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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/37965-8.txt b/37965-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f22c3e6 --- /dev/null +++ b/37965-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6790 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Caesar's Wife, 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: Caesar's Wife + A comedy in three acts + +Author: William Somerset Maugham + +Release Date: November 9, 2011 [EBook #37965] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAESAR'S WIFE *** + + + + +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) + + + + + + + + +_THE PLAYS OF W. S. MAUGHAM_ + +_CAESAR'S WIFE_ + +_A COMEDY_ + +_In Three Acts_ + +_Price 2/6, in cloth 3/6_ + +_LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN_ + + + + +CÆSAR'S WIFE + +_By the same Author_ + + THE UNKNOWN + THE CIRCLE + THE EXPLORER + JACK STRAW + LADY FREDERICK + LANDED GENTRY + THE TENTH MAN + A MAN OF HONOUR + MRS. DOT + PENELOPE + SMITH + THE LAND OF PROMISE + +LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN + + + + +CÆSAR'S WIFE + +A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS + +BY + +W. S. MAUGHAM + +[Illustration: colophon 1922] + +LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN + + _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. 2, + from whom all particulars can be obtained._ + +LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN. 1922 + +This play was produced at the Royalty Theatre, on March 27th, 1919, with +the following cast: + + SIR ARTHUR LITTLE C. Aubrey Smith. + RONALD PARRY George Relph. + HENRY PRITCHARD V. Sutton Vane. + GEORGE APPLEBY Townsend Whitling. + OSMAN PASHA George C. Desplas. + VIOLET Fay Compton. + MRS. ETHERIDGE Eva Moore. + MRS. PRITCHARD Helen Haye. + MRS. APPLEBY Mrs. Robert Brough. + + + + +CHARACTERS + + + SIR ARTHUR LITTLE, K.C.B., K.C.M.G. + RONALD PARRY. + HENRY PRITCHARD. + RICHARD APPLEBY, M.P. + OSMAN PASHA. + VIOLET. + MRS. ETHERIDGE. + MRS. PRITCHARD. + MRS. APPLEBY. + +An English Butler; Native Servants; an Arab Gardener. + +The scene is laid in Cairo, in the house and garden of the British +Consular Agent. + + + + +CÆSAR'S WIFE + + + + +ACT I + + + SCENE: _The morning-room in the Consular Agent's house at Cairo. + The windows are Arabic in character and so are the architraves of + the doors, but otherwise it is an English room, airy and spacious. + The furniture is lacquer and Chippendale, there are cool chintzes + on the chairs and sofas, cut roses in glass vases, and growing + azaleas in pots; but here and there an Eastern antiquity, a helmet + and a coat of mail, a piece of woodwork, reminds one of the + Mussulman conquest of Egypt; while an ancient god in porphyry, + graven images in blue pottery, blue bowls, recall an older + civilisation still._ + + _When the curtain rises the room is empty, the blinds are down so + as to keep out the heat, and it is dim and mysterious. A_ SERVANT + _comes in, a dark-skinned native in the gorgeous uniform, red and + gold, of the Consular Agent's establishment, and draws the blinds. + Through the windows is seen the garden with palm-trees, oranges and + lemons, tropical plants with giant leaves; and beyond, the radiant + blue of the sky. In the distance is heard the plaintive, guttural + wailing of an Arab song. A_ GARDENER _in a pale blue gaberdine + passes with a basket on his arm._ + +SERVANT. + +Es-salâm 'alêkum (Peace be with you). + +GARDENER. + +U'alêkum es-Salâm warahmet Allâh wa barakâta (And with you be peace and +God's mercy and blessing). + + [_The_ SERVANT _goes out. The_ GARDENER _stops for a moment to nail + back a straggling creeper and then goes on his way. The door is + opened._ MRS. APPLEBY _comes in with_ ANNE ETHERIDGE _and they are + followed immediately by_ VIOLET. ANNE _is a woman of forty, but + handsome still, very pleasant and sympathetic; she is a woman of + the world, tactful and self-controlled. She is dressed in light, + summery things._ MRS. APPLEBY _is an elderly, homely woman, soberly + but not inexpensively dressed. The wife of a North-country + manufacturer, she spends a good deal of money on rather dowdy + clothes._ VIOLET _is a very pretty young woman of twenty. She looks + very fresh and English in her muslin frock; there is something + spring-like and virginal in her appearance, and her manner of dress + is romantic rather than modish. She suggests a lady in a + Gainsborough portrait rather than a drawing in a paper of Paris + fashions. Luncheon is just finished and when they come in the women + leave the door open for the men to follow._] + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +How cool it is in here! This isn't the room we were in before lunch? + +ANNE. + +No. They keep the windows closed and the blinds drawn all the morning so +that it's beautifully cool when one comes in. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I suppose we shan't feel the heat so much when we've been here a few +days. + +ANNE. + +Oh, but this is nothing to what you'll get in Upper Egypt. + +VIOLET. + +[_As she enters._] Is Mrs. Appleby complaining of the heat? I love it. + +ANNE. + +Dear Violet, wait till May comes and June. You don't know how exhausting +it gets. + +VIOLET. + +I'm looking forward to it. I think in some past life I must have been a +lizard. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I dare say the first year you won't feel it. I have a brother settled in +Canada, and he says the first year people come out from England they +don't feel the cold anything like what they do later on. + +ANNE. + +I've spent a good many winters here, and I always make a point of +getting away by the fifteenth of March. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Oh, are you staying as late as that? + +ANNE. + +Good gracious, no. You make Lady Little's heart positively sink. + +VIOLET. + +Nonsense, Anne, you know we want you to stay as long as ever you can. + +ANNE. + +I used to have an apartment in Cairo, but I've given it up now and Lady +Little asked me to come and stay at the Agency while I was getting +everything settled. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Oh, then you knew Sir Arthur before he married? + +ANNE. + +Oh, yes, he's one of my oldest friends. I can't help thinking Lady +Little must have great sweetness of character to put up with me. + +VIOLET. + +Or you must be a perfect miracle of tact, darling. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +My belief is, it's a little of both. + +ANNE. + +When Arthur came to see me one day last July and told me he was going to +marry the most wonderful girl in the world, of course I thought +good-bye. A man thinks he can keep his bachelor friendships, but he +never does. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +His wife generally sees to that. + +VIOLET. + +Well, I think it's nonsense, especially with a man like Arthur who'd +been a bachelor so long and naturally had his life laid out before ever +I came into it. And besides, I'm devoted to Anne. + +ANNE. + +It's dear of you to say so. + +VIOLET. + +I came here as an absolute stranger. And after all, I wasn't very old, +was I? + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Nineteen? + +VIOLET. + +Oh, no, I was older than that. I was nearly twenty. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +[_Smiling._] Good gracious! + +VIOLET. + +It was rather alarming to find oneself on a sudden the wife of a man in +Arthur's position. I was dreadfully self-conscious; I felt that +everybody's eyes were upon me. And you don't know how easy it is to make +mistakes in a country that's half Eastern and half European. + +ANNE. + +To say nothing of having to deal with the representatives of half a +dozen Great Powers all outrageously susceptible. + +VIOLET. + +And, you know, there was the feeling that the smallest false step might +do the greatest harm to Arthur and his work here. I had only just left +the schoolroom and I found myself almost a political personage. If it +hadn't been for Anne I should have made a dreadful mess of things. + +ANNE. + +Oh, I don't think that. You had two assets which would have made people +excuse a great deal of inexperience, your grace and your beauty. + +VIOLET. + +You say very nice things to me, Anne. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Your marriage was so romantic, I can't see how anyone could help feeling +very kindly towards you. + +VIOLET. + +There's not much room for romance in the heart of the wife of one of the +Agents of the foreign Powers when she thinks she hasn't been given her +proper place at a dinner party. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I remember wondering at the time whether you weren't a little overcome +by all the excitement caused by your marriage. + +VIOLET. + +I was excited too, you know. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Everyone had always looked upon Sir Arthur as a confirmed bachelor. It +was thought he cared for nothing but his work. He's had a wonderful +career, hasn't he? + +VIOLET. + +The Prime Minister told me he was the most competent man he'd ever met. + +ANNE. + +I've always thought he must be a comfort to any Government. Whenever +anyone has made a hash of things he's been sent to put them straight. + +VIOLET. + +Well, he always has. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Mr. Appleby was saying only this morning he was the last man one would +expect to marry in haste. + +VIOLET. + +Let's hope he won't repent at leisure. + +ANNE. + +[_Smiling._] Mrs. Appleby is dying to know all about it, Violet. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I'm an old woman, Lady Little. + +VIOLET. + +[_Gaily._] Well, I met Arthur at a week-end party. He'd come home on +leave and all sorts of important people had been asked to meet him. I +was frightened out of my life. The duchesses had strawberry leaves +hanging all over them and they looked at me down their noses. And the +Cabinet Ministers' wives had protruding teeth and they looked at me up +their noses. + +ANNE. + +What nonsense you talk, Violet! + +VIOLET. + +I was expecting to be terrified of Arthur. After all, I knew he was a +great man. But you know, I wasn't a bit. He was inclined to be rather +fatherly at first, so I cheeked him. + +ANNE. + +I can imagine his surprise. No one had done that for twenty years. + +VIOLET. + +When you know Arthur at all well you discover that when he wants +anything he doesn't hesitate to ask for it. He told our hostess that he +wanted me to sit next to him at dinner. That didn't suit her at all, but +she didn't like to say no. Somehow people don't say no to Arthur. The +Cabinet Ministers' wives looked more like camels than ever, and by +Sunday evening, my dear, the duchesses' strawberry leaves began to curl +and crackle. + +ANNE. + +Your poor hostess, I feel for her. To have got hold of a real lion for +your party and then have him refuse to bother himself with anybody but a +chit of a girl whom you'd asked just to make an even number! + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +He just fell in love with you at first sight? + +VIOLET. + +That's what he says now. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Did you know? + +VIOLET. + +I thought it looked very like it, you know, only it was so improbable. +Then came an invitation from a woman I only just knew for the next +week-end, and she said Arthur would be there. Then my heart really did +begin to go pit-a-pat. I took the letter in to my sister and sat on her +bed and we talked it over. "Does he mean to propose to me," I said, "or +does he not?" And my sister said: "I can't imagine what he sees in you. +Will you accept him if he does?" she asked. "Oh, no," I said. "Good +heavens, why he's twenty years older than I am!" But of course I meant +to all the time. I shouldn't have cared if he was a hundred, he was the +most wonderful man I'd ever known. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +And did he propose to you that week-end, when he'd practically only seen +you once before? + +VIOLET. + +I got down in the afternoon and he was there already. As soon as I +swallowed a cup of tea he said: "Come out for a walk." Well, I'd have +loved a second cup, but I didn't like to say so, so I went. But we had a +second tea in a cottage half an hour later, and we were engaged then. + + [APPLEBY _comes in with_ OSMAN PASHA. MR. APPLEBY _is a self-made + man who has entered Parliament; he is about sixty, grey-bearded, + rather short and stout, with some accent in his speech, shrewd, + simple and good-natured. He wears a blue serge suit._ OSMAN PASHA + _is a swarthy, bearded Oriental, obese, elderly but dignified; he + wears the official frock-coat of the Khedivial service and a + tarbush._] + +APPLEBY. + +Sir Arthur is coming in one moment. He is talking to one of his +secretaries. + +VIOLET. + +Really, it's too bad of them not to leave him alone even when he's +snatching a mouthful of food. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +Vous permettez que j'apporte ma cigarette, chère Madame. + +VIOLET. + +Of course. Come and sit here, Pasha. + +APPLEBY. + +I wanted to tell his Excellency how interested I am in his proposal to +found a technical college in Cairo, but I can't speak French. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, but his Excellency understands English perfectly, and I believe +really he talks it as well as I do, only he won't. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +Madame, je ne comprends l'anglais que quand vous le parlez, et tout +galant homme sait ce que dit une jolie femme. + +ANNE. + +[_Translating for the_ APPLEBYS.] He says he only understands English +when Lady Little speaks it, and every nice man understands what a pretty +woman says. + +VIOLET. + +No one pays me such charming compliments as you do. You know I'm +learning Arabic. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +C'est une bien belle langue, et vous, madame, vous avez autant +d'intelligence que de beauté. + +VIOLET. + +I have a Copt who comes to me every day. And I practise a little with +your brother, Anne. + +ANNE. + +[_To_ MRS. APPLEBY.] My brother is one of Sir Arthur's secretaries. I +expect it was he that Mr. Appleby left with Sir Arthur. + +VIOLET. + +If it is I shall scold him. He knows quite well that he has no right to +come and bother Arthur when he's in the bosom of his family. But they +say he's a wonderful Arabic scholar. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +Vous parlez de M. Parry? Je n'ai jamais connu un Anglais qui avait une +telle facilité. + +ANNE. + +He says he's never known an Englishman who speaks so well as Ronny. + +VIOLET. + +It's a fearfully difficult language. Sometimes my head seems to get tied +up in knots. + +[_Two_ SAISES _come in, one with a salver on which are coffee cups and +the other bearing a small tray on which is a silver vessel containing +Turkish coffee. They go round giving coffee to the various people, then +wait in silence. When_ SIR ARTHUR _comes in they give him his coffee and +go out._] + +ANNE. + +It's wonderful of you to persevere. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, you know, Ronny's very encouraging. He says I'm really getting on. I +want so badly to be able to talk. You can't think how enthusiastic I am +about Egypt. I love it. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +Pas plus que l'Égypte vous aime, Madame. + +VIOLET. + +When we landed at Alexandria and I saw that blue sky and that coloured, +gesticulating crowd, my heart leapt. I knew I was going to be happy. And +every day I've loved Egypt more. I love its antiquities, I love the +desert and the streets of Cairo and those dear little villages by the +Nile. I never knew there was such beauty in the world. I thought you +only read of romance in books; I didn't know there was a country where +it sat by the side of a well under the palm-trees, as though it were at +home. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +Vous êtes charmante, madame. C'est un bien beau pays. Il n'a besoin que +d'une chose pour qu'on puisse y vivre. + +ANNE. + +[_Translating._] It's a beautiful country. It only wants one thing to +make it livable. And what is that, your Excellency? + +OSMAN PASHA. + +La liberté. + +APPLEBY. + +Liberty? + +[ARTHUR _has come in when first_ VIOLET _begins to speak of Egypt and he +listens to her enthusiasm with an indulgent smile. At the Pasha's remark +he comes forward._ ARTHUR LITTLE _is a man of forty-five, alert, young +in manner, very intelligent, with the urbanity, self-assurance, tact, +and resourcefulness of the experienced diplomatist. Nothing escapes him, +but he does not often show how much he notices._] + +ARTHUR. + +Egypt has the liberty to do well, your Excellency. Does it need the +liberty to do ill before it loses the inclination to do it? + +VIOLET. + +[_To_ MRS. APPLEBY.] I hope you don't mind Turkish coffee? + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Oh, no, I like it. + +VIOLET. + +I'm so glad. I think it perfectly delicious. + +ARTHUR. + +You have in my wife an enthusiastic admirer of this country, Pasha. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +J'en suis ravi. + +ARTHUR. + +I've told Ronny to come in and have a cup of coffee. [_To_ ANNE.] I +thought you'd like to say how d'you do to him. + +ANNE. + +Are you very busy to-day? + +ARTHUR. + +We're always busy. Isn't that so, Excellency? + +OSMAN PASHA. + +En effet, et je vous demanderai permission de me retirer. Mon bureau +m'appelle. + +[_He gets up and shakes hands with_ VIOLET.] + +VIOLET. + +It was charming of you to come. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +Mon Dieu, madame, c'est moi qui vous remercie de m'avoir donné +l'occasion de saluer votre grâce et votre beauté. + +[_He bows to the rest of the company._ ARTHUR _leads him towards the +door and he goes out._] + +ANNE. + +You take all these compliments without turning a hair, Violet. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Coming back._] You know, that's a wonderful old man. He's so +well-bred, he has such exquisite manners, it's hard to realise that if +it were possible he would have us all massacred to-morrow. + +APPLEBY. + +I remember there was a certain uneasiness in England when you +recommended that he should be made Minister of Education. + +ARTHUR. + +They don't always understand local conditions in England. Osman is a +Moslem of the old school. He has a bitter hatred of the English. In +course of years he has come to accept the inevitable, but he's not +resigned to it. He never loses sight of his aim. + +APPLEBY. + +And that is? + +ARTHUR. + +Why, bless you, to drive the English into the sea. But he's a clever old +rascal, and he sees that one of the first things that must be done is to +educate the Egyptians. Well, we want to educate them too. I had all +sorts of reforms in mind which I would never have got the strict +Mohammedans to accept if they hadn't been brought forward by a man whose +patriotism they believe in and whose orthodoxy is beyond suspicion. + +ANNE. + +Don't you find it embarrassing to work with a man you distrust? + +ARTHUR. + +I don't distrust him. I have a certain admiration for him, and I bear +him no grudge at all because at the bottom of his heart he simply +loathes me. + +APPLEBY. + +I don't see why he should do that. + +ARTHUR. + +I was in Egypt for three years when I was quite a young man. I was very +small fry then, but I came into collision with Osman and he tried to +poison me. I was very ill for two months, and he's never forgiven me +because I recovered. + +APPLEBY. + +What a scoundrel! + +ARTHUR. + +He would be a little out of place in a Nonconformist community. In the +good old days of Ismael he had one of his wives beaten to death and +thrown into the Nile. + +APPLEBY. + +But is it right to give high office to a man of that character? + +ARTHUR. + +They were the manners and customs of the times. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +But he tried to kill you. Don't you bear him any ill will? + +ARTHUR. + +I don't think it was very friendly, you know, but after all no statesman +can afford to pay attention to his private feelings. His duty is to find +the round peg for the round hole and put him in. + +ANNE. + +Why does he come here? + +ARTHUR. + +He has a very great and respectful admiration for Violet. She chaffs +him, if you please, and the old man adores her. I think she's done more +to reconcile him to the British occupation than all our diplomacy. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +It must be wonderful to have power in a country like this. + +VIOLET. + +Power? Oh, I haven't that. But it makes me so proud to think I can be of +any use at all. I only wish I had the chance to do more. Since I've been +here I've grown very patriotic. + +[RONALD PARRY _comes in. He is a young man, very good-looking, fresh and +pleasant, with a peculiar charm of manner._] + +ARTHUR. + +Ah, here is Ronny. + +RONNY. + +Am I too late for my cup of coffee? + +VIOLET. + +No, it will be brought to you at once. + +RONNY. + +[_Shaking hands with_ VIOLET.] Good morning. + +VIOLET. + +This is Mr. Parry. Mr. and Mrs. Appleby. + +RONNY. + +How d'you do? + +ARTHUR. + +Now, Ronny, don't put on your Foreign Office manner. Mr. and Mrs. +Appleby are very nice people. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I'm glad you think that, Sir Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +Well, when you left your cards with a soup ticket from the F.O. my heart +sank. + +APPLEBY. + +There, my dear, I told you he wouldn't want to be bothered with us. + +ARTHUR. + +You see, I expected a pompous couple who knew all about everything and +were going to tell me exactly how Egypt ought to be governed. A Member +of Parliament doesn't inspire confidence in the worried bosom of a +Government official. + +VIOLET. + +I don't know if you think you're putting Mr. and Mrs. Appleby at their +ease, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, but I shouldn't say this if I hadn't been most agreeably +disappointed. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I never forget the days when Mr. Appleby used to light the kitchen fire +himself and I used to do the week's washing every Monday morning. I +don't think we've changed much since then, either of us. + +ARTHUR. + +I know, and I'm really grateful to the Foreign Office for having given +you your letter. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +It's been a great treat to us to come and see you. And it's done my +heart good to see Lady Little. If you don't mind my saying so she's like +a spring morning and it makes one glad to be alive just to look at her. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, don't! + +ARTHUR. + +I'm inclined to feel very kindly to everyone who feels kindly towards +her. You must enjoy yourselves in Upper Egypt and when you come back to +Cairo you must let us know. + +APPLEBY. + +I'm expecting to learn a good deal from my journey. + +ARTHUR. + +You may learn a good deal that will surprise you. You may learn that +there are races in the world that seem born to rule and races that seem +born to serve; that democracy is not a panacea for all the ills of +mankind, but merely one system of government like another, which hasn't +had a long enough trial to make it certain whether it is desirable or +not; that freedom generally means the power of the strong to oppress the +weak, and that the wise statesman gives men the illusion of it but not +the substance--in short, a number of things which must be very +disturbing to the equilibrium of a Radical Member of Parliament. + +ANNE. + +On the other hand, you'll see our beautiful Nile and the temples. + +ARTHUR. + +And perhaps they'll suggest to you that however old the world is it's +ever young, and that when all's said and done the most permanent on the +face of the earth is what seems the most transitory--the ideal. + +APPLEBY. + +Fanny, it looks to me as though we'd bitten off as big a piece of cake +as we can chew with any comfort. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Oh, well, we'll do our best. And though I never could do arithmetic I've +always thought perhaps one might be saved without. Good-bye, Lady +Little, and thank you for having us. + +VIOLET. + +Good-bye. + +[_There are general farewells and they go to the door._ RONNY _opens it +for them. They go out._] + +RONNY. + +I forgot to tell you, sir, Mrs. Pritchard has just telephoned to ask if +she can see you on a matter of business. + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a grim smile._] Say I'm very busy to-day, and I regret +exceedingly that it will be quite impossible for me to see her. + +RONNY. + +[_With a twinkle in his eye._] She said she was coming round at once. + +ARTHUR. + +If she's made up her mind to see me at all costs she might have saved +herself the trouble of ringing up to find out if it was convenient. + +ANNE. + +Your sister is a determined creature, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +I know. I have some authority in the affairs of this country, but none +over dear Christina. I wonder what she wants. + +VIOLET. + +Let us hope for the best. + +ARTHUR. + +I've noticed that whenever anyone wants to see me very urgently it's +never to give me anything. When Christina wants to see me urgently my +only safety is in instant flight. + +VIOLET. + +You must be nice to her, Arthur. If you're not she'll only take it out +of me. + +ARTHUR. + +It's monstrous, isn't it? + +VIOLET. + +After all, she kept house for you for ten years. Admirably, mind you. + +ARTHUR. + +Admirably. She has a genius for order and organisation in the house. +Everything went like clockwork. She never wasted a farthing. She saved +me hundreds of pounds. She led me a dog's life. I've come to the +conclusion there's nothing so detestable as a good housekeeper. + +VIOLET. + +How fortunate you married me, then! But you can't expect her to see that +point of view. It's very hard for her to be turned out of this very +pleasant billet, and it's natural that when you won't do something she +asks you she should put it down to my influence. + +ANNE. + +It must have been a very difficult position for you. + +VIOLET. + +I did all I could to make her like me. I did feel rather like a usurper, +you know. I tried to make her see that I didn't at all want to put on +airs. + +ARTHUR. + +Fortunately she's taken it very well. I confess I was a little nervous +when she told me she meant to stay on in Egypt to be near her son. + +ANNE. + +It would be a detestable person who didn't like Violet, I think. + +ARTHUR. + +Detestable. I should have no hesitation in having him deported. + +RONNY. + +I think I'd better be getting back to my work. + +ANNE. + +Oh, Ronny, would you like me to come and help you with your packing? + +VIOLET. + +[_To_ RONNY.] Are you going somewhere? + +RONNY. + +I'm leaving Cairo. + +ANNE. + +Didn't you know? Ronny has just been appointed to Paris. + +VIOLET. + +Is he going to leave Egypt for good? + +[_She is taken aback by the news. She clenches her hand on the rail of a +chair;_ ARTHUR _and_ ANNE _notice the little, instinctive motion._] + +RONNY. + +I suppose so. + +VIOLET. + +But why was it kept from me? Why have you been making a secret of it? + +ARTHUR. + +Darling, no one's been making a secret of it. I--I thought Anne would +have told you. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, it doesn't matter at all, but Ronny has been in the habit of doing +all sorts of things for me. It would have been convenient if I'd been +told that a change was going to be made. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm very sorry. It was only arranged this morning. I received a telegram +from the Foreign Office. I thought it would interest Anne, so I sent +Ronny along to tell her. + +VIOLET. + +I hate to be treated like a child. + +[_There is a moment's embarrassment._] + +ANNE. + +It was stupid of me. I ought to have come and told you. I was so pleased +and excited that I forgot. + +VIOLET. + +I don't quite know why you should have been so excited. + +ANNE. + +It will be very nice for me to have Ronny so near. You see, now I've +given up my flat I shan't come to Egypt very often and I should never +have seen Ronny. I can run over to Paris constantly. Besides, it's a +step, isn't it? And I want to see him an Ambassador before I die. + +VIOLET. + +I don't see what good it will do him in Paris to speak Arabic like a +native. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, well, that is the F.O. all over. The best Persian scholar in the +Service has spent the last six years in Washington. + +RONNY. + +It's been a great surprise for me. I expected to remain in Egypt +indefinitely. + +VIOLET. + +[_Recovering herself._] I expect you'll have a very good time in Paris. +When do you go? + +RONNY. + +There's a boat the day after to-morrow. Sir Arthur thought I'd better +take that. + +VIOLET. + +[_Scarcely mistress of herself._] As soon as that! [_Recovering, +gaily._] We shall miss you dreadfully. I can't imagine what I shall do +without you. [_To_ ANNE.] You can't think how useful he's been to me +since I came here. + +RONNY. + +It's very kind of you to say so. + +VIOLET. + +He's invaluable at functions and things like that. You see, he knows +where everyone should sit at dinner. And at first he used to coach me +with details about various people so that I shouldn't say the wrong +thing. + +ARTHUR. + +If you had you'd have said it so charmingly that no one would have +resented it. + +VIOLET. + +I'm so afraid that the man who takes Ronny's place will refuse to write +my invitations for me. + +ARTHUR. + +It's not exactly the duty of my secretaries. + +VIOLET. + +No, but I do hate doing it myself. And Ronny was able to imitate my +handwriting. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm sure he could never write as badly as you. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, yes, he could. Couldn't you? + +RONNY. + +I managed to write quite enough like you for people not to notice the +difference. + +VIOLET. + +You know, there are thirty-two invitations to do now. + +ANNE. + +Why don't you send cards? + +VIOLET. + +Oh, I think a letter is so much more polite. Somehow I don't feel old +enough to ask people to dine with me in the third person. + +RONNY. + +I'll come and do them the moment Sir Arthur can let me go. + +ARTHUR. + +You'd better do them before Violet goes out. + +VIOLET. + +That'll be very soon. The Khedive's mother has asked me to go and see +her at half-past three. I'll get the list now, shall I? I don't think +I'll wait for Christina. If she wants to see you on business I dare say +she'd rather I wasn't there. + +ARTHUR. + +Very well. + +VIOLET. + +[_To_ RONNY.] Will you come here when you're ready? + +RONNY. + +Certainly. + +[_She goes out._] + +ARTHUR. + +Have you finished that report yet? + +RONNY. + +Not quite, sir. It will be ready in ten minutes. + +ARTHUR. + +Put it on my desk. + +RONNY. + +All right, sir. + +[_Exit._ ARTHUR _and_ ANNE _are left alone. He looks at her +reflectively._] + +ARTHUR. + +Violet is very sensitive to anything that might be considered a slight. + +ANNE. + +It's very natural, isn't it? A high-spirited girl. + +ARTHUR. + +She likes me to tell her my arrangements. It gives her a little feeling +of importance to know things before other people. + +ANNE. + +Oh, of course. I quite understand. I should do the same in her place. + +ARTHUR. + +I ought to have remembered and told her that Ronny was going. She was +just a little vexed because she thought I'd been fixing things up behind +her back. + +ANNE. + +Yes, I know. It would naturally put her out for a moment to learn on a +sudden that one of the persons she'd been thrown in contact with was +going away. + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a twinkle in his eye._] I'm wondering if I must blame you for the +loss of an excellent secretary. + +ANNE. + +Me? + +ARTHUR. + +I don't know why the F.O. should suddenly have made up their minds that +your brother was wanted in Paris. Have you been pulling strings? + +ANNE. + +[_Smiling._] What a suspicious nature you have! + +ARTHUR. + +Anne, own up. + +ANNE. + +I thought Ronny was getting into a groove here. There didn't seem to be +much more for him to do than he has been doing for some time. If you +_will_ have the truth, I've been moving heaven and earth to get him +moved. + +ARTHUR. + +How deceitful of you not to have said a word about it! + +ANNE. + +I didn't want to make him restless. I knew he'd be mad to go to Paris. I +thought it much better not to say anything till it was settled. + +ARTHUR. + +D'you think he's mad to go to Paris? + +ANNE. + +[_Fencing with him._] Any young man would be. + +ARTHUR. + +I wonder if he'd be very much disappointed if I made other arrangements. + +ANNE. + +What do you mean, Arthur? You wouldn't prevent him from going when I've +done everything in the world to get him away. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Abruptly._] Why should you be so anxious for him to go? + +[_She looks at him for an instant in dismay._] + +ANNE. + +Good heavens, don't speak so sharply to me. I told Violet just now. I +wanted him to be more get-at-able. I think he stands a much better +chance of being noticed if he's in a place like Paris. + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a smile._] Ah, yes, you said you were coming less frequently to +Egypt than in the past. It might be worth while to keep Ronny here in +order to tempt you back. + +ANNE. + +Egypt isn't the same to me that it was. + +ARTHUR. + +I hope my marriage has made no difference to our friendship, Anne. You +know how deeply I value it. + +ANNE. + +You used to come and see me very often. You knew I was discreet and you +used to talk over with me all sorts of matters which occupied you. I was +pleased and flattered. Of course I realised that those pleasant +conversations of ours must stop when you married. I only came here this +winter to collect my goods and chattels. + +ARTHUR. + +You make me feel vaguely guilty towards you. + +ANNE. + +Of course you're nothing of the sort. But I don't want Violet to feel +that I am making any attempt to--to monopolise you. She's been charming +to me. The more I know her the more delightful I find her. + +ARTHUR. + +It's very nice of you to say so. + +ANNE. + +You know I've always had a great admiration for you. I'm so glad to see +you married to a girl who's not unworthy of you. + +ARTHUR. + +I suppose it was a dangerous experiment for a man of my age to marry a +girl of nineteen. + +ANNE. + +I think one can admit that. But you've always been one of the favourites +of the gods. You've made a wonderful success of it. + +ARTHUR. + +It needs on a husband's part infinite tact, patience, and tolerance. + +ANNE. + +You have the great advantage that Violet is genuinely in love with you. + +ARTHUR. + +I suppose only a fatuous ass would confess that a beautiful girl was in +love with him. + +ANNE. + +You make her very happy. + +ARTHUR. + +There's nothing I wouldn't do to achieve that. I'm more desperately in +love with Violet even than when I first married her. + +ANNE. + +I'm so glad. _I_ want nothing but your happiness. + +ARTHUR. + +Here is Christina. + +[_The door opens as he says these words and an English_ BUTLER _ushers +in_ MRS. PRITCHARD. _She is a tall, spare woman, with hair turning grey, +comely, upright in her carriage, with decision of character indicated by +every gesture; but though masterful and firm to attain her ends, she is +an honest woman, direct, truthful and not without humour. She is +admirably gowned in a manner befitting her station and importance._] + +BUTLER. + +Mrs. Pritchard. + +[_Exit._] + +ARTHUR. + +I knew it was you, Christina. I felt a sense of responsibility descend +upon the house. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Kissing him._] How is Violet? + +ARTHUR. + +Lovely. + +CHRISTINA. + +I was inquiring about her health. + +ARTHUR. + +Her health is perfect. + +CHRISTINA. + +At her age one's always well, I suppose. [_Kissing_ ANNE.] How d'you do? +And how are you, my poor Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +You ask me as though I was a doddering old gentleman, crippled with +rheumatism. I'm in the best of health, thank you very much, and very +active for my years. [CHRISTINA _has seen a flower on the table that has +fallen from a bowl, and picks it up and puts it back in its place._] Why +do you do that? + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't like untidiness. + +ARTHUR. + +I do. + +[_He takes the flower out again and places it on the table._] + +CHRISTINA. + +I was expecting to find you in your office. + +ARTHUR. + +Do you think I'm neglecting my work? I thought it more becoming to wait +for you here. + +CHRISTINA. + +I wanted to see you on a matter of business. + +ARTHUR. + +So I understood from your message. I feel convinced you're going to put +me in the way of making my fortune. + +ANNE. + +I'll leave you, shall I? + +CHRISTINA. + +Oh, no, pray don't. There's not the least reason why you shouldn't hear +what it's all about. + +ARTHUR. + +You're not going to make my fortune after all. You're going to ask me to +do something. + +CHRISTINA. + +What makes you think that? + +ARTHUR. + +You want a third person present to be witness to my brutal selfishness +when I refuse. I know you, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Smiling._] You're much too sensible to refuse a perfectly reasonable +request. + +ARTHUR. + +Let us hear it. [_She sits down on the sofa. The cushions have been +disordered by people sitting on them and she shakes them out, and pats +them and arranges them in their place._] I wish you'd leave the +furniture alone, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +I cannot make out what pleasure people take in seeing things out of +their proper place. + +ARTHUR. + +You're very long in coming to the point. + +CHRISTINA. + +I hear that the Khedive has quarrelled with his secretary. + +ARTHUR. + +You're a marvellous woman, Christina. You get hold of all the harem +gossip. + +CHRISTINA. + +It's true, isn't it? + +ARTHUR. + +Yes. But I only heard of it myself just before luncheon. How did it come +to your ears? + +CHRISTINA. + +That doesn't matter, does it? I have a way of hearing things that may be +of interest to me. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm afraid I'm very dense, but I don't see how it can be of any +particular interest to you. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Smiling._] Dear Arthur. The Khedive has asked you to recommend him an +English secretary. + +ANNE. + +Has he really? That's a change. He's never had an English secretary +before. + +ARTHUR. + +Never. + +ANNE. + +It's a wonderful opportunity. + +ARTHUR. + +If we get the right man he can be of the greatest possible help. If he's +tactful, wise, and courteous, there's no reason why in time he shouldn't +attain very considerable influence over the Khedive. If we can really +get the Khedive to work honestly and sincerely with us, instead of +hampering us by all kinds of secret devices, we can do miracles in this +country. + +ANNE. + +What a splendid chance for the man who gets the job! + +ARTHUR. + +I suppose it is. If he has the right qualities he may achieve anything. +And after all, it's a splendid chance to be able to render such great +service to our own old country. + +CHRISTINA. + +Has the Khedive given any particulars about the sort of man he wants? + +ARTHUR. + +He naturally wants a young man and a good sportsman. It's important that +he should be able to speak Arabic. But the qualifications which will +satisfy the Khedive are nothing beside those which will satisfy me. The +wrong man may cause irreparable damage to British interests. + +CHRISTINA. + +Have you thought that Henry would be admirably suited? + +ARTHUR. + +I can't say I have, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +He's young and he's very good at games. He speaks Arabic. + +ARTHUR. + +Quite well, I believe. I think he's very well suited to the post he has. +It would be a pity to disturb him when he's just got at home with the +work. + +CHRISTINA. + +Arthur, you can't compare a very badly paid job in the Ministry of +Education with a private secretaryship to the Khedive. + +ARTHUR. + +The best job for a man is the one he's most fitted to do. + +CHRISTINA. + +You've got no fault to find with Henry. He's a very good worker, he's +honest, industrious, and painstaking. + +ARTHUR. + +You don't praise a pair of boots because you can walk in them without +discomfort; if you can't you chuck them away. + +CHRISTINA. + +What d'you mean by that? + +ARTHUR. + +The qualities you mention really don't deserve any particular reward. If +Henry hadn't got them I'd fire him without a moment's hesitation. + +CHRISTINA. + +I have no doubt you'd welcome the opportunity. It's the greatest +misfortune of Henry's life that he happens to be your nephew. + +ARTHUR. + +On the other hand, it's counterbalanced by his extraordinary good luck +in being your son. + +CHRISTINA. + +You've stood in his way on every possible occasion. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Good-humouredly._] You know that's not true, Christina. I've refused +to perpetrate a number of abominable jobs that you've urged me to. He's +had his chances as everyone else has. You're an admirable mother. If I'd +listened to you he'd be Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister by now. + +CHRISTINA. + +I've never asked you to do anything for Henry that wasn't perfectly +reasonable. + +ARTHUR. + +It's evident then that we have different views upon what is reasonable. + +CHRISTINA. + +I appeal to you, Anne: do you see any objection to suggesting Henry to +the Khedive as a private secretary? + +ARTHUR. + +I knew that's what she wanted you here for, Anne, to be a witness to my +pig-headed obstinacy. + +CHRISTINA. + +Don't be absurd, Arthur. I'm asking Anne for an unprejudiced opinion. + +ARTHUR. + +Anne is unlikely to have an opinion of any value on a matter she knows +nothing about. + +ANNE. + +[_With a chuckle._] That is a very plain hint that I can't do better +than hold my tongue. I'll take it, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +It's so unreasonable of you, Arthur. You won't listen to any argument. + +ARTHUR. + +The only one you've offered yet is: here's a good job going, Henry's +your nephew, give it him. My dear, don't you see the Khedive would +never accept such a near relation of mine? + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't agree with you at all. The fact of his asking you to recommend +an English secretary shows that he wants to draw the connection between +you and himself closer. After all, you might give the boy a chance. + +ARTHUR. + +This is not an occasion when one can afford to give a chance. It's hit +or miss. If the man I choose is a failure the Khedive will never ask me +to do such a thing for him again. I can't take any risks. + +CHRISTINA. + +Will you tell me what qualifications Henry lacks to make him suitable +for the post? + +ARTHUR. + +Certainly. It's true he speaks Arabic, but he doesn't understand the +native mind. Grammars can't teach you that, my dear, only sympathy. He +has the mind of an official. I often think that you must have swallowed +a ramrod in early life and poor Henry was born with a foot-rule in his +inside. + +CHRISTINA. + +I am not amused, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +I have no doubt in course of time he'll become a very competent +official, but he'll never be anything else. He lacks imagination, and +that is just as necessary to a statesman as to a novelist. Finally he +has no charm. + +CHRISTINA. + +How can you judge? You're his uncle. You might just as well say I have +no charm. + +ARTHUR. + +You haven't. You're an admirable woman, with all the substantial virtues +which make you an ornament to your sex, but you have no charm. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_With a grim smile._] I should be a fool if I expected you to pay me +compliments, shouldn't I? + +ARTHUR. + +You would at all events be a woman who is unable to learn by experience. + +CHRISTINA. + +Besides, I don't agree with you. I think Henry has charm. + +ARTHUR. + +Why do we all call him Henry? Why does Henry suit him so admirably? If +he had charm we would naturally call him Harry. + +CHRISTINA. + +Really, Arthur, it amazes me that a man in your position can be +influenced by such absurd trifles. It's so unfair, when a boy has a +dozen solid real virtues that you should refuse to recommend him for a +job because he hasn't got in your opinion a frivolous, unsubstantial +advantage like charm. + +ARTHUR. + +Unsubstantial it may be, but frivolous it certainly isn't. Believe me, +charm is the most valuable asset that any man can have. D'you think it +sounds immoral to say it compensates for the lack of brains and virtue? +Alas! it happens to be true. Brains may bring you to power, but charm +enables you to keep it. Without charm you will never lead men. + +CHRISTINA. + +And do you imagine you're likely to find a young Englishman who's a +sportsman and an Arabic scholar, who has tact, imagination, sympathy, +wisdom, courtesy and charm? + +ANNE. + +If you do, Arthur, I'm afraid he won't remain here very long, because I +warn you, I shall insist on marrying him. + +ARTHUR. + +It's not so formidable as it sounds. I'm going to suggest Ronny. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Astounded._] Ronald Parry! That's the very last person I should have +thought you'd be inclined to suggest. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Sharply._] Why? + +ANNE. + +[_With dismay._] You don't really mean that, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +Why not? + +CHRISTINA. + +[_To_ ANNE.] Didn't you know? + +ANNE. + +It's the last thing that would ever have entered my head. + +CHRISTINA. + +I thought you'd made all arrangements for sending him away. + +ARTHUR. + +I made no arrangements at all. I received a telegram from the F.O. +saying that he'd been appointed to Paris. + +ANNE. + +[_After a very short pause._] Don't you think you'd better leave it at +that? + +ARTHUR. + +No, I don't. I'm going to wire to London explaining the circumstances +and suggesting that I think him very suitable for the post that's just +offered itself. + +ANNE. + +[_Trying to take it lightly._] I feel rather aggrieved, after all the +efforts I've made to get him appointed to Paris. + +CHRISTINA. + +Oh, he owes that to you, does he? You thought it would be better for him +to leave here? + +ARTHUR. + +[_Deliberately._] I don't quite understand what you're driving at, +Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Taking him up defiantly._] I cannot imagine anyone more unsuitable +than Ronald Parry. + +ARTHUR. + +That is for me to judge, isn't it? + +ANNE. + +Perhaps the Foreign Office will say they see no reason to change their +mind. + +ARTHUR. + +I don't think so. + +ANNE. + +Have you told Ronny? + +ARTHUR. + +No, I thought it unnecessary till I'd found out whether the Khedive +would be willing to take him. + +CHRISTINA. + +I'm amazed, Arthur. When Henry told me Ronald Parry was going I couldn't +help thinking it was very desirable. + +ARTHUR. + +Why? + + [_She looks at him, about to speak, then hesitates. She does not + dare, and resolves to be silent._ ANNE _comes to the rescue_.] + +ANNE. + +Christina knows that I shall be very little in Egypt in future and how +fond Ronny and I are of one another. We naturally want to be as near +each other as we can. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_With a chuckle._] It really amuses me that you should refuse to give a +good job to Henry because you've made up your mind to give it to Ronald +Parry. + + [ARTHUR _walks up to her deliberately and faces her_.] + +ARTHUR. + +If you've got anything to say against him say it. + + [_They stare at one another for a moment in silence._] + +CHRISTINA. + +If you have nothing against him there's no reason why I should. + +ARTHUR. + +I see. I have a good deal to do this afternoon. If you have nothing more +to say to me I'd like to get back to my work. + +CHRISTINA. + +Very well, I'll go. + +ARTHUR. + +You won't stop and see Violet? + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't think so, thank you. + + [_She goes out. He opens the door for her._] + +ANNE. + +Why didn't you tell me just now that you'd decided to keep Ronny in +Cairo? + +ARTHUR. + +I thought it was unnecessary till everything was settled. I daresay +you'll be good enough to hold your tongue about it. + +ANNE. + +Have you definitely made up your mind? + +ARTHUR. + +Definitely. + + [_They look at one another steadily._] + +ANNE. + +I think I'll go up to my room. I keep to my old habit of a siesta after +luncheon. + +ARTHUR. + +I wish I could get Violet to take it. + +ANNE. + +She's so young, she doesn't feel the need of it yet. + +ARTHUR. + +Yes, she's so young. + + [ANNE _goes out. For a moment_ ARTHUR _gives way to discouragement. + He feels old and tired. But he hears a footstep and pulls himself + together. He is his usual self, gay, gallant and humorous, when_ + VIOLET _enters the room_.] + +VIOLET. + +I saw Christina drive away. What did she want? + +ARTHUR. + +The earth. + +VIOLET. + +I hope you gave it her. + +ARTHUR. + +No, I'm trying to get the moon for you just now, darling, and I thought +if I gave her the earth it really would upset the universe a little too +much. + +VIOLET. + +I thought I'd better do these invitations before I dressed. + +ARTHUR. + +You're not going to put on a different frock to go and have tea with the +Khedive's mother? You look charming in that. + +VIOLET. + +I think it's a little too young. It was all right for the morning. + +ARTHUR. + +Of course you are older this afternoon, that's quite true. + +VIOLET. + +Can you spare Ronny just now? + +ARTHUR. + +[_After an instant's pause._] Yes, I'll send him to you at once. + +VIOLET. + +[_As he is going._] I shall be back in time to give you your tea. + +ARTHUR. + +That will be very nice. Good-bye till then. + + [_He goes out. She is meditative. She gives a slight start as_ + RONNY _comes in_.] + +VIOLET. + +I hope I haven't torn you away from anything very important. + +RONNY. + +I was only typing a very dull report. I'd just finished it. + +VIOLET. + +You mustn't ever bother about me if it's not convenient, you know. + +RONNY. + +I shan't have much chance, shall I? + +VIOLET. + +No.... Look, here's the list. + + [_She hands him a sheet of paper on which names are scribbled, and + he reads it._] + +RONNY. + +It looks rather a stodgy party, doesn't it? I see you've crossed my name +out. + +VIOLET. + +It's not much good asking you when you won't be here. Whom d'you advise +me to ask in your place? + +RONNY. + +I don't know. I hate the idea of anyone being asked in my place. Shall I +start on them at once? + +VIOLET. + +If you don't mind. I have to go out, you know. + + [_He sits down at a writing table._] + +RONNY. + +I'll start on those I dislike least. + +VIOLET. + +[_With a chuckle._] Don't you remember when Arthur said I must ask the +Von Scheidleins how we hated to write them a civil letter? + +RONNY. + +[_Writing._] Dear Lady Sinclair. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, she asked me to call her Evelyn. + +RONNY. + +Hang! I'll have to start again. + +VIOLET. + +It always make me so uncomfortable to address fat old ladies by their +Christian names. + +RONNY. + +I'll end up "yours affectionately," shall I? + +VIOLET. + +I suppose you're awfully excited at the thought of going? + +RONNY. + +No. + +VIOLET. + +It's a step for you, isn't it? I ... I ought to congratulate you. + +RONNY. + +You don't think I want to go, do you? I hate it. + +VIOLET. + +Why? + +RONNY. + +I've been very happy here. + +VIOLET. + +You knew you couldn't stay here for the rest of your life. + +RONNY. + +Why not? + +VIOLET. + +[_With an effort at self-control._] Who is the next person on the list? + +RONNY. + +[_Looking at it._] Will you miss me at all? + +VIOLET. + +I suppose I shall at first. + +RONNY. + +That's not a very kind thing to say. + +VIOLET. + +Isn't it? I don't mean to be unkind, Ronny. + +RONNY. + +Oh, I'm so miserable! + + [_She gives a little cry and looks at him. She presses her hands to + her heart._] + +VIOLET. + +Let us go on with the letters. + + [_Silently he writes. She does not watch him, but looks hopelessly + into space. She is unable to restrain a sob._] + +RONNY. + +You're crying. + +VIOLET. + +No, I'm not. I'm not. I swear I'm not. [_He gets up and goes over to +her. He looks into her eyes._] It came so suddenly. I never dreamt you'd +be going away. + +RONNY. + +Oh, Violet! + +VIOLET. + +Don't call me that. Please don't. + +RONNY. + +Did you know that I loved you? + +VIOLET. + +How should I know? Oh, I'm so unhappy. What have I done to deserve it? + +RONNY. + +I couldn't help loving you. It can't matter if I tell you now. It's the +end of everything. I don't want to go without your knowing. I love you. +I love you. I love you. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, Ronny! + +RONNY. + +It's been so wonderful, all these months. I've never known anyone to +come up to you. Everything you said pleased me. I loved the way you +walk, and your laugh, and the sound of your voice. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, don't! + +RONNY. + +I was content just to see you and to talk with you and to know you were +here, near me. You've made me extraordinarily happy. + +VIOLET. + +Have I? Oh, I'm so glad. + +RONNY. + +I couldn't help myself. I tried not to think of you. You're not angry +with me? + +VIOLET. + +I can't be. Oh, Ronny, I've had such a rotten time. It came upon me +unawares, I didn't know what was happening. I thought I only liked you. + +RONNY. + +Oh, my dearest! Is it possible ...? + +VIOLET. + +And when it struck me--oh, I was so frightened. I thought it must be +written on my face and everyone must see. I knew it was wrong. I knew I +mustn't. I couldn't help myself. + +RONNY. + +Oh, say it, Violet. I want to hear you say it: "I love you." + +VIOLET. + +I love you. [_He kneels down before her and covers her hands with +kisses._] Oh, don't, don't! + +RONNY. + +My dearest. My very dearest. + +VIOLET. + +What have I done? I made up my mind that no one should ever know. I +thought then it wouldn't matter. It needn't prevent me from doing my +duty to Arthur. It didn't interfere with my affection for him. I didn't +see how it could hurt anyone if I kept my love for you locked up in my +heart, tightly, and it made me so happy. I rejoiced in it. + +RONNY. + +I never knew. I used to weigh every word you said to me. You never gave +me a sign. + +VIOLET. + +I didn't know it was possible to love anybody as I love you, Ronny. + +RONNY. + +My precious! + +VIOLET. + +Oh, don't say things like that to me. It breaks my heart. I wouldn't +ever have told you only I was upset by your going. If they'd only given +me time to get used to the thought I wouldn't ... I wouldn't make such a +fool of myself. + +RONNY. + +You can't grudge me that little bit of comfort. + +VIOLET. + +But it all came so suddenly, the announcement that you were going and +your going. I felt I couldn't bear it. Why didn't they give me time? + +RONNY. + +Don't cry, my dearest, it tortures me. + +VIOLET. + +This is the last time we shall be alone, Ronny. I couldn't let you go +without ... oh, my God, I can't bear it. + +RONNY. + +We might have been so happy together, Violet. Why didn't we meet sooner? +I feel we're made for one another. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, don't talk of that. D'you suppose I haven't said to myself: "Oh, if +I'd only met him first"? Oh, Ronny, Ronny, Ronny! + +RONNY. + +I never dared to think that you loved me. It's maddening that I must go. +It's horrible to think of leaving you now. + +VIOLET. + +No, it's better. We couldn't have gone on like that. I'm glad you're +going. It breaks my heart. + +RONNY. + +Oh, Violet, why didn't you wait for me? + +VIOLET. + +I made a mistake. I must pay for it. Arthur's so good and kind. He loves +me with all his heart. Oh, what a fool I was! I didn't know what love +was. I feel that my life is finished, and I'm so young, Ronny. + +RONNY. + +You know I'd do anything in the world for you. + +VIOLET. + +My dear one. [_They stand, face to face, looking at one another +wistfully and sadly._] It's no good, Ronny, we're both making ourselves +utterly miserable. Say good-bye to me and let us part. [_He draws her +towards him._] No, don't kiss me. I don't want you to kiss me. [_He +takes her in his arms and kisses her passionately._] Oh, Ronny, I do +love you so. [_At last she tears herself away from him. She sinks into a +chair. He makes a movement towards her._] No, don't come near me now. +I'm so tired. + + [_He looks at her for a moment, then he goes back to the table and + sits down to write the letters. Their eyes meet slowly._] + +RONNY. + +It's good-bye, then? + +VIOLET. + +It's good-bye. + + [_She presses her hands to her heart as though the aching were + unendurable. He buries his head in his hands._] + +END OF THE FIRST ACT + + + + +ACT II + + + _The scene is the garden of the Consular Agent's residence. It is + an Eastern garden with palm-trees, magnolias, and flowering bushes + of azaleas. On one side is an old Arabic well-head decorated with + verses from the Koran; a yellow rambler grows over the ironwork + above. Rose-trees are in full bloom. On the other side are basket + chairs and a table. At the bottom of the garden runs the Nile and + on the farther bank are lines of palm-trees and the Eastern sky. It + is towards evening and during the act the sun gradually sets._ + + _The table is set out with tea-things._ ANNE _is seated reading a + book. The gardener in his blue gaberdine, with brown legs and the + little round cap of the Egyptian workman, is watering the flowers._ + CHRISTINA _comes in_. + +ANNE. + +[_Looking up, with a smile._] Ah, Christina! + +CHRISTINA. + +I was told I should find you here. I came to see Violet, but I hear she +hasn't come back yet. + +ANNE. + +She was going to see the Khedive's mother. + +CHRISTINA. + +I think I'll wait for her. + +ANNE. + +Would you like tea? I was waiting till Violet came in. I expect she's +been made to eat all sorts of sweet things and she'll want a cup of tea +to take the taste out of her mouth. + +CHRISTINA. + +No, don't have it brought for me.... I can never quite get over being +treated as a guest in the house I was mistress of for so many years. +[_To the Gardener._] Imshi (Get out). + +GARDENER. + +Dêtak sa 'ideh (May thy night be happy). + + [_He goes out._] + +ANNE. + +Your knowledge of Arabic is rather sketchy, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +I never see why I should trouble myself with strange languages. If +foreigners want to talk to me they can talk to me in English. + +ANNE. + +But surely when we're out of our own country we're foreigners. + +CHRISTINA. + +Nonsense, Anne, we're English. I wonder Arthur allows Violet to learn +Arabic. I can't help thinking it'll make a bad impression on the +natives. _I_ managed this house on fifty words of Arabic. + +ANNE. + +[_Smiling._] I'm convinced that on a hundred you'd be prepared to manage +the country. + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't think you can deny that I did my work here competently. + +ANNE. + +You're a wonderful housekeeper. + +CHRISTINA. + +I have common sense and a talent for organisation. [_Pursing her lips._] +It breaks my heart to see the way certain things are done here now. + +ANNE. + +You must remember Violet is very young. + +CHRISTINA. + +Much too young to be a suitable wife for Arthur. + +ANNE. + +He seems to be very well satisfied, and after all he is the person most +concerned. + +CHRISTINA. + +I know. His infatuation is--blind, don't you think? + +ANNE. + +[_Coolly._] I think it's very delightful to see two people so much in +love with one another. + +CHRISTINA. + +D'you know that I used to be fearfully jealous of you, Anne? + +ANNE. + +[_Amused._] I know that you thoroughly disliked me, Christina. You +didn't trouble to hide it. + +CHRISTINA. + +I was always afraid that Arthur would marry you. I didn't want to be +turned out of this house. I suppose you think that's horrid of me. + +ANNE. + +No, I think it's very natural. + +CHRISTINA. + +I didn't see why Arthur should marry. I gave him all the comforts of +home life. And I thought it would interfere with his work. Of course I +knew that he liked you. I suffered agonies when he used to go and dine +with you quietly. [_With a sniff._] He said it rested him. + +ANNE. + +Perhaps it did. Did you grudge him that? + +CHRISTINA. + +I knew you were desperately in love with him. + +ANNE. + +Need you throw that in my face now? Really, I haven't deserved it. + +CHRISTINA. + +My dear, I wish he had married you. It never struck me he'd marry a girl +twenty years younger than himself. + +ANNE. + +He never looked upon me as anything but a friend. I don't suppose it +occurred to him for an instant that my feeling might possibly be +different. + +CHRISTINA. + +It was stupid of me. I ought to have given him a hint. + +ANNE. + +[_With a smile._] You took care not to do that, Christina. Perhaps you +knew that was all it wanted. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Reflectively._] I don't think he's treated you very well. + +ANNE. + +Nonsense. A man isn't obliged to marry a woman just because she's in +love with him. I don't see why loving should give one a claim on the +person one loves. + +CHRISTINA. + +You would have made him a splendid wife. + +ANNE. + +So will Violet, my dear. Most men have the wives they deserve. + +CHRISTINA. + +I marvel at your kindness to her. You're so tolerant and sympathetic, +one would never imagine she's robbed you of what you wanted most in the +world. + +ANNE. + +I shouldn't respect myself very much if I bore her the shadow of a +grudge. I'm so glad that she's sweet and charming and ingenuous; it +makes it very easy to be fond of her. + +CHRISTINA. + +I know. I wanted to dislike her. But I can't really. There is something +about her which disarms one. + +ANNE. + +Isn't it lucky? It's a difficult position. That irresistible charm of +hers will make everything possible. After all, you and I can agree in +that we both want Arthur to be happy. + +CHRISTINA. + +I wonder if there's much chance of that. + + [ANNE _looks at her for a moment inquiringly, and_ CHRISTINA + _coolly returns the stare_.] + +ANNE. + +Why did you come here this afternoon, Christina? + +CHRISTINA. + +[_With a faint smile._] Why did you take so much trouble to get your +brother moved to Paris? + +ANNE. + +Good heavens, I told you this morning. + +CHRISTINA. + +D'you think we need make pretences with one another? + +ANNE. + +I don't think I quite understand. + +CHRISTINA. + +Don't you? You wanted Ronny to leave Egypt because you know he's in love +with Violet. + + [_For a moment_ ANNE _is a little taken aback, but she quickly + recovers herself_.] + +ANNE. + +He's very susceptible. He's always falling in and out of love. I had +noticed that he was attracted, and I confess I thought it better to put +him out of harm's way. + +CHRISTINA. + +How cunning you are, Anne! You won't admit anything till you're quite +certain the person you're talking to knows it. You know as well as I do +that Violet is just as much in love with him. + +ANNE. + +[_Much disturbed._] Christina, what are you going to do? How could I +help knowing? You've only got to see the way they look at one another. +They're sick with love. + +CHRISTINA. + +What did Arthur expect? I've never seen a couple more admirably suited +to one another. + +ANNE. + +I thought no one knew but me till this morning, when you were talking to +Arthur. Then I thought you must know too. My heart was in my mouth, I +was afraid you were going to tell him. But you didn't, and I thought I'd +been mistaken. + +CHRISTINA. + +You didn't give me credit for very nice feeling, Anne. Because I didn't +act like a perfect beast you thought I must be a perfect fool. + +ANNE. + +I know how devoted you are to your son. I didn't believe you'd stick at +anything when his interests were at stake. I'm sorry, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +Pray don't apologise. I didn't know it myself. It was on the tip of my +tongue to tell Arthur, but I simply couldn't. I couldn't do anything so +shabby. + +ANNE. + +Oh, Christina, we mustn't ever let him know, we can't make him so +miserable. It would break his heart. + +CHRISTINA. + +Well, what is to be done? + +ANNE. + +Heaven knows. I've been racking my brains. I can think of nothing. I'd +arranged everything so beautifully. And now I'm helpless. I thought +even of going to Ronny and asking him to refuse any job that will keep +him here. But Arthur looks upon it as so important. He'll insist on +Ronny's accepting unless his reasons for going are--what's the word I +want? + +CHRISTINA. + +Irrefutable. It seems very hard that my boy should be done out of such a +splendid chance by Ronny. Except for your brother I'm sure Arthur would +give it to Henry. + +ANNE. + +[_Diplomatically._] I know he has the highest opinion of Henry's +abilities. + +CHRISTINA. + +You can't expect me to sit still and let things go on. + +ANNE. + +Arthur is perfectly unconscious. He thinks Violet is as much in love +with him as he is with her. You couldn't be so cruel as to hint anything +to him. + +CHRISTINA. + +How you adore him, Anne! You may set your mind at rest. I'm not going to +say a word to Arthur. I'm going to speak to Violet. + +ANNE. + +[_Frightened._] What are you going to say? + +CHRISTINA. + +I'm going to ask her to do all she can to persuade Arthur to give Henry +the job. And then Ronny can go to Paris. + +ANNE. + +You're not going to tell her you know? + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Deliberately._] If it's necessary she must make Ronny refuse the +appointment. He must invent some excuse that Arthur will accept. + +ANNE. + +But it's blackmail. + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't care what it is. + + [VIOLET _comes in. She wears an afternoon gown, picturesque and + simple, yet elegant enough for the visit she has been paying. She + has a large hat, which she presently removes._] + +ANNE. + +Here is Violet. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, you poor people, haven't you had any tea? + +ANNE. + +I thought we'd wait till you came back. It'll come at once now. + +VIOLET. + +How are you, Christina? How is Henry? [_They kiss one another._] I've +not seen him for days. + +CHRISTINA. + +He's coming to fetch me presently. + +VIOLET. + +I shall tell him he neglects me. He's the only one of my in-laws I'm not +a little afraid of. + +CHRISTINA. + +He's a good boy. + +VIOLET. + +He has a good mother. I thought it would be such fun having a nephew +several years older than myself, but he won't treat me as an aunt. He +will call me Violet. I tell him he ought to be more respectful. + + [_Meanwhile_ SERVANTS _have brought the tea_.] + +CHRISTINA. + +What have you been doing this afternoon? + +VIOLET. + +Oh, I went to see the Khedive's mother. She made me eat seventeen +different things and I feel exactly like a boa-constrictor. [_Looking at +the cakes and scones._] I'm afraid there's not a very nice tea. + +CHRISTINA. + +So I notice. + +VIOLET. + +[_With a smile._] I suppose I couldn't persuade you to pour it out. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Gratified._] Certainly, if you wish it. + + [_She sits down in front of the teapot and pours out cups of tea._ + ARTHUR _comes in_.] + +ARTHUR. + +Hulloa, Christina, are you pouring out the tea? + +CHRISTINA. + +Violet asked me to. + +VIOLET. + +If only I weren't here it would be quite like old times. + +ARTHUR. + +I understand you want to see me, Violet. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, I hope you haven't come out here on purpose. I sent the message that +I wished to have a word with you when convenient, but I didn't want to +hurry you. I was quite prepared to go to you. + +ARTHUR. + +That sounds very formidable. I had a few minutes to spare while some +letters were being prepared for me to sign. But in any case I'm always +at your service. + +VIOLET. + +The Khedive's mother has asked me to talk to you about a man called +Abdul Said. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh! + +VIOLET. + +She thought if I put the circumstances before you.... + +ARTHUR. + +[_Interrupting._] What has he got to do with her? + +VIOLET. + +He's been employed for years on an estate of hers up the Nile. His +mother was one of her maids. It appears she gave her a dowry when she +married. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Smiling._] I see. I gathered that Abdul Said had powerful influence +somewhere or other. + +CHRISTINA. + +Who is this man, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +He's been sentenced to death for murder. It was a perfectly clear case, +but there was a lot of perjury and we had some difficulty in getting a +conviction. What has the Princess asked you to do? + +VIOLET. + +She explained the whole thing to me, and then she asked if I wouldn't +intercede with you. I promised to do everything I could. + +ARTHUR. + +You shouldn't have done that. The old lady knows quite well an affair of +this sort is no business of yours. I wish you'd told her so. + +VIOLET. + +Arthur, what could I do? His wife was there, and his mother. If you'd +seen them.... I couldn't bear to look at their misery and do nothing. I +said I was sure that when you knew all the facts you'd reprieve the +man. + +ARTHUR. + +It's not in my power to do anything of the sort. The prerogative of +mercy is with the Khedive. + +VIOLET. + +I know, but if you advise him to exercise it he will. He's only too +anxious to, but he won't move without your advice. + +ARTHUR. + +It's monstrous of the Princess to try and make use of you in this way. +She prepared a complete trap for you. + +ANNE. + +What did the man do exactly? + +ARTHUR. + +It's rather a peculiar case. Abdul Said had a difference of opinion with +an Armenian merchant and shortly after his only son fell ill and died. +He took it into his head that the Armenian had cast the evil eye on him, +and he took his gun, waited for his opportunity, and shot the Armenian +dead. The man isn't a criminal in the ordinary sense of the word, but we +can't afford to make exceptions. If we did there'd be a crop of murders +with the same excuse. I looked into the case this morning and I see no +reason to advise the Khedive to interfere with the course of justice. + +VIOLET. + +This morning? When you came in to luncheon full of spirits, laughing and +chaffing, had you just sent a man to his death? How horribly callous! + +ARTHUR. + +I'm sorry you should think that. I give every matter my closest +attention, and when I've settled it to the best of my ability I put it +out of my mind. I think it would be just as unwise to let it affect me +as for a doctor to let himself be affected by his patients' sufferings. + +VIOLET. + +It seems to me horrible to slaughter that wretched man because he's +ignorant and simple-minded. Don't you see that for yourself? + +ARTHUR. + +I'm afraid I'm not here to interpret the law according to my feelings +but according to its own spirit. + +VIOLET. + +It's easy to talk like that when you haven't got any feeling one way or +the other. Don't you realise the misery of that man condemned to die for +what he honestly thought was a mere act of justice? I wish you'd seen +the agony of those poor women. And now they're more or less happy +because I promised to help them. The Princess told them I had influence +with you. If she only knew! + +ARTHUR. + +You should never have been put in such a position. It was grossly +unfair. I'll take care that nothing of the sort occurs again. + +VIOLET. + +D'you mean to say you'll do nothing? Won't you even go into the matter +again--with a little sympathy? + +ARTHUR. + +I can't! + +VIOLET. + +It's the first thing I've ever asked you, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +I know. I'm only sorry that I must refuse you. + +VIOLET. + +This is the first sentence of death in Egypt since our marriage. Don't +you know what it would mean to me to think I'd saved a man's life? The +Khedive is waiting to sign the reprieve. It only requires a word from +you. Won't you say it? I feel that the gratitude of these poor women may +be like a blessing on us. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, I think my duty is very clear. I must do it. + +VIOLET. + +It's clear because all that grief means nothing to you. What do you care +if a man is hanged whom you've never even seen? I wonder if you'd find +it so easy to do your duty in a matter that affected you. If it meant +misery or happiness to you. It's easy to do one's duty when one doesn't +care. + +ARTHUR. + +You're quite right. That is the test: if one can do one's duty when it +means the loss of all one holds dear and valuable in the world. + +VIOLET. + +I hope you'll never be put to it. + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a chuckle._] My dear, you say that as though you hoped precisely +the contrary. + +VIOLET. + +Must I write to the Princess and say I was entirely mistaken, and I have +no more influence over you than a tripper at Shepheard's Hotel? + +ARTHUR. + +I'd sooner you didn't write to her at all. I will have a message +conveyed which you may be sure will save you from any humiliation. + +VIOLET. + +[_Icily._] I'm afraid you have a lot of business; you mustn't let me +keep you. + + [_He looks at her reflectively for a moment and then goes out. + There is an awkward silence._] + +VIOLET. + +Those good people we had to luncheon to-day would be amused to see what +the power amounts to that they congratulated me on. + +CHRISTINA. + +There's very little that Arthur would refuse you. He'd do practically +anything in the world to please you. + +VIOLET. + +It'll be a long time before I ask him to do anything else. + +CHRISTINA. + +Don't say that, Violet. Because I came here to-day on purpose to ask you +to use your influence with him. + +VIOLET. + +You see how much I have. + +CHRISTINA. + +That was a matter of principle. Men are always funny about principles. +You can never get them to understand that circumstances alter cases. + +VIOLET. + +Arthur looks upon me as a child. After all, it's not my fault that I'm +twenty years younger than he is. + +CHRISTINA. + +I want your help so badly, Violet. And you know, the fact that Arthur +has just refused to do something for you is just the reason that will +make him anxious to do anything you ask now. + +VIOLET. + +I don't want to expose myself to the humiliation of another refusal. + +CHRISTINA. + +It's so important to me. It may mean all the difference to Henry's +future. + +VIOLET. + +[_With a change of manner, charmingly._] Oh! I'd love to do anything I +could for Henry. + +CHRISTINA. + +The Khedive has asked Arthur for an English secretary. It seems to me +that Henry has every possible qualification, but you know what Arthur +is; he's terrified of the least suspicion of favouring his friends and +relations. + +VIOLET. + +My dear Christina, what can I do? Arthur would merely tell me to mind my +own business. + +CHRISTINA. + +He wants to give the post to Ronald Parry.... + +VIOLET. + +[_Quickly._] Ronny? But Ronny's going to Paris. It's all arranged. + +CHRISTINA. + +It was. But Arthur thinks it essential that he should stay in Egypt. + +VIOLET. + +Did you know this, Anne? + +ANNE. + +Not till just now. + +VIOLET. + +Does Ronny know? + +ANNE. + +I don't think so. + + [VIOLET _is aghast. She does all she can to hide her agitation. The + two women watch her_, CHRISTINA _with cold curiosity_, ANNE _with + embarrassment_.] + +VIOLET. + +I'm ... I'm awfully surprised. It's only an hour or two ago that Ronny +and I bade one another a pathetic farewell. + +CHRISTINA. + +Really? But there was never any talk of his going till the day after +to-morrow. You were in a great hurry with your leave-takings. + +VIOLET. + +I thought he'd be busy packing and that I mightn't have another chance. + +CHRISTINA. + +You've been so intimate, I'm sure he would have been able to snatch a +moment to say good-bye to you and Arthur before his train started. + + [VIOLET _does not quite know what this speech means. She gives_ + CHRISTINA _a look_. ANNE _comes to the rescue quickly_.] + +ANNE. + +Ronny has been acting as Violet's secretary to a certain extent. I +expect they had all sorts of little secrets together that they wanted to +discuss in private. + +CHRISTINA. + +Of course. That's very natural. [_With great friendliness._] If I +thought I were robbing you of anyone who was indispensable to you I +wouldn't ask you to put in a good word for Henry. But, of course, if +Ronald became the Khedive's secretary he couldn't exactly continue to +write letters and pay bills for you, could he? + +VIOLET. + +I'm rather taken aback. I'd got it fixed in my head that Ronny was +going. + +CHRISTINA. + +I can promise you that in helping Henry you're not doing any harm to +Ronald. Anne is very anxious that he should leave Egypt. Isn't that so? + +ANNE. + +In a way. Henry is proposing to spend the rest of his official life in +Egypt. An appointment like this is naturally more important to him than +it would be to Ronny, who is by way of being a bird of passage. + +CHRISTINA. + +Exactly. Ronny has had his experience here. If he stayed longer it would +only be waste of time. Anne naturally wants to have him near her. I +daresay she's a little afraid of his getting into mischief here. + +ANNE. + +I don't know about that, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +My dear, you know how susceptible he is. There's always the possibility +that he'll fall in love with someone who isn't very desirable. + +VIOLET. + +I've got an awful headache. + +CHRISTINA. + +Why don't you take a little aspirin? I'm quite sure that if you set your +mind to it you can persuade Arthur to give the job to Henry. And that +would settle everything. + +VIOLET. + +And if I can't persuade him? + +CHRISTINA. + +Then you must put it to Ronny. + +VIOLET. + +I? + +CHRISTINA. + +You see, if he refused the appointment and left Egypt, then I'm +convinced Arthur would accept Henry. + +VIOLET. + +Why should I put it to Ronny? + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Pleasantly._] You've been so very friendly, haven't you? If you +suggested to him that ... he's standing in Henry's way.... + +VIOLET. + +I should have thought it was for Anne to do that. + +CHRISTINA. + +How simple-minded you are! A man will often do for a pretty woman what +he won't do for his sister. + +VIOLET. + +You want me to make him go? + +CHRISTINA. + +Don't you think yourself that would be the very best thing ... for all +parties? + + [VIOLET _and_ CHRISTINA _look steadily at one another_. VIOLET + _sinks her eyes. She knows that_ CHRISTINA _is aware of her love. + She is terrified._ RONALD _comes in. He is in the highest + spirits._] + +RONNY. + +I've been sent to have a cup of tea. Sir Arthur is coming along in a +minute. I've got some news. I'm staying in Egypt. Isn't it splendid? + + [VIOLET _gives a little gasp_.] + +VIOLET. + +Is it settled then? + +RONNY. + +Did you know? I thought it would be a surprise. + +VIOLET. + +No. I've just heard. + +RONNY. + +Isn't it magnificent? + +CHRISTINA. + +You're very changeable. It's only a few months ago that you were +constantly telling Henry you'd had enough of the country. + +RONNY. + +Never. I love it. I should like to stay here all my life. + +CHRISTINA. + +Fancy that! + +RONNY. + +[_Addressing himself to_ VIOLET.] It would be madness to leave a place +where you're so happy, wouldn't it? I feel so intensely alive here. +It's a wonderful country. One lives every minute of the day. + +CHRISTINA. + +You're so enthusiastic. One would almost think you'd fallen in love. + +VIOLET. + +Ronny is naturally enthusiastic. + +RONNY. + +[_To_ CHRISTINA.] And why shouldn't I have fallen in love? + +CHRISTINA. + +Won't you tell us who with? + +RONNY. + +[_With a chuckle._] I was only joking. Isn't it enough to have a +splendid job in a country where there's so much hope? Sir Arthur has +given me a marvellous opportunity. It'll be my fault if I don't make the +most of it. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Dryly._] Shall I give you a cup of tea? + +RONNY. + +[_Chaffing her._] D'you think I want calming down? I feel like a +prisoner who was going to be hanged and has just had a free pardon. I +don't want to be calmed down. I want to revel in my freedom. + +CHRISTINA. + +All that means, I take it, that you don't want tea. + +RONNY. + +It's no good trying to snub me. I'm unsnubable to-day. You haven't +congratulated me, Anne. + +ANNE. + +My dear, you've been talking nineteen to the dozen. I've not had the +chance to get a word in edgeways. + +RONNY. + +[_To_ VIOLET.] Will you put my name back on your list for that dinner? +It would have broken my heart to miss it. + +VIOLET. + +Your official position rather alters things, doesn't it? I would never +dare to ask you now just to make an even number. + +RONNY. + +Oh, well, I'm sending out the invitations. I shall write a formal letter +to myself, explaining the circumstances, and I daresay I shall see my +way to accept. + +CHRISTINA. + +Dear Ronald, you might be eighteen. + + [ARTHUR _comes in with_ HENRY PRITCHARD. _This is_ CHRISTINA'S + _son, a pleasant, clean young man, but in no way remarkable_.] + +ARTHUR. + +Henry tells me he's come to fetch you away, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +So you lose not a moment in bringing him here. + +ARTHUR. + +Really, Christina, you do me an injustice. I can't bear to think you +should be parted from your precious boy an instant longer than +necessary. + +HENRY. + +[_Shaking hands with_ VIOLET.] How is my stately aunt? + +VIOLET. + +Merry and bright, thank you. + +HENRY. + +You know I'm having a birthday soon, don't you? + +VIOLET. + +What of it? + +HENRY. + +I've always been given to understand that aunts give their nephews ten +shillings on their birthday. + +VIOLET. + +Do they? I am glad. I'd love to press ten shillings into your willing +hand. + +HENRY. + +Halloa, Ronny. Lucky devil. I congratulate you. + +RONNY. + +That's awfully good of you, old man. + +ARTHUR. + +On what? Christina! + +CHRISTINA. + +I told Henry. I didn't think it would matter, I thought it better that +he should know. + +HENRY. + +I say, Uncle Arthur, I'm afraid mother has been giving you a rotten +time. It's not my fault, you know. + +ARTHUR. + +What isn't? + +HENRY. + +Well, when mother told me at luncheon that the Khedive had applied for +an English secretary, I saw by the beady look in her eye that if I +didn't get the job she was going to make things unpleasant for somebody. + +CHRISTINA. + +Really, Henry, I don't know what you mean. + +HENRY. + +Well, mother, you're an old dear.... + +CHRISTINA. + +Not so old either. + +ARTHUR. + +Certainly not, Henry. Let us have none of your nonsense. + +HENRY. + +But you know perfectly well that you'd cheerfully bring the British +Empire tumbling about our ears if you could get me a good fat billet by +doing so. + +ARTHUR. + +Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings.... + +CHRISTINA. + +You've got no right to say that, Henry. I've never asked anything for +you that it wasn't practically your right to have. + +HENRY. + +Well, mother, between you and me I don't mind telling you that Ronny is +much more suited to this particular job than I am. Only a perfect fool +would have hesitated, and for the honour of the family we can't suspect +Uncle Arthur of being that. + +ARTHUR. + +You see what comes of bringing up a boy properly, Christina; you've made +him a decent fellow in spite of yourself. + +CHRISTINA. + +You're a tiresome creature, Henry, but I'm attached to you. You may kiss +me. + +HENRY. + +Come along, Mother. I'm not going to kiss you in public. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Getting up._] Well, good-bye, Violet. Don't forget our little +conversation, will you? + +VIOLET. + +Good-bye. Good-bye, Henry. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_To_ ANNE.] Why don't you come for a little drive with us? It's such a +beautiful evening. + +ANNE. + +Will you take me? I think I'd like it. It won't take me a minute to put +on my hat. + + [_She gets up. They start to walk towards the house._] + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Putting up her cheek._] Good-bye, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, I'll just come along and put you in your carriage. You shan't say +that I don't treat you with the ceremony due to your importance. + + [_They saunter off._ VIOLET _and_ RONNY _are left alone_.] + +VIOLET. + +You're coming back, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, yes, in a minute. [_Exit._] + +RONNY. + +[_Under his breath._] Violet. + +VIOLET. + +Be quiet. + +RONNY. + +Isn't it ripping? I could hardly prevent myself from letting them see +how much I loved you. + +VIOLET. + +You didn't. Christina suspected before and now you've told her in plain +words. + +RONNY. + +[_Gaily._] That's only your fancy. You think because it's plain to you +it must be plain to anybody else. + +VIOLET. + +I've never before had anything to hide. D'you think I like it? + +RONNY. + +And even if she does know, what does it matter? It does her no harm.... +And how could anyone help loving you? + +VIOLET. + +[_Quickly._] Take care what you say. + +RONNY. + +No one can hear. To look at us anyone would think we were discussing the +political situation. + +VIOLET. + +You're cunning, Ronny. + +RONNY. + +I love you. I love you. I love you. + +VIOLET. + +For God's sake don't keep on saying it. I'm so ashamed. + +RONNY. + +[_Astonished._] What about? + +VIOLET. + +Just now, this afternoon, I would never have said what I did only I +thought you were going. I wasn't myself then, Ronny. I ought never to +have.... + +RONNY. + +Thank God you did. You can't grudge me the happiness you gave me. You +can't take it away from me now. I know you love me. I hold the sun and +the moon in my hands and all the stars of heaven. + +VIOLET. + +[_Desperately._] What are we going to do? Oh, it's not fair to me. + +RONNY. + +It's done now. You can't unsay it. Each time I look at you I shall +remember. I've held you in my arms and kissed your lips. You can never +take that away from me. And I needn't go. I shall see you constantly. +Oh, I'm so happy. + + [_She walks up and down for a moment, trying to control herself, + then she makes up her mind: she stops and faces him._] + +VIOLET. + +I want you to go, Ronny. I want you to make some excuse and refuse the +appointment here. + +RONNY. + +No, I can't leave you now. + +VIOLET. + +I beseech you to go. + +RONNY. + +Do you want me to? + +VIOLET. + +Yes. + +RONNY. + +Give me your hand, then. + +VIOLET. + +Why? + +RONNY. + +Give me your hand. [_She gives it him and he holds it._] Say you love +me, Violet. + +VIOLET. + +No. + +RONNY. + +How cold your hand is! + +VIOLET. + +Let me go. + +RONNY. + +D'you really want me to go? + +VIOLET. + +You know I don't. I adore you. It'll kill me if you go. [_He bends down +and passionately kisses her hand._] Ronny, Ronny, don't! What are you +doing? [_She tears her hand away. She is trembling with emotion. He is +white and cold with passion. They sit opposite one another for a while +in silence._] What a punishment! When you told me this afternoon that +you loved me I thought I'd never been happy in my life before, and +though it tore my heart to think that you must go I felt--oh, I don't +know--as though my joy was so overwhelming, there was no room in my +heart for anything else. And now I'm wretched, wretched. + +RONNY. + +But why? Darling! My darling, we were going to be parted, and now we're +going to be together. Can anything matter beside that? + +VIOLET. + +It's all so hopeless. + +RONNY. + +It needn't be. + +VIOLET. + +How can it be anything else? + +RONNY. + +I don't love you for a day or a week, Violet; I love you for always. + +VIOLET. + +Whatever happens, I'm going to try to do my duty to Arthur. + +RONNY. + +I'm not seeking to prevent you. What am I asking for? I only want to see +you. I want to know that I'm close to you. I want to touch your hand. I +want to think of you. What harm can that do you? + +VIOLET. + +If I were my own mistress I could laugh and let you do as you choose. +But I'm not. I'm bound to you hand and foot. It's torture to me. And the +worst of it is I love my bonds. I can't wish to be without them. I'm at +your mercy, Ronny. I love you. + +RONNY. + +Oh, but that's enough for me. I swear to you I don't want you to do +anything that you'll ever regret. + +VIOLET. + +If it could only be taken out of our hands. If something would only +happen. + +RONNY. + +What can happen? + +VIOLET. + +Perhaps the Khedive will change his mind. Perhaps the Foreign Office +will say you must go to Paris. + +RONNY. + +Would you be pleased? Violet, I want so little from you. How can it hurt +you to give me that? Let us give ourselves a chance to be happy. + +VIOLET. + +We shall never be happy. Never. The only thing we can do is to part, and +I can't let you go. I can't. I can't. It's asking too much of me. + +RONNY. + +I love you with all my heart and soul. I didn't know it was possible to +love anyone as I love you. + +[ARTHUR _is heard gaily whistling to himself_.] + +VIOLET. + +There's Arthur! + +RONNY. + +[_Quickly._] Shall I go? + +VIOLET. + +Yes. No. Have we got to hide ourselves? Has it come to that already? Oh, +I hate myself. + + [ARTHUR _comes in_.] + +VIOLET. + +[_Brightly._] You're very gay this afternoon, Arthur. One doesn't often +hear you whistle. + +ARTHUR. + +D'you think it's unbecoming to my years or to my dignity? + +VIOLET. + +Shall I give you a cup of tea? + +ARTHUR. + +To tell you the honest truth that is what I came here for. + +VIOLET. + +And I was flattering myself it was for the pleasure of my company. + +ARTHUR. + +Ronny, will you find out if it would be convenient for the Khedive to +see me at eleven o'clock to-morrow? + +RONNY. + +Very good, sir. + + [_He goes out._] + +VIOLET. + +What have you to see the Khedive about--if it isn't a secret? + +ARTHUR. + +Not at all. I'm merely going to place before him Ronny's name. + +VIOLET. + +Then the matter's not definitely settled yet? + +ARTHUR. + +Not formally. I've not had the reply yet to my telegram to the Foreign +Office, and I've not had the Khedive's acceptance of my suggestion. + +VIOLET. + +But supposing the Foreign Office say they think he'd better go to Paris +after all? + +ARTHUR. + +I think it's most unlikely. They know by now that the man on the spot is +the best judge of the circumstances, and I've accustomed them to giving +me a free hand. + +VIOLET. + +And you think the Khedive will raise no objection? + +ARTHUR. + +He knows Ronny a little and likes him. I think he'll be delighted with +my choice. + + [_There is a pause._ ARTHUR _drinks his tea. There is no sign that + he is conscious of_ VIOLET'S _agitation. She is tortured by + indecision._] + +VIOLET. + +Arthur, I'm sorry if I was cross just now about Abdul Said. It was +stupid of me to interfere with something that wasn't my business. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, my dear, don't say that. I'm sorry I couldn't do what you wanted. + +VIOLET. + +I made myself needlessly disagreeable. Will you forgive me? + +ARTHUR. + +Darling, don't reproach yourself. That's more than I can bear. There's +nothing to forgive. + +VIOLET. + +I owe so much to you. I hate to think that I was horrid. + +ARTHUR. + +You don't owe anything to me at all. And you're incapable of being +horrid. + + [_He seizes her hands and is about to kiss them, when she draws + them abruptly away._] + +VIOLET. + +No, don't kiss my hands. + +ARTHUR. + +Why not? + + [_He is surprised. For an instant she is taken aback. He looks at + her hands and she withdraws them as though he could see on them the + kisses which_ RONNY, _a few minutes before, had pressed on them_.] + +VIOLET. + +[_With the faintest laugh of embarrassment._] If you want to kiss me I +prefer you to kiss my cheeks. + +ARTHUR. + +That is evidently what they're made for. + + [_He does not attempt to kiss them. She gives him a quick glance + and looks away._] + +VIOLET. + +Arthur, I'm afraid Christina will be awfully disappointed at Henry's not +getting that job. + +ARTHUR. + +Let us hope she will bear her disappointment with as much fortitude as I +do. + +VIOLET. + +I don't think she's entirely given up hope that you will change your +mind. + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a chuckle._] I'm sure of that. I don't expect to have much peace +till the matter is officially settled. That is why I mean to settle it +quickly. + +VIOLET. + +What is your objection to Henry? + +ARTHUR. + +None. He's not such a good man as Ronald Parry, that's all. + +VIOLET. + +The last time there was a good job going Henry just missed getting it. + +ARTHUR. + +Henry is one of those men who would do very well for a job if there +weren't always somebody just a little bit better applying at the same +time. + +VIOLET. + +Christina thinks you're so anxious not to favour him because he's your +nephew that you are positively biassed against him. + +ARTHUR. + +Christina, like the majority of her sex, has an unerring eye for the +discreditable motive. + +VIOLET. + +She blames me because you won't help Henry. She thinks it's because I'm +jealous of her. + +ARTHUR. + +How exactly like her! The best mother and the most unreasonable woman +I've ever known. + +VIOLET. + +[_Forcing the words out._] It would be a great pleasure to me if you +could change your mind and let Henry have the post instead of Ronald +Parry. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, my dear, don't ask me to do that. You know how I hate refusing to do +anything you wish. + +VIOLET. + +Anne is so anxious that Ronny should go to Paris. He's made all his +preparations, don't you think you might just as well let him go? + +ARTHUR. + +I'm afraid I don't. I want him here. + +VIOLET. + +It would be such a joy to me if I could go and tell Christina that you'd +consented. It would make such a difference to me, you see. I want her to +be fond of me, and I know she'd never forget if I'd been able to do her +a good turn like that. Oh, Arthur, won't you? + +ARTHUR. + +Darling, I'm afraid I can't. + +VIOLET. + +I promise I'll never ask you anything again as long as I live if you'll +only do this for me. It means so much to me. You don't know how much. + +ARTHUR. + +I can't, Violet. + +VIOLET. + +Won't you talk it over with Anne? + +ARTHUR. + +To tell you the truth I don't think it's any business of hers. + +VIOLET. + +[_Hesitatingly._] Is it due to her influence that Ronald was appointed +to Paris? + +ARTHUR. + +Why? + +VIOLET. + +I want to know. If she's been pulling strings to get him moved I suppose +it's for some reason. He was very comfortable here. It's not often you +find a secretary who exactly suits you. + +ARTHUR. + +Well, yes, it was her doing. She tells me she doesn't mean to come to +Egypt so much as in the past and wants her brother nearer to her. + +VIOLET. + +If she wants to see much of her brother she let him choose rather an +unfortunate profession.... I wonder she didn't tell you the truth. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Quickly._] I'm convinced she did. I thought her explanation very +natural. I'm sorry it's necessary for me to interfere with her plans. + +VIOLET. + +I'm sure she wouldn't mind my telling you why she's so anxious Ronny +should leave Egypt. She thinks he's in love with a married woman and it +seems desirable to get him away. Perhaps she didn't want to tell you. I +fancy she's been very uneasy about it. + +ARTHUR. + +I daresay it's only a momentary infatuation. Let us hope he will get +over it quickly. I can't lose a useful public servant because he happens +to have formed an unfortunate attachment. + +VIOLET. + +I'm afraid I'm not explaining myself very well. Ronny is desperately in +love. There's no other way of putting it. You _must_ let him go. After +all, you're very fond of him, you've known him since he was a small boy; +it isn't as though he were a stray young man sent you by the Foreign +Office. You can't be entirely indifferent to him. Perhaps his welfare is +at stake. Don't you think it's wiser--it's only kind--to send him out of +harm's way. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, you know that I--Arthur Little--would do anything to please you +and that I care very much for the happiness of Anne and the welfare of +Ronald Parry. But, you see, I'm an official too, and the official can't +do all sorts of things that the man would be very glad to. + +VIOLET. + +How can you separate the official and the man? The official can't do +things that the man disapproves. + +ARTHUR. + +Ah! that's a point that has been discussed ever since states came into +being. Are the rules of private morality binding on the statesman? In +theory most of us answer yes, but in practice very few act on that +principle. In this case, darling, it hardly applies. I see no conflict +between the man and the official. + +VIOLET. + +You think it doesn't really concern you, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +I've not said that. But I'm not going to let an appeal to my emotions +interfere with my judgment. I think I understand the situation. I'm not +proposing to change my mind. I shall present Ronny's name to the Khedive +to-morrow. + +VIOLET. + +D'you think me very stupid, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +Not at all, darling. Only a clever woman could achieve your beauty. + +VIOLET. + +Then doesn't it occur to you that if I've made such a point of Ronny's +going it must be for some very good reason? + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a quick look at her._] Don't you think we'd better leave that +subject alone, darling? + +VIOLET. + +I'm afraid you'll think it silly and vain of me to say so, but I think +you should know that--that Ronny's in love with me. That is why I want +him to go. + +ARTHUR. + +It's very natural that he should be in love with you. I'm always +surprised that everybody else isn't. I don't see how I can prevent that +except by taking you to live in the depths of the Sahara. + +VIOLET. + +Don't make light of it, Arthur. It wasn't very easy for me to tell you. + +ARTHUR. + +How do you wish me to take it? I can't blame Ronald. He's by way of +being a gentleman. I've been good to him. He'll make the best of a bad +job. + +VIOLET. + +D'you mean to say that it makes no difference to you? + +ARTHUR. + +This secretaryship is a stepping-stone to a very important position. +You're not going to ask me to rob him of it because he's done something +so very natural as to fall in love with the most charming woman in +Egypt? I imagine that all my secretaries will fall in love with you. +Poor devils, I don't see how they can be expected to help it. + +VIOLET. + +You drive me mad. It's so serious, it's so tremendously serious, and you +have the heart to make little jokes about it. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Gravely._] Has it ever struck you that flippancy is often the best way +of dealing with a serious situation? Sometimes it's really too serious +to be taken seriously. + +VIOLET. + +What do you mean by that? + +ARTHUR. + +Nothing very much. I was excusing myself for my ill-timed jests. + +VIOLET. + +You're determined to keep Ronny here? + +ARTHUR. + +Quite. [_There is a pause._ ARTHUR _gets up and puts his hand on her +shoulder_.] I don't think there's anything more to say. If you will +forgive me I will get back to the office. + +VIOLET. + +No, don't go yet, Arthur. There's something more I want to say to you. + +ARTHUR. + +Will you allow me to advise you not to? It's so easy to say too much; +it's never unwise to say too little. I beseech you not to say anything +that we should both of us regret. + +VIOLET. + +You think it's unimportant if Ronny loves me, because you trust me +implicitly. + +ARTHUR. + +Implicitly. + +VIOLET. + +Has it never occurred to you that I might be influenced by his love +against my will? Do you think it's so very safe? + +ARTHUR. + +If I allowed any doubt on that matter to enter my head I should surely +be quite unworthy of your affection. + +VIOLET. + +Arthur, I don't want to have any secrets from you. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Trying to stop her._] Don't, Violet. I don't want you to go on. + +VIOLET. + +I must now. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, my dear, don't you see that things said can never be taken back. We +may both know something.... + +VIOLET. + +[_Interrupting._] What do you mean? + +ARTHUR. + +But so long as we don't tell one another we can ignore it. If certain +words pass our lips then the situation is entirely changed. + +VIOLET. + +You're frightening me. + +ARTHUR. + +I don't wish to do that. Only you can tell me nothing that I don't know. +But if you tell me you may do irreparable harm. + +VIOLET. + +D'you mean to say you know? Oh, it's impossible. Arthur, Arthur, I can't +help it. I must tell you. It burns my heart. I love Ronny with all my +body and soul. + + [_There is a pause while they look at one another._] + +ARTHUR. + +Did you think I didn't know? + +VIOLET. + +Then why did you offer him the job? + +ARTHUR. + +I had to. + +VIOLET. + +No one could have blamed you if you had suggested Henry. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, I'm paid a very considerable salary. It would surely be taking +money under false pretences if I didn't do my work to the best of my +ability. + +VIOLET. + +It may mean happiness or misery to all three of us. + +ARTHUR. + +I must take the risk of that. You see, Ronny is cut out for this +particular position. It's only common honesty to give it him. + +VIOLET. + +Don't you love me any more? + +ARTHUR. + +Don't ask me that, Violet. You know I love you with all my heart. + +VIOLET. + +Then I can't understand. + +ARTHUR. + +You don't think I want him to stay, do you? When the telegram came from +the Foreign Office ordering him to Paris my middle-aged heart simply +leapt for joy. Do you think I didn't see all the advantages he had over +me? He seemed to have so much to offer you and I so little. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, Arthur! + +ARTHUR. + +But if he went away I thought presently you'd forget him. I thought if I +were very kind to you and tolerant, and if I asked nothing more from you +than you were prepared to give I might in time make you feel towards me, +not love perhaps, but tenderness and affection. That was all I could +hope for, but that would have made me very happy. Then the Khedive asked +for an English secretary, and I knew Ronny was the only man for it. You +see, I've been at this work so long, the official in me makes decisions +almost mechanically. + +VIOLET. + +And supposing they break the heart of the man in you? + +ARTHUR. + +[_Smiling._] By a merciful interposition of Providence we all seem to +have just enough strength to bear the burdens that are placed on us. + +VIOLET. + +D'you think so? + +ARTHUR. + +You like the rest of us, Violet. + +VIOLET. + +How long have you known I loved him? + +ARTHUR. + +Always. I think perhaps I knew before you did. + +VIOLET. + +Why didn't you do something? + +ARTHUR. + +Will you tell me what there was to do? + +VIOLET. + +Aren't you angry with us? + +ARTHUR. + +I should be a fool to be that. It seems to me so natural, so horribly +natural. He's young and nice-looking and cheery. It seems to me now +inevitable that you should have fallen in love with him. You might be +made for one another. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, do you see that? + +ARTHUR. + +It had struck you too, had it? I suppose it's obvious to anyone who +takes the trouble to think about it. [_She does not answer._] Haven't +you wished with all your heart that you'd met him first? Don't you hate +me now because I married you? [_She looks away._] My dear child, I'm so +sorry for you. I've been very grateful for your kindness to me during +the last month or two. I've seen you try to be loving to me and +affectionate. I've been so anxious to tell you not to force yourself, +because I understood and you mustn't be unhappy about me. But I didn't +know how. I could only make myself as little troublesome as possible. + +VIOLET. + +You've been immensely good to me, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +That's the least you had a right to expect of me. I did you a great +wrong in marrying you. I knew you didn't love me. You were dazzled by +the circumstances. You didn't know what marriage was and how irksome it +must be unless love makes its constraints sweeter than freedom. But I +adored you. I thought love would come. With all my heart I ask you to +forgive me. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, Arthur, don't talk like that. You know I was so happy to marry you. +I thought you wonderful, I was so excited and flattered--I thought that +was love. I never knew that love would come like this. If I'd only +known what to expect I could have fought against it. It took me +unawares. I never had a chance. It wasn't my fault, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm not blaming you, darling. + +VIOLET. + +It would be easier for me if you did. + +ARTHUR. + +It's just bad luck. Bad luck? I might have expected it. + +VIOLET. + +Still, I'm glad I've told you. I hated having a secret from you. It's +better that we should be frank with one another. + +ARTHUR. + +If I can help you in any way I'm glad too that you've told me. + +VIOLET. + +What is to be done? + +ARTHUR. + +There's nothing to be done. + +VIOLET. + +Arthur, until to-day Ronny and I have never exchanged a word that anyone +might not have heard. I was happy to be with him, I knew he liked me, I +was quite satisfied with that. But when I heard that he was going away +suddenly everything was changed. I felt I couldn't bear to let him go. +Oh, I'm so ashamed, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +Dear child! + +VIOLET. + +I don't know how it happened. He told me he loved me. He didn't mean to. +Don't think he's been disloyal to you, Arthur. We were both so upset. It +was just as much my fault as his. I couldn't help letting him see how +much he meant to me. We thought we were never going to see one another +again. He took me in his arms and held me in them. I was so happy and so +miserable. I never thought life could mean so much. + +ARTHUR. + +And just now when you were alone he kissed your hands. + +VIOLET. + +How do you know? + +ARTHUR. + +When I wanted to kiss them you withdrew them. You couldn't bear that I +should touch them. You felt on them still the pressure of his lips. + +VIOLET. + +I couldn't help it. He was beside himself with joy because he needn't +go. I don't want to love him, Arthur. I want to love you. I've tried so +desperately hard. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, one either loves or one doesn't. I'm afraid trying doesn't do +much good. + +VIOLET. + +If he stays here I shall have to see him constantly. I shan't have a +chance to get over it. Oh, I can't. I can't. It's intolerable. Have pity +on me. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm afraid you'll be very unhappy. But you see, something more than your +happiness is at stake. A little while ago you said you wanted to do more +for your country than you did. Does it strike you that you can do +something for it now? + +VIOLET. + +I? + +ARTHUR. + +We all want to do great and heroic things, but generally we can only do +very modest ones. D'you think we ought to shirk them? + +VIOLET. + +I don't understand. + +ARTHUR. + +Ronny can be of infinite value here. You can't help your feelings for +him. I can't bring myself to blame you. But you are mistress of your +words and your actions. What are we to do? You wouldn't wish me to +resign when my work here is but half done. We must make the best of the +position. Remember that all of us here, you more than most women, +because you're my wife, work for the common cause by our lives and the +example we set. At all costs we must seem honest, straightforward, and +without reproach. And one finds by experience that it's much less +trouble to be a thing than only to seem it. There's only one way in +which we can avoid reproach and that is by being irreproachable. + +VIOLET. + +You mean that it's necessary for the country that Ronny and you should +stay here? And if my heart breaks it doesn't matter. I thought I was +doing so much in asking you to send him away. Don't you know that with +all my heart I wanted him to stay? D'you know what I feel, Arthur? I +can't think of anything else. I'm obsessed by a hungry longing for him. +Till to-day I could have borne it. But now ... I feel his arms about me +every moment, and his kisses on my lips. You can't know the rapture and +the torture and the ecstasy that consume me. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, my dear, do you think I don't know what love is? + +VIOLET. + +I want to do the right thing, Arthur, but you mustn't ask too much of +me. If I've got to treat him as a casual friend, I can't go on seeing +him. I can't, Arthur, I can't! If he must stay then let me go. + +ARTHUR. + +Never! I think, even if it weren't necessary, I should make him stay +now. You and I are not people to run away from danger. After all, we're +not obliged to yield to our passions--we can control them if we want to. +For your own sake you must stay, Violet. + +VIOLET. + +And if I break, I break. + +ARTHUR. + +It's only the worthless who are broken by unhappiness. If you have faith +and courage and honesty unhappiness can only make you stronger. + +VIOLET. + +Have you thought of yourself, Arthur? What will you feel when you see +him with me? What will you suspect when you're working in your office +and don't know where I am? + +ARTHUR. + +I shall know that you are unhappy, and I shall feel the most tender +compassion for you. + +VIOLET. + +You're exposing me to a temptation that I want with all my heart to +yield to. What is there to hold me back? Only the thought that I must do +my duty to you. What is there to reward me? Only the idea that perhaps +I'm doing a little something for the country. + +ARTHUR. + +I put myself in your hands, Violet. I shall never suspect that you can +do anything, not that I should reproach you for--I will never reproach +you--but that you may reproach yourself for. + +[_A pause._] + +VIOLET. + +Just now, when we were talking of Abdul Said, I asked if you could do +your duty when it was a matter that affected you, if it meant misery or +happiness to you, I said. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, duty is rather a forbidding word. Let us say that I--want to +earn my screw. + +VIOLET. + +You must have thought me very silly. I said I hoped you'd never be put +to the test, and the test had come already, and you never hesitated. + +ARTHUR. + +These things are very much a matter of habit, you know. + +VIOLET. + +What you can do I can do too, Arthur--if you believe in me. + +ARTHUR. + +Of course I believe in you. + +VIOLET. + +Then let him stay. I'll do what I can. + + [RONNY _comes in_.] + +RONNY. + +The Khedive was engaged when I rang up. But I left the message and the +answer has just come through. He will be pleased to see you, sir, at +eleven o'clock. + +ARTHUR. + +That will do admirably. Ronny must lunch with us to-morrow, Violet. +We'll crack a bottle to celebrate his step! + +END OF THE SECOND ACT + + + + +ACT III + + + _The scene shows part of the garden and a verandah at the Consular + Agent's house. Coloured lanterns are fixed here and there. It is + night, and in the distance is seen the blue sky bespangled with + stars. At the lack of the verandah are the windows of the house + gaily lit. Within a band is heard playing dance-music._ VIOLET _is + giving a dance. Everyone who appears is magnificently gowned._ + VIOLET _is wearing all her pearls and diamonds_. ARTHUR _has across + his shirt front the broad riband of an order. It is the end of the + evening. Various people are sealed on the verandah, enjoying the + coolness. They are_ MR. _and_ MRS. APPLEBY, CHRISTINA _and_ ARTHUR. + +APPLEBY. + +Well, my dear, I think it's about time I was taking you back to your +hotel. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, nonsense! It's when everybody has gone that a dance really begins to +get amusing. + +CHRISTINA. + +That's a pleasant remark to make to your guests. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I'm really ashamed to have stayed like this to the bitter end, but I do +love to see the young folk enjoying themselves. + +ARTHUR. + +Ah! you have learnt how to make the most of advancing years. The solace +of old age is to take pleasure in the youth of those who come after us. + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't think you're very polite, Arthur. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Bless your heart, I know I'm not so young as I was. + +ARTHUR. + +Do you mind? + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Me? Why should I? I've had my day and I've enjoyed it. It's only fair to +give others a chance now. + +CHRISTINA. + +I'm sure you enjoyed your trip up the Nile. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Oh, we had a wonderful time. + +ARTHUR. + +And what conclusions did you come to, Mr. Appleby? I remember that you +were looking for instruction as well as amusement. + +APPLEBY. + +I didn't forget what you told me. I just kept my ears open and my mouth +shut. + +ARTHUR. + +A capital practice, not much favoured by democratic communities. + +APPLEBY. + +But I came to one very definite conclusion for all that. + +ARTHUR. + +What was it? + +APPLEBY. + +In fact, I came to two. + +ARTHUR. + +That's not so satisfactory--unless they contradicted one another; in +which case I venture to suggest that you have grasped at all events the +elements of the Egyptian problem. + +APPLEBY. + +The first is that you're the right man in the right place. + +ARTHUR. + +Christina would never admit that. She has known for many years that she +could manage Egypt far better than I do. + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't deny that for a minute. I think on the whole women are more +level-headed than men. They're not swayed by emotion. They're more +practical. They know that principle must often yield to expediency, and +they can do the expedient without surrendering the principle. + +ARTHUR. + +You make my head whirl, Christina. + +APPLEBY. + +I had the opportunity of seeing a good many different sorts of people. I +never heard a reasonable complaint against you. Some of them didn't like +you personally, but they looked up to you, and they believed in you. I +asked myself how you managed it. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I told him that it's because you're human. + +ARTHUR. + +Christina thinks it very bad for me to hear pleasant things said of me. + +CHRISTINA. + +Christina doesn't know what her brother would do if he hadn't got an +affectionate sister to gibe at. + +APPLEBY. + +It must be a great satisfaction to you to see the country becoming every +year more prosperous and contented. + +ARTHUR. + +What was the second conclusion you came to? + +APPLEBY. + +I'm coming to that. Most of us are torn asunder as it were by a conflict +of duties. This and that urgently needs to be done, and if you put one +thing right you put something else wrong. We all want to do for the +best, but we don't exactly know what the best is. Now, you've got your +duty clearly marked out before you, if you take my meaning; you're +young. + +ARTHUR. + +Youngish. + +APPLEBY. + +You've made a success of your job and of your life. It's not all of us +who can say that. My second conclusion is that you must be the happiest +man alive. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I'm glad he's got that off his chest. He's been dinning it into my ears +for the last ten days. My impression is that he fell in love with Lady +Little that day he lunched here six weeks ago. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm not going to blame him for that. Everybody does.... It was a wise +old fellow who said that you must count no man happy till he's dead. +[CHRISTINA _gives him a look, and puts her hand affectionately on his +arm. He quickly withdraws it._] Here is Violet. + + [_She comes in on_ HENRY PRITCHARD'S _arm and sinks into a chair_.] + +VIOLET. + +I'm absolutely exhausted. I feel that in another minute my legs will +drop off. + +ARTHUR. + +Do take care, darling, that would be so disfiguring. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, I'd still dance on the stumps. + +ARTHUR. + +When are you going to send that unfortunate band away? + +VIOLET. + +Oh, we must have one more dance. After all, it's our last ball of the +season. And now that everyone has gone I needn't be dignified any more. +There's no one but Henry and Anne and Ronny. We've just had a gorgeous +one-step, haven't we, Henry? + +HENRY. + +Gorgeous. You're a ripping dancer. + +VIOLET. + +My one accomplishment. [_The band is heard beginning a waltz._] Good +heavens, they've started again. That's Anne, I'm positive. She's been +playing the British matron too and now she's having her fling. + +ARTHUR. + +You girls, you never grow up. + +HENRY. + +Are you ready for another turn, Violet? + +ARTHUR. + +Don't dance any more, darling, you look worn out. + +VIOLET. + +Supposing you danced with your mother, Henry. I can see her toes itching +inside her black satin slippers. + +CHRISTINA. + +Nonsense! I haven't danced for fifteen years. + +HENRY. + +Come on, mother. Just to show them you know how. + + [_He seizes her hand and drags her to her feet._] + +CHRISTINA. + +I was just as good a dancer as anybody else in my day. + +ARTHUR. + +When Christina says that she means she was a great deal better. + +HENRY. + +Come on, mother, or it'll be over before we begin. + +CHRISTINA. + +Don't be rough with me, Henry. + + [_They go into the house._] + +APPLEBY. + +We rather fancied ourselves too, Fanny, once upon a time. What d'you say +to trying what we can do, my dear? + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +You be quiet, George. Fancy me dancing with my figure! + +APPLEBY. + +I don't deny you're plump, but I never did like a scrag. Perhaps it's +the last chance we shall ever have. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +What would they say at home if they ever come to hear you and me had +been dancing? Really, George, I'm surprised at you. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Amused._] I won't tell. + +APPLEBY. + +You know you want to, Fanny. You're only afraid they'll laugh. Come on, +or else I shall dance by myself. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +[_Getting up._] I see you've quite made up your mind to make a fool of +yourself. + + [_They go out._ ARTHUR _watches them, smiling_.] + +ARTHUR. + +What good people! It's really a treat to see them together. + +VIOLET. + +Mr. Appleby is very enthusiastic about you. He was telling me just now +about his trip in Upper Egypt. He's tremendously impressed. He said I +ought to be very proud of you. + +ARTHUR. + +I can't imagine any remark more calculated to make you dislike me. + + [_She gives him a long look and then glances away. When she speaks + it is with embarrassment._] + +VIOLET. + +Are you satisfied with me, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, what do you mean? + +VIOLET. + +Since that afternoon when I told you.... + +ARTHUR. + +Yes, I know. + +VIOLET. + +We've never talked about it. [_Giving him her hand._] I want to thank +you for having been so good to me. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm afraid you haven't got much to thank me for. It would have been +easier if I'd been able to help you, but I didn't see anything I could +do but just sit still and twiddle my thumbs. + +VIOLET. + +I've felt your confidence in me and that has been a help. You've never +given the slightest sign that anything was changed. You used sometimes +to ask me what I'd been doing during the day. Of late you haven't even +done that. + +ARTHUR. + +I didn't want you to suspect for a moment that your actions were not +perfectly free. + +VIOLET. + +I know. No one could have been more considerate than you've been. Oh, +I've been so unhappy, Arthur. I wouldn't go through the last six weeks +for anything in the world. + +ARTHUR. + +It's torn my heart to see you so pale and wan. And when, often, I saw +you'd been crying I almost lost my head. I didn't know what to do. + +VIOLET. + +I couldn't help it if I loved him, Arthur. That wasn't in my power. But +all that was in my power I've done. Somehow I've managed not to be alone +with him. + +ARTHUR. + +Haven't you had any explanation with him? + +VIOLET. + +There didn't seem to be anything to explain. D'you think I ought to have +told him I didn't love him? I couldn't, Arthur. I couldn't. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear! My dear! + +VIOLET. + +Once or twice he wrote to me. I knew he would and I'd made up my mind +not to read the letters. But when they came I couldn't help myself. I +had to read them. I was so wretched and it meant so much to me that he +loved me. [ARTHUR _makes an instinctive movement of pain_.] I didn't +mean to say that. Please forgive me. + +ARTHUR. + +I think I understand. + +VIOLET. + +I didn't answer them. + +ARTHUR. + +Did he only write once or twice? + +VIOLET. + +That's all. You see, he can't make it out. He thinks I've treated him +badly. Oh, I think that's the hardest thing of all. I've seen the misery +in his eyes. And there was nothing I could do. I hadn't the courage to +tell him. I'm weak. I'm so horribly weak. And when I'm with him alone +I.... Oh, it is cruel that I should make him suffer so when he loves me. + +ARTHUR. + +I don't know what to say to you. It seems cold comfort to say that you +must set your hope in the merciful effects of time. Time will ease your +pain and his. Perhaps the worst is over already. + +VIOLET. + +I hope with all my heart it is. I couldn't have borne any more, Arthur. +I'm at the end of my strength. + +ARTHUR. + +Dear heart, you're tired physically now. We'll send these people away +and you must go to bed. + +VIOLET. + +Yes. I'm exhausted. But I want to tell you, Arthur, I think you're +right. The worst is over. I'm not suffering quite so much as I did. I +find it a little easier not to think of him. When I meet him I can +manage to be gay and flippant and indifferent. I'm so glad, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +You've been very brave. I told you we were all strong enough to bear the +burdens that are laid upon us. + +VIOLET. + +You mustn't think too well of me. I couldn't have done what I have +except for the consciousness of his great love for me. Is that awfully +disloyal of me, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +[_Gravely._] No, darling. + +VIOLET. + +You can understand, can't you? It means so much to me. It's helped me +more than anything else in the world. It's the only thing that made +these past weeks not intolerable. I'm satisfied to know he loves me. I +want nothing more. + + [MR. _and_ MRS. APPLEBY _come in_. ARTHUR _immediately assumes a + chaffing manner_.] + +ARTHUR. + +Why, what's this? You haven't given in already? + +APPLEBY. + +The spirit is willing enough, but the flesh is weak. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +We wouldn't like it talked about at home, but the fact is we got a bit +out of breath. + +VIOLET. + +Well, sit down a moment and rest yourself. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Just a moment if you don't mind, and then we'll be going. + + [CHRISTINA _appears with_ HENRY.] + +ARTHUR. + +Here is poor Christina in a state of complete mental and physical +collapse. + +CHRISTINA. + +Don't be ridiculous, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +How did you get on? + +HENRY. + +First rate. Only mother won't let herself go. I kept on telling her +there's only one thing to do in modern dancing--let all your bones go +loose and leave the man to do the rest. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_With a chuckle._] I think modern dancing is an abandoned pastime. +Nothing will induce me to let all my bones go loose. + +HENRY. + +Mother's idea of dancing is to keep herself to herself. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Looking at him affectionately._] You're an impudent boy. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +[_To_ VIOLET.] I do wish I'd seen you dancing with Mr. Parry. He's a +wonderful dancer. + +VIOLET. + +He does dance well, doesn't he? + +HENRY. + +Haven't you danced with him to-night, Violet? + +VIOLET. + +No. He came rather late and my card was filled up. I promised him an +extra, but some stuffy old diplomatist came and asked me for a dance, so +I gave him Ronny's. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +It's too bad. It must be a rare sight to see you and Mr. Parry waltzing +together. + +VIOLET. + +How do you know he dances so well? + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +There were two or three dances at our hotel last week and we saw him +then. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, I see. + +APPLEBY. + +[_With a chuckle._] I like that young man. When he gets hold of a good +thing he freezes on to it. + +VIOLET. + +Oh? + +APPLEBY. + +There's a young American girl staying at the hotel. She's a Miss Pender. +I wonder if you know her? + +VIOLET. + +No, I don't think so. We get to know very few of the winter visitors. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +She's a perfect picture to look at. And a beautiful dancer. + +APPLEBY. + +Everyone was looking at them last night. They made a wonderful pair. + +VIOLET. + +Do you know this lady, Henry? + +HENRY. + +Yes, I've met her two or three times. She's very pretty. + +APPLEBY. + +I don't think anyone else had much of a look in with her. + +HENRY. + +Well, you needn't be disagreeable about it. + +APPLEBY. + +As far as I could see she danced with Mr. Parry pretty well all the +time. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +It was a treat to see them together. + +VIOLET. + +[_A little uncertainly._] If one gets hold of a partner who suits one I +always think it's better to stick to him. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Oh, I don't think it was only that. She's so much in love with him that +she can't help showing it. + +HENRY. + +I never saw such a fellow as Ronny. When there is a bit of luck going he +always gets it. + +VIOLET. + +And is he in love with her too? + +APPLEBY. + +Oh, one can't tell that. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +If he isn't he very soon will be. She's too pretty for any man to resist +long. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Lightly._] You know them, the brutes, don't you? + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Bless their hearts, I don't blame them. What are pretty girls for except +to make nice men happy? I was a pretty girl myself once. + +ARTHUR. + +And was Mr. Appleby a nice man? + +APPLEBY. + +I think I must have been, for you've certainly made me happy, my dear. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I wish you'd put that in writing, George. I'd like to have a little +something like that by me when you've got a bit of a chill on your +liver. + +APPLEBY. + +H'm, I think bed's the place for you, Fanny. Say good-night to her +ladyship and let's be going. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Good-night, Lady Little, and thank you so much for asking us. We have +enjoyed ourselves. + +VIOLET. + +Good-night. + +APPLEBY. + +Good-night. + +ARTHUR. + +I hope you'll have a pleasant journey home. Lucky people, you'll see the +spring in England. When you get back the hedgerows will be just bursting +into leaf. + + [_The_ APPLEBYS _go out_.] + +VIOLET. + +How old is this American girl, Henry? + +HENRY. + +Oh, I don't know, about nineteen or twenty. + +VIOLET. + +Is she as pretty as they say? + +HENRY. + +Rather. + +VIOLET. + +Is she fair? + +HENRY. + +Very. She's got wonderful hair. + +VIOLET. + +You've never mentioned her. Do you think Ronny is in love with her? + +HENRY. + +Oh, I don't know about that. She's great fun. And you know, it's always +flattering when a pretty girl makes a dead set at you. + + [_There is a momentary silence._ VIOLET _is extremely disturbed by + the news that has just reached her_. ARTHUR _realises that a crisis + has come_.] + +CHRISTINA. + +[_In a matter-of-fact way._] Let us hope that something will come of it. +There's no reason why Ronny shouldn't marry. I think men marry much too +late nowadays. + + [ANNE _and_ RONNY _appear_.] + +ANNE. + +I'm absolutely ashamed of myself. I half expected to find you'd all gone +to bed. + +VIOLET. + +[_Smiling._] Have you been having a jolly dance? + +ANNE. + +Think of having a good band and the whole floor to oneself. By the way, +Violet, the band want to know if they can go away. + +VIOLET. + +I'm sorry I had to cut your dance, Ronny. + +RONNY. + +It was rotten luck. But I suppose on these occasions small fry like me +have to put up with that sort of thing. + +VIOLET. + +If you like we'll have a turn now before we send the band away. + +RONNY. + +I'd love it. + + [ARTHUR _gives a little start and looks at_ VIOLET _curiously_. + ANNE _is surprised too_.] + +CHRISTINA. + +If you're going to start dancing again we'll go. Henry has to be at his +office early in the morning. + +VIOLET. + +Good-night, then. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Kissing her._] Your dance has been a great success. + +VIOLET. + +It's nice of you to say so. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_To_ ARTHUR.] Good-night, dear old thing. God bless and guard you +always. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear Christina, why this embarrassing emotion? + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't know what we should do if anything happened to you. + +ARTHUR. + +Don't be an idiot, my dear; nothing is going to happen to me. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_With a smile._] I can't get you out of thinking me a perfect fool. + +ARTHUR. + +Be off with you, Christina. If you go on finding out things that are not +your business I shall have you deported. + +VIOLET. + +What has she found out now? + +ARTHUR. + +A trifle that we thought it wouldn't hurt the public to know nothing +about. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Shaking hands with_ RONNY.] I don't grudge you your job any more. +We're all under a debt of gratitude to you. + +RONNY. + +I had a bit of luck, that's all. It's nothing to make a fuss about. + +ARTHUR. + +Go and have your dance, darling. It's really getting very late. + +VIOLET. + +[_To_ RONNY.] Are you ready? + +RONNY. + +What shall we make them play? + + [_They go out._] + +CHRISTINA. + +Good-night, ANNE. + +ANNE. + +[_Kissing her._] Good-night, my dear. [_Henry shakes hands with_ ANNE +_and_ ARTHUR. _He and his mother go out._] I suppose I mayn't ask what +Christina was referring to? + +ARTHUR. + +I can't prevent you from asking. + +ANNE. + +But you have no intention of answering. What is the matter, Arthur? You +look so deadly white. + +ARTHUR. + +Nothing. I'm tired. I had a busy day and now the dance. [_The sound of a +waltz is heard._] Oh, damn that music! + +ANNE. + +Sit down and rest yourself. Why don't you have a smoke! [_Putting her +hand on his arm._] My dear friend. + +ARTHUR. + +For God's sake don't pity me. + +ANNE. + +Won't you talk to me frankly? I may be able to help you. In the old days +you used to bring your troubles to me, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +I tell you I'm only tired. What is the use of talking about what can't +be helped? + +ANNE. + +You must know that I notice most things that concern your happiness. +[_Looking away._] Why did you imagine I took so much trouble to get +Ronny moved to Paris? + +ARTHUR. + +I suspected. Ought I to thank you? I'm too miserable and too humiliated. + +ANNE. + +Have you heard about a Miss Pender? She's an American girl. + +ARTHUR. + +Of course I have. It's my business to know everything that goes on in +Cairo. + +ANNE. + +Don't you think that may be the solution? + + [HENRY _comes in_.] + +ARTHUR. + +[_Sharply._] What d'you want? + +HENRY. + +I beg your pardon. Mother left her fan here. + + [_He takes it up from a chair._] + +ARTHUR. + +I thought you'd gone five minutes ago. + +HENRY. + +Oh, we just stood for a moment to look at Ronny and Violet dancing. Upon +my soul it's a fair treat. + +ARTHUR. + +They make a wonderful couple, don't they? + +HENRY. + +I'm afraid Violet's awfully tired. She's not saying a word and she's as +white as a sheet. + +ARTHUR. + +I'll send her to bed as soon as they've finished. + +HENRY. + +Good-night. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Smiling._] Good-night, my boy. + + [_Exit_ HENRY.] + +ANNE. + +Is anything the matter? + +ARTHUR. + +Tell me about this American girl. She's in love with Ronny, isn't she? + +ANNE. + +Yes, that's obvious. + +ARTHUR. + +And he? + +ANNE. + +He's been very unhappy, you know. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Almost savagely._] That is a calamity which I find myself able to bear +with patience. + +ANNE. + +And now he's surprised and pleased. I've met her. Poor dear, she did +everything to make me like her, because Ronny was my brother. She's +awfully pretty. He's not in love with her yet. But I think he may be. +He's on the brink and if there were nothing else he'd fall over. + +ARTHUR. + +That is what I suspected. You know, Anne, the longer I live the more +inexplicable I find human beings. I always thought I was by way of being +a fairly decent fellow. I never knew what mean beastliness there was +inside me. It would be quite impossible for me to tell you how I hate +your brother. I've had to be jolly and affable with him and, by George, +I wanted to kill him. + +ANNE. + +Why didn't you let him go? Are you sure it was necessary to give him +that job? + +ARTHUR. + +Already he's been invaluable. + +ANNE. + +Then one can only hope for the best. + + [_There is a moment's pause. When_ ARTHUR _speaks it is at first + rather to himself than to_ ANNE.] + +ARTHUR. + +No one knows what I've gone through during the last few months. I've +been devoured with jealousy and I knew it would be fatal if I showed +Violet the least trace of ill-temper. I kept on saying to myself that +it wasn't her fault if she was in love with Ronny. [_Humorously._] You +can't think how devilish hard it is not to resent the fact that somebody +doesn't care for you. + +ANNE. + +[_With a chuckle._] Oh yes, I can. + +ARTHUR. + +I knew that almost everything depended on how I acted during these +weeks, and the maddening thing was that I could do nothing but sit still +and control myself. I saw her miserable and knew that she didn't want my +comfort. I've yearned to take her in my arms and I've known she'd _let_ +me because it was her duty. Those dear good donkeys, the Applebys, told +me just now they thought I must be the happiest man alive! Week after +week, with an aching heart I've forced myself to be gay and amusing. +D'you think I'm amusing, Anne? + +ANNE. + +Sometimes. + +ARTHUR. + +The battle has been so unfair. All the dice are loaded against me. He +has every advantage over me. But at last I thought I'd won. I thought +Violet was getting more resigned. She told me herself just now that the +worst was over. And those confounded people must go and upset the +applecart. Damn their eyes! + +ANNE. + +Why? + +ARTHUR. + +The Applebys told her about Miss Pender. It was very natural. They knew +no reason for not repeating the hotel gossip. + +ANNE. + +Was that why she asked Ronny to dance with her? + +ARTHUR. + +Yes. It's the crisis. She had the strength to keep him at arm's length +when she knew he loved her. What will she do now? + +ANNE. + +You heard what Henry said. They don't seem to be talking to one another. + +ARTHUR. + +No. + +ANNE. + +Why did you let them dance together? You might easily have said it was +too late and the band must go. + +ARTHUR. + +What good would that do? No. I've done nothing to prevent their meeting. +I've left them absolute liberty. + +ANNE. + +Do you think it's fair to Violet? You know, women act so much on +impulse. The surroundings and the circumstances have so much influence +on them. Think of the excitement of dancing, the magic of this wonderful +night, and the solitude under these stars. You complain the dice are +loaded against you, but now you're double-loading them against yourself. + +ARTHUR. + +It tortures me, but I must give them the opportunity to fight the matter +out for themselves. + +ANNE. + +Poor child, she's so young. + +ARTHUR. + +Too young. + +ANNE. + +Don't say that; it sounds as though you regretted having married her. + +ARTHUR. + +Don't you imagine that regret has been tormenting her ever since she +found out what love really was? Even though I love her with all my heart +I know now that I made a mistake. Do you think you can make anyone love +you by constant tenderness, devotion, and kindness? + +ANNE. + +Not a man perhaps. But a woman yes, yes, yes! + +ARTHUR. + +Whoever loved that loved not at first sight? I want so tremendously to +make her happy, and I've only made her utterly miserable. And there's no +way out. It's a pity that a convenient attack of brain fever can't carry +me off, but I'm as strong as a horse. + +ANNE. + +You know, Arthur, there's one compensation about the pains of love. +While one's suffering from them one feels one will never get over them, +but one does, and when they're gone they don't even leave a scar. One +looks back and remembers one's torment and marvels that it was possible +to suffer like that. + +ARTHUR. + +You talk as though you'd had experience. + +ANNE. + +I have. + +ARTHUR. + +I always look upon you as so calm and self-controlled. + +ANNE. + +I was desperately in love for years with a man. I should have made him +an excellent wife, although it's I as says it. But it never occurred to +him for an instant that my feelings were more than friendly. And +eventually he married somebody else. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear friend, I hate to think of your being unhappy. + +ANNE. + +I'm not. That's why I told you the tragic story. I've got over it so +completely that now I have an equal affection both for him and his wife. + +ARTHUR. + +D'you know, Anne, at one time I very nearly asked you to marry me? + +ANNE. + +[_Gaily._] Oh, what nonsense! + +ARTHUR. + +I daresay it's as well I didn't. I should have lost the best friend I've +ever had. + +ANNE. + +On the other hand, I've lost the satisfaction of refusing the most +distinguished man of our day. Why didn't you ask me? + +ARTHUR. + +You were such an awfully good friend. I thought we were very well as we +were. + +ANNE. + +That isn't the reason, Arthur. You didn't ask me because you didn't love +me. If you had you'd have let friendship go hang. [_Seeing that he is +not paying any attention to her._] What's the matter? + +ARTHUR. + +The music has stopped. + +ANNE. + +[_With a slight tightening of the lips._] I'm afraid my concerns don't +interest you very much. I was only talking about them to distract you. + +ARTHUR. + +Forgive me, but I've got this anguish gnawing at my heart. Anne, when +they come back here I want you to come with me for a stroll in the +garden. + +ANNE. + +Why? I'm frightfully tired. I think I shall go to bed. + +ARTHUR. + +No, do this for me, Anne. I want to give them their chance. It may be +the last chance for all of us. + +ANNE. + +[_With a little sigh._] Very well, I'll do even that for you. + +ARTHUR. + +You are a good friend, and I'm a selfish beast. + +ANNE. + +I wish you could have a child, Arthur. That might settle everything. + +ARTHUR. + +That is what I look forward to with all my heart. I think she might love +her baby's father. + +ANNE. + +Then she'll realise that only you could have been so tolerant and so +immensely patient. When she looks back she'll be filled with gratitude. + + [RONNY _and_ VIOLET _come in_.] + +VIOLET. + +I've told the band they can go. + +ARTHUR. + +I don't suppose they wanted telling twice. Did you have a pleasant +dance? + +VIOLET. + +I was very tired. + +RONNY. + +It was brutal of me to make you dance so long. I'll say good-night +before I'm turned out. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, won't you sit down and have a cigarette before you go? Anne and I +were just going to stroll to the end of the garden to have a look at the +Nile. + +VIOLET. + +Oh. + +ANNE. + +I'm too restless to go to bed just yet. + + [ARTHUR _and_ ANNE _go out_. VIOLET _and_ RONNY _do not speak for a + moment. At first the conversation is quite light._] + +VIOLET. + +What was it that Christina was referring to just now? Had it anything to +do with you? + +RONNY. + +I don't think I'm justified in telling you about it. If Sir Arthur +thinks you should know I daresay he'd rather tell you himself. + +VIOLET. + +Of course you mustn't tell me if it's a secret. + +RONNY. + +I'd almost forgotten what a beautiful dancer you were. + +VIOLET. + +[_With a smile._] So soon? + +RONNY. + +You haven't given me much chance of dancing with you during the last few +weeks. + +VIOLET. + +I hear there's a girl at the Ghezireh Palace who dances very well. Miss +Pender, isn't that her name? + +RONNY. + +Yes, she's wonderful. + +VIOLET. + +I'm told she's charming. + +RONNY. + +Very. + +VIOLET. + +I should like to meet her. I wonder whom I know that could bring us +together. + +RONNY. + +[_With a change of tone._] Why do you speak of her? + +VIOLET. + +Is there any reason why I shouldn't? + +RONNY. + +Do you know that this is the first time I've been quite alone with you +for six weeks? + +VIOLET. + +[_Still quite lightly._] It was inevitable that when you ceased being +Arthur's private secretary we should see less of one another. + +RONNY. + +I only welcomed my new job because I thought I shouldn't be utterly +parted from you. + +VIOLET. + +Don't you think it was better that we shouldn't see too much of one +another? + +RONNY. + +What have I done to you, Violet? Why have you been treating me like +this? + +VIOLET. + +I'm not conscious that I've treated you differently from what I used. + +RONNY. + +Why didn't you answer my letters? + +VIOLET. + +[_In a low voice._] I hadn't anything to say. + +RONNY. + +I wonder if you can imagine what I went through, the eagerness with +which I looked forward to a letter from you, just a word or two would +have satisfied me, how anxiously I expected each post, and my despair +when day after day went by. + +VIOLET. + +You ought not to have written to me. + +RONNY. + +D'you think I could help myself? Have you forgotten that day when we +thought we were never going to meet again? If you wanted me to be +nothing more than a friend why did you tell me you loved me? Why did you +let me kiss you and hold you in my arms? + +VIOLET. + +You know quite well. I lost my head. I was foolish. You--you attached +too much importance to the emotion of the moment. + +RONNY. + +Oh, Violet, how can you say that? I know you loved me then. After all, +the past can't be undone. I loved you. I know you loved me. We couldn't +go back to the time when we were no more than friends. + +VIOLET. + +You forget that Arthur is my husband and you owe him everything in the +world. We both owe him everything in the world. + +RONNY. + +No, I don't forget it for a moment. After all, we're straight, both of +us, and we could have trusted ourselves. I wanted nothing but to be +allowed to love you and to know that you loved me. + +VIOLET. + +Do you remember what you said in the first letter you wrote me? + +RONNY. + +Oh, you can't blame me for that. I'd loved you so long, so passionately. +I'd never dared to hope that you cared for me. And when I knew! I never +said a tenth part of what I wanted to. I went home and I just wrote all +that had filled my heart to overflowing. I wanted you to know how humbly +grateful I was for the wonderful happiness you'd given me. I wanted you +to know that my soul to its most hidden corners was yours for ever. + +VIOLET. + +How _could_ I answer it? + +RONNY. + +You needn't have been afraid of me, Violet. If it displeased you I would +never even have told you that I loved you. I would have carried you in +my heart like an image of the Blessed Virgin. When we met here or there, +though there were a thousand people between us and we never exchanged a +word, I should have known that we were the only people in the world, and +that somehow, in some strange mystic fashion, I belonged to you and you +belonged to me. Oh, Violet, I only wanted a little kindness. Was it so +much to ask? + + [VIOLET _is moved to the very depths of her heart. She can scarcely + control herself, the pain she suffers seems unendurable; her throat + is so dry that she can hardly speak._] + +VIOLET. + +They say that Miss Pender is in love with you. Is it true? + +RONNY. + +A man's generally a conceited ass when he thinks girls are in love with +him. + +VIOLET. + +Never mind that. Is it true? Please be frank with me. + +RONNY. + +Perhaps it is. + +VIOLET. + +Would she marry you if you asked her? + +RONNY. + +I think so. + +VIOLET. + +She can't have fallen in love with you without some encouragement. + +RONNY. + +She plays tennis a good deal and she's very fond of dancing. You know, I +was rather wretched. Sometimes you looked at me as though you hated me. +You seemed to try and avoid me. I wanted to forget. I didn't know what +I'd done to make you treat me so cruelly. It was very pleasant to be +with someone who seemed to want me. Everything I did pleased her. She's +rather like you. When I was with her I was a little less unhappy. When I +found she was in love with me I was touched and I was tremendously +grateful. + +VIOLET. + +Are you sure you're not in love with her? + +RONNY. + +Yes, I'm quite sure. + +VIOLET. + +But you like her very much, don't you? + +RONNY. + +Yes, very much. + +VIOLET. + +Don't you think if it weren't for me you would be in love with her? + +RONNY. + +I don't know. + +VIOLET. + +I'd like you to be frank with me. + +RONNY. + +[_Unwillingly._] You don't want my love. She's sweet and kind and +tender. + +VIOLET. + +I think she might make you very happy. + +RONNY. + +Who knows? + + [_There is a pause._ VIOLET _forces herself to make the final + renunciation. Her fingers move spasmodically in the effort she + makes to speak calmly._] + +VIOLET. + +It seems a pity that you should waste your life for nothing. I'm afraid +you'll think me a heartless flirt. I'm not that. At the time I feel all +I say. But ... I don't quite understand myself. I take a violent fancy +to someone, and I lose my head, but somehow it doesn't last. I ... I +suppose I'm not capable of any enduring passion. There are people like +that, aren't there? It goes just as suddenly as it comes. And when it +goes--well, it's gone for ever. I can't understand then what on earth I +saw in the man who made my heart go pit-a-pat. I'm dreadfully sorry I +caused you so much pain. You took it so much more seriously than I +expected. And afterwards I didn't know what to do. You must--you must +try to forgive me. + + [_There is a long pause._] + +RONNY. + +Don't you love me at all now? + +VIOLET. + +It's much better that I should tell you the truth, isn't it? even at the +risk of hurting your feelings. I'm frightfully ashamed of myself. I'm +afraid you'll think me awfully frivolous. + +RONNY. + +Why don't you say it right out? + +VIOLET. + +D'you want me to? [_She hesitates, but then takes courage._] I'm very +sorry, dear Ronny, I'm afraid I don't care for you in that way at all. + +RONNY. + +I'm glad to know. + +VIOLET. + +You're not angry with me? + +RONNY. + +Oh, no, my dear, how can you help it? We're made as we're made.... D'you +mind if I go now? + +VIOLET. + +Won't you stop and say good-night to Anne? + +RONNY. + +No, if you don't mind, I'd like to go quickly. + +VIOLET. + +Very well. And try to forgive me, Ronny. + +RONNY. + +Good-night. + + [_He takes her hand and they look into one another's eyes._] + +VIOLET. + +Good-night. + + [_He goes out._ VIOLET _clasps her hands to her heart as though to + ease its aching_. ANNE _and_ ARTHUR _return_.] + +ANNE. + +Where is Ronny? + +VIOLET. + +He's gone. It was so late. He asked me to say good-night to you. + +ANNE. + +Thank you. It must be very late. I'll say good-night too. [_She bends +down and kisses_ VIOLET.] Good-night, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +Good-night. [_She goes out._ ARTHUR _sits down. A_ SAIS _comes in and +turns out some of the lights. In the distance is heard the wailing of an +Arab song._ ARTHUR _motions to the_ SAIS.] Leave these. I'll turn them +out myself. [_The_ SAIS _goes in and turns out all the lights in the +lower rooms but one. The light remains now only just round_ ARTHUR _and_ +VIOLET. _The Arab song is like a wail of pain._] That sounds strangely +after the waltzes and one-steps that we've heard this evening. + +VIOLET. + +It seems to come from very far away. + +ARTHUR. + +It seems to wail down the ages from an immeasurable past. + +VIOLET. + +What does it say? + +ARTHUR. + +I don't know. It must be some old lament. + +VIOLET. + +It's heartrending. + +ARTHUR. + +Now it stops. + +VIOLET. + +The garden is so silent. It seems to be listening too. + +ARTHUR. + +Are you awfully unhappy, Violet? + +VIOLET. + +Awfully. + +ARTHUR. + +It breaks my heart that I, who would do anything in the world for you, +can do so little to console you. + +VIOLET. + +Had you any idea that Ronny no longer cared for me? + +ARTHUR. + +How should I know what his feelings were? + +VIOLET. + +It never occurred to me that he could change. I felt so secure in his +love. It never occurred to me that anyone could take him from me. + +ARTHUR. + +Did he tell you he didn't care for you any more? + +VIOLET. + +No. + +ARTHUR. + +I don't think he's in love with Miss Pender. + +VIOLET. + +I told him that he meant nothing to me any more. I told him that I took +fancies and got over them. I made him think I was a silly flirt. And he +believed me. If he loved me truly, truly, as he did before, whatever I'd +said he'd have known it was incredible. Oh, I wouldn't have believed him +if he'd made himself cheap in my eyes. + +ARTHUR. + +My poor child. + +VIOLET. + +He's not in love with her yet. I know that. He's only pleased and +flattered. He's angry with me. If he's angry he _must_ love me still. He +asked so little. It only needed a word and he would have loved me as +much as ever. What have I done? What harm would it have done you? I've +sent him away now for good. It's all over and done with. And my heart +aches. What shall I do, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, have courage. I beseech you to have courage. + +VIOLET. + +I suppose it's shameful that we should have loved one another at all. +But how could we help it? We're masters of our actions, but how can we +command our feelings? After all, our feelings are our own. I don't know +what I'm going to do, Arthur. It wasn't so bad till to-night; I could +control myself, I thought my pain was growing less.... I long for him +with all my soul, and I must let him go. Oh, I hate him. I hate him. If +he'd loved me he might have been faithful to me a few short weeks. He +wouldn't cause me such cruel pain. + +ARTHUR. + +Don't be unjust to him, Violet. I think he fell in love with you without +knowing what was happening to him. And when he knew I think he struggled +against it as honourably as you did. You know that very little escapes +me. I've seen a sort of shyness in him when he was with me, as though he +were a little ashamed in my presence. I even felt sorry for him because +he felt he was behaving badly to me and he couldn't help himself. He's +suffered just as much as you have. It's not very strange that when this +girl fell in love with him it should seem to offer a new hope. He was +unhappy and she comforted him. Anne says she's rather like you. If ever +he loves her perhaps it will be you that he loves in her. + +VIOLET. + +Why do you say all this to me? + +ARTHUR. + +You've been so wretched. I don't want bitterness to come to you now. I +can't bear that you should think your first love has been for someone +not worthy of it. I think time will heal the wounds which now you think +are incurable, but when it does I hope that you will look back on your +love as a thing only of beauty. + +VIOLET. + +I am a beast, Arthur. I don't deserve anyone to be so good to me as you +are. + +ARTHUR. + +And there's something else I must tell you.... It appears that various +enterprising people have been laying plans to put me out of the way. + +VIOLET. + +[_Startled._] Arthur! + +ARTHUR. + +I find that there was a plot to kill me this morning on my way to the +review. + +VIOLET. + +How awful! + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, it's nothing to be alarmed about. We've settled everything without +any fuss. Our old friend Osman Pasha is going to spend some time on his +country estates for the good of his health, and half a dozen foolish +young men are under lock and key. But it might have come off except for +Ronny. It was Ronny who saved me. + +VIOLET. + +Ronny? Oh, I'm so glad. It makes up a little for the rest. + +ARTHUR. + +He did a fine thing. He showed determination and presence of mind. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, my husband! My dear, dear Arthur! + +ARTHUR. + +You're not sorry? + +VIOLET. + +I'm glad I've done what I have, Arthur. I've sometimes felt I gave you +so little in return for all you've given me. But at least now I've given +you all I had to give. + +ARTHUR. + +Don't think it will be profitless. To do one's duty sounds a rather cold +and cheerless business, but somehow in the end it does give one a queer +sort of satisfaction. + +VIOLET. + +What should I do if I lost you? It makes me sick with fear. + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a tender smile._] I had an idea you'd be glad I escaped. + +VIOLET. + +All I've suffered has been worth while. I've done something for you, +haven't I? And even something for England ... I'm so tired. + +ARTHUR. + +Why don't you go to bed, darling? + +VIOLET. + +No, I don't want to go yet. I'm too tired. Let me stay here a little +longer. + +ARTHUR. + +Put your feet up. + +VIOLET. + +Come and sit close to me, Arthur. I want to be comforted. You're so good +and kind to me, Arthur. I'm so glad I have you. You will never fail me. + +ARTHUR. + +Never. [_She gives a little shudder._] What's the matter? + +VIOLET. + +I hope he'll marry her quickly. I want to be a good wife to you. I want +your love. I want your love so badly. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear one. + +VIOLET. + +Put your arms round me. I'm so tired. + +ARTHUR. + +You're half asleep.... Are you asleep? + + [_Her eyes are closed. He kisses her gently. In the distance there + is heard again the melancholy wail of a Bedouin love-song._] + +THE END + +PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY +BILLING AND SONS, LTD., GUILDFORD AND ESHER + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Caesar's Wife, by William Somerset Maugham + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAESAR'S WIFE *** + +***** This file should be named 37965-8.txt or 37965-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/9/6/37965/ + +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) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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S. Maugham. +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + p {margin-top:.2em;text-align:justify;margin-bottom:.2em;text-indent:2%;} + +.c {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;} + +.cb {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;font-weight:bold;} + +.charc {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;margin:2% auto 1% auto;} + +.cbo {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:overline;} + +.hang {text-indent:-2%;margin-left:2%;} + +.r {text-align:right;margin-right: 5%;font-weight:bold;} + + ul {list-style-type:none;text-indent:-1em;} + +small {font-size: 70%;} + + h1,h2 {margin:8% auto 2% auto;text-align:center;clear:both;} + + hr.full {width: 50%;margin:5% auto 5% auto;border:4px double gray;} + + table {margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;border:none;text-align:left;} + + body{margin-left:2%;margin-right:2%;background:#fdfdfd;color:black;font-family:"Times New Roman", serif;font-size:medium;} + +a:link {background-color:#ffffff;color:blue;text-decoration:none;} + + link {background-color:#ffffff;color:blue;text-decoration:none;} + +a:visited {background-color:#ffffff;color:purple;text-decoration:none;} + +a:hover {background-color:#ffffff;color:#FF0000;text-decoration:underline;} + +.smcap {font-variant:small-caps;font-size:95%;} + + img {border:none;} + +.blockquott {margin:10% 30% 10% 30%;} + +.blockquotsce {margin:1% 10% 1% 10%;} + +.blockquot {margin:1% auto 1% 15%;} + +.figcenter {margin:auto;text-align:center;text-indent:0%;} +</style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Caesar's Wife, 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: Caesar's Wife + A comedy in three acts + +Author: William Somerset Maugham + +Release Date: November 9, 2011 [EBook #37965] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAESAR'S WIFE *** + + + + +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" /> + +<p class="cb"><i>THE PLAYS OF W. S. MAUGHAM</i></p> + +<p class="cb">————</p> + +<h1><i>CAESAR'S WIFE</i></h1> + +<p class="r"><i>A COMEDY</i><br /> +<i>In Three Acts</i></p> + +<p> +<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<p><i>Price 2/6, in cloth 3/6</i></p> + +<p class="cb"><i>LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN</i> +</p> + +<p> +<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<p class="cb">CÆSAR'S WIFE</p> + +<p> +<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<ul> +<li><i>By the same Author</i></li> + +<li> </li> +<li>THE UNKNOWN</li> +<li>THE CIRCLE</li> +<li>THE EXPLORER</li> +<li>JACK STRAW</li> +<li>LADY FREDERICK</li> +<li>LANDED GENTRY</li> +<li>THE TENTH MAN</li> +<li>A MAN OF HONOUR</li> +<li>MRS. DOT</li> +<li>PENELOPE</li> +<li>SMITH</li> +<li>THE LAND OF PROMISE</li> +<li> </li> + +<li>LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN</li> +</ul> + +<h1> +CÆSAR'S WIFE</h1> + +<p class="cb">A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS</p> + +<p> +<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<p class="cb">BY<br /> +W. S. MAUGHAM</p> + +<p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<p class="figcenter"> +<img src="images/colophon.jpg" width="96" height="104" alt=""/> +<br /> + +<span class="cbo"> LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN </span></p> + +<p> +<br /> +</p> + +<table border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="CONTENTS"> +<tr><td><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a><a href="#ACT_I">ACT I, </a> +<a href="#ACT_II">ACT II, </a> +<a href="#ACT_III">ACT III</a></td></tr> +</table> + +<div class="blockquott"> +<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. 2, from whom all particulars can +be obtained.</i></p> +</div> + +<p>LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN. 1922</p> + +<p> +<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td colspan="2" align="center">This play was produced at the Royalty Theatre,<br /> on March 27th, 1919, with +the following cast: </td></tr> +<tr><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Sir Arthur Little</span> </td><td align="left">C. Aubrey Smith.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Ronald Parry</span></td><td align="left">George Relph.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Henry Pritchard</span></td><td align="left">V. Sutton Vane.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">George Appleby</span></td><td align="left">Townsend Whitling.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Osman Pasha</span></td><td align="left">George C. Desplas.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Violet</span></td><td align="left">Fay Compton.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Etheridge</span></td><td align="left">Eva Moore.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Pritchard</span></td><td align="left">Helen Haye.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby</span></td><td align="left">Mrs. Robert Brough.</td></tr> +</table> + +<p> +<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align="center"><a name="CHARACTERS" id="CHARACTERS"></a><big>CHARACTERS</big></td></tr> +<tr><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Sir Arthur Little, K.C.B., K.C.M.G.</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Ronald Parry.</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Henry Pritchard.</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Richard Appleby, M.P.</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Osman Pasha.</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Etheridge.</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Pritchard.</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></span></td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="c">An English Butler; Native Servants; an Arab Gardener.</p> + +<p class="c">The scene is laid in Cairo, in the house and garden of the British +Consular Agent.<a name="page_001" id="page_001"></a></p> + +<h1>CÆSAR'S WIFE</h1> + +<h2><a name="ACT_I" id="ACT_I"></a>ACT I</h2> + +<div class="blockquotsce"><p class="hang"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>: <i>The morning-room in the Consular Agent's house at Cairo. +The windows are Arabic in character and so are the architraves of +the doors, but otherwise it is an English room, airy and spacious. +The furniture is lacquer and Chippendale, there are cool chintzes +on the chairs and sofas, cut roses in glass vases, and growing +azaleas in pots; but here and there an Eastern antiquity, a helmet +and a coat of mail, a piece of woodwork, reminds one of the +Mussulman conquest of Egypt; while an ancient god in porphyry, +graven images in blue pottery, blue bowls, recall an older +civilisation still.</i></p> + +<p class="hang"><i>When the curtain rises the room is empty, the blinds are down so +as to keep out the heat, and it is dim and mysterious. A</i> <span class="smcap">Servant</span> +<i>comes in, a dark-skinned native in the gorgeous uniform, red and +gold, of the Consular Agent's establishment, and draws the blinds. +Through the windows is seen the garden with palm-trees, oranges and +lemons, tropical plants with giant leaves; and beyond, the radiant +blue of the sky. In the distance is heard the plaintive, guttural +wailing of an Arab song. A</i> <span class="smcap">Gardener</span> <i>in a pale blue gaberdine +passes with a basket on his arm.</i></p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Servant.</span></p> + +<p>Es-salâm 'alêkum (Peace be with you).<a name="page_002" id="page_002"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gardener.</span></p> + +<p>U'alêkum es-Salâm warahmet Allâh wa barakâta (And with you be peace and +God's mercy and blessing).</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Servant</span> <i>goes out. The</i> <span class="smcap">Gardener</span> <i>stops for a moment to nail +back a straggling creeper and then goes on his way. The door is +opened.</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby</span> <i>comes in with</i> <span class="smcap">Anne Etheridge</span> <i>and they are +followed immediately by</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span>. <span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>is a woman of forty, but +handsome still, very pleasant and sympathetic; she is a woman of +the world, tactful and self-controlled. She is dressed in light, +summery things.</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby</span> <i>is an elderly, homely woman, soberly +but not inexpensively dressed. The wife of a North-country +manufacturer, she spends a good deal of money on rather dowdy +clothes.</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>is a very pretty young woman of twenty. She looks +very fresh and English in her muslin frock; there is something +spring-like and virginal in her appearance, and her manner of dress +is romantic rather than modish. She suggests a lady in a +Gainsborough portrait rather than a drawing in a paper of Paris +fashions. Luncheon is just finished and when they come in the women +leave the door open for the men to follow.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>How cool it is in here! This isn't the room we were in before lunch?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>No. They keep the windows closed and the blinds drawn all the morning so +that it's beautifully cool when one comes in.<a name="page_003" id="page_003"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I suppose we shan't feel the heat so much when we've been here a few +days.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, but this is nothing to what you'll get in Upper Egypt.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>As she enters.</i>] Is Mrs. Appleby complaining of the heat? I love it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Dear Violet, wait till May comes and June. You don't know how exhausting +it gets.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'm looking forward to it. I think in some past life I must have been a +lizard.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I dare say the first year you won't feel it. I have a brother settled in +Canada, and he says the first year people come out from England they +don't feel the cold anything like what they do later on.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I've spent a good many winters here, and I always make a point of +getting away by the fifteenth of March.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, are you staying as late as that?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Good gracious, no. You make Lady Little's heart positively sink.<a name="page_004" id="page_004"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Nonsense, Anne, you know we want you to stay as long as ever you can.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I used to have an apartment in Cairo, but I've given it up now and Lady +Little asked me to come and stay at the Agency while I was getting +everything settled.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, then you knew Sir Arthur before he married?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes, he's one of my oldest friends. I can't help thinking Lady +Little must have great sweetness of character to put up with me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Or you must be a perfect miracle of tact, darling.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>My belief is, it's a little of both.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>When Arthur came to see me one day last July and told me he was going to +marry the most wonderful girl in the world, of course I thought +good-bye. A man thinks he can keep his bachelor friendships, but he +never does.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>His wife generally sees to that.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Well, I think it's nonsense, especially with a man like Arthur who'd +been a bachelor so long and naturally<a name="page_005" id="page_005"></a> had his life laid out before ever +I came into it. And besides, I'm devoted to Anne.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>It's dear of you to say so.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I came here as an absolute stranger. And after all, I wasn't very old, +was I?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Nineteen?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, no, I was older than that. I was nearly twenty.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Good gracious!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It was rather alarming to find oneself on a sudden the wife of a man in +Arthur's position. I was dreadfully self-conscious; I felt that +everybody's eyes were upon me. And you don't know how easy it is to make +mistakes in a country that's half Eastern and half European.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>To say nothing of having to deal with the representatives of half a +dozen Great Powers all outrageously susceptible.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>And, you know, there was the feeling that the smallest false step might +do the greatest harm to Arthur and his work here. I had only just left +the schoolroom and I found myself almost a political<a name="page_006" id="page_006"></a> personage. If it +hadn't been for Anne I should have made a dreadful mess of things.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I don't think that. You had two assets which would have made people +excuse a great deal of inexperience, your grace and your beauty.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You say very nice things to me, Anne.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Your marriage was so romantic, I can't see how anyone could help feeling +very kindly towards you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>There's not much room for romance in the heart of the wife of one of the +Agents of the foreign Powers when she thinks she hasn't been given her +proper place at a dinner party.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I remember wondering at the time whether you weren't a little overcome +by all the excitement caused by your marriage.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I was excited too, you know.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Everyone had always looked upon Sir Arthur as a confirmed bachelor. It +was thought he cared for nothing but his work. He's had a wonderful +career, hasn't he?<a name="page_007" id="page_007"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>The Prime Minister told me he was the most competent man he'd ever met.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I've always thought he must be a comfort to any Government. Whenever +anyone has made a hash of things he's been sent to put them straight.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Well, he always has.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Appleby was saying only this morning he was the last man one would +expect to marry in haste.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Let's hope he won't repent at leisure.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Mrs. Appleby is dying to know all about it, Violet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I'm an old woman, Lady Little.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Gaily.</i>] Well, I met Arthur at a week-end party. He'd come home on +leave and all sorts of important people had been asked to meet him. I +was frightened out of my life. The duchesses had strawberry leaves +hanging all over them and they looked at me down their noses. And the +Cabinet Ministers' wives had protruding teeth and they looked at me up +their noses.<a name="page_008" id="page_008"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>What nonsense you talk, Violet!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I was expecting to be terrified of Arthur. After all, I knew he was a +great man. But you know, I wasn't a bit. He was inclined to be rather +fatherly at first, so I cheeked him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I can imagine his surprise. No one had done that for twenty years.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>When you know Arthur at all well you discover that when he wants +anything he doesn't hesitate to ask for it. He told our hostess that he +wanted me to sit next to him at dinner. That didn't suit her at all, but +she didn't like to say no. Somehow people don't say no to Arthur. The +Cabinet Ministers' wives looked more like camels than ever, and by +Sunday evening, my dear, the duchesses' strawberry leaves began to curl +and crackle.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Your poor hostess, I feel for her. To have got hold of a real lion for +your party and then have him refuse to bother himself with anybody but a +chit of a girl whom you'd asked just to make an even number!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>He just fell in love with you at first sight?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>That's what he says now.<a name="page_009" id="page_009"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Did you know?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I thought it looked very like it, you know, only it was so improbable. +Then came an invitation from a woman I only just knew for the next +week-end, and she said Arthur would be there. Then my heart really did +begin to go pit-a-pat. I took the letter in to my sister and sat on her +bed and we talked it over. "Does he mean to propose to me," I said, "or +does he not?" And my sister said: "I can't imagine what he sees in you. +Will you accept him if he does?" she asked. "Oh, no," I said. "Good +heavens, why he's twenty years older than I am!" But of course I meant +to all the time. I shouldn't have cared if he was a hundred, he was the +most wonderful man I'd ever known.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>And did he propose to you that week-end, when he'd practically only seen +you once before?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I got down in the afternoon and he was there already. As soon as I +swallowed a cup of tea he said: "Come out for a walk." Well, I'd have +loved a second cup, but I didn't like to say so, so I went. But we had a +second tea in a cottage half an hour later, and we were engaged then.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Appleby</span> <i>comes in with</i> <span class="smcap">Osman Pasha</span>. <span class="smcap">Mr. Appleby</span> <i>is a self-made +man who has entered Parliament; he is about sixty, grey-bearded, +rather short and stout, with some accent in his speech, shrewd, +simple and good-natured.<a name="page_010" id="page_010"></a> He wears a blue serge suit.</i> <span class="smcap">Osman Pasha</span> +<i>is a swarthy, bearded Oriental, obese, elderly but dignified; he +wears the official frock-coat of the Khedivial service and a +tarbush.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Sir Arthur is coming in one moment. He is talking to one of his +secretaries.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Really, it's too bad of them not to leave him alone even when he's +snatching a mouthful of food.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Osman Pasha.</span></p> + +<p>Vous permettez que j'apporte ma cigarette, chère Madame.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Of course. Come and sit here, Pasha.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I wanted to tell his Excellency how interested I am in his proposal to +found a technical college in Cairo, but I can't speak French.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, but his Excellency understands English perfectly, and I believe +really he talks it as well as I do, only he won't.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Osman Pasha.</span></p> + +<p>Madame, je ne comprends l'anglais que quand vous le parlez, et tout +galant homme sait ce que dit une jolie femme.<a name="page_011" id="page_011"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Translating for the</i> <span class="smcap">Applebys</span>.] He says he only understands English +when Lady Little speaks it, and every nice man understands what a pretty +woman says.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No one pays me such charming compliments as you do. You know I'm +learning Arabic.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Osman Pasha.</span></p> + +<p>C'est une bien belle langue, et vous, madame, vous avez autant +d'intelligence que de beauté.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I have a Copt who comes to me every day. And I practise a little with +your brother, Anne.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby</span>.] My brother is one of Sir Arthur's secretaries. I +expect it was he that Mr. Appleby left with Sir Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>If it is I shall scold him. He knows quite well that he has no right to +come and bother Arthur when he's in the bosom of his family. But they +say he's a wonderful Arabic scholar.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Osman Pasha.</span></p> + +<p>Vous parlez de M. Parry? Je n'ai jamais connu un Anglais qui avait une +telle facilité.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>He says he's never known an Englishman who speaks so well as Ronny.<a name="page_012" id="page_012"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It's a fearfully difficult language. Sometimes my head seems to get tied +up in knots.</p> + +<p>[<i>Two</i> <span class="smcap">Saises</span> <i>come in, one with a salver on which are coffee cups and +the other bearing a small tray on which is a silver vessel containing +Turkish coffee. They go round giving coffee to the various people, then +wait in silence. When</i> <span class="smcap">Sir Arthur</span> <i>comes in they give him his coffee and +go out.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>It's wonderful of you to persevere.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, you know, Ronny's very encouraging. He says I'm really getting on. I +want so badly to be able to talk. You can't think how enthusiastic I am +about Egypt. I love it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Osman Pasha.</span></p> + +<p>Pas plus que l'Égypte vous aime, Madame.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>When we landed at Alexandria and I saw that blue sky and that coloured, +gesticulating crowd, my heart leapt. I knew I was going to be happy. And +every day I've loved Egypt more. I love its antiquities, I love the +desert and the streets of Cairo and those dear little villages by the +Nile. I never knew there was such beauty in the world. I thought you +only read of romance in books; I didn't know there was a country where +it sat by the side of a well under the palm-trees, as though it were at +home.<a name="page_013" id="page_013"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Osman Pasha.</span></p> + +<p>Vous êtes charmante, madame. C'est un bien beau pays. Il n'a besoin que +d'une chose pour qu'on puisse y vivre.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Translating.</i>] It's a beautiful country. It only wants one thing to +make it livable. And what is that, your Excellency?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Osman Pasha.</span></p> + +<p>La liberté.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Liberty?</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>has come in when first</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>begins to speak of Egypt and he +listens to her enthusiasm with an indulgent smile. At the Pasha's remark +he comes forward.</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur Little</span> <i>is a man of forty-five, alert, young +in manner, very intelligent, with the urbanity, self-assurance, tact, +and resourcefulness of the experienced diplomatist. Nothing escapes him, +but he does not often show how much he notices.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Egypt has the liberty to do well, your Excellency. Does it need the +liberty to do ill before it loses the inclination to do it?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby</span>.] I hope you don't mind Turkish coffee?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, no, I like it.<a name="page_014" id="page_014"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'm so glad. I think it perfectly delicious.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You have in my wife an enthusiastic admirer of this country, Pasha.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Osman Pasha.</span></p> + +<p>J'en suis ravi.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I've told Ronny to come in and have a cup of coffee. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Anne</span>.] I +thought you'd like to say how d'you do to him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Are you very busy to-day?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>We're always busy. Isn't that so, Excellency?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Osman Pasha.</span></p> + +<p>En effet, et je vous demanderai permission de me retirer. Mon bureau +m'appelle.</p> + +<p>[<i>He gets up and shakes hands with</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span>.]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It was charming of you to come.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Osman Pasha.</span></p> + +<p>Mon Dieu, madame, c'est moi qui vous remercie de m'avoir donné +l'occasion de saluer votre grâce et votre beauté.</p> + +<p>[<i>He bows to the rest of the company.</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>leads him towards the +door and he goes out.</i>]<a name="page_015" id="page_015"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>You take all these compliments without turning a hair, Violet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Coming back.</i>] You know, that's a wonderful old man. He's so +well-bred, he has such exquisite manners, it's hard to realise that if +it were possible he would have us all massacred to-morrow.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I remember there was a certain uneasiness in England when you +recommended that he should be made Minister of Education.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>They don't always understand local conditions in England. Osman is a +Moslem of the old school. He has a bitter hatred of the English. In +course of years he has come to accept the inevitable, but he's not +resigned to it. He never loses sight of his aim.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>And that is?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Why, bless you, to drive the English into the sea. But he's a clever old +rascal, and he sees that one of the first things that must be done is to +educate the Egyptians. Well, we want to educate them too. I had all +sorts of reforms in mind which I would never have got the strict +Mohammedans to accept if they hadn't been brought forward by a man whose +patriotism they believe in and whose orthodoxy is beyond suspicion.<a name="page_016" id="page_016"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Don't you find it embarrassing to work with a man you distrust?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I don't distrust him. I have a certain admiration for him, and I bear +him no grudge at all because at the bottom of his heart he simply +loathes me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I don't see why he should do that.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I was in Egypt for three years when I was quite a young man. I was very +small fry then, but I came into collision with Osman and he tried to +poison me. I was very ill for two months, and he's never forgiven me +because I recovered.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>What a scoundrel!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>He would be a little out of place in a Nonconformist community. In the +good old days of Ismael he had one of his wives beaten to death and +thrown into the Nile.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>But is it right to give high office to a man of that character?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>They were the manners and customs of the times.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>But he tried to kill you. Don't you bear him any ill will?<a name="page_017" id="page_017"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I don't think it was very friendly, you know, but after all no statesman +can afford to pay attention to his private feelings. His duty is to find +the round peg for the round hole and put him in.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Why does he come here?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>He has a very great and respectful admiration for Violet. She chaffs +him, if you please, and the old man adores her. I think she's done more +to reconcile him to the British occupation than all our diplomacy.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>It must be wonderful to have power in a country like this.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Power? Oh, I haven't that. But it makes me so proud to think I can be of +any use at all. I only wish I had the chance to do more. Since I've been +here I've grown very patriotic.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Ronald Parry</span> <i>comes in. He is a young man, very good-looking, fresh and +pleasant, with a peculiar charm of manner.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Ah, here is Ronny.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Am I too late for my cup of coffee?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No, it will be brought to you at once.<a name="page_018" id="page_018"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Shaking hands with</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span>.] Good morning.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>This is Mr. Parry. Mr. and Mrs. Appleby.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>How d'you do?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Now, Ronny, don't put on your Foreign Office manner. Mr. and Mrs. +Appleby are very nice people.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I'm glad you think that, Sir Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Well, when you left your cards with a soup ticket from the F.O. my heart +sank.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>There, my dear, I told you he wouldn't want to be bothered with us.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You see, I expected a pompous couple who knew all about everything and +were going to tell me exactly how Egypt ought to be governed. A Member +of Parliament doesn't inspire confidence in the worried bosom of a +Government official.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I don't know if you think you're putting Mr. and Mrs. Appleby at their +ease, Arthur.<a name="page_019" id="page_019"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, but I shouldn't say this if I hadn't been most agreeably +disappointed.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I never forget the days when Mr. Appleby used to light the kitchen fire +himself and I used to do the week's washing every Monday morning. I +don't think we've changed much since then, either of us.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I know, and I'm really grateful to the Foreign Office for having given +you your letter.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>It's been a great treat to us to come and see you. And it's done my +heart good to see Lady Little. If you don't mind my saying so she's like +a spring morning and it makes one glad to be alive just to look at her.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, don't!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I'm inclined to feel very kindly to everyone who feels kindly towards +her. You must enjoy yourselves in Upper Egypt and when you come back to +Cairo you must let us know.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I'm expecting to learn a good deal from my journey.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You may learn a good deal that will surprise you. You may learn that +there are races in the world that<a name="page_020" id="page_020"></a> seem born to rule and races that seem +born to serve; that democracy is not a panacea for all the ills of +mankind, but merely one system of government like another, which hasn't +had a long enough trial to make it certain whether it is desirable or +not; that freedom generally means the power of the strong to oppress the +weak, and that the wise statesman gives men the illusion of it but not +the substance—in short, a number of things which must be very +disturbing to the equilibrium of a Radical Member of Parliament.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>On the other hand, you'll see our beautiful Nile and the temples.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>And perhaps they'll suggest to you that however old the world is it's +ever young, and that when all's said and done the most permanent on the +face of the earth is what seems the most transitory—the ideal.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Fanny, it looks to me as though we'd bitten off as big a piece of cake +as we can chew with any comfort.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, well, we'll do our best. And though I never could do arithmetic I've +always thought perhaps one might be saved without. Good-bye, Lady +Little, and thank you for having us.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Good-bye.</p> + +<p>[<i>There are general farewells and they go to the door.</i> <span class="smcap">Ronny</span> <i>opens it +for them. They go out.</i>]<a name="page_021" id="page_021"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I forgot to tell you, sir, Mrs. Pritchard has just telephoned to ask if +she can see you on a matter of business.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a grim smile.</i>] Say I'm very busy to-day, and I regret +exceedingly that it will be quite impossible for me to see her.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a twinkle in his eye.</i>] She said she was coming round at once.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>If she's made up her mind to see me at all costs she might have saved +herself the trouble of ringing up to find out if it was convenient.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Your sister is a determined creature, Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I know. I have some authority in the affairs of this country, but none +over dear Christina. I wonder what she wants.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Let us hope for the best.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I've noticed that whenever anyone wants to see me very urgently it's +never to give me anything. When Christina wants to see me urgently my +only safety is in instant flight.<a name="page_022" id="page_022"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You must be nice to her, Arthur. If you're not she'll only take it out +of me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It's monstrous, isn't it?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>After all, she kept house for you for ten years. Admirably, mind you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Admirably. She has a genius for order and organisation in the house. +Everything went like clockwork. She never wasted a farthing. She saved +me hundreds of pounds. She led me a dog's life. I've come to the +conclusion there's nothing so detestable as a good housekeeper.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>How fortunate you married me, then! But you can't expect her to see that +point of view. It's very hard for her to be turned out of this very +pleasant billet, and it's natural that when you won't do something she +asks you she should put it down to my influence.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>It must have been a very difficult position for you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I did all I could to make her like me. I did feel rather like a usurper, +you know. I tried to make her see that I didn't at all want to put on +airs.<a name="page_023" id="page_023"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Fortunately she's taken it very well. I confess I was a little nervous +when she told me she meant to stay on in Egypt to be near her son.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>It would be a detestable person who didn't like Violet, I think.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Detestable. I should have no hesitation in having him deported.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I think I'd better be getting back to my work.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Ronny, would you like me to come and help you with your packing?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Ronny</span>.] Are you going somewhere?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I'm leaving Cairo.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Didn't you know? Ronny has just been appointed to Paris.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Is he going to leave Egypt for good?</p> + +<p>[<i>She is taken aback by the news. She clenches her hand on the rail of a +chair;</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>notice the little, instinctive motion.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I suppose so.<a name="page_024" id="page_024"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>But why was it kept from me? Why have you been making a secret of it?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Darling, no one's been making a secret of it. I—I thought Anne would +have told you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, it doesn't matter at all, but Ronny has been in the habit of doing +all sorts of things for me. It would have been convenient if I'd been +told that a change was going to be made.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I'm very sorry. It was only arranged this morning. I received a telegram +from the Foreign Office. I thought it would interest Anne, so I sent +Ronny along to tell her.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I hate to be treated like a child.</p> + +<p>[<i>There is a moment's embarrassment.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>It was stupid of me. I ought to have come and told you. I was so pleased +and excited that I forgot.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I don't quite know why you should have been so excited.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>It will be very nice for me to have Ronny so near. You see, now I've +given up my flat I shan't come to<a name="page_025" id="page_025"></a> Egypt very often and I should never +have seen Ronny. I can run over to Paris constantly. Besides, it's a +step, isn't it? And I want to see him an Ambassador before I die.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I don't see what good it will do him in Paris to speak Arabic like a +native.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, well, that is the F.O. all over. The best Persian scholar in the +Service has spent the last six years in Washington.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>It's been a great surprise for me. I expected to remain in Egypt +indefinitely.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Recovering herself.</i>] I expect you'll have a very good time in Paris. +When do you go?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>There's a boat the day after to-morrow. Sir Arthur thought I'd better +take that.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Scarcely mistress of herself.</i>] As soon as that! [<i>Recovering, +gaily.</i>] We shall miss you dreadfully. I can't imagine what I shall do +without you. [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Anne.</span>] You can't think how useful he's been to me +since I came here.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>It's very kind of you to say so.<a name="page_026" id="page_026"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>He's invaluable at functions and things like that. You see, he knows +where everyone should sit at dinner. And at first he used to coach me +with details about various people so that I shouldn't say the wrong +thing.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>If you had you'd have said it so charmingly that no one would have +resented it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'm so afraid that the man who takes Ronny's place will refuse to write +my invitations for me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It's not exactly the duty of my secretaries.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No, but I do hate doing it myself. And Ronny was able to imitate my +handwriting.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I'm sure he could never write as badly as you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes, he could. Couldn't you?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I managed to write quite enough like you for people not to notice the +difference.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You know, there are thirty-two invitations to do now.<a name="page_027" id="page_027"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Why don't you send cards?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I think a letter is so much more polite. Somehow I don't feel old +enough to ask people to dine with me in the third person.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I'll come and do them the moment Sir Arthur can let me go.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You'd better do them before Violet goes out.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>That'll be very soon. The Khedive's mother has asked me to go and see +her at half-past three. I'll get the list now, shall I? I don't think +I'll wait for Christina. If she wants to see you on business I dare say +she'd rather I wasn't there.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Very well.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Ronny.</span>] Will you come here when you're ready?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Certainly.</p> + +<p>[<i>She goes out.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Have you finished that report yet?<a name="page_028" id="page_028"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Not quite, sir. It will be ready in ten minutes.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Put it on my desk.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>All right, sir.</p> + +<p>[<i>Exit.</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>are left alone. He looks at her +reflectively.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Violet is very sensitive to anything that might be considered a slight.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>It's very natural, isn't it? A high-spirited girl.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>She likes me to tell her my arrangements. It gives her a little feeling +of importance to know things before other people.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, of course. I quite understand. I should do the same in her place.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I ought to have remembered and told her that Ronny was going. She was +just a little vexed because she thought I'd been fixing things up behind +her back.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, I know. It would naturally put her out for a moment to learn on a +sudden that one of the persons she'd been thrown in contact with was +going away.<a name="page_029" id="page_029"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a twinkle in his eye.</i>] I'm wondering if I must blame you for the +loss of an excellent secretary.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Me?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I don't know why the F.O. should suddenly have made up their minds that +your brother was wanted in Paris. Have you been pulling strings?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] What a suspicious nature you have!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Anne, own up.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I thought Ronny was getting into a groove here. There didn't seem to be +much more for him to do than he has been doing for some time. If you +<i>will</i> have the truth, I've been moving heaven and earth to get him +moved.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>How deceitful of you not to have said a word about it!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I didn't want to make him restless. I knew he'd be mad to go to Paris. I +thought it much better not to say anything till it was settled.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>D'you think he's mad to go to Paris?<a name="page_030" id="page_030"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Fencing with him.</i>] Any young man would be.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I wonder if he'd be very much disappointed if I made other arrangements.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>What do you mean, Arthur? You wouldn't prevent him from going when I've +done everything in the world to get him away.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Abruptly.</i>] Why should you be so anxious for him to go?</p> + +<p>[<i>She looks at him for an instant in dismay.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Good heavens, don't speak so sharply to me. I told Violet just now. I +wanted him to be more get-at-able. I think he stands a much better +chance of being noticed if he's in a place like Paris.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] Ah, yes, you said you were coming less frequently to +Egypt than in the past. It might be worth while to keep Ronny here in +order to tempt you back.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Egypt isn't the same to me that it was.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I hope my marriage has made no difference to our friendship, Anne. You +know how deeply I value it.<a name="page_031" id="page_031"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>You used to come and see me very often. You knew I was discreet and you +used to talk over with me all sorts of matters which occupied you. I was +pleased and flattered. Of course I realised that those pleasant +conversations of ours must stop when you married. I only came here this +winter to collect my goods and chattels.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You make me feel vaguely guilty towards you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Of course you're nothing of the sort. But I don't want Violet to feel +that I am making any attempt to—to monopolise you. She's been charming +to me. The more I know her the more delightful I find her.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It's very nice of you to say so.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>You know I've always had a great admiration for you. I'm so glad to see +you married to a girl who's not unworthy of you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I suppose it was a dangerous experiment for a man of my age to marry a +girl of nineteen.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I think one can admit that. But you've always been one of the favourites +of the gods. You've made a wonderful success of it.<a name="page_032" id="page_032"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It needs on a husband's part infinite tact, patience, and tolerance.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>You have the great advantage that Violet is genuinely in love with you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I suppose only a fatuous ass would confess that a beautiful girl was in +love with him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>You make her very happy.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>There's nothing I wouldn't do to achieve that. I'm more desperately in +love with Violet even than when I first married her.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I'm so glad. <i>I</i> want nothing but your happiness.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Here is Christina.</p> + +<p>[<i>The door opens as he says these words and an English</i> <span class="smcap">Butler</span> <i>ushers +in</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Pritchard</span>. <i>She is a tall, spare woman, with hair turning grey, +comely, upright in her carriage, with decision of character indicated by +every gesture; but though masterful and firm to attain her ends, she is +an honest woman, direct, truthful and not without humour. She is +admirably gowned in a manner befitting her station and importance.</i>]<a name="page_033" id="page_033"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Butler.</span></p> + +<p>Mrs. Pritchard.</p> + +<p>[<i>Exit.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I knew it was you, Christina. I felt a sense of responsibility descend +upon the house.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Kissing him.</i>] How is Violet?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Lovely.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I was inquiring about her health.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Her health is perfect.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>At her age one's always well, I suppose. [<i>Kissing</i> <span class="smcap">Anne</span>.] How d'you do? +And how are you, my poor Arthur?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You ask me as though I was a doddering old gentleman, crippled with +rheumatism. I'm in the best of health, thank you very much, and very +active for my years. [<span class="smcap">Christina</span> <i>has seen a flower on the table that has +fallen from a bowl, and picks it up and puts it back in its place.</i>] Why +do you do that?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I don't like untidiness.<a name="page_034" id="page_034"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I do.</p> + +<p>[<i>He takes the flower out again and places it on the table.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I was expecting to find you in your office.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Do you think I'm neglecting my work? I thought it more becoming to wait +for you here.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I wanted to see you on a matter of business.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>So I understood from your message. I feel convinced you're going to put +me in the way of making my fortune.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I'll leave you, shall I?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, no, pray don't. There's not the least reason why you shouldn't hear +what it's all about.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You're not going to make my fortune after all. You're going to ask me to +do something.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>What makes you think that?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You want a third person present to be witness to my brutal selfishness +when I refuse. I know you, Christina.<a name="page_035" id="page_035"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] You're much too sensible to refuse a perfectly reasonable +request.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Let us hear it. [<i>She sits down on the sofa. The cushions have been +disordered by people sitting on them and she shakes them out, and pats +them and arranges them in their place.</i>] I wish you'd leave the +furniture alone, Christina.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I cannot make out what pleasure people take in seeing things out of +their proper place.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You're very long in coming to the point.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I hear that the Khedive has quarrelled with his secretary.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You're a marvellous woman, Christina. You get hold of all the harem +gossip.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>It's true, isn't it?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Yes. But I only heard of it myself just before luncheon. How did it come +to your ears?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>That doesn't matter, does it? I have a way of hearing things that may be +of interest to me.<a name="page_036" id="page_036"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I'm afraid I'm very dense, but I don't see how it can be of any +particular interest to you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Dear Arthur. The Khedive has asked you to recommend him an +English secretary.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Has he really? That's a change. He's never had an English secretary +before.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Never.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>It's a wonderful opportunity.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>If we get the right man he can be of the greatest possible help. If he's +tactful, wise, and courteous, there's no reason why in time he shouldn't +attain very considerable influence over the Khedive. If we can really +get the Khedive to work honestly and sincerely with us, instead of +hampering us by all kinds of secret devices, we can do miracles in this +country.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>What a splendid chance for the man who gets the job!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I suppose it is. If he has the right qualities he may achieve anything. +And after all, it's a splendid chance to be able to render such great +service to our own old country.<a name="page_037" id="page_037"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Has the Khedive given any particulars about the sort of man he wants?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>He naturally wants a young man and a good sportsman. It's important that +he should be able to speak Arabic. But the qualifications which will +satisfy the Khedive are nothing beside those which will satisfy me. The +wrong man may cause irreparable damage to British interests.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Have you thought that Henry would be admirably suited?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I can't say I have, Christina.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>He's young and he's very good at games. He speaks Arabic.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Quite well, I believe. I think he's very well suited to the post he has. +It would be a pity to disturb him when he's just got at home with the +work.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Arthur, you can't compare a very badly paid job in the Ministry of +Education with a private secretaryship to the Khedive.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>The best job for a man is the one he's most fitted to do.<a name="page_038" id="page_038"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>You've got no fault to find with Henry. He's a very good worker, he's +honest, industrious, and painstaking.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You don't praise a pair of boots because you can walk in them without +discomfort; if you can't you chuck them away.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>What d'you mean by that?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>The qualities you mention really don't deserve any particular reward. If +Henry hadn't got them I'd fire him without a moment's hesitation.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I have no doubt you'd welcome the opportunity. It's the greatest +misfortune of Henry's life that he happens to be your nephew.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>On the other hand, it's counterbalanced by his extraordinary good luck +in being your son.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>You've stood in his way on every possible occasion.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Good-humouredly.</i>] You know that's not true, Christina. I've refused +to perpetrate a number of abominable jobs that you've urged me to. He's +had his chances as everyone else has. You're an admirable mother. If I'd +listened to you he'd be Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister by now.<a name="page_039" id="page_039"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I've never asked you to do anything for Henry that wasn't perfectly +reasonable.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It's evident then that we have different views upon what is reasonable.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I appeal to you, Anne: do you see any objection to suggesting Henry to +the Khedive as a private secretary?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I knew that's what she wanted you here for, Anne, to be a witness to my +pig-headed obstinacy.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Don't be absurd, Arthur. I'm asking Anne for an unprejudiced opinion.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Anne is unlikely to have an opinion of any value on a matter she knows +nothing about.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] That is a very plain hint that I can't do better +than hold my tongue. I'll take it, Christina.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>It's so unreasonable of you, Arthur. You won't listen to any argument.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>The only one you've offered yet is: here's a good job going, Henry's +your nephew, give it him. My<a name="page_040" id="page_040"></a> dear, don't you see the Khedive would +never accept such a near relation of mine?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I don't agree with you at all. The fact of his asking you to recommend +an English secretary shows that he wants to draw the connection between +you and himself closer. After all, you might give the boy a chance.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>This is not an occasion when one can afford to give a chance. It's hit +or miss. If the man I choose is a failure the Khedive will never ask me +to do such a thing for him again. I can't take any risks.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Will you tell me what qualifications Henry lacks to make him suitable +for the post?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Certainly. It's true he speaks Arabic, but he doesn't understand the +native mind. Grammars can't teach you that, my dear, only sympathy. He +has the mind of an official. I often think that you must have swallowed +a ramrod in early life and poor Henry was born with a foot-rule in his +inside.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I am not amused, Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I have no doubt in course of time he'll become a very competent +official, but he'll never be anything else. He lacks imagination, and +that is just as necessary to a statesman as to a novelist. Finally he +has no charm.<a name="page_041" id="page_041"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>How can you judge? You're his uncle. You might just as well say I have +no charm.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You haven't. You're an admirable woman, with all the substantial virtues +which make you an ornament to your sex, but you have no charm.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a grim smile.</i>] I should be a fool if I expected you to pay me +compliments, shouldn't I?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You would at all events be a woman who is unable to learn by experience.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Besides, I don't agree with you. I think Henry has charm.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Why do we all call him Henry? Why does Henry suit him so admirably? If +he had charm we would naturally call him Harry.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Really, Arthur, it amazes me that a man in your position can be +influenced by such absurd trifles. It's so unfair, when a boy has a +dozen solid real virtues that you should refuse to recommend him for a +job because he hasn't got in your opinion a frivolous, unsubstantial +advantage like charm.<a name="page_042" id="page_042"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Unsubstantial it may be, but frivolous it certainly isn't. Believe me, +charm is the most valuable asset that any man can have. D'you think it +sounds immoral to say it compensates for the lack of brains and virtue? +Alas! it happens to be true. Brains may bring you to power, but charm +enables you to keep it. Without charm you will never lead men.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>And do you imagine you're likely to find a young Englishman who's a +sportsman and an Arabic scholar, who has tact, imagination, sympathy, +wisdom, courtesy and charm?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>If you do, Arthur, I'm afraid he won't remain here very long, because I +warn you, I shall insist on marrying him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It's not so formidable as it sounds. I'm going to suggest Ronny.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Astounded.</i>] Ronald Parry! That's the very last person I should have +thought you'd be inclined to suggest.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Sharply.</i>] Why?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With dismay.</i>] You don't really mean that, Arthur?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Why not?<a name="page_043" id="page_043"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Anne</span>.] Didn't you know?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>It's the last thing that would ever have entered my head.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I thought you'd made all arrangements for sending him away.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I made no arrangements at all. I received a telegram from the F.O. +saying that he'd been appointed to Paris.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>After a very short pause.</i>] Don't you think you'd better leave it at +that?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>No, I don't. I'm going to wire to London explaining the circumstances +and suggesting that I think him very suitable for the post that's just +offered itself.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Trying to take it lightly.</i>] I feel rather aggrieved, after all the +efforts I've made to get him appointed to Paris.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, he owes that to you, does he? You thought it would be better for him +to leave here?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Deliberately.</i>] I don't quite understand what you're driving at, +Christina.<a name="page_044" id="page_044"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Taking him up defiantly.</i>] I cannot imagine anyone more unsuitable +than Ronald Parry.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>That is for me to judge, isn't it?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Perhaps the Foreign Office will say they see no reason to change their +mind.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I don't think so.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Have you told Ronny?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>No, I thought it unnecessary till I'd found out whether the Khedive +would be willing to take him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I'm amazed, Arthur. When Henry told me Ronald Parry was going I couldn't +help thinking it was very desirable.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Why?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She looks at him, about to speak, then hesitates. She does not +dare, and resolves to be silent.</i> <span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>comes to the rescue</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Christina knows that I shall be very little in Egypt in future and how +fond Ronny and I are of one another. We naturally want to be as near +each other as we can.<a name="page_045" id="page_045"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] It really amuses me that you should refuse to give a +good job to Henry because you've made up your mind to give it to Ronald +Parry.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>walks up to her deliberately and faces her</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>If you've got anything to say against him say it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They stare at one another for a moment in silence.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>If you have nothing against him there's no reason why I should.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I see. I have a good deal to do this afternoon. If you have nothing more +to say to me I'd like to get back to my work.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Very well, I'll go.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You won't stop and see Violet?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I don't think so, thank you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She goes out. He opens the door for her.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Why didn't you tell me just now that you'd decided to keep Ronny in +Cairo?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I thought it was unnecessary till everything was settled. I daresay +you'll be good enough to hold your tongue about it.<a name="page_046" id="page_046"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Have you definitely made up your mind?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Definitely.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They look at one another steadily.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I think I'll go up to my room. I keep to my old habit of a siesta after +luncheon.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I wish I could get Violet to take it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>She's so young, she doesn't feel the need of it yet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, she's so young.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>goes out. For a moment</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>gives way to discouragement. +He feels old and tired. But he hears a footstep and pulls himself +together. He is his usual self, gay, gallant and humorous, when</i> +<span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>enters the room</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I saw Christina drive away. What did she want?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>The earth.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I hope you gave it her.<a name="page_047" id="page_047"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>No, I'm trying to get the moon for you just now, darling, and I thought +if I gave her the earth it really would upset the universe a little too +much.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I thought I'd better do these invitations before I dressed.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You're not going to put on a different frock to go and have tea with the +Khedive's mother? You look charming in that.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I think it's a little too young. It was all right for the morning.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Of course you are older this afternoon, that's quite true.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Can you spare Ronny just now?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>After an instant's pause.</i>] Yes, I'll send him to you at once.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>As he is going.</i>] I shall be back in time to give you your tea.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>That will be very nice. Good-bye till then.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He goes out. She is meditative. She gives a slight start as</i> +<span class="smcap">Ronny</span> <i>comes in</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I hope I haven't torn you away from anything very important.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I was only typing a very dull report. I'd just finished it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You mustn't ever bother about me if it's not convenient, you know.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I shan't have much chance, shall I?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No.... Look, here's the list.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She hands him a sheet of paper on which names are scribbled, and +he reads it.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>It looks rather a stodgy party, doesn't it? I see you've crossed my name +out.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It's not much good asking you when you won't be here. Whom d'you advise +me to ask in your place?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I don't know. I hate the idea of anyone being asked in my place. Shall I +start on them at once?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>If you don't mind. I have to go out, you know.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He sits down at a writing table.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I'll start on those I dislike least.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] Don't you remember when Arthur said I must ask the +Von Scheidleins how we hated to write them a civil letter?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Writing.</i>] Dear Lady Sinclair.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, she asked me to call her Evelyn.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Hang! I'll have to start again.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It always make me so uncomfortable to address fat old ladies by their +Christian names.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I'll end up "yours affectionately," shall I?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I suppose you're awfully excited at the thought of going?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>No.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It's a step for you, isn't it? I ... I ought to congratulate you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>You don't think I want to go, do you? I hate it.<a name="page_050" id="page_050"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Why?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I've been very happy here.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You knew you couldn't stay here for the rest of your life.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Why not?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With an effort at self-control.</i>] Who is the next person on the list?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking at it.</i>] Will you miss me at all?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I suppose I shall at first.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>That's not a very kind thing to say.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Isn't it? I don't mean to be unkind, Ronny.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I'm so miserable!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She gives a little cry and looks at him. She presses her hands to +her heart.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Let us go on with the letters.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>Silently he writes. She does not watch him, but looks hopelessly +into space. She is unable to restrain a sob.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>You're crying.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No, I'm not. I'm not. I swear I'm not. [<i>He gets up and goes over to +her. He looks into her eyes.</i>] It came so suddenly. I never dreamt you'd +be going away.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Violet!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Don't call me that. Please don't.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Did you know that I loved you?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>How should I know? Oh, I'm so unhappy. What have I done to deserve it?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I couldn't help loving you. It can't matter if I tell you now. It's the +end of everything. I don't want to go without your knowing. I love you. +I love you. I love you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Ronny!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>It's been so wonderful, all these months. I've never known anyone to +come up to you. Everything you said pleased me. I loved the way you +walk, and your laugh, and the sound of your voice.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, don't!<a name="page_052" id="page_052"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I was content just to see you and to talk with you and to know you were +here, near me. You've made me extraordinarily happy.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Have I? Oh, I'm so glad.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I couldn't help myself. I tried not to think of you. You're not angry +with me?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I can't be. Oh, Ronny, I've had such a rotten time. It came upon me +unawares, I didn't know what was happening. I thought I only liked you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, my dearest! Is it possible ...?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>And when it struck me—oh, I was so frightened. I thought it must be +written on my face and everyone must see. I knew it was wrong. I knew I +mustn't. I couldn't help myself.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, say it, Violet. I want to hear you say it: "I love you."</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I love you. [<i>He kneels down before her and covers her hands with +kisses.</i>] Oh, don't, don't!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>My dearest. My very dearest.<a name="page_053" id="page_053"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>What have I done? I made up my mind that no one should ever know. I +thought then it wouldn't matter. It needn't prevent me from doing my +duty to Arthur. It didn't interfere with my affection for him. I didn't +see how it could hurt anyone if I kept my love for you locked up in my +heart, tightly, and it made me so happy. I rejoiced in it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I never knew. I used to weigh every word you said to me. You never gave +me a sign.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I didn't know it was possible to love anybody as I love you, Ronny.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>My precious!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, don't say things like that to me. It breaks my heart. I wouldn't +ever have told you only I was upset by your going. If they'd only given +me time to get used to the thought I wouldn't ... I wouldn't make such a +fool of myself.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>You can't grudge me that little bit of comfort.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>But it all came so suddenly, the announcement that you were going and +your going. I felt I couldn't bear it. Why didn't they give me time?<a name="page_054" id="page_054"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Don't cry, my dearest, it tortures me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>This is the last time we shall be alone, Ronny. I couldn't let you go +without ... oh, my God, I can't bear it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>We might have been so happy together, Violet. Why didn't we meet sooner? +I feel we're made for one another.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, don't talk of that. D'you suppose I haven't said to myself: "Oh, if +I'd only met him first"? Oh, Ronny, Ronny, Ronny!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I never dared to think that you loved me. It's maddening that I must go. +It's horrible to think of leaving you now.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No, it's better. We couldn't have gone on like that. I'm glad you're +going. It breaks my heart.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Violet, why didn't you wait for me?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I made a mistake. I must pay for it. Arthur's so good and kind. He loves +me with all his heart. Oh, what a fool I was! I didn't know what love +was. I feel that my life is finished, and I'm so young, Ronny.<a name="page_055" id="page_055"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>You know I'd do anything in the world for you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>My dear one. [<i>They stand, face to face, looking at one another +wistfully and sadly.</i>] It's no good, Ronny, we're both making ourselves +utterly miserable. Say good-bye to me and let us part. [<i>He draws her +towards him.</i>] No, don't kiss me. I don't want you to kiss me. [<i>He +takes her in his arms and kisses her passionately.</i>] Oh, Ronny, I do +love you so. [<i>At last she tears herself away from him. She sinks into a +chair. He makes a movement towards her.</i>] No, don't come near me now. +I'm so tired.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He looks at her for a moment, then he goes back to the table and +sits down to write the letters. Their eyes meet slowly.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>It's good-bye, then?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It's good-bye.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She presses her hands to her heart as though the aching were +unendurable. He buries his head in his hands.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="c">END OF THE FIRST ACT<a name="page_056" id="page_056"></a></p> + +<h2><a name="ACT_II" id="ACT_II"></a>ACT II</h2> + +<div class="blockquotsce"><p class="hang"><i>The scene is the garden of the Consular Agent's residence. It is +an Eastern garden with palm-trees, magnolias, and flowering bushes +of azaleas. On one side is an old Arabic well-head decorated with +verses from the Koran; a yellow rambler grows over the ironwork +above. Rose-trees are in full bloom. On the other side are basket +chairs and a table. At the bottom of the garden runs the Nile and +on the farther bank are lines of palm-trees and the Eastern sky. It +is towards evening and during the act the sun gradually sets.</i></p> + +<p class="hang"><i>The table is set out with tea-things.</i> <span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>is seated reading a +book. The gardener in his blue gaberdine, with brown legs and the +little round cap of the Egyptian workman, is watering the flowers.</i> +<span class="smcap">Christina</span> <i>comes in</i>.</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking up, with a smile.</i>] Ah, Christina!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I was told I should find you here. I came to see Violet, but I hear she +hasn't come back yet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>She was going to see the Khedive's mother.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I think I'll wait for her.<a name="page_057" id="page_057"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Would you like tea? I was waiting till Violet came in. I expect she's +been made to eat all sorts of sweet things and she'll want a cup of tea +to take the taste out of her mouth.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>No, don't have it brought for me.... I can never quite get over being +treated as a guest in the house I was mistress of for so many years. +[<i>To the Gardener.</i>] Imshi (Get out).</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Gardener.</span></p> + +<p>Dêtak sa 'ideh (May thy night be happy).</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He goes out.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Your knowledge of Arabic is rather sketchy, Christina.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I never see why I should trouble myself with strange languages. If +foreigners want to talk to me they can talk to me in English.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>But surely when we're out of our own country we're foreigners.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Nonsense, Anne, we're English. I wonder Arthur allows Violet to learn +Arabic. I can't help thinking it'll make a bad impression on the +natives. <i>I</i> managed this house on fifty words of Arabic.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I'm convinced that on a hundred you'd be prepared to manage +the country.<a name="page_058" id="page_058"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I don't think you can deny that I did my work here competently.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>You're a wonderful housekeeper.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I have common sense and a talent for organisation. [<i>Pursing her lips.</i>] +It breaks my heart to see the way certain things are done here now.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>You must remember Violet is very young.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Much too young to be a suitable wife for Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>He seems to be very well satisfied, and after all he is the person most +concerned.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I know. His infatuation is—blind, don't you think?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Coolly.</i>] I think it's very delightful to see two people so much in +love with one another.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>D'you know that I used to be fearfully jealous of you, Anne?<a name="page_059" id="page_059"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Amused.</i>] I know that you thoroughly disliked me, Christina. You +didn't trouble to hide it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I was always afraid that Arthur would marry you. I didn't want to be +turned out of this house. I suppose you think that's horrid of me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>No, I think it's very natural.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I didn't see why Arthur should marry. I gave him all the comforts of +home life. And I thought it would interfere with his work. Of course I +knew that he liked you. I suffered agonies when he used to go and dine +with you quietly. [<i>With a sniff.</i>] He said it rested him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Perhaps it did. Did you grudge him that?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I knew you were desperately in love with him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Need you throw that in my face now? Really, I haven't deserved it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>My dear, I wish he had married you. It never struck me he'd marry a girl +twenty years younger than himself.<a name="page_060" id="page_060"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>He never looked upon me as anything but a friend. I don't suppose it +occurred to him for an instant that my feeling might possibly be +different.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>It was stupid of me. I ought to have given him a hint.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] You took care not to do that, Christina. Perhaps you +knew that was all it wanted.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Reflectively.</i>] I don't think he's treated you very well.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Nonsense. A man isn't obliged to marry a woman just because she's in +love with him. I don't see why loving should give one a claim on the +person one loves.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>You would have made him a splendid wife.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>So will Violet, my dear. Most men have the wives they deserve.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I marvel at your kindness to her. You're so tolerant and sympathetic, +one would never imagine she's robbed you of what you wanted most in the +world.<a name="page_061" id="page_061"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I shouldn't respect myself very much if I bore her the shadow of a +grudge. I'm so glad that she's sweet and charming and ingenuous; it +makes it very easy to be fond of her.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I know. I wanted to dislike her. But I can't really. There is something +about her which disarms one.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Isn't it lucky? It's a difficult position. That irresistible charm of +hers will make everything possible. After all, you and I can agree in +that we both want Arthur to be happy.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I wonder if there's much chance of that.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>looks at her for a moment inquiringly, and</i> <span class="smcap">Christina</span> +<i>coolly returns the stare</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Why did you come here this afternoon, Christina?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a faint smile.</i>] Why did you take so much trouble to get your +brother moved to Paris?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Good heavens, I told you this morning.<a name="page_062" id="page_062"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>D'you think we need make pretences with one another?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I don't think I quite understand.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Don't you? You wanted Ronny to leave Egypt because you know he's in love +with Violet.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>For a moment</i> <span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>is a little taken aback, but she quickly +recovers herself</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>He's very susceptible. He's always falling in and out of love. I had +noticed that he was attracted, and I confess I thought it better to put +him out of harm's way.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>How cunning you are, Anne! You won't admit anything till you're quite +certain the person you're talking to knows it. You know as well as I do +that Violet is just as much in love with him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Much disturbed.</i>] Christina, what are you going to do? How could I +help knowing? You've only got to see the way they look at one another. +They're sick with love.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>What did Arthur expect? I've never seen a couple more admirably suited +to one another.<a name="page_063" id="page_063"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I thought no one knew but me till this morning, when you were talking to +Arthur. Then I thought you must know too. My heart was in my mouth, I +was afraid you were going to tell him. But you didn't, and I thought I'd +been mistaken.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>You didn't give me credit for very nice feeling, Anne. Because I didn't +act like a perfect beast you thought I must be a perfect fool.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I know how devoted you are to your son. I didn't believe you'd stick at +anything when his interests were at stake. I'm sorry, Christina.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Pray don't apologise. I didn't know it myself. It was on the tip of my +tongue to tell Arthur, but I simply couldn't. I couldn't do anything so +shabby.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Christina, we mustn't ever let him know, we can't make him so +miserable. It would break his heart.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Well, what is to be done?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Heaven knows. I've been racking my brains. I can think of nothing. I'd +arranged everything so<a name="page_064" id="page_064"></a> beautifully. And now I'm helpless. I thought +even of going to Ronny and asking him to refuse any job that will keep +him here. But Arthur looks upon it as so important. He'll insist on +Ronny's accepting unless his reasons for going are—what's the word I +want?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Irrefutable. It seems very hard that my boy should be done out of such a +splendid chance by Ronny. Except for your brother I'm sure Arthur would +give it to Henry.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Diplomatically.</i>] I know he has the highest opinion of Henry's +abilities.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>You can't expect me to sit still and let things go on.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Arthur is perfectly unconscious. He thinks Violet is as much in love +with him as he is with her. You couldn't be so cruel as to hint anything +to him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>How you adore him, Anne! You may set your mind at rest. I'm not going to +say a word to Arthur. I'm going to speak to Violet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Frightened.</i>] What are you going to say?<a name="page_065" id="page_065"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I'm going to ask her to do all she can to persuade Arthur to give Henry +the job. And then Ronny can go to Paris.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>You're not going to tell her you know?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Deliberately.</i>] If it's necessary she must make Ronny refuse the +appointment. He must invent some excuse that Arthur will accept.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>But it's blackmail.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I don't care what it is.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>comes in. She wears an afternoon gown, picturesque and +simple, yet elegant enough for the visit she has been paying. She +has a large hat, which she presently removes.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Here is Violet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, you poor people, haven't you had any tea?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I thought we'd wait till you came back. It'll come at once now.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>How are you, Christina? How is Henry? [<i>They kiss one another.</i>] I've +not seen him for days.<a name="page_066" id="page_066"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>He's coming to fetch me presently.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I shall tell him he neglects me. He's the only one of my in-laws I'm not +a little afraid of.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>He's a good boy.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>He has a good mother. I thought it would be such fun having a nephew +several years older than myself, but he won't treat me as an aunt. He +will call me Violet. I tell him he ought to be more respectful.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>Meanwhile</i> <span class="smcap">Servants</span> <i>have brought the tea</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>What have you been doing this afternoon?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I went to see the Khedive's mother. She made me eat seventeen +different things and I feel exactly like a boa-constrictor. [<i>Looking at +the cakes and scones.</i>] I'm afraid there's not a very nice tea.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>So I notice.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] I suppose I couldn't persuade you to pour it out.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Gratified.</i>] Certainly, if you wish it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She sits down in front of the teapot and pours out cups of tea.</i> +<span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>comes in</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Hulloa, Christina, are you pouring out the tea?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Violet asked me to.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>If only I weren't here it would be quite like old times.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I understand you want to see me, Violet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I hope you haven't come out here on purpose. I sent the message that +I wished to have a word with you when convenient, but I didn't want to +hurry you. I was quite prepared to go to you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>That sounds very formidable. I had a few minutes to spare while some +letters were being prepared for me to sign. But in any case I'm always +at your service.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>The Khedive's mother has asked me to talk to you about a man called +Abdul Said.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Oh!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>She thought if I put the circumstances before you....</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] What has he got to do with her?<a name="page_068" id="page_068"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>He's been employed for years on an estate of hers up the Nile. His +mother was one of her maids. It appears she gave her a dowry when she +married.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] I see. I gathered that Abdul Said had powerful influence +somewhere or other.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Who is this man, Arthur?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>He's been sentenced to death for murder. It was a perfectly clear case, +but there was a lot of perjury and we had some difficulty in getting a +conviction. What has the Princess asked you to do?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>She explained the whole thing to me, and then she asked if I wouldn't +intercede with you. I promised to do everything I could.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You shouldn't have done that. The old lady knows quite well an affair of +this sort is no business of yours. I wish you'd told her so.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Arthur, what could I do? His wife was there, and his mother. If you'd +seen them.... I couldn't bear to look at their misery and do nothing. I +said I was sure that when you knew all the facts you'd reprieve the +man.<a name="page_069" id="page_069"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It's not in my power to do anything of the sort. The prerogative of +mercy is with the Khedive.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I know, but if you advise him to exercise it he will. He's only too +anxious to, but he won't move without your advice.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It's monstrous of the Princess to try and make use of you in this way. +She prepared a complete trap for you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>What did the man do exactly?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It's rather a peculiar case. Abdul Said had a difference of opinion with +an Armenian merchant and shortly after his only son fell ill and died. +He took it into his head that the Armenian had cast the evil eye on him, +and he took his gun, waited for his opportunity, and shot the Armenian +dead. The man isn't a criminal in the ordinary sense of the word, but we +can't afford to make exceptions. If we did there'd be a crop of murders +with the same excuse. I looked into the case this morning and I see no +reason to advise the Khedive to interfere with the course of justice.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>This morning? When you came in to luncheon full of spirits, laughing and +chaffing, had you just sent a man to his death? How horribly callous!<a name="page_070" id="page_070"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I'm sorry you should think that. I give every matter my closest +attention, and when I've settled it to the best of my ability I put it +out of my mind. I think it would be just as unwise to let it affect me +as for a doctor to let himself be affected by his patients' sufferings.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It seems to me horrible to slaughter that wretched man because he's +ignorant and simple-minded. Don't you see that for yourself?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I'm afraid I'm not here to interpret the law according to my feelings +but according to its own spirit.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It's easy to talk like that when you haven't got any feeling one way or +the other. Don't you realise the misery of that man condemned to die for +what he honestly thought was a mere act of justice? I wish you'd seen +the agony of those poor women. And now they're more or less happy +because I promised to help them. The Princess told them I had influence +with you. If she only knew!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You should never have been put in such a position. It was grossly +unfair. I'll take care that nothing of the sort occurs again.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>D'you mean to say you'll do nothing? Won't you even go into the matter +again—with a little sympathy?<a name="page_071" id="page_071"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I can't!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It's the first thing I've ever asked you, Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I know. I'm only sorry that I must refuse you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>This is the first sentence of death in Egypt since our marriage. Don't +you know what it would mean to me to think I'd saved a man's life? The +Khedive is waiting to sign the reprieve. It only requires a word from +you. Won't you say it? I feel that the gratitude of these poor women may +be like a blessing on us.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>My dear, I think my duty is very clear. I must do it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It's clear because all that grief means nothing to you. What do you care +if a man is hanged whom you've never even seen? I wonder if you'd find +it so easy to do your duty in a matter that affected you. If it meant +misery or happiness to you. It's easy to do one's duty when one doesn't +care.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You're quite right. That is the test: if one can do one's duty when it +means the loss of all one holds dear and valuable in the world.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I hope you'll never be put to it.<a name="page_072" id="page_072"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] My dear, you say that as though you hoped precisely +the contrary.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Must I write to the Princess and say I was entirely mistaken, and I have +no more influence over you than a tripper at Shepheard's Hotel?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I'd sooner you didn't write to her at all. I will have a message +conveyed which you may be sure will save you from any humiliation.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Icily.</i>] I'm afraid you have a lot of business; you mustn't let me +keep you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He looks at her reflectively for a moment and then goes out. +There is an awkward silence.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Those good people we had to luncheon to-day would be amused to see what +the power amounts to that they congratulated me on.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>There's very little that Arthur would refuse you. He'd do practically +anything in the world to please you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It'll be a long time before I ask him to do anything else.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Don't say that, Violet. Because I came here to-day on purpose to ask you +to use your influence with him.<a name="page_073" id="page_073"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You see how much I have.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>That was a matter of principle. Men are always funny about principles. +You can never get them to understand that circumstances alter cases.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Arthur looks upon me as a child. After all, it's not my fault that I'm +twenty years younger than he is.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I want your help so badly, Violet. And you know, the fact that Arthur +has just refused to do something for you is just the reason that will +make him anxious to do anything you ask now.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I don't want to expose myself to the humiliation of another refusal.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>It's so important to me. It may mean all the difference to Henry's +future.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a change of manner, charmingly.</i>] Oh! I'd love to do anything I +could for Henry.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>The Khedive has asked Arthur for an English secretary. It seems to me +that Henry has every possible qualification, but you know what Arthur +is; he's terrified of the least suspicion of favouring his friends and +relations.<a name="page_074" id="page_074"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>My dear Christina, what can I do? Arthur would merely tell me to mind my +own business.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>He wants to give the post to Ronald Parry....</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Quickly.</i>] Ronny? But Ronny's going to Paris. It's all arranged.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>It was. But Arthur thinks it essential that he should stay in Egypt.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Did you know this, Anne?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Not till just now.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Does Ronny know?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I don't think so.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>is aghast. She does all she can to hide her agitation. The +two women watch her</i>, <span class="smcap">Christina</span> <i>with cold curiosity</i>, <span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>with +embarrassment</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'm ... I'm awfully surprised. It's only an hour or two ago that Ronny +and I bade one another a pathetic farewell.<a name="page_075" id="page_075"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Really? But there was never any talk of his going till the day after +to-morrow. You were in a great hurry with your leave-takings.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I thought he'd be busy packing and that I mightn't have another chance.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>You've been so intimate, I'm sure he would have been able to snatch a +moment to say good-bye to you and Arthur before his train started.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>does not quite know what this speech means. She gives</i> +<span class="smcap">Christina</span> <i>a look</i>. <span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>comes to the rescue quickly</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Ronny has been acting as Violet's secretary to a certain extent. I +expect they had all sorts of little secrets together that they wanted to +discuss in private.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Of course. That's very natural. [<i>With great friendliness.</i>] If I +thought I were robbing you of anyone who was indispensable to you I +wouldn't ask you to put in a good word for Henry. But, of course, if +Ronald became the Khedive's secretary he couldn't exactly continue to +write letters and pay bills for you, could he?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'm rather taken aback. I'd got it fixed in my head that Ronny was +going.<a name="page_076" id="page_076"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I can promise you that in helping Henry you're not doing any harm to +Ronald. Anne is very anxious that he should leave Egypt. Isn't that so?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>In a way. Henry is proposing to spend the rest of his official life in +Egypt. An appointment like this is naturally more important to him than +it would be to Ronny, who is by way of being a bird of passage.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Exactly. Ronny has had his experience here. If he stayed longer it would +only be waste of time. Anne naturally wants to have him near her. I +daresay she's a little afraid of his getting into mischief here.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I don't know about that, Christina.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>My dear, you know how susceptible he is. There's always the possibility +that he'll fall in love with someone who isn't very desirable.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I've got an awful headache.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Why don't you take a little aspirin? I'm quite sure that if you set your +mind to it you can persuade Arthur to give the job to Henry. And that +would settle everything.<a name="page_077" id="page_077"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>And if I can't persuade him?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Then you must put it to Ronny.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>You see, if he refused the appointment and left Egypt, then I'm +convinced Arthur would accept Henry.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Why should I put it to Ronny?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Pleasantly.</i>] You've been so very friendly, haven't you? If you +suggested to him that ... he's standing in Henry's way....</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I should have thought it was for Anne to do that.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>How simple-minded you are! A man will often do for a pretty woman what +he won't do for his sister.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You want me to make him go?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Don't you think yourself that would be the very best thing ... for all +parties?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Christina</span> <i>look steadily at one another</i>. <span class="smcap">Violet</span> +<i>sinks her eyes. She knows<a name="page_078" id="page_078"></a> that</i> <span class="smcap">Christina</span> <i>is aware of her love. +She is terrified.</i> <span class="smcap">Ronald</span> <i>comes in. He is in the highest +spirits.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I've been sent to have a cup of tea. Sir Arthur is coming along in a +minute. I've got some news. I'm staying in Egypt. Isn't it splendid?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>gives a little gasp</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Is it settled then?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Did you know? I thought it would be a surprise.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No. I've just heard.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Isn't it magnificent?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>You're very changeable. It's only a few months ago that you were +constantly telling Henry you'd had enough of the country.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Never. I love it. I should like to stay here all my life.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Fancy that!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Addressing himself to</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span>.] It would be madness to leave a place +where you're so happy, wouldn't<a name="page_079" id="page_079"></a> it? I feel so intensely alive here. +It's a wonderful country. One lives every minute of the day.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>You're so enthusiastic. One would almost think you'd fallen in love.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Ronny is naturally enthusiastic.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Christina</span>.] And why shouldn't I have fallen in love?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Won't you tell us who with?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] I was only joking. Isn't it enough to have a +splendid job in a country where there's so much hope? Sir Arthur has +given me a marvellous opportunity. It'll be my fault if I don't make the +most of it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Dryly.</i>] Shall I give you a cup of tea?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Chaffing her.</i>] D'you think I want calming down? I feel like a +prisoner who was going to be hanged and has just had a free pardon. I +don't want to be calmed down. I want to revel in my freedom.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>All that means, I take it, that you don't want tea.<a name="page_080" id="page_080"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>It's no good trying to snub me. I'm unsnubable to-day. You haven't +congratulated me, Anne.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>My dear, you've been talking nineteen to the dozen. I've not had the +chance to get a word in edgeways.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span>.] Will you put my name back on your list for that dinner? +It would have broken my heart to miss it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Your official position rather alters things, doesn't it? I would never +dare to ask you now just to make an even number.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, well, I'm sending out the invitations. I shall write a formal letter +to myself, explaining the circumstances, and I daresay I shall see my +way to accept.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Dear Ronald, you might be eighteen.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>comes in with</i> <span class="smcap">Henry Pritchard</span>. <i>This is</i> <span class="smcap">Christina's</span> +<i>son, a pleasant, clean young man, but in no way remarkable</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Henry tells me he's come to fetch you away, Christina.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>So you lose not a moment in bringing him here.<a name="page_081" id="page_081"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Really, Christina, you do me an injustice. I can't bear to think you +should be parted from your precious boy an instant longer than +necessary.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Shaking hands with</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span>.] How is my stately aunt?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Merry and bright, thank you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>You know I'm having a birthday soon, don't you?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>What of it?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>I've always been given to understand that aunts give their nephews ten +shillings on their birthday.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Do they? I am glad. I'd love to press ten shillings into your willing +hand.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Halloa, Ronny. Lucky devil. I congratulate you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>That's awfully good of you, old man.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>On what? Christina!<a name="page_082" id="page_082"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I told Henry. I didn't think it would matter, I thought it better that +he should know.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>I say, Uncle Arthur, I'm afraid mother has been giving you a rotten +time. It's not my fault, you know.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>What isn't?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Well, when mother told me at luncheon that the Khedive had applied for +an English secretary, I saw by the beady look in her eye that if I +didn't get the job she was going to make things unpleasant for somebody.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Really, Henry, I don't know what you mean.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Well, mother, you're an old dear....</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Not so old either.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Certainly not, Henry. Let us have none of your nonsense.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>But you know perfectly well that you'd cheerfully bring the British +Empire tumbling about our ears if you could get me a good fat billet by +doing so.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings....<a name="page_083" id="page_083"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>You've got no right to say that, Henry. I've never asked anything for +you that it wasn't practically your right to have.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Well, mother, between you and me I don't mind telling you that Ronny is +much more suited to this particular job than I am. Only a perfect fool +would have hesitated, and for the honour of the family we can't suspect +Uncle Arthur of being that.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You see what comes of bringing up a boy properly, Christina; you've made +him a decent fellow in spite of yourself.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>You're a tiresome creature, Henry, but I'm attached to you. You may kiss +me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Come along, Mother. I'm not going to kiss you in public.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Getting up.</i>] Well, good-bye, Violet. Don't forget our little +conversation, will you?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Good-bye. Good-bye, Henry.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Anne</span>.] Why don't you come for a little drive with us? It's such a +beautiful evening.<a name="page_084" id="page_084"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Will you take me? I think I'd like it. It won't take me a minute to put +on my hat.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She gets up. They start to walk towards the house.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Putting up her cheek.</i>] Good-bye, Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I'll just come along and put you in your carriage. You shan't say +that I don't treat you with the ceremony due to your importance.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They saunter off.</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Ronny</span> <i>are left alone</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You're coming back, Arthur?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, yes, in a minute. [<i>Exit.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Under his breath.</i>] Violet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Be quiet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Isn't it ripping? I could hardly prevent myself from letting them see +how much I loved you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You didn't. Christina suspected before and now you've told her in plain +words.<a name="page_085" id="page_085"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Gaily.</i>] That's only your fancy. You think because it's plain to you +it must be plain to anybody else.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I've never before had anything to hide. D'you think I like it?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>And even if she does know, what does it matter? It does her no harm.... +And how could anyone help loving you?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Quickly.</i>] Take care what you say.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>No one can hear. To look at us anyone would think we were discussing the +political situation.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You're cunning, Ronny.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I love you. I love you. I love you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>For God's sake don't keep on saying it. I'm so ashamed.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Astonished.</i>] What about?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Just now, this afternoon, I would never have said what I did only I +thought you were going. I wasn't myself then, Ronny. I ought never to +have....<a name="page_086" id="page_086"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Thank God you did. You can't grudge me the happiness you gave me. You +can't take it away from me now. I know you love me. I hold the sun and +the moon in my hands and all the stars of heaven.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Desperately.</i>] What are we going to do? Oh, it's not fair to me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>It's done now. You can't unsay it. Each time I look at you I shall +remember. I've held you in my arms and kissed your lips. You can never +take that away from me. And I needn't go. I shall see you constantly. +Oh, I'm so happy.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She walks up and down for a moment, trying to control herself, +then she makes up her mind: she stops and faces him.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I want you to go, Ronny. I want you to make some excuse and refuse the +appointment here.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>No, I can't leave you now.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I beseech you to go.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Do you want me to?<a name="page_087" id="page_087"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Give me your hand, then.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Why?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Give me your hand. [<i>She gives it him and he holds it.</i>] Say you love +me, Violet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>How cold your hand is!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Let me go.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>D'you really want me to go?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You know I don't. I adore you. It'll kill me if you go. [<i>He bends down +and passionately kisses her hand.</i>] Ronny, Ronny, don't! What are you +doing? [<i>She tears her hand away. She is trembling with emotion. He is +white and cold with passion. They sit opposite one another for a while +in silence.</i>] What a punishment! When you told me this afternoon that +you loved me I thought I'd never been<a name="page_088" id="page_088"></a> happy in my life before, and +though it tore my heart to think that you must go I felt—oh, I don't +know—as though my joy was so overwhelming, there was no room in my +heart for anything else. And now I'm wretched, wretched.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>But why? Darling! My darling, we were going to be parted, and now we're +going to be together. Can anything matter beside that?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It's all so hopeless.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>It needn't be.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>How can it be anything else?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I don't love you for a day or a week, Violet; I love you for always.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Whatever happens, I'm going to try to do my duty to Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I'm not seeking to prevent you. What am I asking for? I only want to see +you. I want to know that I'm close to you. I want to touch your hand. I +want to think of you. What harm can that do you?<a name="page_089" id="page_089"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>If I were my own mistress I could laugh and let you do as you choose. +But I'm not. I'm bound to you hand and foot. It's torture to me. And the +worst of it is I love my bonds. I can't wish to be without them. I'm at +your mercy, Ronny. I love you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, but that's enough for me. I swear to you I don't want you to do +anything that you'll ever regret.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>If it could only be taken out of our hands. If something would only +happen.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>What can happen?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Perhaps the Khedive will change his mind. Perhaps the Foreign Office +will say you must go to Paris.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Would you be pleased? Violet, I want so little from you. How can it hurt +you to give me that? Let us give ourselves a chance to be happy.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>We shall never be happy. Never. The only thing we can do is to part, and +I can't let you go. I can't. I can't. It's asking too much of me.<a name="page_090" id="page_090"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I love you with all my heart and soul. I didn't know it was possible to +love anyone as I love you.</p> + +<p>[<span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>is heard gaily whistling to himself</i>.]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>There's Arthur!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Quickly.</i>] Shall I go?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes. No. Have we got to hide ourselves? Has it come to that already? Oh, +I hate myself.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>comes in</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Brightly.</i>] You're very gay this afternoon, Arthur. One doesn't often +hear you whistle.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>D'you think it's unbecoming to my years or to my dignity?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Shall I give you a cup of tea?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>To tell you the honest truth that is what I came here for.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>And I was flattering myself it was for the pleasure of my company.<a name="page_091" id="page_091"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Ronny, will you find out if it would be convenient for the Khedive to +see me at eleven o'clock to-morrow?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Very good, sir.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He goes out.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>What have you to see the Khedive about—if it isn't a secret?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Not at all. I'm merely going to place before him Ronny's name.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Then the matter's not definitely settled yet?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Not formally. I've not had the reply yet to my telegram to the Foreign +Office, and I've not had the Khedive's acceptance of my suggestion.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>But supposing the Foreign Office say they think he'd better go to Paris +after all?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I think it's most unlikely. They know by now that the man on the spot is +the best judge of the circumstances, and I've accustomed them to giving +me a free hand.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>And you think the Khedive will raise no objection?<a name="page_092" id="page_092"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>He knows Ronny a little and likes him. I think he'll be delighted with +my choice.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>There is a pause.</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>drinks his tea. There is no sign that +he is conscious of</i> <span class="smcap">Violet's</span> <i>agitation. She is tortured by +indecision.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Arthur, I'm sorry if I was cross just now about Abdul Said. It was +stupid of me to interfere with something that wasn't my business.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, my dear, don't say that. I'm sorry I couldn't do what you wanted.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I made myself needlessly disagreeable. Will you forgive me?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Darling, don't reproach yourself. That's more than I can bear. There's +nothing to forgive.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I owe so much to you. I hate to think that I was horrid.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You don't owe anything to me at all. And you're incapable of being +horrid.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He seizes her hands and is about to kiss them, when she draws +them abruptly away.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No, don't kiss my hands.<a name="page_093" id="page_093"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Why not?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He is surprised. For an instant she is taken aback. He looks at +her hands and she withdraws them as though he could see on them the +kisses which</i> <span class="smcap">Ronny</span>, <i>a few minutes before, had pressed on them</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With the faintest laugh of embarrassment.</i>] If you want to kiss me I +prefer you to kiss my cheeks.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>That is evidently what they're made for.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He does not attempt to kiss them. She gives him a quick glance +and looks away.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Arthur, I'm afraid Christina will be awfully disappointed at Henry's not +getting that job.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Let us hope she will bear her disappointment with as much fortitude as I +do.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I don't think she's entirely given up hope that you will change your +mind.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] I'm sure of that. I don't expect to have much peace +till the matter is officially settled. That is why I mean to settle it +quickly.<a name="page_094" id="page_094"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>What is your objection to Henry?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>None. He's not such a good man as Ronald Parry, that's all.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>The last time there was a good job going Henry just missed getting it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Henry is one of those men who would do very well for a job if there +weren't always somebody just a little bit better applying at the same +time.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Christina thinks you're so anxious not to favour him because he's your +nephew that you are positively biassed against him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Christina, like the majority of her sex, has an unerring eye for the +discreditable motive.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>She blames me because you won't help Henry. She thinks it's because I'm +jealous of her.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>How exactly like her! The best mother and the most unreasonable woman +I've ever known.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Forcing the words out.</i>] It would be a great pleasure to me if you +could change your mind and let Henry have the post instead of Ronald +Parry.<a name="page_095" id="page_095"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, my dear, don't ask me to do that. You know how I hate refusing to do +anything you wish.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Anne is so anxious that Ronny should go to Paris. He's made all his +preparations, don't you think you might just as well let him go?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I'm afraid I don't. I want him here.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It would be such a joy to me if I could go and tell Christina that you'd +consented. It would make such a difference to me, you see. I want her to +be fond of me, and I know she'd never forget if I'd been able to do her +a good turn like that. Oh, Arthur, won't you?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Darling, I'm afraid I can't.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I promise I'll never ask you anything again as long as I live if you'll +only do this for me. It means so much to me. You don't know how much.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I can't, Violet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Won't you talk it over with Anne?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>To tell you the truth I don't think it's any business of hers.<a name="page_096" id="page_096"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Hesitatingly.</i>] Is it due to her influence that Ronald was appointed +to Paris?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Why?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I want to know. If she's been pulling strings to get him moved I suppose +it's for some reason. He was very comfortable here. It's not often you +find a secretary who exactly suits you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Well, yes, it was her doing. She tells me she doesn't mean to come to +Egypt so much as in the past and wants her brother nearer to her.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>If she wants to see much of her brother she let him choose rather an +unfortunate profession.... I wonder she didn't tell you the truth.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Quickly.</i>] I'm convinced she did. I thought her explanation very +natural. I'm sorry it's necessary for me to interfere with her plans.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'm sure she wouldn't mind my telling you why she's so anxious Ronny +should leave Egypt. She thinks he's in love with a married woman and it +seems desirable to get him away. Perhaps she didn't want to tell you. I +fancy she's been very uneasy about it.<a name="page_097" id="page_097"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I daresay it's only a momentary infatuation. Let us hope he will get +over it quickly. I can't lose a useful public servant because he happens +to have formed an unfortunate attachment.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'm afraid I'm not explaining myself very well. Ronny is desperately in +love. There's no other way of putting it. You <i>must</i> let him go. After +all, you're very fond of him, you've known him since he was a small boy; +it isn't as though he were a stray young man sent you by the Foreign +Office. You can't be entirely indifferent to him. Perhaps his welfare is +at stake. Don't you think it's wiser—it's only kind—to send him out of +harm's way.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>My dear, you know that I—Arthur Little—would do anything to please you +and that I care very much for the happiness of Anne and the welfare of +Ronald Parry. But, you see, I'm an official too, and the official can't +do all sorts of things that the man would be very glad to.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>How can you separate the official and the man? The official can't do +things that the man disapproves.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Ah! that's a point that has been discussed ever since states came into +being. Are the rules of private morality binding on the statesman? In +theory most of us answer yes, but in practice very few act<a name="page_098" id="page_098"></a> on that +principle. In this case, darling, it hardly applies. I see no conflict +between the man and the official.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You think it doesn't really concern you, Arthur?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I've not said that. But I'm not going to let an appeal to my emotions +interfere with my judgment. I think I understand the situation. I'm not +proposing to change my mind. I shall present Ronny's name to the Khedive +to-morrow.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>D'you think me very stupid, Arthur?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Not at all, darling. Only a clever woman could achieve your beauty.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Then doesn't it occur to you that if I've made such a point of Ronny's +going it must be for some very good reason?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a quick look at her.</i>] Don't you think we'd better leave that +subject alone, darling?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'm afraid you'll think it silly and vain of me to say so, but I think +you should know that—that Ronny's in love with me. That is why I want +him to go.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It's very natural that he should be in love with you. I'm always +surprised that everybody else isn't. I<a name="page_099" id="page_099"></a> don't see how I can prevent that +except by taking you to live in the depths of the Sahara.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Don't make light of it, Arthur. It wasn't very easy for me to tell you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>How do you wish me to take it? I can't blame Ronald. He's by way of +being a gentleman. I've been good to him. He'll make the best of a bad +job.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>D'you mean to say that it makes no difference to you?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>This secretaryship is a stepping-stone to a very important position. +You're not going to ask me to rob him of it because he's done something +so very natural as to fall in love with the most charming woman in +Egypt? I imagine that all my secretaries will fall in love with you. +Poor devils, I don't see how they can be expected to help it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You drive me mad. It's so serious, it's so tremendously serious, and you +have the heart to make little jokes about it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Gravely.</i>] Has it ever struck you that flippancy is often the best way +of dealing with a serious situation? Sometimes it's really too serious +to be taken seriously.<a name="page_000" id="page_000"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>What do you mean by that?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Nothing very much. I was excusing myself for my ill-timed jests.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You're determined to keep Ronny here?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Quite. [<i>There is a pause.</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>gets up and puts his hand on her +shoulder</i>.] I don't think there's anything more to say. If you will +forgive me I will get back to the office.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No, don't go yet, Arthur. There's something more I want to say to you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Will you allow me to advise you not to? It's so easy to say too much; +it's never unwise to say too little. I beseech you not to say anything +that we should both of us regret.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You think it's unimportant if Ronny loves me, because you trust me +implicitly.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Implicitly.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Has it never occurred to you that I might be influenced by his love +against my will? Do you think it's so very safe?<a name="page_101" id="page_101"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>If I allowed any doubt on that matter to enter my head I should surely +be quite unworthy of your affection.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Arthur, I don't want to have any secrets from you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Trying to stop her.</i>] Don't, Violet. I don't want you to go on.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I must now.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, my dear, don't you see that things said can never be taken back. We +may both know something....</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Interrupting.</i>] What do you mean?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>But so long as we don't tell one another we can ignore it. If certain +words pass our lips then the situation is entirely changed.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You're frightening me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I don't wish to do that. Only you can tell me nothing that I don't know. +But if you tell me you may do irreparable harm.<a name="page_102" id="page_102"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>D'you mean to say you know? Oh, it's impossible. Arthur, Arthur, I can't +help it. I must tell you. It burns my heart. I love Ronny with all my +body and soul.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>There is a pause while they look at one another.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Did you think I didn't know?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Then why did you offer him the job?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I had to.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No one could have blamed you if you had suggested Henry.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>My dear, I'm paid a very considerable salary. It would surely be taking +money under false pretences if I didn't do my work to the best of my +ability.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It may mean happiness or misery to all three of us.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I must take the risk of that. You see, Ronny is cut out for this +particular position. It's only common honesty to give it him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Don't you love me any more?<a name="page_103" id="page_103"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Don't ask me that, Violet. You know I love you with all my heart.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Then I can't understand.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You don't think I want him to stay, do you? When the telegram came from +the Foreign Office ordering him to Paris my middle-aged heart simply +leapt for joy. Do you think I didn't see all the advantages he had over +me? He seemed to have so much to offer you and I so little.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Arthur!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>But if he went away I thought presently you'd forget him. I thought if I +were very kind to you and tolerant, and if I asked nothing more from you +than you were prepared to give I might in time make you feel towards me, +not love perhaps, but tenderness and affection. That was all I could +hope for, but that would have made me very happy. Then the Khedive asked +for an English secretary, and I knew Ronny was the only man for it. You +see, I've been at this work so long, the official in me makes decisions +almost mechanically.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>And supposing they break the heart of the man in you?<a name="page_104" id="page_104"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] By a merciful interposition of Providence we all seem to +have just enough strength to bear the burdens that are placed on us.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>D'you think so?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You like the rest of us, Violet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>How long have you known I loved him?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Always. I think perhaps I knew before you did.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Why didn't you do something?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Will you tell me what there was to do?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Aren't you angry with us?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I should be a fool to be that. It seems to me so natural, so horribly +natural. He's young and nice-looking and cheery. It seems to me now +inevitable that you should have fallen in love with him. You might be +made for one another.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, do you see that?<a name="page_105" id="page_105"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It had struck you too, had it? I suppose it's obvious to anyone who +takes the trouble to think about it. [<i>She does not answer.</i>] Haven't +you wished with all your heart that you'd met him first? Don't you hate +me now because I married you? [<i>She looks away.</i>] My dear child, I'm so +sorry for you. I've been very grateful for your kindness to me during +the last month or two. I've seen you try to be loving to me and +affectionate. I've been so anxious to tell you not to force yourself, +because I understood and you mustn't be unhappy about me. But I didn't +know how. I could only make myself as little troublesome as possible.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You've been immensely good to me, Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>That's the least you had a right to expect of me. I did you a great +wrong in marrying you. I knew you didn't love me. You were dazzled by +the circumstances. You didn't know what marriage was and how irksome it +must be unless love makes its constraints sweeter than freedom. But I +adored you. I thought love would come. With all my heart I ask you to +forgive me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Arthur, don't talk like that. You know I was so happy to marry you. +I thought you wonderful, I was so excited and flattered—I thought that +was love. I never knew that love would come like this.<a name="page_106" id="page_106"></a> If I'd only +known what to expect I could have fought against it. It took me +unawares. I never had a chance. It wasn't my fault, Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I'm not blaming you, darling.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It would be easier for me if you did.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It's just bad luck. Bad luck? I might have expected it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Still, I'm glad I've told you. I hated having a secret from you. It's +better that we should be frank with one another.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>If I can help you in any way I'm glad too that you've told me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>What is to be done?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>There's nothing to be done.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Arthur, until to-day Ronny and I have never exchanged a word that anyone +might not have heard. I was happy to be with him, I knew he liked me, I +was quite satisfied with that. But when I heard that he was going away +suddenly everything was changed. I felt I couldn't bear to let him go. +Oh, I'm so ashamed, Arthur.<a name="page_107" id="page_107"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Dear child!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I don't know how it happened. He told me he loved me. He didn't mean to. +Don't think he's been disloyal to you, Arthur. We were both so upset. It +was just as much my fault as his. I couldn't help letting him see how +much he meant to me. We thought we were never going to see one another +again. He took me in his arms and held me in them. I was so happy and so +miserable. I never thought life could mean so much.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>And just now when you were alone he kissed your hands.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>How do you know?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>When I wanted to kiss them you withdrew them. You couldn't bear that I +should touch them. You felt on them still the pressure of his lips.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I couldn't help it. He was beside himself with joy because he needn't +go. I don't want to love him, Arthur. I want to love you. I've tried so +desperately hard.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>My dear, one either loves or one doesn't. I'm afraid trying doesn't do +much good.<a name="page_108" id="page_108"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>If he stays here I shall have to see him constantly. I shan't have a +chance to get over it. Oh, I can't. I can't. It's intolerable. Have pity +on me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I'm afraid you'll be very unhappy. But you see, something more than your +happiness is at stake. A little while ago you said you wanted to do more +for your country than you did. Does it strike you that you can do +something for it now?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>We all want to do great and heroic things, but generally we can only do +very modest ones. D'you think we ought to shirk them?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I don't understand.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Ronny can be of infinite value here. You can't help your feelings for +him. I can't bring myself to blame you. But you are mistress of your +words and your actions. What are we to do? You wouldn't wish me to +resign when my work here is but half done. We must make the best of the +position. Remember that all of us here, you more than most women, +because you're my wife, work for the common cause by our lives and the +example we set. At all costs we must seem honest, straightforward, and +without reproach. And one finds by experience that it's much less +trouble to be a thing than only to<a name="page_109" id="page_109"></a> seem it. There's only one way in +which we can avoid reproach and that is by being irreproachable.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You mean that it's necessary for the country that Ronny and you should +stay here? And if my heart breaks it doesn't matter. I thought I was +doing so much in asking you to send him away. Don't you know that with +all my heart I wanted him to stay? D'you know what I feel, Arthur? I +can't think of anything else. I'm obsessed by a hungry longing for him. +Till to-day I could have borne it. But now ... I feel his arms about me +every moment, and his kisses on my lips. You can't know the rapture and +the torture and the ecstasy that consume me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, my dear, do you think I don't know what love is?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I want to do the right thing, Arthur, but you mustn't ask too much of +me. If I've got to treat him as a casual friend, I can't go on seeing +him. I can't, Arthur, I can't! If he must stay then let me go.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Never! I think, even if it weren't necessary, I should make him stay +now. You and I are not people to run away from danger. After all, we're +not obliged to yield to our passions—we can control them if we want to. +For your own sake you must stay, Violet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>And if I break, I break.<a name="page_110" id="page_110"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It's only the worthless who are broken by unhappiness. If you have faith +and courage and honesty unhappiness can only make you stronger.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Have you thought of yourself, Arthur? What will you feel when you see +him with me? What will you suspect when you're working in your office +and don't know where I am?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I shall know that you are unhappy, and I shall feel the most tender +compassion for you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You're exposing me to a temptation that I want with all my heart to +yield to. What is there to hold me back? Only the thought that I must do +my duty to you. What is there to reward me? Only the idea that perhaps +I'm doing a little something for the country.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I put myself in your hands, Violet. I shall never suspect that you can +do anything, not that I should reproach you for—I will never reproach +you—but that you may reproach yourself for.</p> + +<p>[<i>A pause.</i>]</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Just now, when we were talking of Abdul Said, I asked if you could do +your duty when it was a matter that affected you, if it meant misery or +happiness to you, I said.<a name="page_111" id="page_111"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>My dear, duty is rather a forbidding word. Let us say that I—want to +earn my screw.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You must have thought me very silly. I said I hoped you'd never be put +to the test, and the test had come already, and you never hesitated.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>These things are very much a matter of habit, you know.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>What you can do I can do too, Arthur—if you believe in me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Of course I believe in you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Then let him stay. I'll do what I can.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Ronny</span> <i>comes in</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>The Khedive was engaged when I rang up. But I left the message and the +answer has just come through. He will be pleased to see you, sir, at +eleven o'clock.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>That will do admirably. Ronny must lunch with us to-morrow, Violet. +We'll crack a bottle to celebrate his step!</p> + +<p class="c">END OF THE SECOND ACT<a name="page_112" id="page_112"></a></p> + +<h2><a name="ACT_III" id="ACT_III"></a>ACT III</h2> + +<div class="blockquotsce"><p class="hang"><i>The scene shows part of the garden and a verandah at the Consular +Agent's house. Coloured lanterns are fixed here and there. It is +night, and in the distance is seen the blue sky bespangled with +stars. At the lack of the verandah are the windows of the house +gaily lit. Within a band is heard playing dance-music.</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>is +giving a dance. Everyone who appears is magnificently gowned.</i> +<span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>is wearing all her pearls and diamonds</i>. <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>has across +his shirt front the broad riband of an order. It is the end of the +evening. Various people are sealed on the verandah, enjoying the +coolness. They are</i> <span class="smcap">Mr.</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby</span>, <span class="smcap">Christina</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span>.</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Well, my dear, I think it's about time I was taking you back to your +hotel.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, nonsense! It's when everybody has gone that a dance really begins to +get amusing.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>That's a pleasant remark to make to your guests.<a name="page_113" id="page_113"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I'm really ashamed to have stayed like this to the bitter end, but I do +love to see the young folk enjoying themselves.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Ah! you have learnt how to make the most of advancing years. The solace +of old age is to take pleasure in the youth of those who come after us.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I don't think you're very polite, Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Bless your heart, I know I'm not so young as I was.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Do you mind?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Me? Why should I? I've had my day and I've enjoyed it. It's only fair to +give others a chance now.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I'm sure you enjoyed your trip up the Nile.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, we had a wonderful time.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>And what conclusions did you come to, Mr. Appleby? I remember that you +were looking for instruction as well as amusement.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I didn't forget what you told me. I just kept my ears open and my mouth +shut.<a name="page_114" id="page_114"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>A capital practice, not much favoured by democratic communities.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>But I came to one very definite conclusion for all that.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>What was it?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>In fact, I came to two.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>That's not so satisfactory—unless they contradicted one another; in +which case I venture to suggest that you have grasped at all events the +elements of the Egyptian problem.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>The first is that you're the right man in the right place.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Christina would never admit that. She has known for many years that she +could manage Egypt far better than I do.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I don't deny that for a minute. I think on the whole women are more +level-headed than men. They're not swayed by emotion. They're more +practical. They know that principle must often yield to expediency, and +they can do the expedient without surrendering the principle.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You make my head whirl, Christina.<a name="page_115" id="page_115"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I had the opportunity of seeing a good many different sorts of people. I +never heard a reasonable complaint against you. Some of them didn't like +you personally, but they looked up to you, and they believed in you. I +asked myself how you managed it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I told him that it's because you're human.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Christina thinks it very bad for me to hear pleasant things said of me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Christina doesn't know what her brother would do if he hadn't got an +affectionate sister to gibe at.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>It must be a great satisfaction to you to see the country becoming every +year more prosperous and contented.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>What was the second conclusion you came to?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I'm coming to that. Most of us are torn asunder as it were by a conflict +of duties. This and that urgently needs to be done, and if you put one +thing right you put something else wrong. We all want to do for the +best, but we don't exactly know what the best is. Now, you've got your +duty clearly marked out before you, if you take my meaning; you're +young.<a name="page_116" id="page_116"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Youngish.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>You've made a success of your job and of your life. It's not all of us +who can say that. My second conclusion is that you must be the happiest +man alive.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I'm glad he's got that off his chest. He's been dinning it into my ears +for the last ten days. My impression is that he fell in love with Lady +Little that day he lunched here six weeks ago.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I'm not going to blame him for that. Everybody does.... It was a wise +old fellow who said that you must count no man happy till he's dead. +[<span class="smcap">Christina</span> <i>gives him a look, and puts her hand affectionately on his +arm. He quickly withdraws it.</i>] Here is Violet.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She comes in on</i> <span class="smcap">Henry Pritchard's</span> <i>arm and sinks into a chair</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'm absolutely exhausted. I feel that in another minute my legs will +drop off.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Do take care, darling, that would be so disfiguring.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I'd still dance on the stumps.<a name="page_117" id="page_117"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>When are you going to send that unfortunate band away?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, we must have one more dance. After all, it's our last ball of the +season. And now that everyone has gone I needn't be dignified any more. +There's no one but Henry and Anne and Ronny. We've just had a gorgeous +one-step, haven't we, Henry?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Gorgeous. You're a ripping dancer.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>My one accomplishment. [<i>The band is heard beginning a waltz.</i>] Good +heavens, they've started again. That's Anne, I'm positive. She's been +playing the British matron too and now she's having her fling.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You girls, you never grow up.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Are you ready for another turn, Violet?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Don't dance any more, darling, you look worn out.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Supposing you danced with your mother, Henry. I can see her toes itching +inside her black satin slippers.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Nonsense! I haven't danced for fifteen years.<a name="page_118" id="page_118"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Come on, mother. Just to show them you know how.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He seizes her hand and drags her to her feet.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I was just as good a dancer as anybody else in my day.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>When Christina says that she means she was a great deal better.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Come on, mother, or it'll be over before we begin.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Don't be rough with me, Henry.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They go into the house.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>We rather fancied ourselves too, Fanny, once upon a time. What d'you say +to trying what we can do, my dear?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>You be quiet, George. Fancy me dancing with my figure!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I don't deny you're plump, but I never did like a scrag. Perhaps it's +the last chance we shall ever have.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>What would they say at home if they ever come to hear you and me had +been dancing? Really, George, I'm surprised at you.<a name="page_119" id="page_119"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Amused.</i>] I won't tell.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>You know you want to, Fanny. You're only afraid they'll laugh. Come on, +or else I shall dance by myself.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Getting up.</i>] I see you've quite made up your mind to make a fool of +yourself.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They go out.</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>watches them, smiling</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>What good people! It's really a treat to see them together.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Appleby is very enthusiastic about you. He was telling me just now +about his trip in Upper Egypt. He's tremendously impressed. He said I +ought to be very proud of you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I can't imagine any remark more calculated to make you dislike me.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>She gives him a long look and then glances away. When she speaks +it is with embarrassment.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Are you satisfied with me, Arthur?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>My dear, what do you mean?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Since that afternoon when I told you....<a name="page_120" id="page_120"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, I know.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>We've never talked about it. [<i>Giving him her hand.</i>] I want to thank +you for having been so good to me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I'm afraid you haven't got much to thank me for. It would have been +easier if I'd been able to help you, but I didn't see anything I could +do but just sit still and twiddle my thumbs.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I've felt your confidence in me and that has been a help. You've never +given the slightest sign that anything was changed. You used sometimes +to ask me what I'd been doing during the day. Of late you haven't even +done that.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I didn't want you to suspect for a moment that your actions were not +perfectly free.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I know. No one could have been more considerate than you've been. Oh, +I've been so unhappy, Arthur. I wouldn't go through the last six weeks +for anything in the world.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It's torn my heart to see you so pale and wan. And when, often, I saw +you'd been crying I almost lost my head. I didn't know what to do.<a name="page_121" id="page_121"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I couldn't help it if I loved him, Arthur. That wasn't in my power. But +all that was in my power I've done. Somehow I've managed not to be alone +with him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Haven't you had any explanation with him?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>There didn't seem to be anything to explain. D'you think I ought to have +told him I didn't love him? I couldn't, Arthur. I couldn't.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>My dear! My dear!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Once or twice he wrote to me. I knew he would and I'd made up my mind +not to read the letters. But when they came I couldn't help myself. I +had to read them. I was so wretched and it meant so much to me that he +loved me. [<span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>makes an instinctive movement of pain</i>.] I didn't +mean to say that. Please forgive me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I think I understand.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I didn't answer them.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Did he only write once or twice?<a name="page_122" id="page_122"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>That's all. You see, he can't make it out. He thinks I've treated him +badly. Oh, I think that's the hardest thing of all. I've seen the misery +in his eyes. And there was nothing I could do. I hadn't the courage to +tell him. I'm weak. I'm so horribly weak. And when I'm with him alone +I.... Oh, it is cruel that I should make him suffer so when he loves me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I don't know what to say to you. It seems cold comfort to say that you +must set your hope in the merciful effects of time. Time will ease your +pain and his. Perhaps the worst is over already.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I hope with all my heart it is. I couldn't have borne any more, Arthur. +I'm at the end of my strength.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Dear heart, you're tired physically now. We'll send these people away +and you must go to bed.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Yes. I'm exhausted. But I want to tell you, Arthur, I think you're +right. The worst is over. I'm not suffering quite so much as I did. I +find it a little easier not to think of him. When I meet him I can +manage to be gay and flippant and indifferent. I'm so glad, Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You've been very brave. I told you we were all strong enough to bear the +burdens that are laid upon us.<a name="page_123" id="page_123"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You mustn't think too well of me. I couldn't have done what I have +except for the consciousness of his great love for me. Is that awfully +disloyal of me, Arthur?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Gravely.</i>] No, darling.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You can understand, can't you? It means so much to me. It's helped me +more than anything else in the world. It's the only thing that made +these past weeks not intolerable. I'm satisfied to know he loves me. I +want nothing more.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Mr.</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby</span> <i>come in</i>. <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>immediately assumes a +chaffing manner</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Why, what's this? You haven't given in already?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>The spirit is willing enough, but the flesh is weak.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>We wouldn't like it talked about at home, but the fact is we got a bit +out of breath.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Well, sit down a moment and rest yourself.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Just a moment if you don't mind, and then we'll be going.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Christina</span> <i>appears with</i> <span class="smcap">Henry</span>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Here is poor Christina in a state of complete mental and physical +collapse.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Don't be ridiculous, Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>How did you get on?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>First rate. Only mother won't let herself go. I kept on telling her +there's only one thing to do in modern dancing—let all your bones go +loose and leave the man to do the rest.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] I think modern dancing is an abandoned pastime. +Nothing will induce me to let all my bones go loose.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Mother's idea of dancing is to keep herself to herself.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Looking at him affectionately.</i>] You're an impudent boy.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span>.] I do wish I'd seen you dancing with Mr. Parry. He's a +wonderful dancer.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>He does dance well, doesn't he?<a name="page_125" id="page_125"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Haven't you danced with him to-night, Violet?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No. He came rather late and my card was filled up. I promised him an +extra, but some stuffy old diplomatist came and asked me for a dance, so +I gave him Ronny's.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>It's too bad. It must be a rare sight to see you and Mr. Parry waltzing +together.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>How do you know he dances so well?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>There were two or three dances at our hotel last week and we saw him +then.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I see.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] I like that young man. When he gets hold of a good +thing he freezes on to it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>There's a young American girl staying at the hotel. She's a Miss Pender. +I wonder if you know her?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No, I don't think so. We get to know very few of the winter visitors.<a name="page_126" id="page_126"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>She's a perfect picture to look at. And a beautiful dancer.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Everyone was looking at them last night. They made a wonderful pair.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Do you know this lady, Henry?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, I've met her two or three times. She's very pretty.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I don't think anyone else had much of a look in with her.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Well, you needn't be disagreeable about it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>As far as I could see she danced with Mr. Parry pretty well all the +time.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>It was a treat to see them together.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>A little uncertainly.</i>] If one gets hold of a partner who suits one I +always think it's better to stick to him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I don't think it was only that. She's so much in love with him that +she can't help showing it.<a name="page_127" id="page_127"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>I never saw such a fellow as Ronny. When there is a bit of luck going he +always gets it.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>And is he in love with her too?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, one can't tell that.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>If he isn't he very soon will be. She's too pretty for any man to resist +long.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Lightly.</i>] You know them, the brutes, don't you?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Bless their hearts, I don't blame them. What are pretty girls for except +to make nice men happy? I was a pretty girl myself once.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>And was Mr. Appleby a nice man?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I think I must have been, for you've certainly made me happy, my dear.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>I wish you'd put that in writing, George. I'd like to have a little +something like that by me when you've got a bit of a chill on your +liver.<a name="page_128" id="page_128"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>H'm, I think bed's the place for you, Fanny. Say good-night to her +ladyship and let's be going.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Good-night, Lady Little, and thank you so much for asking us. We have +enjoyed ourselves.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Good-night.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Appleby.</span></p> + +<p>Good-night.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I hope you'll have a pleasant journey home. Lucky people, you'll see the +spring in England. When you get back the hedgerows will be just bursting +into leaf.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Applebys</span> <i>go out</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>How old is this American girl, Henry?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I don't know, about nineteen or twenty.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Is she as pretty as they say?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Rather.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Is she fair?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Very. She's got wonderful hair.<a name="page_129" id="page_129"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You've never mentioned her. Do you think Ronny is in love with her?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, I don't know about that. She's great fun. And you know, it's always +flattering when a pretty girl makes a dead set at you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>There is a momentary silence.</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>is extremely disturbed by +the news that has just reached her</i>. <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>realises that a crisis +has come</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In a matter-of-fact way.</i>] Let us hope that something will come of it. +There's no reason why Ronny shouldn't marry. I think men marry much too +late nowadays.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Ronny</span> <i>appear</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I'm absolutely ashamed of myself. I half expected to find you'd all gone +to bed.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Have you been having a jolly dance?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Think of having a good band and the whole floor to oneself. By the way, +Violet, the band want to know if they can go away.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'm sorry I had to cut your dance, Ronny.<a name="page_130" id="page_130"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>It was rotten luck. But I suppose on these occasions small fry like me +have to put up with that sort of thing.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>If you like we'll have a turn now before we send the band away.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I'd love it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>gives a little start and looks at</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>curiously</i>. +<span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>is surprised too</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>If you're going to start dancing again we'll go. Henry has to be at his +office early in the morning.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Good-night, then.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Kissing her.</i>] Your dance has been a great success.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It's nice of you to say so.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span>.] Good-night, dear old thing. God bless and guard you +always.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>My dear Christina, why this embarrassing emotion?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>I don't know what we should do if anything happened to you.<a name="page_131" id="page_131"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Don't be an idiot, my dear; nothing is going to happen to me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] I can't get you out of thinking me a perfect fool.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Be off with you, Christina. If you go on finding out things that are not +your business I shall have you deported.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>What has she found out now?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>A trifle that we thought it wouldn't hurt the public to know nothing +about.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Shaking hands with</i> <span class="smcap">Ronny</span>.] I don't grudge you your job any more. +We're all under a debt of gratitude to you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I had a bit of luck, that's all. It's nothing to make a fuss about.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Go and have your dance, darling. It's really getting very late.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Ronny</span>.] Are you ready?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>What shall we make them play?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>They go out.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Christina.</span></p> + +<p>Good-night, <span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Kissing her.</i>] Good-night, my dear. [<i>Henry shakes hands with</i> <span class="smcap">Anne</span> +<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span>. <i>He and his mother go out.</i>] I suppose I mayn't ask what +Christina was referring to?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I can't prevent you from asking.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>But you have no intention of answering. What is the matter, Arthur? You +look so deadly white.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Nothing. I'm tired. I had a busy day and now the dance. [<i>The sound of a +waltz is heard.</i>] Oh, damn that music!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Sit down and rest yourself. Why don't you have a smoke! [<i>Putting her +hand on his arm.</i>] My dear friend.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>For God's sake don't pity me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Won't you talk to me frankly? I may be able to help you. In the old days +you used to bring your troubles to me, Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I tell you I'm only tired. What is the use of talking about what can't +be helped?<a name="page_133" id="page_133"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>You must know that I notice most things that concern your happiness. +[<i>Looking away.</i>] Why did you imagine I took so much trouble to get +Ronny moved to Paris?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I suspected. Ought I to thank you? I'm too miserable and too humiliated.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Have you heard about a Miss Pender? She's an American girl.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Of course I have. It's my business to know everything that goes on in +Cairo.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Don't you think that may be the solution?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Henry</span> <i>comes in</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Sharply.</i>] What d'you want?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>I beg your pardon. Mother left her fan here.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He takes it up from a chair.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I thought you'd gone five minutes ago.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, we just stood for a moment to look at Ronny and Violet dancing. Upon +my soul it's a fair treat.<a name="page_134" id="page_134"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>They make a wonderful couple, don't they?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>I'm afraid Violet's awfully tired. She's not saying a word and she's as +white as a sheet.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I'll send her to bed as soon as they've finished.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></p> + +<p>Good-night.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Smiling.</i>] Good-night, my boy.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Henry</span>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Is anything the matter?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Tell me about this American girl. She's in love with Ronny, isn't she?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, that's obvious.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>And he?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>He's been very unhappy, you know.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Almost savagely.</i>] That is a calamity which I find myself able to bear +with patience.<a name="page_135" id="page_135"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>And now he's surprised and pleased. I've met her. Poor dear, she did +everything to make me like her, because Ronny was my brother. She's +awfully pretty. He's not in love with her yet. But I think he may be. +He's on the brink and if there were nothing else he'd fall over.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>That is what I suspected. You know, Anne, the longer I live the more +inexplicable I find human beings. I always thought I was by way of being +a fairly decent fellow. I never knew what mean beastliness there was +inside me. It would be quite impossible for me to tell you how I hate +your brother. I've had to be jolly and affable with him and, by George, +I wanted to kill him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Why didn't you let him go? Are you sure it was necessary to give him +that job?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Already he's been invaluable.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Then one can only hope for the best.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>There is a moment's pause. When</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>speaks it is at first +rather to himself than to</i> <span class="smcap">Anne</span>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>No one knows what I've gone through during the last few months. I've +been devoured with jealousy and I knew it would be fatal if I showed +Violet the<a name="page_136" id="page_136"></a> least trace of ill-temper. I kept on saying to myself that +it wasn't her fault if she was in love with Ronny. [<i>Humorously.</i>] You +can't think how devilish hard it is not to resent the fact that somebody +doesn't care for you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a chuckle.</i>] Oh yes, I can.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I knew that almost everything depended on how I acted during these +weeks, and the maddening thing was that I could do nothing but sit still +and control myself. I saw her miserable and knew that she didn't want my +comfort. I've yearned to take her in my arms and I've known she'd <i>let</i> +me because it was her duty. Those dear good donkeys, the Applebys, told +me just now they thought I must be the happiest man alive! Week after +week, with an aching heart I've forced myself to be gay and amusing. +D'you think I'm amusing, Anne?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Sometimes.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>The battle has been so unfair. All the dice are loaded against me. He +has every advantage over me. But at last I thought I'd won. I thought +Violet was getting more resigned. She told me herself just now that the +worst was over. And those confounded people must go and upset the +applecart. Damn their eyes!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Why?<a name="page_137" id="page_137"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>The Applebys told her about Miss Pender. It was very natural. They knew +no reason for not repeating the hotel gossip.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Was that why she asked Ronny to dance with her?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Yes. It's the crisis. She had the strength to keep him at arm's length +when she knew he loved her. What will she do now?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>You heard what Henry said. They don't seem to be talking to one another.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>No.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Why did you let them dance together? You might easily have said it was +too late and the band must go.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>What good would that do? No. I've done nothing to prevent their meeting. +I've left them absolute liberty.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Do you think it's fair to Violet? You know, women act so much on +impulse. The surroundings and the circumstances have so much influence +on them. Think of the excitement of dancing, the magic of this wonderful +night, and the solitude under these stars.<a name="page_138" id="page_138"></a> You complain the dice are +loaded against you, but now you're double-loading them against yourself.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It tortures me, but I must give them the opportunity to fight the matter +out for themselves.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Poor child, she's so young.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Too young.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Don't say that; it sounds as though you regretted having married her.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Don't you imagine that regret has been tormenting her ever since she +found out what love really was? Even though I love her with all my heart +I know now that I made a mistake. Do you think you can make anyone love +you by constant tenderness, devotion, and kindness?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Not a man perhaps. But a woman yes, yes, yes!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Whoever loved that loved not at first sight? I want so tremendously to +make her happy, and I've only made her utterly miserable. And there's no +way out. It's a pity that a convenient attack of brain fever can't carry +me off, but I'm as strong as a horse.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>You know, Arthur, there's one compensation about the pains of love. +While one's suffering from<a name="page_139" id="page_139"></a> them one feels one will never get over them, +but one does, and when they're gone they don't even leave a scar. One +looks back and remembers one's torment and marvels that it was possible +to suffer like that.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You talk as though you'd had experience.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I have.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I always look upon you as so calm and self-controlled.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I was desperately in love for years with a man. I should have made him +an excellent wife, although it's I as says it. But it never occurred to +him for an instant that my feelings were more than friendly. And +eventually he married somebody else.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>My dear friend, I hate to think of your being unhappy.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I'm not. That's why I told you the tragic story. I've got over it so +completely that now I have an equal affection both for him and his wife.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>D'you know, Anne, at one time I very nearly asked you to marry me?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Gaily.</i>] Oh, what nonsense!<a name="page_140" id="page_140"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I daresay it's as well I didn't. I should have lost the best friend I've +ever had.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>On the other hand, I've lost the satisfaction of refusing the most +distinguished man of our day. Why didn't you ask me?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You were such an awfully good friend. I thought we were very well as we +were.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>That isn't the reason, Arthur. You didn't ask me because you didn't love +me. If you had you'd have let friendship go hang. [<i>Seeing that he is +not paying any attention to her.</i>] What's the matter?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>The music has stopped.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a slight tightening of the lips.</i>] I'm afraid my concerns don't +interest you very much. I was only talking about them to distract you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Forgive me, but I've got this anguish gnawing at my heart. Anne, when +they come back here I want you to come with me for a stroll in the +garden.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Why? I'm frightfully tired. I think I shall go to bed.<a name="page_141" id="page_141"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>No, do this for me, Anne. I want to give them their chance. It may be +the last chance for all of us.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a little sigh.</i>] Very well, I'll do even that for you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You are a good friend, and I'm a selfish beast.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I wish you could have a child, Arthur. That might settle everything.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>That is what I look forward to with all my heart. I think she might love +her baby's father.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Then she'll realise that only you could have been so tolerant and so +immensely patient. When she looks back she'll be filled with gratitude.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Ronny</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>come in</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I've told the band they can go.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I don't suppose they wanted telling twice. Did you have a pleasant +dance?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I was very tired.<a name="page_142" id="page_142"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>It was brutal of me to make you dance so long. I'll say good-night +before I'm turned out.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, won't you sit down and have a cigarette before you go? Anne and I +were just going to stroll to the end of the garden to have a look at the +Nile.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>I'm too restless to go to bed just yet.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>go out</i>. <span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Ronny</span> <i>do not speak for a +moment. At first the conversation is quite light.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>What was it that Christina was referring to just now? Had it anything to +do with you?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I don't think I'm justified in telling you about it. If Sir Arthur +thinks you should know I daresay he'd rather tell you himself.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Of course you mustn't tell me if it's a secret.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I'd almost forgotten what a beautiful dancer you were.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a smile.</i>] So soon?<a name="page_143" id="page_143"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>You haven't given me much chance of dancing with you during the last few +weeks.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I hear there's a girl at the Ghezireh Palace who dances very well. Miss +Pender, isn't that her name?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, she's wonderful.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'm told she's charming.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Very.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I should like to meet her. I wonder whom I know that could bring us +together.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a change of tone.</i>] Why do you speak of her?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Is there any reason why I shouldn't?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Do you know that this is the first time I've been quite alone with you +for six weeks?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Still quite lightly.</i>] It was inevitable that when you ceased being +Arthur's private secretary we should see less of one another.<a name="page_144" id="page_144"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I only welcomed my new job because I thought I shouldn't be utterly +parted from you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Don't you think it was better that we shouldn't see too much of one +another?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>What have I done to you, Violet? Why have you been treating me like +this?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'm not conscious that I've treated you differently from what I used.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Why didn't you answer my letters?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>In a low voice.</i>] I hadn't anything to say.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I wonder if you can imagine what I went through, the eagerness with +which I looked forward to a letter from you, just a word or two would +have satisfied me, how anxiously I expected each post, and my despair +when day after day went by.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You ought not to have written to me.<a name="page_145" id="page_145"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>D'you think I could help myself? Have you forgotten that day when we +thought we were never going to meet again? If you wanted me to be +nothing more than a friend why did you tell me you loved me? Why did you +let me kiss you and hold you in my arms?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You know quite well. I lost my head. I was foolish. You—you attached +too much importance to the emotion of the moment.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, Violet, how can you say that? I know you loved me then. After all, +the past can't be undone. I loved you. I know you loved me. We couldn't +go back to the time when we were no more than friends.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You forget that Arthur is my husband and you owe him everything in the +world. We both owe him everything in the world.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>No, I don't forget it for a moment. After all, we're straight, both of +us, and we could have trusted ourselves. I wanted nothing but to be +allowed to love you and to know that you loved me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Do you remember what you said in the first letter you wrote me?<a name="page_146" id="page_146"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, you can't blame me for that. I'd loved you so long, so passionately. +I'd never dared to hope that you cared for me. And when I knew! I never +said a tenth part of what I wanted to. I went home and I just wrote all +that had filled my heart to overflowing. I wanted you to know how humbly +grateful I was for the wonderful happiness you'd given me. I wanted you +to know that my soul to its most hidden corners was yours for ever.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>How <i>could</i> I answer it?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>You needn't have been afraid of me, Violet. If it displeased you I would +never even have told you that I loved you. I would have carried you in +my heart like an image of the Blessed Virgin. When we met here or there, +though there were a thousand people between us and we never exchanged a +word, I should have known that we were the only people in the world, and +that somehow, in some strange mystic fashion, I belonged to you and you +belonged to me. Oh, Violet, I only wanted a little kindness. Was it so +much to ask?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>is moved to the very depths of her heart. She can scarcely +control herself, the pain she suffers seems unendurable; her throat +is so dry that she can hardly speak.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>They say that Miss Pender is in love with you. Is it true?<a name="page_147" id="page_147"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>A man's generally a conceited ass when he thinks girls are in love with +him.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Never mind that. Is it true? Please be frank with me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Perhaps it is.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Would she marry you if you asked her?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I think so.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>She can't have fallen in love with you without some encouragement.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>She plays tennis a good deal and she's very fond of dancing. You know, I +was rather wretched. Sometimes you looked at me as though you hated me. +You seemed to try and avoid me. I wanted to forget. I didn't know what +I'd done to make you treat me so cruelly. It was very pleasant to be +with someone who seemed to want me. Everything I did pleased her. She's +rather like you. When I was with her I was a little less unhappy. When I +found she was in love with me I was touched and I was tremendously +grateful.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Are you sure you're not in love with her?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, I'm quite sure.<a name="page_148" id="page_148"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>But you like her very much, don't you?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Yes, very much.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Don't you think if it weren't for me you would be in love with her?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I don't know.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'd like you to be frank with me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Unwillingly.</i>] You don't want my love. She's sweet and kind and +tender.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I think she might make you very happy.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Who knows?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>There is a pause.</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>forces herself to make the final +renunciation. Her fingers move spasmodically in the effort she +makes to speak calmly.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It seems a pity that you should waste your life for nothing. I'm afraid +you'll think me a heartless flirt. I'm not that. At the time I feel all +<a name="page_149" id="page_149"></a>I say. But ... I don't quite understand myself. I take a violent fancy +to someone, and I lose my head, but somehow it doesn't last. I ... I +suppose I'm not capable of any enduring passion. There are people like +that, aren't there? It goes just as suddenly as it comes. And when it +goes—well, it's gone for ever. I can't understand then what on earth I +saw in the man who made my heart go pit-a-pat. I'm dreadfully sorry I +caused you so much pain. You took it so much more seriously than I +expected. And afterwards I didn't know what to do. You must—you must +try to forgive me.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>There is a long pause.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Don't you love me at all now?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It's much better that I should tell you the truth, isn't it? even at the +risk of hurting your feelings. I'm frightfully ashamed of myself. I'm +afraid you'll think me awfully frivolous.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Why don't you say it right out?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>D'you want me to? [<i>She hesitates, but then takes courage.</i>] I'm very +sorry, dear Ronny, I'm afraid I don't care for you in that way at all.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>I'm glad to know.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>You're not angry with me?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, no, my dear, how can you help it? We're made as we're made.... D'you +mind if I go now?<a name="page_150" id="page_150"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Won't you stop and say good-night to Anne?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>No, if you don't mind, I'd like to go quickly.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Very well. And try to forgive me, Ronny.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Ronny.</span></p> + +<p>Good-night.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He takes her hand and they look into one another's eyes.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Good-night.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>He goes out.</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span> <i>clasps her hands to her heart as though to +ease its aching</i>. <span class="smcap">Anne</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>return</i>.]</p></div> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Where is Ronny?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>He's gone. It was so late. He asked me to say good-night to you.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Anne.</span></p> + +<p>Thank you. It must be very late. I'll say good-night too. [<i>She bends +down and kisses</i> <span class="smcap">Violet</span>.] Good-night, Arthur.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Good-night. [<i>She goes out.</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>sits down. A</i> <span class="smcap">Sais</span> <i>comes in and +turns out some of the lights. In the distance is heard the wailing of an +Arab song.</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>motions to the</i> <span class="smcap">Sais</span>.] Leave these. I'll turn<a name="page_151" id="page_151"></a> them +out myself. [<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Sais</span> <i>goes in and turns out all the lights in the +lower rooms but one. The light remains now only just round</i> <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> <i>and</i> +<span class="smcap">Violet</span>. <i>The Arab song is like a wail of pain.</i>] That sounds strangely +after the waltzes and one-steps that we've heard this evening.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It seems to come from very far away.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It seems to wail down the ages from an immeasurable past.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>What does it say?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I don't know. It must be some old lament.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It's heartrending.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Now it stops.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>The garden is so silent. It seems to be listening too.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Are you awfully unhappy, Violet?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Awfully.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>It breaks my heart that I, who would do anything in the world for you, +can do so little to console you.<a name="page_152" id="page_152"></a></p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Had you any idea that Ronny no longer cared for me?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>How should I know what his feelings were?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>It never occurred to me that he could change. I felt so secure in his +love. It never occurred to me that anyone could take him from me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Did he tell you he didn't care for you any more?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I don't think he's in love with Miss Pender.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I told him that he meant nothing to me any more. I told him that I took +fancies and got over them. I made him think I was a silly flirt. And he +believed me. If he loved me truly, truly, as he did before, whatever I'd +said he'd have known it was incredible. Oh, I wouldn't have believed him +if he'd made himself cheap in my eyes.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>My poor child.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>He's not in love with her yet. I know that. He's only pleased and +flattered. He's angry with me. If he's angry he <i>must</i> love me still. He +asked so little.<a name="page_153" id="page_153"></a> It only needed a word and he would have loved me as +much as ever. What have I done? What harm would it have done you? I've +sent him away now for good. It's all over and done with. And my heart +aches. What shall I do, Arthur?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>My dear, have courage. I beseech you to have courage.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I suppose it's shameful that we should have loved one another at all. +But how could we help it? We're masters of our actions, but how can we +command our feelings? After all, our feelings are our own. I don't know +what I'm going to do, Arthur. It wasn't so bad till to-night; I could +control myself, I thought my pain was growing less.... I long for him +with all my soul, and I must let him go. Oh, I hate him. I hate him. If +he'd loved me he might have been faithful to me a few short weeks. He +wouldn't cause me such cruel pain.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Don't be unjust to him, Violet. I think he fell in love with you without +knowing what was happening to him. And when he knew I think he struggled +against it as honourably as you did. You know that very little escapes +me. I've seen a sort of shyness in him when he was with me, as though he +were a little ashamed in my presence. I even felt sorry for him because +he felt he was behaving badly to me and he couldn't help himself. He's +suffered just as much as you have. It's not very strange that when this +girl fell in love with him it should seem to offer a new hope. He was +unhappy and she comforted<a name="page_154" id="page_154"></a> him. Anne says she's rather like you. If ever +he loves her perhaps it will be you that he loves in her.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Why do you say all this to me?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You've been so wretched. I don't want bitterness to come to you now. I +can't bear that you should think your first love has been for someone +not worthy of it. I think time will heal the wounds which now you think +are incurable, but when it does I hope that you will look back on your +love as a thing only of beauty.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I am a beast, Arthur. I don't deserve anyone to be so good to me as you +are.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>And there's something else I must tell you.... It appears that various +enterprising people have been laying plans to put me out of the way.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>Startled.</i>] Arthur!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>I find that there was a plot to kill me this morning on my way to the +review.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>How awful!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, it's nothing to be alarmed about. We've settled everything without +any fuss. Our old friend Osman Pasha is going to spend some time on his +country estates for the good of his health, and half<a name="page_155" id="page_155"></a> a dozen foolish +young men are under lock and key. But it might have come off except for +Ronny. It was Ronny who saved me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Ronny? Oh, I'm so glad. It makes up a little for the rest.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>He did a fine thing. He showed determination and presence of mind.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Oh, my husband! My dear, dear Arthur!</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You're not sorry?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I'm glad I've done what I have, Arthur. I've sometimes felt I gave you +so little in return for all you've given me. But at least now I've given +you all I had to give.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Don't think it will be profitless. To do one's duty sounds a rather cold +and cheerless business, but somehow in the end it does give one a queer +sort of satisfaction.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>What should I do if I lost you? It makes me sick with fear.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>[<i>With a tender smile.</i>] I had an idea you'd be glad I escaped.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>All I've suffered has been worth while. I've done something for you, +<a name="page_156" id="page_156"></a>haven't I? And even something for England ... I'm so tired.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Why don't you go to bed, darling?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>No, I don't want to go yet. I'm too tired. Let me stay here a little +longer.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Put your feet up.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Come and sit close to me, Arthur. I want to be comforted. You're so good +and kind to me, Arthur. I'm so glad I have you. You will never fail me.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>Never. [<i>She gives a little shudder.</i>] What's the matter?</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>I hope he'll marry her quickly. I want to be a good wife to you. I want +your love. I want your love so badly.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>My dear one.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Violet.</span></p> + +<p>Put your arms round me. I'm so tired.</p> + +<p class="charc"><span class="smcap">Arthur.</span></p> + +<p>You're half asleep.... Are you asleep?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>[<i>Her eyes are closed. He kisses her gently. In the distance there +is heard again the melancholy wail of a Bedouin love-song.</i>]</p></div> + +<p class="c">THE END</p> + +<p> +<br /> +</p> + +<p class="c"><small>PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY<br /> +BILLING AND SONS, LTD., GUILDFORD AND ESHER</small><br /> +</p> + +<hr class="full" /> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Caesar's Wife, by William Somerset Maugham + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAESAR'S WIFE *** + +***** This file should be named 37965-h.htm or 37965-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/9/6/37965/ + +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) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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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: Caesar's Wife + A comedy in three acts + +Author: William Somerset Maugham + +Release Date: November 9, 2011 [EBook #37965] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAESAR'S WIFE *** + + + + +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) + + + + + + + + +_THE PLAYS OF W. S. MAUGHAM_ + +_CAESAR'S WIFE_ + +_A COMEDY_ + +_In Three Acts_ + +_Price 2/6, in cloth 3/6_ + +_LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN_ + + + + +CAESAR'S WIFE + +_By the same Author_ + + THE UNKNOWN + THE CIRCLE + THE EXPLORER + JACK STRAW + LADY FREDERICK + LANDED GENTRY + THE TENTH MAN + A MAN OF HONOUR + MRS. DOT + PENELOPE + SMITH + THE LAND OF PROMISE + +LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN + + + + +CAESAR'S WIFE + +A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS + +BY + +W. S. MAUGHAM + +[Illustration: colophon 1922] + +LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN + + _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. 2, + from whom all particulars can be obtained._ + +LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN. 1922 + +This play was produced at the Royalty Theatre, on March 27th, 1919, with +the following cast: + + SIR ARTHUR LITTLE C. Aubrey Smith. + RONALD PARRY George Relph. + HENRY PRITCHARD V. Sutton Vane. + GEORGE APPLEBY Townsend Whitling. + OSMAN PASHA George C. Desplas. + VIOLET Fay Compton. + MRS. ETHERIDGE Eva Moore. + MRS. PRITCHARD Helen Haye. + MRS. APPLEBY Mrs. Robert Brough. + + + + +CHARACTERS + + + SIR ARTHUR LITTLE, K.C.B., K.C.M.G. + RONALD PARRY. + HENRY PRITCHARD. + RICHARD APPLEBY, M.P. + OSMAN PASHA. + VIOLET. + MRS. ETHERIDGE. + MRS. PRITCHARD. + MRS. APPLEBY. + +An English Butler; Native Servants; an Arab Gardener. + +The scene is laid in Cairo, in the house and garden of the British +Consular Agent. + + + + +CAESAR'S WIFE + + + + +ACT I + + + SCENE: _The morning-room in the Consular Agent's house at Cairo. + The windows are Arabic in character and so are the architraves of + the doors, but otherwise it is an English room, airy and spacious. + The furniture is lacquer and Chippendale, there are cool chintzes + on the chairs and sofas, cut roses in glass vases, and growing + azaleas in pots; but here and there an Eastern antiquity, a helmet + and a coat of mail, a piece of woodwork, reminds one of the + Mussulman conquest of Egypt; while an ancient god in porphyry, + graven images in blue pottery, blue bowls, recall an older + civilisation still._ + + _When the curtain rises the room is empty, the blinds are down so + as to keep out the heat, and it is dim and mysterious. A_ SERVANT + _comes in, a dark-skinned native in the gorgeous uniform, red and + gold, of the Consular Agent's establishment, and draws the blinds. + Through the windows is seen the garden with palm-trees, oranges and + lemons, tropical plants with giant leaves; and beyond, the radiant + blue of the sky. In the distance is heard the plaintive, guttural + wailing of an Arab song. A_ GARDENER _in a pale blue gaberdine + passes with a basket on his arm._ + +SERVANT. + +Es-salam 'alekum (Peace be with you). + +GARDENER. + +U'alekum es-Salam warahmet Allah wa barakata (And with you be peace and +God's mercy and blessing). + + [_The_ SERVANT _goes out. The_ GARDENER _stops for a moment to nail + back a straggling creeper and then goes on his way. The door is + opened._ MRS. APPLEBY _comes in with_ ANNE ETHERIDGE _and they are + followed immediately by_ VIOLET. ANNE _is a woman of forty, but + handsome still, very pleasant and sympathetic; she is a woman of + the world, tactful and self-controlled. She is dressed in light, + summery things._ MRS. APPLEBY _is an elderly, homely woman, soberly + but not inexpensively dressed. The wife of a North-country + manufacturer, she spends a good deal of money on rather dowdy + clothes._ VIOLET _is a very pretty young woman of twenty. She looks + very fresh and English in her muslin frock; there is something + spring-like and virginal in her appearance, and her manner of dress + is romantic rather than modish. She suggests a lady in a + Gainsborough portrait rather than a drawing in a paper of Paris + fashions. Luncheon is just finished and when they come in the women + leave the door open for the men to follow._] + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +How cool it is in here! This isn't the room we were in before lunch? + +ANNE. + +No. They keep the windows closed and the blinds drawn all the morning so +that it's beautifully cool when one comes in. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I suppose we shan't feel the heat so much when we've been here a few +days. + +ANNE. + +Oh, but this is nothing to what you'll get in Upper Egypt. + +VIOLET. + +[_As she enters._] Is Mrs. Appleby complaining of the heat? I love it. + +ANNE. + +Dear Violet, wait till May comes and June. You don't know how exhausting +it gets. + +VIOLET. + +I'm looking forward to it. I think in some past life I must have been a +lizard. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I dare say the first year you won't feel it. I have a brother settled in +Canada, and he says the first year people come out from England they +don't feel the cold anything like what they do later on. + +ANNE. + +I've spent a good many winters here, and I always make a point of +getting away by the fifteenth of March. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Oh, are you staying as late as that? + +ANNE. + +Good gracious, no. You make Lady Little's heart positively sink. + +VIOLET. + +Nonsense, Anne, you know we want you to stay as long as ever you can. + +ANNE. + +I used to have an apartment in Cairo, but I've given it up now and Lady +Little asked me to come and stay at the Agency while I was getting +everything settled. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Oh, then you knew Sir Arthur before he married? + +ANNE. + +Oh, yes, he's one of my oldest friends. I can't help thinking Lady +Little must have great sweetness of character to put up with me. + +VIOLET. + +Or you must be a perfect miracle of tact, darling. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +My belief is, it's a little of both. + +ANNE. + +When Arthur came to see me one day last July and told me he was going to +marry the most wonderful girl in the world, of course I thought +good-bye. A man thinks he can keep his bachelor friendships, but he +never does. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +His wife generally sees to that. + +VIOLET. + +Well, I think it's nonsense, especially with a man like Arthur who'd +been a bachelor so long and naturally had his life laid out before ever +I came into it. And besides, I'm devoted to Anne. + +ANNE. + +It's dear of you to say so. + +VIOLET. + +I came here as an absolute stranger. And after all, I wasn't very old, +was I? + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Nineteen? + +VIOLET. + +Oh, no, I was older than that. I was nearly twenty. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +[_Smiling._] Good gracious! + +VIOLET. + +It was rather alarming to find oneself on a sudden the wife of a man in +Arthur's position. I was dreadfully self-conscious; I felt that +everybody's eyes were upon me. And you don't know how easy it is to make +mistakes in a country that's half Eastern and half European. + +ANNE. + +To say nothing of having to deal with the representatives of half a +dozen Great Powers all outrageously susceptible. + +VIOLET. + +And, you know, there was the feeling that the smallest false step might +do the greatest harm to Arthur and his work here. I had only just left +the schoolroom and I found myself almost a political personage. If it +hadn't been for Anne I should have made a dreadful mess of things. + +ANNE. + +Oh, I don't think that. You had two assets which would have made people +excuse a great deal of inexperience, your grace and your beauty. + +VIOLET. + +You say very nice things to me, Anne. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Your marriage was so romantic, I can't see how anyone could help feeling +very kindly towards you. + +VIOLET. + +There's not much room for romance in the heart of the wife of one of the +Agents of the foreign Powers when she thinks she hasn't been given her +proper place at a dinner party. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I remember wondering at the time whether you weren't a little overcome +by all the excitement caused by your marriage. + +VIOLET. + +I was excited too, you know. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Everyone had always looked upon Sir Arthur as a confirmed bachelor. It +was thought he cared for nothing but his work. He's had a wonderful +career, hasn't he? + +VIOLET. + +The Prime Minister told me he was the most competent man he'd ever met. + +ANNE. + +I've always thought he must be a comfort to any Government. Whenever +anyone has made a hash of things he's been sent to put them straight. + +VIOLET. + +Well, he always has. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Mr. Appleby was saying only this morning he was the last man one would +expect to marry in haste. + +VIOLET. + +Let's hope he won't repent at leisure. + +ANNE. + +[_Smiling._] Mrs. Appleby is dying to know all about it, Violet. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I'm an old woman, Lady Little. + +VIOLET. + +[_Gaily._] Well, I met Arthur at a week-end party. He'd come home on +leave and all sorts of important people had been asked to meet him. I +was frightened out of my life. The duchesses had strawberry leaves +hanging all over them and they looked at me down their noses. And the +Cabinet Ministers' wives had protruding teeth and they looked at me up +their noses. + +ANNE. + +What nonsense you talk, Violet! + +VIOLET. + +I was expecting to be terrified of Arthur. After all, I knew he was a +great man. But you know, I wasn't a bit. He was inclined to be rather +fatherly at first, so I cheeked him. + +ANNE. + +I can imagine his surprise. No one had done that for twenty years. + +VIOLET. + +When you know Arthur at all well you discover that when he wants +anything he doesn't hesitate to ask for it. He told our hostess that he +wanted me to sit next to him at dinner. That didn't suit her at all, but +she didn't like to say no. Somehow people don't say no to Arthur. The +Cabinet Ministers' wives looked more like camels than ever, and by +Sunday evening, my dear, the duchesses' strawberry leaves began to curl +and crackle. + +ANNE. + +Your poor hostess, I feel for her. To have got hold of a real lion for +your party and then have him refuse to bother himself with anybody but a +chit of a girl whom you'd asked just to make an even number! + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +He just fell in love with you at first sight? + +VIOLET. + +That's what he says now. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Did you know? + +VIOLET. + +I thought it looked very like it, you know, only it was so improbable. +Then came an invitation from a woman I only just knew for the next +week-end, and she said Arthur would be there. Then my heart really did +begin to go pit-a-pat. I took the letter in to my sister and sat on her +bed and we talked it over. "Does he mean to propose to me," I said, "or +does he not?" And my sister said: "I can't imagine what he sees in you. +Will you accept him if he does?" she asked. "Oh, no," I said. "Good +heavens, why he's twenty years older than I am!" But of course I meant +to all the time. I shouldn't have cared if he was a hundred, he was the +most wonderful man I'd ever known. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +And did he propose to you that week-end, when he'd practically only seen +you once before? + +VIOLET. + +I got down in the afternoon and he was there already. As soon as I +swallowed a cup of tea he said: "Come out for a walk." Well, I'd have +loved a second cup, but I didn't like to say so, so I went. But we had a +second tea in a cottage half an hour later, and we were engaged then. + + [APPLEBY _comes in with_ OSMAN PASHA. MR. APPLEBY _is a self-made + man who has entered Parliament; he is about sixty, grey-bearded, + rather short and stout, with some accent in his speech, shrewd, + simple and good-natured. He wears a blue serge suit._ OSMAN PASHA + _is a swarthy, bearded Oriental, obese, elderly but dignified; he + wears the official frock-coat of the Khedivial service and a + tarbush._] + +APPLEBY. + +Sir Arthur is coming in one moment. He is talking to one of his +secretaries. + +VIOLET. + +Really, it's too bad of them not to leave him alone even when he's +snatching a mouthful of food. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +Vous permettez que j'apporte ma cigarette, chere Madame. + +VIOLET. + +Of course. Come and sit here, Pasha. + +APPLEBY. + +I wanted to tell his Excellency how interested I am in his proposal to +found a technical college in Cairo, but I can't speak French. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, but his Excellency understands English perfectly, and I believe +really he talks it as well as I do, only he won't. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +Madame, je ne comprends l'anglais que quand vous le parlez, et tout +galant homme sait ce que dit une jolie femme. + +ANNE. + +[_Translating for the_ APPLEBYS.] He says he only understands English +when Lady Little speaks it, and every nice man understands what a pretty +woman says. + +VIOLET. + +No one pays me such charming compliments as you do. You know I'm +learning Arabic. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +C'est une bien belle langue, et vous, madame, vous avez autant +d'intelligence que de beaute. + +VIOLET. + +I have a Copt who comes to me every day. And I practise a little with +your brother, Anne. + +ANNE. + +[_To_ MRS. APPLEBY.] My brother is one of Sir Arthur's secretaries. I +expect it was he that Mr. Appleby left with Sir Arthur. + +VIOLET. + +If it is I shall scold him. He knows quite well that he has no right to +come and bother Arthur when he's in the bosom of his family. But they +say he's a wonderful Arabic scholar. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +Vous parlez de M. Parry? Je n'ai jamais connu un Anglais qui avait une +telle facilite. + +ANNE. + +He says he's never known an Englishman who speaks so well as Ronny. + +VIOLET. + +It's a fearfully difficult language. Sometimes my head seems to get tied +up in knots. + +[_Two_ SAISES _come in, one with a salver on which are coffee cups and +the other bearing a small tray on which is a silver vessel containing +Turkish coffee. They go round giving coffee to the various people, then +wait in silence. When_ SIR ARTHUR _comes in they give him his coffee and +go out._] + +ANNE. + +It's wonderful of you to persevere. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, you know, Ronny's very encouraging. He says I'm really getting on. I +want so badly to be able to talk. You can't think how enthusiastic I am +about Egypt. I love it. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +Pas plus que l'Egypte vous aime, Madame. + +VIOLET. + +When we landed at Alexandria and I saw that blue sky and that coloured, +gesticulating crowd, my heart leapt. I knew I was going to be happy. And +every day I've loved Egypt more. I love its antiquities, I love the +desert and the streets of Cairo and those dear little villages by the +Nile. I never knew there was such beauty in the world. I thought you +only read of romance in books; I didn't know there was a country where +it sat by the side of a well under the palm-trees, as though it were at +home. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +Vous etes charmante, madame. C'est un bien beau pays. Il n'a besoin que +d'une chose pour qu'on puisse y vivre. + +ANNE. + +[_Translating._] It's a beautiful country. It only wants one thing to +make it livable. And what is that, your Excellency? + +OSMAN PASHA. + +La liberte. + +APPLEBY. + +Liberty? + +[ARTHUR _has come in when first_ VIOLET _begins to speak of Egypt and he +listens to her enthusiasm with an indulgent smile. At the Pasha's remark +he comes forward._ ARTHUR LITTLE _is a man of forty-five, alert, young +in manner, very intelligent, with the urbanity, self-assurance, tact, +and resourcefulness of the experienced diplomatist. Nothing escapes him, +but he does not often show how much he notices._] + +ARTHUR. + +Egypt has the liberty to do well, your Excellency. Does it need the +liberty to do ill before it loses the inclination to do it? + +VIOLET. + +[_To_ MRS. APPLEBY.] I hope you don't mind Turkish coffee? + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Oh, no, I like it. + +VIOLET. + +I'm so glad. I think it perfectly delicious. + +ARTHUR. + +You have in my wife an enthusiastic admirer of this country, Pasha. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +J'en suis ravi. + +ARTHUR. + +I've told Ronny to come in and have a cup of coffee. [_To_ ANNE.] I +thought you'd like to say how d'you do to him. + +ANNE. + +Are you very busy to-day? + +ARTHUR. + +We're always busy. Isn't that so, Excellency? + +OSMAN PASHA. + +En effet, et je vous demanderai permission de me retirer. Mon bureau +m'appelle. + +[_He gets up and shakes hands with_ VIOLET.] + +VIOLET. + +It was charming of you to come. + +OSMAN PASHA. + +Mon Dieu, madame, c'est moi qui vous remercie de m'avoir donne +l'occasion de saluer votre grace et votre beaute. + +[_He bows to the rest of the company._ ARTHUR _leads him towards the +door and he goes out._] + +ANNE. + +You take all these compliments without turning a hair, Violet. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Coming back._] You know, that's a wonderful old man. He's so +well-bred, he has such exquisite manners, it's hard to realise that if +it were possible he would have us all massacred to-morrow. + +APPLEBY. + +I remember there was a certain uneasiness in England when you +recommended that he should be made Minister of Education. + +ARTHUR. + +They don't always understand local conditions in England. Osman is a +Moslem of the old school. He has a bitter hatred of the English. In +course of years he has come to accept the inevitable, but he's not +resigned to it. He never loses sight of his aim. + +APPLEBY. + +And that is? + +ARTHUR. + +Why, bless you, to drive the English into the sea. But he's a clever old +rascal, and he sees that one of the first things that must be done is to +educate the Egyptians. Well, we want to educate them too. I had all +sorts of reforms in mind which I would never have got the strict +Mohammedans to accept if they hadn't been brought forward by a man whose +patriotism they believe in and whose orthodoxy is beyond suspicion. + +ANNE. + +Don't you find it embarrassing to work with a man you distrust? + +ARTHUR. + +I don't distrust him. I have a certain admiration for him, and I bear +him no grudge at all because at the bottom of his heart he simply +loathes me. + +APPLEBY. + +I don't see why he should do that. + +ARTHUR. + +I was in Egypt for three years when I was quite a young man. I was very +small fry then, but I came into collision with Osman and he tried to +poison me. I was very ill for two months, and he's never forgiven me +because I recovered. + +APPLEBY. + +What a scoundrel! + +ARTHUR. + +He would be a little out of place in a Nonconformist community. In the +good old days of Ismael he had one of his wives beaten to death and +thrown into the Nile. + +APPLEBY. + +But is it right to give high office to a man of that character? + +ARTHUR. + +They were the manners and customs of the times. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +But he tried to kill you. Don't you bear him any ill will? + +ARTHUR. + +I don't think it was very friendly, you know, but after all no statesman +can afford to pay attention to his private feelings. His duty is to find +the round peg for the round hole and put him in. + +ANNE. + +Why does he come here? + +ARTHUR. + +He has a very great and respectful admiration for Violet. She chaffs +him, if you please, and the old man adores her. I think she's done more +to reconcile him to the British occupation than all our diplomacy. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +It must be wonderful to have power in a country like this. + +VIOLET. + +Power? Oh, I haven't that. But it makes me so proud to think I can be of +any use at all. I only wish I had the chance to do more. Since I've been +here I've grown very patriotic. + +[RONALD PARRY _comes in. He is a young man, very good-looking, fresh and +pleasant, with a peculiar charm of manner._] + +ARTHUR. + +Ah, here is Ronny. + +RONNY. + +Am I too late for my cup of coffee? + +VIOLET. + +No, it will be brought to you at once. + +RONNY. + +[_Shaking hands with_ VIOLET.] Good morning. + +VIOLET. + +This is Mr. Parry. Mr. and Mrs. Appleby. + +RONNY. + +How d'you do? + +ARTHUR. + +Now, Ronny, don't put on your Foreign Office manner. Mr. and Mrs. +Appleby are very nice people. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I'm glad you think that, Sir Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +Well, when you left your cards with a soup ticket from the F.O. my heart +sank. + +APPLEBY. + +There, my dear, I told you he wouldn't want to be bothered with us. + +ARTHUR. + +You see, I expected a pompous couple who knew all about everything and +were going to tell me exactly how Egypt ought to be governed. A Member +of Parliament doesn't inspire confidence in the worried bosom of a +Government official. + +VIOLET. + +I don't know if you think you're putting Mr. and Mrs. Appleby at their +ease, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, but I shouldn't say this if I hadn't been most agreeably +disappointed. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I never forget the days when Mr. Appleby used to light the kitchen fire +himself and I used to do the week's washing every Monday morning. I +don't think we've changed much since then, either of us. + +ARTHUR. + +I know, and I'm really grateful to the Foreign Office for having given +you your letter. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +It's been a great treat to us to come and see you. And it's done my +heart good to see Lady Little. If you don't mind my saying so she's like +a spring morning and it makes one glad to be alive just to look at her. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, don't! + +ARTHUR. + +I'm inclined to feel very kindly to everyone who feels kindly towards +her. You must enjoy yourselves in Upper Egypt and when you come back to +Cairo you must let us know. + +APPLEBY. + +I'm expecting to learn a good deal from my journey. + +ARTHUR. + +You may learn a good deal that will surprise you. You may learn that +there are races in the world that seem born to rule and races that seem +born to serve; that democracy is not a panacea for all the ills of +mankind, but merely one system of government like another, which hasn't +had a long enough trial to make it certain whether it is desirable or +not; that freedom generally means the power of the strong to oppress the +weak, and that the wise statesman gives men the illusion of it but not +the substance--in short, a number of things which must be very +disturbing to the equilibrium of a Radical Member of Parliament. + +ANNE. + +On the other hand, you'll see our beautiful Nile and the temples. + +ARTHUR. + +And perhaps they'll suggest to you that however old the world is it's +ever young, and that when all's said and done the most permanent on the +face of the earth is what seems the most transitory--the ideal. + +APPLEBY. + +Fanny, it looks to me as though we'd bitten off as big a piece of cake +as we can chew with any comfort. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Oh, well, we'll do our best. And though I never could do arithmetic I've +always thought perhaps one might be saved without. Good-bye, Lady +Little, and thank you for having us. + +VIOLET. + +Good-bye. + +[_There are general farewells and they go to the door._ RONNY _opens it +for them. They go out._] + +RONNY. + +I forgot to tell you, sir, Mrs. Pritchard has just telephoned to ask if +she can see you on a matter of business. + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a grim smile._] Say I'm very busy to-day, and I regret +exceedingly that it will be quite impossible for me to see her. + +RONNY. + +[_With a twinkle in his eye._] She said she was coming round at once. + +ARTHUR. + +If she's made up her mind to see me at all costs she might have saved +herself the trouble of ringing up to find out if it was convenient. + +ANNE. + +Your sister is a determined creature, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +I know. I have some authority in the affairs of this country, but none +over dear Christina. I wonder what she wants. + +VIOLET. + +Let us hope for the best. + +ARTHUR. + +I've noticed that whenever anyone wants to see me very urgently it's +never to give me anything. When Christina wants to see me urgently my +only safety is in instant flight. + +VIOLET. + +You must be nice to her, Arthur. If you're not she'll only take it out +of me. + +ARTHUR. + +It's monstrous, isn't it? + +VIOLET. + +After all, she kept house for you for ten years. Admirably, mind you. + +ARTHUR. + +Admirably. She has a genius for order and organisation in the house. +Everything went like clockwork. She never wasted a farthing. She saved +me hundreds of pounds. She led me a dog's life. I've come to the +conclusion there's nothing so detestable as a good housekeeper. + +VIOLET. + +How fortunate you married me, then! But you can't expect her to see that +point of view. It's very hard for her to be turned out of this very +pleasant billet, and it's natural that when you won't do something she +asks you she should put it down to my influence. + +ANNE. + +It must have been a very difficult position for you. + +VIOLET. + +I did all I could to make her like me. I did feel rather like a usurper, +you know. I tried to make her see that I didn't at all want to put on +airs. + +ARTHUR. + +Fortunately she's taken it very well. I confess I was a little nervous +when she told me she meant to stay on in Egypt to be near her son. + +ANNE. + +It would be a detestable person who didn't like Violet, I think. + +ARTHUR. + +Detestable. I should have no hesitation in having him deported. + +RONNY. + +I think I'd better be getting back to my work. + +ANNE. + +Oh, Ronny, would you like me to come and help you with your packing? + +VIOLET. + +[_To_ RONNY.] Are you going somewhere? + +RONNY. + +I'm leaving Cairo. + +ANNE. + +Didn't you know? Ronny has just been appointed to Paris. + +VIOLET. + +Is he going to leave Egypt for good? + +[_She is taken aback by the news. She clenches her hand on the rail of a +chair;_ ARTHUR _and_ ANNE _notice the little, instinctive motion._] + +RONNY. + +I suppose so. + +VIOLET. + +But why was it kept from me? Why have you been making a secret of it? + +ARTHUR. + +Darling, no one's been making a secret of it. I--I thought Anne would +have told you. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, it doesn't matter at all, but Ronny has been in the habit of doing +all sorts of things for me. It would have been convenient if I'd been +told that a change was going to be made. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm very sorry. It was only arranged this morning. I received a telegram +from the Foreign Office. I thought it would interest Anne, so I sent +Ronny along to tell her. + +VIOLET. + +I hate to be treated like a child. + +[_There is a moment's embarrassment._] + +ANNE. + +It was stupid of me. I ought to have come and told you. I was so pleased +and excited that I forgot. + +VIOLET. + +I don't quite know why you should have been so excited. + +ANNE. + +It will be very nice for me to have Ronny so near. You see, now I've +given up my flat I shan't come to Egypt very often and I should never +have seen Ronny. I can run over to Paris constantly. Besides, it's a +step, isn't it? And I want to see him an Ambassador before I die. + +VIOLET. + +I don't see what good it will do him in Paris to speak Arabic like a +native. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, well, that is the F.O. all over. The best Persian scholar in the +Service has spent the last six years in Washington. + +RONNY. + +It's been a great surprise for me. I expected to remain in Egypt +indefinitely. + +VIOLET. + +[_Recovering herself._] I expect you'll have a very good time in Paris. +When do you go? + +RONNY. + +There's a boat the day after to-morrow. Sir Arthur thought I'd better +take that. + +VIOLET. + +[_Scarcely mistress of herself._] As soon as that! [_Recovering, +gaily._] We shall miss you dreadfully. I can't imagine what I shall do +without you. [_To_ ANNE.] You can't think how useful he's been to me +since I came here. + +RONNY. + +It's very kind of you to say so. + +VIOLET. + +He's invaluable at functions and things like that. You see, he knows +where everyone should sit at dinner. And at first he used to coach me +with details about various people so that I shouldn't say the wrong +thing. + +ARTHUR. + +If you had you'd have said it so charmingly that no one would have +resented it. + +VIOLET. + +I'm so afraid that the man who takes Ronny's place will refuse to write +my invitations for me. + +ARTHUR. + +It's not exactly the duty of my secretaries. + +VIOLET. + +No, but I do hate doing it myself. And Ronny was able to imitate my +handwriting. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm sure he could never write as badly as you. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, yes, he could. Couldn't you? + +RONNY. + +I managed to write quite enough like you for people not to notice the +difference. + +VIOLET. + +You know, there are thirty-two invitations to do now. + +ANNE. + +Why don't you send cards? + +VIOLET. + +Oh, I think a letter is so much more polite. Somehow I don't feel old +enough to ask people to dine with me in the third person. + +RONNY. + +I'll come and do them the moment Sir Arthur can let me go. + +ARTHUR. + +You'd better do them before Violet goes out. + +VIOLET. + +That'll be very soon. The Khedive's mother has asked me to go and see +her at half-past three. I'll get the list now, shall I? I don't think +I'll wait for Christina. If she wants to see you on business I dare say +she'd rather I wasn't there. + +ARTHUR. + +Very well. + +VIOLET. + +[_To_ RONNY.] Will you come here when you're ready? + +RONNY. + +Certainly. + +[_She goes out._] + +ARTHUR. + +Have you finished that report yet? + +RONNY. + +Not quite, sir. It will be ready in ten minutes. + +ARTHUR. + +Put it on my desk. + +RONNY. + +All right, sir. + +[_Exit._ ARTHUR _and_ ANNE _are left alone. He looks at her +reflectively._] + +ARTHUR. + +Violet is very sensitive to anything that might be considered a slight. + +ANNE. + +It's very natural, isn't it? A high-spirited girl. + +ARTHUR. + +She likes me to tell her my arrangements. It gives her a little feeling +of importance to know things before other people. + +ANNE. + +Oh, of course. I quite understand. I should do the same in her place. + +ARTHUR. + +I ought to have remembered and told her that Ronny was going. She was +just a little vexed because she thought I'd been fixing things up behind +her back. + +ANNE. + +Yes, I know. It would naturally put her out for a moment to learn on a +sudden that one of the persons she'd been thrown in contact with was +going away. + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a twinkle in his eye._] I'm wondering if I must blame you for the +loss of an excellent secretary. + +ANNE. + +Me? + +ARTHUR. + +I don't know why the F.O. should suddenly have made up their minds that +your brother was wanted in Paris. Have you been pulling strings? + +ANNE. + +[_Smiling._] What a suspicious nature you have! + +ARTHUR. + +Anne, own up. + +ANNE. + +I thought Ronny was getting into a groove here. There didn't seem to be +much more for him to do than he has been doing for some time. If you +_will_ have the truth, I've been moving heaven and earth to get him +moved. + +ARTHUR. + +How deceitful of you not to have said a word about it! + +ANNE. + +I didn't want to make him restless. I knew he'd be mad to go to Paris. I +thought it much better not to say anything till it was settled. + +ARTHUR. + +D'you think he's mad to go to Paris? + +ANNE. + +[_Fencing with him._] Any young man would be. + +ARTHUR. + +I wonder if he'd be very much disappointed if I made other arrangements. + +ANNE. + +What do you mean, Arthur? You wouldn't prevent him from going when I've +done everything in the world to get him away. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Abruptly._] Why should you be so anxious for him to go? + +[_She looks at him for an instant in dismay._] + +ANNE. + +Good heavens, don't speak so sharply to me. I told Violet just now. I +wanted him to be more get-at-able. I think he stands a much better +chance of being noticed if he's in a place like Paris. + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a smile._] Ah, yes, you said you were coming less frequently to +Egypt than in the past. It might be worth while to keep Ronny here in +order to tempt you back. + +ANNE. + +Egypt isn't the same to me that it was. + +ARTHUR. + +I hope my marriage has made no difference to our friendship, Anne. You +know how deeply I value it. + +ANNE. + +You used to come and see me very often. You knew I was discreet and you +used to talk over with me all sorts of matters which occupied you. I was +pleased and flattered. Of course I realised that those pleasant +conversations of ours must stop when you married. I only came here this +winter to collect my goods and chattels. + +ARTHUR. + +You make me feel vaguely guilty towards you. + +ANNE. + +Of course you're nothing of the sort. But I don't want Violet to feel +that I am making any attempt to--to monopolise you. She's been charming +to me. The more I know her the more delightful I find her. + +ARTHUR. + +It's very nice of you to say so. + +ANNE. + +You know I've always had a great admiration for you. I'm so glad to see +you married to a girl who's not unworthy of you. + +ARTHUR. + +I suppose it was a dangerous experiment for a man of my age to marry a +girl of nineteen. + +ANNE. + +I think one can admit that. But you've always been one of the favourites +of the gods. You've made a wonderful success of it. + +ARTHUR. + +It needs on a husband's part infinite tact, patience, and tolerance. + +ANNE. + +You have the great advantage that Violet is genuinely in love with you. + +ARTHUR. + +I suppose only a fatuous ass would confess that a beautiful girl was in +love with him. + +ANNE. + +You make her very happy. + +ARTHUR. + +There's nothing I wouldn't do to achieve that. I'm more desperately in +love with Violet even than when I first married her. + +ANNE. + +I'm so glad. _I_ want nothing but your happiness. + +ARTHUR. + +Here is Christina. + +[_The door opens as he says these words and an English_ BUTLER _ushers +in_ MRS. PRITCHARD. _She is a tall, spare woman, with hair turning grey, +comely, upright in her carriage, with decision of character indicated by +every gesture; but though masterful and firm to attain her ends, she is +an honest woman, direct, truthful and not without humour. She is +admirably gowned in a manner befitting her station and importance._] + +BUTLER. + +Mrs. Pritchard. + +[_Exit._] + +ARTHUR. + +I knew it was you, Christina. I felt a sense of responsibility descend +upon the house. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Kissing him._] How is Violet? + +ARTHUR. + +Lovely. + +CHRISTINA. + +I was inquiring about her health. + +ARTHUR. + +Her health is perfect. + +CHRISTINA. + +At her age one's always well, I suppose. [_Kissing_ ANNE.] How d'you do? +And how are you, my poor Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +You ask me as though I was a doddering old gentleman, crippled with +rheumatism. I'm in the best of health, thank you very much, and very +active for my years. [CHRISTINA _has seen a flower on the table that has +fallen from a bowl, and picks it up and puts it back in its place._] Why +do you do that? + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't like untidiness. + +ARTHUR. + +I do. + +[_He takes the flower out again and places it on the table._] + +CHRISTINA. + +I was expecting to find you in your office. + +ARTHUR. + +Do you think I'm neglecting my work? I thought it more becoming to wait +for you here. + +CHRISTINA. + +I wanted to see you on a matter of business. + +ARTHUR. + +So I understood from your message. I feel convinced you're going to put +me in the way of making my fortune. + +ANNE. + +I'll leave you, shall I? + +CHRISTINA. + +Oh, no, pray don't. There's not the least reason why you shouldn't hear +what it's all about. + +ARTHUR. + +You're not going to make my fortune after all. You're going to ask me to +do something. + +CHRISTINA. + +What makes you think that? + +ARTHUR. + +You want a third person present to be witness to my brutal selfishness +when I refuse. I know you, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Smiling._] You're much too sensible to refuse a perfectly reasonable +request. + +ARTHUR. + +Let us hear it. [_She sits down on the sofa. The cushions have been +disordered by people sitting on them and she shakes them out, and pats +them and arranges them in their place._] I wish you'd leave the +furniture alone, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +I cannot make out what pleasure people take in seeing things out of +their proper place. + +ARTHUR. + +You're very long in coming to the point. + +CHRISTINA. + +I hear that the Khedive has quarrelled with his secretary. + +ARTHUR. + +You're a marvellous woman, Christina. You get hold of all the harem +gossip. + +CHRISTINA. + +It's true, isn't it? + +ARTHUR. + +Yes. But I only heard of it myself just before luncheon. How did it come +to your ears? + +CHRISTINA. + +That doesn't matter, does it? I have a way of hearing things that may be +of interest to me. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm afraid I'm very dense, but I don't see how it can be of any +particular interest to you. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Smiling._] Dear Arthur. The Khedive has asked you to recommend him an +English secretary. + +ANNE. + +Has he really? That's a change. He's never had an English secretary +before. + +ARTHUR. + +Never. + +ANNE. + +It's a wonderful opportunity. + +ARTHUR. + +If we get the right man he can be of the greatest possible help. If he's +tactful, wise, and courteous, there's no reason why in time he shouldn't +attain very considerable influence over the Khedive. If we can really +get the Khedive to work honestly and sincerely with us, instead of +hampering us by all kinds of secret devices, we can do miracles in this +country. + +ANNE. + +What a splendid chance for the man who gets the job! + +ARTHUR. + +I suppose it is. If he has the right qualities he may achieve anything. +And after all, it's a splendid chance to be able to render such great +service to our own old country. + +CHRISTINA. + +Has the Khedive given any particulars about the sort of man he wants? + +ARTHUR. + +He naturally wants a young man and a good sportsman. It's important that +he should be able to speak Arabic. But the qualifications which will +satisfy the Khedive are nothing beside those which will satisfy me. The +wrong man may cause irreparable damage to British interests. + +CHRISTINA. + +Have you thought that Henry would be admirably suited? + +ARTHUR. + +I can't say I have, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +He's young and he's very good at games. He speaks Arabic. + +ARTHUR. + +Quite well, I believe. I think he's very well suited to the post he has. +It would be a pity to disturb him when he's just got at home with the +work. + +CHRISTINA. + +Arthur, you can't compare a very badly paid job in the Ministry of +Education with a private secretaryship to the Khedive. + +ARTHUR. + +The best job for a man is the one he's most fitted to do. + +CHRISTINA. + +You've got no fault to find with Henry. He's a very good worker, he's +honest, industrious, and painstaking. + +ARTHUR. + +You don't praise a pair of boots because you can walk in them without +discomfort; if you can't you chuck them away. + +CHRISTINA. + +What d'you mean by that? + +ARTHUR. + +The qualities you mention really don't deserve any particular reward. If +Henry hadn't got them I'd fire him without a moment's hesitation. + +CHRISTINA. + +I have no doubt you'd welcome the opportunity. It's the greatest +misfortune of Henry's life that he happens to be your nephew. + +ARTHUR. + +On the other hand, it's counterbalanced by his extraordinary good luck +in being your son. + +CHRISTINA. + +You've stood in his way on every possible occasion. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Good-humouredly._] You know that's not true, Christina. I've refused +to perpetrate a number of abominable jobs that you've urged me to. He's +had his chances as everyone else has. You're an admirable mother. If I'd +listened to you he'd be Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister by now. + +CHRISTINA. + +I've never asked you to do anything for Henry that wasn't perfectly +reasonable. + +ARTHUR. + +It's evident then that we have different views upon what is reasonable. + +CHRISTINA. + +I appeal to you, Anne: do you see any objection to suggesting Henry to +the Khedive as a private secretary? + +ARTHUR. + +I knew that's what she wanted you here for, Anne, to be a witness to my +pig-headed obstinacy. + +CHRISTINA. + +Don't be absurd, Arthur. I'm asking Anne for an unprejudiced opinion. + +ARTHUR. + +Anne is unlikely to have an opinion of any value on a matter she knows +nothing about. + +ANNE. + +[_With a chuckle._] That is a very plain hint that I can't do better +than hold my tongue. I'll take it, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +It's so unreasonable of you, Arthur. You won't listen to any argument. + +ARTHUR. + +The only one you've offered yet is: here's a good job going, Henry's +your nephew, give it him. My dear, don't you see the Khedive would +never accept such a near relation of mine? + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't agree with you at all. The fact of his asking you to recommend +an English secretary shows that he wants to draw the connection between +you and himself closer. After all, you might give the boy a chance. + +ARTHUR. + +This is not an occasion when one can afford to give a chance. It's hit +or miss. If the man I choose is a failure the Khedive will never ask me +to do such a thing for him again. I can't take any risks. + +CHRISTINA. + +Will you tell me what qualifications Henry lacks to make him suitable +for the post? + +ARTHUR. + +Certainly. It's true he speaks Arabic, but he doesn't understand the +native mind. Grammars can't teach you that, my dear, only sympathy. He +has the mind of an official. I often think that you must have swallowed +a ramrod in early life and poor Henry was born with a foot-rule in his +inside. + +CHRISTINA. + +I am not amused, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +I have no doubt in course of time he'll become a very competent +official, but he'll never be anything else. He lacks imagination, and +that is just as necessary to a statesman as to a novelist. Finally he +has no charm. + +CHRISTINA. + +How can you judge? You're his uncle. You might just as well say I have +no charm. + +ARTHUR. + +You haven't. You're an admirable woman, with all the substantial virtues +which make you an ornament to your sex, but you have no charm. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_With a grim smile._] I should be a fool if I expected you to pay me +compliments, shouldn't I? + +ARTHUR. + +You would at all events be a woman who is unable to learn by experience. + +CHRISTINA. + +Besides, I don't agree with you. I think Henry has charm. + +ARTHUR. + +Why do we all call him Henry? Why does Henry suit him so admirably? If +he had charm we would naturally call him Harry. + +CHRISTINA. + +Really, Arthur, it amazes me that a man in your position can be +influenced by such absurd trifles. It's so unfair, when a boy has a +dozen solid real virtues that you should refuse to recommend him for a +job because he hasn't got in your opinion a frivolous, unsubstantial +advantage like charm. + +ARTHUR. + +Unsubstantial it may be, but frivolous it certainly isn't. Believe me, +charm is the most valuable asset that any man can have. D'you think it +sounds immoral to say it compensates for the lack of brains and virtue? +Alas! it happens to be true. Brains may bring you to power, but charm +enables you to keep it. Without charm you will never lead men. + +CHRISTINA. + +And do you imagine you're likely to find a young Englishman who's a +sportsman and an Arabic scholar, who has tact, imagination, sympathy, +wisdom, courtesy and charm? + +ANNE. + +If you do, Arthur, I'm afraid he won't remain here very long, because I +warn you, I shall insist on marrying him. + +ARTHUR. + +It's not so formidable as it sounds. I'm going to suggest Ronny. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Astounded._] Ronald Parry! That's the very last person I should have +thought you'd be inclined to suggest. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Sharply._] Why? + +ANNE. + +[_With dismay._] You don't really mean that, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +Why not? + +CHRISTINA. + +[_To_ ANNE.] Didn't you know? + +ANNE. + +It's the last thing that would ever have entered my head. + +CHRISTINA. + +I thought you'd made all arrangements for sending him away. + +ARTHUR. + +I made no arrangements at all. I received a telegram from the F.O. +saying that he'd been appointed to Paris. + +ANNE. + +[_After a very short pause._] Don't you think you'd better leave it at +that? + +ARTHUR. + +No, I don't. I'm going to wire to London explaining the circumstances +and suggesting that I think him very suitable for the post that's just +offered itself. + +ANNE. + +[_Trying to take it lightly._] I feel rather aggrieved, after all the +efforts I've made to get him appointed to Paris. + +CHRISTINA. + +Oh, he owes that to you, does he? You thought it would be better for him +to leave here? + +ARTHUR. + +[_Deliberately._] I don't quite understand what you're driving at, +Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Taking him up defiantly._] I cannot imagine anyone more unsuitable +than Ronald Parry. + +ARTHUR. + +That is for me to judge, isn't it? + +ANNE. + +Perhaps the Foreign Office will say they see no reason to change their +mind. + +ARTHUR. + +I don't think so. + +ANNE. + +Have you told Ronny? + +ARTHUR. + +No, I thought it unnecessary till I'd found out whether the Khedive +would be willing to take him. + +CHRISTINA. + +I'm amazed, Arthur. When Henry told me Ronald Parry was going I couldn't +help thinking it was very desirable. + +ARTHUR. + +Why? + + [_She looks at him, about to speak, then hesitates. She does not + dare, and resolves to be silent._ ANNE _comes to the rescue_.] + +ANNE. + +Christina knows that I shall be very little in Egypt in future and how +fond Ronny and I are of one another. We naturally want to be as near +each other as we can. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_With a chuckle._] It really amuses me that you should refuse to give a +good job to Henry because you've made up your mind to give it to Ronald +Parry. + + [ARTHUR _walks up to her deliberately and faces her_.] + +ARTHUR. + +If you've got anything to say against him say it. + + [_They stare at one another for a moment in silence._] + +CHRISTINA. + +If you have nothing against him there's no reason why I should. + +ARTHUR. + +I see. I have a good deal to do this afternoon. If you have nothing more +to say to me I'd like to get back to my work. + +CHRISTINA. + +Very well, I'll go. + +ARTHUR. + +You won't stop and see Violet? + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't think so, thank you. + + [_She goes out. He opens the door for her._] + +ANNE. + +Why didn't you tell me just now that you'd decided to keep Ronny in +Cairo? + +ARTHUR. + +I thought it was unnecessary till everything was settled. I daresay +you'll be good enough to hold your tongue about it. + +ANNE. + +Have you definitely made up your mind? + +ARTHUR. + +Definitely. + + [_They look at one another steadily._] + +ANNE. + +I think I'll go up to my room. I keep to my old habit of a siesta after +luncheon. + +ARTHUR. + +I wish I could get Violet to take it. + +ANNE. + +She's so young, she doesn't feel the need of it yet. + +ARTHUR. + +Yes, she's so young. + + [ANNE _goes out. For a moment_ ARTHUR _gives way to discouragement. + He feels old and tired. But he hears a footstep and pulls himself + together. He is his usual self, gay, gallant and humorous, when_ + VIOLET _enters the room_.] + +VIOLET. + +I saw Christina drive away. What did she want? + +ARTHUR. + +The earth. + +VIOLET. + +I hope you gave it her. + +ARTHUR. + +No, I'm trying to get the moon for you just now, darling, and I thought +if I gave her the earth it really would upset the universe a little too +much. + +VIOLET. + +I thought I'd better do these invitations before I dressed. + +ARTHUR. + +You're not going to put on a different frock to go and have tea with the +Khedive's mother? You look charming in that. + +VIOLET. + +I think it's a little too young. It was all right for the morning. + +ARTHUR. + +Of course you are older this afternoon, that's quite true. + +VIOLET. + +Can you spare Ronny just now? + +ARTHUR. + +[_After an instant's pause._] Yes, I'll send him to you at once. + +VIOLET. + +[_As he is going._] I shall be back in time to give you your tea. + +ARTHUR. + +That will be very nice. Good-bye till then. + + [_He goes out. She is meditative. She gives a slight start as_ + RONNY _comes in_.] + +VIOLET. + +I hope I haven't torn you away from anything very important. + +RONNY. + +I was only typing a very dull report. I'd just finished it. + +VIOLET. + +You mustn't ever bother about me if it's not convenient, you know. + +RONNY. + +I shan't have much chance, shall I? + +VIOLET. + +No.... Look, here's the list. + + [_She hands him a sheet of paper on which names are scribbled, and + he reads it._] + +RONNY. + +It looks rather a stodgy party, doesn't it? I see you've crossed my name +out. + +VIOLET. + +It's not much good asking you when you won't be here. Whom d'you advise +me to ask in your place? + +RONNY. + +I don't know. I hate the idea of anyone being asked in my place. Shall I +start on them at once? + +VIOLET. + +If you don't mind. I have to go out, you know. + + [_He sits down at a writing table._] + +RONNY. + +I'll start on those I dislike least. + +VIOLET. + +[_With a chuckle._] Don't you remember when Arthur said I must ask the +Von Scheidleins how we hated to write them a civil letter? + +RONNY. + +[_Writing._] Dear Lady Sinclair. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, she asked me to call her Evelyn. + +RONNY. + +Hang! I'll have to start again. + +VIOLET. + +It always make me so uncomfortable to address fat old ladies by their +Christian names. + +RONNY. + +I'll end up "yours affectionately," shall I? + +VIOLET. + +I suppose you're awfully excited at the thought of going? + +RONNY. + +No. + +VIOLET. + +It's a step for you, isn't it? I ... I ought to congratulate you. + +RONNY. + +You don't think I want to go, do you? I hate it. + +VIOLET. + +Why? + +RONNY. + +I've been very happy here. + +VIOLET. + +You knew you couldn't stay here for the rest of your life. + +RONNY. + +Why not? + +VIOLET. + +[_With an effort at self-control._] Who is the next person on the list? + +RONNY. + +[_Looking at it._] Will you miss me at all? + +VIOLET. + +I suppose I shall at first. + +RONNY. + +That's not a very kind thing to say. + +VIOLET. + +Isn't it? I don't mean to be unkind, Ronny. + +RONNY. + +Oh, I'm so miserable! + + [_She gives a little cry and looks at him. She presses her hands to + her heart._] + +VIOLET. + +Let us go on with the letters. + + [_Silently he writes. She does not watch him, but looks hopelessly + into space. She is unable to restrain a sob._] + +RONNY. + +You're crying. + +VIOLET. + +No, I'm not. I'm not. I swear I'm not. [_He gets up and goes over to +her. He looks into her eyes._] It came so suddenly. I never dreamt you'd +be going away. + +RONNY. + +Oh, Violet! + +VIOLET. + +Don't call me that. Please don't. + +RONNY. + +Did you know that I loved you? + +VIOLET. + +How should I know? Oh, I'm so unhappy. What have I done to deserve it? + +RONNY. + +I couldn't help loving you. It can't matter if I tell you now. It's the +end of everything. I don't want to go without your knowing. I love you. +I love you. I love you. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, Ronny! + +RONNY. + +It's been so wonderful, all these months. I've never known anyone to +come up to you. Everything you said pleased me. I loved the way you +walk, and your laugh, and the sound of your voice. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, don't! + +RONNY. + +I was content just to see you and to talk with you and to know you were +here, near me. You've made me extraordinarily happy. + +VIOLET. + +Have I? Oh, I'm so glad. + +RONNY. + +I couldn't help myself. I tried not to think of you. You're not angry +with me? + +VIOLET. + +I can't be. Oh, Ronny, I've had such a rotten time. It came upon me +unawares, I didn't know what was happening. I thought I only liked you. + +RONNY. + +Oh, my dearest! Is it possible ...? + +VIOLET. + +And when it struck me--oh, I was so frightened. I thought it must be +written on my face and everyone must see. I knew it was wrong. I knew I +mustn't. I couldn't help myself. + +RONNY. + +Oh, say it, Violet. I want to hear you say it: "I love you." + +VIOLET. + +I love you. [_He kneels down before her and covers her hands with +kisses._] Oh, don't, don't! + +RONNY. + +My dearest. My very dearest. + +VIOLET. + +What have I done? I made up my mind that no one should ever know. I +thought then it wouldn't matter. It needn't prevent me from doing my +duty to Arthur. It didn't interfere with my affection for him. I didn't +see how it could hurt anyone if I kept my love for you locked up in my +heart, tightly, and it made me so happy. I rejoiced in it. + +RONNY. + +I never knew. I used to weigh every word you said to me. You never gave +me a sign. + +VIOLET. + +I didn't know it was possible to love anybody as I love you, Ronny. + +RONNY. + +My precious! + +VIOLET. + +Oh, don't say things like that to me. It breaks my heart. I wouldn't +ever have told you only I was upset by your going. If they'd only given +me time to get used to the thought I wouldn't ... I wouldn't make such a +fool of myself. + +RONNY. + +You can't grudge me that little bit of comfort. + +VIOLET. + +But it all came so suddenly, the announcement that you were going and +your going. I felt I couldn't bear it. Why didn't they give me time? + +RONNY. + +Don't cry, my dearest, it tortures me. + +VIOLET. + +This is the last time we shall be alone, Ronny. I couldn't let you go +without ... oh, my God, I can't bear it. + +RONNY. + +We might have been so happy together, Violet. Why didn't we meet sooner? +I feel we're made for one another. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, don't talk of that. D'you suppose I haven't said to myself: "Oh, if +I'd only met him first"? Oh, Ronny, Ronny, Ronny! + +RONNY. + +I never dared to think that you loved me. It's maddening that I must go. +It's horrible to think of leaving you now. + +VIOLET. + +No, it's better. We couldn't have gone on like that. I'm glad you're +going. It breaks my heart. + +RONNY. + +Oh, Violet, why didn't you wait for me? + +VIOLET. + +I made a mistake. I must pay for it. Arthur's so good and kind. He loves +me with all his heart. Oh, what a fool I was! I didn't know what love +was. I feel that my life is finished, and I'm so young, Ronny. + +RONNY. + +You know I'd do anything in the world for you. + +VIOLET. + +My dear one. [_They stand, face to face, looking at one another +wistfully and sadly._] It's no good, Ronny, we're both making ourselves +utterly miserable. Say good-bye to me and let us part. [_He draws her +towards him._] No, don't kiss me. I don't want you to kiss me. [_He +takes her in his arms and kisses her passionately._] Oh, Ronny, I do +love you so. [_At last she tears herself away from him. She sinks into a +chair. He makes a movement towards her._] No, don't come near me now. +I'm so tired. + + [_He looks at her for a moment, then he goes back to the table and + sits down to write the letters. Their eyes meet slowly._] + +RONNY. + +It's good-bye, then? + +VIOLET. + +It's good-bye. + + [_She presses her hands to her heart as though the aching were + unendurable. He buries his head in his hands._] + +END OF THE FIRST ACT + + + + +ACT II + + + _The scene is the garden of the Consular Agent's residence. It is + an Eastern garden with palm-trees, magnolias, and flowering bushes + of azaleas. On one side is an old Arabic well-head decorated with + verses from the Koran; a yellow rambler grows over the ironwork + above. Rose-trees are in full bloom. On the other side are basket + chairs and a table. At the bottom of the garden runs the Nile and + on the farther bank are lines of palm-trees and the Eastern sky. It + is towards evening and during the act the sun gradually sets._ + + _The table is set out with tea-things._ ANNE _is seated reading a + book. The gardener in his blue gaberdine, with brown legs and the + little round cap of the Egyptian workman, is watering the flowers._ + CHRISTINA _comes in_. + +ANNE. + +[_Looking up, with a smile._] Ah, Christina! + +CHRISTINA. + +I was told I should find you here. I came to see Violet, but I hear she +hasn't come back yet. + +ANNE. + +She was going to see the Khedive's mother. + +CHRISTINA. + +I think I'll wait for her. + +ANNE. + +Would you like tea? I was waiting till Violet came in. I expect she's +been made to eat all sorts of sweet things and she'll want a cup of tea +to take the taste out of her mouth. + +CHRISTINA. + +No, don't have it brought for me.... I can never quite get over being +treated as a guest in the house I was mistress of for so many years. +[_To the Gardener._] Imshi (Get out). + +GARDENER. + +Detak sa 'ideh (May thy night be happy). + + [_He goes out._] + +ANNE. + +Your knowledge of Arabic is rather sketchy, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +I never see why I should trouble myself with strange languages. If +foreigners want to talk to me they can talk to me in English. + +ANNE. + +But surely when we're out of our own country we're foreigners. + +CHRISTINA. + +Nonsense, Anne, we're English. I wonder Arthur allows Violet to learn +Arabic. I can't help thinking it'll make a bad impression on the +natives. _I_ managed this house on fifty words of Arabic. + +ANNE. + +[_Smiling._] I'm convinced that on a hundred you'd be prepared to manage +the country. + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't think you can deny that I did my work here competently. + +ANNE. + +You're a wonderful housekeeper. + +CHRISTINA. + +I have common sense and a talent for organisation. [_Pursing her lips._] +It breaks my heart to see the way certain things are done here now. + +ANNE. + +You must remember Violet is very young. + +CHRISTINA. + +Much too young to be a suitable wife for Arthur. + +ANNE. + +He seems to be very well satisfied, and after all he is the person most +concerned. + +CHRISTINA. + +I know. His infatuation is--blind, don't you think? + +ANNE. + +[_Coolly._] I think it's very delightful to see two people so much in +love with one another. + +CHRISTINA. + +D'you know that I used to be fearfully jealous of you, Anne? + +ANNE. + +[_Amused._] I know that you thoroughly disliked me, Christina. You +didn't trouble to hide it. + +CHRISTINA. + +I was always afraid that Arthur would marry you. I didn't want to be +turned out of this house. I suppose you think that's horrid of me. + +ANNE. + +No, I think it's very natural. + +CHRISTINA. + +I didn't see why Arthur should marry. I gave him all the comforts of +home life. And I thought it would interfere with his work. Of course I +knew that he liked you. I suffered agonies when he used to go and dine +with you quietly. [_With a sniff._] He said it rested him. + +ANNE. + +Perhaps it did. Did you grudge him that? + +CHRISTINA. + +I knew you were desperately in love with him. + +ANNE. + +Need you throw that in my face now? Really, I haven't deserved it. + +CHRISTINA. + +My dear, I wish he had married you. It never struck me he'd marry a girl +twenty years younger than himself. + +ANNE. + +He never looked upon me as anything but a friend. I don't suppose it +occurred to him for an instant that my feeling might possibly be +different. + +CHRISTINA. + +It was stupid of me. I ought to have given him a hint. + +ANNE. + +[_With a smile._] You took care not to do that, Christina. Perhaps you +knew that was all it wanted. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Reflectively._] I don't think he's treated you very well. + +ANNE. + +Nonsense. A man isn't obliged to marry a woman just because she's in +love with him. I don't see why loving should give one a claim on the +person one loves. + +CHRISTINA. + +You would have made him a splendid wife. + +ANNE. + +So will Violet, my dear. Most men have the wives they deserve. + +CHRISTINA. + +I marvel at your kindness to her. You're so tolerant and sympathetic, +one would never imagine she's robbed you of what you wanted most in the +world. + +ANNE. + +I shouldn't respect myself very much if I bore her the shadow of a +grudge. I'm so glad that she's sweet and charming and ingenuous; it +makes it very easy to be fond of her. + +CHRISTINA. + +I know. I wanted to dislike her. But I can't really. There is something +about her which disarms one. + +ANNE. + +Isn't it lucky? It's a difficult position. That irresistible charm of +hers will make everything possible. After all, you and I can agree in +that we both want Arthur to be happy. + +CHRISTINA. + +I wonder if there's much chance of that. + + [ANNE _looks at her for a moment inquiringly, and_ CHRISTINA + _coolly returns the stare_.] + +ANNE. + +Why did you come here this afternoon, Christina? + +CHRISTINA. + +[_With a faint smile._] Why did you take so much trouble to get your +brother moved to Paris? + +ANNE. + +Good heavens, I told you this morning. + +CHRISTINA. + +D'you think we need make pretences with one another? + +ANNE. + +I don't think I quite understand. + +CHRISTINA. + +Don't you? You wanted Ronny to leave Egypt because you know he's in love +with Violet. + + [_For a moment_ ANNE _is a little taken aback, but she quickly + recovers herself_.] + +ANNE. + +He's very susceptible. He's always falling in and out of love. I had +noticed that he was attracted, and I confess I thought it better to put +him out of harm's way. + +CHRISTINA. + +How cunning you are, Anne! You won't admit anything till you're quite +certain the person you're talking to knows it. You know as well as I do +that Violet is just as much in love with him. + +ANNE. + +[_Much disturbed._] Christina, what are you going to do? How could I +help knowing? You've only got to see the way they look at one another. +They're sick with love. + +CHRISTINA. + +What did Arthur expect? I've never seen a couple more admirably suited +to one another. + +ANNE. + +I thought no one knew but me till this morning, when you were talking to +Arthur. Then I thought you must know too. My heart was in my mouth, I +was afraid you were going to tell him. But you didn't, and I thought I'd +been mistaken. + +CHRISTINA. + +You didn't give me credit for very nice feeling, Anne. Because I didn't +act like a perfect beast you thought I must be a perfect fool. + +ANNE. + +I know how devoted you are to your son. I didn't believe you'd stick at +anything when his interests were at stake. I'm sorry, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +Pray don't apologise. I didn't know it myself. It was on the tip of my +tongue to tell Arthur, but I simply couldn't. I couldn't do anything so +shabby. + +ANNE. + +Oh, Christina, we mustn't ever let him know, we can't make him so +miserable. It would break his heart. + +CHRISTINA. + +Well, what is to be done? + +ANNE. + +Heaven knows. I've been racking my brains. I can think of nothing. I'd +arranged everything so beautifully. And now I'm helpless. I thought +even of going to Ronny and asking him to refuse any job that will keep +him here. But Arthur looks upon it as so important. He'll insist on +Ronny's accepting unless his reasons for going are--what's the word I +want? + +CHRISTINA. + +Irrefutable. It seems very hard that my boy should be done out of such a +splendid chance by Ronny. Except for your brother I'm sure Arthur would +give it to Henry. + +ANNE. + +[_Diplomatically._] I know he has the highest opinion of Henry's +abilities. + +CHRISTINA. + +You can't expect me to sit still and let things go on. + +ANNE. + +Arthur is perfectly unconscious. He thinks Violet is as much in love +with him as he is with her. You couldn't be so cruel as to hint anything +to him. + +CHRISTINA. + +How you adore him, Anne! You may set your mind at rest. I'm not going to +say a word to Arthur. I'm going to speak to Violet. + +ANNE. + +[_Frightened._] What are you going to say? + +CHRISTINA. + +I'm going to ask her to do all she can to persuade Arthur to give Henry +the job. And then Ronny can go to Paris. + +ANNE. + +You're not going to tell her you know? + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Deliberately._] If it's necessary she must make Ronny refuse the +appointment. He must invent some excuse that Arthur will accept. + +ANNE. + +But it's blackmail. + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't care what it is. + + [VIOLET _comes in. She wears an afternoon gown, picturesque and + simple, yet elegant enough for the visit she has been paying. She + has a large hat, which she presently removes._] + +ANNE. + +Here is Violet. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, you poor people, haven't you had any tea? + +ANNE. + +I thought we'd wait till you came back. It'll come at once now. + +VIOLET. + +How are you, Christina? How is Henry? [_They kiss one another._] I've +not seen him for days. + +CHRISTINA. + +He's coming to fetch me presently. + +VIOLET. + +I shall tell him he neglects me. He's the only one of my in-laws I'm not +a little afraid of. + +CHRISTINA. + +He's a good boy. + +VIOLET. + +He has a good mother. I thought it would be such fun having a nephew +several years older than myself, but he won't treat me as an aunt. He +will call me Violet. I tell him he ought to be more respectful. + + [_Meanwhile_ SERVANTS _have brought the tea_.] + +CHRISTINA. + +What have you been doing this afternoon? + +VIOLET. + +Oh, I went to see the Khedive's mother. She made me eat seventeen +different things and I feel exactly like a boa-constrictor. [_Looking at +the cakes and scones._] I'm afraid there's not a very nice tea. + +CHRISTINA. + +So I notice. + +VIOLET. + +[_With a smile._] I suppose I couldn't persuade you to pour it out. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Gratified._] Certainly, if you wish it. + + [_She sits down in front of the teapot and pours out cups of tea._ + ARTHUR _comes in_.] + +ARTHUR. + +Hulloa, Christina, are you pouring out the tea? + +CHRISTINA. + +Violet asked me to. + +VIOLET. + +If only I weren't here it would be quite like old times. + +ARTHUR. + +I understand you want to see me, Violet. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, I hope you haven't come out here on purpose. I sent the message that +I wished to have a word with you when convenient, but I didn't want to +hurry you. I was quite prepared to go to you. + +ARTHUR. + +That sounds very formidable. I had a few minutes to spare while some +letters were being prepared for me to sign. But in any case I'm always +at your service. + +VIOLET. + +The Khedive's mother has asked me to talk to you about a man called +Abdul Said. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh! + +VIOLET. + +She thought if I put the circumstances before you.... + +ARTHUR. + +[_Interrupting._] What has he got to do with her? + +VIOLET. + +He's been employed for years on an estate of hers up the Nile. His +mother was one of her maids. It appears she gave her a dowry when she +married. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Smiling._] I see. I gathered that Abdul Said had powerful influence +somewhere or other. + +CHRISTINA. + +Who is this man, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +He's been sentenced to death for murder. It was a perfectly clear case, +but there was a lot of perjury and we had some difficulty in getting a +conviction. What has the Princess asked you to do? + +VIOLET. + +She explained the whole thing to me, and then she asked if I wouldn't +intercede with you. I promised to do everything I could. + +ARTHUR. + +You shouldn't have done that. The old lady knows quite well an affair of +this sort is no business of yours. I wish you'd told her so. + +VIOLET. + +Arthur, what could I do? His wife was there, and his mother. If you'd +seen them.... I couldn't bear to look at their misery and do nothing. I +said I was sure that when you knew all the facts you'd reprieve the +man. + +ARTHUR. + +It's not in my power to do anything of the sort. The prerogative of +mercy is with the Khedive. + +VIOLET. + +I know, but if you advise him to exercise it he will. He's only too +anxious to, but he won't move without your advice. + +ARTHUR. + +It's monstrous of the Princess to try and make use of you in this way. +She prepared a complete trap for you. + +ANNE. + +What did the man do exactly? + +ARTHUR. + +It's rather a peculiar case. Abdul Said had a difference of opinion with +an Armenian merchant and shortly after his only son fell ill and died. +He took it into his head that the Armenian had cast the evil eye on him, +and he took his gun, waited for his opportunity, and shot the Armenian +dead. The man isn't a criminal in the ordinary sense of the word, but we +can't afford to make exceptions. If we did there'd be a crop of murders +with the same excuse. I looked into the case this morning and I see no +reason to advise the Khedive to interfere with the course of justice. + +VIOLET. + +This morning? When you came in to luncheon full of spirits, laughing and +chaffing, had you just sent a man to his death? How horribly callous! + +ARTHUR. + +I'm sorry you should think that. I give every matter my closest +attention, and when I've settled it to the best of my ability I put it +out of my mind. I think it would be just as unwise to let it affect me +as for a doctor to let himself be affected by his patients' sufferings. + +VIOLET. + +It seems to me horrible to slaughter that wretched man because he's +ignorant and simple-minded. Don't you see that for yourself? + +ARTHUR. + +I'm afraid I'm not here to interpret the law according to my feelings +but according to its own spirit. + +VIOLET. + +It's easy to talk like that when you haven't got any feeling one way or +the other. Don't you realise the misery of that man condemned to die for +what he honestly thought was a mere act of justice? I wish you'd seen +the agony of those poor women. And now they're more or less happy +because I promised to help them. The Princess told them I had influence +with you. If she only knew! + +ARTHUR. + +You should never have been put in such a position. It was grossly +unfair. I'll take care that nothing of the sort occurs again. + +VIOLET. + +D'you mean to say you'll do nothing? Won't you even go into the matter +again--with a little sympathy? + +ARTHUR. + +I can't! + +VIOLET. + +It's the first thing I've ever asked you, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +I know. I'm only sorry that I must refuse you. + +VIOLET. + +This is the first sentence of death in Egypt since our marriage. Don't +you know what it would mean to me to think I'd saved a man's life? The +Khedive is waiting to sign the reprieve. It only requires a word from +you. Won't you say it? I feel that the gratitude of these poor women may +be like a blessing on us. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, I think my duty is very clear. I must do it. + +VIOLET. + +It's clear because all that grief means nothing to you. What do you care +if a man is hanged whom you've never even seen? I wonder if you'd find +it so easy to do your duty in a matter that affected you. If it meant +misery or happiness to you. It's easy to do one's duty when one doesn't +care. + +ARTHUR. + +You're quite right. That is the test: if one can do one's duty when it +means the loss of all one holds dear and valuable in the world. + +VIOLET. + +I hope you'll never be put to it. + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a chuckle._] My dear, you say that as though you hoped precisely +the contrary. + +VIOLET. + +Must I write to the Princess and say I was entirely mistaken, and I have +no more influence over you than a tripper at Shepheard's Hotel? + +ARTHUR. + +I'd sooner you didn't write to her at all. I will have a message +conveyed which you may be sure will save you from any humiliation. + +VIOLET. + +[_Icily._] I'm afraid you have a lot of business; you mustn't let me +keep you. + + [_He looks at her reflectively for a moment and then goes out. + There is an awkward silence._] + +VIOLET. + +Those good people we had to luncheon to-day would be amused to see what +the power amounts to that they congratulated me on. + +CHRISTINA. + +There's very little that Arthur would refuse you. He'd do practically +anything in the world to please you. + +VIOLET. + +It'll be a long time before I ask him to do anything else. + +CHRISTINA. + +Don't say that, Violet. Because I came here to-day on purpose to ask you +to use your influence with him. + +VIOLET. + +You see how much I have. + +CHRISTINA. + +That was a matter of principle. Men are always funny about principles. +You can never get them to understand that circumstances alter cases. + +VIOLET. + +Arthur looks upon me as a child. After all, it's not my fault that I'm +twenty years younger than he is. + +CHRISTINA. + +I want your help so badly, Violet. And you know, the fact that Arthur +has just refused to do something for you is just the reason that will +make him anxious to do anything you ask now. + +VIOLET. + +I don't want to expose myself to the humiliation of another refusal. + +CHRISTINA. + +It's so important to me. It may mean all the difference to Henry's +future. + +VIOLET. + +[_With a change of manner, charmingly._] Oh! I'd love to do anything I +could for Henry. + +CHRISTINA. + +The Khedive has asked Arthur for an English secretary. It seems to me +that Henry has every possible qualification, but you know what Arthur +is; he's terrified of the least suspicion of favouring his friends and +relations. + +VIOLET. + +My dear Christina, what can I do? Arthur would merely tell me to mind my +own business. + +CHRISTINA. + +He wants to give the post to Ronald Parry.... + +VIOLET. + +[_Quickly._] Ronny? But Ronny's going to Paris. It's all arranged. + +CHRISTINA. + +It was. But Arthur thinks it essential that he should stay in Egypt. + +VIOLET. + +Did you know this, Anne? + +ANNE. + +Not till just now. + +VIOLET. + +Does Ronny know? + +ANNE. + +I don't think so. + + [VIOLET _is aghast. She does all she can to hide her agitation. The + two women watch her_, CHRISTINA _with cold curiosity_, ANNE _with + embarrassment_.] + +VIOLET. + +I'm ... I'm awfully surprised. It's only an hour or two ago that Ronny +and I bade one another a pathetic farewell. + +CHRISTINA. + +Really? But there was never any talk of his going till the day after +to-morrow. You were in a great hurry with your leave-takings. + +VIOLET. + +I thought he'd be busy packing and that I mightn't have another chance. + +CHRISTINA. + +You've been so intimate, I'm sure he would have been able to snatch a +moment to say good-bye to you and Arthur before his train started. + + [VIOLET _does not quite know what this speech means. She gives_ + CHRISTINA _a look_. ANNE _comes to the rescue quickly_.] + +ANNE. + +Ronny has been acting as Violet's secretary to a certain extent. I +expect they had all sorts of little secrets together that they wanted to +discuss in private. + +CHRISTINA. + +Of course. That's very natural. [_With great friendliness._] If I +thought I were robbing you of anyone who was indispensable to you I +wouldn't ask you to put in a good word for Henry. But, of course, if +Ronald became the Khedive's secretary he couldn't exactly continue to +write letters and pay bills for you, could he? + +VIOLET. + +I'm rather taken aback. I'd got it fixed in my head that Ronny was +going. + +CHRISTINA. + +I can promise you that in helping Henry you're not doing any harm to +Ronald. Anne is very anxious that he should leave Egypt. Isn't that so? + +ANNE. + +In a way. Henry is proposing to spend the rest of his official life in +Egypt. An appointment like this is naturally more important to him than +it would be to Ronny, who is by way of being a bird of passage. + +CHRISTINA. + +Exactly. Ronny has had his experience here. If he stayed longer it would +only be waste of time. Anne naturally wants to have him near her. I +daresay she's a little afraid of his getting into mischief here. + +ANNE. + +I don't know about that, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +My dear, you know how susceptible he is. There's always the possibility +that he'll fall in love with someone who isn't very desirable. + +VIOLET. + +I've got an awful headache. + +CHRISTINA. + +Why don't you take a little aspirin? I'm quite sure that if you set your +mind to it you can persuade Arthur to give the job to Henry. And that +would settle everything. + +VIOLET. + +And if I can't persuade him? + +CHRISTINA. + +Then you must put it to Ronny. + +VIOLET. + +I? + +CHRISTINA. + +You see, if he refused the appointment and left Egypt, then I'm +convinced Arthur would accept Henry. + +VIOLET. + +Why should I put it to Ronny? + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Pleasantly._] You've been so very friendly, haven't you? If you +suggested to him that ... he's standing in Henry's way.... + +VIOLET. + +I should have thought it was for Anne to do that. + +CHRISTINA. + +How simple-minded you are! A man will often do for a pretty woman what +he won't do for his sister. + +VIOLET. + +You want me to make him go? + +CHRISTINA. + +Don't you think yourself that would be the very best thing ... for all +parties? + + [VIOLET _and_ CHRISTINA _look steadily at one another_. VIOLET + _sinks her eyes. She knows that_ CHRISTINA _is aware of her love. + She is terrified._ RONALD _comes in. He is in the highest + spirits._] + +RONNY. + +I've been sent to have a cup of tea. Sir Arthur is coming along in a +minute. I've got some news. I'm staying in Egypt. Isn't it splendid? + + [VIOLET _gives a little gasp_.] + +VIOLET. + +Is it settled then? + +RONNY. + +Did you know? I thought it would be a surprise. + +VIOLET. + +No. I've just heard. + +RONNY. + +Isn't it magnificent? + +CHRISTINA. + +You're very changeable. It's only a few months ago that you were +constantly telling Henry you'd had enough of the country. + +RONNY. + +Never. I love it. I should like to stay here all my life. + +CHRISTINA. + +Fancy that! + +RONNY. + +[_Addressing himself to_ VIOLET.] It would be madness to leave a place +where you're so happy, wouldn't it? I feel so intensely alive here. +It's a wonderful country. One lives every minute of the day. + +CHRISTINA. + +You're so enthusiastic. One would almost think you'd fallen in love. + +VIOLET. + +Ronny is naturally enthusiastic. + +RONNY. + +[_To_ CHRISTINA.] And why shouldn't I have fallen in love? + +CHRISTINA. + +Won't you tell us who with? + +RONNY. + +[_With a chuckle._] I was only joking. Isn't it enough to have a +splendid job in a country where there's so much hope? Sir Arthur has +given me a marvellous opportunity. It'll be my fault if I don't make the +most of it. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Dryly._] Shall I give you a cup of tea? + +RONNY. + +[_Chaffing her._] D'you think I want calming down? I feel like a +prisoner who was going to be hanged and has just had a free pardon. I +don't want to be calmed down. I want to revel in my freedom. + +CHRISTINA. + +All that means, I take it, that you don't want tea. + +RONNY. + +It's no good trying to snub me. I'm unsnubable to-day. You haven't +congratulated me, Anne. + +ANNE. + +My dear, you've been talking nineteen to the dozen. I've not had the +chance to get a word in edgeways. + +RONNY. + +[_To_ VIOLET.] Will you put my name back on your list for that dinner? +It would have broken my heart to miss it. + +VIOLET. + +Your official position rather alters things, doesn't it? I would never +dare to ask you now just to make an even number. + +RONNY. + +Oh, well, I'm sending out the invitations. I shall write a formal letter +to myself, explaining the circumstances, and I daresay I shall see my +way to accept. + +CHRISTINA. + +Dear Ronald, you might be eighteen. + + [ARTHUR _comes in with_ HENRY PRITCHARD. _This is_ CHRISTINA'S + _son, a pleasant, clean young man, but in no way remarkable_.] + +ARTHUR. + +Henry tells me he's come to fetch you away, Christina. + +CHRISTINA. + +So you lose not a moment in bringing him here. + +ARTHUR. + +Really, Christina, you do me an injustice. I can't bear to think you +should be parted from your precious boy an instant longer than +necessary. + +HENRY. + +[_Shaking hands with_ VIOLET.] How is my stately aunt? + +VIOLET. + +Merry and bright, thank you. + +HENRY. + +You know I'm having a birthday soon, don't you? + +VIOLET. + +What of it? + +HENRY. + +I've always been given to understand that aunts give their nephews ten +shillings on their birthday. + +VIOLET. + +Do they? I am glad. I'd love to press ten shillings into your willing +hand. + +HENRY. + +Halloa, Ronny. Lucky devil. I congratulate you. + +RONNY. + +That's awfully good of you, old man. + +ARTHUR. + +On what? Christina! + +CHRISTINA. + +I told Henry. I didn't think it would matter, I thought it better that +he should know. + +HENRY. + +I say, Uncle Arthur, I'm afraid mother has been giving you a rotten +time. It's not my fault, you know. + +ARTHUR. + +What isn't? + +HENRY. + +Well, when mother told me at luncheon that the Khedive had applied for +an English secretary, I saw by the beady look in her eye that if I +didn't get the job she was going to make things unpleasant for somebody. + +CHRISTINA. + +Really, Henry, I don't know what you mean. + +HENRY. + +Well, mother, you're an old dear.... + +CHRISTINA. + +Not so old either. + +ARTHUR. + +Certainly not, Henry. Let us have none of your nonsense. + +HENRY. + +But you know perfectly well that you'd cheerfully bring the British +Empire tumbling about our ears if you could get me a good fat billet by +doing so. + +ARTHUR. + +Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings.... + +CHRISTINA. + +You've got no right to say that, Henry. I've never asked anything for +you that it wasn't practically your right to have. + +HENRY. + +Well, mother, between you and me I don't mind telling you that Ronny is +much more suited to this particular job than I am. Only a perfect fool +would have hesitated, and for the honour of the family we can't suspect +Uncle Arthur of being that. + +ARTHUR. + +You see what comes of bringing up a boy properly, Christina; you've made +him a decent fellow in spite of yourself. + +CHRISTINA. + +You're a tiresome creature, Henry, but I'm attached to you. You may kiss +me. + +HENRY. + +Come along, Mother. I'm not going to kiss you in public. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Getting up._] Well, good-bye, Violet. Don't forget our little +conversation, will you? + +VIOLET. + +Good-bye. Good-bye, Henry. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_To_ ANNE.] Why don't you come for a little drive with us? It's such a +beautiful evening. + +ANNE. + +Will you take me? I think I'd like it. It won't take me a minute to put +on my hat. + + [_She gets up. They start to walk towards the house._] + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Putting up her cheek._] Good-bye, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, I'll just come along and put you in your carriage. You shan't say +that I don't treat you with the ceremony due to your importance. + + [_They saunter off._ VIOLET _and_ RONNY _are left alone_.] + +VIOLET. + +You're coming back, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, yes, in a minute. [_Exit._] + +RONNY. + +[_Under his breath._] Violet. + +VIOLET. + +Be quiet. + +RONNY. + +Isn't it ripping? I could hardly prevent myself from letting them see +how much I loved you. + +VIOLET. + +You didn't. Christina suspected before and now you've told her in plain +words. + +RONNY. + +[_Gaily._] That's only your fancy. You think because it's plain to you +it must be plain to anybody else. + +VIOLET. + +I've never before had anything to hide. D'you think I like it? + +RONNY. + +And even if she does know, what does it matter? It does her no harm.... +And how could anyone help loving you? + +VIOLET. + +[_Quickly._] Take care what you say. + +RONNY. + +No one can hear. To look at us anyone would think we were discussing the +political situation. + +VIOLET. + +You're cunning, Ronny. + +RONNY. + +I love you. I love you. I love you. + +VIOLET. + +For God's sake don't keep on saying it. I'm so ashamed. + +RONNY. + +[_Astonished._] What about? + +VIOLET. + +Just now, this afternoon, I would never have said what I did only I +thought you were going. I wasn't myself then, Ronny. I ought never to +have.... + +RONNY. + +Thank God you did. You can't grudge me the happiness you gave me. You +can't take it away from me now. I know you love me. I hold the sun and +the moon in my hands and all the stars of heaven. + +VIOLET. + +[_Desperately._] What are we going to do? Oh, it's not fair to me. + +RONNY. + +It's done now. You can't unsay it. Each time I look at you I shall +remember. I've held you in my arms and kissed your lips. You can never +take that away from me. And I needn't go. I shall see you constantly. +Oh, I'm so happy. + + [_She walks up and down for a moment, trying to control herself, + then she makes up her mind: she stops and faces him._] + +VIOLET. + +I want you to go, Ronny. I want you to make some excuse and refuse the +appointment here. + +RONNY. + +No, I can't leave you now. + +VIOLET. + +I beseech you to go. + +RONNY. + +Do you want me to? + +VIOLET. + +Yes. + +RONNY. + +Give me your hand, then. + +VIOLET. + +Why? + +RONNY. + +Give me your hand. [_She gives it him and he holds it._] Say you love +me, Violet. + +VIOLET. + +No. + +RONNY. + +How cold your hand is! + +VIOLET. + +Let me go. + +RONNY. + +D'you really want me to go? + +VIOLET. + +You know I don't. I adore you. It'll kill me if you go. [_He bends down +and passionately kisses her hand._] Ronny, Ronny, don't! What are you +doing? [_She tears her hand away. She is trembling with emotion. He is +white and cold with passion. They sit opposite one another for a while +in silence._] What a punishment! When you told me this afternoon that +you loved me I thought I'd never been happy in my life before, and +though it tore my heart to think that you must go I felt--oh, I don't +know--as though my joy was so overwhelming, there was no room in my +heart for anything else. And now I'm wretched, wretched. + +RONNY. + +But why? Darling! My darling, we were going to be parted, and now we're +going to be together. Can anything matter beside that? + +VIOLET. + +It's all so hopeless. + +RONNY. + +It needn't be. + +VIOLET. + +How can it be anything else? + +RONNY. + +I don't love you for a day or a week, Violet; I love you for always. + +VIOLET. + +Whatever happens, I'm going to try to do my duty to Arthur. + +RONNY. + +I'm not seeking to prevent you. What am I asking for? I only want to see +you. I want to know that I'm close to you. I want to touch your hand. I +want to think of you. What harm can that do you? + +VIOLET. + +If I were my own mistress I could laugh and let you do as you choose. +But I'm not. I'm bound to you hand and foot. It's torture to me. And the +worst of it is I love my bonds. I can't wish to be without them. I'm at +your mercy, Ronny. I love you. + +RONNY. + +Oh, but that's enough for me. I swear to you I don't want you to do +anything that you'll ever regret. + +VIOLET. + +If it could only be taken out of our hands. If something would only +happen. + +RONNY. + +What can happen? + +VIOLET. + +Perhaps the Khedive will change his mind. Perhaps the Foreign Office +will say you must go to Paris. + +RONNY. + +Would you be pleased? Violet, I want so little from you. How can it hurt +you to give me that? Let us give ourselves a chance to be happy. + +VIOLET. + +We shall never be happy. Never. The only thing we can do is to part, and +I can't let you go. I can't. I can't. It's asking too much of me. + +RONNY. + +I love you with all my heart and soul. I didn't know it was possible to +love anyone as I love you. + +[ARTHUR _is heard gaily whistling to himself_.] + +VIOLET. + +There's Arthur! + +RONNY. + +[_Quickly._] Shall I go? + +VIOLET. + +Yes. No. Have we got to hide ourselves? Has it come to that already? Oh, +I hate myself. + + [ARTHUR _comes in_.] + +VIOLET. + +[_Brightly._] You're very gay this afternoon, Arthur. One doesn't often +hear you whistle. + +ARTHUR. + +D'you think it's unbecoming to my years or to my dignity? + +VIOLET. + +Shall I give you a cup of tea? + +ARTHUR. + +To tell you the honest truth that is what I came here for. + +VIOLET. + +And I was flattering myself it was for the pleasure of my company. + +ARTHUR. + +Ronny, will you find out if it would be convenient for the Khedive to +see me at eleven o'clock to-morrow? + +RONNY. + +Very good, sir. + + [_He goes out._] + +VIOLET. + +What have you to see the Khedive about--if it isn't a secret? + +ARTHUR. + +Not at all. I'm merely going to place before him Ronny's name. + +VIOLET. + +Then the matter's not definitely settled yet? + +ARTHUR. + +Not formally. I've not had the reply yet to my telegram to the Foreign +Office, and I've not had the Khedive's acceptance of my suggestion. + +VIOLET. + +But supposing the Foreign Office say they think he'd better go to Paris +after all? + +ARTHUR. + +I think it's most unlikely. They know by now that the man on the spot is +the best judge of the circumstances, and I've accustomed them to giving +me a free hand. + +VIOLET. + +And you think the Khedive will raise no objection? + +ARTHUR. + +He knows Ronny a little and likes him. I think he'll be delighted with +my choice. + + [_There is a pause._ ARTHUR _drinks his tea. There is no sign that + he is conscious of_ VIOLET'S _agitation. She is tortured by + indecision._] + +VIOLET. + +Arthur, I'm sorry if I was cross just now about Abdul Said. It was +stupid of me to interfere with something that wasn't my business. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, my dear, don't say that. I'm sorry I couldn't do what you wanted. + +VIOLET. + +I made myself needlessly disagreeable. Will you forgive me? + +ARTHUR. + +Darling, don't reproach yourself. That's more than I can bear. There's +nothing to forgive. + +VIOLET. + +I owe so much to you. I hate to think that I was horrid. + +ARTHUR. + +You don't owe anything to me at all. And you're incapable of being +horrid. + + [_He seizes her hands and is about to kiss them, when she draws + them abruptly away._] + +VIOLET. + +No, don't kiss my hands. + +ARTHUR. + +Why not? + + [_He is surprised. For an instant she is taken aback. He looks at + her hands and she withdraws them as though he could see on them the + kisses which_ RONNY, _a few minutes before, had pressed on them_.] + +VIOLET. + +[_With the faintest laugh of embarrassment._] If you want to kiss me I +prefer you to kiss my cheeks. + +ARTHUR. + +That is evidently what they're made for. + + [_He does not attempt to kiss them. She gives him a quick glance + and looks away._] + +VIOLET. + +Arthur, I'm afraid Christina will be awfully disappointed at Henry's not +getting that job. + +ARTHUR. + +Let us hope she will bear her disappointment with as much fortitude as I +do. + +VIOLET. + +I don't think she's entirely given up hope that you will change your +mind. + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a chuckle._] I'm sure of that. I don't expect to have much peace +till the matter is officially settled. That is why I mean to settle it +quickly. + +VIOLET. + +What is your objection to Henry? + +ARTHUR. + +None. He's not such a good man as Ronald Parry, that's all. + +VIOLET. + +The last time there was a good job going Henry just missed getting it. + +ARTHUR. + +Henry is one of those men who would do very well for a job if there +weren't always somebody just a little bit better applying at the same +time. + +VIOLET. + +Christina thinks you're so anxious not to favour him because he's your +nephew that you are positively biassed against him. + +ARTHUR. + +Christina, like the majority of her sex, has an unerring eye for the +discreditable motive. + +VIOLET. + +She blames me because you won't help Henry. She thinks it's because I'm +jealous of her. + +ARTHUR. + +How exactly like her! The best mother and the most unreasonable woman +I've ever known. + +VIOLET. + +[_Forcing the words out._] It would be a great pleasure to me if you +could change your mind and let Henry have the post instead of Ronald +Parry. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, my dear, don't ask me to do that. You know how I hate refusing to do +anything you wish. + +VIOLET. + +Anne is so anxious that Ronny should go to Paris. He's made all his +preparations, don't you think you might just as well let him go? + +ARTHUR. + +I'm afraid I don't. I want him here. + +VIOLET. + +It would be such a joy to me if I could go and tell Christina that you'd +consented. It would make such a difference to me, you see. I want her to +be fond of me, and I know she'd never forget if I'd been able to do her +a good turn like that. Oh, Arthur, won't you? + +ARTHUR. + +Darling, I'm afraid I can't. + +VIOLET. + +I promise I'll never ask you anything again as long as I live if you'll +only do this for me. It means so much to me. You don't know how much. + +ARTHUR. + +I can't, Violet. + +VIOLET. + +Won't you talk it over with Anne? + +ARTHUR. + +To tell you the truth I don't think it's any business of hers. + +VIOLET. + +[_Hesitatingly._] Is it due to her influence that Ronald was appointed +to Paris? + +ARTHUR. + +Why? + +VIOLET. + +I want to know. If she's been pulling strings to get him moved I suppose +it's for some reason. He was very comfortable here. It's not often you +find a secretary who exactly suits you. + +ARTHUR. + +Well, yes, it was her doing. She tells me she doesn't mean to come to +Egypt so much as in the past and wants her brother nearer to her. + +VIOLET. + +If she wants to see much of her brother she let him choose rather an +unfortunate profession.... I wonder she didn't tell you the truth. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Quickly._] I'm convinced she did. I thought her explanation very +natural. I'm sorry it's necessary for me to interfere with her plans. + +VIOLET. + +I'm sure she wouldn't mind my telling you why she's so anxious Ronny +should leave Egypt. She thinks he's in love with a married woman and it +seems desirable to get him away. Perhaps she didn't want to tell you. I +fancy she's been very uneasy about it. + +ARTHUR. + +I daresay it's only a momentary infatuation. Let us hope he will get +over it quickly. I can't lose a useful public servant because he happens +to have formed an unfortunate attachment. + +VIOLET. + +I'm afraid I'm not explaining myself very well. Ronny is desperately in +love. There's no other way of putting it. You _must_ let him go. After +all, you're very fond of him, you've known him since he was a small boy; +it isn't as though he were a stray young man sent you by the Foreign +Office. You can't be entirely indifferent to him. Perhaps his welfare is +at stake. Don't you think it's wiser--it's only kind--to send him out of +harm's way. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, you know that I--Arthur Little--would do anything to please you +and that I care very much for the happiness of Anne and the welfare of +Ronald Parry. But, you see, I'm an official too, and the official can't +do all sorts of things that the man would be very glad to. + +VIOLET. + +How can you separate the official and the man? The official can't do +things that the man disapproves. + +ARTHUR. + +Ah! that's a point that has been discussed ever since states came into +being. Are the rules of private morality binding on the statesman? In +theory most of us answer yes, but in practice very few act on that +principle. In this case, darling, it hardly applies. I see no conflict +between the man and the official. + +VIOLET. + +You think it doesn't really concern you, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +I've not said that. But I'm not going to let an appeal to my emotions +interfere with my judgment. I think I understand the situation. I'm not +proposing to change my mind. I shall present Ronny's name to the Khedive +to-morrow. + +VIOLET. + +D'you think me very stupid, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +Not at all, darling. Only a clever woman could achieve your beauty. + +VIOLET. + +Then doesn't it occur to you that if I've made such a point of Ronny's +going it must be for some very good reason? + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a quick look at her._] Don't you think we'd better leave that +subject alone, darling? + +VIOLET. + +I'm afraid you'll think it silly and vain of me to say so, but I think +you should know that--that Ronny's in love with me. That is why I want +him to go. + +ARTHUR. + +It's very natural that he should be in love with you. I'm always +surprised that everybody else isn't. I don't see how I can prevent that +except by taking you to live in the depths of the Sahara. + +VIOLET. + +Don't make light of it, Arthur. It wasn't very easy for me to tell you. + +ARTHUR. + +How do you wish me to take it? I can't blame Ronald. He's by way of +being a gentleman. I've been good to him. He'll make the best of a bad +job. + +VIOLET. + +D'you mean to say that it makes no difference to you? + +ARTHUR. + +This secretaryship is a stepping-stone to a very important position. +You're not going to ask me to rob him of it because he's done something +so very natural as to fall in love with the most charming woman in +Egypt? I imagine that all my secretaries will fall in love with you. +Poor devils, I don't see how they can be expected to help it. + +VIOLET. + +You drive me mad. It's so serious, it's so tremendously serious, and you +have the heart to make little jokes about it. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Gravely._] Has it ever struck you that flippancy is often the best way +of dealing with a serious situation? Sometimes it's really too serious +to be taken seriously. + +VIOLET. + +What do you mean by that? + +ARTHUR. + +Nothing very much. I was excusing myself for my ill-timed jests. + +VIOLET. + +You're determined to keep Ronny here? + +ARTHUR. + +Quite. [_There is a pause._ ARTHUR _gets up and puts his hand on her +shoulder_.] I don't think there's anything more to say. If you will +forgive me I will get back to the office. + +VIOLET. + +No, don't go yet, Arthur. There's something more I want to say to you. + +ARTHUR. + +Will you allow me to advise you not to? It's so easy to say too much; +it's never unwise to say too little. I beseech you not to say anything +that we should both of us regret. + +VIOLET. + +You think it's unimportant if Ronny loves me, because you trust me +implicitly. + +ARTHUR. + +Implicitly. + +VIOLET. + +Has it never occurred to you that I might be influenced by his love +against my will? Do you think it's so very safe? + +ARTHUR. + +If I allowed any doubt on that matter to enter my head I should surely +be quite unworthy of your affection. + +VIOLET. + +Arthur, I don't want to have any secrets from you. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Trying to stop her._] Don't, Violet. I don't want you to go on. + +VIOLET. + +I must now. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, my dear, don't you see that things said can never be taken back. We +may both know something.... + +VIOLET. + +[_Interrupting._] What do you mean? + +ARTHUR. + +But so long as we don't tell one another we can ignore it. If certain +words pass our lips then the situation is entirely changed. + +VIOLET. + +You're frightening me. + +ARTHUR. + +I don't wish to do that. Only you can tell me nothing that I don't know. +But if you tell me you may do irreparable harm. + +VIOLET. + +D'you mean to say you know? Oh, it's impossible. Arthur, Arthur, I can't +help it. I must tell you. It burns my heart. I love Ronny with all my +body and soul. + + [_There is a pause while they look at one another._] + +ARTHUR. + +Did you think I didn't know? + +VIOLET. + +Then why did you offer him the job? + +ARTHUR. + +I had to. + +VIOLET. + +No one could have blamed you if you had suggested Henry. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, I'm paid a very considerable salary. It would surely be taking +money under false pretences if I didn't do my work to the best of my +ability. + +VIOLET. + +It may mean happiness or misery to all three of us. + +ARTHUR. + +I must take the risk of that. You see, Ronny is cut out for this +particular position. It's only common honesty to give it him. + +VIOLET. + +Don't you love me any more? + +ARTHUR. + +Don't ask me that, Violet. You know I love you with all my heart. + +VIOLET. + +Then I can't understand. + +ARTHUR. + +You don't think I want him to stay, do you? When the telegram came from +the Foreign Office ordering him to Paris my middle-aged heart simply +leapt for joy. Do you think I didn't see all the advantages he had over +me? He seemed to have so much to offer you and I so little. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, Arthur! + +ARTHUR. + +But if he went away I thought presently you'd forget him. I thought if I +were very kind to you and tolerant, and if I asked nothing more from you +than you were prepared to give I might in time make you feel towards me, +not love perhaps, but tenderness and affection. That was all I could +hope for, but that would have made me very happy. Then the Khedive asked +for an English secretary, and I knew Ronny was the only man for it. You +see, I've been at this work so long, the official in me makes decisions +almost mechanically. + +VIOLET. + +And supposing they break the heart of the man in you? + +ARTHUR. + +[_Smiling._] By a merciful interposition of Providence we all seem to +have just enough strength to bear the burdens that are placed on us. + +VIOLET. + +D'you think so? + +ARTHUR. + +You like the rest of us, Violet. + +VIOLET. + +How long have you known I loved him? + +ARTHUR. + +Always. I think perhaps I knew before you did. + +VIOLET. + +Why didn't you do something? + +ARTHUR. + +Will you tell me what there was to do? + +VIOLET. + +Aren't you angry with us? + +ARTHUR. + +I should be a fool to be that. It seems to me so natural, so horribly +natural. He's young and nice-looking and cheery. It seems to me now +inevitable that you should have fallen in love with him. You might be +made for one another. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, do you see that? + +ARTHUR. + +It had struck you too, had it? I suppose it's obvious to anyone who +takes the trouble to think about it. [_She does not answer._] Haven't +you wished with all your heart that you'd met him first? Don't you hate +me now because I married you? [_She looks away._] My dear child, I'm so +sorry for you. I've been very grateful for your kindness to me during +the last month or two. I've seen you try to be loving to me and +affectionate. I've been so anxious to tell you not to force yourself, +because I understood and you mustn't be unhappy about me. But I didn't +know how. I could only make myself as little troublesome as possible. + +VIOLET. + +You've been immensely good to me, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +That's the least you had a right to expect of me. I did you a great +wrong in marrying you. I knew you didn't love me. You were dazzled by +the circumstances. You didn't know what marriage was and how irksome it +must be unless love makes its constraints sweeter than freedom. But I +adored you. I thought love would come. With all my heart I ask you to +forgive me. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, Arthur, don't talk like that. You know I was so happy to marry you. +I thought you wonderful, I was so excited and flattered--I thought that +was love. I never knew that love would come like this. If I'd only +known what to expect I could have fought against it. It took me +unawares. I never had a chance. It wasn't my fault, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm not blaming you, darling. + +VIOLET. + +It would be easier for me if you did. + +ARTHUR. + +It's just bad luck. Bad luck? I might have expected it. + +VIOLET. + +Still, I'm glad I've told you. I hated having a secret from you. It's +better that we should be frank with one another. + +ARTHUR. + +If I can help you in any way I'm glad too that you've told me. + +VIOLET. + +What is to be done? + +ARTHUR. + +There's nothing to be done. + +VIOLET. + +Arthur, until to-day Ronny and I have never exchanged a word that anyone +might not have heard. I was happy to be with him, I knew he liked me, I +was quite satisfied with that. But when I heard that he was going away +suddenly everything was changed. I felt I couldn't bear to let him go. +Oh, I'm so ashamed, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +Dear child! + +VIOLET. + +I don't know how it happened. He told me he loved me. He didn't mean to. +Don't think he's been disloyal to you, Arthur. We were both so upset. It +was just as much my fault as his. I couldn't help letting him see how +much he meant to me. We thought we were never going to see one another +again. He took me in his arms and held me in them. I was so happy and so +miserable. I never thought life could mean so much. + +ARTHUR. + +And just now when you were alone he kissed your hands. + +VIOLET. + +How do you know? + +ARTHUR. + +When I wanted to kiss them you withdrew them. You couldn't bear that I +should touch them. You felt on them still the pressure of his lips. + +VIOLET. + +I couldn't help it. He was beside himself with joy because he needn't +go. I don't want to love him, Arthur. I want to love you. I've tried so +desperately hard. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, one either loves or one doesn't. I'm afraid trying doesn't do +much good. + +VIOLET. + +If he stays here I shall have to see him constantly. I shan't have a +chance to get over it. Oh, I can't. I can't. It's intolerable. Have pity +on me. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm afraid you'll be very unhappy. But you see, something more than your +happiness is at stake. A little while ago you said you wanted to do more +for your country than you did. Does it strike you that you can do +something for it now? + +VIOLET. + +I? + +ARTHUR. + +We all want to do great and heroic things, but generally we can only do +very modest ones. D'you think we ought to shirk them? + +VIOLET. + +I don't understand. + +ARTHUR. + +Ronny can be of infinite value here. You can't help your feelings for +him. I can't bring myself to blame you. But you are mistress of your +words and your actions. What are we to do? You wouldn't wish me to +resign when my work here is but half done. We must make the best of the +position. Remember that all of us here, you more than most women, +because you're my wife, work for the common cause by our lives and the +example we set. At all costs we must seem honest, straightforward, and +without reproach. And one finds by experience that it's much less +trouble to be a thing than only to seem it. There's only one way in +which we can avoid reproach and that is by being irreproachable. + +VIOLET. + +You mean that it's necessary for the country that Ronny and you should +stay here? And if my heart breaks it doesn't matter. I thought I was +doing so much in asking you to send him away. Don't you know that with +all my heart I wanted him to stay? D'you know what I feel, Arthur? I +can't think of anything else. I'm obsessed by a hungry longing for him. +Till to-day I could have borne it. But now ... I feel his arms about me +every moment, and his kisses on my lips. You can't know the rapture and +the torture and the ecstasy that consume me. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, my dear, do you think I don't know what love is? + +VIOLET. + +I want to do the right thing, Arthur, but you mustn't ask too much of +me. If I've got to treat him as a casual friend, I can't go on seeing +him. I can't, Arthur, I can't! If he must stay then let me go. + +ARTHUR. + +Never! I think, even if it weren't necessary, I should make him stay +now. You and I are not people to run away from danger. After all, we're +not obliged to yield to our passions--we can control them if we want to. +For your own sake you must stay, Violet. + +VIOLET. + +And if I break, I break. + +ARTHUR. + +It's only the worthless who are broken by unhappiness. If you have faith +and courage and honesty unhappiness can only make you stronger. + +VIOLET. + +Have you thought of yourself, Arthur? What will you feel when you see +him with me? What will you suspect when you're working in your office +and don't know where I am? + +ARTHUR. + +I shall know that you are unhappy, and I shall feel the most tender +compassion for you. + +VIOLET. + +You're exposing me to a temptation that I want with all my heart to +yield to. What is there to hold me back? Only the thought that I must do +my duty to you. What is there to reward me? Only the idea that perhaps +I'm doing a little something for the country. + +ARTHUR. + +I put myself in your hands, Violet. I shall never suspect that you can +do anything, not that I should reproach you for--I will never reproach +you--but that you may reproach yourself for. + +[_A pause._] + +VIOLET. + +Just now, when we were talking of Abdul Said, I asked if you could do +your duty when it was a matter that affected you, if it meant misery or +happiness to you, I said. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, duty is rather a forbidding word. Let us say that I--want to +earn my screw. + +VIOLET. + +You must have thought me very silly. I said I hoped you'd never be put +to the test, and the test had come already, and you never hesitated. + +ARTHUR. + +These things are very much a matter of habit, you know. + +VIOLET. + +What you can do I can do too, Arthur--if you believe in me. + +ARTHUR. + +Of course I believe in you. + +VIOLET. + +Then let him stay. I'll do what I can. + + [RONNY _comes in_.] + +RONNY. + +The Khedive was engaged when I rang up. But I left the message and the +answer has just come through. He will be pleased to see you, sir, at +eleven o'clock. + +ARTHUR. + +That will do admirably. Ronny must lunch with us to-morrow, Violet. +We'll crack a bottle to celebrate his step! + +END OF THE SECOND ACT + + + + +ACT III + + + _The scene shows part of the garden and a verandah at the Consular + Agent's house. Coloured lanterns are fixed here and there. It is + night, and in the distance is seen the blue sky bespangled with + stars. At the lack of the verandah are the windows of the house + gaily lit. Within a band is heard playing dance-music._ VIOLET _is + giving a dance. Everyone who appears is magnificently gowned._ + VIOLET _is wearing all her pearls and diamonds_. ARTHUR _has across + his shirt front the broad riband of an order. It is the end of the + evening. Various people are sealed on the verandah, enjoying the + coolness. They are_ MR. _and_ MRS. APPLEBY, CHRISTINA _and_ ARTHUR. + +APPLEBY. + +Well, my dear, I think it's about time I was taking you back to your +hotel. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, nonsense! It's when everybody has gone that a dance really begins to +get amusing. + +CHRISTINA. + +That's a pleasant remark to make to your guests. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I'm really ashamed to have stayed like this to the bitter end, but I do +love to see the young folk enjoying themselves. + +ARTHUR. + +Ah! you have learnt how to make the most of advancing years. The solace +of old age is to take pleasure in the youth of those who come after us. + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't think you're very polite, Arthur. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Bless your heart, I know I'm not so young as I was. + +ARTHUR. + +Do you mind? + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Me? Why should I? I've had my day and I've enjoyed it. It's only fair to +give others a chance now. + +CHRISTINA. + +I'm sure you enjoyed your trip up the Nile. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Oh, we had a wonderful time. + +ARTHUR. + +And what conclusions did you come to, Mr. Appleby? I remember that you +were looking for instruction as well as amusement. + +APPLEBY. + +I didn't forget what you told me. I just kept my ears open and my mouth +shut. + +ARTHUR. + +A capital practice, not much favoured by democratic communities. + +APPLEBY. + +But I came to one very definite conclusion for all that. + +ARTHUR. + +What was it? + +APPLEBY. + +In fact, I came to two. + +ARTHUR. + +That's not so satisfactory--unless they contradicted one another; in +which case I venture to suggest that you have grasped at all events the +elements of the Egyptian problem. + +APPLEBY. + +The first is that you're the right man in the right place. + +ARTHUR. + +Christina would never admit that. She has known for many years that she +could manage Egypt far better than I do. + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't deny that for a minute. I think on the whole women are more +level-headed than men. They're not swayed by emotion. They're more +practical. They know that principle must often yield to expediency, and +they can do the expedient without surrendering the principle. + +ARTHUR. + +You make my head whirl, Christina. + +APPLEBY. + +I had the opportunity of seeing a good many different sorts of people. I +never heard a reasonable complaint against you. Some of them didn't like +you personally, but they looked up to you, and they believed in you. I +asked myself how you managed it. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I told him that it's because you're human. + +ARTHUR. + +Christina thinks it very bad for me to hear pleasant things said of me. + +CHRISTINA. + +Christina doesn't know what her brother would do if he hadn't got an +affectionate sister to gibe at. + +APPLEBY. + +It must be a great satisfaction to you to see the country becoming every +year more prosperous and contented. + +ARTHUR. + +What was the second conclusion you came to? + +APPLEBY. + +I'm coming to that. Most of us are torn asunder as it were by a conflict +of duties. This and that urgently needs to be done, and if you put one +thing right you put something else wrong. We all want to do for the +best, but we don't exactly know what the best is. Now, you've got your +duty clearly marked out before you, if you take my meaning; you're +young. + +ARTHUR. + +Youngish. + +APPLEBY. + +You've made a success of your job and of your life. It's not all of us +who can say that. My second conclusion is that you must be the happiest +man alive. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I'm glad he's got that off his chest. He's been dinning it into my ears +for the last ten days. My impression is that he fell in love with Lady +Little that day he lunched here six weeks ago. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm not going to blame him for that. Everybody does.... It was a wise +old fellow who said that you must count no man happy till he's dead. +[CHRISTINA _gives him a look, and puts her hand affectionately on his +arm. He quickly withdraws it._] Here is Violet. + + [_She comes in on_ HENRY PRITCHARD'S _arm and sinks into a chair_.] + +VIOLET. + +I'm absolutely exhausted. I feel that in another minute my legs will +drop off. + +ARTHUR. + +Do take care, darling, that would be so disfiguring. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, I'd still dance on the stumps. + +ARTHUR. + +When are you going to send that unfortunate band away? + +VIOLET. + +Oh, we must have one more dance. After all, it's our last ball of the +season. And now that everyone has gone I needn't be dignified any more. +There's no one but Henry and Anne and Ronny. We've just had a gorgeous +one-step, haven't we, Henry? + +HENRY. + +Gorgeous. You're a ripping dancer. + +VIOLET. + +My one accomplishment. [_The band is heard beginning a waltz._] Good +heavens, they've started again. That's Anne, I'm positive. She's been +playing the British matron too and now she's having her fling. + +ARTHUR. + +You girls, you never grow up. + +HENRY. + +Are you ready for another turn, Violet? + +ARTHUR. + +Don't dance any more, darling, you look worn out. + +VIOLET. + +Supposing you danced with your mother, Henry. I can see her toes itching +inside her black satin slippers. + +CHRISTINA. + +Nonsense! I haven't danced for fifteen years. + +HENRY. + +Come on, mother. Just to show them you know how. + + [_He seizes her hand and drags her to her feet._] + +CHRISTINA. + +I was just as good a dancer as anybody else in my day. + +ARTHUR. + +When Christina says that she means she was a great deal better. + +HENRY. + +Come on, mother, or it'll be over before we begin. + +CHRISTINA. + +Don't be rough with me, Henry. + + [_They go into the house._] + +APPLEBY. + +We rather fancied ourselves too, Fanny, once upon a time. What d'you say +to trying what we can do, my dear? + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +You be quiet, George. Fancy me dancing with my figure! + +APPLEBY. + +I don't deny you're plump, but I never did like a scrag. Perhaps it's +the last chance we shall ever have. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +What would they say at home if they ever come to hear you and me had +been dancing? Really, George, I'm surprised at you. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Amused._] I won't tell. + +APPLEBY. + +You know you want to, Fanny. You're only afraid they'll laugh. Come on, +or else I shall dance by myself. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +[_Getting up._] I see you've quite made up your mind to make a fool of +yourself. + + [_They go out._ ARTHUR _watches them, smiling_.] + +ARTHUR. + +What good people! It's really a treat to see them together. + +VIOLET. + +Mr. Appleby is very enthusiastic about you. He was telling me just now +about his trip in Upper Egypt. He's tremendously impressed. He said I +ought to be very proud of you. + +ARTHUR. + +I can't imagine any remark more calculated to make you dislike me. + + [_She gives him a long look and then glances away. When she speaks + it is with embarrassment._] + +VIOLET. + +Are you satisfied with me, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, what do you mean? + +VIOLET. + +Since that afternoon when I told you.... + +ARTHUR. + +Yes, I know. + +VIOLET. + +We've never talked about it. [_Giving him her hand._] I want to thank +you for having been so good to me. + +ARTHUR. + +I'm afraid you haven't got much to thank me for. It would have been +easier if I'd been able to help you, but I didn't see anything I could +do but just sit still and twiddle my thumbs. + +VIOLET. + +I've felt your confidence in me and that has been a help. You've never +given the slightest sign that anything was changed. You used sometimes +to ask me what I'd been doing during the day. Of late you haven't even +done that. + +ARTHUR. + +I didn't want you to suspect for a moment that your actions were not +perfectly free. + +VIOLET. + +I know. No one could have been more considerate than you've been. Oh, +I've been so unhappy, Arthur. I wouldn't go through the last six weeks +for anything in the world. + +ARTHUR. + +It's torn my heart to see you so pale and wan. And when, often, I saw +you'd been crying I almost lost my head. I didn't know what to do. + +VIOLET. + +I couldn't help it if I loved him, Arthur. That wasn't in my power. But +all that was in my power I've done. Somehow I've managed not to be alone +with him. + +ARTHUR. + +Haven't you had any explanation with him? + +VIOLET. + +There didn't seem to be anything to explain. D'you think I ought to have +told him I didn't love him? I couldn't, Arthur. I couldn't. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear! My dear! + +VIOLET. + +Once or twice he wrote to me. I knew he would and I'd made up my mind +not to read the letters. But when they came I couldn't help myself. I +had to read them. I was so wretched and it meant so much to me that he +loved me. [ARTHUR _makes an instinctive movement of pain_.] I didn't +mean to say that. Please forgive me. + +ARTHUR. + +I think I understand. + +VIOLET. + +I didn't answer them. + +ARTHUR. + +Did he only write once or twice? + +VIOLET. + +That's all. You see, he can't make it out. He thinks I've treated him +badly. Oh, I think that's the hardest thing of all. I've seen the misery +in his eyes. And there was nothing I could do. I hadn't the courage to +tell him. I'm weak. I'm so horribly weak. And when I'm with him alone +I.... Oh, it is cruel that I should make him suffer so when he loves me. + +ARTHUR. + +I don't know what to say to you. It seems cold comfort to say that you +must set your hope in the merciful effects of time. Time will ease your +pain and his. Perhaps the worst is over already. + +VIOLET. + +I hope with all my heart it is. I couldn't have borne any more, Arthur. +I'm at the end of my strength. + +ARTHUR. + +Dear heart, you're tired physically now. We'll send these people away +and you must go to bed. + +VIOLET. + +Yes. I'm exhausted. But I want to tell you, Arthur, I think you're +right. The worst is over. I'm not suffering quite so much as I did. I +find it a little easier not to think of him. When I meet him I can +manage to be gay and flippant and indifferent. I'm so glad, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +You've been very brave. I told you we were all strong enough to bear the +burdens that are laid upon us. + +VIOLET. + +You mustn't think too well of me. I couldn't have done what I have +except for the consciousness of his great love for me. Is that awfully +disloyal of me, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +[_Gravely._] No, darling. + +VIOLET. + +You can understand, can't you? It means so much to me. It's helped me +more than anything else in the world. It's the only thing that made +these past weeks not intolerable. I'm satisfied to know he loves me. I +want nothing more. + + [MR. _and_ MRS. APPLEBY _come in_. ARTHUR _immediately assumes a + chaffing manner_.] + +ARTHUR. + +Why, what's this? You haven't given in already? + +APPLEBY. + +The spirit is willing enough, but the flesh is weak. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +We wouldn't like it talked about at home, but the fact is we got a bit +out of breath. + +VIOLET. + +Well, sit down a moment and rest yourself. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Just a moment if you don't mind, and then we'll be going. + + [CHRISTINA _appears with_ HENRY.] + +ARTHUR. + +Here is poor Christina in a state of complete mental and physical +collapse. + +CHRISTINA. + +Don't be ridiculous, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +How did you get on? + +HENRY. + +First rate. Only mother won't let herself go. I kept on telling her +there's only one thing to do in modern dancing--let all your bones go +loose and leave the man to do the rest. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_With a chuckle._] I think modern dancing is an abandoned pastime. +Nothing will induce me to let all my bones go loose. + +HENRY. + +Mother's idea of dancing is to keep herself to herself. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Looking at him affectionately._] You're an impudent boy. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +[_To_ VIOLET.] I do wish I'd seen you dancing with Mr. Parry. He's a +wonderful dancer. + +VIOLET. + +He does dance well, doesn't he? + +HENRY. + +Haven't you danced with him to-night, Violet? + +VIOLET. + +No. He came rather late and my card was filled up. I promised him an +extra, but some stuffy old diplomatist came and asked me for a dance, so +I gave him Ronny's. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +It's too bad. It must be a rare sight to see you and Mr. Parry waltzing +together. + +VIOLET. + +How do you know he dances so well? + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +There were two or three dances at our hotel last week and we saw him +then. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, I see. + +APPLEBY. + +[_With a chuckle._] I like that young man. When he gets hold of a good +thing he freezes on to it. + +VIOLET. + +Oh? + +APPLEBY. + +There's a young American girl staying at the hotel. She's a Miss Pender. +I wonder if you know her? + +VIOLET. + +No, I don't think so. We get to know very few of the winter visitors. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +She's a perfect picture to look at. And a beautiful dancer. + +APPLEBY. + +Everyone was looking at them last night. They made a wonderful pair. + +VIOLET. + +Do you know this lady, Henry? + +HENRY. + +Yes, I've met her two or three times. She's very pretty. + +APPLEBY. + +I don't think anyone else had much of a look in with her. + +HENRY. + +Well, you needn't be disagreeable about it. + +APPLEBY. + +As far as I could see she danced with Mr. Parry pretty well all the +time. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +It was a treat to see them together. + +VIOLET. + +[_A little uncertainly._] If one gets hold of a partner who suits one I +always think it's better to stick to him. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Oh, I don't think it was only that. She's so much in love with him that +she can't help showing it. + +HENRY. + +I never saw such a fellow as Ronny. When there is a bit of luck going he +always gets it. + +VIOLET. + +And is he in love with her too? + +APPLEBY. + +Oh, one can't tell that. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +If he isn't he very soon will be. She's too pretty for any man to resist +long. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Lightly._] You know them, the brutes, don't you? + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Bless their hearts, I don't blame them. What are pretty girls for except +to make nice men happy? I was a pretty girl myself once. + +ARTHUR. + +And was Mr. Appleby a nice man? + +APPLEBY. + +I think I must have been, for you've certainly made me happy, my dear. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +I wish you'd put that in writing, George. I'd like to have a little +something like that by me when you've got a bit of a chill on your +liver. + +APPLEBY. + +H'm, I think bed's the place for you, Fanny. Say good-night to her +ladyship and let's be going. + +MRS. APPLEBY. + +Good-night, Lady Little, and thank you so much for asking us. We have +enjoyed ourselves. + +VIOLET. + +Good-night. + +APPLEBY. + +Good-night. + +ARTHUR. + +I hope you'll have a pleasant journey home. Lucky people, you'll see the +spring in England. When you get back the hedgerows will be just bursting +into leaf. + + [_The_ APPLEBYS _go out_.] + +VIOLET. + +How old is this American girl, Henry? + +HENRY. + +Oh, I don't know, about nineteen or twenty. + +VIOLET. + +Is she as pretty as they say? + +HENRY. + +Rather. + +VIOLET. + +Is she fair? + +HENRY. + +Very. She's got wonderful hair. + +VIOLET. + +You've never mentioned her. Do you think Ronny is in love with her? + +HENRY. + +Oh, I don't know about that. She's great fun. And you know, it's always +flattering when a pretty girl makes a dead set at you. + + [_There is a momentary silence._ VIOLET _is extremely disturbed by + the news that has just reached her_. ARTHUR _realises that a crisis + has come_.] + +CHRISTINA. + +[_In a matter-of-fact way._] Let us hope that something will come of it. +There's no reason why Ronny shouldn't marry. I think men marry much too +late nowadays. + + [ANNE _and_ RONNY _appear_.] + +ANNE. + +I'm absolutely ashamed of myself. I half expected to find you'd all gone +to bed. + +VIOLET. + +[_Smiling._] Have you been having a jolly dance? + +ANNE. + +Think of having a good band and the whole floor to oneself. By the way, +Violet, the band want to know if they can go away. + +VIOLET. + +I'm sorry I had to cut your dance, Ronny. + +RONNY. + +It was rotten luck. But I suppose on these occasions small fry like me +have to put up with that sort of thing. + +VIOLET. + +If you like we'll have a turn now before we send the band away. + +RONNY. + +I'd love it. + + [ARTHUR _gives a little start and looks at_ VIOLET _curiously_. + ANNE _is surprised too_.] + +CHRISTINA. + +If you're going to start dancing again we'll go. Henry has to be at his +office early in the morning. + +VIOLET. + +Good-night, then. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Kissing her._] Your dance has been a great success. + +VIOLET. + +It's nice of you to say so. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_To_ ARTHUR.] Good-night, dear old thing. God bless and guard you +always. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear Christina, why this embarrassing emotion? + +CHRISTINA. + +I don't know what we should do if anything happened to you. + +ARTHUR. + +Don't be an idiot, my dear; nothing is going to happen to me. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_With a smile._] I can't get you out of thinking me a perfect fool. + +ARTHUR. + +Be off with you, Christina. If you go on finding out things that are not +your business I shall have you deported. + +VIOLET. + +What has she found out now? + +ARTHUR. + +A trifle that we thought it wouldn't hurt the public to know nothing +about. + +CHRISTINA. + +[_Shaking hands with_ RONNY.] I don't grudge you your job any more. +We're all under a debt of gratitude to you. + +RONNY. + +I had a bit of luck, that's all. It's nothing to make a fuss about. + +ARTHUR. + +Go and have your dance, darling. It's really getting very late. + +VIOLET. + +[_To_ RONNY.] Are you ready? + +RONNY. + +What shall we make them play? + + [_They go out._] + +CHRISTINA. + +Good-night, ANNE. + +ANNE. + +[_Kissing her._] Good-night, my dear. [_Henry shakes hands with_ ANNE +_and_ ARTHUR. _He and his mother go out._] I suppose I mayn't ask what +Christina was referring to? + +ARTHUR. + +I can't prevent you from asking. + +ANNE. + +But you have no intention of answering. What is the matter, Arthur? You +look so deadly white. + +ARTHUR. + +Nothing. I'm tired. I had a busy day and now the dance. [_The sound of a +waltz is heard._] Oh, damn that music! + +ANNE. + +Sit down and rest yourself. Why don't you have a smoke! [_Putting her +hand on his arm._] My dear friend. + +ARTHUR. + +For God's sake don't pity me. + +ANNE. + +Won't you talk to me frankly? I may be able to help you. In the old days +you used to bring your troubles to me, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +I tell you I'm only tired. What is the use of talking about what can't +be helped? + +ANNE. + +You must know that I notice most things that concern your happiness. +[_Looking away._] Why did you imagine I took so much trouble to get +Ronny moved to Paris? + +ARTHUR. + +I suspected. Ought I to thank you? I'm too miserable and too humiliated. + +ANNE. + +Have you heard about a Miss Pender? She's an American girl. + +ARTHUR. + +Of course I have. It's my business to know everything that goes on in +Cairo. + +ANNE. + +Don't you think that may be the solution? + + [HENRY _comes in_.] + +ARTHUR. + +[_Sharply._] What d'you want? + +HENRY. + +I beg your pardon. Mother left her fan here. + + [_He takes it up from a chair._] + +ARTHUR. + +I thought you'd gone five minutes ago. + +HENRY. + +Oh, we just stood for a moment to look at Ronny and Violet dancing. Upon +my soul it's a fair treat. + +ARTHUR. + +They make a wonderful couple, don't they? + +HENRY. + +I'm afraid Violet's awfully tired. She's not saying a word and she's as +white as a sheet. + +ARTHUR. + +I'll send her to bed as soon as they've finished. + +HENRY. + +Good-night. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Smiling._] Good-night, my boy. + + [_Exit_ HENRY.] + +ANNE. + +Is anything the matter? + +ARTHUR. + +Tell me about this American girl. She's in love with Ronny, isn't she? + +ANNE. + +Yes, that's obvious. + +ARTHUR. + +And he? + +ANNE. + +He's been very unhappy, you know. + +ARTHUR. + +[_Almost savagely._] That is a calamity which I find myself able to bear +with patience. + +ANNE. + +And now he's surprised and pleased. I've met her. Poor dear, she did +everything to make me like her, because Ronny was my brother. She's +awfully pretty. He's not in love with her yet. But I think he may be. +He's on the brink and if there were nothing else he'd fall over. + +ARTHUR. + +That is what I suspected. You know, Anne, the longer I live the more +inexplicable I find human beings. I always thought I was by way of being +a fairly decent fellow. I never knew what mean beastliness there was +inside me. It would be quite impossible for me to tell you how I hate +your brother. I've had to be jolly and affable with him and, by George, +I wanted to kill him. + +ANNE. + +Why didn't you let him go? Are you sure it was necessary to give him +that job? + +ARTHUR. + +Already he's been invaluable. + +ANNE. + +Then one can only hope for the best. + + [_There is a moment's pause. When_ ARTHUR _speaks it is at first + rather to himself than to_ ANNE.] + +ARTHUR. + +No one knows what I've gone through during the last few months. I've +been devoured with jealousy and I knew it would be fatal if I showed +Violet the least trace of ill-temper. I kept on saying to myself that +it wasn't her fault if she was in love with Ronny. [_Humorously._] You +can't think how devilish hard it is not to resent the fact that somebody +doesn't care for you. + +ANNE. + +[_With a chuckle._] Oh yes, I can. + +ARTHUR. + +I knew that almost everything depended on how I acted during these +weeks, and the maddening thing was that I could do nothing but sit still +and control myself. I saw her miserable and knew that she didn't want my +comfort. I've yearned to take her in my arms and I've known she'd _let_ +me because it was her duty. Those dear good donkeys, the Applebys, told +me just now they thought I must be the happiest man alive! Week after +week, with an aching heart I've forced myself to be gay and amusing. +D'you think I'm amusing, Anne? + +ANNE. + +Sometimes. + +ARTHUR. + +The battle has been so unfair. All the dice are loaded against me. He +has every advantage over me. But at last I thought I'd won. I thought +Violet was getting more resigned. She told me herself just now that the +worst was over. And those confounded people must go and upset the +applecart. Damn their eyes! + +ANNE. + +Why? + +ARTHUR. + +The Applebys told her about Miss Pender. It was very natural. They knew +no reason for not repeating the hotel gossip. + +ANNE. + +Was that why she asked Ronny to dance with her? + +ARTHUR. + +Yes. It's the crisis. She had the strength to keep him at arm's length +when she knew he loved her. What will she do now? + +ANNE. + +You heard what Henry said. They don't seem to be talking to one another. + +ARTHUR. + +No. + +ANNE. + +Why did you let them dance together? You might easily have said it was +too late and the band must go. + +ARTHUR. + +What good would that do? No. I've done nothing to prevent their meeting. +I've left them absolute liberty. + +ANNE. + +Do you think it's fair to Violet? You know, women act so much on +impulse. The surroundings and the circumstances have so much influence +on them. Think of the excitement of dancing, the magic of this wonderful +night, and the solitude under these stars. You complain the dice are +loaded against you, but now you're double-loading them against yourself. + +ARTHUR. + +It tortures me, but I must give them the opportunity to fight the matter +out for themselves. + +ANNE. + +Poor child, she's so young. + +ARTHUR. + +Too young. + +ANNE. + +Don't say that; it sounds as though you regretted having married her. + +ARTHUR. + +Don't you imagine that regret has been tormenting her ever since she +found out what love really was? Even though I love her with all my heart +I know now that I made a mistake. Do you think you can make anyone love +you by constant tenderness, devotion, and kindness? + +ANNE. + +Not a man perhaps. But a woman yes, yes, yes! + +ARTHUR. + +Whoever loved that loved not at first sight? I want so tremendously to +make her happy, and I've only made her utterly miserable. And there's no +way out. It's a pity that a convenient attack of brain fever can't carry +me off, but I'm as strong as a horse. + +ANNE. + +You know, Arthur, there's one compensation about the pains of love. +While one's suffering from them one feels one will never get over them, +but one does, and when they're gone they don't even leave a scar. One +looks back and remembers one's torment and marvels that it was possible +to suffer like that. + +ARTHUR. + +You talk as though you'd had experience. + +ANNE. + +I have. + +ARTHUR. + +I always look upon you as so calm and self-controlled. + +ANNE. + +I was desperately in love for years with a man. I should have made him +an excellent wife, although it's I as says it. But it never occurred to +him for an instant that my feelings were more than friendly. And +eventually he married somebody else. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear friend, I hate to think of your being unhappy. + +ANNE. + +I'm not. That's why I told you the tragic story. I've got over it so +completely that now I have an equal affection both for him and his wife. + +ARTHUR. + +D'you know, Anne, at one time I very nearly asked you to marry me? + +ANNE. + +[_Gaily._] Oh, what nonsense! + +ARTHUR. + +I daresay it's as well I didn't. I should have lost the best friend I've +ever had. + +ANNE. + +On the other hand, I've lost the satisfaction of refusing the most +distinguished man of our day. Why didn't you ask me? + +ARTHUR. + +You were such an awfully good friend. I thought we were very well as we +were. + +ANNE. + +That isn't the reason, Arthur. You didn't ask me because you didn't love +me. If you had you'd have let friendship go hang. [_Seeing that he is +not paying any attention to her._] What's the matter? + +ARTHUR. + +The music has stopped. + +ANNE. + +[_With a slight tightening of the lips._] I'm afraid my concerns don't +interest you very much. I was only talking about them to distract you. + +ARTHUR. + +Forgive me, but I've got this anguish gnawing at my heart. Anne, when +they come back here I want you to come with me for a stroll in the +garden. + +ANNE. + +Why? I'm frightfully tired. I think I shall go to bed. + +ARTHUR. + +No, do this for me, Anne. I want to give them their chance. It may be +the last chance for all of us. + +ANNE. + +[_With a little sigh._] Very well, I'll do even that for you. + +ARTHUR. + +You are a good friend, and I'm a selfish beast. + +ANNE. + +I wish you could have a child, Arthur. That might settle everything. + +ARTHUR. + +That is what I look forward to with all my heart. I think she might love +her baby's father. + +ANNE. + +Then she'll realise that only you could have been so tolerant and so +immensely patient. When she looks back she'll be filled with gratitude. + + [RONNY _and_ VIOLET _come in_.] + +VIOLET. + +I've told the band they can go. + +ARTHUR. + +I don't suppose they wanted telling twice. Did you have a pleasant +dance? + +VIOLET. + +I was very tired. + +RONNY. + +It was brutal of me to make you dance so long. I'll say good-night +before I'm turned out. + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, won't you sit down and have a cigarette before you go? Anne and I +were just going to stroll to the end of the garden to have a look at the +Nile. + +VIOLET. + +Oh. + +ANNE. + +I'm too restless to go to bed just yet. + + [ARTHUR _and_ ANNE _go out_. VIOLET _and_ RONNY _do not speak for a + moment. At first the conversation is quite light._] + +VIOLET. + +What was it that Christina was referring to just now? Had it anything to +do with you? + +RONNY. + +I don't think I'm justified in telling you about it. If Sir Arthur +thinks you should know I daresay he'd rather tell you himself. + +VIOLET. + +Of course you mustn't tell me if it's a secret. + +RONNY. + +I'd almost forgotten what a beautiful dancer you were. + +VIOLET. + +[_With a smile._] So soon? + +RONNY. + +You haven't given me much chance of dancing with you during the last few +weeks. + +VIOLET. + +I hear there's a girl at the Ghezireh Palace who dances very well. Miss +Pender, isn't that her name? + +RONNY. + +Yes, she's wonderful. + +VIOLET. + +I'm told she's charming. + +RONNY. + +Very. + +VIOLET. + +I should like to meet her. I wonder whom I know that could bring us +together. + +RONNY. + +[_With a change of tone._] Why do you speak of her? + +VIOLET. + +Is there any reason why I shouldn't? + +RONNY. + +Do you know that this is the first time I've been quite alone with you +for six weeks? + +VIOLET. + +[_Still quite lightly._] It was inevitable that when you ceased being +Arthur's private secretary we should see less of one another. + +RONNY. + +I only welcomed my new job because I thought I shouldn't be utterly +parted from you. + +VIOLET. + +Don't you think it was better that we shouldn't see too much of one +another? + +RONNY. + +What have I done to you, Violet? Why have you been treating me like +this? + +VIOLET. + +I'm not conscious that I've treated you differently from what I used. + +RONNY. + +Why didn't you answer my letters? + +VIOLET. + +[_In a low voice._] I hadn't anything to say. + +RONNY. + +I wonder if you can imagine what I went through, the eagerness with +which I looked forward to a letter from you, just a word or two would +have satisfied me, how anxiously I expected each post, and my despair +when day after day went by. + +VIOLET. + +You ought not to have written to me. + +RONNY. + +D'you think I could help myself? Have you forgotten that day when we +thought we were never going to meet again? If you wanted me to be +nothing more than a friend why did you tell me you loved me? Why did you +let me kiss you and hold you in my arms? + +VIOLET. + +You know quite well. I lost my head. I was foolish. You--you attached +too much importance to the emotion of the moment. + +RONNY. + +Oh, Violet, how can you say that? I know you loved me then. After all, +the past can't be undone. I loved you. I know you loved me. We couldn't +go back to the time when we were no more than friends. + +VIOLET. + +You forget that Arthur is my husband and you owe him everything in the +world. We both owe him everything in the world. + +RONNY. + +No, I don't forget it for a moment. After all, we're straight, both of +us, and we could have trusted ourselves. I wanted nothing but to be +allowed to love you and to know that you loved me. + +VIOLET. + +Do you remember what you said in the first letter you wrote me? + +RONNY. + +Oh, you can't blame me for that. I'd loved you so long, so passionately. +I'd never dared to hope that you cared for me. And when I knew! I never +said a tenth part of what I wanted to. I went home and I just wrote all +that had filled my heart to overflowing. I wanted you to know how humbly +grateful I was for the wonderful happiness you'd given me. I wanted you +to know that my soul to its most hidden corners was yours for ever. + +VIOLET. + +How _could_ I answer it? + +RONNY. + +You needn't have been afraid of me, Violet. If it displeased you I would +never even have told you that I loved you. I would have carried you in +my heart like an image of the Blessed Virgin. When we met here or there, +though there were a thousand people between us and we never exchanged a +word, I should have known that we were the only people in the world, and +that somehow, in some strange mystic fashion, I belonged to you and you +belonged to me. Oh, Violet, I only wanted a little kindness. Was it so +much to ask? + + [VIOLET _is moved to the very depths of her heart. She can scarcely + control herself, the pain she suffers seems unendurable; her throat + is so dry that she can hardly speak._] + +VIOLET. + +They say that Miss Pender is in love with you. Is it true? + +RONNY. + +A man's generally a conceited ass when he thinks girls are in love with +him. + +VIOLET. + +Never mind that. Is it true? Please be frank with me. + +RONNY. + +Perhaps it is. + +VIOLET. + +Would she marry you if you asked her? + +RONNY. + +I think so. + +VIOLET. + +She can't have fallen in love with you without some encouragement. + +RONNY. + +She plays tennis a good deal and she's very fond of dancing. You know, I +was rather wretched. Sometimes you looked at me as though you hated me. +You seemed to try and avoid me. I wanted to forget. I didn't know what +I'd done to make you treat me so cruelly. It was very pleasant to be +with someone who seemed to want me. Everything I did pleased her. She's +rather like you. When I was with her I was a little less unhappy. When I +found she was in love with me I was touched and I was tremendously +grateful. + +VIOLET. + +Are you sure you're not in love with her? + +RONNY. + +Yes, I'm quite sure. + +VIOLET. + +But you like her very much, don't you? + +RONNY. + +Yes, very much. + +VIOLET. + +Don't you think if it weren't for me you would be in love with her? + +RONNY. + +I don't know. + +VIOLET. + +I'd like you to be frank with me. + +RONNY. + +[_Unwillingly._] You don't want my love. She's sweet and kind and +tender. + +VIOLET. + +I think she might make you very happy. + +RONNY. + +Who knows? + + [_There is a pause._ VIOLET _forces herself to make the final + renunciation. Her fingers move spasmodically in the effort she + makes to speak calmly._] + +VIOLET. + +It seems a pity that you should waste your life for nothing. I'm afraid +you'll think me a heartless flirt. I'm not that. At the time I feel all +I say. But ... I don't quite understand myself. I take a violent fancy +to someone, and I lose my head, but somehow it doesn't last. I ... I +suppose I'm not capable of any enduring passion. There are people like +that, aren't there? It goes just as suddenly as it comes. And when it +goes--well, it's gone for ever. I can't understand then what on earth I +saw in the man who made my heart go pit-a-pat. I'm dreadfully sorry I +caused you so much pain. You took it so much more seriously than I +expected. And afterwards I didn't know what to do. You must--you must +try to forgive me. + + [_There is a long pause._] + +RONNY. + +Don't you love me at all now? + +VIOLET. + +It's much better that I should tell you the truth, isn't it? even at the +risk of hurting your feelings. I'm frightfully ashamed of myself. I'm +afraid you'll think me awfully frivolous. + +RONNY. + +Why don't you say it right out? + +VIOLET. + +D'you want me to? [_She hesitates, but then takes courage._] I'm very +sorry, dear Ronny, I'm afraid I don't care for you in that way at all. + +RONNY. + +I'm glad to know. + +VIOLET. + +You're not angry with me? + +RONNY. + +Oh, no, my dear, how can you help it? We're made as we're made.... D'you +mind if I go now? + +VIOLET. + +Won't you stop and say good-night to Anne? + +RONNY. + +No, if you don't mind, I'd like to go quickly. + +VIOLET. + +Very well. And try to forgive me, Ronny. + +RONNY. + +Good-night. + + [_He takes her hand and they look into one another's eyes._] + +VIOLET. + +Good-night. + + [_He goes out._ VIOLET _clasps her hands to her heart as though to + ease its aching_. ANNE _and_ ARTHUR _return_.] + +ANNE. + +Where is Ronny? + +VIOLET. + +He's gone. It was so late. He asked me to say good-night to you. + +ANNE. + +Thank you. It must be very late. I'll say good-night too. [_She bends +down and kisses_ VIOLET.] Good-night, Arthur. + +ARTHUR. + +Good-night. [_She goes out._ ARTHUR _sits down. A_ SAIS _comes in and +turns out some of the lights. In the distance is heard the wailing of an +Arab song._ ARTHUR _motions to the_ SAIS.] Leave these. I'll turn them +out myself. [_The_ SAIS _goes in and turns out all the lights in the +lower rooms but one. The light remains now only just round_ ARTHUR _and_ +VIOLET. _The Arab song is like a wail of pain._] That sounds strangely +after the waltzes and one-steps that we've heard this evening. + +VIOLET. + +It seems to come from very far away. + +ARTHUR. + +It seems to wail down the ages from an immeasurable past. + +VIOLET. + +What does it say? + +ARTHUR. + +I don't know. It must be some old lament. + +VIOLET. + +It's heartrending. + +ARTHUR. + +Now it stops. + +VIOLET. + +The garden is so silent. It seems to be listening too. + +ARTHUR. + +Are you awfully unhappy, Violet? + +VIOLET. + +Awfully. + +ARTHUR. + +It breaks my heart that I, who would do anything in the world for you, +can do so little to console you. + +VIOLET. + +Had you any idea that Ronny no longer cared for me? + +ARTHUR. + +How should I know what his feelings were? + +VIOLET. + +It never occurred to me that he could change. I felt so secure in his +love. It never occurred to me that anyone could take him from me. + +ARTHUR. + +Did he tell you he didn't care for you any more? + +VIOLET. + +No. + +ARTHUR. + +I don't think he's in love with Miss Pender. + +VIOLET. + +I told him that he meant nothing to me any more. I told him that I took +fancies and got over them. I made him think I was a silly flirt. And he +believed me. If he loved me truly, truly, as he did before, whatever I'd +said he'd have known it was incredible. Oh, I wouldn't have believed him +if he'd made himself cheap in my eyes. + +ARTHUR. + +My poor child. + +VIOLET. + +He's not in love with her yet. I know that. He's only pleased and +flattered. He's angry with me. If he's angry he _must_ love me still. He +asked so little. It only needed a word and he would have loved me as +much as ever. What have I done? What harm would it have done you? I've +sent him away now for good. It's all over and done with. And my heart +aches. What shall I do, Arthur? + +ARTHUR. + +My dear, have courage. I beseech you to have courage. + +VIOLET. + +I suppose it's shameful that we should have loved one another at all. +But how could we help it? We're masters of our actions, but how can we +command our feelings? After all, our feelings are our own. I don't know +what I'm going to do, Arthur. It wasn't so bad till to-night; I could +control myself, I thought my pain was growing less.... I long for him +with all my soul, and I must let him go. Oh, I hate him. I hate him. If +he'd loved me he might have been faithful to me a few short weeks. He +wouldn't cause me such cruel pain. + +ARTHUR. + +Don't be unjust to him, Violet. I think he fell in love with you without +knowing what was happening to him. And when he knew I think he struggled +against it as honourably as you did. You know that very little escapes +me. I've seen a sort of shyness in him when he was with me, as though he +were a little ashamed in my presence. I even felt sorry for him because +he felt he was behaving badly to me and he couldn't help himself. He's +suffered just as much as you have. It's not very strange that when this +girl fell in love with him it should seem to offer a new hope. He was +unhappy and she comforted him. Anne says she's rather like you. If ever +he loves her perhaps it will be you that he loves in her. + +VIOLET. + +Why do you say all this to me? + +ARTHUR. + +You've been so wretched. I don't want bitterness to come to you now. I +can't bear that you should think your first love has been for someone +not worthy of it. I think time will heal the wounds which now you think +are incurable, but when it does I hope that you will look back on your +love as a thing only of beauty. + +VIOLET. + +I am a beast, Arthur. I don't deserve anyone to be so good to me as you +are. + +ARTHUR. + +And there's something else I must tell you.... It appears that various +enterprising people have been laying plans to put me out of the way. + +VIOLET. + +[_Startled._] Arthur! + +ARTHUR. + +I find that there was a plot to kill me this morning on my way to the +review. + +VIOLET. + +How awful! + +ARTHUR. + +Oh, it's nothing to be alarmed about. We've settled everything without +any fuss. Our old friend Osman Pasha is going to spend some time on his +country estates for the good of his health, and half a dozen foolish +young men are under lock and key. But it might have come off except for +Ronny. It was Ronny who saved me. + +VIOLET. + +Ronny? Oh, I'm so glad. It makes up a little for the rest. + +ARTHUR. + +He did a fine thing. He showed determination and presence of mind. + +VIOLET. + +Oh, my husband! My dear, dear Arthur! + +ARTHUR. + +You're not sorry? + +VIOLET. + +I'm glad I've done what I have, Arthur. I've sometimes felt I gave you +so little in return for all you've given me. But at least now I've given +you all I had to give. + +ARTHUR. + +Don't think it will be profitless. To do one's duty sounds a rather cold +and cheerless business, but somehow in the end it does give one a queer +sort of satisfaction. + +VIOLET. + +What should I do if I lost you? It makes me sick with fear. + +ARTHUR. + +[_With a tender smile._] I had an idea you'd be glad I escaped. + +VIOLET. + +All I've suffered has been worth while. I've done something for you, +haven't I? And even something for England ... I'm so tired. + +ARTHUR. + +Why don't you go to bed, darling? + +VIOLET. + +No, I don't want to go yet. I'm too tired. Let me stay here a little +longer. + +ARTHUR. + +Put your feet up. + +VIOLET. + +Come and sit close to me, Arthur. I want to be comforted. You're so good +and kind to me, Arthur. I'm so glad I have you. You will never fail me. + +ARTHUR. + +Never. [_She gives a little shudder._] What's the matter? + +VIOLET. + +I hope he'll marry her quickly. I want to be a good wife to you. I want +your love. I want your love so badly. + +ARTHUR. + +My dear one. + +VIOLET. + +Put your arms round me. I'm so tired. + +ARTHUR. + +You're half asleep.... Are you asleep? + + [_Her eyes are closed. He kisses her gently. In the distance there + is heard again the melancholy wail of a Bedouin love-song._] + +THE END + +PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY +BILLING AND SONS, LTD., GUILDFORD AND ESHER + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Caesar's Wife, by William Somerset Maugham + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAESAR'S WIFE *** + +***** This file should be named 37965.txt or 37965.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/9/6/37965/ + +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) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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