain three pleasures every day of their
+lives: their breakfast, their luncheon, and their dinner.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a laugh._] I wouldn't worry about my old age if I were you, Dick.
+
+DICK.
+
+Why?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Because I think it's ten to one that we shall all be dead to-morrow
+morning.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+What?
+
+            [_There is a slight pause while both men stare
+            at him._
+
+DICK.
+
+Is this one of your little jokes, Alec?
+
+ALEC.
+
+You have often observed that I joke with difficulty.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+But what's wrong now?
+
+ALEC.
+
+You'll neither of you sleep in your beds to-night. Another sell for the
+mosquitoes, isn't it? I propose to break up the camp and start marching
+as soon as the moon goes down.
+
+DICK.
+
+I say, it's a bit thick after a day like this. We're all so done up that
+we shan't be able to go a mile.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Nonsense, you will have had two hours' rest.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+But some of those fellows who are wounded can't possibly be moved.
+
+ALEC.
+
+They must!
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+I won't answer for their lives.
+
+ALEC.
+
+We must take the risk. Our only chance is to make a bold dash for it,
+and we can't leave the wounded here.
+
+DICK.
+
+I suppose there's going to be a deuce of a row?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Grimly._] There is.
+
+DICK.
+
+Your companions seldom have a chance to complain of the monotony of
+their existence, Alec. What are you going to do now?
+
+ALEC.
+
+At this moment, I'm going to fill my pipe.
+
+            [_There is a pause while_ ALEC _fills and lights
+            his pipe_.
+
+DICK.
+
+I gather from the general amiability of your demeanour that we're in a
+rather tight place?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Tighter than any of your patent-leather boots, my friend.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Gravely._] Have we any chance of getting through, old man?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Lightly._] Oh, I don't know. There's always a chance.
+
+DICK.
+
+Don't grin at me in that irritating fashion.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You must wish you were treading the light fantastic toe in a London
+ball-room, Dick.
+
+DICK.
+
+Frankly I do.... I suppose we're going to fight again?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Like Kilkenny cats.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Briskly._] Well, at all events that's some comfort. If I am going to
+be done out of my night's rest, I should like to take it out of some
+one.
+
+ALEC.
+
+If things turn out all right, we shall have come near finishing the job,
+and there won't be much more slave-raiding in this part of Africa.
+
+DICK.
+
+And if things don't turn out all right?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Why, then I'm afraid the tea-tables of Mayfair will be deprived of your
+scintillating repartee forever.
+
+DICK.
+
+Well, I've had a very good time in my life. I've loved a little, I've
+looked at some good pictures, read some thundering fine books, and I've
+worked and played. If I can only account for a few more of those damned
+scoundrels before I die, I shouldn't think I had much to complain of.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Smiling._] You're a philosopher, Dick.
+
+DICK.
+
+Doesn't the possibility of an extremely unpleasant demise tempt you to a
+few appropriate reflections?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I don't know that it does. I'm a bit of a fatalist, and my theory is
+that when my time comes nothing can help me, but at the bottom of my
+heart I can't resist the conviction that I shan't die till I let myself.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Well, I must go and put things in order. I'll bandage those fellows up,
+and I hope they'll stand the jolting.
+
+ALEC.
+
+What about Perkins?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Lord knows! I'll try and keep him quiet with chloral.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You needn't say anything about striking camp. I don't propose that any
+one should know till a quarter of an hour before we start.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+But that won't give them time.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It must. I've trained them often enough to get on the march quickly.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Very well.
+
+            [GEORGE ALLERTON _comes in as the_ DOCTOR _is
+            on the point of going_.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Can I come in?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes ... Doctor!
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Hulloa!
+
+ALEC.
+
+You might stay a minute, will you?
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+[_Coming back._] Certainly.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Didn't Selim tell you that I wanted to speak to you?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+That's why I've come.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You've taken your time about it.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I say, could you give me a drink of brandy? I'm awfully done up.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Shortly._] There's no brandy left.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Hasn't the doctor got some?
+
+ALEC.
+
+No!
+
+            [_There is a pause._ ALEC _looks at him slowly_.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Why are you all looking at me like that? You look as if you were going
+to try me for something.
+
+DICK.
+
+Nonsense! Don't be so nervous.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Abruptly._] Do you know anything about the death of that Turkana
+woman?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+No! How should I?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Come now, you must know something about it. Last Tuesday you came into
+camp and told me the Turkana were very excited.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Unwillingly._] Oh, yes! I remember something about it. It had slipped
+my memory.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Well?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I'm not very clear about it. The woman had been shot, hadn't she? One of
+our station boys had been playing the fool with her, and he seems to
+have shot her.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Have you made no inquiries as to who the man was?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_In a surly way._] I haven't had time. We've all been worked off our
+legs during these three days.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you suspect no one?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I don't think so.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Think a moment.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+The only man who might have done it is that big scoundrel whom we got on
+the coast, the Swahili.
+
+ALEC.
+
+What makes you think that?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+He's been making an awful nuisance of himself, and I know he was running
+after her.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I understand she complained about him to you?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you think that would be enough evidence to punish him on?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+He's a thorough blackguard, and after all, if one does make a mistake,
+he's only a nigger.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You'll be surprised to hear that when the woman was found she wasn't
+dead.
+
+            [GEORGE _gives a movement of consternation_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+She didn't die for nearly an hour.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_After a short pause._] Was she able to say anything?
+
+ALEC.
+
+She accused you of having shot her.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Me?
+
+ALEC.
+
+It appears that _you_ were playing the fool with her, and when she got
+angry you took out a revolver and fired point blank. Presumably that she
+should tell no tales.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+It's a stupid lie. You know what they are. It's just like them to tell
+an absurd lie like that. You wouldn't believe a parcel of niggers rather
+than me, would you? After all, my word's worth more than theirs.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Taking from his pocket an exploded cartridge._] This was found about
+two yards from the body. As you see, it's a revolver cartridge. It was
+brought to me this evening.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I don't know what that proves.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You know just as well as I do that none of our natives has a revolver.
+Besides ourselves only two or three of the servants have them.
+
+            [GEORGE _becomes white with fear, he takes out
+            his handkerchief and wipes his face_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Quietly._] Will you give me your revolver?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I haven't got it. I lost it in the skirmish this afternoon. I didn't
+tell you as I thought you'd be annoyed.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I saw you cleaning it less than an hour ago.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_With a shrug of the shoulders._] Perhaps it's in my tent, I'll go and
+see.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Sharply._] Stop here.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Angrily._] You've no right to talk to me like that. I'm sick to death
+of being ordered about. You seem to think I'm a dog. I came out here of
+my own free will, and I won't let you treat me as if I were a servant.
+
+ALEC.
+
+If you put your hand to your hip pocket, I think you'll find your
+revolver there.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I'm not going to give it to you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Quietly._] D'you want me to come and take it from you myself?
+
+            [_The two men stare at one another for a moment.
+            Then_ GEORGE _slowly puts his hand to his
+            pocket. He lakes out the revolver and
+            suddenly aims at_ ALEC. DICK _beats up
+            his arm as he fires, and the_ DOCTOR,
+            _springing forward, seizes him round the
+            waist_. ALEC _remains still_.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_During the struggle._] You young blackguard!
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Let me go, damn you!
+
+ALEC.
+
+You need not hold him.
+
+            [_They leave go of_ GEORGE, _who sinks cowering
+            into a chair_. DICK _hands the revolver to_
+            ALEC. _He silently fits into a chamber the
+            cartridge that had been brought to him._
+
+ALEC.
+
+You see that it fits. Hadn't you better make a clean breast of it?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Cowed._] Yes, I shot her. She made a row, and the devil got into me. I
+didn't know I'd done anything till she screamed and I saw the blood....
+What a fool I was to throw the cartridge away! I wanted to have all the
+chambers charged.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you remember that two months ago I hanged a man to the nearest tree
+because he'd outraged a native woman?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Springing up in terror._] You wouldn't do that to me, Alec. Oh, God,
+no, Alec, have mercy on me. You wouldn't hang me. Oh, why did I ever
+come to this damned place?
+
+ALEC.
+
+You need not be afraid. I'm not going to do that. In any case I must
+preserve the native respect for the white man.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I was half drunk when I saw that woman. I wasn't responsible for my
+actions.
+
+ALEC.
+
+The result is that the whole tribe has turned against us. The chief is
+my friend, and he sent a message to tell me he couldn't hold them in.
+It's from him I got the cartridge. It wouldn't be so serious, only the
+best fighting part of our forces are the Turkana, and we must expect
+treachery. They've stirred up the neighbouring tribes against us, and
+all the work we've been doing for a year is undone. That's the
+explanation of the Arabs' attack three days ago.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Sullenly._] I knew it was all my fault.
+
+ALEC.
+
+The natives have made up their minds to join the slave-traders, and we
+shall be attacked on all sides to-morrow. We can't hold out against God
+knows how many thousands.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+D'you mean you'll all be killed?
+
+ALEC.
+
+If we remain here there's no escape.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_In a whisper._] What are you going to do to me, Alec?
+
+            [ALEC _walks up and down the tent_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Presently._] I think you might go and see your patients now, doctor.
+
+DOCTOR.
+
+Very well.
+
+DICK.
+
+Shall I go too, Alec?
+
+ALEC.
+
+No, you can stay here. But don't open your mouth till you're spoken to.
+
+[THE DOCTOR _goes out_.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I'm sorry I did that silly thing just now. I'm glad I didn't hit you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It doesn't matter at all. I'd forgotten all about it.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I lost my head, I didn't know what I was doing.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You need not trouble about that. In Africa even the strongest people are
+apt to get excited and lose their balance.
+
+[ALEC _re-lights his pipe, and there its a very short pause_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Did you ever know that before we came away I asked Lucy to marry me?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I knew you cared for her.
+
+ALEC.
+
+She asked me to bring you here in the hope that you would regain the
+good name of your family. I think that is the object she has most at
+heart in the world. It's as great as her love for you. The plan hasn't
+been much of a success, has it?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+She ought to have known that I wasn't suited for this kind of life.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I saw very soon that you were weak and irresolute. But I hoped to make
+something of you. Your intentions seemed good enough, but you never had
+the strength to carry them out.... I'm sorry if I seem to be preaching
+to you.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Bitterly._] Oh, d'you think I care what any one says to me now?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Gravely, but not unkindly._] Then I found you were drinking. I told
+you that no man could stand liquor in this country, and you gave me your
+word of honour that you wouldn't touch it again.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes, I broke it. I couldn't help it; the temptation was too strong.
+
+ALEC.
+
+When we came to the station at Muneas you and Macinnery got blind drunk,
+and the whole camp saw you. I ought to have sent you back to the coast
+then, but it would have broken Lucy's heart.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+It was Macinnery's fault.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's because I thought he was to blame that I sent him back alone. I
+wanted to give you another chance. It struck me that the feeling of
+authority might have some influence on you, and so when we came to the
+lake I left you to guard the ferry. I put the chief part of the stores
+in your care and marched on. I needn't remind you what happened then.
+
+[GEORGE _looks down sulkily, and in default of excuses keeps silent_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I came to the conclusion that it was hopeless. You seemed to me rotten
+through and through.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_With a little laugh._] Like my father before me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I couldn't believe a word you said. You did everything you shouldn't
+have done. The result was that the men mutinied, and if I hadn't come
+back in the nick of time they'd have killed you and looted all the
+stores.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+You always blame me for everything. A man's not responsible for what he
+does when he's down with fever.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It was too late to send you back to the coast then, and I was obliged to
+take you on. And now the end has come. Your murder of that woman has put
+us all in deadly peril. Already to your charge lie the deaths of
+Richardson and almost twenty natives. Tribes that were friendly have
+joined with the Arabs, and we're as near destruction as we can possibly
+be.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+What are you going to do?
+
+ALEC.
+
+We're far away from the coast, and I must take the law into my own
+hands.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_With a gasp._] You're not going to kill me?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Are you fond of Lucy?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+[_Brokenly._] You--you know I am. Why d'you remind me of her now? I've
+made a rotten mess of everything, and I'm better out of the way. But
+think of the disgrace of it. It'll kill Lucy.... And she was hoping I'd
+do so much.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Listen to me. Our only chance of escaping from the confounded fix we're
+in is to make a sudden attack on the Arabs before the natives join them.
+We shall be enormously outnumbered, but we may just smash them if we can
+strike to-night. My plan is to start marching as if I didn't know that
+the Turkana were going to turn against us. After an hour all the whites
+but one, and the Swahilis whom I can trust implicitly, will take a short
+cut. The Arabs will have had news of our starting, and they'll try to
+cut us off at the pass. I shall fall on them just as they begin to
+attack. D'you understand?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Now I must have one white man to head the Turkana, and that man will run
+the greatest possible danger. I'd go myself, only the Swahilis won't
+fight unless I lead them.... Are you willing to take that post?
+
+GEORGE.
+
+I?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I could order you, but the job's too dangerous for me to force it on any
+one. If you refuse, I shall call the others together and ask some one to
+volunteer. In that case you will have to find your way back alone as
+best you can to the coast.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+No, no! Anything rather than the shame of that.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I won't hide from you that it means almost certain death. But there's no
+other way of saving ourselves. On the other hand, if you show perfect
+courage at the moment the Arabs attack and the Turkana find that we've
+given them the slip, you may escape. If you do, I promise nothing shall
+be said of all that has happened here.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+All right. I'll do that. And I thank you with all my heart for giving me
+the chance.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm glad you've accepted. Whatever happens you'll have done a brave
+action in your life. [_He holds out his hand to_ GEORGE, _who takes
+it_.] I think there's nothing more to be said. You must be ready to
+start in half an hour. Here's your revolver. Remember that one chamber's
+empty. You'd better put in another cartridge.
+
+GEORGE.
+
+Yes, I'll do that.
+
+            [_He goes out._
+
+DICK.
+
+D'you think he has any chance of escaping?
+
+ALEC.
+
+If he has pluck he may get through.
+
+DICK.
+
+Well!
+
+ALEC.
+
+To-morrow we shall know if he has that last virtue of a
+blackguard--courage.
+
+DICK.
+
+And if he hasn't, it's death you're sending him to?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Yes. It's death!
+
+
+END OF THE SECOND ACT
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRD ACT
+
+
+     SCENE: _A smoking-room at_ LADY KELSEY'S, _leading by an archway
+     into a drawing-room at the back. On the right is a glass door which
+     leads into the garden. On one side is a sofa; on the other a table
+     with cigarettes, matches, whiskey, sodas, etc._
+
+     LADY KELSEY _is giving a dance, and the music of the Lancers is
+     heard vaguely from the ball-room as the curtain rises_. MRS.
+     CROWLEY _and_ SIR ROBERT BOULGER _are sitting down_. LADY KELSEY
+     _comes in with the_ REV. JAMES CARBERY.
+
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Oh, you wretched people, why aren't you dancing? It's too bad of you to
+hide yourselves here!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+We thought no one would find us in the smoking-room. But why have you
+abandoned your guests, Lady Kelsey?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Oh, I've got them all comfortably settled in the Lancers, and I'm free
+to rest myself for a quarter of an hour. You don't know what agonies
+I've been suffering the whole evening.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Good gracious me! Why?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I'm so afraid Alec Mackenzie will come.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+You needn't worry about that, Aunt Alice. He'll never venture to show
+his face.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I didn't know what to do. It was impossible to put the dance off. It's
+too dreadful that these horrible revelations should....
+
+CARBERY.
+
+[_Supplying the word._] Transpire.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Yes, transpire on the very day I've at last persuaded Lucy to come into
+the world again. I wish Dick would come.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Yes, he'll be able to tell us something.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But will he?
+
+CARBERY.
+
+Wherever I go people are talking about Mr. Mackenzie, and I'm bound to
+say I've found nobody who has a good word for him.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Bitterly._] Humpty-dumpty's had a great fall.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I wonder if I might have a cigarette?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I'm sure you might. And if you press me dreadfully, I'll have one, too.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Don't press her. She's already had far too many.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Well, I'll forego the pressing, but not the cigarette.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+[_Handing her the box and giving her a light._] It's against all my
+principles, you know.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+What _is_ the use of principles except to give one an agreeable
+sensation of wickedness when one doesn't act up to them?
+
+[DICK _comes in as she speaks._
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear lady, you're as epigrammatic as a dramatist. Do you say such
+things from choice or necessity?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+_Dick!_
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Dick!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Mr. Lomas!
+
+CARBERY.
+
+Ah!
+
+[_The four exclamations are simultaneous._
+
+DICK.
+
+This enthusiasm at my appearance is no less gratifying than unexpected.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I'm so glad you've come at last. Now we shall get at the truth.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Impatiently._] Well?
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear people, what _are_ you talking about?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Oh, don't be such an ass!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Good heavens, didn't you read the _Times_ this morning?
+
+DICK.
+
+I only came back from Paris to-night. Besides, I never read the papers
+except in August.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Raising her eyebrows._] When there's nothing in them?
+
+DICK.
+
+Pardon me, I'm an eager student of the sea-serpent and the giant
+gooseberry.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+My dear Dick, it's too shocking. I wish I'd had the courage to write and
+ask Mr. Mackenzie not to come. But since you both came back from Africa
+a month ago he's been here nearly every day. And he's been so good and
+kind to us, I couldn't treat him as though there was no doubt the story
+was true.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+There can't be the least doubt about it. By George, I should like to
+kick him.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Dryly._] My dear chap, Alec is a hardy Scot and bigger than you, so I
+shouldn't advise you to try.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I was engaged to dine with him to-night, but I wired to say I had a
+headache.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+What will he think if he sees you here?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+He can think what he jolly well likes.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I hope he has the sense to stay away.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I think you're pretty safe now, Lady Kelsey. It's growing late.
+
+DICK.
+
+Will some one kindly explain?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+D'you mean to say you really don't know--seriously? After all, you were
+with him.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+My dear Dick, there are two columns of fiery denunciation in this
+morning's _Times_.
+
+[DICK _is a little startled, but at once collects himself_.
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, that's only the reaction. That's nothing. Since he arrived in
+Mombassa, after three years in the heart of Africa, he's made almost a
+triumphal progress. Of course, it couldn't last. The reaction was bound
+to come.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Looking at him steadily._] The article is signed by a man named
+Macinnery.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Calmly._] Alec found Macinnery half starving at Mombassa, and took him
+solely out of charity. But he was a worthless rascal, and he had to send
+him back.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+He gives ample proof for every word he says.
+
+DICK.
+
+Whenever an explorer comes home, there's some one to tell nasty stories
+about him. People forget that kid gloves are not much use in a tropical
+forest, and grow very indignant when they hear that a man has used a
+little brute force to make himself respected.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Oh, my dear Dick, it's much worse than that. First poor Lucy's father
+died....
+
+DICK.
+
+You're not going to count that as an overwhelming misfortune? We were
+unanimous in describing that gentleman's demise as an uncommonly happy
+release.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+But Lucy was heart-broken all the same. And when her life seemed to grow
+a little more cheerful, came her brother's tragic death.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Abruptly, to_ MRS. CROWLEY.] What is it exactly?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+The long and short of it is that Mr. Mackenzie was the cause of George
+Allerton's death.
+
+DICK.
+
+Lucy's brother was killed by the slave-traders.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Mackenzie sent him into a confounded trap to save his own dirty skin.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+And the worst of it is that I think Lucy is in love with Mr. Mackenzie.
+
+[BOULGER _makes a slight movement, and for a moment there is an
+uncomfortable pause_.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I saw him this evening in Piccadilly, and I almost ran into his arms. It
+was quite awkward.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Frigidly._] Why?
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I don't think I want to shake the man's hand. He's nothing short of a
+murderer.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Savagely._] He's worse than that. He's ten times worse.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Well, for heaven's sake be polite to him if he comes to-night.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I really couldn't bring myself to shake hands with him.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Dryly._] Don't you think you'd better wait for evidence before you
+condemn him?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+My dear fellow, the letter in the _Times_ is absolutely damning.
+Interviewers went to him from the evening papers, and he refused to see
+them.
+
+DICK.
+
+What does Lucy say of it? After all, she's the person most concerned.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+She doesn't know. I took care that she shouldn't see the paper. I wanted
+to give her this evening's enjoyment unalloyed.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Take care, here she is.
+
+[LUCY _comes in_.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+[_Smiling and reaching out her hand._] Well, darling?
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Going to_ LADY KELSEY.] Are you growing very tired, my aunt?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I can rest myself for the time. I don't think any one else will come
+now.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Gaily._] You faithless woman, have you forgotten the guest of the
+evening?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie?
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Bending over her._] My dear, it was charming of you to hide the paper
+from me this morning....
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+[_Startled._] Did you see the letter? I so wanted you not to till
+to-morrow.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie very rightly thought I should know at once what was said
+about him and my brother. He sent me the paper himself this evening.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Did he write to you?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No, he merely scribbled on a card: "I think you should read this."
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Well, I'm damned!
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+What did you think of the letter, Lucy?
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Proudly._] I didn't believe it.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Bitterly._] You must be blinded by your--friendship for Alec
+Mackenzie. I never read anything more convincing.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I could hardly believe him guilty of such an odious crime if he
+confessed it with his own lips.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Of course, he won't do that.
+
+DICK.
+
+Did I ever tell you how I made acquaintance with Alec? In the
+Atlantic--about three hundred miles from land.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+What a perfectly ridiculous place for an introduction.
+
+DICK.
+
+I was a silly young fool in those days, and I habitually played the
+giddy goat. In the course of which, I fell overboard and was proceeding
+to drown when Alec jumped in after me. It was an incautious thing to do,
+because he very nearly got drowned himself.
+
+LUCY.
+
+That's not the only heroic thing he's done.
+
+DICK.
+
+No, it's one of his hobbies to risk his life to save unnecessary and
+useless people. But the funny thing is that ever since he saved mine,
+he's been quite absurdly grateful. He seems to think I did him an
+intentional service and fell into the water on purpose to give him a
+chance of pulling me out.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_With a long look at_ DICK.] It's very kind and good of you to have
+told that story.
+
+[_The_ BUTLER _comes in and announces_ ALEC MACKENZIE.
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Blandly._] Ah, I thought I should find you here, Lady Kelsey.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+[_Shaking hands with him._] How d'you do? We've just been talking of
+you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Really?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+It's so late, we were afraid you wouldn't come. I should have been
+dreadfully disappointed.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's very kind of you to say so. I've been at the Travellers', reading
+various appreciations of my own character.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+[_Somewhat embarrassed._] Oh, I heard there was something about you in
+the papers.
+
+ALEC.
+
+There's a good deal. I really had no idea the world was so interested in
+me.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+It's charming of you to come to-night. I'm sure you hate dances!
+
+ALEC.
+
+Oh, no, they interest me enormously. I remember, one of the Kings of
+Uganda gave a dance in my honour. Ten thousand warriors in war-paint. I
+assure you it was most impressive.
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear fellow, if paint is the attraction you really need not go much
+farther than Mayfair.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Pretending for the first time to notice_ BOULGER.] Ah, there's my
+little friend Bobbie. I thought you had a headache?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+[_Quickly._] I'm afraid Bobby is dreadfully dissipated. He's not looking
+at all well.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Good-humouredly._] You shouldn't keep such late hours, Bobbie. At your
+age one wants one's beauty sleep.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+It's very kind of you to take an interest in me. My headache has passed
+off.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm very glad. What do you use--Phenacetin?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+It went away of its own accord--after dinner.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Smiling._] So you resolved to give the girls a treat by coming to Lady
+Kelsey's dance? How nice of you not to disappoint them! [_He turns to_
+LUCY _and holds out his hand. They look into one another's eyes. She
+takes his hand._] I sent you a paper this evening.
+
+LUCY.
+
+It was very good of you.
+
+[CARBERY _comes forward and offers his arm._
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I think this is my dance, Miss Allerton. May I take you in?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Carbery? I saw you in Piccadilly just now! You were darting about just
+like a young gazelle. I had no idea you could be so active.
+
+CARBERY.
+
+I didn't see you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I observed that you were deeply interested in the shop windows as I
+passed. How are you?
+
+[_He holds out his hand, and for a moment_ CARBERY _hesitates to take
+it. But_ ALEC'S _steady gaze compels him._
+
+CARBERY.
+
+How d'you do?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With an amused smile._] So glad to see you again, old man.
+
+[DICK _gives an audible chuckle, and_ CARBERY, _reddening, draws his
+hand away angrily. He goes to_ LUCY _and offers his arm._
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_To_ MRS. CROWLEY.] Shall I take you back?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Do!
+
+LADY KESLEY.
+
+Won't you come, Mr. Mackenzie?
+
+ALEC.
+
+If you don't mind I'll stay and smoke just one cigarette with Dick
+Lomas. You know I'm not a dancing man.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Very well.
+
+[_All go out except_ ALEC _and_ DICK.
+
+DICK.
+
+I suppose you know we were all beseeching Providence you'd have the
+grace to stay away to-night?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a smile._] I suspected it, I confess. I shouldn't have come only
+I wanted to see Lucy. I've been in the country all day, and I knew
+nothing about Macinnery's letter till I saw the placards at the station.
+
+DICK.
+
+Macinnery proposes to make things rather uncomfortable, I imagine.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a smile._] I made a mistake, didn't I? I ought to have dropped
+him in the river when I had no further use for him.
+
+DICK.
+
+What are you going to do?
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's not easy to clear myself at a dead man's expense. The earth covers
+his crime and his sins and his weakness.
+
+DICK.
+
+D'you mean to say that you are going to sit still and let them throw mud
+at you?
+
+ALEC.
+
+When George was dead I wrote to Lucy that he died like a brave man. I
+can't now publish to the whole world that he was a coward and a rogue. I
+can't rake up again the story of her father's crime.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Impatiently._] Surely, that's absolutely quixotic.
+
+ALEC.
+
+No, it isn't. I tell you I can't do anything else. I'm bound hand and
+foot. Lucy has talked to me of George's death, and the only thing that
+has consoled her is the idea that in a manner he had redeemed his
+father's good name. How can I rob her of that? She placed all her hopes
+in George. How could she face the world with the knowledge that her
+brother was rotten to the core, as rotten as her father.
+
+DICK.
+
+It seems awfully hard.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Besides, when all is said and done, the boy did die game. Don't you
+think that should count for something? No, I tell you I can't give him
+away now. I should never cease to reproach myself. I love Lucy far too
+much to cause her such bitter pain.
+
+DICK.
+
+And if it loses you her love?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I think she can do without love better than without self-respect.
+
+[LUCY _comes in with_ MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I've sent my partner away. I felt I must have a few words alone with
+you.
+
+DICK.
+
+Shall I take Mrs. Crowley into a retired corner?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No, we have nothing to say that you can't hear. You and Nellie know that
+we're engaged to be married. [_To_ ALEC.] I want you to dance with me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's very good of you.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Don't you think that's rather foolish, Lucy?
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_To_ ALEC.] I want to show them all that I don't believe that you're
+guilty of an odious crime.
+
+ALEC.
+
+They've said horrible things about me?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Not to me. They wanted to hide it from me, but I knew they were talking.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You'll grow used to hearing shameful things said of me. I suppose I
+shall grow used to it, too.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, I hate them.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Ah, it's not that I mind. What torments me is that it was so easy to
+despise their praise, and now I can't despise their blame.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Smiling._] I believe you have some glimmerings of human nature in you
+after all.
+
+LUCY.
+
+When you came to-night, so calm and self-possessed, I admired you as I'd
+never admired you before.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's easy enough to command one's face. I learnt to do that in Africa
+when often my life depended on my seeming to have no fear. But in my
+heart ... I never knew that I could feel so bitter. And yet, after all,
+it's only your good opinion that I care for.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I've trusted you implicitly from the first day I saw you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Thank God for that! To-day is the first time I've wanted to be assured
+that I was trusted. And yet I'm ashamed to want it.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Ah, don't be too hard upon yourself. You're so afraid of letting your
+tenderness appear.
+
+ALEC.
+
+The only way to be strong is never to surrender to one's weakness.
+Strength is merely a habit like everything else. I want you to be
+strong, too. I want you never to doubt me whatever you may hear said.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I gave my brother into your hands, and told you that if he died a brave
+man's death I could ask for no more.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I should tell you that I've made up my mind to make no answer to the
+charges that are made against me.
+
+[_There is a very short pause, while he looks at her steadily._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But why?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_To_ LUCY.] I can give you my word of honour that I've done nothing
+which I regret. I know that what I did was right with regard to George,
+and if it were all to come again I would do exactly as I did before.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I think I can trust you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I thought of you always, and everything I did was for your sake. Every
+single act of mine during these four years in Africa has been done
+because I loved you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You must love me always, Alec, for now I have only you. [_He bends down
+and kisses her hand._] Come!
+
+[_He gives her his arm and they walk out._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I feel as if I should rather like to cry.
+
+DICK.
+
+Do you really? So do I.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Don't be so silly.
+
+DICK.
+
+By the way, you don't want to dance with me, do you?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Certainly not. You dance abominably.
+
+DICK.
+
+It's charming of you to say so. It puts me at my ease at once.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Come and sit on the sofa and talk seriously.
+
+DICK.
+
+Ah, you want to flirt with me, Mrs. Crowley.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Good heavens, what on earth makes you think that?
+
+DICK.
+
+It's what a woman always means when she asks you to talk sensibly.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I can't bear a man who thinks women are in love with him.
+
+DICK.
+
+Bless you, I don't think that. I only think they want to marry me.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+That's equally detestable.
+
+DICK.
+
+Not at all. However old, ugly, and generally undesirable a man is,
+he'll find a heap of charming girls who are willing to marry him.
+Marriage is still the only decent means of livelihood for a really nice
+girl.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But, my dear friend, if a woman really makes up her mind to marry a man,
+nothing on earth can save him.
+
+DICK.
+
+Don't say that, you terrify me.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You need not be in the least alarmed, because I shall refuse you.
+
+DICK.
+
+Thanks, awfully. But all the same I don't think I'll risk a proposal.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+My dear Mr. Lomas, your only safety is in immediate flight.
+
+DICK.
+
+Why?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It must be obvious to the meanest intelligence that you've been on the
+verge of proposing to me for the last month.
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, I assure you, you're quite mistaken.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Then I shan't come to the play with you to-morrow?
+
+DICK.
+
+But I've taken the seats, and I've ordered an exquisite dinner at the
+Carlton.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+What have you ordered?
+
+DICK.
+
+    Potage Bisque... [_She makes a little face._]
+    Sole Normande... [_She shrugs her shoulders._]
+    Wild Duck.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+With an orange salad?
+
+DICK.
+
+Yes.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I don't positively dislike that.
+
+DICK.
+
+And I've ordered a souffle with an ice in the middle of it.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I shan't come.
+
+DICK.
+
+I shouldn't have thought you kept very well abreast of dramatic art if
+you insist on marrying every man who takes you to a theatre.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Demurely._] I was very nicely brought up.
+
+DICK.
+
+Of course, if you're going to make yourself systematically disagreeable
+unless I marry you, I suppose I shall have to do it in self-defence.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I don't know if you have the least idea what you're talking about. I'm
+sure I haven't!
+
+DICK.
+
+I was merely asking you in a rather well-turned phrase to name the day.
+The lamb shall be ready for the slaughter!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Couldn't you infuse a little romance into it? You might begin by going
+down on your bended knees.
+
+DICK.
+
+I assure you that's quite out of fashion. Lovers, nowadays, are much too
+middle-aged, and their joints are creaky. Besides, it ruins the
+trousers.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+At all events, there can be no excuse for your not saying that you know
+you're utterly unworthy of me.
+
+DICK.
+
+Wild horses wouldn't induce me to make a statement which is so remote
+from the truth.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+And, of course, you must threaten to commit suicide if I don't consent.
+
+DICK.
+
+Women are such sticklers for routine. They have no originality.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Very well, have it your own way. But I must have a proposal in due form.
+
+DICK.
+
+Only four words are needed. [_Counting them on his fingers._] Will you
+marry me?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+That is both clear and simple. I reply in one: No!
+
+DICK.
+
+[_As though he were not sure that he had heard correctly._] I beg your
+pardon?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+The answer is in the negative.
+
+DICK.
+
+You're joking. You're certainly joking.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I will be a sister to you.
+
+DICK.
+
+Do you mean to say you deliberately refuse me?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Smiling._] I promised you I would.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_With much seriousness._] I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Puzzled._] The man's mad. The man's nothing short of a raving lunatic.
+
+DICK.
+
+I wanted to see if you were really attached to me. You have given me a
+proof of esteem which I promise you I will never forget.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Laughing._] You're a perfect idiot, Mr. Lomas!
+
+DICK.
+
+It's one of my cherished convictions that a really nice woman is never
+so cruel as to marry a man she cares for.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You're much too flippant to marry anybody, and you're perfectly odious
+into the bargain.
+
+[_She goes out._ DICK, _chuckling, lights a cigarette_. ALEC _comes in
+and lies down lazily on the sofa_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Why, Dick, what's the matter? You look as pleased as Punch.
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear fellow, I feel like the Terrible Turk. I've been wrestling, and
+I thought I was going to have a fall. But by the display of considerable
+agility I've managed to keep my legs.
+
+ALEC.
+
+What _do_ you mean?
+
+DICK.
+
+Nothing. It's merely the gaiety of forty-two.
+
+[BOULGER _comes into the room, followed immediately by_ MALLINS _and_
+CARBERY. _He starts slightly when he sees_ ALEC, _but then goes over to
+the table on which is the whiskey_.
+
+MALLINS.
+
+May we smoke here, Bobby?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Certainly. Dick insisted that this room should be particularly reserved
+for that purpose.
+
+[_The_ BUTLER _comes in with a small silver salver, and takes up one or
+two dirty glasses_.
+
+DICK.
+
+Lady Kelsey is the most admirable of all hostesses.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Taking a cigarette from his case._] Give me a match, Bobby, there's a
+good boy. [BOULGER, _with his back turned to_ ALEC, _takes no notice. He
+pours himself out some whiskey._ ALEC _smiles slightly._] Bobby, throw
+me over the matches!
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_With his back still turned._] Miller!
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Yes, sir?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie is asking for something.
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Yes, sir!
+
+ALEC.
+
+You might give me a light, will you?
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Yes, sir!
+
+[_The_ BUTLER _takes the matches to_ ALEC, _who lights his cigarette._
+
+ALEC.
+
+Thank you. [_Complete silence is preserved till the_ BUTLER _leaves the
+room._] I perceive, Bobbie, that during my absence you have not added
+good manners to your other accomplishments.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+If you want things, you can ask the servants for them.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Good-humouredly._] Don't be foolish, Bobbie!
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Would you be so kind as to remember that my name is Boulger?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Smiling._] Perhaps you would like me to call you Sir Robert?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I should prefer that you would call me nothing at all. I have absolutely
+no wish to know you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Which shows that your taste is as bad as your breeding.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Angrily, walking up to him._] By God, I'll knock you down!
+
+ALEC.
+
+You could hardly do that when I'm already lying on my back.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Look here, Mackenzie, I'm not going to let you play the fool with me. I
+want to know what answer you have to make to all these charges that
+have been brought against you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Might I suggest that only Miss Allerton has the least right to receive
+answers to her questions? And she hasn't questioned me.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I've given up trying to understand her attitude. If I were she, it would
+make me sick with horror to look at you. Since this morning you've
+rested under a direct accusation of causing George's death, and you've
+said nothing in self-defence.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Nothing.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+You've been given an opportunity to explain yourself, and you haven't
+taken it.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Quite true.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Are you not going to deny the charge?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm not.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Then I can only draw one conclusion. There appears to be no means of
+bringing you to justice, but at least I can refuse to know you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+All is over between us. And shall I return your letters and your
+photograph?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I'm not joking.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's singular that though I'm Scotch and you are English I should be
+able to see how ridiculous you are, while you're quite blind to your own
+absurdity.
+
+DICK.
+
+Come, Alec! Remember he's only a boy.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_To_ DICK LOMAS.] I'm perfectly able to look after myself, and I'll
+thank you not to interfere. [_To_ ALEC.] If Lucy's so indifferent to her
+brother's death that she's willing to keep up with you, that's her own
+affair ...
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Interrupting._] Come, Bobbie, don't make a scene.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Furiously._] Leave me alone, confound you!
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you think this is quite the place for an altercation? Wouldn't you
+gain more notoriety if you attacked me in my club or at Church parade on
+Sunday?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+It's mere shameless impudence that you should come here to-night. You're
+using these wretched women as a shield, because you know that as long as
+Lucy sticks to you there are people who won't believe the story.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I came for the same reason as yourself, dear boy. Because I was invited.
+
+DICK.
+
+Now then, Bobbie, shut up!
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I shan't shut up. The man's got no right to force himself here.
+
+DICK.
+
+Remember that you're Lady Kelsey's nephew.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I didn't ask him. D'you think I'd have come if I knew he was going to be
+here? He's acknowledged that he has no defence.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Pardon me, I acknowledge nothing and deny nothing.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+That won't do for me. I want the truth, and I'm going to get it. I've
+got a right to know.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Beginning to lose his temper._] Don't make an ass of yourself, Bobby.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+By God, I'll make you answer!
+
+[_As he says this he goes up to_ ALEC _furiously, but_ ALEC. _with a
+twist of his arm, hurls him back._
+
+ALEC.
+
+I could break your back, you silly boy.
+
+[_With a cry of anger_ BOULGER _is about to spring at_ ALEC _when_ DICK
+_gets in the way._
+
+DICK.
+
+Now then, no scenes. And you'll only get the worst of it, Bobby. Alec
+could just crumple you up. Take him away, Mallins. Don't stand there
+like a stuffed owl, Carbery.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Let me alone, you fool!
+
+MALLINS.
+
+Come along, old chap.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_To_ ALEC.] You damned skunk!
+
+DICK.
+
+Now then, be off with you. Don't make a silly ass of yourself.
+
+[BOULGER, MALLINS _and_ CARBERY _go out._
+
+DICK.
+
+Poor Lady Kelsey! To-morrow half London will be saying that you and
+Bobby had a stand-up fight in her drawing-room.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Furiously._] The damned cubs!
+
+DICK.
+
+The position is growing confoundedly awkward!
+
+ALEC.
+
+They lick my boots till I loathe them, and then they turn against me
+like a pack of curs. Oh, I despise them--these silly boys who stay at
+home wallowing in their ease while men work. Thank God, I've done with
+them all now. They think one can fight one's way through Africa as
+easily as one walks down Piccadilly. They think one goes through
+hardships and dangers, illness and starvation, to be the lion of a
+dinner-party in Mayfair.
+
+DICK.
+
+My dear Alec, keep calm.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a visible effort containing himself completely, with studied
+nonchalance._] D'you think that I look wildly excited?
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Ironically._] I don't think butter would melt in your mouth.
+
+[DICK _and_ ALEC _go out into the garden. In a moment_ BOULGER _comes in
+with_ LADY KELSEY.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Thank heaven, there's nobody here.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I think you're dreadfully foolish, Bobby. You know how Lucy resents any
+interference with her actions.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Won't you sit down? You must be dreadfully tired.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Why won't you wait till to-morrow?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I feel that it ought to be settled at once.
+
+[LUCY _appears_.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Did you send for me, my aunt? Mr. Carbery said you wanted to speak to me
+here.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Yes, I gave him that message.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I asked Aunt Alice to beg you to come here. I was afraid you wouldn't if
+I asked you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Lightly._] What nonsense! I'm always delighted to see you.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I wanted to speak to you about something, and I thought Aunt Alice
+should be present.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Is it so important that it can't wait till to-morrow?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I venture to think it's very important.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Smiling._] I'm all attention.
+
+[_He hesitates for a moment, then braces himself to the ordeal._
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I've told you often, Lucy, that I've been in love with you for as many
+years as I can remember.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Surely you've not snatched me from the unwilling arm of my partner in
+order to make me a proposal of marriage?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I'm perfectly serious, Lucy.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Smiling._] I assure you it doesn't suit you at all.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+The other day I asked you again to marry me, just before Alec Mackenzie
+came back.
+
+LUCY.
+
+It was very charming of you. You mustn't think that because I laugh at
+you a little I'm not grateful for your affection.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Except for that letter in this morning's _Times_, I should never have
+dared to say anything to you again. But that changes everything.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I don't understand what you mean.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_After a little pause._] I ask you again if you'll be my wife? When
+Alec Mackenzie came back I understood why you were so indifferent to me,
+but you can't marry him now.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You have no right to talk to me like this.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I'm the only man who's related to you at all, and I love you with my
+whole soul.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I think you should listen to him, Lucy. I'm growing old, and soon you'll
+be quite alone in the world.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+I don't ask you to care for me. I only want to serve you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I can only repeat that I'm very grateful to you. I can never marry you.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Beginning to lose his temper again._] Are you going to continue to
+know Mackenzie? If you'll take the advice of any unprejudiced person
+about that letter, you'll find that he'll say the same as I. There can
+be no shadow of doubt that Mackenzie is guilty of a monstrous crime.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I don't care what the evidence is. I know he can't have done a shameful
+thing.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+But have you forgotten that it's your own brother he killed? The whole
+country is up in arms against him, and you are quite indifferent.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Much moved._] Oh, Bobbie, how can you be so cruel?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+If you ever really cared for George at all, you must wish to punish the
+man who caused his death.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, why d'you torment me? I tell you that he isn't guilty. It's because
+I'm convinced of that ...
+
+BOULGER.
+
+[_Interrupting._] But have you asked him?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+He might give you the truth.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I couldn't do that.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Why not?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+It's very strange that he should insist on this silence.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Do you believe that story too?
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I don't know what to believe. It's so extraordinary. If the man's
+innocent, why doesn't he speak?
+
+LUCY.
+
+He knows I trust him. I couldn't cause him the great pain of asking him
+questions.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Are you afraid he couldn't answer them?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No, no, no!
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Well, just try. After all, you owe as much as that to the memory of
+George.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I think it's very unreasonable, Lucy. He knows we're his friends. He can
+count on our discretion.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I believe in him implicitly. I believe in him with all the strength I've
+got.
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Then, surely it can make no difference if you ask him. There can be no
+reason for him not to trust you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, why don't you leave me alone?
+
+BOULGER.
+
+Ask him point blank. If he refuses to answer you ...
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Hastily._] It would mean nothing. Why should he answer? I believe in
+him absolutely. I think he's the greatest and most honourable man I've
+ever known. I care more for his little finger than for the whole world.
+I love him with all my heart. And that's why he can't be guilty of this
+horrible crime. Because I've loved him for years, and he's known it. And
+he loves me. And he's loved me always.
+
+[ALEC _and_ DICK _stroll in from the garden_.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Alec, Alec, I want you! Thank God, you've come!
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Going to her quickly._] What is it?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Alec, you must tell them now about you and me.
+
+[ALEC _looks at_ LUCY _for a moment_, _and then turns to_ LADY KELSEY.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I think perhaps we ought to have told you before, Lady Kelsey. But we
+wanted to enjoy our little secret by ourselves.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+I'm afraid to understand.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I have asked Lucy to be my wife, and she....
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Interrupting him._] She said she would be honoured and deeply
+grateful.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+[_Greatly embarrassed._] I hardly know what to say.... How long have you
+been engaged?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Won't you tell me you're pleased, my aunt? I know you want me to be
+happy.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Of course, I want you to be happy. But I--I....
+
+            [BOULGER _turns on his heel and walks out_.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Offering his arm to_ LADY KELSEY.] Wouldn't you like to go back to the
+drawing-room?
+
+            [_She allows herself to be led away, helplessly._
+            ALEC _and_ LUCY _are left alone_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a smile._] I don't think our announcement has been received with
+enthusiasm.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You're not angry with me, ALEC?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Of course not. Everything you do is right and charming.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I shall really think I'm a wonderful person if I've taught you to pay
+compliments.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm so glad to be alone with you. Now, at all events, people will have
+the sense to leave us by ourselves.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Passionately._] I want your love. I want your love so badly.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Taking her in his arms._] My darling!
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Clinging to him._] The moment I'm with you I feel so confident and
+happy.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Only when you're with me? [LUCY _looks at him for an instant. He repeats
+the question in a caressing voice._] Only when you're with me, darling?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Why d'you think I made you tell them we were engaged?
+
+ALEC.
+
+You took me by surprise.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I had to tell them. I couldn't keep it back. They made me suffer so
+dreadfully.
+
+ALEC.
+
+The brutes! Tell me what they did.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, they said horrible things about you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+No more than that?
+
+LUCY.
+
+It's nothing to you. But to me.... Oh, you don't know what agony I
+endure. I'm such a coward! I thought I was so much braver.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I don't understand you.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I wanted to burn my ships behind me. I wanted to reassure myself. [ALEC
+_makes a slight movement away from her, but she holds him back
+anxiously_.] Forgive me, dear. You don't know how terrible it is. I
+stand so dreadfully alone. Every one is convinced that you caused poor
+George's death--every one but me. [ALEC _looks at her gravely, without
+speaking_.] I try to put the thoughts out of my head, but I can't--I
+can't. That letter in the _Times_ looks so dreadfully true. Don't you
+see what I mean? The uncertainty is more than I can bear. At the first
+moment I felt so absolutely sure of you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+And now you don't?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I trust you just as much as ever. I know it's impossible that you
+should have done a shameful thing. But there it stands in black and
+white, and you have nothing to say in answer.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I know it's very difficult. That is why I asked you to believe in me.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I do, Alec--with all my soul. But have mercy on me. I'm not so strong as
+I thought. It's easy for you to stand alone. You're iron, but I'm a weak
+woman.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Oh, no, you're not like other women. I was proud of your unconquerable
+spirit.
+
+LUCY.
+
+It was easy to be brave where my father was concerned, and George, but
+you're the man I love, and it's so different. I don't know any more how
+to stand alone.
+
+            [ALEC _looks at her, thinking, but does not reply
+            for a moment_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you remember that only an hour ago I told you that I'd done nothing
+which I wouldn't do again? I gave you my word of honour that I could
+reproach myself for nothing.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, I know. I'm so utterly ashamed of myself. But I can't bear the
+doubt.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Doubt! You've said the word at last.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I tell every one that I don't believe a word of these horrible charges,
+and I repeat to myself: I'm certain, I'm certain that he's innocent. And
+yet at the bottom of my heart there's a doubt, and I can't crush it.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Is that why you told them we were engaged to be married?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I wanted to kill that gnawing pain of suspicion. I thought if I stood up
+before them and cried out that my trust in you was so great, I was
+willing to marry you notwithstanding everything, I should at least have
+peace in my own heart.
+
+            [ALEC _walks up and down. Then he stops in
+            front of_ LUCY.
+
+ALEC.
+
+What is it precisely you want me to do?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I want you to have mercy on me because I love you. Don't tell the world
+if you choose not to, but tell me the truth. I know you're incapable of
+lying. If I only have it from your own lips I shall believe, I want to
+be certain, certain!
+
+ALEC.
+
+Don't you realise that I would never have asked you to marry me if my
+conscience hadn't been quite clear? Don't you realise that the reasons I
+have for holding my tongue must be of overwhelming strength?
+
+LUCY.
+
+But I am going to be your wife, and I love you, and you love me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I implore you not to insist, Lucy. Let us remember only that the past is
+gone and we love one another. It's impossible for me to tell you
+anything.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, but you must now. If any part of the story is true, you must give me
+a chance of judging for myself.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm very sorry, I can't.
+
+LUCY.
+
+But you'll kill my love for you. The doubt which lurked at the bottom of
+my soul now fills me. How can you let me suffer such maddening torture?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I thought you trusted me.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I'll be satisfied if you'll only tell me one thing: only tell me that
+when you sent George on that expedition you didn't know that he'd be
+killed. [ALEC _looks at her steadily_.] Only say that, Alec. Say that's
+not true, and I'll believe you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Very quietly._] But it is true.
+
+            [LUCY _does not answer, but stares at him with
+            terrified eyes_.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, I don't understand. Oh, my dearest, don't treat me as a child. Have
+mercy on me! You must be serious now. It's a matter of life and death to
+both of us.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm perfectly serious.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You knew that you were sending George into a death-trap? You knew he
+couldn't escape alive?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Except by a miracle.
+
+LUCY.
+
+And you don't believe in miracles?
+
+ALEC.
+
+No.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, it can't be true. Oh, Alec, Alec, Alec! Oh, what shall I do?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I tell you that whatever I did was inevitable.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Then if that's true, the rest must be true also. Oh, it's awful. I can't
+realise it. Haven't you anything to say at all?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_In a low voice._] Only that I've loved you always with all my soul.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You knew how much I loved my brother. You knew how much it meant to me
+that he should live to wipe out my father's dishonour. All the future
+was centred on him, and you sacrificed him.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Hesitatingly._] I think I might tell you this. He had committed a
+grave error of judgment. We were entrapped by the Arabs, and our only
+chance of escape entailed the almost certain death of one of us.
+
+            [_An inkling of the truth seizes_ LUCY, _and her
+            face is suddenly distorted with horror. She
+            goes up to him impulsively. Her voice
+            trembles with emotion._
+
+LUCY.
+
+Alec, Alec, he didn't do something--unworthy? You're not trying to
+shield him?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Hoarsely._] No, no, no!
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_With a gasp of relief, almost to herself._] Thank God! I couldn't have
+borne that. [_To_ ALEC, _hopelessly_.] Then I don't understand.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It was not unjust that he should suffer for the catastrophe which he had
+brought about.
+
+LUCY.
+
+At those times one doesn't think of justice. He was so young, so frank.
+Wouldn't it have been nobler to give your life for his?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Oh, my dear, you don't know how easy it is to give one's life. How
+little you know me! Do you think I should have hesitated if my death had
+been sufficient to solve the difficulty? I had my work to do. I was
+bound by solemn treaties to the surrounding tribes. It would have been
+cowardly for me to die. I tell you, my death would have meant the awful
+death of every man in my party.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I can only see one thing, that you took George, George of all others.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I knew at the time that what I did might cost me your love, and though
+you won't believe this, I did it for your sake.
+
+            [_At this moment_ MRS. CROWLEY _enters with_
+            SIR ROBERT BOULGER. _She has a cloak on._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I was just coming to say good-night. Bobby is going to drive me home.
+[_She suddenly notices_ LUCY'S _agitation_.] What on earth's the matter?
+
+            [LADY KELSEY _and_ DICK LOMAS _come in_. LADY
+            KELSEY _looks at_ LUCY _and then goes up to
+            her impulsively_.
+
+LADY KELSEY.
+
+Lucy, Lucy!
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Brokenly._] I'm no longer engaged to Mr. Mackenzie. He can't deny that
+what is said about him is true.
+
+            [_They look at him in astonishment, but he makes
+            no movement._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_To_ ALEC.] Haven't you anything to say at all? You must have some
+explanation to offer?
+
+ALEC.
+
+No, I have none whatever.
+
+DICK.
+
+Alec, old man, have you realised all that this means?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Quite. I see now that it was inevitable.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_With a sudden burst of furious anger._] You killed him! You killed him
+as surely as if you'd strangled him with your own hands.
+
+            [ROBERT BOULGER _goes to the door and flings
+            it open_. ALEC _gives_ LUCY _a look, then
+            slightly shrugs his shoulders. He walks
+            out without a word. The moment he has
+            gone_ LUCY _sinks down and bursts into
+            passionate tears_.
+
+
+END OF THE THIRD ACT.
+
+
+
+
+THE FOURTH ACT
+
+
+     SCENE.--_A library in the house of_ DICK LOMAS _in Portman Square_.
+
+     DICK _and his_ VALET. DICK _is putting flowers into a vase_.
+
+
+DICK.
+
+Has Mr. Mackenzie come in?
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Yes, sir. He's gone to his room.
+
+DICK.
+
+I expect Mrs. Crowley and Miss Allerton to tea. If any one else comes
+I'm not at home.
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Very well, sir.
+
+DICK.
+
+And if a caller should ask at what time I'm expected back, you haven't
+the least idea.
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Very well, sir.
+
+DICK.
+
+We shall want breakfast at eight to-morrow. I'm going down to
+Southampton to see Mr. Mackenzie off. But I shall be home to dinner. How
+about those cases in the hall?
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie said they were to be sent for this afternoon. They're only
+labelled Zanzibar. Is that sufficient, sir?
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh, I suppose so. Mr. Mackenzie will have given the shippers all
+directions. You'd better bring the tea at once. Mrs. Crowley is coming
+at four.
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Very well, sir.
+
+            [_He goes out._ DICK _continues to arrange the
+            flowers, than goes to the window and looks
+            out. He comes back. The door is opened by_
+            CHARLES, _who announces_ MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Mrs. Crowley.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Going towards her eagerly and taking both her hands._] Best of women!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You seem quite glad to see me?
+
+DICK.
+
+I am. But where is Lucy?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+She's coming later.... I don't know why you should squeeze my hands in
+this pointed manner.
+
+DICK.
+
+What an age it is since I saw you!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+If you bury yourself in Scotland all the summer, you can't expect to see
+people who go to Homburg and the Italian lakes.
+
+DICK.
+
+Heavens, how you cultivate respectability!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It's a sensitive plant whose vagaries one has to humour.
+
+DICK.
+
+Aren't you delighted to be back in town?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+London's the most charming place in the world to get away from and to
+come back to. Now tell me all you've been doing, if I can hear it
+without blushing too furiously.
+
+DICK.
+
+My behaviour would have done credit to a clergyman's only daughter. I
+dragged Alec off to Scotland after that horrible scene at Lady Kelsey's,
+and we played golf.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Was he very wretched, poor thing?
+
+DICK.
+
+He didn't say a word. I wanted to comfort him, but he never gave me a
+chance. He never mentioned Lucy's name.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Did he seem unhappy?
+
+DICK.
+
+No. He was just the same as ever, impassive and collected.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Really he's inhuman.
+
+DICK.
+
+He's an anomaly in this juvenile century. He's an ancient Roman who buys
+his clothes in Savile Row. An eagle caged with a colony of canaries.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Then he's very much in the way in England, and it's much better for him
+that he should go back to Africa.
+
+DICK.
+
+This time to-morrow he'll be half-way down the channel.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I'm really beginning to think you're a perfect angel, Mr. Lomas.
+
+DICK.
+
+Don't say that, it makes me feel so middle-aged. I'd much sooner be a
+young sinner than an elderly cherub.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It was sweet of you to look after him through the summer and then insist
+on his staying here till he went away. How long is he going for this
+time?
+
+DICK.
+
+Heaven knows! Perhaps for ever.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Have you told him that Lucy is coming?
+
+DICK.
+
+No. I thought that was a pleasing piece of information which I'd leave
+you to impart.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Thanks!
+
+DICK.
+
+She's only coming to indulge a truly feminine passion for making scenes,
+and she's made Alec quite wretched enough already. Why doesn't she marry
+Robert Boulger?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Why should she?
+
+DICK.
+
+Half the women I know merely married their husbands to spite somebody
+else. It appears to be one of the commonest causes of matrimony.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_With a quizzical look at him._] Talking of which, what are you going
+to do when Mr. Mackenzie is gone?
+
+DICK.
+
+Talking of the weather and the crops, I propose to go to Spain.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Opening her eyes wide._] How very extraordinary! I thought of going
+there, too.
+
+DICK.
+
+Then, without a moment's hesitation, I shall go to Norway.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It'll be dreadfully cold.
+
+DICK.
+
+Dreadfully. But I shall be supported by the consciousness of having done
+my duty.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You don't think there would be room for both of us in Spain?
+
+DICK.
+
+I'm convinced there wouldn't. We should always be running against one
+another, and you'd insist on my looking out all your trains in
+Bradshaw.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I hope you remember that you asked me to tea to-day?
+
+DICK.
+
+Pardon me, you asked yourself. I keep the letter next to my heart and
+put it under my pillow every night.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You fibber! Besides, if I did, it was only on Lucy's account.
+
+DICK.
+
+That, I venture to think, is neither polite nor accurate.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I don't think I should so utterly detest you, if you hadn't such a good
+opinion of yourself.
+
+DICK.
+
+You forget that I vowed on the head of my maternal grandmother never to
+speak to you again.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Oh, I'm always doing that. I tell my maid that time she does my hair
+badly.
+
+DICK.
+
+You trifled with the tenderest affection of an innocent and
+unsophisticated old bachelor.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Is that you by any chance?
+
+DICK.
+
+Of course, it's me. D'you think I was talking of the man in the moon?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Looking at him critically._] With the light behind, you might still
+pass for thirty-five.
+
+DICK.
+
+I've given up youth and its vanities. I no longer pluck out my white
+hairs.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Then how on earth do you occupy your leisure?
+
+DICK.
+
+For the last three months I've been laboriously piecing together the
+fragments of a broken heart.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+If you hadn't been so certain that I was going to accept you, I should
+never have refused. I couldn't resist the temptation of saying "No" just
+to see how you took it.
+
+DICK.
+
+I flatter myself that I took it very well.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You didn't. You showed an entire lack of humour. You might have known
+that a nice woman doesn't marry a man the first time he asks her. It's
+making oneself too cheap. It was very silly of you to go off to Scotland
+as if you didn't care.... How was I to know that you meant to wait three
+months before asking me again?
+
+DICK.
+
+I haven't the least intention of asking you again.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Then why in heaven's name did you invite me to tea?
+
+DICK.
+
+May I respectfully remind you, first, that you invited yourself ...
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Interrupting._] You're so irrelevant.
+
+DICK.
+
+And, secondly, that an invitation to tea is not necessarily accompanied
+by a proposal of marriage.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I'm afraid you're lamentably ignorant of the usages of good society.
+
+DICK.
+
+I assure you it's not done in the best circles.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_With a little pout._] I shall be very cross with you in a minute.
+
+DICK.
+
+Why?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Because you're not behaving at all prettily.
+
+DICK.
+
+D'you know what I'd do if I were you? Propose to me.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Oh, I couldn't do anything so immodest.
+
+DICK.
+
+I have registered a vow that I will never offer my hand and heart to any
+woman again.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+On the head of your maternal grandmother?
+
+DICK.
+
+Oh no, far more serious than that. On the grave of my maiden aunt, who
+left me all my money.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+What will you say if I do?
+
+DICK.
+
+That depends entirely on how you do it. I may remind you, however, that
+first you go down on your bended knees.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Oh, I waived that with you.
+
+DICK.
+
+And then you confess you're unworthy of me.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Mr. Lomas, I am a widow. I am twenty-nine and extremely eligible. My
+maid is a treasure. My dressmaker is charming. I am clever enough to
+laugh at your jokes, and not so learned as to know where they come from.
+
+DICK.
+
+Really you're very long-winded. I said it all in four words.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+So could I if I might write it down.
+
+DICK.
+
+You must say it.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But what I'm trying to make you understand is that I don't want to marry
+you a bit. You're just the sort of man who'll beat his wife regularly
+every Saturday night.... You will say yes if I ask you, won't you?
+
+DICK.
+
+I've never been able to refuse a woman anything.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I have no doubt you will after six months of holy matrimony.
+
+DICK.
+
+I never saw any one make such a fuss about so insignificant a detail as
+a proposal of marriage.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Dick. [_She stretches out her hands, smiling, and he takes her in his
+arms._] You really are a detestable person.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_With a smile, taking a ring from his pocket._] I bought an engagement
+ring yesterday on the off chance of its being useful.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Then you meant to ask me all the time?
+
+DICK.
+
+Of course I did, you silly.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Oh, I wish I had known that before. I'd have refused you again.
+
+DICK.
+
+You absurd creature.
+
+            [_He kisses her._
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Trying to release herself._] There's somebody coming.
+
+DICK.
+
+It's only Alec.
+
+            [ALEC _comes in_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Hulloa!
+
+DICK.
+
+Alec, we've made friends, Mrs. Crowley and I.
+
+ALEC.
+
+It certainly looks very much like it.
+
+DICK.
+
+The fact is, I've asked her to marry me, and she....
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Interrupting, with a smile._] After much pressure--
+
+DICK.
+
+Has consented.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm so glad. I heartily congratulate you both. I was rather unhappy at
+leaving Dick, Mrs. Crowley. But now I leave him in your hands, I'm
+perfectly content. He's the dearest, kindest old chap I've ever known.
+
+DICK.
+
+Shut up, Alec! Don't play the heavy father, or we shall burst into
+tears.
+
+ALEC.
+
+He'll be an admirable husband because he's an admirable friend.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I know he will. And I'm only prevented from saying all I think of him
+and how much I love him, by the fear that he'll become perfectly
+unmanageable.
+
+DICK.
+
+Spare me these chaste blushes which mantle my youthful brow. Will you
+pour out the tea ... Nellie?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Yes ... Dick.
+
+            [_She sits down at the tea-table and_ DICK _makes
+            himself comfortable in an arm-chair by
+            her side_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Well, I'm thankful to say that everything's packed and ready.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+I wish you'd stay for our wedding.
+
+DICK.
+
+Do. You can go just as well by the next boat.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm afraid that everything is settled now. I've given instructions at
+Zanzibar to collect bearers, and I must arrive as quickly as I can.
+
+DICK.
+
+I wish to goodness you'd give up these horrible explorations.
+
+ALEC.
+
+But they're the very breath of my life. You don't know the exhilaration
+of the daily dangers--the joy of treading where only the wild beasts
+have trodden before. Oh, already I can hardly bear my impatience when I
+think of the boundless country and the enchanting freedom. Here one
+grows so small, so despicable, but in Africa everything is built to a
+nobler standard. There a man is really a man; there one knows what are
+will and strength and courage. Oh, you don't know what it is to stand on
+the edge of some great plain and breathe the pure keen air after the
+terrors of the forest. Then at last you know what freedom is.
+
+DICK.
+
+The boundless plain of Hyde Park is enough for me, and the aspect of
+Piccadilly on a fine day in June gives me quite as many emotions as I
+want.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But what will you gain by it all, now that your work in East Africa is
+over, by all the dangers and the hardships?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Nothing. I want to gain nothing. Perhaps I shall discover some new
+species of antelope or some unknown plant. Perhaps I shall find some new
+waterway. That is all the reward I want. I love the sense of power and
+mastery. What do you think I care for the tinsel rewards of kings and
+peoples?
+
+DICK.
+
+I always said you were melodramatic. I never heard anything so
+transpontine.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+And the end of it, what will be the end?
+
+ALEC.
+
+The end is death in some fever-stricken swamp, obscurely, worn out by
+exposure and ague and starvation. And the bearers will seize my gun and
+my clothes and leave me to the jackals.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Don't. It's too horrible.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Why, what does it matter? I shall die standing up. I shall go the last
+journey as I have gone every other.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Without fear?
+
+DICK.
+
+For all the world like the wicked baronet: Once aboard the lugger and
+the girl is mine!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Don't you want men to remember you?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Perhaps they will. Perhaps in a hundred years or so, in some flourishing
+town where I discovered nothing but wilderness, they will commission a
+second-rate sculptor to make a fancy statue of me. And I shall stand in
+front of the Stock Exchange, a convenient perch for birds, to look
+eternally upon the various shabby deeds of human kind.
+
+            [_During this speech_ MRS. CROWLEY _makes a sign
+            to_ DICK, _who walks slowly away and goes
+            out_.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+And is that really everything? I can't help thinking that at the bottom
+of your heart is something that you've never told to a living soul.
+
+            [_He gives her a long look, and then after a
+            moment's thought breaks into a little smile._
+
+ALEC.
+
+Why do you want to know so much?
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Tell me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I daresay I shall never see you again. Perhaps it doesn't much matter
+what I say to you. You'll think me very silly, but I'm afraid I'm
+rather--patriotic. It's only we who live away from England who really
+love it. I'm so proud of my country, and I wanted so much to do
+something for it. Often in Africa I've thought of this dear England, and
+longed not to die till I had done my work. Behind all the soldiers and
+the statesmen whose fame is imperishable, there is a long line of men
+who've built up the Empire piece by piece. Their names are forgotten,
+and only students know their history, but each one of them gave a
+province to his country. And I, too, have my place among them. For five
+years I toiled night and day, and at the end of it was able to hand over
+to the Commissioners a broad tract of land, rich and fertile. After my
+death England will forget my faults and my mistakes. I care nothing for
+the flouts and gibes with which she has repaid all my pain, for I have
+added another fair jewel to her crown. I don't want rewards. I only want
+the honour of serving this dear land of ours.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Why is it, when you're so nice really, that you do all you can to make
+people think you utterly horrid?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Don't laugh at me because you've found out that at heart I'm nothing
+more than a sentimental old woman.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Putting her hand on his arm._] What would you do if Lucy came here
+to-day?
+
+            [ALEC _starts, looks at her sharply, then answers
+            with deliberation_.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I have always lived in polite society. I should never dream of outraging
+its conventions. If Miss Allerton happened to come, you may be sure I
+should be scrupulously polite.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Is that all? Lucy has suffered very much.
+
+ALEC.
+
+And do you suppose I've not suffered? Because I don't whine my misery to
+all and sundry, d'you think I don't care? I'm not the man to fall in and
+out of love with every pretty face I meet. All my life I've kept an
+ideal before my eyes. Oh, you don't know what it meant to me to fall in
+love. I felt that I had lived all my life in a prison, and at last Lucy
+came and took me by the hand and led me out. And for the first time I
+breathed the free air of heaven. Oh God! how I've suffered for it! Why
+should it have come to me? Oh, if you knew my agony and the torture!
+
+            [_He hides his face, trying to master his emotion._
+            MRS. CROWLEY _goes to him and puts her
+            hand on his shoulder_.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+Mr. Mackenzie.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Springing up._] Go away. Don't look at me. How can you stand there and
+watch my weakness? Oh God, give me strength.... My love was the last
+human weakness I had. It was right that I should drink that bitter cup.
+And I've drunk its very dregs. I should have known that I wasn't meant
+for happiness and a life of ease. I have other work to do in the world.
+And now that I have overcome this last temptation, I am ready to do it.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+But haven't you any pity for yourself, haven't you any thought for Lucy?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Must I tell you, too, that everything I did was for Lucy's sake? And
+still I love her with all my heart and soul....
+
+DICK _comes in_.
+
+DICK.
+
+Here is Lucy!
+
+            [CHARLES _comes in and announces_ LUCY.
+
+CHARLES.
+
+Miss Allerton!
+
+            [_She enters, and_ DICK, _anxious that the meeting
+            shall not be more awkward than need be,
+            goes up to her very cordially_.
+
+DICK.
+
+Ah, my dear Lucy. So glad you were able to come.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Giving her hand to_ DICK, _but looking at_ ALEC.] How d'you do?
+
+ALEC.
+
+How d'you do? [_He forces himself to talk._] How is Lady Kelsey?
+
+LUCY.
+
+She's much better, thanks. We've been to Spa, you know, for her health.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Somebody told me you'd gone abroad. Was it you, Dick? Dick is an
+admirable person, a sort of gazetteer for polite society.
+
+DICK.
+
+Won't you have some tea, Lucy?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No, thanks!
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_Trying on her side also to make conversation._] We shall miss you
+dreadfully when you're gone, Mr. Mackenzie.
+
+DICK.
+
+[_Cheerfully._] Not a bit of it.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Smiling._] London is an excellent place for showing one of how little
+importance one is in the world. One makes a certain figure, and perhaps
+is tempted to think oneself of some consequence. Then one goes away, and
+on returning is surprised to discover that nobody has even noticed one's
+absence.
+
+DICK.
+
+You're over-modest, Alec. If you weren't, you might be a great man.
+Now, I make a point of telling my friends that I'm indispensable, and
+they take me at my word.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You are a leaven of flippancy in the heavy dough of British
+righteousness.
+
+DICK.
+
+The wise man only takes the unimportant quite seriously.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_With a smile._] For it is obvious that it needs more brains to do
+nothing than to be a cabinet minister.
+
+DICK.
+
+You pay me a great compliment, Alec. You repeat to my very face one of
+my favourite observations.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Almost in a whisper._] Haven't I heard you say that only the
+impossible is worth doing?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Good heavens, I must have been reading the headings of a copy-book.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+[_To_ DICK.] Are you going to Southampton to see Mr. Mackenzie off?
+
+DICK.
+
+I shall hide my face on his shoulder and weep salt tears. It'll be most
+affecting, because in moments of emotion I always burst into epigram.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I loathe all solemn leave-takings. I prefer to part from people with a
+nod and a smile, whether I'm going for ever or for a day to Brighton.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+You're very hard.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Dick has been teaching me to take life flippantly. And I have learnt
+that things are only serious if you take them seriously, and that is
+desperately stupid. [_To_ LUCY.] Don't you agree with me?
+
+LUCY.
+
+No.
+
+            [_Her tone, almost tragic, makes him pause
+            for an instant; but he is determined
+            that the conversation shall be purely conventional._
+
+ALEC.
+
+It's so difficult to be serious without being absurd. That is the chief
+power of women, that life and death are merely occasions for a change of
+costume: marriage a creation in white, and the worship of God an
+opportunity for a Paris bonnet.
+
+            [MRS. CROWLEY _makes up her mind to force a
+            crisis, and she gets up_.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It's growing late, Dick. Won't you take me round the house?
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm afraid my luggage has made everything very disorderly.
+
+MRS. CROWLEY.
+
+It doesn't matter. Come, Dick!
+
+DICK.
+
+[_To_ LUCY.] You don't mind if we leave you?
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, no.
+
+            [MRS. CROWLEY _and_ DICK _go out. There is a
+            moment's silence._
+
+ALEC.
+
+Do you know that our friend Dick has offered his hand and heart to Mrs.
+Crowley this afternoon?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I hope they'll be very happy. They're very much in love with one
+another.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Bitterly._] And is that a reason for marrying? Surely love is the
+worst possible foundation for marriage. Love creates illusions, and
+marriages destroy them. True lovers should never marry.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Will you open the window? It seems stifling here.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Certainly. [_From the window._] You can't think what a joy it is to look
+upon London for the last time. I'm so thankful to get away.
+
+            [LUCY _gives a little sob and_ ALEC _turns to the
+            window. He wants to wound her and yet
+            cannot bear to see her suffer._
+
+ALEC.
+
+To-morrow at this time I shall be well started. Oh, I long for that
+infinite surface of the clean and comfortable sea.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Are you very glad to go?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Turning to her._] I feel quite boyish at the very thought.
+
+LUCY.
+
+And is there no one you regret to leave?
+
+ALEC.
+
+You see, Dick is going to marry. When a man does that, his bachelor
+friends are wise to depart gracefully before he shows them that he needs
+their company no longer. I have no relations and few friends. I can't
+flatter myself that any one will be much distressed at my departure.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_In a low voice._] You must have no heart at all.
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Icily._] If I had, I certainly should not bring it to Portman Square.
+That sentimental organ would be surely out of place in such a
+neighbourhood.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Gets up and goes to him._] Oh, why do you treat me as if we were
+strangers? How can you be so cruel?
+
+ALEC.
+
+[_Gravely._] Don't you think that flippancy is the best refuge from an
+uncomfortable position. We should really be much wiser merely to discuss
+the weather.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Insisting._] Are you angry because I came?
+
+ALEC.
+
+That would be ungracious on my part. Perhaps it wasn't quite necessary
+that we should meet again.
+
+LUCY.
+
+You've been acting all the time I've been here. D'you think I didn't see
+it was unreal when you talked with such cynical indifference. I know you
+well enough to tell when you're hiding your real self behind a mask.
+
+ALEC.
+
+If I'm doing that, the inference is obvious that I wish my real self to
+be hidden.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I would rather you cursed me than treat me with such cold politeness.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm afraid you're rather difficult to please.
+
+            [LUCY _goes up to him passionately, but he draws
+            back so that she may not touch him_.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, you're of iron. Alec, Alec, I couldn't let you go without seeing you
+once more. Even you would be satisfied if you knew what bitter anguish
+I've suffered. Even you would pity me. I don't want you to think too
+badly of me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Does it much matter what I think? We shall be so many thousand miles
+apart.
+
+LUCY.
+
+I suppose that you utterly despise me.
+
+ALEC.
+
+No. I loved you far too much ever to do that. Believe me, I only wish
+you well. Now that the bitterness is past, I see that you did the only
+possible thing. I hope that you'll be very happy.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, Alec, don't be utterly pitiless. Don't leave me without a single
+word of kindness.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Nothing is changed, Lucy. You sent me away on account of your brother's
+death.
+
+            [_There is a long silence, and when she speaks
+            it is hesitatingly, as if the words were
+            painful to utter._
+
+LUCY.
+
+I hated you then, and yet I couldn't crush the love that was in my
+heart. I used to try and drive you away from my thoughts, but every word
+you had ever said came back to me. Don't you remember? You told me that
+everything you did was for my sake. Those words hammered at my heart as
+though it were an anvil. I struggled not to believe them. I said to
+myself that you had sacrificed George coldly, callously, prudently, but
+in my heart I knew it wasn't true. [_He looks at her, hardly able to
+believe what she is going to say, but does not speak._] Your whole life
+stood on one side and only this hateful story on the other. You couldn't
+have grown into a different man in one single instant. I came here
+to-day to tell you that I don't understand the reason of what you did. I
+don't want to understand. I believe in you now with all my strength. I
+know that whatever you did was right and just--because you did it.
+
+            [_He gives a long, deep sigh._
+
+ALEC.
+
+Thank God! Oh, I'm so grateful to you for that.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Haven't you anything more to say to me than that?
+
+ALEC.
+
+You see, it comes too late. Nothing much matters now, for to-morrow I go
+away.
+
+LUCY.
+
+But you'll come back.
+
+ALEC.
+
+I'm going to a part of Africa from which Europeans seldom return.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_With a sudden outburst of passion._] Oh, that's too horrible. Don't
+go, dearest! I can't bear it!
+
+ALEC.
+
+I must now. Everything is settled, and there can be no drawing back.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Don't you care for me any more?
+
+ALEC.
+
+Care for you? I love you with all my heart and soul.
+
+LUCY.
+
+[_Eagerly._] Then take me with you.
+
+ALEC.
+
+You!
+
+LUCY.
+
+You don't know what I can do. With you to help me I can be brave. Let me
+come, Alec?
+
+ALEC.
+
+No, it's impossible. You don't know what you ask.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Then let me wait for you? Let me wait till you come back?
+
+ALEC.
+
+And if I never come back?
+
+LUCY.
+
+I will wait for you still.
+
+ALEC.
+
+Then have no fear. I will come back. My journey was only dangerous
+because I wanted to die. I want to live now, and I shall live.
+
+LUCY.
+
+Oh, Alec, Alec, I'm so glad you love me.
+
+
+THE END
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
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+21 _Bedford St., W.C._
+
+
+
+
+_A MAN OF HONOUR_
+
+_A TRAGEDY_
+
+_In Four Acts_
+
+_By W. S. MAUGHAM_
+
+_LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN_
+
+_MCMXII_
+
+_Copyright: London William Heinemann 1912_
+
+        _TO
+    GERALD KELLY_
+
+"Ich uebersah meine Sache und wusste wohin ich wollte."
+
+ECKERMANN, _Gespraeche mit Goethe_.
+
+
+
+
+GENERAL PREFACE
+
+
+...For Clisthenes, son of Aristonymus, son of Myron, son of Andreas, had
+a daughter whose name was Agarista: her he resolved to give in marriage
+to the man whom he should find the most accomplished of all the Greeks.
+When therefore the Olympian games were being celebrated, Clisthenes,
+being victorious in them in the chariot race, made a proclamation; "that
+whoever of the Greeks deemed himself worthy to become the son-in-law of
+Clisthenes, should come to Sicyon on the sixtieth day, or even before;
+since Clisthenes had determined on the marriage in a year, reckoning
+from the sixtieth day." Thereupon such of the Greeks as were puffed up
+with themselves and their country, came as suitors; and Clisthenes,
+having made a race-course and palaestra for them, kept it for this very
+purpose. From Italy, accordingly, came Smindyrides, son of Hippocrates,
+a Sybarite, who more than any other man reached the highest pitch of
+luxury, (and Sybaris was at that time in a most flourishing condition;)
+and Damasus of Siris, son of Amyris called the Wise: these came from
+Italy. From the Ionian gulf, Amphimnestus, son of Epistrophus, an
+Epidamnian; he came from the Ionian gulf. An AEtolian came, Males,
+brother of that Titormus who surpassed the Greeks in strength, and fled
+from the society of men to the extremity of the AEtolian territory. And
+from Peloponnesus, Leocedes, son of Pheidon, tyrant of the Argives, a
+decendant of that Pheidon, who introduced measures among the
+Peloponnesians, and was the most insolent of all the Greeks, who having
+removed the Elean umpires, himself regulated the games at Olympia; his
+son accordingly came. And Amiantus, son of Lycurgus, an Arcadian from
+Trapezus; and an Azenian from the city of Paeos, Laphanes, son of
+Euphorion, who, as the story is told in Arcadia, received the Dioscuri
+in his house, and after that entertained all men; and an Elean,
+Onomastus, son of Agaeus: these accordingly came from the Peloponnesus
+itself. From Athens there came Megacles, son of Alcmaeon, the same who
+had visited Croesus, and another, Hippoclides, son of Tisander, who
+surpassed the Athenians in wealth and beauty. From Eretria, which was
+flourishing at that time, came Lysanias; he was the only one from
+Euboea. And from Thessaly there came, of the Scopades, Diactorides a
+Cranonian; and from the Molossi, Alcon. So many were the suitors. When
+they had arrived on the appointed day, Clisthenes made inquiries of
+their country, and the family of each; then detaining them for a year,
+he made trial of their manly qualities, their dispositions, learning,
+and morals; holding familiar intercourse with each separately, and with
+all together, and leading out to the gymnasia such of them as were
+younger; but most of all he made trial of them at the banquet; for as
+long as he detained them, he did this throughout, and at the same time
+entertained them magnificently. And somehow of all the suitors those
+that had come from Athens pleased him most, and of these Hippoclides,
+son of Tisander, was preferred both on account of his manly qualities,
+and because he was distantly related to the Cypselidae in Corinth. When
+the day appointed for the consummation of the marriage arrived, and for
+the declaration of Clisthenes himself, whom he would choose of them all,
+Clisthenes, having sacrificed a hundred oxen, entertained both the
+suitors themselves and all the Sicyonians; and when they had concluded
+the feast, the suitors had a contest about music, and any subject
+proposed for conversation. As the drinking went on, Hippoclides, who
+much attracted the attention of the rest, ordered the flute-player to
+play a dance; and when the flute-player obeyed, he began to dance: and
+he danced, probably so as to please himself; but Clisthenes, seeing it,
+beheld the whole matter with suspicion. Afterwards, Hippoclides, having
+rested awhile, ordered some one to bring in a table; and when the table
+came in, he first danced Laconian figures on it, and then Attic ones;
+and in the third place, having leant his head on the table he
+gesticulated with his legs. But Clisthenes, when he danced the first and
+second time, revolted from the thought of having Hippoclides for his
+son-in-law, on account of his dancing and want of decorum, yet
+restrained himself, not wishing to burst out against him; but when he
+saw him gesticulating with his legs, he was no longer able to restrain
+himself, and said: "Son of Tisander, you have danced away your
+marriage." But Hippoclides answered: "Hippoclides cares not." Hence this
+answer became a proverb. (HERODOTUS VI. 126, _Cary's Translation_.)
+
+This play was first performed by the Stage Society at the Imperial
+Theatre on February 22, 1903, with the following cast:
+
+    BASIL KENT                    H. GRANVILLE BARKER
+    JENNY BUSH                    WINIFRED FRASER
+    JAMES BUSH                    O. B. CLARENCE
+    JOHN HALLIWELL                DENNIS EADIE
+    MABEL                         GERTRUDE BURNETT
+    HILDA MURRAY                  MABEL TERRY-LEWIS
+    ROBERT BRACKLEY               NIGEL PLAYFAIR
+    MRS. GRIGGS                   HENRIETTA COWEN
+    FANNY                         GERTRUDE DE BURGH
+    BUTLER                        A. BOWYER
+
+
+
+
+_A MAN OF HONOUR_
+
+_CHARACTERS_
+
+
+    BASIL KENT
+    JENNY BUSH
+    JAMES BUSH
+    JOHN HALLIWELL
+    MABEL
+    HILDA MURRAY
+    ROBERT BRACKLEY
+    MRS. GRIGGS
+    FANNY
+    BUTLER
+
+TIME: _The Present Day_.
+
+ACT I--_Basil's lodgings in Bloomsbury_.
+
+ACTS II AND IV--_The drawing-room of Basil's house at Putney_.
+
+ACT III--_Mrs. Murray's house in Charles Street_.
+
+_The Performing Rights of this Play are fully protected, and permission
+to perform it, whether by Amateurs or Professionals, must be obtained in
+advance from the author's Sole Agent, R. Golding Bright, 20 Green
+Street, Leicester Square, London, W.C., from whom all particulars can be
+obtained._
+
+
+
+
+A MAN OF HONOUR
+
+
+
+
+THE FIRST ACT
+
+SITTING-ROOM OF BASIL'S LODGINGS IN BLOOMSBURY.
+
+
+     _In the wall facing the auditorium, two windows with little iron
+     balconies, giving a view of London roofs. Between the windows,
+     against the wall, is a writing-desk littered with papers and books.
+     On the right is a door, leading into the passage; on the left a
+     fire-place with arm-chairs on either side; on the chimney-piece
+     various smoking utensils. There are numerous bookshelves filled
+     with books; while on the walls are one or two Delft plates,
+     etchings after Rossetti, autotypes of paintings by Fra Angelico and
+     Botticelli. The furniture is simple and inexpensive, but there is
+     nothing ugly in the room. It is the dwelling-place of a person who
+     reads a great deal and takes pleasure in beautiful things._
+
+     BASIL KENT _is leaning back in his chair, with his feet on the
+     writing-table, smoking a pipe and cutting the pages of a book. He
+     is a very good-looking man of six-and-twenty, clean-shaven, with a
+     delicate face and clear-cut features. He is dressed in a
+     lounge-suit._
+
+
+            [_There is a knock at the door._
+
+BASIL.
+
+Come in.
+
+MRS. GRIGGS.
+
+Did you ring, sir?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes. I expect a lady to tea. And there's a cake that I bought on my way
+in.
+
+MRS. GRIGGS.
+
+Very well, sir.
+
+            [_She goes out, and immediately comes in with a
+            tray on which are two cups, sugar, milk,
+            &c._
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, Mrs. Griggs, I want to give up these rooms this day week. I'm going
+to be married. I'm sorry to leave you. You've made me very comfortable.
+
+MRS. GRIGGS.
+
+[_With a sigh of resignation._] Ah, well, sir, that's lodgers all over.
+If they're gents they get married; and if they're ladies they ain't
+respectable.
+
+            [_A ring is heard._
+
+BASIL.
+
+There's the bell, Mrs. Griggs. I dare say it's the lady I expect. If
+any one else comes, I'm not at home.
+
+MRS. GRIGGS.
+
+Very well, sir.
+
+            [_She goes out, and_ BASIL _occupies himself for a
+            moment in putting things in order_. MRS.
+            GRIGGS, _opening the door, ushers in the
+            new-comers_.
+
+MRS. GRIGGS.
+
+If you please, sir.
+
+            [_She goes out again, and during the next few
+            speeches brings two more cups and the tea._
+
+            [MABEL _and_ HILDA _enter, followed by_ JOHN
+            HALLIWELL. BASIL _going towards them
+            very cordially, half stops when he notices
+            who they are; and a slight expression of
+            embarrassment passes over his face. But
+            he immediately recovers himself and is
+            extremely gracious._ HILDA MURRAY _is a
+            tall, handsome woman, self-possessed and
+            admirably gowned_. MABEL HALLIWELL _is
+            smaller, pretty rather than beautiful,
+            younger than her sister, vivacious, very
+            talkative, and somewhat irresponsible_.
+            JOHN _is of the same age as_ BASIL, _good-humoured,
+            neither handsome nor plain
+            blunt of speech and open_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shaking hands._] How d'you do?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Look pleased to see us, Mr. Kent.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'm perfectly enchanted.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You _did_ ask us to come and have tea with you, didn't you?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I've asked you fifty times. Hulloa, John! I didn't see you.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I'm the discreet husband, I keep in the background.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Why don't you praise me instead of praising yourself? People would think
+it so much nicer.
+
+JOHN.
+
+On the contrary, they'd be convinced that when we were alone I beat you.
+Besides, I couldn't honestly say that you kept in the background.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_To_ BASIL.] I feel rather ashamed at taking you unawares.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I was only slacking. I was cutting a book.
+
+MABEL.
+
+That's ever so much more fun than reading it, isn't it? [_She catches
+sight of the tea things._] Oh, what a beautiful cake--and two cups!
+[_She looks at him, questioning._]
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_A little awkwardly._] Oh--I always have an extra cup in case some one
+turns up, you know.
+
+MABEL.
+
+How unselfish! And do you always have such expensive cake?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a smile, remonstrating._] Mabel!
+
+MABEL.
+
+Oh, but I know them well, and I love them dearly. They cost two
+shillings at the Army and Navy Stores, but I can't afford them myself.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wish you'd explain why we've come, or Basil will think I'm
+responsible.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Lightly._] I've been trying to remember ever since we arrived. You say
+it, Hilda; you invented it.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Mabel, I'll never take you out again. They're
+perfectly incorrigible, Mr. Kent.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_To_ JOHN _and_ MABEL, _smiling_.] I don't know why _you've_ come. Mrs.
+Murry has promised to come and have tea with me for ages.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Pretending to feel injured._] Well, you needn't turn me out the moment
+we arrive. Besides, I refuse to go till I've had a piece of that cake.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Well, here's the tea! [MRS. GRIGGS _brings it in as he speaks_. _He
+turns to_ HILDA.] I wish you'd pour it out. I'm so clumsy.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Smiling at him affectionately._] I shall be delighted.
+
+            [_She proceeds to do so, and the conversation goes
+            on while_ BASIL _hands_ MABEL _tea and cake_.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I told them it was improper for more than one woman at a time to call at
+a bachelor's rooms, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+If you'd warned me I'd have made the show a bit tidier.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Oh, that's just what we didn't want. We wanted to see the Celebrity at
+Home, without lime-light.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Ironically._] You're too flattering.
+
+MABEL.
+
+By the way, how is the book?
+
+_Basil._
+
+Quite well, thanks.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I always forget to ask how it's getting on.
+
+BASIL.
+
+On the contrary, you never let slip an opportunity of making kind
+inquiries.
+
+MABEL.
+
+_I_ don't believe you've written a word of it.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Nonsense, Mabel. I've read it.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Oh, but you're such a monster of discretion.... Now I want to see your
+medals, Mr. Kent.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] What medals?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Don't be coy! You know I mean the medals they gave you for going to the
+Cape.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Gets them from a drawer, and with a smile hands them to_ MABEL.] If
+you really care to see them, here they are.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Taking one._] What's this?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, that's just the common or garden South African medal.
+
+MABEL.
+
+And the other one?
+
+BASIL.
+
+That's the D.S.M.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Why didn't they give you the D.S.O.?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I was only a trooper, you know. They only give the D.S.O. to
+officers.
+
+MABEL.
+
+And what did you do to deserve it?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] I really forget.
+
+HILDA.
+
+It's given for distinguished service in the field, Mabel.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I knew. Only I wanted to see if Mr. Kent was modest or vain.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a smile, taking the medals from her and putting them away._] How
+spiteful of you!
+
+MABEL.
+
+John, why didn't you go to the Cape, and do heroic things?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I confined my heroism to the British Isles. I married you, my angel.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Is that funny or vulgar?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Laughing._] Are there no more questions you want to ask me, Mrs.
+Halliwell?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Yes, I want to know why you live up six flights of stairs.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Amused._] For the view, simply and solely.
+
+MABEL.
+
+But, good heavens, there is no view. There are only chimney-pots.
+
+BASIL.
+
+But they're most aesthetic chimney-pots. Do come and look, Mrs. Murray.
+[BASIL _and_ HILDA _approach one of the windows, and he opens it_.] And
+at night they're so mysterious. They look just like strange goblins
+playing on the house-tops. And you can't think how gorgeous the sunsets
+are: sometimes, after the rain, the slate roofs glitter like burnished
+gold. [_To_ HILDA.] Often I think I couldn't have lived without my view,
+it says such wonderful things to me. [_Turning to_ MABEL _gaily_.]
+Scoff, Mrs. Halliwell, I'm on the verge of being sentimental.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I was wondering if you'd made that up on the spur of the moment, or if
+you'd fished it out of an old note-book.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a look at_ BASIL.] May I go out?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes, do come.
+
+            [HILDA _and_ BASIL _step out on the balcony,
+            whereupon_ JOHN _goes to_ MABEL _and tries
+            to steal a kiss from her_.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Springing up._] Go away, you horror!
+
+JOHN.
+
+Don't be silly. I shall kiss you if I want to.
+
+[_She laughing, walks round the sofa while he pursues her._
+
+MABEL.
+
+I wish you'd treat life more seriously.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wish you wouldn't wear such prominent hats.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_As he puts his arm round her waist._] John, some body'll see us.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Mabel, I command you to let yourself be kissed.
+
+MABEL.
+
+How much will you give me?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Sixpence.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Slipping away from him._] I can't do it for less than half-a-crown.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Laughing._] I'll give you two shillings.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Coaxing._] Make it two-and-three.
+
+            [_He kisses her._
+
+JOHN.
+
+Now come and sit down quietly.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Sitting down by his side._] John, you mustn't make love to me. It
+would look so odd if they came in.
+
+JOHN.
+
+After all, I am your husband.
+
+MABEL.
+
+That's just it. If you wanted to make love to me you ought to have
+married somebody else. [_He puts his arm round her waist._] John, don't,
+I'm sure they'll come in.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't care if they do.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Sighing._] John, you do love me?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Yes.
+
+MABEL.
+
+And you won't ever care for anybody else?
+
+JOHN.
+
+No.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_In the same tone._] And you will give me that two-and-threepence,
+won't you?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Mabel, it was only two shillings.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Oh, you cheat!
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Getting up._] I'm going out on the balcony. I'm passionately devoted
+to chimney-pots.
+
+MABEL.
+
+No, John, I want you.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Isn't it enough for me to say I want you for you to hurl yourself at my
+feet immediately?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Oh, you poor thing, can't you do without me for two minutes?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Now you're taking a mean advantage. It's only this particular two
+minutes that I want you. Come and sit by me like a nice, dear boy.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Now what have you been doing that you shouldn't?
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Laughing._] Nothing. But I want you to do something for me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Ha, ha! I thought so.
+
+MABEL.
+
+It's merely to tie up my shoe. [_She puts out her foot._]
+
+JOHN.
+
+Is that all--honour bright?
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Laughing._] Yes. [JOHN _kneels down_.]
+
+JOHN.
+
+But, my good girl, it's not undone.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Then, my good boy, undo it and do it up again.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Starting up._] Mabel, are we playing gooseberry--at our time of life?
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Ironically._] Oh, you are clever! Do you think Hilda would have
+climbed six flights of stairs unless Love had lent her wings?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wish Love would provide wings for the chaperons as well.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Don't be flippant. It's a serious matter.
+
+JOHN.
+
+My dear girl, you really can't expect me to play the heavy father when
+we've only been married six months. It would be almost improper.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Don't be horrid, John.
+
+JOHN.
+
+It isn't horrid, it's natural history.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Primly._] I was never taught it. It's not thought nice for young girls
+to know.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why didn't you tell me that Hilda was fond of Basil! Does he like her?
+
+MABEL.
+
+I don't know. I expect that's precisely what she's asking him.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Mabel, do you mean to say you brought me here, an inoffensive, harmless
+creature, for your sister to propose to a pal of mine? It's an outrage.
+
+MABEL.
+
+She's doing nothing of the sort.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You needn't look indignant. You can't deny that you proposed to me.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I can, indeed. If I had I should never have taken such an unconscionably
+long time about it.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wonder why Hilda wants to marry poor Basil!
+
+MABEL.
+
+Well, Captain Murray left her five thousand a year, and she thinks Basil
+Kent a genius.
+
+JOHN.
+
+There's not a drawing-room in Regent's Park or in Bayswater that hasn't
+got its tame genius. I don't know if Basil Kent is much more than very
+clever.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Anyhow, I'm sure it's a mistake to marry geniuses. They're horribly
+bad-tempered, and they invariably make love to other people's wives.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Hilda always has gone in for literary people. That's the worst of
+marrying a cavalryman, it leads you to attach so much importance to
+brains.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Yes, but she needn't marry them. If she wants to encourage Basil let her
+do it from a discreet distance. Genius always thrives best on bread and
+water and platonic attachments. If Hilda marries him he'll only become
+fat and ugly and bald-headed and stupid.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why, then he'll make an ideal Member of Parliament.
+
+            [BASIL _and_ HILDA _come into the room again_.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Maliciously._] Well, what have you been talking about?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Acidly._] The weather and the crops, Shakespeare and the Musical
+Glasses.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Raising her eyebrows._] Oh!
+
+HILDA.
+
+It's getting very late, Mabel. We really must be going.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Getting up._] And I've got to pay at least twelve calls. I hope every
+one will be out.
+
+HILDA.
+
+People are so stupid, they're always in when you call.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Holding out her hand to_ BASIL.] Good-bye.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Coldly._] Thanks so much, Mr. Kent. I'm afraid we disturbed you
+awfully.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shaking hands with her._] I've been enchanted to see you. Good-bye.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Lightly._] We shall see you again before you go to Italy, shan't we?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I'm not going to Italy now, I've changed all my plans.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Giving_ JOHN _a look_.] Oh! Well, good-bye. Aren't you coming, John.
+
+JOHN.
+
+No: I think I'll stay and have a little chat with Basil, while you tread
+the path of duty.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Well, mind you're in early. We've got a lot of disgusting people coming
+to dinner.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a smile._] Poor things! Who are they?
+
+MABEL.
+
+I forget who they are. But I know they're loathsome. That's why I asked
+them.
+
+            [BASIL _opens the door, and the two women go out_.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Sitting down and stretching himself._] Now that we've got rid of our
+womankind let's make ourselves comfortable. [_Taking a pipe out of his
+pocket._] I think I'll sample your baccy if you'll pass it along.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Handing him the jar._] I'm rather glad you stayed, John. I wanted to
+talk to you.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Ha! ha!
+
+            [BASIL _pauses a moment, while_ JOHN _looks at
+            him with amusement. He fills his pipe._
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Lighting his pipe._] Nice gal, Hilda--ain't she?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Enthusiastically._] Oh, I think she's perfectly charming.... But what
+makes you say that?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Innocently._] Oh, I don't know. Passed through my head.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I say, I've got something to tell you, John.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well, don't be so beastly solemn about it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] It's a solemn thing.
+
+JOHN.
+
+No, it ain't. I've done it myself. It's like a high dive. When you look
+down at the water it fairly takes your breath away, but after you've
+done it--it's not so bad as you think. You're going to be married, my
+boy.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a smile._] How the deuce d'you know?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Gaily._] Saw it with mine own eyes. I congratulate you, and I give you
+my blessing. I'll get a new frock-coat to give the lady away in.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You?... [_Suddenly understanding._] You're on the wrong tack, old man.
+It's not your sister-in-law I'm going to marry.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Then why the dickens did you say it was?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I never mentioned her name.
+
+JOHN.
+
+H'm! I've made rather more than an average ass of myself, haven't I?
+
+BASIL.
+
+What on earth made you think ...?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Interrupting._] Oh, it was only some stupid idea of my wife's. Women
+are such fools, you know. And they think they're so confoundedly sharp.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Disconcerted_--_looking at him._] Has Mrs. Murray ...?
+
+JOHN.
+
+No, of course not! Well, who the deuce are you going to marry?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Flushing._] I'm going to marry Miss Jenny Bush.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Never heard of her. Is it any one I know?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes, you knew her.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Searching his memory._] Bush ... Bush.... [_With a smile._] The only
+Jenny Bush _I've_ ever heard of was a rather pretty little barmaid in
+Fleet Street. Presumably you're not going to marry her.
+
+[JOHN _has said this quite lightly, not guessing for a moment that it
+can have anything to do with the person_ BASIL _proposes to marry. Then,
+since_ BASIL _makes no answer_, JOHN _looks at him sharply: there is a
+silence while the two men stare at one another._
+
+JOHN.
+
+Basil, it's not the woman we used to know before you went out to the
+Cape?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Pale and nervous, but determined._] I've just told you that you used
+to know Jenny.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Man alive, you're not going to marry the barmaid of the "Golden Crown"?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looking at him steadily._] Jenny _was_ a barmaid at the "Golden
+Crown."
+
+JOHN.
+
+But, good Lord, Basil, what d'you mean? You're not serious?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Perfectly! We're going to be married this day week.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Are you stark, staring mad? Why on earth d'you want to marry Jenny Bush?
+
+BASIL.
+
+That's rather a delicate question, isn't it? [_With a smile._]
+Presumably because I'm in love with her.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well, that's a silly ass of an answer.
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's quite the most obvious.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Nonsense! Why, I've been in love with twenty girls, and I haven't
+married them all. One can't do that sort of thing in a country where
+they give you seven years for bigamy. Every public-house along the
+Thames from Barnes to Taplow is the tombstone of an unrequited passion
+of my youth. I loved 'em dearly, but I never asked 'em to marry me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Tightening his lips._] I'd rather you didn't make jokes about it,
+John.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Are you sure you're not making an ass of yourself? If you've got into a
+mess, surely we can get you out. Marriage, like hanging, is rather a
+desperate remedy.
+
+[BASIL _is sitting down and moodily shrugs his shoulders._ JOHN _goes up
+to him, and putting his hands on his friend's shoulders looks into his
+eyes._
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why are you going to marry her, Basil?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Springing up impatiently._] Damn you, why don't you mind your own
+business?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Don't be a fool, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Can't I marry any one I choose? It's nothing to you, is it? D'you
+suppose I care if she's a barmaid?
+
+[_He walks up and down excitedly, while_ JOHN _with steady eyes watches
+him._
+
+JOHN.
+
+Basil, old man, we've known each other a good many years now. Don't you
+think you'd better trust me?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Setting his teeth._] What d'you want to know?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why are you going to marry her?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Abruptly, fiercely._] Because I must.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Nodding his head quietly._] I see.
+
+[_There is a silence. Then_ BASIL, _more calmly turns to_ JOHN.
+
+BASIL.
+
+D'you remember Jenny?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Yes, rather. Why, we always lunched there in the old days.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Well, after I came back from the Cape I began going there again. When I
+was out there she took it into her head to write me a letter, rather
+ill-spelt and funny--but I was touched that she thought of me. And she
+sent some tobacco and some cigarettes.
+
+JOHN.
+
+My maiden aunt sent you a woollen comforter, but I'm not aware that in
+return you ever made her a proposal of marriage.
+
+BASIL.
+
+And so in one way and another I came to know Jenny rather well. She
+appeared to get rather fond of me--and I couldn't help seeing it.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But she always pretended to be engaged to that scrubby little chap with
+false teeth who used to hang about the bar and make sheep's eyes at her
+over innumerable Scotch-and-sodas.
+
+BASIL.
+
+He made a scene because I took her out on one of her off-nights, and she
+broke it off. I couldn't help knowing it was on my account.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well, and after that?
+
+BASIL.
+
+After that I got into the habit of taking her to the play, and so on.
+And finally ...!
+
+JOHN.
+
+How long has this been going on?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Several months.
+
+JOHN.
+
+And then?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Well, the other day she wired for me. I found her in the most awful
+state. She was simply crying her eyes out, poor thing. She'd been seedy
+and gone to the doctor's. And he told her ...
+
+JOHN.
+
+What you might really have foreseen.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes.... She was quite hysterical. She said she didn't know what to do
+nor where to go. And she was in an awful funk about her people. She
+said she'd kill herself.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Drily._] Naturally she was very much upset.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I felt the only thing I could do was to ask her to marry me. And when I
+saw the joy that came into her poor, tear-stained face I _knew_ I'd done
+the right thing.
+
+[_There is a pause._ JOHN _walks up and down, then stops suddenly and
+turns to_ BASIL.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Have you thought that you, who've never needed to economise, will have
+to look at every shilling you spend? You've always been careless with
+your money, and what you've had you've flung about freely.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shrugging his shoulders._] If I have to submit to nothing worse than
+going without a lot of useless luxuries, I really don't think I need
+complain.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But you can't afford to keep a wife and an increasing family.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I suppose I can make money as well as other men.
+
+JOHN.
+
+By writing books?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I shall set to work to earn my living at the Bar. Up till now I've never
+troubled myself.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't know any man less fit than you for the dreary waiting and the
+drudgery of the Bar.
+
+BASIL.
+
+We shall see.
+
+JOHN.
+
+And what d'you think your friends will say to your marrying--a barmaid?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Contemptuously._] I don't care two straws for my friends.
+
+JOHN.
+
+That's pleasant for them. You know, men and women without end have
+snapped their fingers at society and laughed at it, and for a while
+thought they had the better of it. But all the time society was quietly
+smiling up its sleeve, and suddenly it put out an iron hand--and
+scrunched them up.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[Shrugging his shoulders.] It only means that a few snobs will cut me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Not you--your wife.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'm not such a cad as to go to a house where I can't take my wife.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But you're the last man in the world to give up these things. There's
+nothing you enjoy more than going to dinner-parties and staying in
+country houses. Women's smiles are the very breath of your nostrils.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You talk of me as if I were a tame cat. I don't want to brag, John, but
+after all, I've shown that I'm fit for something in this world. I went
+to the Cape because I thought it was my duty. I intend to marry Jenny
+for the same reason.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Seriously._] Will you answer me one question--on your honour?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Are you in love with her?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_After a pause._] No.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Passionately._] Then, by God, you have no right to marry her. A man
+has no right to marry a woman for pity. It's a cruel thing to do. You
+can only end by making yourself and her entirely wretched.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I can't break the poor girl's heart.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You don't know what marriage is. Even with two people who are devoted to
+one another, who have the same interests and belong to the same class,
+it's sometimes almost unbearable. Marriage is the most terrible thing in
+the world unless passion makes it absolutely inevitable.
+
+BASIL.
+
+My marriage is absolutely inevitable--for another reason.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You talk as if such things had never happened before.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I know, they happen every day. It's no business of the man's. And as
+for the girl, let her throw herself in the river. Let her go to the
+deuce, and be hanged to her.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Nonsense. She can be provided for. It only needs a little
+discretion--and no one will be a ha'porth the wiser, nor she a ha'porth
+the worse.
+
+BASIL.
+
+But it's not a matter of people knowing. It's a matter of honour.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Opening his eyes._] And where precisely did the honour come in when
+you ...?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Good heavens, I'm a man like any other. I have passions as other men
+have.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Gravely._] My dear Basil, I wouldn't venture to judge you. But I think
+it's rather late in the day to set up for a moralist.
+
+BASIL.
+
+D'you think I've not regretted what I did? It's easy enough afterwards
+to say that I should have resisted. The world would be a Sunday School
+if we were all as level-headed at night as we are next morning.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Shaking his head._] After all, it's only a very regrettable incident
+due to your youth and--want of innocence.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With vehement seriousness._] I may have acted like a cur. I don't
+know. I acted as I suppose every other man would. But now I have a plain
+duty before me, and, by God, I mean to do it.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Don't you realise that you've only one life and that mistakes are
+irreparable? People play with life as if it were a game of chess in
+which they can try this move and that, and when they get into a muddle,
+sweep the board clear and begin again.
+
+BASIL.
+
+But life is a game of chess in which one is always beaten. Death sits on
+the other side of the board, and for every move he has a counter-move.
+And for all your deep-laid schemes he has a parry.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But if at the end Death always mates you, the fight is surely worth the
+fighting. Don't handicap yourself at the beginning by foolish quixotry.
+Life is so full. It has so much to offer, and you're throwing away
+almost everything that makes it worth the trouble.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Gravely._] Jenny would kill herself if I didn't marry her.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You don't seriously think she'd do that. People don't commit suicide so
+easily, you know.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You've thought of a great deal, John--you've not thought of the child. I
+can't let the child skulk into the world like a thief. Let him come in
+openly and lawfully. And let him go through the world with an honest
+name. Good heavens, the world's bad enough without fettering him all his
+life with a hideous stigma.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Oh, my dear Basil ...
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Interrupting._] You can bring forward a thousand objections, but
+nothing alters the fact that, under the circumstances, there's only one
+way open to a man of honour.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Drily._] Well, it's a way that may do credit to your heart, but
+scarcely to your understanding.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I thought you'd see at once that I was doing the only possible thing.
+
+JOHN.
+
+My dear Basil, you talk of pity, and you talk of duty, but are you sure
+there's anything more in it than vanity? You've set yourself up on a
+sort of moral pinnacle. Are you sure you don't admire your own heroism a
+little too much?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a good-natured smile._] Does it look so petty as that in your
+eyes? After all, it's only common morality.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Impatiently._] But, my dear chap, its absurd to act according to an
+unrealisable ideal in a world that's satisfied with the second-rate.
+You're tendering bank-notes to African savages, among whom cowrie shells
+are common coin.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] I don't know what you mean.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Society has made its own decalogue, a code that's just fit for middling
+people who are not very good and not very wicked. But Society punishes
+you equally if your actions are higher than its ideal or lower.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Sometimes it makes a god of you when you're dead.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But it takes precious good care to crucify you when you're alive.
+
+[_There is a knock at the door, and_ MRS. GRIGGS _comes in._
+
+MRS. GRIGGS.
+
+Some more visitors, Sir.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Show 'em in. [_To_ JOHN] It's Jenny. She said she was coming to tea.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_With a smile._] Oh, the cake was for her, was it? Would you like me to
+go?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Not unless you choose. Do you suppose I'm ashamed?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I thought, after all you've told me, you might not care for me to see
+her.
+
+[JENNY BUSH _and her brother_ JAMES _come in. She is very pretty, with
+delicate features and a beautiful complexion: her fair hair is abundant
+and very elaborately arranged. She is dressed smartly, rather showily.
+It is the usual type of barmaid, or tea-girl, a shade more refined
+perhaps than the common run. Her manners are unobjectionable, but not
+those of a gentlewoman._ JAMES _is a young man with clean-shaven face
+and a sharp expression. He is over-dressed in a very horsey manner, and
+is distinctly more vulgar than his sister. He talks English with a
+cockney accent, not invariably dropping his aitches, but only now and
+then. He is over cordial and over genial._
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Going up to_ BASIL.] I'm awfully late, I couldn't come before.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Jocosely._] Don't mind me. Give 'im a kiss, old tart.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I brought my brother Jimmie to see you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shaking hands._] How d'you do?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Nicely, thanks. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Looking at_ JOHN _and suddenly recognising him._]
+
+Well, I never! If that isn't old John Halliwell. I didn't expect to see
+you. This is a treat.
+
+JOHN.
+
+How d'you do?
+
+JENNY.
+
+What are you doing here?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I've been having a cup of tea with Basil.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Looking at the tea-things._] D'you always drink out of three cups at
+once?
+
+JOHN.
+
+My wife has been here--and her sister.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I see. Fancy your being married. How d'you like it?
+
+JOHN.
+
+All right, thanks.
+
+[BASIL _pours out a cup of tea, and during the following speeches gives_
+JENNY _milk and sugar and cake._
+
+JAMES.
+
+People say it wants a bit of gettin' used to.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Mr. Bush, you're a philosopher.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, I will say this for myself, you'd want to get up early in the
+morning to catch me nappin'. I didn't catch your name.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Halliwell.
+
+JAMES.
+
+'Alliwell?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Emphasising the H._] Halliwell.
+
+JAMES.
+
+That's what I say--'Alliwell. I knew a fellow in the meat trade called
+'Alliwell. Any relation?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't think so.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Fine business 'e 'ad too. There's a rare lot of money to be made out of
+meat.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I dare say.
+
+Jenny.
+
+[_To_ JOHN.] It _is_ a long time since I've seen you. I suppose you've
+quietened down now you're a married man. You were a hot 'un when you was
+a bachelor.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Facetiously._] Don't make 'im blush, Jenny. Accidents will 'appen in
+the best regulated families. And boys will be boys, as they say in the
+Bible.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I think I must be off, Basil.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, I'll be toddlin' too. I only come in just to say 'ow d'you do to
+my future brother-in-law. I'm a fellow as likes to be cordial. There's
+no 'aughtiness about me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Politely, but not effusively._] Oh; won't you stay and have some tea?
+
+JAMES.
+
+No, thanks. I'm not much of an 'and at tea; I leave that to females. I
+like something stronger myself.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Remonstrating._] Jimmie!
+
+BASIL.
+
+I have some whisky, Mr. Bush.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh, blow the Mister and blow the Bush. Call me Jimmie. I can't stand
+ceremony. The way I look on it is this. We're both of us gentlemen. Now,
+mind you, I'm not a fellow to praise myself. But I will say this: I am a
+gentleman. That's not self-praise, is it?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Dear me, no. Mere statement of fact.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, as I was saying, I know I'm a gentleman. It's a thing you can't
+'elp, so what's the good of being proud about it? If I meet a chap in a
+pub, and he invites me to have a drink, I don't ask him if he's a Lord.
+
+BASIL.
+
+But you just take it.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, you'd do the same yourself, wouldn't you?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I dare say. But will you have a drink now?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh, bless you, I know what it is to be engaged. I don't want to disturb
+you canary-birds. Me and 'Alliwell 'll go and have a gargle round the
+corner. I see you've got a public nice and 'andy. [_To_ JOHN.] I suppose
+you're not above goin' in there now and again, eh?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a laugh._] He came into the "Golden Crown" every day of his life,
+and chance it!
+
+JOHN.
+
+I'm afraid I'm in a great hurry.
+
+JAMES.
+
+'Ang it all, one's always got time to have a drop of Scotch in this
+life.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_To_ JAMES, _handing him the box._] Well, take a cigar with you.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Taking and examining one._] If you are so pressing. Villar y
+Villar.... What do they run you in a hundred?
+
+BASIL.
+
+They were given to me, I really don't know what they cost. [_He lights a
+match._] Won't you take the label off?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Not if I know it. I don't smoke a Villar y Villar every day, but when I
+do, I smoke it with the label on.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Laughing._] Jimmie, you are a caution!
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Shaking hands with_ JENNY.] Good-bye and--my best wishes.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Thanks. You didn't expect I'd marry Basil when I used to mix cocktails
+for you in the "Golden Crown," did you?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Come on, 'Alliwell. Don't stop there gassing. You'll only disturb the
+canary-birds. So long, old tart, see you later. Ta-ta, Basil, old man.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Good-bye--Jimmie.
+
+[JOHN HALLIWELL _and_ JAMES _go out_, JENNY _goes up to_ BASIL
+_impulsively._
+
+JENNY.
+
+Kiss me. [_He kisses her, smiling._] There! Now I can sit down quietly
+and talk. How d'you like my brother?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh--I hardly know him yet. He seems very amiable.
+
+JENNY.
+
+He's not a bad sort when you know him. He's just like my mother.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Raising his brows._] Is he? And--is your father like that too?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Well, you know, Pa hasn't had the education that Jimmie's had. Jimmie
+was at a boarding-school at Margate.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Was he?
+
+JENNY.
+
+You were at a boarding-school, too, weren't you?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] Yes, I was at Harrow.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Ah, you don't get the fine air at Harrow that you get at Margate.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Shall I put down your cup?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Placing it on a table._] Oh, thanks, it's all right. Come and sit by
+me, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Seating himself on the arm of her chair._] There.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Taking his hand._] I'm so glad we're alone. I should like to be alone
+with you all my life. You do love me, don't you, Basil?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Much?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] Yes.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I'm so glad. Oh, I don't know what I should do if you didn't love me. If
+you hadn't been kind to me I should have thrown myself in the river.
+
+BASIL.
+
+What nonsense you talk.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I mean it.
+
+[_He passes his hand affectionately over her hair._
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, you _are_ so good, Basil. I'm so proud of you. I shall be so proud
+to be your wife.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Gravely._] Don't think too well of me Jenny.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a laugh._] I'm not afraid of that. You're brave and you're
+clever and you're a professional man, and you're everything.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You foolish child.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Passionately._] I can't tell you how much I love you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'll try with all my might to be a good husband to you, Jenny.
+
+            [_She flings her arms round his neck and they
+            kiss one another._
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST ACT.
+
+
+
+
+THE SECOND ACT
+
+AN INTERVAL OF ONE YEAR ELAPSES BETWEEN ACTS I. AND II.
+
+
+     _The drawing-room in Basil's house at Putney. In the wall facing
+     the auditorium there is a door leading from the passage. On the
+     right two doors lead into bedrooms, and opposite these is a bay
+     window. The same pictures and plates decorate the walls as in the
+     preceding Scene; the writing-table is between the side doors._
+     JENNY'S _influence is noticeable in the cushions in the wicker-work
+     arm-chairs, in the window curtains and portieres of art serge, and
+     in the huge chrysanthemums of the wall paper_.
+
+
+            [JENNY _is sewing while_ JAMES BUSH _is lounging
+            in one of the arm chairs_.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Where's his lordship this afternoon?
+
+JENNY.
+
+He's gone out for a walk.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_With a malevolent laugh._] That's what he tells you, my dear.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Looking up quickly._] Have you seen him anywhere?
+
+JAMES.
+
+No, I can't say I 'ave. And if I 'ad I wouldn't boast about it.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Insisting._] What did you mean then?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, whenever I come here he's out for a walk.... I say, old tart,
+could you oblige me with a couple of sovereigns till next Saturday?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Pained to refuse._] Oh no, Jimmie, I can't manage it. Basil made me
+promise I wouldn't let you have any more.
+
+JAMES.
+
+What! He made you promise that?--Ugh, the mean skinflint.
+
+JENNY.
+
+We've lent you so much, Jimmie. And ma's had a lot, too.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, look here, you can manage a sovereign, can't you? You needn't say
+anything about it.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I can't really, Jimmie. I would if I could. But we've got a rare lot of
+debts worrying us, and the rent will be coming along next week.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Sulkily._] You can't lend it me because you won't. I should just like
+to know what Basil spends his money on.
+
+JENNY.
+
+He's had a bad year--it's not his fault. And I was so ill after the baby
+died, we had to pay the doctor nearly fifty pounds.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_With a sneer._] Well, it was a wonderful fine thing you did when you
+married him, Jenny. And you thought you done precious well for yourself,
+too.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Jimmie, don't!
+
+JAMES.
+
+I can't stick 'im at any price, and I don't mind who knows it.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Impetuously._] I won't have you say anything against him.
+
+JAMES.
+
+All right--keep your shirt in. I'm blowed if I know what you've got to
+stick up for him about. He don't care much about you.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Hastily._] How d'you know?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Think I can't see!
+
+JENNY.
+
+It's not true. It's not true.
+
+JAMES.
+
+You can't get round me, Jenny. I suppose you 'aven't been crying to-day?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Flushing._] I had a headache.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I know those sort of headaches.
+
+JENNY.
+
+We had a little tiff this morning. That's why he went out.... Oh, don't
+say he doesn't care for me. I couldn't live.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Go along with you. Basil Kent ain't the only pebble on
+the beach.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Vehemently._] Oh, Jimmie, Jimmie, sometimes I don't know which way to
+turn, I'm that unhappy. If the baby had only lived I might have kept my
+husband--I might have made him love me. [_The sound is heard of a door
+being closed._] There's Basil.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Good luck to 'im.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, Jimmie, take care not to say anything to make him angry.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I'd just like to give 'im a piece of my mind.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, Jimmie, don't. It was my fault that we quarrelled this morning. I
+wanted to make him angry, and I nagged at him. Don't let him see that
+I've said anything to you. I'll see--I'll see if I can't send you a
+pound to-morrow, Jimmie.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Defiantly._] He'd better not start patronising me, because I won't put
+up with it. I'm a gentleman, and I'm every bit as good as he is--if not
+better.
+
+            [BASIL _comes in_, _notices_ JAMES, _but does not
+            speak_.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Afternoon, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Indifferently._] You here again?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Looks like it, don't it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Quietly._] I'm afraid it does.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Becoming more aggressive as the conversation proceeds._] Are you? I
+suppose I can come and see my own sister?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I suppose it's inevitable.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] Only I should be excessively grateful if you'd time your
+coming with my--with my going. And _vice versa_.
+
+JAMES.
+
+That means you want me to get out, I reckon.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You show unusual perspicacity, dear James.
+
+JAMES.
+
+And who are you with your long words, I should like to know?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Blandly._] I? A person of not the least importance.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Angrily._] Well, I wouldn't put on so much side if I was you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I observe that you have not acquired the useful art of being uncivil
+without being impertinent.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Look 'ere, I'm not going to stand this. I'm as good as you are any day.
+
+BASIL.
+
+That is a fact I should never dream of contradicting.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Indignantly._] Then what 'ave you got to turn up your nose about, eh?
+What d'you mean by sneerin' and snarlin' at me when I come here?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Nervously._] Jimmie, don't!
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a smile._] You're very eloquent, James. You should join a
+debating society.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Yes, go on. That's right. You seem to think I'm nobody. I should just
+like to know why you go on as if I was I don't know what.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Abruptly._] Because I choose.
+
+JAMES.
+
+You can bet anything you like I don't come 'ere to see you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling acidly._] Then I have at least something to be thankful for.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I've got a right to come here as much as anybody. I come to see my
+sister.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Really, that's very thoughtful of you. I was under the impression you
+generally came to borrow money.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Throw that in my face now. I can't 'elp it if I'm out of work.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I haven't the least objection to your being out of work. All I
+protest against--and that very mildly--is that I should be expected to
+keep you. How much did you want to-day?
+
+JAMES.
+
+I don't want your dirty money.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Have you already tried to borrow it from Jenny?
+
+JAMES.
+
+No, I 'aven't.
+
+BASIL.
+
+And she refused, I suppose.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Storming._] I tell you I don't want your dirty money.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Well, then, we're both quite satisfied. You seemed to think that because
+I married Jenny I was bound to keep the whole gang of you for the rest
+of your lives. I'm sorry I can't afford it. And you will kindly tell the
+rest of them that I'm sick and tired of forking out.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I wonder you don't forbid me your house while you're about it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Coolly._] You may come here when I'm not at home--if you behave
+yourself.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I'm not good enough for you, I suppose?
+
+BASIL.
+
+No, you're not.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Angrily._] Ah, you're a pretty specimen, you are. You mean skinflint!
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't be abusive, James. It's rude.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I shall say what I choose.
+
+BASIL.
+
+And please don't talk so loud. It annoys me.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Malevolently._] I dare say you'd like to get me out of the way. But I
+mean to keep my eye on you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Sharply._] What d'you mean by that?
+
+JAMES.
+
+You know what I mean. Jenny has something to put up with, I lay.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Containing his anger._] You'll have the goodness to leave the
+relations between Jenny and myself alone--d'you hear?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Ha, that's touched you up, has it? You think I don't know what sort of a
+feller you are. I can just about see through two of you. And I know a
+good deal more about you than you think.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Contemptuously._] Don't be foolish, James.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Sarcastic._] A nice thing Jenny did when she married you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Recovering himself, with a smile._] Has she been telling you my
+numerous faults? [_To_ JENNY.] You must have had plenty to talk about,
+my love.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Who has been going on with her sewing, looking up now and then
+uneasily._] I haven't said a word against you, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Turning his back on_ JAMES.] Oh, my dear Jenny, if it amuses you, by
+all means discuss me with your brother and your sister and your father
+and your mother, and the whole crew of them.... I should be so dull if I
+had no faults.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Anxiously._] Tell him I've not said anything against him, Jimmie.
+
+JAMES.
+
+It's not for want of something to say, I lay.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Over his shoulder._] I'm getting rather tired, brother James. I'd go,
+if I were you.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Very aggressively._] I shan't go till I choose.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Turns round, smiling blandly._] Of course, we're both Christians, dear
+James; and there's a good deal of civilisation kicking about the world
+nowadays. But, notwithstanding, the last word is still with the
+strongest.
+
+JAMES.
+
+What d'you mean by that?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Good-humouredly._] Merely that discretion is the better part of
+valour. They say that proverbs are the wealth of nations.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Indignantly._] That's just the sort of thing you'd do--to 'it a feller
+smaller than yourself.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I wouldn't hit you for worlds, brother James. I should merely throw
+you downstairs.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Making for the door._] I should just like to see you try it on.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't be silly, James. You know you wouldn't like it at all.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I'm not afraid of you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Of course not. But still--you're not very muscular, are you?
+
+JAMES.
+
+You coward!
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] Your repartees are not brilliant, James.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Standing at the door for safety's sake._] I'll pay you out before I've
+done.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Raising his eyebrows._] James, I told you to get out five minutes ago.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I'm going. D'you think I want to stay 'ere? Good-bye, Jenny, I'm not
+going to stand being insulted by any one. [_He goes out slamming the
+door._]
+
+            [BASIL, _smiling quietly, goes to his writing-table
+            and turns over some papers_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+The only compensation in brother James is that he sometimes causes one a
+little mild amusement.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You might at least be polite to him, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I used up all my politeness six months ago.
+
+JENNY.
+
+After all, he is my brother.
+
+BASIL.
+
+That is a fact I deplore with all my heart, I assure you.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I don't know what's wrong with him.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't you? It doesn't matter.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I know he isn't a Society man.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a laugh._] No, he wouldn't shine at duchesses tea-parties.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Well, he's none the worse for that, is he?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Not at all.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Then why d'you treat him as if he was a dog?
+
+BASIL.
+
+My dear Jenny, I don't.... I'm very fond of dogs.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, you're always sneering. Isn't he as good as I am? And you
+condescended to marry me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Coldly._] I really can't see that because I married you I must
+necessarily take your whole family to my bosom.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Why don't you like them? They're honest and respectable.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a little sigh of boredom._] My dear Jenny, we don't choose our
+friends because they're honest and respectable any more than we choose
+them because they change their linen daily.
+
+JENNY.
+
+They can't help it if they're poor.
+
+BASIL.
+
+My dear, I'm willing to acknowledge that they have every grace and every
+virtue, but they rather bore me.
+
+JENNY.
+
+They wouldn't if they were swells.
+
+            [BASIL _gives a short laugh, but does not answer;
+            and_ JENNY _irritated, continues more
+            angrily_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+And after all we're not in such a bad position as all that. My mother's
+father was a gentleman.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I wish your mother's son were.
+
+JENNY.
+
+D'you know what Jimmie says you are?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I don't vastly care. But if it pleases you very much you may tell me.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Flushing angrily._] He says you're a damned snob.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Is that all? I could have invented far worse things than that to say of
+myself.... [_With a change of tone._] You know, Jenny, it's not worth
+while to worry ourselves about such trifles. One can't force oneself to
+like people. I'm very sorry that I can't stand your relations. Why on
+earth don't you resign yourself and make the best of it?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Vindictively._] You don't think they're good enough for you to
+associate with because they're not in swell positions.
+
+BASIL.
+
+My dear Jenny, I don't in the least object to their being grocers and
+haberdashers. I only wish they'd sell us things at cost price.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Jimmie isn't a grocer or a haberdasher. He's an auctioneer's clerk.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Ironically._] I humbly apologise. I thought he was a grocer, because
+last time he did us the honour of visiting us he asked how much a pound
+we paid for our tea and offered to sell us some at the same price....
+But then he also offered to insure our house against fire and to sell me
+a gold mine in Australia.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Well, it's better to make a bit as best one can than to.... [_She
+stops._]
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Smiling._] Go on. Pray don't hesitate for fear of hurting my feelings.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Defiantly._] Well, then, it's better to do that than moon about like
+you do.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shrugging his shoulders._] Really, even to please you, I'm afraid I
+can't go about with little samples of tea in my pocket and sell my
+friends a pound or two when I call on them. Besides, I don't believe
+they'd ever pay me.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Scornfully._] Oh no, you're a gentleman and a barrister and an author,
+and you couldn't do anything to dirty those white hands that you're so
+careful about, could you?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looking at his hands, then up at_ JENNY.] And what is it precisely you
+want me to do?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Well, you've been at the Bar for five years. I should have thought you
+could make something after all that time.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I can't force the wily solicitor to give me briefs.
+
+JENNY.
+
+How do other fellows manage it?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a laugh._] The simplest way, I believe, is to marry the wily
+solicitor's daughter.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Instead of a barmaid?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Gravely._] I didn't say that, Jenny.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Passionately._] Oh no. You didn't say it, but you hinted it. You never
+say anything, but you're always hinting and insinuating--till you drive
+me out of my senses.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_After a moment's pause, gravely._] I'm very sorry if I hurt your
+feelings. I promise you I don't mean to. I always try to be kind to you.
+
+            [_He looks at_ JENNY, _expecting her to say something
+            in forgiveness or in apology. But
+            she, shrugging her shoulders, looks down
+            sullenly at her work, without a word, and
+            begins again to sew. Then_ BASIL, _tightening
+            his lips, picks up writing materials and
+            goes towards the door_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Looking up quickly._] Where are you going?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Stopping._] I have some letters to write.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Can't you write them here?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Certainly--if it pleases you.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Don't you want me to see who you're writing to?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I haven't the least objection to your knowing all about my
+correspondence.... And that's fortunate, since you invariably make
+yourself acquainted with it.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Accuse me of reading your letters now.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a smile._] You always leave my papers in such disorder after
+you've been to my desk.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You've got no right to say that.
+
+            [BASIL _pauses and looks at her steadily_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Are you willing to swear that you don't go to my desk when I'm away to
+read my letters? Come, Jenny, answer that question.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Disturbed but forced by his glance to reply._] Well, I'm you're wife,
+I have a right to know.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Bitterly._] You have such odd ideas about the duties of a wife, Jenny.
+They include reading my letters and following me in the street. But
+tolerance and charity and forbearance don't seem to come in your scheme
+of things.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Sullenly._] Why d'you want to write your letters elsewhere?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shrugging his shoulders._] I thought I should be quieter.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I suppose I disturb you?
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's a little difficult to write when you're talking.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Why shouldn't I talk? D'you think I'm not good enough, eh? I should have
+thought I was more important than your letters.
+
+            [BASIL _does not answer_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Angrily._] Am I your wife or not?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Ironically._] You have your marriage lines carefully locked up to
+prove it.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Then why don't you treat me as your wife? You seem to think I'm only fit
+to see after the house and order the dinner and mend your clothes. And
+after that I can go and sit in the kitchen with the servant.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Moving again towards the door._] D'you think it's worth while making a
+scene? We seem to have said all this before so many times.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Interrupting him._] I want to have it out.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Bored._] We've been having it out twice a week for the last six
+months--and we've never got anywhere yet.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I'm not going to be always put upon, I'm your wife and I'm as good as
+you are.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a thin smile._] Oh, my dear, if you're going in for women's
+rights, you may have my vote by all means. And you can plump for all the
+candidates at once if you choose.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You seem to think it's a joke.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Bitterly._] Oh no, I promise you I don't do that. It's lasted too
+long. And God knows where it'll end.... They say the first year of
+marriage is the worst; ours has been bad enough in all conscience.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Aggressively._] And I suppose you think it's my fault?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't you think we're both more or less to blame?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a laugh._] Oh, I'm glad you acknowledge that you have something
+to do with it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I tried to make you happy.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Well, you haven't succeeded very well. Did you think I was likely to be
+happy--when you leave me alone all day and half the night for your swell
+friends that I'm not good enough for?
+
+BASIL.
+
+That's not true. I hardly ever see any of my old friends.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Except Mrs. Murray, eh?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I've seen Mrs. Murray perhaps a dozen times in the last year.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, you needn't tell me that. I know it. She's a lady, isn't she?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Ignoring the charge._] And my work takes me away from you. I can't
+always be down here. Think how bored you'd be.
+
+JENNY.
+
+A precious lot of good your work does. You can't earn enough money to
+keep us out of debt.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Good-humouredly._] We are in debt. But we share that very respectable
+condition with half the nobility and gentry in the kingdom. We're
+neither of us good managers, and we've lived a bit beyond our means this
+year. But in future we'll be more economical.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Sullenly._] All the neighbours know that we've got bills with the
+tradesmen.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Acidly._] I'm sorry that you shouldn't have made so good a bargain as
+you expected when you married me.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I wonder what you do succeed in? Your book was very successful, wasn't
+it? You thought you were going to set the Thames on fire, and the book
+fell flat, flat, flat.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Recovering his good temper._] That is a fate which has befallen better
+books than mine.
+
+JENNY.
+
+It deserved it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I didn't expect _you_ to appreciate it. It isn't given to all of us
+to write about wicked earls and beautiful duchesses.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Well, I wasn't the only one. The papers praised it, didn't they?
+
+BASIL.
+
+The unanimity of their blame was the only thing that consoled me.
+
+JENNY.
+
+And one of them advised you to study an English grammar. And you're the
+fine gentleman who looks down on poor things like us!
+
+BASIL.
+
+I often wonder if the reviewer who abuses you for a printer's error
+realises what pleasure he causes the wife of your bosom.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I've learnt to know you so well this last six months--since the baby
+died. You've got no cause to set yourself up on a pedestal.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a laugh._] My dear Jenny, I never pretended to be a golden idol.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I know what you are now. And I was such a fool as to think you a hero.
+You're merely a failure. In everything you try you're a miserable
+failure.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a slight sigh._] Perhaps you're right, Jenny.
+
+            [BASIL _walks up and down; and then, stopping,
+            looks at her for a moment meditatively_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I sometimes wonder whether we shouldn't be happier--if we lived apart.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a start._] What d'you mean?
+
+BASIL.
+
+We don't seem able to get on very well. And I see no chance of things
+going any better.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With staring eyes._] D'you mean to say you want to separate?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I think it might be better for both of us--at least for a time. Perhaps
+later on we might try again.
+
+JENNY.
+
+And what'll _you_ do?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I should go abroad for a while.
+
+JENNY.
+
+With Mrs. Murray. Is that it? You want to go away with her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Impatiently._] No. Of course not.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I don't believe it. You're in love with her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You've got no right to say that.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Haven't I? I suppose I must shut my eyes and say nothing. You're in love
+with her. D'you think I've not seen it in these months? That's why you
+want to leave me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's impossible for us to live together. We shall never agree, and we
+shall never be happy. For God's sake let us separate and have done with
+it.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You're sick of me. You've had all you want out of me, and now I can go.
+The fine lady comes along, and you send me away like a housemaid. D'you
+think I can't see that you're in love with her? You'd sacrifice me
+without a thought to save her a moment's unpleasantness. And because you
+love her you hate me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's not true.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Can you deny that you're in love with her?
+
+BASIL.
+
+You're simply mad. Good heavens, I've done nothing that could give you
+the least cause to be jealous.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Passionately._] Will you swear that you're not in love with her? Swear
+it on your honour?
+
+BASIL.
+
+You're mad.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With growing excitement._] Swear it. You can't. You're simply madly in
+love with her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Nonsense.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Swear it. Swear it on your honour. Swear you don't care for her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shrugging his shoulders._] I swear it ... on my honour.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Scornfully._] It's a lie!... And she's just as much in love with you
+as you are with her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Seizing her wrists._] What d'you mean?
+
+JENNY.
+
+D'you think I haven't got eyes in my head? I saw it that day she came
+here. D'you suppose she came to see me? She despises me. I'm not a lady.
+She came here to please _you_. She was polite to me to please _you_. She
+asked me to go and see her to please _you_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Trying to compose himself._] It's absurd. She was an old friend of
+mine. Of course she came.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I know that sort of friend. D'you think I didn't see the way she looked
+at you, and how she followed you with her eyes? She simply hung on every
+word you said. When you smiled, she smiled. When you laughed, she
+laughed. Oh, I should think she was in love with you; I know what love
+is, and I felt it. And when she looked at me I know she hated me because
+I'd robbed her of you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Unable to contain himself._] Oh, what a dog's life it is we lead!
+We've been both utterly wretched. It can't go on--and I only see one way
+out.
+
+JENNY.
+
+That's what you've been brooding over this last week, is it? Separation!
+I knew there was something, and I couldn't find out what it was.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I do my best to hold myself in, but sometimes I feel it's impossible. I
+shall be led to saying things that we shall both regret. For Heaven's
+sake let us part.
+
+JENNY.
+
+No.
+
+BASIL.
+
+We can't go on having these awful quarrels. It's too degrading. It was a
+horrible mistake that we ever married.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Horror-stricken._] Basil!
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, you must see that as well as I. We're utterly unsuited to one
+another. And the baby's death removed the only necessity that held us
+together.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You talk as if we only remained together because it was convenient.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Passionately._] Let me go, Jenny. I can't stand it any more. I feel as
+if I shall go mad.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Full of pain and anguish._] It's nothing at all to you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Jenny, I did my best for you a year ago. I gave you all I had to give.
+It was little enough in all conscience. Now I ask you to give me back my
+freedom.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Distracted._] You only think of yourself. What is to become of me?
+
+BASIL.
+
+You'll be much happier. It's the best thing for both of us. I'll do all
+I can for you, and you can have your mother and sister to live here.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a cry of grief and passion._] But I love you, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You!! Why, you've tortured me for six months beyond all endurance.
+You've made all my days a burden to me. You've made my life a perfect
+hell.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Gives a long groan of horror and dismay._] Oh!
+
+            [_They stand facing one another, when the
+            housemaid_, FANNY, _comes in_.
+
+FANNY.
+
+Mr. Halliwell.
+
+            [JOHN _comes in_. JENNY, _after taking his hand,
+            sinks down on a chair, paying no attention
+            to the following conversation; she stares in
+            front of her, quite distraught_. BASIL _tries
+            with all his might to appear calm and
+            natural_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Hulloa, what are you doing in these parts?
+
+JOHN.
+
+How d'you do, Mrs. Kent? I've been having an early lunch at Richmond,
+and I thought I'd just drop in on my way back. As it was Saturday
+afternoon I thought I might find you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'm sure we're delighted to see you. [JOHN _gives a side-glance at_
+JENNY, _and slightly raises his eyebrows_.] But you've only just come in
+time, because I've got to go up to town. We might travel up together.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Certainly.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Where are you going, Basil?
+
+BASIL.
+
+To Chancery Lane, to see my agent on business.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Suspiciously._] On Saturday afternoon? Why, he won't be there.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I have an appointment with him.
+
+            [JENNY _does not answer, but is obviously unconvinced_.
+            JOHN, _somewhat embarrassed, exerts
+            himself to make conversation_.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I was thinking as I came along that one must lead quite an idyllic
+existence in the suburbs--with the river--and one's little garden.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Ironically._] And the spectacle of the fifty little houses opposite
+all exactly like one another.
+
+JOHN.
+
+And the quiet is perfectly enchanting.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, yes. The only vehicles that disturb the peaceful seclusion are the
+milk-cart and the barrel-organs. It's quite idyllic.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I think it's a very nice neighbourhood. And you get such a superior
+class of people here.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'll just go and change. [_Looking at his watch._ There's a train at
+4.15.
+
+JOHN.
+
+All right, hurry up.
+
+            [BASIL _goes out of the room_. JENNY _at once
+            springs to her feet and goes towards_ JOHN.
+            _She is distracted and hardly knows what
+            she says._
+
+JENNY.
+
+Can I trust you?
+
+JOHN.
+
+What d'you mean?
+
+            [_She stares into his eyes, doubting, trying to see
+            whether he will be willing to help her._
+
+JENNY.
+
+You used to be a good sort. You never looked down on me because I was a
+barmaid. Tell me I can trust you, John. There's no one I can speak to,
+and I feel if I don't speak I shall go off my head.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What is the matter?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Will you tell me the truth if I ask you something?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Of course.
+
+JENNY.
+
+On your oath?
+
+JOHN.
+
+On my oath.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_After a momentary pause._] Is there anything between Basil and Mrs.
+Murray?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Aghast._] No. Certainly not.
+
+JENNY.
+
+How d'you know? Are you sure? You wouldn't tell me, if there was. You're
+all against me because I'm not a lady.... Oh, I'm so unhappy.
+
+            [_She tries to restrain her tears, she is half-hysterical._
+            JOHN _stares at her, surprised,
+            at a loss for words_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+If you only knew what a life we lead! He calls it a dog's life, and he's
+right.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I thought you got on so well.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, before you we've always kept up appearances. He's ashamed to let you
+know he regrets he ever married me. He wants to separate.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What!
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Impatiently._] Oh, don't look so surprised. You're not an utter fool,
+are you? He proposed it to-day before you came in. We'd been having one
+of our rows.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But what on earth is it all about?
+
+JENNY.
+
+God knows!
+
+JOHN.
+
+It's nonsense. It can only be a little passing quarrel. You must expect
+to have those.
+
+JENNY.
+
+No, it isn't. No, it isn't. He doesn't love me. He's in love with your
+sister-in-law.
+
+JOHN.
+
+It's impossible.
+
+JENNY.
+
+He's always there. He was there twice last week and twice the week
+before.
+
+JOHN.
+
+How d'you know?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I've followed him.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You followed him in the street, Jenny?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Defiantly._] Yes. If I'm not ladylike enough for him, I needn't play
+the lady there. You're shocked now, I suppose?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wouldn't presume to judge you, Jenny.
+
+JENNY.
+
+And I've read his letters, too--because I wanted to know what he was
+doing. I steamed one open, and he saw it, and he never said a word.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Good heavens, why did you do it?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Because I can't live unless I know the truth. I thought it was Mrs.
+Murray's handwriting.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Was it from her?
+
+JENNY.
+
+No. It was a receipt from the coal merchant. I could see how he despised
+me when he looked at the envelope--I didn't stick it down again very
+well. And I saw him smile when he found it was only a receipt.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Upon my word, I don't think you've got much cause to be jealous.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, you don't know. Last Tuesday he was dining there, and you should
+have seen the state he was in. He was so restless he couldn't sit still.
+He looked at his watch every minute. His eyes simply glittered with
+excitement, and I could almost hear his heart beating.
+
+JOHN.
+
+It can't be true.
+
+JENNY.
+
+He never loved me. He married me because he thought it was his duty. And
+then when the baby died--he thought I'd entrapped him.
+
+JOHN.
+
+He didn't say so.
+
+JENNY.
+
+No. He never says anything--but I saw it in his eyes. [_Passionately
+clasping her hands._] Oh, you don't know what our life is. For days he
+doesn't say a word except to answer my questions. And the silence simply
+drives me mad. I shouldn't mind if he blackguarded me. I'd rather he hit
+me than simply look and look. I can see he's keeping himself in. He's
+said more to-day than he's ever said before. I knew it was getting
+towards the end.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_With a helpless gesture._] I'm very sorry.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, don't you pity me, too. I've had a great deal too much pity. I
+don't want it. Basil married me from pity. Oh, I wish he hadn't. I can't
+stand the unhappiness.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Gravely._] You know, Jenny, he's a man of honour.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I know he's a man of honour. I wish he had a little less of it. One
+doesn't want a lot of fine sentiments in married life. They don't
+work.... Oh, why couldn't I fall in love with a man of my own class? I
+should have been so much happier. I used to be so proud that Basil
+wasn't a clerk, or something in the City. He's right, we shall never be
+happy.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Trying to calm her._] Oh, yes, you will. You mustn't take things too
+seriously.
+
+JENNY.
+
+It isn't a matter of yesterday, or to-day, or to-morrow. I can't alter
+myself. He knew I wasn't a lady when he married me. My father had to
+bring up five children on two-ten a week. You can't expect a man to send
+his daughters to a boarding-school at Brighton on that, and have them
+finished in Paris.... He doesn't say a word when I do something or say
+something a lady wouldn't--but he purses up his lips, and looks.... Then
+I get so mad that I do things just to aggravate him. Sometimes I try to
+be vulgar. One learns a good deal in a bar in the City, and I know so
+well the things to say that'll make Basil curl up. I want to get a bit
+of revenge out of him sometimes, and I know exactly where he's raw and
+where I can hurt him. [_With a laugh of scorn._] You should see the way
+he looks when I don't eat properly, or when I call a man a Johnny.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Drily._] It opens up endless possibilities of domestic unhappiness.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I know it isn't fair to him, but I lose my head. I can't always be
+refined. Sometimes I can't help breaking out. I feel I must let myself
+go.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why don't you separate, then?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Because I love him. Oh, John, you don't know how I love him. I'd do
+anything to make him happy. I'd give my life if he wanted it. Oh, I
+can't say it, but when I think of him my heart burns so that sometimes I
+can hardly breathe. I can never show him that he's all in the world to
+me; I try to make him love me, and I only make him hate me. What can I
+do to show him? Ah, if he only knew, I'm sure he'd not regret that he
+married me. I feel--I feel as if my heart was full of music, and yet
+something prevents me from ever bringing it out.
+
+JOHN.
+
+D'you think he means it seriously when he talks of separation?
+
+JENNY.
+
+He's been brooding over it. I know him so well, I knew there was
+something he was thinking over. Oh, John, I couldn't live without him.
+I'd rather die. If he leaves me, I swear I'll kill myself.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Walking up and down._] I wish I could help you. I don't see anything I
+can do.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, yes, there is. Speak to your sister-in-law. Ask her to have mercy on
+me. Perhaps she doesn't know what she's doing. Tell her I love him....
+Take care. There's Basil. If he knew what I'd said he'd never speak to
+me again.
+
+            [BASIL _comes in, dressed in a frock-coat; with a
+            tall hat in his hand_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'm ready. We've just got time to catch the train.
+
+JOHN.
+
+All right. Good-bye, Mrs. Kent.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Keeping her eyes fixed on_ BASIL.] Good-bye.
+
+            [_The two men go out._ JENNY _runs to the door
+            and calls out_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Basil, I want you a moment, Basil!
+
+            [BASIL _appears at the door_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Are you really going to Chancery Lane?
+
+            [BASIL _makes a movement of impatience and
+            goes out again without answering_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Alone._] Oh, well, I'm going to see that for myself. [_Calling to the_
+MAID.] Fanny!... Bring my hat and my jacket. Quick!
+
+            [_She runs to the window and looks out at_ BASIL
+            _and_ JOHN _going away_. FANNY _appears
+            with the clothes_. JENNY _hurriedly puts
+            them on_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_As_ FANNY _is helping her_.] What time is it?
+
+FANNY.
+
+[_Looking up at the clock._] Five minutes past four.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I think I can catch it. He said 4.15.
+
+FANNY.
+
+Will you be in to tea, mum?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I don't know. [_She runs to the door and rushes out._]
+
+
+END OF THE SECOND ACT.
+
+
+
+
+THE THIRD ACT
+
+THE SAME AFTERNOON.
+
+
+     [_A luxuriously furnished drawing-room at_ MRS. MURRAY'S _house in
+     Charles Street, Mayfair. Everything in it is beautiful, but
+     suggests in the owner good taste rather than originality._]
+
+     [HILDA _is seated near a tea-table, elaborately gowned, and with
+     her is_ MABEL. MR. ROBERT BRACKLEY _is sitting down, a stout,
+     round-faced man, clean-shaven and very bald; about forty; he is
+     attired in the height of fashion, in a frock-coat, patent-leather
+     boots and an eye-glass. He talks very quickly, in a careless
+     frivolous fashion, and is always much amused at what he says._]
+
+
+MABEL.
+
+What is the time, Mr. Brackley?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+I shan't tell you again.
+
+MABEL.
+
+How brutal of you!
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+There's something unhealthy in your passion for information. I've
+already told you five times.
+
+HILDA.
+
+It's very unflattering to us who've been doing our little best to amuse
+you.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I can't imagine what's happened to John. He promised to fetch me here.
+
+HILDA.
+
+He's sure to come if you'll only wait patiently.
+
+MABEL.
+
+But I hate waiting patiently.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You shouldn't have let him out of your sight.
+
+MABEL.
+
+He went to Putney after luncheon to see your friend Mr. Kent. Have you
+seen him lately?
+
+HILDA.
+
+John? I saw him at the Martins yesterday.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Slyly._] I meant Mr. Kent.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Indifferently._] Yes. He called the other day. [_To change the
+conversation._] You're unusually silent, Mr. Brackley.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+[_Smiling._] I have nothing whatever to say.
+
+MABEL.
+
+That's usually when clever people talk most.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Are you doing anything now?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Oh yes, I'm writing a play in blank verse.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You brave man. What is it about?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Cleopatra.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Dear me! Shakespeare wrote a play about Cleopatra, didn't he?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+I daresay. I haven't read it. Shakespeare bores me. He lived so long
+ago.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Of course there are people who read him.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Are there? What do they look like?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Smiling._] They bear no distinctive mark of their eccentricity.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+The English are so original.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I think I shall go and ring up the flat. I wonder if John has gone
+straight home.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Do. I'm growing very uneasy about him.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Laughing._] You absurd creature.
+
+            [_She goes out._
+
+HILDA.
+
+You talk more nonsense than anyone I ever met.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+That's my stock in trade. You don't imagine people would read my poems
+if they knew that I was sober, industrious, and economical. As a matter
+of fact I lead the virtuous life of a clergyman's daughter, but not a
+reviewer would notice me if he knew it.
+
+HILDA.
+
+And the little things that the indiscreet read of in the papers....
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Are merely another proof of my passion for duty. The British public
+wants its poets to lead romantic lives.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Are you ever serious?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+May I come to lunch with you on Thursday?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_A little surprised._] Certainly. But why on Thursday?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Because on that day I intend to ask you to marry me.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a smile._] I'm sorry, I've just remembered that I'm lunching out.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+You break my heart.
+
+HILDA.
+
+On the contrary, I provide you with the materials for a sonnet.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Won't you marry me?
+
+HILDA.
+
+No.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Why not?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Amused._] I'm not in the least in love with you.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+People who propose to marry should ask themselves if they can look
+forward with equanimity to breakfasting opposite one another for an
+indefinite number of years.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You're very unromantic.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+My dear lady, if you want romance I'll send you my complete works bound
+in vellum. I've ground out ten volumes of romance to Phyllis and Chloe
+and heaven knows who. The Lord save me from a romantic wife.
+
+HILDA.
+
+But I'm afraid I'm hopelessly romantic.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Well, six months of marriage with a poet will cure you.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I'd rather not be cured.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Won't you be in to luncheon on Thursday?
+
+HILDA.
+
+No.
+
+            [_The_ BUTLER _comes in_.
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Mr. Halliwell, Mr. Kent.
+
+            [BASIL _and_ JOHN _appear_, _and at the same
+            moment_ MABEL _comes in from the room in
+            which she has been telephoning_.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_To_ JOHN.] Wretched creature! I've been trying to ring you up.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Have I kept you waiting? I went down to Chancery Lane with Basil.
+
+            [JOHN _turns to shake hands with_ HILDA _and_
+            BRACKLEY, _while_ BASIL, _who has said how
+            d'you do to_ HILDA, _comes down to speak to_
+            MABEL. _The conversation between_ MABEL
+            _and_ BASIL _is in an undertone_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+How d'you do. You must scold me for keeping John so long.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I didn't really want him, you know.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Pointing with his head to_ BRACKLEY.] I say, who is that?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Robert Brackley. Don't you know him?
+
+BASIL.
+
+The poet?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Of course. They say he'd have been given the Laureateship if it hadn't
+been abolished at Tennyson's death.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Tightening his lips._] He's rather a low blackguard, isn't he?
+
+MABEL.
+
+Heavens, what's the matter with him, poor man? He's Hilda's latest
+celebrity. He pretends to adore her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't you remember the Grange case that he was mixed up in?
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_In tones of surprise._] But, my dear Mr. Kent, that was two years ago.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Mr. Kent, I want to introduce you to Mr. Brackley.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Going up._] How d'you do.
+
+            [JOHN _comes down to his wife_.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Wretched creature!
+
+JOHN.
+
+I say, Mabel, is Basil often here?
+
+MABEL.
+
+I don't know. I met him here last week.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why the Dickens does he come? He's got no business to.
+
+MABEL.
+
+You brought him yourself to-day.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I didn't. He insisted on coming--when I said I had to fetch you.
+
+MABEL.
+
+Perhaps he came to see me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Fiddledidee! I think you ought to speak to Hilda about it.
+
+MABEL.
+
+My dear John, are you mad? She'd jump down my throat.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Why does she let him hang about her? She must know she's turning his
+silly head.
+
+MABEL.
+
+I daresay she wants to prove to him that he showed very bad taste a year
+ago. It is rather annoying when you're attached to a young man that he
+should go and marry somebody else.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well, I don't think she's playing the game, and I shall tell her so.
+
+MABEL.
+
+She'll snub you awfully.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't care.... Look here, you make a diversion so that I can get hold
+of her.
+
+MABEL.
+
+How?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Dryly._] I don't know. Exercise your invention.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Going towards the others._] Hilda, John is clamouring for some tea.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Coming down._] Why on earth can't he help himself?
+
+JOHN.
+
+My native modesty prevents.
+
+HILDA.
+
+That's quite a new trait in you.
+
+            [HILDA _sits down and pours out tea for_ JOHN.
+            _He looks at her silently._
+
+HILDA.
+
+You've been lunching at Richmond?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Yes.... Then I went on to Putney.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You've been making quite a day of it.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Taking the cup._] I say, old gal--you're not going to make a fool of
+yourself, are you?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Opening her eyes._] Oh, I hope not. Why?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I thought it might have slipped your memory that Basil was married about
+a year ago.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Freezing._] What on earth d'you mean? [_Calling_] Mabel.
+
+JOHN.
+
+One moment.... You can give me a little conversation, can't you?
+
+HILDA.
+
+I'm afraid you're going to bore me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Good-humouredly._] I assure you I'm not.... Isn't Basil here rather
+often?
+
+HILDA.
+
+I wonder you haven't learnt to mind your own business, John.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Don't you think it's rather rough on that poor little woman in Putney?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a suspicion of contempt._] I went down to see her. I thought she
+was vulgar and pretentious. I'm afraid I can't arouse any interest in
+her.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Gently._] She may be vulgar, but she told me her love was like music
+in her heart. Don't you think she must have suffered awfully to get hold
+of a thought like that?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_After a pause, changing suddenly both voice and manner._] And d'you
+think I've not suffered, John? I'm so unhappy.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Do you really care for him?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_In a low voice hoarse with passion._] No, I don't care for him. I
+worship the very ground he treads on.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Very gravely._] Then you must do as you think best.... You're playing
+the most dangerous game in the world. You're playing with human
+hearts.... Good-bye.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Taking his hand._] Good-bye, John. You're not angry with me because I
+was horrid.... I'm glad you told me about his wife. Now I shall know
+what to do.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Mabel.
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Coming forward._] Yes, we really must be going. I've not seen my
+precious baby for two hours.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Taking both her hands._] Good-bye, you happy child. You've got a
+precious baby, and you've got a husband you love. What can you want
+more?
+
+MABEL.
+
+[_Flippantly._] I want a motor-car.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Kissing her._] Good-bye, darling.
+
+            [MABEL _and_ JOHN _go out_.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+I like this room, Mrs. Murray. It never seems to say to you: now it's
+really time for you to go away, as some drawing-rooms do.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Recovering her serenity._] I suppose it's the furniture. I'm thinking
+of changing it.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+[_With a smile._] Upon my word, that almost suggests that I've outstayed
+my welcome.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Gaily._] I shouldn't have said that if I didn't know that nothing
+would induce you to go till you wanted to.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+[_Rising._] You know me like your glove. But it really is growing
+monstrous late.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You mustn't go till you've told me who the fair charmer was I saw you
+with at the play last night.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Ah, the green-eyed monster!
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Laughing._] Don't be so absurd, but I thought you'd like to know her
+yellow hair was dyed.
+
+            [BASIL _looks over the pages of a book_, _somewhat
+            annoyed that_ HILDA _takes no notice of him_.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Of course it was dyed. That was just the charm of it. Any woman can have
+yellow hair naturally: there's no more credit in that than in having it
+blue or green.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I've always wanted to make mine purple.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Don't you think women ought to be artificial? It's just as much their
+duty to rouge their cheeks and powder their noses as it is for them to
+wear nice frocks.
+
+HILDA.
+
+But I know many women who wear horrid frocks.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+Oh, those are the others. I treat them as non-existent.
+
+_Hilda._
+
+What do you mean?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+There are only two sorts of women in the world--the women who powder
+their noses and the others.
+
+HILDA.
+
+And who are they if you please?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+I haven't examined the matter very carefully, but I understand they are
+clergymen's daughters by profession.
+
+            [_He shakes hands with her._
+
+HILDA.
+
+It's so nice of you to have come.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+[_Nodding at_ BASIL.] Good-bye.... May I come again soon?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Looking at him quickly._] Were you serious just now, or were you
+laughing at me?
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+I've never been more serious in my life.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Then perhaps I shall be in to luncheon on Thursday after all.
+
+BRACKLEY.
+
+A thousand thanks. Good-bye.
+
+            [_He nods to_ BASIL _and goes out_. HILDA _looks
+            at_ BASIL _with a smile_.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Is that a very interesting book?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Putting it down._] I thought that man was never going away.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Laughing._] I suspect he thought precisely the same of you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Ill-temperedly._] What an ass he is! How _can_ you stand him?
+
+HILDA.
+
+I'm rather attached to him. I don't take everything he says very
+seriously. And young men ought to be foolish.
+
+BASIL.
+
+He didn't strike me as so juvenile as all that.
+
+HILDA.
+
+He's only forty, poor thing--and I've never known a coming young man who
+was less than that.
+
+BASIL.
+
+He's a young man with a very bald head.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Amused._] I wonder why you dislike him!
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a jealous glance, icily._] I thought he wasn't admitted into
+decent houses.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Opening her eyes._] He comes here, Mr. Kent.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Unable to restrain his ill-temper._] Don't you know that he's been
+mixed up in every scandal for the last twenty years?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Good-humouredly_, _seeing that_ BASIL _is merely jealous_.] There must
+be people in the world to provide gossip for their neighbours.
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's no business of mine. I have no right to talk to you like this.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I wonder why you do it?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Almost savagely._] Because I love you.
+
+            [_There is a little pause._
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_With a smile, ironically._] Won't you have some more tea, Mr. Kent?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Going up to her, speaking with a sort of vehement gravity._] You don't
+know what I've suffered. You don't know what a hell my life is.... I
+tried so hard to prevent myself from coming here. When I married I swore
+I'd break with all my old friends.... When I married I found I loved
+_you_.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I can't listen to you if you talk like that.
+
+BASIL.
+
+D'you want me to go?
+
+            [_She does not answer for a moment, but walks
+            up and down in agitation. At last she
+            stops and faces him._
+
+HILDA.
+
+Did you hear me tell Mr. Brackley to come on Thursday?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes.
+
+HILDA.
+
+He's asked me to be his wife. And on Thursday I shall give him an
+answer.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Hilda!
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Earnestly._] It's you who've driven me into it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Hilda, what are you going to say to him?
+
+HILDA.
+
+I don't know--perhaps, yes?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, Hilda, Hilda, you don't care for him?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Shrugging her shoulders._] He amuses me. I dare say we should get on
+very well together.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Passionately._] Oh, you can't. You don't know what you're doing. I
+thought--I thought you loved me.
+
+HILDA.
+
+It's because I love you that I shall marry Mr. Brackley.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, it's absurd. I won't let you. You're making us both utterly
+wretched. I won't let you sacrifice our happiness. Oh, Hilda, I love
+you. I can't live without you. At first I tried to resist seeing you. I
+used to pass your door and look up at your windows; and the door seemed
+as if it were waiting for me. And at the end of the street I used to
+look back. Oh, how I used to want to come in and see you once more! I
+thought if I saw you just once, I should get over it. And at last I
+couldn't help myself. I'm so weak. Do you despise me?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Almost in a whisper._] I don't know.
+
+BASIL.
+
+And you were so kind I couldn't help coming again. I thought I did no
+harm.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I saw you were unhappy.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I should think I was unhappy. For months I've dreaded going home. When I
+saw my house as I walked along I almost turned sick. You don't know how
+fervently I've wished that I'd got killed in the war. I can't go on.
+
+HILDA.
+
+But you must. It's your duty.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I think I've had enough of duty and honour. I've used up all my
+principles in the last year.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Don't say that, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+After all, it's my own fault. I brought it on myself, and I must take
+the consequences.... But I haven't the strength, I don't love her.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Then don't let her ever find it out. Be kind to her, and gentle and
+forbearing.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I can't be kind and gentle and forbearing day after day, for weeks, and
+months, and years.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I thought you were a brave man. They wouldn't have given you that medal
+if you'd been a coward.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, my dearest, it's not hard to risk your life in the midst of battle.
+I can do that--but this needs more strength than I've got. I tell you I
+can't endure it.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Tenderly._] But it'll get better. You'll get used to one another, and
+you'll understand one another better.
+
+BASIL.
+
+We're too different. It's impossible for it to get better. We can't even
+go on as we have been. I've felt that the end was coming.
+
+HILDA.
+
+But try--try for my sake.
+
+BASIL.
+
+You don't know what it is. Everything she says, everything she does,
+jars upon me so frightfully. I try to restrain myself. I clench my teeth
+to prevent myself from breaking out at her. Sometimes I can't help it,
+and I say things that I'd give anything to have left unsaid. She's
+dragging me down. I'm getting as common and vulgar as she is.
+
+HILDA.
+
+How can you say that of your wife?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't you think I must have gone through a good deal before I could
+acknowledge to myself what she was? I'm chained to her for all my life.
+And when I look into the future--I see her a vulgar, slatternly shrew
+like her mother, and myself abject, degraded, and despicable. The woman
+never tires in her conflict with the man, and in the end _he_ always
+succumbs. A man, when he marries a woman like that, thinks he's going to
+lift her up to his own station. The fool! It's she who drags him down to
+hers.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Much disturbed, rising from her seat._] I wanted you to be so happy.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Going towards her._] Hilda!
+
+HILDA.
+
+No--don't.... Please!
+
+BASIL.
+
+If it weren't for you I couldn't have lived. It was only by seeing you
+that I gathered courage to go on with it. And each time I came here I
+loved you more passionately.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Oh, why did you come?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I couldn't help it. I knew it was poison, but I loved the poison. I
+would give my whole soul for one look of your eyes.
+
+HILDA.
+
+If you care for me at all, do your duty like a brave man--and let me
+respect you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Say that you love me, Hilda.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Distracted._] You're making our friendship impossible. Don't you see
+that you're preventing me from ever having you here again?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I can't help it.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I ought never to have seen you again. I thought there was no harm in
+your coming, and I--I couldn't bear to lose you altogether.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Even if I never see you again, I must tell you now that I love you. I
+made you suffer, I was blind. But I love you with all my heart, Hilda.
+All day I think of you, and I dream of you in the night. I long to take
+you in my arms and kiss you, to kiss your lips, and your beautiful hair,
+and your hands. My whole soul is yours, Hilda.
+
+            [_He goes towards her again to take her in his
+            arms._
+
+HILDA.
+
+Oh, no, go away. For God's sake, go now. I can't bear it.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Hilda, I can't live without you.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Have mercy on me. Don't you see how weak I am? Oh, God help me!
+
+BASIL.
+
+You don't love me?
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Vehemently._] You know I love you. But because of my great love I
+beseech you to do your duty.
+
+BASIL.
+
+My duty is to be happy. Let us go where we can love one another--away
+from England, to a land where love isn't sinful and ugly.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Oh, Basil, let us try to walk straight. Think of your wife, who loves
+you also--as much as I do. You're all the world to her. You can't treat
+her so shamefully.
+
+            [_She puts her handkerchief to her eyes, and_ BASIL
+            _gently takes away her hand_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Don't cry, Hilda. I can't bear it.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_In broken tones._] Don't you understand that we could never respect
+ourselves again if we did that poor creature such a fearful wrong? She
+would be always between us with her tears and her sorrows. I tell you I
+couldn't bear it. Have mercy on me--if you love me at all.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Wavering._] Hilda, it's too hard. I can't leave you.
+
+HILDA.
+
+You must. I _know_ it's better to do our duty. For my sake, dearest, go
+back to your wife, and don't let her ever know that you love me. It's
+because we're stronger than she that we must sacrifice ourselves.
+
+            [_He leans his head on his hands, and sighs
+            deeply. For a while they remain in silence.
+            At last, with another sigh, he gets up._
+
+BASIL.
+
+I don't know any longer what's right and what's wrong. It all seems
+confused. It's very hard.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Hoarsely._] It's just as hard for me, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Broken-hearted._] Good-bye, then. I dare say you're right. And perhaps
+I should only make you very unhappy.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Good-bye, my dearest.
+
+            [_He bends down and kisses her hands. She
+            stifles a sob. He goes slowly to the door,
+            with his back turned to her; and then_
+            HILDA, _unable to endure it, gives a groan_.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Basil. Don't go.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a cry of joy._] Ah! Hilda.
+
+            [_He clasps her passionately in his arms._
+
+HILDA.
+
+Oh, I can't bear it. I won't lose you. Basil, say you love me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_In a madness of joy._] Yes. I love you with all my heart.
+
+HILDA.
+
+I could have borne it if you'd been happy.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Now _nothing_ can separate us, Hilda. You belong to me for ever.
+
+HILDA.
+
+God help me! What have I done?
+
+BASIL.
+
+If we lose our souls, what does it matter? We gain the whole world.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Oh, Basil, I want your love. I want your love so badly.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Will you come with me, Hilda? I can take you to a land where the whole
+earth speaks only of love--and where only love and youth and beauty
+matter.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Let us go where we can be together always. We have so short a time; let
+us snatch all the happiness we can.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Kissing her again._] My darling.
+
+HILDA.
+
+Oh, Basil, Basil.... [_She starts away._] Take care!
+
+            [_The_ BUTLER _comes in_.]
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Mrs. Kent.
+
+            [JENNY _enters hurriedly, as he gives her name.
+            The_ BUTLER _at once goes out_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Jenny!
+
+JENNY.
+
+I've caught you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Trying to be urbane_--_to_ HILDA] I think you know my wife.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_In a loud angry voice._] Oh, yes, I know her. You needn't introduce
+me. I've come for my husband.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Jenny, what are you saying?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I don't want any of your Society shams. I've come here to speak out.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_To_ HILDA.] Would you mind leaving us alone?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Also to_ HILDA, _passionately_.] No, I want to speak to you. You're
+trying to get my husband from me. He's _my_ husband.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Be quiet, Jenny. Are you mad? Mrs. Murray, for God's sake leave us.
+She'll insult you.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You think of her, you don't think of me. You don't care how much I
+suffer.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Taking her arm._] Come away, Jenny.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Shaking him off._] I won't. You're afraid to let me see her.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Pale and trembling, conscience-stricken._] Let her speak.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Going up to_ HILDA _threateningly_.] You're stealing my husband from
+me. Oh, you.... [_She is at a loss for words violent enough._
+
+HILDA.
+
+I don't want to make you unhappy, Mrs. Kent.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You can't get round me with polite words. I'm sick of all that. I want
+to speak straight.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_To_ HILDA.] Please go. You can do no good.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Still more vehemently._] You're stealing my husband from me. You're a
+wicked woman.
+
+HILDA.
+
+[_Almost in a whisper._] If you like I'll promise you never to see your
+husband again.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With angry scorn._] Much good your promises will do me. I wouldn't
+believe a word you said. I know what Society ladies are. We know all
+about them in the City.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_To_ HILDA.] You _must_ leave us alone.
+
+            [_He opens the door, and she goes out, looking
+            away from him._
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Savagely._] She's frightened of me. She daren't stand up to me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_As_ HILDA _goes_.] I'm so sorry.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You're sorry for her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Turning on her._] Yes, I am. What d'you mean by coming here and
+behaving like this?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I've caught you at last.... You liar! You dirty liar! You told me you
+were going to Chancery Lane.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I have been to Chancery Lane.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, I know you have--for five minutes. It was only an excuse. You might
+just as well have come here straight.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Angrily._] How dare you follow me?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I've got a right to follow you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Unable to contain himself._] What d'you want here?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I want you. D'you think I didn't guess what was going on? I saw you come
+in with Halliwell. Then I saw him go out with his wife. Then another man
+went out, and I knew you were alone with her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Sharply._] How did you know?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I gave the butler a sovereign, and he told me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looking for a word to express his contempt._] Oh, you ... you cad!
+It's only what I should have expected you to do.
+
+JENNY.
+
+And then I waited for you, and you didn't come. And at last I couldn't
+wait any longer.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Well, you've finished it now.
+
+[JENNY _catches sight of a photograph of_ BASIL, _standing on a table_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Pointing to it._] What's she got your photograph here for?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I gave it to Mrs. Murray before I was married.
+
+JENNY.
+
+She's got no right to keep it there.
+
+            [_She takes the photograph and flings it violently
+            on the floor._
+
+BASIL.
+
+Jenny, what are you doing?
+
+            [JENNY _digs her heel into it savagely, viciously_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Hissing the words._] Oh, I hate her. I hate her.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Striving to contain himself._] You drive me perfectly mad. You'll make
+me say things that I shall regret all my life. For Heaven's sake, go.
+
+JENNY.
+
+I shan't go till you come with me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Beside himself._] I choose to remain.
+
+JENNY.
+
+What d'you mean?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Look here, until to-day I swear to you before God that I've never done
+anything or said anything that you couldn't have known. Do you believe
+me?
+
+JENNY.
+
+I don't believe that you're not in love with that woman.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I don't ask you to.
+
+JENNY.
+
+What!
+
+BASIL.
+
+I said, until to-day I've been absolutely faithful to you. Heaven knows,
+I've tried to do my duty. I've done all I could to make you happy. And
+I've struggled with all my might to love you.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Say it out if you've got anything to say, I'm not afraid to hear.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I don't wish to deceive you. It's best that you should know what has
+happened.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Scornfully._] Now for another thumping lie.
+
+BASIL.
+
+This afternoon I told Hilda I loved her.... And she loves me too.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a cry of rage._] Oh!
+
+            [_She hits at his face with her umbrella, but he
+            wards the blow, and, snatching the umbrella
+            from her, throws it away._
+
+BASIL.
+
+You've brought it on yourself. You made me too unhappy.
+
+            [JENNY, _panting and bewildered, stands helpless,
+            trying to control herself_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+And now it's the end. The life we led was impossible. I tried to do
+something that was beyond my power. I'm going away. I can't and I won't
+live with you any longer.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Frightened at herself and at what he says._] Basil, you don't mean
+that?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I've struggled against it for months. And now I'm beaten.
+
+JENNY.
+
+You've got me to count with. I won't let you go.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Bitterly._] What more d'you want? Isn't it enough that you've ruined
+my whole life?
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Hoarsely._] You don't love me?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I never loved you.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Why did you marry me?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Because you made me.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_In a whisper._] You never loved me--even at the beginning?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Never.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Basil!
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's too late now to keep it in. I must tell you and have done with it.
+_You've_ been having it out for months--now it's my turn.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Going up to him and trying to put her arm round his neck._] But I love
+you, Basil. I'll make you love me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shrinking from her._] Don't touch me!
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a movement of despair._] I really think you loathe me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+For Heaven's sake, Jenny, let us finish with it. I'm very sorry. I don't
+wish to be unkind to you. But you must have seen that--that I didn't
+care for you. What's the good of going on humbugging, and pretending,
+and making ourselves utterly wretched?
+
+JENNY.
+
+Yes, I've seen it. But I wouldn't believe it. When I've put my hand on
+your shoulder, I've seen that you could hardly help shuddering. And
+sometimes when I've kissed you, I've seen you put out all your strength
+to prevent yourself from pushing me away.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Jenny, I can't help it if I don't love you. I can't help it if I--if I
+love some one else.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Dazed and cowed._] What are you going to do?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I'm going away.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Where?
+
+BASIL.
+
+God knows.
+
+            [_There is a knock at the door._
+
+BASIL.
+
+Come in.
+
+            [_The_ BUTLER _enters with a note, which he gives
+            to_ BASIL.
+
+BUTLER.
+
+Mrs. Murray told me to give you this note, Sir.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Taking it._] Thank you.
+
+            [_He opens and reads it as the_ SERVANT _goes out
+            of the room, then looks up at_ JENNY, _who
+            is anxiously watching him_.
+
+[_Reading._] "You may tell your wife that I've made up my mind to marry
+Mr. Brackley. I will never see you again."
+
+JENNY.
+
+What does she mean?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Bitterly._] Isn't it clear? Some one has asked her to marry him, and
+she means to accept.
+
+JENNY.
+
+But you said she loved you.
+
+            [_He shrugs his shoulders without answering._
+            JENNY _goes up to him imploringly_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, Basil, if it's true, give me another chance. She doesn't love you as
+I love you. I've been selfish and quarrelsome and exacting, but I've
+always loved you. Oh, don't leave me, Basil. Let me try once more if I
+can't make you care for me.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looking down, hoarsely._] I'm very sorry. It's too late.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_Despairingly._] Oh, God, what shall I do? And even though she's going
+to marry somebody else, you care for her better than any one else in the
+world?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_In a whisper._] Yes.
+
+JENNY.
+
+And even if she does marry that other man she'll love you still. There's
+no room for me between you. I can go away like a discharged servant....
+Oh, God! oh, God! what have I done to deserve it?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Touched by her utter misery._] I'm very sorry to make you so unhappy.
+
+JENNY.
+
+Oh, don't pity me. D'you think I want your pity now?
+
+BASIL.
+
+You had better come away, Jenny.
+
+JENNY.
+
+No. You've told me you don't want me any more. I shall go my own way.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looks at her for a moment, hesitating; then shrugs his shoulders._]
+Then good-bye.
+
+            [_He goes out, and_ JENNY, _looking after him,
+            passes her hand wearily over her forehead_.
+
+JENNY.
+
+[_With a sigh._] He's so glad to go.... [_She gives a little sob._]
+They've got no room for me.
+
+            [_She takes up from the floor the photograph on
+            which she stamped, and looks at it; then
+            sinks down, burying her face in her hands,
+            and bursts into a passion of tears._
+
+
+END OF THE THIRD ACT.
+
+
+
+
+THE FOURTH ACT.
+
+THE NEXT MORNING.
+
+
+     [_The scene is the same as in the Second Act, the drawing-room at
+     Basil's house in Putney._ BASIL _is sitting at the table, with his
+     head in his hands. He looks tired and worn; his face is very white,
+     and there are great black lines under his eyes. His hair is
+     dishevelled. On the table lies a revolver._
+
+
+            [_A knock at the door._
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Without looking up._] Come in.
+
+            [FANNY _enters_.]
+
+FANNY.
+
+[_Subdued and pale._] I came to see if you wanted anything, sir.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looking up at her slowly, his voice is dull and hoarse._] No.
+
+FANNY.
+
+Shall I open the windows, Sir? It's a beautiful morning.
+
+BASIL.
+
+No, I'm cold. Make up the fire.
+
+FANNY.
+
+Wouldn't you like a cup of tea? You ought to 'ave something after not
+going to bed all night.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I don't want anything.... Don't worry, there's a good woman.
+
+            [FANNY _puts coals on the fire, while BASIL
+            listlessly watches her_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+How long is it since you sent the telegrams?
+
+FANNY.
+
+I took them the moment the office was opened.
+
+BASIL.
+
+What's the time?
+
+FANNY.
+
+Well, sir, it must be 'alf-past nine by now.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Good Heavens, how slowly the hours go. I thought the night would never
+end.... Oh, God, what shall I do?
+
+FANNY.
+
+I'll make you a strong cup of tea. If you don't 'ave something to pull
+you together--I don't know what'll 'appen to you.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Yes, make it quickly, I'm thirsty.... And I'm so cold.
+
+            [_A ring at the front door is heard._
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Jumping up._] There's some one at the door, Fanny. Hurry up.
+
+            [_She goes out, and he follows her to the door of
+            the room._
+
+BASIL.
+
+Fanny, don't let any one up beside Mr. Halliwell. Say I can see no one.
+[_He waits for a moment, anxiously._] Is that you, John?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Outside._] Yes.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_To himself._] Thank God!
+
+            [JOHN _comes in_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I thought you were never coming. I begged you to come at once.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I started immediately I got your wire.
+
+BASIL.
+
+It seems hours since the girl went to the post-office.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What's the matter?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Hoarsely._] Don't you know? I thought I had said it in my telegram.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You simply wired that you were in great trouble.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I suppose I thought you'd see it in the papers.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What on earth d'you mean? I've not seen a paper. Where's your wife?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_After a pause, almost in a whisper._] She's dead.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Thunderstruck._] Good God!
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Impatiently._] Don't look at me like that. Isn't it plain enough?
+Don't you understand?
+
+JOHN.
+
+But she was all right yesterday.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Dully._] Yes. She was all right yesterday.
+
+JOHN.
+
+For goodness sake tell me what you mean, Basil.
+
+BASIL.
+
+She's dead.... And she was all right yesterday.
+
+            [JOHN _does not understand. He is greatly
+            distressed, and does not know what to say._
+
+BASIL.
+
+I killed her--as surely as if I'd strangled her with my own hands.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What d'you mean? She's not really dead!
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_In agony._] She threw herself into the river last night.
+
+JOHN.
+
+How awful!
+
+BASIL.
+
+Haven't you got something more to say than how awful? I feel as if I
+were going mad.
+
+JOHN.
+
+But I can't understand! Why did she do it?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh--yesterday we had an awful row ... before you came.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I know.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Then she followed me to ... to your sister-in-law's. And she came up and
+made another scene. Then I lost my head. I was so furious, I don't know
+what I said. I was mad. I told her I'd have nothing more to do with
+her.... Oh, I can't bear it, I can't bear it.
+
+            [_He breaks down and hides his face in his hands,
+            sobbing._
+
+JOHN.
+
+Come, Basil--pull yourself together a bit.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Looking up despairingly._] I can hear her voice now. I can see the
+look of her eyes. She asked me to give her another chance, and I
+refused. It was so pitiful to hear the way she appealed to me, only I
+was mad, and I couldn't feel it.
+
+            [FANNY _comes in with the cup of tea, which_
+            BASIL _silently takes and drinks_.
+
+FANNY.
+
+[_To_ JOHN.] He ain't slept a wink all night, sir.... No more 'ave I,
+for the matter of that.
+
+            [JOHN _nods, but does not answer; and_ FANNY,
+            _wiping her eyes with her apron, leaves the
+            room_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I'd give everything not to have said what I did. I'd always held
+myself in before, but yesterday--I couldn't.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I didn't get back here till nearly ten, and the maid told me Jenny had
+just gone out. I thought she'd gone back to her mother's.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Yes?
+
+BASIL.
+
+And soon after a constable came up and asked me to go down to the river.
+He said there'd been an accident.... She was dead. A man had seen her
+walk along the tow-path and throw herself in.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Where is she now?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Pointing to one of the doors._] In there.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Will you take me in?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Go in alone, John. I daren't, I'm afraid to look at her. I can't bear
+the look on her face.... I killed her--as surely as if I'd strangled her
+with my own hands. I've been looking at the door all night, and once I
+thought I heard a sound. I thought she was coming to reproach me for
+killing her.
+
+            [JOHN _goes to the door, and as he opens it_, BASIL
+            _averts his head. When_ JOHN _shuts the
+            door after him, he looks at it with staring,
+            frightened eyes, half mad with agony. He
+            tries to contain himself. After a while_
+            JOHN _comes back, very quietly_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Whispering._] What does she look like?
+
+JOHN.
+
+There's nothing to be afraid of, Basil. She might be sleeping.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Clenching his hands._] But the ghastly pallor....
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Gravely._] She's happier than she would ever have been if she'd lived.
+
+            [BASIL _sighs deeply_.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Seeing the revolver._] What's this for?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With a groan of self-contempt._] I tried to kill myself in the night.
+
+JOHN.
+
+H'm!
+
+            [_He takes the cartridges out and puts the revolver
+            in his pocket._
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Bitterly._] Oh, don't be afraid, I haven't got the pluck.... I was
+afraid to go on living. I thought if I killed myself it would be a
+reparation for her death. I went down to the river, and I walked along
+the tow-path to the same spot--but I couldn't do it. The water looked so
+black and cold and pitiless. And yet she did it so easily. She just
+walked along and threw herself in. [_A pause._] Then I came back, and I
+thought I'd shoot myself.
+
+JOHN.
+
+D'you think that would have done any one much good?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I despised myself. I felt I hadn't the right to live, and I thought it
+would be easier just to pull a trigger.... People say it's cowardly to
+destroy oneself, they don't know what courage it wants. I couldn't face
+the pain--and then, I don't know what's on the other side. After all, it
+may be true that there's a cruel, avenging God, who will punish us to
+all eternity if we break His unknown laws.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I'm very glad you sent for me. You had better come back to London, and
+stay with me for the present.
+
+BASIL.
+
+And d'you know what happened in the night? I couldn't go to bed. I felt
+I could never sleep again--and then, presently, I dozed off quite
+quietly in my chair. And I slept as comfortably--as if Jenny weren't
+lying in there, cold and dead. And the maid pities me because she thinks
+I passed as sleepless a night as she did.
+
+            [_A sound of voices is heard outside, in altercation._
+            FANNY _comes in_.
+
+FANNY.
+
+Please, sir, Mr. James.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Angrily._] I won't see him.
+
+FANNY.
+
+He won't go away, I told 'im you was too ill to see anybody.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I won't see him. I knew he'd be round, curse him!
+
+JOHN.
+
+After all, I suppose he has a certain right to come here--under the
+circumstances. Hadn't you better see what he wants?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, he'll make a scene. I shall knock him down. I've suffered too much
+through him already.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Let _me_ see him. You don't want him to make a fuss at the inquest.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I've been thinking of that. I know the stories he and his people will
+make up. And the papers will get hold of it, and every one will
+blackguard me. They'll say it was my fault.
+
+JOHN.
+
+D'you mind if I have a talk to him? I think I can save you from all
+that.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Shrugging his shoulders, impatiently._] Do whatever you like.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_To_ FANNY.] Show him up, Fanny.
+
+FANNY.
+
+Yes, sir.
+
+            [_She goes out._
+
+BASIL.
+
+Then I shall go.
+
+            [JOHN _nods, and_ BASIL _goes out by the door
+            next to that of the room in which_ JENNY _is
+            lying._ JAMES BUSH _appears_.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Grave and cold._] Good morning, Mr. Bush.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Aggressively._] Where's that man?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Raising his eyebrows._] It's usual to take one's hat off in other
+people's houses.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I'm a man of principle, I am; and I keep my 'at on to show it.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Ah, well, we won't discuss the point.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I want to see that man.
+
+JOHN.
+
+May I ask to whom you're referring? There are so many men in the world.
+In fact, it's very over-crowded.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Who are you, I should like to know?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Politely._] My name is Halliwell. I had the pleasure of meeting you at
+Basil's rooms in Bloomsbury.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Aggressively._] I know that.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I beg your pardon. I thought you were asking for information.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I tell you I want to see my brother-in-law.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I'm afraid you can't.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I tell you I will see 'im. He's murdered my sister. He's a blackguard
+and a murderer, and I'll tell him so to his face.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Sarcastic._] Take care he doesn't hear you.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I want him to hear me. I'm not frightened of him. I should just like to
+see him touch me now. [_He sidles viciously to_ JOHN.] H'm, you tried to
+keep me out, did yer? Said I couldn't come to my sister's 'ouse--and
+kept me waitin' in the 'all like a tradesman. Oh, I'll make you all pay
+for this. I'll get my own back now. Measley set of West End curs, that's
+all you are.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Mr. Bush, you'll be so good as to keep a civil tongue in your mouth
+while you're here--and you'll talk less loudly.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Scornfully._] Who says so?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Looking at him quietly._] I do.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Less decisively._] Don't you try and bully me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Pointing to a chair._] Won't you sit down?
+
+JAMES.
+
+No, I won't sit down. This ain't the 'ouse that a gentleman would sit
+down in. I'll be even with 'im yet. I'll tell the jury a pretty story.
+He deserves to be strung up, he does.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I can't tell you how extremely sorry I am for what has happened.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh, don't try and get round me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Really, Mr. Bush, you have no reason to be indignant with me.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, I don't think much of you, any 'ow.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I'm very sorry. Last time we met I thought you a very amiable person.
+Don't you remember, we went and had a drink together?
+
+JAMES.
+
+I don't say _you_'re not a gentleman.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Taking out his cigar-case._] Won't you have a cigar?
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Suspiciously._] Look here, you're not trying to bluff me, are you?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Certainly not. I wouldn't dream of such a thing.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Taking a cigar._] Larranaga.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_With an acid smile._] Nine pounds a hundred.
+
+JAMES.
+
+That's one and nine apiece, ain't it?
+
+JOHN.
+
+How quickly you reckon!
+
+JAMES.
+
+You must be pretty oofy to be able to afford that.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Drily._] It does inspire respect, doesn't it?
+
+JAMES.
+
+I don't know what you mean by that. But I flatter myself I know a good
+cigar when I see it.
+
+            [JOHN _sits down, and_ JAMES BUSH, _without
+            thinking, follows his example_.]
+
+JOHN.
+
+What d'you think you'll get out of making a row at the inquest? Of
+course, there'll be an inquest.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Yes, I know there will. And I'm lookin' forward to it, I can tell you.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wouldn't have said that if I'd been you.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Quite unconscious of the construction that may be put on his last
+words--full of his own grievances._] I've 'ad something to put up with,
+I 'ave.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Really?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh, he's treated me shockin'! He simply treated me like dirt. I wouldn't
+'ave stood it a minute, except for Jenny's sake. _I_ wasn't good enough
+for 'im, if you please. And the way he used to look right through me as
+if I wasn't there at all--Oh, I'll be even with 'im now.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What are you going to do?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Never you mind. I'm going to make it hot for 'im.
+
+JOHN.
+
+D'you think that'll do you any good?
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Springing up._] Yes. And I mean to....
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Interrupting._] Now sit down, there's a good chap, and let's have a
+little talk about it.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Angrily._] You're trying to bamboozle me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Nonsense.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh, yes, you are. Don't try to deny it. I can see through you as if you
+was a pane of glass. You people in the West End--you think you know
+everything.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I assure you....
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Interrupting._] But I've had a City training, and you can lay anything
+you like there ain't no flies on me.
+
+JOHN.
+
+We're both men of the world, Mr. Bush. Will you do me a great favour as
+a--friend?
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Suspiciously._] That depends on what it is.
+
+JOHN.
+
+It's merely to listen to me quietly for two or three minutes.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I don't mind doing that.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well, the fact is--Basil's going away, and he wants to get rid of the
+furniture and the house. What d'you think it's worth, as an auctioneer?
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Looking round._] It's a very different business what a thing's worth,
+and what it'll fetch.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Of course, but a clever man like you....
+
+JAMES.
+
+Now then, no bluff. I tell you it won't work with me.... D'you include
+plate and linen?
+
+JOHN.
+
+Everything.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Well, if it was well sold--by a man as knew his business....
+
+JOHN.
+
+If you sold it, for instance?
+
+JAMES.
+
+It might fetch a hundred pounds--it might fetch a hundred and fifty.
+
+JOHN.
+
+That wouldn't be a bad present to make to any one, would it?
+
+JAMES.
+
+No. I think I can agree with you there.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well, Basil thought of giving the entire contents of the house to your
+mother and sister.
+
+JAMES.
+
+To tell you the truth, it's no more than he ought to do.
+
+JOHN.
+
+The condition is, of course, that nothing is said at the inquest.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_With a sneer._] You make me laugh. D'you think you can gag me by
+giving a houseful of furniture to my mother?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I had no such exalted opinion of your disinterestedness, Mr. Bush. I
+come to you now.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Sharply._] What d'you mean by that?
+
+JOHN.
+
+It appears that you owe Basil a good deal of money. Can you pay it?
+
+JAMES.
+
+No.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Also it appears that there was some difficulty with your accounts in
+your last place.
+
+JAMES.
+
+That's a lie.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Possibly. But altogether I fancy we could make it uncommonly nasty for
+you if you made a fuss. If dirty linen is going to be washed in
+public--there's generally a good deal to be done on both sides.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I don't care. I mean to get my own back. If I can only get my knife into
+that man--I'll take the consequences.
+
+JOHN.
+
+On the other hand--if you won't make a fuss at the inquest, I'll give
+you fifty pounds.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Jumping up indignantly._] Are you trying to bribe me?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Calmly._] Yes.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I would 'ave you know that I'm a gentleman, and what's more, I'm an
+Englishman. And I'm proud of it. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
+I've never 'ad any one try and bribe me before.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Indifferently._] Otherwise you would, doubtless, have accepted.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I've got more than half a mind to knock you down.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_With a slight smile._] Come, come, Mr. Bush, don't be ridiculous.
+You'd far better keep quiet, you know.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Scornfully._] What do you think fifty pounds is to me?
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_With a sharp look._] Who spoke of fifty pounds?
+
+JAMES.
+
+You did.
+
+JOHN.
+
+You must have mistaken me. A hundred and fifty.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh! [_At first he is surprised, then, as the amount sinks into his mind,
+grows doubtful._] That's a very different pair of shoes.
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't ask you to say anything untrue. After all, it's not worth while
+for a man of the world like you--a business man--to give way to petty
+spite. And we don't want to have any scandal. That would be just as
+unpleasant for you as for us.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_Undecided._] There's no denying that she was hysterical. If he'd only
+treated me like a gentleman, I shouldn't have had anything to say.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Well?
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_With a foxy, keen glance at_ JOHN.] Make it two 'undred, and I'll say
+done.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Firmly._] No. You can take a hundred and fifty, or go to the devil.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Oh, well, 'and it over.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Taking a cheque out of his pocket._] I'll give you fifty now and the
+rest after the inquest.
+
+JAMES.
+
+[_With a certain admiration._] You're a sharp 'un, you are.
+
+            [JOHN _writes out the cheque and gives it to_
+            JAMES BUSH.
+
+JAMES.
+
+Shall I give you a receipt? I'm a business man, you know.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Yes, I know; but it's not necessary. You'll tell your mother and sister?
+
+JAMES.
+
+Don't you fear. I'm a gentleman, and I don't go back on my friends.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Now I think I'll say good morning to you. You can understand that Basil
+isn't fit to see any one.
+
+JAMES.
+
+I understand. So long.
+
+            [_He stretches out his hand, which_ JOHN _shakes
+            gravely_.]
+
+JOHN.
+
+Good morning.
+
+            [FANNY _comes in by one door as_ JAMES BUSH
+            _goes out by another_.]
+
+FANNY.
+
+Good riddance to bad rubbish.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Ah, Fanny, if there were no rogues in the world, life would really be
+too difficult for honest men.
+
+            [FANNY _goes out, and_ JOHN _walks to the door
+            and calls_.]
+
+JOHN.
+
+Basil--he's gone.... Where are you?
+
+[BASIL _comes out of the room in which is lying Jenny's body_.]
+
+JOHN.
+
+I didn't know you were in there.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I wonder if she forgives me?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I wouldn't worry myself too much if I were you, Basil, old man.
+
+BASIL.
+
+If you only knew how I despise myself!
+
+JOHN.
+
+Come, come, Basil, you must make an effort....
+
+BASIL.
+
+I've not told you the worst. I feel such a cad. There's one thought
+that's been with me all night. And I _can't_ drive it away. It's worse
+than anything else. It's too shameful.
+
+JOHN.
+
+What _do_ you mean?
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, it's so despicable. And yet it's too strong for me.... I can't help
+thinking that I'm--free.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Free?
+
+BASIL.
+
+It's treachery to her memory. But you don't know what it is when your
+prison door is opened. [_As he speaks he grows more and more excited._]
+I don't want to die. I want to live, and I want to take life by both
+hands and enjoy it. I've got such a desire for happiness. Let's open the
+windows, and let the sunlight in. [_He goes to the window and flings it
+open._] It's so good just to be alive. How can I help thinking that now
+I can start fresh? The slate is wiped clean, and I can begin again. I
+_will_ be happy. God forgive me, I can't help the thought. I'm free. I
+made a ghastly mistake, and I suffered for it. Heaven knows how I
+suffered, and how hard I tried to make the best of it. It wasn't all my
+fault. In this world we're made to act and think things because other
+people have thought them good. We never have a chance of going our own
+way. We're bound down by the prejudices and the morals of everybody
+else. For God's sake, let us be free. Let us do this and that because we
+want to and because we must, not because other people think we ought.
+[_He stops suddenly in front of_ JOHN.] Why don't you say something? You
+stare at me as if you thought me raving mad!
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't know what to say.
+
+BASIL.
+
+Oh, I suppose you're shocked and scandalised. I ought to go on posing. I
+ought to act the part decently to the end. _You_ would never have had
+the courage to do what I did, and yet, because I've failed, you think
+you can look down on me from the height of your moral elevation.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Gravely._] I was thinking how far a man may fall when he attempts to
+climb the stars.
+
+BASIL.
+
+I gave the world fine gold, and their currency is only cowrie-shells. I
+held up an ideal, and they sneered at me. In this world you must wallow
+in the trough with the rest of them.... The only moral I can see is that
+if I'd acted like a blackguard--as ninety-nine men out of a hundred
+would have done--and let Jenny go to the dogs, I should have remained
+happy and contented and prosperous. And she, I dare say, wouldn't have
+died.... It's because I tried to do my duty and act like a gentleman and
+a man of honour, that all this misery has come about.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_Looking at him quietly._] I think I should put it in another way. One
+has to be very strong and very sure of oneself to go against the
+ordinary view of things. And if one isn't, perhaps it's better not to
+run any risks, but just to walk along the same secure old road as the
+common herd. It's not exhilarating, it's not brave, and it's rather
+dull. But it's eminently safe.
+
+            [BASIL _scarcely hears the last words, but listens
+            intently to other sounds outside_.
+
+BASIL.
+
+What's that? I thought I heard a carriage.
+
+JOHN.
+
+[_A little surprised._] Do you expect any one?
+
+BASIL.
+
+I sent a wire to--to Hilda at the same time as to you.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Already?
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Excited._] D'you think she'll come?
+
+JOHN.
+
+I don't know. [_A ring is heard at the front door._
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_Running to the window._] There's some one at the door.
+
+JOHN.
+
+Perhaps it's occurred to her also that you're free.
+
+BASIL.
+
+[_With the utmost passion._] Oh, she loves me, and I--I adore her. God
+forgive me, I can't help it.
+
+            [FANNY _comes in_.
+
+FANNY.
+
+If you please, sir, the Coroner's officer.
+
+THE END.
+
+PRINTED BY
+BALLANTYNE & COMPANY LTD
+AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS
+TAVISTOCK STREET COVENT GARDEN
+LONDON
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A
+Man of Honor, by William Somerset Maugham
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