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@@ -1,33 +1,4 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Silver Shield, by Sydney Grundy - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Silver Shield - An Original Comedy in Three Acts - -Author: Sydney Grundy - -Release Date: October 12, 2012 [EBook #41033] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SILVER SHIELD *** - - - - -Produced by Paul Haxo from page images generously made -available by Google and the Harvard University Library. - - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41033 *** THE SILVER SHIELD. @@ -2272,9 +2243,9 @@ ballet-dancer knows no better. NED. Mrs. Blake doesn't dance! (_crosses, sits at desk_) -DR. There is a difference between an actress and a _coryphee._ +DR. There is a difference between an actress and a _coryphée._ -MRS. D. (_sharply_) What _do you_ know of _coryphees?_ +MRS. D. (_sharply_) What _do you_ know of _coryphées?_ DR. (_starts_) I saw one once, my dear. @@ -3634,359 +3605,4 @@ of some ereaders right before the punctuation mark. 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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: The Silver Shield - An Original Comedy in Three Acts - -Author: Sydney Grundy - -Release Date: October 12, 2012 [EBook #41033] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SILVER SHIELD *** - - - - -Produced by Paul Haxo from page images generously made -available by Google and the Harvard University Library. - - - - - -THE SILVER SHIELD. - -AN ORIGINAL COMEDY -_IN THREE ACTS._ - -BY -SYDNEY GRUNDY. - -_Copyright,_ 1898, _by Thomas Henry French._ - - London: | New York: -SAMUEL FRENCH, | SAMUEL FRENCH & SON, - PUBLISHER, | PUBLISHERS, - 89, STRAND. | 38, EAST 14TH STREET. - - - - _Strand Theatre, _Comedy, - London, London, - May 19, 1885._ June 20, 1885._ - -SIR HUMPHREY CHETWYND MR. JOHN BEAUCHAMP. MR. JOHN BEAUCHAMP. - -REV. DR. DOZEY MR. RUTLAND MR. PERCY COMPTON. - BARRINGTON. - -TOM POTTER MR. ARTHUR DACRE. MR. ARTHUR DACRE. - -NED CHETWYND MR. W. HERBERT. MR. PERCY LYNDAL. - -MR. DODSON DICK MR. CHAS. GROVES. MR. ARTHUR ROBERTS. - -ALMA BLAKE MISS AMY ROSELLE. MISS AMY ROSELLE. - -MRS. DOZEY MRS. LEIGH MURRAY. MISS MARIA DAVIS. - -SUSAN MISS JULIA ROSELLE. MISS JULIA ROSELLE. - -WILSON MISS F. LAVENDER. MISS F. LAVENDER. - -LUCY PRESTON MISS KATE RORKE. MISS KATE RORKE. - - - -THE SILVER SHIELD. - -ACT I. - -SCENE.--_A hall; passages, R. and L.; a double window of stained -glass, on swivel hinges, opens upon a lawn, with view of grounds; -large portrait on the wall; landscape, and mirror; a staircase, L. TOM -POTTER discovered working at an easel placed near the open window; NED -CHETWYND seated at a table, opening and destroying letters leisurely. -LUCY PRESTON watching him; MRS. DOZEY asleep in an armchair, with a -book of sermons lying open in her lap; footstool; fireplace, R.; large -armchair side of fireplace._ - -LUCY. You've a great many letters? - -NED. A few friends inquiring after me. - -LUCY. More creditors? - -NED. A regular assortment. I have 'em of all sizes--big and little; of -all styles--polite to peremptory; of all nations--Jew and Gentile. -(_opens another letter_) Another lawyer's letter! (_LUCY goes up to -TOM_) "Unless the amount, together with our charges, five and -sixpence, be at once remitted----" Just so--common form. (_opens -another letter_) - -LUCY. Getting on, Mr. Potter? - -TOM. Famously. - -LUCY. I can begin to make out what it's going to be. - -TOM. Don't say that, please. - -LUCY. Why not? - -TOM. I shall be told I am a servile copyist without a soul. - -LUCY. Soul? What is "soul"? - -TOM. The gift of representing things as they don't exist. - -LUCY. Surely that isn't a gift. Isn't it art to show things as they -are? - -TOM. Not in the least. That's realism. - -LUCY. Then what's art? - -TOM. That's art. (_points to portrait, L._) - -LUCY. Sir Humphrey's portrait. - -TOM. (_crosses to portrait, L._) I beg your pardon--whose? - -LUCY. Sir Humphrey's. Can't you see the likeness? - -TOM. Has anybody seen it? - -LUCY. Of course! a score of people. - -TOM. It'd take a score. (_crosses to easel_) - -LUCY. (_turns to TOM_) It is by Sir Clarence Gibbs, the Royal -Academician, and it cost five hundred guineas. - -TOM. Ah! If I could only paint like that. (_looks at portrait_) - -LUCY. (_looking at picture_) Perhaps you will in time. - -TOM. Never. I may deteriorate, but I shall never be as bad as that. -(_looking at picture_) Now, look at this aggravating thing. After all -my trouble you can positively tell what it's meant for. (_NED rises -and joins them_) - -LUCY. Yes, two knights, on horseback, fighting. - -NED. What are you going to call it? - -TOM. The Silver Shield. - -LUCY. Silver Shield? (_crosses to back of easel; NED leans on back of -chair_) - -TOM. Haven't you heard the fable? Two knights, riding in opposite -directions, passed a shield, hung on a tree to mark a boundary, and -meeting some time afterwards, one of them happened to make some remark -about the Silver Shield they had both ridden past. "Silver," exclaimed -the other, "it was gold." Then they disputed, and words came to blows. -They fought, and killed each other. When they were both dead, it -occurred to somebody to examine the shield, when it turned out that it -was gold on one side, and silver on the other. - -NED. What jackasses those two knights must have been. - -TOM. So remarked everybody. - -LUCY. Well, they _were_ rather silly. (_crosses to MRS. DOZEY, R._) - -TOM. No sillier than we are, who see a fool in the looking-glass, and -don't recognise him. - -MRS. D. (_waking with a start_) Bless me! I've been asleep. - -LUCY. For two hours, Mrs. Dozey. - -MRS. D. I beg everybody's pardon. The fact is, I thought I was in -church, and Dionysius was preaching. - -NED. That sent you off to sleep. (_sitting on edge of chair_) - -MRS. D. Oh, no, that woke me up. I wouldn't miss one of his discourses -for the world. This is a splendid one I'm reading now--the 22nd, in -the 17th volume. - -LUCY. You have got so far? - -MRS. D. Yes, my dear; I've read sixteen volumes of the twenty. The set -were given to me by my husband on our honeymoon. Imagine my delight. -I've been reading at them steadily for five and twenty years, and my -only fear is that I shan't live to finish them. - -NED. Take warning, Lucy, and begin them young. - -MRS. D. Shall I lend you the first volume? - -LUCY. Thanks; I can get it from the library. - -MRS. D. I'm sure you'd like it, Mr. Potter. - -TOM. Unfortunately, I am going home to-day, and shouldn't have time to -do it justice. (_meanwhile DR. DOZEY has entered absently, his eyes -cast down, his hands behind his back_) - -DR. (_raising his eyes_) Going home? - -MRS. D. Ah, here's the doctor! (_dozes off again_) - -DR. Home! sweet home! The very phrase is fraught with poetry. One -seems to stand before the glowing fire, to hear the purring cat, the -hissing urn, whilst from without a quaint but welcome cry heralds the -advent of the evening milk on its accustomed round. If you are wishful -to pursue the subject---- - -LUCY. (_crosses in front to staircase_) Excuse me, I must look after -Sir Humphrey. (_Exit, L._) - -DR. (_turning to NED_) I would refer you to---- - -NED. Thank you very much, but I've some letters to answer. (_Exit, -R._) - -DR. (_turning to TOM_) To the tenth discourse---- - -TOM. The light's so bad here, I must go outside. (_Exit through -window, C._) - -DR. (_turning to MRS. DOZEY_) In my fifth volume. - -SIR H. (_top of stairs, L._) See to it at once. - -DR. Home I divide into three sections. First---- (_MRS. DOZEY snores, -DR. DOZEY stops and wakes her._) - -LUCY. (_with SIR HUMPHREY, top of stairs, L._) Will you take my arm? - -SIR H. Thanks, I need no assistance. (_stumbles and is obliged to take -LUCY'S arm_) Dear me, how bad my rheumatism is to-day. - -DR. (_turns to MRS. DOZEY, smiling grimly_) Poor Humphrey! - -MRS. D. (_rises_) He gets very feeble. - -SIR H. (_to LUCY_) Mrs. Blake's train is very nearly due. See if the -brougham has been sent to meet her. - -MRS. D. Mrs. Blake? (_Exit LUCY, through window, C. and L._) - -SIR H. A visitor whom we expect today. (_puts cap on table_) - -DR. A lady visitor? - -SIR H. Yes, a young widow, from Australia, whom we met on the -Continent this summer, and whose society proved so agreeable (_DR. and -MRS. DOZEY exchange glances_) to my ward, Miss Preston, that I invited -her to visit us, when she returned to England. - -MRS. D. A widow. (_crosses in front to L._) - -DR. An Australian widow. (_gets R._) - -MRS. D. It's a long way off. - -SIR H. Don't you like widows, doctor? - -DR. Far be it from me, whose tenement is glass, to cut a stone; but of -all types of widow, the most perilous is the Colonial. - -MRS. D. However, it's our duty to be charitable. - -DR. Until we know the worst we will think the best. - -SIR H. Wait till you've met Mrs. Blake; you'll be charmed with her. -(_meanwhile TOM has re-entered through window and down R. of easel_) -You mustn't go till you have seen her, Mr. Potter. (_turns_) - -TOM. Till I've seen whom? - -MRS. D. A widow. (_moves towards door, L._) - -DR. A Colonial widow. (_moves towards door, R._) - -MRS. D. Sir Humphrey picked up on the Continent. - -DR. And found charming. (_both sigh and exeunt, wagging their heads; -DR. DOZEY, R.; MRS. DOZEY, L._) - -TOM. Queer couple--a duet personified. - -SIR H. The doctor will have his joke. - -TOM. That's fortunate, for no one else would take it. - -SIR H. Very old friends of mine, and one must make allowances for age -and infirmity. (_sitting with difficulty, R. of table_) - -TOM. Can I assist you? (_crosses to SIR HUMPHREY_) - -SIR H. Not at all. It's only a little stiffness in the joints. I never -felt it till the last few years. - -TOM. Ah, we're all older than we used to be. (_goes to easel_) - -SIR H. Not at all, Mr. Potter, not at all. I'm younger than I look. I -have had trouble. - -TOM. You, Sir Humphrey! - -SIR H. My son gives me a great deal of anxiety. His heart's in the -right place, I know, but he's young, reckless, and extravagant. He's -taken to writing lately. A bad sign, Mr. Potter, a bad sign. I never -knew a young man who took to writing come to any good. I've paid his -debts more than once, and he won't settle down. I found a charming -wife for him, and he wouldn't look at her. He has views of his -own--very bad things to have. Why can't men be content with the views -of their forefathers? The opinions which are good enough for me ought -to be good enough for a stripling like him. - -TOM. Our forefathers believed the sun went round the earth. - -SIR H. And what better are we for believing the earth goes round the -sun? I've no patience with these revolutionary ideas. They unsettle -men's minds. Of course you don't agree with me. You are another man -with views, and that's the reason why you don't get on. - -TOM. (_comes down C._) You don't like me, Sir Humphrey. You are very -kind and hospitable; but I know it's only as a distant relative that -you put up with me. I don't wonder at it. You represent society; I -represent Bohemia. This makes it difficult to say what I must say -before I go. - -SIR H. What is that, Mr. Potter? - -TOM. I want to ask your ward, Miss Preston, if she'll be my wife. -You're astonished at my presumption--naturally. - -SIR H. Not quite that. What are Miss Preston's feelings in the matter? - -TOM. I don't know. I didn't feel justified in speaking to her first. - -SIR H. She is of full age, and can please herself. - -TOM. Yes, but there's something else. You know, I took my present name -when I went in for art, to your disgust, on my return from abroad -about five years ago; but of my previous history you know very little, -and I must tell you part of it. I suppose you think I'm a bachelor? - -SIR H. Of course. - -TOM. I am a widower. - -SIR H. You astound me. - -TOM. Yes, I once had a wife; but we weren't happy--in fact, we -separated. - -SIR H. How long has she been dead? - -TOM. A few months after my return to England I saw her death announced -in the newspapers. - -SIR H. The newspapers! - -TOM. There is no irony like that of destiny, no cynic half as cynical -as life. Two beings live together in one home, are bound together in -one interest, are animated by one hope. Fate separates them. They go -different ways, and after many days (_crosses to R._) they read about -each other in the newspaper. - -SIR H. She died abroad? Then you were never reconciled? - -TOM. Reconciliation was impossible. I should prefer to say no more -about it, (_crosses to SIR HUMPHREY, L._) but I am bound to satisfy -you I was not to blame. Those were the last words my wife wrote to me. -(_gives a letter to SIR HUMPHREY_) - -SIR H. (_reads_) "Tom,--I love another more than I love you. Isn't it -best that we should say good-bye? I have no right to tell you I will -never see you, for the fault is mine; but if I do, it will be only -painful, and I leave it to your magnanimity to go away from me for -ever." (_returns letter to TOM_) Enough, Mr. Potter. (_rises_) There -was a time when I disapproved of second marriages. They struck me as a -species of inconstancy. But as one grows in years, these sentimental -notions lose their force. One begins to realise the loneliness of -life. You understand me? - -TOM. Perfectly. The need of a companion. - -SIR H. More than a companion--the need of a--of a--I want a word. - -TOM. Nurse is the word you want. - -SIR H. No, sir! It is the very word I do _not_ want. - -TOM. I beg your pardon, I misunderstood you. - -SIR H. Strange as it may sound, what you've just told me makes my task -a little easier. Miss Preston also has a history. Her mother died when -she was quite a child. Her father was my very oldest friend, whom I -respected beyond everything, and it was only on his death, when I felt -I could not repudiate the guardianship I'd undertaken, that I made a -discovery which shocked me inexpressibly. I tell it you in confidence; -I have told no one but my son, whom it was my duty to put upon his -guard. Of course it puts an end to the proposal you have made, but, as -a man of honour, I am bound to tell you. - -TOM. Well, sir? - -SIR H. The girl is illegitimate. (_turning, L._) - -TOM. What's that? - -SIR H. (_turns and stares at him_) Mr. Potter, you call yourself a -Bohemian, but you are a distant--very distant--relative of my own, and -you must have at least the instincts of a gentleman. - -TOM. I hope so. - -SIR H. Having those instincts, you will think no more of her. - -TOM. Having those instincts, I think all the more of her. - -SIR H. You'd marry her, after what I've told you? Then you have no -respect for marriage. - -TOM. If I had no respect for marriage I shouldn't marry her. - -SIR H. We will not argue, sir. Go your own way. - -TOM. I've your permission? - -SIR H. But don't hold me responsible, whatever happens. - -_Re-enter DR. DOZEY, through window, and down, C._ - -DR. The widow has arrived. - -SIR H. Mrs. Blake? - -DR. I was sedately pacing up and down the drive, reflecting on the -vanity of life, when I was nearly upset by her equipage. - -SIR H. I must go and welcome her. Excuse me, Mr. Potter; the doctor -will entertain you. (_Exit through window_) - -TOM. Thanks, but I'll find Miss Preston. (_Exit, R._) - -_Re-enter MRS. DOZEY, down the stairs, in a flutter of excitement._ - -MRS. D. Dionysius? - -DR. Diana? - -MRS. D. I've seen Mrs. Blake. I happened to be looking out as she -drove up. There's no doubt about her respectability. You should see -her lace. Oh, Dionysius, real Valenciennes! (_crosses, R._) - -DR. I am afraid, my love, that notwithstanding five and twenty years -of my companionship, you have still a yearning after the pomps and -vanities. And yet it is not the plaiting of hair or the putting on of -real Valenciennes that constitutes respectability. - -_Re-enter SIR HUMPHREY with ALMA BLAKE._ - -ALMA. Oh, what a charming place. - -SIR H. My own taste, plain but comfortable. Permit me to present to -you my old friends, Dr. and Mrs. Dozey. - -ALMA. I am delighted to meet Dr. Dozey. - -MRS. D. (_crosses to ALMA_) With whose sermons no doubt you are -acquainted. - -ALMA. I don't read sermons, as a rule. - -MRS. D. You don't read sermons? - -ALMA. It may be very wicked, but I don't. (_crosses, L._) - -DR. (_aside to MRS. DOZEY_) A worldly-minded woman. - -MRS. D. I'm afraid so. - -ALMA. What a delightful, quaint, old-fashioned place this is! I must -congratulate you on your taste, Sir Humphrey. - -SIR H. Plain, but comfortable. - -ALMA. Whose portrait's this? Isn't he a dear old dignified soul? Quite -one of the last century. - -SIR H. It is considered much too old for me. - -ALMA. For _you!_ Oh, fifty years! I thought it was your grandfather. - -DR. Makes herself quite at home. (_aside to MRS. DOZEY_) - -MRS. D. Ignores me altogether. (_sits, R._) - -ALMA. What's this? A mirror, I declare! (_arranges herself before the -glass_) - -SIR H. My taste again. - -ALMA. The looking-glass? - -SIR H. The image it enshrines. (_bowing_) - -ALMA. I understand you. Plain, but comfortable. (_laughs and passes -on; gradually gets round, and down, R._) - -DR. (_aside to MRS. DOZEY_) Frivolous creature. (_goes up, R., and -down, R.C._) - -MRS. D. Lovely diamonds! - -ALMA. (_at easel_) That's a good picture. Who's the artist? - -SIR H. (_following ALMA_) Nobody particular. A sort of second or third -cousin of mine. - -ALMA. Whoever he is, he's clever. - -SIR H. Started life under the best auspices, but he has made no way. - -ALMA. How's that, Sir Humphrey? (_both come down, C._) - -SIR H. It's the old story. First he got amongst a set of loose -companions,--Bohemians, they called themselves--and then he took -to---- - -ALMA. Drink? - -SIR H. Not drink exactly--art. (_sits R. of table_) - -ALMA. Oh dear! how very sad! - -SIR H. The doctor knows the circumstances. - -DR. (_down, R.C._) They were most distressing. - -ALMA. But after all, some artists are successful, and a man must begin -at the beginning. There's nothing wicked about art, is there, doctor? - -DR. A perilous pursuit, and it is not the part of a wise man to play -with fire. (_ALMA pulls a long face, and is caught by MRS. DOZEY_) - -SIR H. I've no objection to a real artist, an Academician, such as Sir -Clarence Gibbs, who painted my own portrait. A very gentlemanly man, -indeed--received in the best families. - -ALMA. But _he_ must have learnt his business before he became an -Academician. (_looking at portrait_) - -SIR H. I doubt it. - -ALMA. So do I. (_turning to easel_) Now there is talent in that -picture. The man who did that shouldn't have gone wrong. - -MRS. D. But he became a scene painter! - -DR. He got connected with a theatre. (_both groan_) - -SIR H. (_uncomfortable_) Hem! Hem! (_tries to attract DR. DOZEY'S -attention_) - -ALMA. You don't approve of theatres? - -DR. My views on the subject of the drama you will find fully expounded -in the 13th sermon of my 20th volume. For the present I will content -myself with saying that those views are damnatory. (_crosses, L._) - -SIR H. Pardon me, doctor, but I should have told you, Mrs. Blake is -herself connected with the stage. - -DR. (_dropping glasses_) An actress! (_MRS. DOZEY rises and drops -book_) - -ALMA. You've dropped the sermons. (_stoops to pick up book_) Heavy, I -dare say. - -MRS. D. (_stopping her with a gesture, picks it up herself_) Thank -you. (_goes up to armchair at back_) - -DR. And so this is an actress. Bless my soul! (_Exit, L._) - -MRS. D. Somehow or other one can always tell them. (_sits, opens, -book, and dozes off_) - -SIR H. (_rises_) You must excuse my friends. - -ALMA. With pleasure. It's rather a relief than otherwise. They seem to -have a nice opinion of actresses. - -SIR H. The truth is, they have had no opportunity of forming one. - -ALMA. But have formed a very strong one, for all that. - -SIR H. Now that they have the opportunity---- - -ALMA. Let's hope it'll alter the opinion. - -_Enter SUSAN, R._ - -SUSAN. If you please, miss---- - -ALMA. Susan, don't call me miss. This is my maid, Sir Humphrey. I'm -always called "miss" at the theatre, when I'm called anything at all. -What is it, Susan? - -SUSAN. Mr. Dick is here--wants to see you particularly. - -ALMA. Tell him I'm engaged. What business has he bothering me here? - -SUSAN. But he's come down from town express. - -ALMA. Well, he can go back express. - -SIR H. One moment, Mrs. Blake. Who is this gentleman? - -ALMA. My manager. I don't know what he wants. - -SIR H. See him, by all means. Perhaps he'll stay to dinner if I ask -him. - -ALMA. Ah, you don't know Dick. He'll probably stay to dinner whether -you ask him or not. He's one of the old school of managers; they're -almost extinct now. Dick's the sole survivor. - -SIR H. I'm one of the old school myself, and shall be glad to meet -him. - -SUSAN. Here he is, with Mr. Chetwynd. - -_Re-enter NED, with MR. DODSON DICK, R._ - -NED. This way, Mr. Dick. (_goes up to easel_) - -DICK. (_crosses to ALMA_) Ah, there she is. (_Exit SUSAN, R._) Didn't -expect to see _me,_ did you? Here's a nice how d'you-do. Within four -weeks of opening, and Sparkle not delivered his first act. Thought I'd -run down and tell you. What are we to do? - -ALMA. This is Sir Humphrey Chetwynd--Mr. Dick. - -DICK. (_crosses to SIR HUMPHREY_) Pleased to make your acquaintance. -Nice sort of place you have down here. (_looking round_) - -SIR H. Quiet, Mr. Dick, and yet accessible. - -DICK. Out of the way, I call it--out of my way, at any rate. Make a -good set, eh, wouldn't it? That window's fine, opens out the scene, -and shows that landscape backing. Daren't use that sky. Scrubbs is the -man for skies. - -SIR H. Is he indeed? - -DICK. There's an originality about his skies--you never saw such -skies. The critics go in for originality. Scrubbs gives it 'em. - -ALMA. And don't they give it Scrubbs? - -DICK. Ha! ha! I'll make a note of that. Give it to Sparkle--do for his -next comedy. Poor Sparkle! Clever man, but sadly overworked. No wonder -he's behindhand with our piece. - -ALMA. It's your own fault. Give someone else a chance. - -DICK. No! no! Sparkle's recognised. - -NED. (_coming down, R._) His jokes are. - -DICK. That doesn't matter. It's his name I want. The public judges -only by the brand. One play's just as good as another. - -SIR H. That's your experience? - -DICK. Yes. On the whole, I think a bad play's better than a good one, -but we none of us know anything about it. - -ALMA. If you would only try him, here is an author to your hand. - -DICK. (_alarmed_) You--an author? (_puts hat on_) - -NED. Only last week I wrote to you about a play I'd sent you. - -DICK. (_crosses to SIR HUMPHREY; pulls out watch_) How are your -trains, Sir Humphrey? I've an appointment at four sharp, in town. - -SIR H. I see you are a man of business. - -DICK. Yes, I'm a cheesemonger. - -SIR H. A cheesemonger. I thought you were a theatrical manager? - -DICK. Same thing. A theatre's only a shop, and ought to be worked on -the same principles. - -NED. Or want of principles? - -DICK. Same thing. If my customers want a bad article, I give it 'em. -It's not my fault, it's theirs. - -SIR H. A philosopher as well as a cheesemonger! - -DICK. My dear sir, all cheesemongers are philosophers. - -SIR H. And all philosophers are fond of a good dinner. I hope you will -join our party, Mr. Dick. (_crosses, R._) - -DICK. With pleasure. (_puts hat down on table_) - -ALMA. But your appointment at four sharp. - -DICK. I'll keep that to-morrow. - -SIR H. Meanwhile, a biscuit. - -DICK. (_aside_) A biscuit. - -SIR H. And a glass of Heidseck. - -DICK. (_following SIR HUMPHREY off, R._) Heidseck, certainly. (_takes -hat_) - -SIR H. Come with me, Mrs. Blake? - -ALMA. Thank you, I'll stop with Ned. - -DICK. (_turns_) Capital set. First-rate. Can't say I like that sky. -Scrubbs is the man for skies. (_Exit with SIR HUMPHREY, R._) - -ALMA. (_crosses to L._) Now, Mr. Chetwynd. (_sits L. of table_) You -never told me about this comedy. What's it all about? What's my part -like? - -NED. Why it's _all_ you! I thought of no one else, and called the -heroine "Alma" after you. (_sits R. of table_) - -ALMA. You dear old goose! If I were a manager, I should accept your -pieces without reading them. - -NED. Excuse me. If you were a manager, you would reject them without -reading them. - -ALMA. Not yours. You are my oldest admirer. - -NED. What nonsense! I never met you till last year. - -ALMA. Well, what of that? I've had a score since then, but they've all -disappeared, and there you are still. - -NED. Faithful to the last. - -ALMA. The last's a long way off yet, Mr. Chetwynd. He's trundling a -hoop somewhere at this moment. But he'll turn up. Each season brings -its crop. They're mostly annuals, my loves. - -NED. I am an amaranth. - -ALMA. That locket on your chain? Isn't it the one you put my portrait -in? (_rises to examine it_) - -NED. Yes. - -ALMA. And he wears it still! You are an amaranth, indeed. (_about to -open locket_) - -NED. You'd better not. - -ALMA. Do let me see. I've quite forgotten what I looked like then. -(_opens it; kneels_) - -NED. Just as you like. - -ALMA. How I have altered! - -NED. You look younger there. - -ALMA. And my hair's different. - -NED. The fashion's changed. - -ALMA. Yes, and the colour too. There! Shut it up. (_rises_) - -NED. Twelve months make a difference. - -ALMA. Don't they? My amaranth has faded like the rest! (_pause_) And -pray, why do you wear Miss Preston's photograph? - -NED. (_after making sure that MRS. DOZEY is asleep; rises_) Can you -keep a secret? - -ALMA. I've kept one for six years. - -NED. Miss Preston is my wife. - -ALMA. Your wife! - -NED. You are so quick, I knew you'd find it out, or I should have said -nothing. We don't want anyone to know--at least, _I_ don't--just yet. - -ALMA. Doesn't Sir Humphrey? - -NED. No. - -ALMA. I thought he was her guardian. - -NED. She's twenty-one. He's not her guardian now. - -ALMA. But he's your father, and you've done a thing like this. She, -too! - -NED. It wasn't her fault. It was mine, if it was anyone's. But it was -no use speaking to my father. Lucy wanted to, but I knew more than she -did. The governor's the best old fellow in the world, but upon certain -points he is as obstinate as--as---- - -ALMA. His son. - -NED. As I am, if you like. - -ALMA. Why was it no use speaking to him? - -NED. Because he would never have given his consent. The fact is, -Lucy's mother was separated from her husband. She married very young, -and he left her before she was twenty. Not being able to get a -divorce, of course she couldn't marry again, and consequently Lucy's -father couldn't marry her. That's the whole mystery. Lucy doesn't know -it, but I did, and I knew it was useless talking. So we were married -secretly, this year. - -ALMA. And when do you propose to acknowledge your wife? - -NED. I don't know yet, (_crosses, L._) but when the right time comes. - -ALMA. The right time was the day you married her. - -NED. Ah, it's all very well to talk, but you have no idea how much it -would hurt the governor. (_crosses to ALMA_) It would have cut him to -the heart. - -ALMA. A very good reason for not marrying, but a very bad reason for -concealing your marriage. - -NED. It was to spare his feelings. - -ALMA. Don't flatter yourself. It was to spare your own. - -NED. Well, it's done now, and I can't help it. - -ALMA. But you can. You can tell him to-day. - -NED. (_sits R. of table_) That would be worse than telling him -earlier. - -ALMA. (_crosses to NED_) And better than telling him later. You've -done wrong, and you're doing wrong now. The only point in your favour -is that you're thoroughly ashamed of yourself. (_crosses to R.C._) - -NED. Ashamed! nay---- - -ALMA. I can see it in your face. No hoarding like a human countenance, -and no bill-sticker like a guilty conscience. - -NED. Alma, I _am_ ashamed. - -ALMA. (_crosses to NED_) Be as much ashamed of yourself as you like, -but don't be ashamed of your wife. - -NED. I'll tell Sir Humphrey--to-morrow. - -ALMA. To-day. (_holding her hands out_) - -NED. If I can screw my courage up. - -BOTH. (_shaking hands_) To-day. - -ALMA. I'll screw it up for you. You won't want much. Fathers are not -such dreadful animals after all. There was a time when children were -afraid of their parents, but now-a-days they're lucky parents who're -not afraid of their children. (_Re-enter DR. DOZEY, C., and down, -R.C._) Aren't they, doctor? - -DR. I crave forgiveness. Your observation escaped me. - -ALMA. Ah, you were lost in thought. - -DR. I was meditating, it is true. - -ALMA. Lost in meditation. Thank you, for the correction. - -_NED rises; goes aside thoughtfully._ - -DR. Lost in amazement. - -ALMA. Amazement. Beg your pardon. Got it at last. - -DR. That our paths, which are so diverse, should have crossed. - -ALMA. It's a queer meeting, certainly, but, you know, accidents will -happen. - -DR. (_raising his hand_) Pardon me, there is no such thing as -accident. It is true that fortune, like misfortune, makes us -acquainted with strange---- - -ALMA. Hem! - -DR. I will amend my illustration. - -ALMA. Thank you. - -DR. Rough-hew them how we may, our ends are shaped for us. Doubtless -we have been brought together for some wise purpose. I propose, -therefore, to improve your acquaintance. - -ALMA. Hadn't you better improve _me?_ Never mind my acquaintance. - -DR. That is the object which I have in view. Even the rose needs -careful nurturing, ere it will bloom like--like--what shall I say? - -ALMA. Say what you like. I won't be offended. - -DR. Like those I see before me. - -ALMA. These? (_taking one from her dress_) Would you like one? - -DR. I am unused to meretricious ornament. - -ALMA. Doctor! Don't call my poor rose such hard names. Stand still. -I'll put it in your buttonhole. - -DR. (_whilst she arranges it_) There can be no objection to a simple -flower. (_crosses to table_) - -ALMA. There! You look quite a masher! - -DR. Eh! (_turning_) - -ALMA. Picture, I meant! Picture, picture. - -DR. Do I, indeed? (_goes to mirror, turns, and smiles_) A flower _is_ -an adornment. (_stands admiring himself; ALMA goes up to NED, and taps -him on the shoulder, points to DR. DOZEY, and can scarcely restrain -her laughter; DR. DOZEY comes down, L., soliloquising_) A comely -woman. Not unprepossessing. Whatever the contents may be, the exterior -of the platter is attractive. (_the book drops from MRS. DOZEY'S lap; -turns_) What was that? - -NED. (_at easel_) It's only Mrs. Dozey. (_crosses with ALMA to R.C._) - -DR. My wife there! (_crosses to MRS. DOZEY, R._) - -ALMA. You needn't be alarmed. She's fast asleep. - -DR. (_picking up book_) And with my sermons on her lap again. (_wakes -her_) Diana! - -MRS. D. (_waking_) It's very strange, I can't get to sleep. (_rises_) -You must know, Mrs. Blake, I am a victim to insomnia. - -ALMA. I see. You take sermons medicinally. - -MRS. D. Good gracious, Dionysius! What have you there? (_points to -buttonhole_) - -DR. A rose, my love--a simple rose. There is no evil in a simple rose. - -NED. Don't you admire it? - -MRS. D. I don't like the look of it at all. Where did you get it from? - -DR. Hem! hem! (_fidgetting with the book; down, R.C._) A tendency to -be too interrogative is the besetting weakness of the age we live in. - -MRS. D. Come, Dionysius, the truth! - -DR. It is to this undue yearning after truth that I attribute the -prevailing scepticism. - -MRS. D. That isn't answering my question. - -ALMA. (_conquering her laughter, comes to his rescue_) I'm sorry you -don't like it, Mrs. Dozey. Your husband thought you'd be so pleased -with it. (_gives DR. DOZEY a slight nudge_) - -MRS. D. He gathered it for _me!_ - -DR. (_presenting it_) Diana, you are always on my mind. - -MRS. D. How can I thank you, Dionysius? (_embraces DR. DOZEY, while -ALMA shakes hands with him behind his back, where he is holding the -book_) - -DR. (_turning aside, and down, R._) That is a very clever woman. -(_opens book and reads; business with ALMA, as below_) - -_Re-enter SIR HUMPHREY and DICK, R._ - -DICK. (_wiping his mouth_) Capital Heidseck. - -SIR H. Glad you enjoyed it, Mr. Dick. - -DICK. Capital wine. - -MRS. D. Sir Humphrey, see what Dionysius has given me. (_showing -rose_) - -SIR H. Charming--exquisite! - -DICK. Call that a rose? - -SIR H. Mr. Dick--Mrs. Dozey. - -DICK. My man, Groggins, would turn you out a better article. -Groggins's the man for flowers. - -MRS. D. (_to DICK_) Your gardener, sir? - -DICK. Gardener? No. My property master. Marvellous florist! Nature's -not in it with Groggins. - -NED. (_to DICK_) You don't seem to have a very high opinion of nature? - -DICK. No, sir. Nature was only a beginner. Don't like amateurs, except -for _matinees._ - -_Meanwhile ALMA has been making signs to DR. DOZEY, pointing to -buttonhole and MRS. DOZEY; DR. DOZEY, behind the open book, responds -in pantomime; MRS. DOZEY observing this comes down between them; DR. -DOZEY drops his eyes on book and turns off; she pursues him; ALMA -turns off to SIR HUMPHREY, who leaves NED with DICK._ - -ALMA. (_getting round back_) Sir Humphrey, you must take me round the -park. I haven't seen half the beauties of the place. - -SIR H. Nothing would please me better. Ned, we're going out into the -grounds. Perhaps Mr. Dick would like to see them. - -DICK. Certainly. Give me an appetite for dinner. (_to NED_) What time -do you dine? - -ALMA. (_going out with SIR HUMPHREY_) Doctor, won't you come with us? -(_making eyes at him_) - -DR. (_with alacrity_) Surely! - -MRS. D. (_crosses, R., checking him_) Dionysius! - -SIR H. (_to ALMA_) Take my arm, Mrs. Blake. - -ALMA. I like the doctor. (_taking SIR HUMPHREY'S arm_) - -SIR H. An old schoolfellow. - -ALMA. He's going to "nurture" me. Isn't it kind of him? (_Exit with -SIR HUMPHREY, through window, off R._) - -DICK. (_following with NED_) Sorry I lost your comedy. If a romantic -drama would be any compensation, or a tragedy in seven acts, or a -historical pageant in thirteen tableaux, come to the theatre and take -your choice. (_Exit with NED through window, C., off L._) - -DR. (_crosses, C._) My love, you are in error. - -MRS. D. Nonsense! You've been philandering for the last ten minutes. -_You,_ Dionysius, who have always professed such horror of stage -players. - -DR. Mrs. Blake may be regarded in two aspects. - -MRS. D. You've been regarding her in half-a-dozen! - -DR. It is our duty to hate sin, but to love sinners. One may, at one -and the same time, abhor the acting---- - -MRS. D. And adore the actress! - -DR. I should prefer to say, regard the actress with that measure of -fraternal sympathy to which all our erring sisters are entitled. - -MRS. D. But which only the good-looking ones get. (_re-enter LUCY, -down staircase, L._) No, Dionysius, it won't do! A little less of that -fraternal sympathy, if you please. - -LUCY. What's the matter, Mrs. Dozey? (_DR. DOZEY gets up, R._) - -MRS. D. Matter! Why that stage-player---- - -LUCY. Mrs. Blake? - -MRS. D. Has been at her stage tricks! - -DR. (_crosses to R.C._) Diana, you are excited. - -MRS. D. Well, I may be. (_crosses, R._) You never looked at _me_ as -long as I caught you looking at _her._ (_going off, R._) - -DR. My angel, I have been gazing at you steadfastly for a quarter of a -century. (_Exit after her, R._) - -_Re-enter TOM, through window, C.R._ - -TOM. Good gracious, Mrs. Dozey's wide-awake! - -LUCY. She's caught the doctor napping this time. She seems quite -jealous of Mrs. Blake already. - -TOM. The widow? Has she come? - -LUCY. I met her at the door. - -TOM. Well, is she as charming as Sir Humphrey says? - -LUCY. I suppose she must be. At the hotel when we first met her she -turned everybody's head. Sir Humphrey was smitten on the spot, and as -for Ned, well, he behaved disgracefully. I wish you weren't going, -Tom! - -TOM. Do you? - -LUCY. I should like to see what impression she'd make upon _you._ I -don't believe you could admire anybody. - -TOM. Am I so hard to please? - -LUCY. A regular old cynic! - -TOM. And what's a cynic? A poor devil, who's fool enough to put into -words the harshness wise men put into their deeds, and fool enough to -put into deeds the kindness wise men put into their words. Your cynic -is the softest of mankind, and as a rule he's been in love before he -was a cynic. (_crosses to L._) - -LUCY. (_crosses to R._) Surely you haven't? - -TOM. I've been most things, Lucy. - -LUCY. Except a husband. (_laughing_) - -TOM. I've been that. - -LUCY. (_crosses to TOM_) A husband! No! Surely you're joking? Oh, I -can't believe it. - -TOM. What's much more singular, I want to be married again. - -LUCY. Were you so happy? - -TOM. No, I wasn't happy. - -LUCY. Didn't you like your wife? - -TOM. Yes, I adored her. So did someone else. - -LUCY. Well? - -TOM. I suppose she adored him. (_sits R. of table_) - -LUCY. She left you! (_getting back_) - -TOM. No, I left _her!_ Six years ago! On a bright summer day--just -such a day as this. As I passed down the walk I caught my last glimpse -of her through a window, as it might be there. (_pointing to window_) -I can almost see her now, framed like a picture in the window frame, -with the sun streaming down on her, for all the world like---- -(_rises_) - -_ALMA suddenly appears on the lawn outside, standing an instant in the -sunshine, with her head turned to SIR HUMPHREY, who passes the window -a moment afterwards._ - -ALMA. Oh, what a lovely lawn! We must have tennis there, Sir Humphrey. - -SIR H. If I could play the game---- - -ALMA. I'll teach you. (_they pass on, R., out of sight_) - -LUCY. Tom, what's the matter? - -TOM. Who was that--passed the window? - -LUCY. That was Mrs. Blake. What do you think of her? - -TOM. Blake? - -LUCY. I believe _you're_ smitten. Men are all alike. - -TOM. Just in time--only just. - -LUCY. What are you talking about? Just in time for what? - -TOM. (_recovering himself_) My train, of course. I'd quite forgotten -it. I must make haste, or I shall miss it. - -LUCY. Don't run away like that. - -TOM. Say good-bye to Sir Humphrey, will you, Lucy? Tell him to think -no more about what I said just now. He'll understand you. - -LUCY. Tom, you're not going in this way? - -TOM. (_crosses to R._) I must go. (_turns to LUCY_) Make my apologies. - -LUCY. Without even your picture. - -TOM. I can send for that. (_Exit, R._) - -_Re-enter DICK and NED through window._ - -DICK. I don't think much of it. I can't say I think much of it. Not a -patch on one in my last comedy. Potts' masterpiece! Potts is the man -for exteriors. - -_Re-enter ALMA and SIR HUMPHREY through window, L._ - -ALMA. Clever! It's more than clever. - -SIR H. I must introduce you to the painter. - -ALMA. I should like to know him. In these days, it's quite refreshing -to meet an artist whose art is intelligible without a catalogue and -half a column of criticism. - -_Re-enter MRS. DOZEY, R._ - -SIR H. Lucy, where's Mr. Potter? Mrs. Blake has been admiring his -sketch, and wants to congratulate him. - -LUCY. He has just gone. - -SIR H. Gone? - -MRS. D. Mr. Potter gone? - -LUCY. He said he'd barely time to catch his train, and asked me to -apologise to you for going so abruptly. - -_Re-enter DR. DOZEY, R._ - -ALMA. Then I shan't see him. What a disappointment! - -DR. (_crosses to SIR HUMPHREY_) Life is made up of disappointments. As -we near its goal---- (_SIR HUMPHREY turns him round; he faces ALMA_) - -SIR H. Gone, after what he said to me this morning! - -LUCY. Oh, and he left some message! You were to forget what he had -said or something--he was in too great a hurry to explain himself. - -SIR H. I think I understand. (_to LUCY_) You have refused him? - -LUCY. I? - -MRS. D. Mr. Potter has proposed! - -NED. For Lucy? - -DR. (_approaching DICK_) I was remarking---- (_buttonholes DICK, who -gradually retreats up stage, followed step by step by DR. DOZEY, -preaching in dumb show_) - -SIR H. Not an hour ago he asked to be allowed to speak to you. Hasn't -he done so? - -LUCY. No, he said nothing. - -ALMA. (_aside to NED_) Now's your opportunity. Redeem your promise. - -SIR H. This is an insult--a gross insult. - -MRS. D. A mere painter! - -NED. (_crosses to LUCY_) If he _had_ spoken it would have been -useless. Miss Preston has accepted someone else. - -SIR H. Without my knowledge? - -NED. Yes. But it wasn't Lucy's fault. (_takes LUCY'S hand_) She would -have told you, but I wouldn't let her. - -SIR H. You! - -MRS. D. Oh, Dionysius! Miss Preston is engaged to Mr. Chetwynd. -(_brings DR. DOZEY down, to the great relief of DICK, who gasps for -air and mops his forehead at back_) - -SIR H. Not to you, Ned! Say, there is some mistake! You couldn't do so -wrong. Say, you are not engaged. - -NED. No, not engaged. - -SIR H. Thank heaven! - -NED. This is my wife. (_takes LUCY'S hand_) - -MRS. D. Oh! - -DR. Bless my soul! - -SIR H. (_incredulous_) Your wife! - -DICK. (_coming forward_) Sir, I congrat---- (_ALMA stops DICK and -takes him up; DR. and MRS. DOZEY turn deprecatingly_) - -SIR H. She, your wife? (_DR. DOZEY puts up glasses and surveys LUCY_) - -NED. Your daughter. - -SIR H. I disown her! I refuse to recognise this marriage. I disown you -both! You have brought shame upon a line that was untarnished. You--my -son--my only child--the bearer of an honoured name--the heir of a -proud history--and she--(_breaks down_) Oh, Ned! Why did you marry -her? (_sits L. of table_) - -NED. I married her (_turns to LUCY_) for love. (_puts arm round LUCY_) - -END OF ACT I. - - - -ACT II. - -SCENE.--NED CHETWYND'S. _Doors R. and L. French window opening on -garden, at back. TOM'S picture of the two knights hangs on wall, R. -Piano, desk, screen, sofa, photographs, &c., &c. The entrance marked, -L., should be low down stage. Fireplace, L. NED discovered writing at -desk, L. LUCY reading, R._ - -LUCY. Nearly done, Ned? - -NED. Good gracious, no. I've only just begun. - -LUCY. Isn't it time you dressed? The Dozeys will be here directly. I -told them we should dine early. - -NED. Bother the Dozeys! - -LUCY. I couldn't help asking them. Indeed, they asked themselves. -(_rises, crosses to C._) - -NED. Lucy, how can I write while you keep chattering? I particularly -want to finish what I'm doing. I want to send it to Alma by to-night's -post. - -LUCY. Alma! - -NED. What's the matter? - -LUCY. I wish you wouldn't call Mrs. Blake "Alma." I don't like it! - -NED. I don't think you like _her._ - -LUCY. I like her very well; but at the same time I think you see too -much of her. - -NED. What nonsense! We're in the same set; I can't help seeing a good -deal of her. - -LUCY. That's true enough--in some of her dresses. - -NED. Come, come. That's only on the stage. She has to dress according -to her part. She's not responsible for its clothing. - -LUCY. (_turning to NED_) The stage is an excuse for a great deal. - -NED. You mean, it's an excuse for very little. Where had I got to? -You've quite put me out. - -LUCY. What are you writing that's so very particular? - -NED. Only a letter. - -LUCY. A letter. (_crosses to NED_) - -NED. But it's most important. - -LUCY. (_aside_) A letter to Mrs. Blake. (_leans over his shoulder; he -covers the sheet with the blotting-paper_) - -NED. Lucy, I wish you wouldn't look over my shoulder. You don't know -how it fidgets me. I can't write a line. - -LUCY. I'd better go upstairs, then I shan't interrupt you. - -NED. Thank you; there's a dear. I'm sorry to be so disagreeable, but I -must finish this. - -LUCY. Dinner at seven. - -NED. All right. (_Exit LUCY, R._) Now I can go ahead like a steam -engine. (_writes_) "Fool that I was, I thought that it would last for -ever. Nothing can now remove the barrier between us. With my own hand -I have destroyed my happiness." That's warm enough, I think. I'm -making an infernal scoundrel of my namesake, but no matter. (_reads_) -"With my own hand"--I wonder if that's right. Could he have destroyed -his happiness with anybody else's hand? With my hand I have--no--he -couldn't have done it with his foot. - -_Re-enter LUCY, R., and down R.C._ - -LUCY. Ned, here's Mr. Potter. - -_Enter TOM, R._ - -NED. (_rises_) Hallo, Tom! (_shakes hands_) - -TOM. Hard at work? - -NED. Yes--spoiling more paper. I'm an annuity to the local stationer. - -TOM. Well, perhaps in your old age the local butterman will be an -annuity to you. - -NED. Gad, I shall want one at the pace I'm going. - -TOM. Sir Humphrey not come round yet? - -NED. No, we're still outcasts. - -LUCY. But he makes us an allowance. - -NED. Yes. He hasn't forgiven us, but he makes us an allowance. That's -the governor all over. - -TOM. And I suppose you spend a good deal more than he allows you? -(_Lucy sits, R._) - -NED. Yes, that's me all over. - -TOM. Well, I won't preach. - -NED. For mercy's sake! The doctor's coming to dinner; he'll preach -quite enough. - -LUCY. To do him justice, Ned, he doesn't talk at dinner. - -NED. To do the dinner justice, he does not. - -LUCY. Won't you stay, Mr. Potter? - -NED. Do. I shan't work any more to-day. - -TOM. Thank you. I don't dine as a rule, but I'll make an exception. - -NED. That's right. You can keep Lucy company while I go and dress. I -shan't be very long. (_Exit, L._) - -LUCY. See where we've hung your wedding present. (_indicating the -picture, R._) - -TOM. Yes--I was looking at my knights--thinking how like Sir Humphrey -is to them. Do you know, he's never seen me since the day I left his -house? I've tried to get at him a dozen times, but he won't give me a -chance of explaining myself. He sees one side of the shield and won't -look at the other. - -LUCY. I know he was very much annoyed with you. - -TOM. _You_ must have thought my conduct very strange. - -LUCY. I did. (_sits, R._) - -TOM. I owe you an explanation as well as Sir Humphrey. You remember my -telling you my married life was a failure? - -LUCY. Though you adored your wife. - -TOM. You mustn't think she didn't care for me, at first, but she was -lively, high-spirited, demonstrative. (_fetches chair from back and -sits beside LUCY_) And you know what sort of a fellow I am. Heavy as -one of Dozey's sermons. Women like pretty speeches, compliments. I -can't make pretty speeches, and I can't pay compliments; but there are -lots of men about who can. I wasn't jealous, for a man can't very well -be jealous of a lap dog--and still less of half-a-dozen lap dogs at a -time; but I lost my opinion of her (_rises_) and at last---- (_leans -on back of chair_) - -LUCY. You told her so. - -TOM. I didn't say very much; and what I said she didn't seem to heed. -When I had spoken I went out. Coming back presently I found a letter -lying on her desk telling me she preferred another man, and asking me -to leave her. I took her at her word. (_crosses to C._) - -LUCY. You left her without seeing her again? - -TOM. She asked me _not_ to see her, and where was the use? I had just -spoken to her, and this was the result. I came to England, and the -next I heard of her was the announcement of her death. (_crosses to -sofa_) - -LUCY. Abroad? - -TOM. In Melbourne. At first the sight of the old name brought back old -memories, and I forgave her. I got out the few remnants the past -leaves to men--the few pale letters and the faded photograph that -grows a little dimmer every day--when my eyes fell on that last note I -found upon her desk. I huddled up the scraps and went my way. I took -up art as a profession--changed my name in deference to my family, who -look on art as a mild form of felony--and time went on. I pulled the -old things out again, and found that I could look at them unmoved. I -even thought of marrying again, when, as I stood talking to you that -last day at Sir Humphrey's, there flashed on me a figure and a face so -like my wife's, it was like seeing _her._ And with the sight of her -came back the love. (_crosses to C._) - -LUCY. (_rises_) It wasn't dead, then? - -TOM. Does love ever die? Dark mists of prejudice may wrap it round, -and it may set in clouds, but every now and then the clouds are rolled -away and there shines out on us once more the image of the woman we -have loved. - -LUCY. (_crosses to TOM_) Was Mrs. Blake so like her? - -TOM. So like I dare not meet her. I could only go. I wasn't in the -mood for explanations, and when I was, Sir Humphrey wasn't in the mood -to listen to them. - -LUCY. And you've seen neither of them since? - -TOM. Yes. I saw Mrs. Blake upon the stage some weeks ago, and in her I -recognised, beyond all doubt, my wife. - -LUCY. Your wife--Mrs. Blake! (_crosses to TOM_) Oh, Mr. Potter, tell -Ned! do tell Ned! you'll do me such a service. - -TOM. How? I don't understand. - -LUCY. Don't ask me to explain, but tell him! If you will, you'll make -me happier than I've been for months. (_turns_) - -TOM. You are unhappy? - -LUCY. I didn't mean to say a word about it, but what you've told me -startled the truth out. I've been unhappy for weeks and weeks. I know -Ned's in difficulties, and his estrangement from Sir Humphrey weighs -upon his mind. I am the cause of it, and it's only natural his -feelings should have changed; but that makes it no easier to bear. I -am a drag upon him, a dishonour! I'm sure he loved me when he married -me, but he's so different now. Oh, Mr. Potter, it may be as you say, -love never dies; but love may be so tried, and torn, and strained, -that all the happiness goes out of it. (_sits on chair, C._) - -TOM. (_crosses to LUCY_) Surely, yours hasn't been so tried? - -LUCY. Not mine--but Ned's. I always seem to be in his way now. He's so -much occupied--so taken up with other things--he never has a word or -look for me. He's out so much; and when he's at home he's always -writing or else thinking--I am nobody--and Mrs. Blake--your wife--is -everybody; only he doesn't know she is your wife! If he did, it might -make a difference. (_rises_) - -TOM. This may be your fancy. I can quite understand, you're sensitive, -and perhaps misconstrue very simple things. You see, Ned's an author; -(_LUCY sits_) and authors make uninteresting husbands. (_crosses to -L._) I won't say they always neglect their wives, but their wives -always think so. (_crosses to LUCY_) Then again, Mrs. Blake--as my -wife calls herself---- - -LUCY. Alma, Ned calls her! - -TOM. Well--she's on the stage and might be of great use to him. It's -only natural he should make friends with her. - -LUCY. But he thinks she's a widow. If he knew she had a husband--and -above all, (_rises_) that you were her husband--I should feel more -comfortable. - -TOM. Tell him yourself, then. You have my permission. Have the thing -out and make an end of it; but for heaven's sake, don't brood! - -LUCY. How can I speak to him? - -TOM. Speak anyhow--the worse, the better! There are two sides to -everything. Why, like those foolish knights, commit yourself to one? -At least, have a look at both before you make your choice. - -_Re-enter NED, L._ - -NED. Quarter past six. The Dozeys not come yet? - -LUCY. I don't expect them before seven. - -NED. What a blessing! - -TOM. You dine at seven? Then, I've no time to lose. I have a dress -coat somewhere. I must look it up. - -NED. Can you get back in time? - -TOM. I'll take the short cut through the garden. - -NED. Don't be long, (_Exit TOM through window and off, R.; sits down -at table; picks up sheet of paper_) there's a good fellow. - -LUCY. Ned! Ned! (_pause_) Can't I speak to you a minute? - -NED. Can't you speak to me? (_crosses to LUCY, R._) What a question! -Am I the Grand Turk--not to be approached? - -LUCY. But I mean seriously. - -NED. What have _you_ to be serious about? Doesn't your new dress fit? - -LUCY. It isn't about dress. It's about---- - -_Enter SERVANT, R._ - -SERV. Mrs. Blake. (_LUCY turns and goes down, R._) - -_ALMA runs in, R. Exit SERVANT, R._ - -ALMA. (_running to NED and wringing both his hands_) Oh, Ned, you -dear. I'm so happy. I could kiss you! - -NED. Don't be shy. Lucy doesn't mind. - -ALMA. (_turns_) How are you, love? Excuse me for not seeing you. I'm -so excited. I've quite lost my head. I've such news for you. - -NED. Well? - -ALMA. Sir Humphrey's coming to see you! - -NED. My father! - -ALMA. I've brought him round at last. But hasn't it been hard work? -I've been manoeuvring for the last three months. I didn't know there -was a man alive I couldn't twist round my finger in three days. - -NED. He's coming here to-night? - -ALMA. So am I. I've arranged to bring him--that is, I've arranged he's -to bring _me._ Dick's new piece is a frost. I thought it would be, and -threw up my part. So I'm at liberty, and we're both coming for the -evening. - -NED. Lucy--(_LUCY goes up_)--you'd better order some more dinner. -There'll be the Dozeys--Potter---- - -ALMA. Mr. Potter coming! Oh, I'm so glad! - -LUCY. (_aside_) They'll meet! (_at back, R._) - -ALMA. I feel quite curious to see Mr. Potter. You know I just missed -him at Sir Humphrey's; and as a rule the people we miss in this world -are so much more interesting than the people we meet. - -NED. Then, there's my father and Alma--(_LUCY looks at NED_) Mrs. -Blake. - -LUCY. (_crosses to door, R._) That makes only seven. - -NED. But don't forget the doctor's one of them. - -LUCY. I'd better see the cook. (_Exit, R._) - -NED. How good it is of you to have arranged all this! You've taken a -load off my mind already. I couldn't bear being on bad terms with the -governor. - -ALMA. I'm as pleased as you are. And that's not all. I've more good -news for you. Sparkle's new piece is such a failure, Dick'll have to -change the bill immediately; and I shouldn't wonder if I place your -play. - -NED. The one I'm doing now? - -ALMA. Isn't it done? - -NED. (_crosses to table, returns with letter_) Another week will -finish it. I'm re-writing that compromising letter. You said the first -one wasn't strong enough. - -ALMA. Not half. When you compromise your hero, compromise him. The -public like imperial measure. Let 'em have it. - -NED. Well, I think this is warm enough. (_give sheet to ALMA_) - -ALMA. (_reads_) "Willow Bank, Surbiton." - -NED. No, no. (_takes the sheet of paper_) - -ALMA. "Willow Bank, Surbiton." It says so. - -NED. That's this house. I jotted my ideas down on a sheet of our -notepaper to submit to you before I altered the manuscript. This is -the letter I propose. "My own dearest Alma"---- - -ALMA. Stop. Is there an Alma in this play? - -NED. The heroine. I told you, I call all my heroines "Alma." - -ALMA. Te, te, te. Go on. - -NED. "At last I have a moment to myself to scribble a hasty answer to -your note. Of course I will be there." - -ALMA. Where's that? - -NED. The place appointed. It's an assignation. - -ALMA. Oh! Have they got to assignations? - -NED. Yes. I'm giving 'em imperial measure this time. - -ALMA. Don't forget the Chamberlain. - -NED. "I will make some excuse to get away. Oh, why have I to make -excuses?"---- - -_Re-enter SERVANT, R._ - -SERV. Mr. Dodson Dick. - -_Enter DICK, R. Exit SERVANT, R. NED puts the letter back._ - -NED. (_crosses to DICK_) This is an unexpected honour. (_ALMA crosses -to L._) - -DICK. (_puts hat on piano_) Just found your MS. Thought I would bring -it you myself--avoid mistakes. Capital comedy--won't do at all. -(_gives NED MS._) - -NED. Why, you've not opened it! - -DICK. No need to open it--won't do at all. - -ALMA. Good evening, Mr. Dick. - -DICK. (_crosses to ALMA_) Hallo! You here? Seen the notices? (_NED -crosses R._) - -ALMA. Of the new piece? - -NED. The one you thought so highly of? - -DICK. Did I think highly of it? - -ALMA. Didn't you say the booking after the first night would be a -caution? - -DICK. So it is. Two stalls. - -NED. I heard it wasn't a success. - -DICK. (_producing a sheaf of newspaper cuttings_) _Morning News:_ "It -is not often that we have to chronicle so signal a fiasco." _Daily -Post:_ "Seldom of late years has a first night audience been so -emphatic in its condemnation." _Evening Mail:_ "The play is absolutely -destitute of merit." _Sunday Slogger:_ "A striking instance of the -ineptitude, incompetence, and imbecility of our native playwrights." -What do you think of that? - -NED. I'm very sorry for poor Sparkle's sake. (_ALMA crosses to sofa_) - -DICK. Hang Sparkle! I'm sorry for my own sake. Very annoying. I -particularly wanted this to be a go. - -ALMA. Because I wasn't in it. (_leaning on back of sofa_) - -DICK. Miss Blake has a notion we can't do without her. - -NED. It appears you can't. - -DICK. All the more reason she should think we can. _I_ don't know what -the public see in her. Miss Blake's always Miss Blake. - -ALMA. That's what they like, my dear. - -DICK. I don't care what the part is! - -ALMA. Nor do they. - -DICK. Well, if they want you they shall have you. Now, look here. (_to -NED_) I'll make you a proposition. If you'll let Sparkle look over -your comedy, write up Blake's part, re-cast the plot, and smarten up -the dialogue, I'll bring the piece out under Sparkle's name, pay him -the fees, and--and your fortune's made. (_ALMA comes down, C._) - -NED. Let Sparkle hack about my piece? Sparkle, who's just made this -fiasco? - -DICK. Sparkle has such a name. - -ALMA. Yes--for fiascos. - -DICK. Never mind what it's for--he has a name. - -NED. No, Mr. Dick, no! - -DICK. You refuse? - -NED. Decidedly. (_goes up to L.C., sits at table_) - -DICK. (_taking stage, R._) And yet they say we managers don't give -young men a chance. - -ALMA. (_crosses to C._) Mr. Dick, Mr. Chetwynd has another comedy. - -DICK. Won't do at all! - -ALMA. But I say it _will_ do. I've read it. - -DICK. I _haven't_ read it, and I say it _won't._ Sparkle's the man for -comedies. I'll go to Sparkle. He'll write me a bran new one in a week, -and it won't want rehearsing, because it'll be the old stuff all over -again. - -ALMA. If he does I don't play in it. - -DICK. Oh, yes, you do. - -ALMA. I say I don't. - -DICK. (_crosses to ALMA_) No play no pay. We've an agreement. - -ALMA. (_crosses to DICK_) We'll have a _dis_agreement. Mark my words, -I play in Mr. Chetwynd's piece or I don't play at all. - -DICK. What's it about? - -ALMA. Never mind what it's about. You'd better leave the whole thing -in my hands. You know I shall have my own way in the end; so you may -just as well let me have it at the beginning. - -DICK. Settle it how you like. I must be off. (_goes up, R._) - -ALMA. So must I, Ned. It's time for me to bring Sir Humphrey. -(_crosses to L. DICK takes hat, puts it on_) - -NED. (_to DICK_) Won't you take the manuscript? - -DICK. What for? - -NED. To read. - -DICK. I don't read plays, sir; I produce 'em. - -NED. But if you did read them---- - -DICK. Then I shouldn't produce 'em. - -ALMA. I've read it, Mr. Dick, and it'll do for me. - -DICK. Do for me, too, I expect. All you've read is your part. - -ALMA. My part's the play. - -DICK. I thought as much. Good evening. (_Exit, R._) - -ALMA. Ned, it might please Sir Humphrey if you met him. Won't you come -with me? (_going up, C._) - -_Re-enter LUCY, R._ - -NED. Go with you? With pleasure. - -LUCY. Going out, Ned? - -ALMA. Only to meet Sir Humphrey. - -NED. I shan't be twenty minutes. You don't mind? - -LUCY. Oh, no. - -NED. Come along, Alma! (_Exit through window; off, R._) - -ALMA. See you again presently. (_Exit through window; off, R._) - -LUCY. (_following them; then back to R.C._) See you again! When shall -I see the last of you? "Mrs. Blake," "Alma" morning, noon, and night. -(_sits on chair, R._) Oh, what a wicked girl I am! how selfish! how -ill-natured! No wonder Ned is tired of me. No wonder he likes other -company. It's not his fault--it's mine. I'll write and tell him so. -(_rises; crosses to table, L., sits_) I'll sit down in his -chair--steal some of his paper--and write with his pen! What's -this--on the blotting pad? "Alma--dearest Alma." This is what he was -writing--that was so important. "Dearest Alma!" That's why he wouldn't -let me look at it. Here is the letter--a half written letter. "Willow -Bank, Surbiton. My own dearest Alma." (_starts up_) I won't read it. -(_retreating_) I've no right. I daren't. (_pause_) I have a right! I -will! (_darts forward and reads resolutely; sits_) "My own dearest -Alma,--At last I have a moment to myself, to scribble a hasty answer -to your note. Of course I will be there. I will make some excuse to -get away. Oh, why have I to make excuses? Why have I a wife? She is a -mere child, for whom I had a passing fancy. Fool that I was, I thought -that it would last for ever. Nothing can now remove the barrier -between us. With my own hand I have destroyed my happiness." (_drops -the sheet; turns; presses her hands against her temples; then tears -off her wedding ring and flings it from her_) I will remove the -barrier between them. I will leave his house! (_clasping her hands_) -Oh, Ned, my husband--he's not mine, he's hers! I have no husband! Oh, -Ned, Ned! come back to me! don't leave me desolate! (_staggers, and is -about to fall. Re-enter TOM, dressed, through window, just in time to -catch her in his arms_) - -TOM. (_holding her_) Mrs. Chetwynd! Lucy! - -_Re-enter SERVANT, R._ - -SERV. Dr. and Mrs. Dozey. (_seeing LUCY, runs to her assistance_) - -_Enter DR. and MRS. DOZEY, R._ - -TOM. You'd better take Mrs. Chetwynd to her room. She's ill. (_SERVANT -leads LUCY out, L., TOM follows to door, L._) - -DR. _and_ MRS. D. (_looking at one another_) Hem! - -TOM. The heat, I daresay. - -BOTH. Hem! - -TOM. It's lucky I was there or she'd have fallen. I'd better find Ned -and tell him. - -BOTH. Hem! - -TOM. Have you both colds? - -DR. Have you a cold, Diana? - -MRS. D. No. - -DR. Nor I. - -BOTH. Hem! - -TOM. Only two clerical sore throats? Beg pardon. (_Exit through -window; off, L._) - -_DR. and MRS. DOZEY stand looking at one another._ - -DR. I fear our advent was inopportune. - -MRS. D. Then you observed---- - -DR. Nothing. I have mislaid my glasses. - -MRS. D. What nonsense, Dionysius! there they are! - -DR. There are epochs in existence when it is the duty of a charitable -person to have mislaid his glasses. - -MRS. D. Charity is a very excellent thing in its way. At the same time -one can't always shut one's eyes. I'm sure I close mine as often as -anybody; but I can't help observing what goes on. - -DR. Did not Sir Humphrey lead us to infer that Mr. Potter once -proposed for Mrs. Chetwynd? - -MRS. D. But had backed out of it. - -DR. The situation is extremely painful. - -MRS. D. When one's asked out to dinner and one finds one's hostess -reclining in the arms of one of the guests---- - -DR. The incident is calculated to impair the appetite and cast a gloom -around the prandial board. - -MRS. D. Ill, forsooth! and the heat! But what can be expected of a -scene-shifter? - -DR. Painter, my dear, scene painter. - -MRS. D. Painter. It's all the same. - -DR. And of the lady's parentage! - -MRS. D. Ah, me! (_sits on sofa and dozes off_) - -DR. (_crosses to MRS. DOZEY_) Herein, Diana, is much food for thought. -Here is a sermon he who runs may read. Here is a subject which -naturally resolves itself into six sections. Firstly---- (_MRS. DOZEY -snores_) Asleep again! - -ALMA. (_outside_) Follow your leader. I'll show you the way. - -DR. Mrs. Blake's voice. On second thoughts I will not awaken Diana. -(_crosses, R._) - -_Re-enter ALMA through window from R._ - -ALMA. Doctor! how are you! I've not seen you for a century. (_shakes -hands_) - -DR. It were more accurate to say a month. - -ALMA. A month, a month, a month! - -DR. Even in trifles it is well to be exact. - -ALMA. I asked you how you were? - -DR. Truly, I ought not to repine. The portal sometimes creaketh, but -it hangs--it hangs. - -ALMA. (_aside_) It ought to! - -_Re-enter NED through window, with SIR HUMPHREY on his arm, down C._ - -DR. Bless my soul--if I may be permitted so strong an expression---- - -ALMA. You may--you may. It's quite a relief to hear a little bad -language. - -DR. Is that you, Sir Humphrey? - -SIR H. Yes, doctor. I've made friends with Ned again. I said I -wouldn't, but there are some words it's better to break than to keep. -A son may afford to quarrel with his father, but a father cannot -afford to quarrel with his son, especially when he's the only one. - -NED. I was to blame. - -SIR H. We won't go into that. Perhaps there were faults on both sides. -I was a selfish, obstinate old man, who thought of nothing but his own -plans and his own ambitions. (_taking ALMA'S hand_) It was you, Mrs. -Blake, who taught me that my son, whatever he may do, is still my son, -and that my daughter is my daughter, be she who she may. Where is your -wife, Ned? - -DR. Hem! Mrs. Chetwynd is indisposed. - -NED. Lucy ill! What's the matter? - -DR. I only know that she is in her room. - -NED. I'll go and tell her you are here, father. (_crosses to L._) -That'll bring her down, I warrant. (_Exit, L._) - -ALMA. You'll get on ever so much better by yourselves. I'll take the -doctor for a little walk. Come along, doctor. You can talk; I'll -listen. I make a splendid congregation when I choose. - -DR. I should be charmed, but Mrs. Dozey---- - -ALMA. Well, you see her condition! - -SIR H. I didn't see Mrs. Dozey. (_approaching her_) - -DR. (_crosses to SIR HUMPHREY quickly_) Not so loud! Let sleeping -dogs--hem! Wake not the slumberer. - -_ALMA putting her arm through DR. DOZEY'S, they both go off, C.R._ - -SIR H. (_following_) What sprightliness! What commonsense! (_comes -down, R._) What kindliness! My life has been a different thing since I -have known her. (_sits, R., thoughtfully_) One of the Duchesses of St. -Albans was an actress. One of the Countesses of Derby was an actress. -There are precedents--excellent precedents. Lady Chetwynd--Lady -Chetwynd. - -MRS. D. (_wakes suddenly_) It's a most extraordinary thing. I can't -get a wink of sleep! other people have no difficulty--why have I? How -is it, Dionysius? - -SIR H. Your husband isn't here. - -MRS. D. Sir Humphrey! (_rises_) - -SIR H. You're surprised to see me? - -MRS. D. Where's Dionysius? (_crosses to SIR HUMPHREY_) - -SIR H. Don't be so concerned. He's only gone for a walk with Mrs. -Blake. - -MRS. D. With that play-actress? - -SIR H. My dear Mrs. Dozey, there is nothing discreditable in the -profession of the stage. - -MRS. D. That woman's setting her cap at Dionysius! - -SIR H. I hadn't noticed that she wore a cap. - -MRS. D. It'd be more becoming if she did, widow as she is. But there! -I have my doubts about her being a widow at all. - -SIR H. (_rising_) Mrs. Dozey! - -MRS. D. A bright face is like charity, it covers a multitude of sins. - -SIR H. And a sour face is sometimes like the sins, it has no charity -to cover it. - -MRS. D. I quite agree with you. (_up stage, aside_) What does he mean -by that? (_Exit through window, off R._) - -SIR H. How prejudiced people are! What is birth after all? An -accident--the merest accident! And isn't my birth good enough for both -of us? My life is very lonely--very lonely. - -_Re-enter ALMA through window, from R._ - -ALMA. Oh! such a jolly row! I've left them at it--hammer and -tongs--tongues especially. - -SIR H. Mrs. Dozey's of a jealous disposition. A worthy woman but---- - -ALMA. Rather inclined to go to sleep. - -SIR H. Well, after five-and-twenty years of Dozey---- - -ALMA. I don't wonder at it. - -SIR H. All women can't have Mrs. Blake's vivacity. - -ALMA. Sir Humphrey! no more compliments to-day. You said just now I -was the means of reconciling you to Ned--of teaching you that your son -was always your son--that forgiveness was better than resentment. You -can't pay me a greater compliment than that. It was more than I -deserved. (_takes chair; both sit_) - -SIR H. No compliment can be too great to pay to _you_. - -ALMA. Take care, Sir Humphrey! You know what they say is the greatest -a man can offer a woman! - -SIR H. The one I ask to be allowed to offer now. I am in earnest, Mrs. -Blake. I haven't known you long; but there are women whom men learn to -love more quickly than to recognise the rest. I have lived sixteen -years of lonely life, because I have never met the woman worthy to -succeed the mother of my son. It is no slight to her to offer you her -place. I ask you to accept it without shame, because I feel that I -could set you side by side without indignity to either. I could not -love you more, nor could I love you less, than she who was the light -and gladness of my life. (_takes ALMA'S hand_) - -ALMA. Please say no more! - -SIR H. Haven't I said enough? (_lets hand go_) - -ALMA. Too much, Sir Humphrey. I mean more than I have any right to -hear. (_rises, crosses to C._) I cannot marry you. - -SIR H. (_half to himself_) I am refused! (_as if impossible to believe -it_) - -ALMA. The honour you have done me is too great to trifle with. I -didn't care about the truth being known; but you have earned the right -to know it. I have a husband! (_long pause_) - -SIR H. (_with difficulty_) Living? - -ALMA. I have no reason to suppose he's dead. (_crosses to SIR -HUMPHREY_) Believe me when I say I should never have represented -myself to be a widow--I should never have entered your house--if I had -dreamt it would lead to this. You do believe me? (_offers hand_) - -SIR H. (_shakes hands_) Yes. - -ALMA. It was from no light motive I professed to be what I am not. It -was because I wished to strip the memory of my husband from my heart -as he has stripped his presence from my life. - -SIR H. He left you? - -ALMA. Do you care to know? (_sits R._) If you can listen to me I -should like to tell you. I was a giddy girl when I was young--one who -thought nothing of the past and little of the future. My husband was a -serious sort of man--absorbed in his pursuit. I thought I was -neglected, and--well, it's a humiliating thing to say, but I must say -it--the attention I didn't get from him I accepted from others. I -didn't doubt he loved me, but he didn't show it; and I determined that -he should. At last I forced him to speak. He wasn't angry--he used no -hard words--but he--he frightened me. I pretended not to care; but I -was cured. - -SIR H. (_who has grown more and more interested_) Go on. - -ALMA. With one man I had gone too far to withdraw easily. I was -obliged to write to him. It was rather a long letter. When I had -written the first sheet I put it in my desk and went on with the next. -In the middle of it I was called away on some household matter, and -when I returned that second sheet was gone. - -SIR H. Your husband---- - -ALMA. Had gone also. - -SIR H. Strange! Very strange! Can you remember what you wrote on it? - -ALMA. Nothing he was entitled to resent. But from that day to this I -haven't heard of him. I left Melbourne. - -SIR H. Melbourne? - -ALMA. I was determined to start life afresh and put an end to old -associations. I even went so far as to announce my death. - -SIR H. You advertised your death? - -ALMA. It was a wicked thing to do, but I did it. I took the name of -Blake, and went on the stage. - -SIR H. This is much more than strange. If you could find your -husband---- - -ALMA. I've no wish to find him! - -SIR H. But if it turned out there was some mistake--that he -misunderstood you? - -ALMA. There can be no mistake. No! I have done with him for ever. I -could never forgive him. - -SIR H. Then you don't love him? - -ALMA. Yes, I do. That's why. (_rises_) And now you know my history, -forgive _me_ and let me go. - -SIR H. (_rises_) You mustn't go, Mrs. Blake. I can, perhaps, be of -service to you. As for forgiveness, I have nothing to forgive. It -isn't women's fault men fall in love with them; and men must bear -their fate. - -_Re-enter NED, L._ - -NED. (_crosses to ALMA_) I can't make out what's the matter with Lucy, -but she won't come down. She's upset about something. - -ALMA. Shall I go up to her? (_crosses to L._) - -NED. I wish you would. You'll find out what's the matter, I'll be -bound. Where's Dozey? - -ALMA. (_at door, L._) Gone for a stroll, that's all. - -NED. I hope he won't be long. It's nearly seven now. - -ALMA. Don't alarm yourself. A clergyman is never late for dinner. -(_Exit, L. SIR HUMPHREY sits R. NED crosses to L._) - -MRS. D. (_outside_) It's no use talking, Dionysius! - -_Enter DR. and MRS. DOZEY, through window._ - -NED. Here they come. - -MRS. D. I won't have it. This is the second time I've had to speak -about it. - -DR. Listen to reason! - -MRS. D. I won't listen to reason. I won't listen to anything. It's -obvious to everybody. (_to SIR HUMPHREY_) Even Sir Humphrey must have -observed it. - -SIR H. Observed what, Mrs. Dozey? - -MRS. D. Why, Mrs. Blake's attentions to the Doctor! - -_DOCTOR winks solemnly at SIR HUMPHREY, who smiles._ - -SIR H. I'd not noticed them. - -MRS. D. Ah! she's so sly about it. Ah, well, well! I suppose a -ballet-dancer knows no better. - -NED. Mrs. Blake doesn't dance! (_crosses, sits at desk_) - -DR. There is a difference between an actress and a _coryphée._ - -MRS. D. (_sharply_) What _do you_ know of _coryphées?_ - -DR. (_starts_) I saw one once, my dear. - -MRS. D. I thought you were never inside a theatre? - -DR. It was not at a theatre; it was at a hall. - -NED. What were you doing there? - -MRS. D. Explain yourself. - -DR. As it is the duty of the physician to acquaint himself with the -diseases of the flesh, so it is the duty of the pastor to acquaint -himself with the afflictions of the spirit. (_goes, L._) - -_Re-enter ALMA, L._ - -ALMA. (_crosses; aside to NED_) Lucy won't see me, and she's not -coming down. - -NED. Not coming down? - -ALMA. Something's the matter with your wife--ah! (_catching sight of -the ring sets her foot on it_) - -NED. (_rises_) What is it? - -ALMA. Get rid of these people. (_NED crosses to DOCTOR, L._) - -MRS. D. Sir Humphrey, this explains something that's puzzled me for -years. - -SIR H. What's that, Mrs. Dozey? - -MRS. D. Why Dionysius always brings a black tie with him when he comes -to London. (_SIR HUMPHREY rises, goes up R.C. with MRS. DOZEY._) - -DR. (_to NED_) Sherry and bitters? Excellent idea. - -NED. Come with me, doctor. Father, take Mrs. Dozey. - -DR. Bitters impart a zest to appetite and give a tone to the digestive -organs. - -_Exeunt SIR HUMPHREY, MRS. DOZEY, DR. DOZEY, and NED, R. Check lights -and limes._ - -ALMA. What does this mean? (_picks up the ring_) Her wedding ring. It -isn't as bright as when I saw it first; but what of that? Six months -of marriage take the shine out of a good many wedding-rings. What was -it doing there? It couldn't have dropped off by accident. No--it's too -small for that--it must have been tight. Perhaps it was too tight. -That's it! (_crosses to R.C._) That's it, you may depend. Now, let me -think. Under what circumstances does a woman take to throwing rings -about? In Sparkle's comedies they do it in a temper. Clever man--but -human nature's scarcely Sparkle's forte. Stop! I once threw away my -wedding-ring. What for? If I could think--I know! I know! It was the -only time in my life I was jealous of Tom! That's what's the matter! -(_crosses to C._) Mrs. Chetwynd's jealous. Now what has Ned been -doing? Whom's she jealous of? I must find out. She had it on just -now--when Ned went out with me. She must have found out something -since. Now, what did _I_ do when my husband was out? I looked in all -his pockets and I rummaged through all his papers. (_looks round_) -There are no pockets here, but there are any number of papers. (_goes -to desk_) Let me have a look. I'll find it in three tries. (_pouncing -on the letter, sits_) "My own dearest Alma." Found at one! The letter -in the play! of course! of course! it's me she's jealous of! It must -be me. (_rises, takes letter and reads_) "At last I have a moment to -myself, to scribble a hasty answer to your note." (_reads on with her -back turned to door, L. Re-enter LUCY, L., in out-door costume, very -cautiously creeps in, sees ALMA, and starts violently, then stands -motionless. The stage has by this time grown rather dim, as if it were -getting dusk. Check lights, check to half down. Lights gradually fade -away and go out_) "Why have I a wife? She is a mere child for whom I -had a passing fancy." - -LUCY. (_under her breath_) She's reading the letter! - -ALMA. "Nothing can now remove the barrier between us. With my own hand -I have destroyed my happiness." Oh, no, you haven't, Ned! I'll make -you happy yet. Now I understand the state of affairs I know what to -do. (_puts letter on table_) The barrier must be broken -down--smashed--blown to atoms! Oh, dear, I feel so happy! (_turns; -slips behind a screen_) Ned! dear old Ned! Where are you? (_runs out, -R._) - -LUCY. (_emerging_) Yes, they shall both be happy. (_surveying the -room_) Good-bye, everything. (_crosses to piano_) Piano that he gave -me. Old music that he used to like. I shall never dare to sing you any -more. (_crosses to cabinet, addressing photograph of SIR HUMPHREY_) -Good-bye, my only father, who would never own me. I'm not your -daughter now. (_crosses to cabinet, L., brings photograph of NED to -table, L._) Good-bye, Ned, my husband! You won't see me any more. -Don't look at me in that way. If you don't love me, say good-bye to -me. (_sits at table. Re-enter SERVANT, R., with lamp, which she puts -on cabinet, R.; the noise attracts LUCY'S attention; softly_) Wilson? - -SERV. (_starts slightly_) You here, m'm? - -LUCY. (_rises_) I'm going out. - -SERV. Going out, Mrs. Chetwynd? - -LUCY. Don't say anything; but give this note to Mr. Chetwynd. (_gives -note_) Good-bye, Wilson. - -SERV. Good-bye? - -LUCY. I mean good night. (_Exit through window off, L. SERVANT closes -window, draws curtains, exit, L._) - -_Re-enter ALMA and NED, R._ - -ALMA. Yes, it's as plain as the nose on my face. It's me she's jealous -of. - -NED. Jealous of you? Ridiculous! - -ALMA. I don't see anything ridiculous about it. - -NED. The idea of anybody being jealous of you! - -ALMA. You ask Wilson and you'll find I'm right. (_NED rings bell_) - -_Re-enter SIR HUMPHREY; DR. and MRS. DOZEY, R._ - -SIR H. You always are right, Mrs. Blake. What should we do without -you? - -_Re-enter SERVANT, L., with letter._ - -NED. Wilson, where's Mrs. Chetwynd? - -SERV. She's gone out, sir. - -ALL. Out? - -DR. At this hour? - -MRS. D. I thought she wasn't well? - -SERV. She left a note for you, sir. (_gives note to NED. Exit, L. NED -opens note, holds it out to ALMA_) - -SIR H. What does she say? - -ALMA. Only two words--"Good-bye." - -_Re-enter TOM, C., from L., unobserved._ - -MRS. D. It's an elopement! - -DR. Our worst fears are realised. - -NED. (_springing up_) What do you mean? - -DR. I will make no assertion--hazard no conjecture. I will ask, -simply, where is Mr. Potter? - -TOM. Here! (_all turn_) - -ALMA. (_recognising him_) Tom! - -MRS. D. You know Mr. Potter? - -TOM. Alma! - -SIR H. (_as if to himself_) She _is_ his wife! (_sits, R._) - -END OF ACT II. - - - -ACT III. - -SCENE.--_ALMA BLAKE'S apartments. An octagonal room, being a sort of -boudoir, furnished and draped in the extreme of artistic luxury. Doors -R. and L. A number of bouquets about the room. Photographs, -knick-knacks everywhere. Window C. TOM'S picture of the knights on the -wall, R._ - -_Enter SUSAN, L.C. with a bouquet._ - -SUSAN. Another of 'em! Who's this from, I wonder? (_reads card -attached_) From Sir George Greenfield. We shall have enough to stock -Covent Garden directly. (_Enter ALMA, R.C., in a morning wrapper, with -her hair loosely arranged_) Another bouquet! (_gives it to ALMA; goes -up back_) - -ALMA. (_looks at card carelessly_) Oh! (_tosses the bouquet amongst -the rest_) No letter from the theatre? - -SUSAN. No, miss. - -ALMA. It's very strange. - -SUSAN. Did you expect one? - -ALMA. Yes, from Mr. Dick. Before I play in the new piece---- - -SUSAN. In Mr. Chetwynd's piece? - -ALMA. I must have better terms. I asked five pounds a week advance, -and Dick wouldn't hear of it; so last night I gave him notice. - -SUSAN. You're going to leave? - -ALMA. Not I! (_crosses to sofa_) But that's the only way to deal with -Dick. I ought to have had a letter by this time giving me my terms. - -SUSAN. Perhaps Mr. Dick 'll call. - -ALMA. Perhaps. I don't care. (_drops on sofa_) Oh, dear! (_leans her -head on her hands; slight pause; SUSAN arranges the bouquet_) How did -I look last night? - -SUSAN. (_coming down to back of table_) Your very best. - -ALMA. How did I play? - -SUSAN. Better than ever, I think. (_goes up and arranges bouquet; -another pause_) - -ALMA. Susan, have you ever been in love? - -SUSAN. La, miss, a dozen times! Haven't you? - -ALMA. Only once. - -SUSAN. Well, I _am_ surprised. - -ALMA. And that was with my husband. - -SUSAN. Gracious me! (_comes down to back of table_) - -ALMA. He was in front last night. - -SUSAN. Your husband, miss! I didn't know you had a husband. - -ALMA. We all have husbands--on the stage. - -SUSAN. You keep 'em very quiet. - -ALMA. Best thing we can do, with most of 'em! My husband painted that. -(_pointing to picture, R._) - -SUSAN. The picture Mr. Chetwynd gave you? - -ALMA. Yes. - -SUSAN. Don't you and your husband speak, miss? - -ALMA. I hadn't seen him for six years, until three months ago; when we -met accidentally. - -SUSAN. And didn't he speak _then?_ - -ALMA. Not twenty words. I might have been a stranger. (_half to -herself_) When those we would forgive won't let us forgive them, what -are we to do? - -SUSAN. Whatever we like; _I_ should! Would you be friends with him? - -ALMA. I thought not. I thought I had forgotten him. But when I saw him -standing by my side, and heard his voice, oh, you don't know how the -old time came back to me, and how I longed for the old home. (_a ring -below_) - -SUSAN. There's the bell, miss. (_Exit, L.C._) - -ALMA. And is it never to be mine again? Is he to go out of my life -forever? Or if he meets me, is it to be as a stranger? Is he to sit -near me, and never speak to me? Am I, who once was everything to him, -to be nothing? (_rises; crosses to table_) No, oh, no! He is a man, -and he can bear it; I'm only a woman, and I can't. My pride has all -gone--gone, I don't know where! Six years of loneliness have used it -up. I don't care who was right--I don't care who was wrong--I want him -back again. (_sits L. of table_) - -_Re-enter SUSAN, L.C., with NED._ - -NED. Good morning. (_Exit SUSAN, L.C._) - -ALMA. (_rising_) Ned! What brings you here so early? - -NED. What's this I hear from Dick? He says you've given him notice. - -ALMA. So I have. - -NED. Then who's to play your part? - -ALMA. Oh, there are lots of women. - -NED. Only one Alma Blake. - -ALMA. I'm very sorry, for your sake. - -NED. If, now my piece is really coming out, after all these -postponements, you refuse to play in it, you can't be sorry for me, -Miss Blake. - -ALMA. Miss Blake? - -NED. Yes, Miss Blake. It was Miss Blake that spoke--it's Miss Blake -who's thrown up her part--but it's Alma who's going to play. - -ALMA. Don't make too sure of that. (_crosses R._) - -NED. You don't consider my feelings in the least. Do you suppose it's -all the same to me who speaks my lines? - -ALMA. You'll get them better spoken, I daresay. - -NED. Very well--someone else _shall_ speak them. (_crosses to C._) - -ALMA. No, they shan't. - -NED. You'll play the part, after all! (_puts hat and stick down on -chair, L. of table_) - -ALMA. I meant to play it all the time, you goose! I've no idea of -leaving Dick. I only want five pounds a week more salary. - -NED. That's a weight off my mind. (_crosses to sofa; sits_) You can't -believe how sensitive I am about this play. It is the only link -between me and my wife. I sometimes think that if she saw it it might -bring her back to me. That is the reason I'm so anxious about it. - -ALMA. Of course, she'd recognise the letter. - -NED. What can have become of her? - -ALMA. Nothing been heard yet? - -NED. Not since she was traced to Leeds; there the clue was lost. - -ALMA. Did she know anybody there? - -NED. Not that I know of. What is she doing? What can she be living on? -Alma, it drives me nearly mad sometimes. (_rises; gets back, L._) - -_Re-enter SUSAN, L.C., with DICK._ - -SUSAN. Here's Mr. Dick, miss. (_Exit, L.C._) - -ALMA. Oh, you've come at last! - -DICK. Did you expect me? (_puts hat on sofa_) - -ALMA. To be sure I did! Brought the engagement with you? - -DICK. What engagement? - -ALMA. Five pounds a week more salary. - -DICK. Five fiddlesticks! - -ALMA. What have you come for, then? - -DICK. Two minutes' conversation. - -ALMA. You shall have ten. Sit down. - -DICK. Don't want ten. Two's enough. (_produces a letter_) Horrible -hand you write. It took me half-an-hour to make it out. - -ALMA. I'm sure it's plain enough. - -DICK. Well, it's not pretty. - -ALMA. You don't waste time in compliments. - -DICK. No time to waste. You've given me notice. - -ALMA. Yes, a fortnight's notice. - -DICK. Oh, it's quite regular. - -ALMA. Well? - -DICK. I accept it. - -ALMA.} - What? -NED.} - -DICK. (_turns up stage_) I'm obliged to you for giving me the chance. - -ALMA. You'll let me leave? - -DICK. The sooner, the better. - -ALMA. What are you going to do? - -DICK. That's _my_ business. - -ALMA. Whom are you going to get? - -DICK. Pooh! There are lots of actresses. - -NED. But you won't get another Alma Blake. - -DICK. Gad, I hope not. - -ALMA. Mr. Dick, have you come here to insult me? - -DICK. No time to insult people. - -ALMA. Say what you've come for, then. - -DICK. Your part in the new piece. - -ALMA. For someone else to study! - -DICK. Look alive! - -ALMA. If I refuse? - -DICK. You can't. You've given me notice. - -ALMA. If I withdraw my notice? - -DICK. Too late. Hand over the part. - -ALMA. I shan't hand it over! - -DICK. Won't you? (_puts hat on_) Good morning. (_goes up to door, -L.C._) - -ALMA. Where are you going? (_following DICK up_) - -DICK. Police-court. - -ALMA. What for? - -DICK. Summons--unlawfully detaining property. (_pause--they confront -each other_) - -ALMA. I'll get the part. (_Exit, R.C._) - -DICK. (_coming down, C._) I thought she would. I've scored this time. - -NED. Have you considered what you're doing, Dick? - -DICK. (_winks_) Do you suppose I should talk in that way if I hadn't -found another woman? Catch a weazel! - -NED. Of course, I didn't know that. - -DICK. Blake did; saw it at a glance. That was what knocked her over. -Clever woman! She'll be a loss. (_hat on sofa_) - -NED. Irreparable. - -DICK. Nothing's irreparable in the female line. (_crosses to R._) - -NED. Who is the other lady? - -DICK. Miss Ruth Carlton. - -NED. Never heard of her. - -DICK. Comes from the country. - -NED. Not an amateur! - -DICK. Jackson, of Huddersfield, tells me she's a wonder--a perfect -genius for domestic drama. - -NED. How is it he didn't keep her in Huddersfield? (_goes up, L._) - -DICK. She _would_ come up to town. "Private affairs." We all know what -that means. Got a good-for-nothing husband somewhere, and wants to -find him. - -NED. Is she in town now? - -DICK. She's taken lodgings in this very house. - -NED. That creature on the ground-floor? - -DICK. Ground-floor? No! Where are the geniuses always? In the attic. -(_points up; crosses to L._) - -NED. Strange! (_crosses at back to R._) - -DICK. What's strange? (_sits on sofa_) - -NED. That she has chosen this house of all others. - -DICK. It's a theatrical place. I recommended it to Blake--Jackson -recommended it to Carlton. What is there strange about that? - -NED. Nothing, when it's explained; but it did seem a curious -coincidence. - -DICK. Call that a coincidence? You should have seen my last comedy. -Sparkle's the man for coincidences. - -NED. Have you been up to see her? - -DICK. Just come down. Engagement signed this morning. Splendid terms! - -NED. For Miss Carlton? - -DICK. For Carlton? No--for me. - -NED. What's she like? - -DICK. Very pretty girl--rather washed out, but she'll be all right at -night. Fancy I've seen her face before somewhere; but then, I see so -many faces--soon forget 'em. Good thing, too; great blessing to forget -some faces. (_rises; takes hat_) Well, I can't wait all day. Tell -Blake I couldn't stop. You bring the part on to the theatre. (_going -off, L.C.; stops; puts on hat_) - -NED. All right. - -DICK. On second thoughts--(_coming down; chuckles_)--tell her to send -it to the girl upstairs. That'll take it out of her. Ha, ha, ha, ha! -She thought she'd get a rise out of _me;_ but I've taken a rise out of -_her._ (_Exit, L.C._) - -NED. (_sits R. of table_) Another disappointment. I write a part for -Alma to create, and it's to be murdered by an amateur! What does it -matter? Pshaw! I hate the play! But for it Lucy wouldn't have left me. -If it should be a big success, she isn't here to share it. - -_Re-enter ALMA, R., with part._ - -ALMA. (_crosses to sofa_) Here's the part. (_looks round_) What's -become of Dick? - -NED. Mr. Dick said he couldn't wait all day. You are to send the part -to your successor, Miss Ruth Carlton. - -ALMA. (_sits on sofa_) I send the part? Does he imagine I'm the -Parcels Post! - -NED. You won't have to send it far. Miss Carlton's living in this very -house. - -ALMA. Which floor? - -NED. The attic. - -ALMA. (_rises; crosses to NED_) That child play my part? - -NED. (_rises_) You've seen her? - -ALMA. No; I heard all about her from the landlady. She's been here a -week, and never left her room. I'd half a mind to ask her down here -for a change of scene, but I shan't now. (_crosses to L._) - -NED. (_crosses to ALMA_) Shall I take the part up to her? - -ALMA. Let her come down and fetch it. - -NED. You said she shouldn't. - -ALMA. But I say she shall. - -NED. You've changed your mind very quickly. - -ALMA. It's my own mind; I can do what I like with it, I suppose. I'm -not the only changeable person in the world. I know an author who once -said he'd written a part specially for me, that I was the only person -who _could_ play it, and that I was the only person who should play -it; because he thought I was the only person who _would_ play it: and -now he's found another woman, it's all off. He wants to take the part -out of my hands and put it into hers; and a nice mess she'll make of -it, and I hope she will. (_goes round sofa, and up to back_) - -NED. (_crosses to L.C._) How do you know she can't play the part? - -ALMA. (_following NED, L._) Because there's only one woman on the -stage who can--and that's me. That's how I know it; and when your -piece is damned, and they shy bricks at you, you'll know it too. Here, -take your part, and take your play, and take your hat, and take your -stick, and get out of my room. (_thrusting the things on him_) - -NED. (_going up_) I'll take it to Miss Carlton. - -ALMA. (_stopping him; snatches part back; removes his hat and stick, -and bumps him down on sofa_) No, you won't. I tell you she can't play -it! What's more, she _shan't_ play it. (_tucking it under her arm, and -taking stage R._) This part was written for Miss Alma Blake, and no -one but Miss Alma Blake shall touch it! (_crosses R._) - -NED. (_rising; crosses to ALMA, overjoyed_) You've changed your mind -again. - -ALMA. That's only twice. I've changed it twenty times in less time -before now--(_crosses to NED_)--and I shall change it fifty if I like! -Why shouldn't I change my mind? If you had such a nasty, horrid, -cantankerous mind as I've had for the last five minutes, shouldn't you -be precious _glad_ to change it? - -NED. I'm only too delighted. - -ALMA. So am I. - -NED. Alma! - -ALMA. It's "Alma" now! - -NED. Yes--the old Alma! - -ALMA. I'm not middle-aged. You'll make me out a grandmother directly, -and say Miss Carlton is my granddaughter. Miss Carlton! Who's Miss -Carlton? - -NED. Here, keep the part and never mind Miss Carlton. I'll tell -Dick---- - -ALMA. No! Stop! Not a word! Now, don't you interfere between me and my -manager. I shall turn up at rehearsal just as usual. - -NED. But Dick---- - -ALMA. Bother Dick! - -NED. All right, bother him; he's bothered _me_ enough! But how are you -to get over your notice? - -ALMA. Ignore it altogether--say nothing about it. - -NED. But suppose _Dick_ says---- - -ALMA. Tell him he dreamt it. - -NED. But if he shows your letter? - -ALMA. Tear it to pieces--laugh at him! Oh, I know how to manage Dick. -Leave that to me. This happens once a week. (_crosses to R._ ) - -NED. (_getting hat and stick_) Then I shall see you at rehearsal? - -ALMA. Yes. (_crosses to table_) - -NED. Good-bye---- - -ALMA. Send Susan up to me. - -NED. And thank you very much. (_Exit, L.C._) - -ALMA. (_sits L. of table; leaves part on table_) Dick took it out of -me this morning; I must take it out of him this afternoon. He wouldn't -give me five pounds a week more. All right. He'll have to give me ten. -Mr. Dick must be taught his position. (_Re-enter SUSAN, L.C._) Susan, -the brush and comb, and brush out my hair. (_Exit SUSAN, R.C._) Susan, -bring the powder-puff. Susan, the powder-puff. (_Re-enter SUSAN, L.C., -with brush and comb_) Susan, have you seen that girl in the attic? - -SUSAN. (_back of table_) No, miss; but Mrs. Pritchard says she looks -so ill, and never eats a morsel. She wishes you would speak to her; -she seems so lonely. - -ALMA. Do you mean Miss Carlton? - -SUSAN. Yes. Mrs. Pritchard thinks---- - -ALMA. Never mind what Mrs. Pritchard thinks! - -SUSAN. She says she's always crying. - -ALMA. What do I care what Mrs. Pritchard says? I asked you if you'd -seen her. - -SUSAN. No, Miss Blake. - -ALMA. Then go and see her now. - -SUSAN. Yes, Miss Blake. - -ALMA. I'll do my hair myself. Don't mention any name--Mr. Dick's given -her my part to play, and she mightn't care to see me. Say that the -lady on the first floor wants to speak to her on business connected -with the theatre. - -SUSAN. Yes, Miss Blake. (_crosses at back to L.C._) - -ALMA. Bring her down with you. - -SUSAN. If she'll come, I will. - -ALMA. (_turns_) Bring her down with you, whether she'll come or not, -or take a month's warning. (_SUSAN laughs_) What are you laughing at? - -SUSAN. That's the third time to-day you've given me warning. - -ALMA. (_lifting hair-brush_) I'll give you something else, if you're -not quick. (_Exit SUSAN, L.C._) I feel quite curious to see this girl -Dick thinks is good enough to play my part. Some greenhorn at a pound -or two a week, or Dick wouldn't have engaged her. No, she can't be a -greenhorn. She doesn't eat: greenhorns do. And what did Susan say? -She's always crying. Humph! She must be married. The old tale, I -suppose. And yet people go on getting married. (_rises; looks for -puff_) It's a funny world. What has that Susan done with the -powder-puff? Hang the girl! I'll give her warning again as soon as -she comes down. If I had a husband, I believe I should give _him_ -warning to-day. Brutes, all of 'em. (_Exit, R.C._) - -SUSAN. (_outside_) Mind how you turn the corner, they're such awkward -stairs, and it's so dark up here. This is the way. Take a seat, -please. - -_Re-enter SUSAN, L.C., followed by LUCY._ - -LUCY. (_sits sofa_) You're very kind. (_looking full at Susan; -starts_) - -SUSAN. If it's not---- - -LUCY. Susan! - -SUSAN. Mrs. Chetwynd! - -LUCY. Hush! What are you doing here? - -SUSAN. We live here, m'm. - -LUCY. We! Who? (_Re-enter ALMA, R.C., with powder-puff_) Who sent for -me? (_rises_) - -ALMA. I sent for you, Miss Carlton. (_puffing her face_) - -LUCY. Mrs. Blake! (_ALMA drops hand, then turns and signals SUSAN to -go. Exit SUSAN, running, L.C._) I didn't know who you were or I should -not have come. What can you want with me? - -ALMA. (_crosses to LUCY_) To tell the truth, I didn't know it _was_ -you when I sent for you. I thought it was only somebody who had been -trying to supplant me in my business. - -LUCY. And if I had, it would only be just. Haven't you supplanted me -in my home? - -ALMA. It wasn't my fault that you left your home. You left because you -were suspicious of your husband. - -LUCY. I had reason to be. - -ALMA. Oh, probably enough! Men are a bad lot, and he's one of them. - -LUCY. Ned wasn't bad! - -ALMA. Why did you leave him then? (_turning on her quickly_) You love -him? (_thrusting her on sofa, and kneeling down beside her_) Yes, you -do, or you wouldn't resent the way I spoke of him; and loving him, you -should have trusted him. - -LUCY. To be deceived! - -ALMA. Better to trust and be deceived, than to suspect and deceive -_yourself_. You're a fond, foolish girl, who've done your best to -wreck your own life and your husband's too. You've done me a great -wrong, and now I'm going to have my revenge. - -LUCY. What wrong have I done _you?_ - -ALMA. You think I love your husband, but I don't. I never loved any -man but one--my own. You think your husband loves _me,_ but he -doesn't. Nobody loves me--not even my own. - -LUCY. You say so. - -ALMA. I will prove it. You think I am your enemy, but I'm your best -friend. I'll show you, you have done me an injustice, and for my -revenge--(_rises_)--I'll give you back your husband, and forgive you. - -LUCY. (_rises_) Ned wrote a letter to you. - -ALMA. (_at table_) I never received it. - -LUCY. Never received it! When I heard you reading it! - -ALMA. You heard me! - -LUCY. The very words are ringing in my ears, and always will be! "My -own dearest Alma!" - -ALMA. (_reading from part_) "At last I have a moment to myself----" - -LUCY. You said you never received it. You have it there? - -ALMA. I have no letter here. - -LUCY. What are you reading, then? - -ALMA. My part in the new piece. - -LUCY. Those were Ned's very words! - -ALMA. (_quietly_) It is your husband's play. (_pause_) - -LUCY. That letter's in the play? (_snatches part from ALMA_) But -"Alma"! - -ALMA. Was the heroine. (_LUCY drops the part; stands for a moment as -if dazed; then drops her head and falls in ALMA'S arms_) - -_Re-enter SUSAN, L.C._ - -SUSAN. Another visitor! - -ALMA. (_sharply_) I can see nobody! - -SUSAN. But he's coming up. - -LUCY. (_trying to walk_) Let me go first! I can't bear to see anyone. - -ALMA. Put Mrs. Chetwynd in my room. When you feel stronger, I will -talk to you. - -SUSAN. (_leading LUCY off_) I'm very sorry! - -ALMA. Take another warning! (_picks up puff. Exeunt SUSAN and LUCY, -R.C._) Was ever anything so inopportune! (_puffing her face -vigorously. Enter SIR HUMPHREY, L.C._) Sir Humphrey! Is it you? -(_crosses to SIR HUMPHREY; comes down with him_) How kind of you to -come and see me! - -SIR H. I have come to ask you to see someone else, Mrs. Blake. - -ALMA. Anyone you like, of course. - -SIR H. Even your husband? - -ALMA. Tom! (_leans on chair_) - -SIR H. I've brought him with me. Once I said I might be of service to -you; and I can now, if you will see him. - -ALMA. (_leaving chair_) What's the use? When last he saw me he would -scarcely speak to me. - -SIR H. But I have seen him very often since. I have been thinking a -great deal of what you told me, and of what he has told me recently, -and I should like to speak to both of you together. - -ALMA. As you please. - -_Re-enter SUSAN, R.C._ - -SIR H. Ask Mr. Potter to come here. (_to SUSAN_) - -SUSAN. Yes, sir. (_Exit, L.C._) - -SIR H. One favour more. If you have kept the portion of the letter you -last wrote to him, will you entrust me with it? - -ALMA. I will bring it you. - -SIR H. I don't think you'll regret the confidence. (_puts hat and -gloves down. Exit ALMA, R.C._) How shall I put it to them? (_pacing up -and down, his eyes fall on the picture, R._) What's that? His picture! -Ah! the very thing! (_Enter TOM, L.C._) Come in, your wife will see -you. - -TOM. Very well. But I don't know what purpose it will serve. It's only -my respect for you that brings me. - -SIR H. Tom, do you recognise that picture? - -TOM. (_surprised_) It's my stupid knights! - -SIR H. Ned gave it Mrs. Blake. You know the story? - -TOM. Didn't I tell it _you?_ - -SIR H. Yet, you've not learnt its lesson. After you left my house so -suddenly, upon your recognition of your wife, I wouldn't meet you. I -was like those knights. I didn't see what purpose it would serve. But -I was wrong. - -TOM. As _I_ am now. You're right. Thank you for bringing me, whatever -comes of it. - -SIR H. You have your portion of that letter? - -TOM. (_putting hat down on sofa_) Here it is. (_gives it to SIR -HUMPHREY. Re-enter ALMA, R.C. SIR HUMPHREY goes to meet her, and takes -from her the paper in her hand--then leads her near to TOM, and takes -his place between them, glancing meanwhile over the note_) - -SIR H. Mrs. Blake, I was just reminding Mr. Potter of an old fable you -may perhaps have heard. Once on a time there were two knights who -fought about a certain silver shield. Silver, as one called it--the -other called it gold. When they had killed each other, so the story -runs, it was discovered both of them were right, and, at the same -time, both of them were wrong. The shield was gold on one side, silver -on the other. Years afterwards the spirits of those knights revisited -the earth. They took the form, the one of a young husband, and the -other of his wife. They loved one another, but they were unhappy. The -wife was a coquette. I'm sure she meant no harm but she incurred her -husband's anger. He remonstrated with her; and the result was she -resolved to say good-bye to her admirers. She wrote to one of them to -tell him so. When she had written the first sheet she put it in her -desk; and in the middle of the next was interrupted. Her husband, -finding it, and thinking it was meant for him, left her. (_pause_) Six -years they lived apart. Each had one portion of the letter, and each -showed it to a common friend, when it occurred to this same common -friend to put the sheets together--(_does so_)--and lo! he found that -each of them was right again, and each of them again was wrong. He -took upon him to reverse the sheets--(_reverses them_)--and asked to -hear them read aloud together. (_looks at TOM_) The husband held the -first sheet, and began. (_hands ALMA'S sheet to TOM_) - -TOM. (_reads_) "You will consider this a very cruel letter, but I mean -it kindly. Something has occurred to show me I've been acting very -foolishly, and deceiving both my husband and you. You may think me -heartless and fickle; but I haven't really changed. I always loved him -in my heart of hearts. I know he doesn't like me seeing you; and to -continue seeing you against his will would be like saying to----" - -ALMA. (_to whom SIR HUMPHREY hands TOM'S sheet; reads_)--"Tom, I love -another more than I love you. (_pause_) Isn't it best that we should -say good-bye? I have no right to tell you I will never see you, for -the fault is mine; but if I do, it will only be painful, and I leave -it to your magnanimity to go away from me for ever." - -SIR H. I have done. (_goes up and turns his back to them, deeply -moved; pause_) - -TOM. And have we lost six years of this short life? - -ALMA. (_crosses to TOM_) Not lost! if we have learnt to trust -appearance less, and one another more. - -TOM. Is it you, Alma? Time and grief have made us almost strangers. - -ALMA. But time and happiness shall make us friends. - -_Re-enter SUSAN, L.C. TOM crosses to R._ - -SUSAN. Dr. and Mrs. Dozey. - -_Enter DR. and MRS. DOZEY, L.C. Exit SUSAN, L.C._ - -DR. (_down L._) Being on a visit to the Metropolis, and happening to -be in the neighbourhood---- (_shakes hands_) - -ALMA. Very glad to see you, doctor. How is Mrs. Dozey? - -MRS. D. I owe you an apology, my dear. - -ALMA. You owe me an apology! What for? - -MRS. D. The months and months I thought you were a widow; when all the -time you were a respectable married woman. (_embraces ALMA, and sits -in armchair, L. of table_) - -TOM. Ah! the knights again. - -DR. (_crosses to TOM_) Herein we see the folly of rash judgment, and -the frailty of our flesh. The subject naturally subdivides itself---- - -ALMA. My husband. - -TOM. How d'you do? (_takes DR. DOZEY aside_) - -MRS. D. You're reconciled? - -ALMA. At last. - -MRS. D. Oh, how I shall enjoy a sermon after this! - -_Re-enter SUSAN, L.C._ - -SUSAN. Mr. Dick, Mr. Chetwynd. - -DICK. Come along, Chetwynd. (_down R.C. of ALMA. NED crosses to SIR -HUMPHREY. SUSAN exits, L.C._) Morning everybody. Important business. -(_puts hat on sofa_) - -SIR H. Business? Then I'm afraid we're in the way. (_NED crosses L._) - -ALMA. Not in the least. Don't move. If anybody's in the way it's Mr. -Dick. To what am I indebted for this intrusion? - -DICK. Just been upstairs looking for Miss Carlton, and I'm told you've -been getting at her. What are you up to now? What business have you -with my leading lady? - -ALMA. Miss Carlton's indisposed, and can't attend rehearsal. - -DICK. Teaching her some of your own tricks already. Where's the -doctor's certificate? - -ALMA. She's seriously ill, and won't be able to appear at all. - -DICK. Not appear! not appear! This is your doing, to throw me over at -the eleventh hour! Someone shall pay for this! - -ALMA. Yes; you shall pay for it yourself. - -DICK. (_desperate_) Not appear! Who's to play the part? - -ALMA. The woman it was written for! Who else? - -DICK. You'll play it after all? You'll come back to me? You're not -half a bad sort, when all's said and done! - -ALMA. Yes, I've decided to come back to you. - -DICK. (_overjoyed_) At the old figure? - -ALMA. No--(_DICK'S face falls_)--at ten pounds a week advance. - -DICK. (_dismayed_) Ten! You said five last night. - -ALMA. But I say ten this morning. - -NED. Better accept. - -ALMA. It'll be fifteen to-morrow. - -NED. Give it her, Dick. - -ALMA. Or I won't play the part. (_DR. DOZEY comes down, R._) - -DICK. Gad, I should like to give it her! This is a conspiracy. No, -hang me if I give you ten pounds a week rise. Go to the---- (_crosses -to R.; meets DR. DOZEY_) - -DR. Hem! - -DICK. (_looking at DR. DOZEY_) To the Antipodes. (_to ALMA_) You've -been there once, and you can go again. - -DR. Diana, I was too precipitate. - -DICK. I'll find some other woman. You shan't play the part. - -NED. Then you _shan't_ play my piece. - -DICK. (_crosses to NED_) Shan't play your piece? _Your_ piece? - -NED. My piece. - -DICK. Yours, after all the alterations I've made! - -NED. Well, you _have_ cut it up! (_sits head of sofa_) - -DICK. Do you suppose there's only one piece in the world? My room is -full of 'em--chock full--so full I can scarcely get into it! - -NED. All rubbish. - -DICK. You haven't read them, sir. - -NED. No more have you. - -ALMA. You'd better settle, Dick. - -DICK. (_crosses to C._) Be beaten by a woman? No, by jingo, no! (_puts -on hat_) I'll find some other woman. Hang it all! there are plenty of -women in the world--too many--hang _them_ all! Good morning everybody; -and may I be---- (_runs against SUSAN, who re-enters, L.C., with -telegram; he stops_) - -SUSAN. Oh! (_recovering herself_) Telegram, miss. - -DICK. Telegram? - -ALMA. (_who's opened it_) From Baker of the Colosseum. (_DICK looks -over her while she reads_) "Hear you leave Dick. Come to me. Forty -pounds a week. Wire answer. Reply paid." - -DICK. (_snatching form, crosses to chair where MRS. DOZEY is asleep; -puts his knee on elbow; wakes MRS. DOZEY_) Look here, _I'll_ answer -that. (_writes_) "Blake does _not_ leave me. _I_ pay forty-five. Mind -your own business." (_gives form to SUSAN_) - -ALMA. Forty-five. - -DICK. It's settled. (_they shake hands; puts hat down on table with a -bang, starting DR. and MRS. DOZEY_) - -MRS. D. Dionysius? - -DR. After mature deliberation, I have arrived at the conclusion that -Mr. Dick did not intend to say "Antipodes." - -MRS. D. I don't believe he did. (_ALMA leaves DICK and goes to SUSAN, -to whom she gives instructions in dumb show, leading her R. TOM -approaches DICK, who's dropped on sofa, wiping his forehead_) - -TOM. You got the worst of that, sir? - -DICK. No, I didn't. I never get the worst of anything. If she had -played her cards well I'd have given her fifty. - -TOM. Fifty? - -DICK. She's worth it. - -TOM. Very glad to hear it. (_turns off, L._) - -DICK. (_to himself, half following TOM_) Why is he glad to hear it? -(_aside to SIR HUMPHREY_) I say, who is that? - -SIR H. Mrs. Blake's husband. - -DICK. (_drops on to seat, C., at R. back_) He'll tell her! He's -telling her. (_TOM and ALMA laugh over it across the sofa_) No matter. -(_coming down, C.; addressing ALMA_) I'll take it out of you. I'll -change the bill continually. You shall have rehearsals morning, noon, -and night. (_Exit SUSAN, R.C._) - -NED. (_down, L._) Oh, no, you won't. You haven't plays enough. - -DICK. Soon get 'em. Sparkle shall set his type-writer to work, and you -must set your wits. I'll give you a wholesale order. - -NED. I'm a slow worker; I'm afraid I couldn't execute it. - -ALMA. Why not? What's the difficulty? - -NED. I can't think of a plot. - -ALMA. I'll give you one. - -SIR H. (_coming down_) You, Miss Blake! (_DICK laughs_) - -ALMA. (_to DICK_) What are you laughing at? - -DICK. (_sitting down at back, L.C._) Your plot. A nice old hash up -it'll be. - -ALMA. You haven't heard it. - -DICK. Don't want to hear it. All been done before! - -SIR H. It'll be new to us, at any rate. - -ALMA. Sir Humphrey, sit down. (_SIR HUMPHREY sits at back of table_) -Doctor, you shall be my audience. - -DR. (_rising; also MRS. DOZEY_) Pardon me, but it is against my -principles. - -ALMA. Did I say audience? I meant congregation. - -MRS. D. (_sits_) Ah! (_goes to sleep_) - -DR. That removes my scruples. There is no evil in an audience, -regarded in the aspect of a congregation. (_sits_) - -ALMA. Don't make yourself too comfortable, Ned. I shall want you to -play a leading part. Dick, you shall be the front row of the pit. -(_DICK brings chair down, C. Re-enter SUSAN, R.C._) And here comes -Susan, just in time to be the prompter. Ready? (_sits on sofa_) -Curtain up. Hero and heroine, a young married couple. They're very -fond of one another--very happy. So the play opens brightly. - -DICK. Wife working slippers--husband smoking--embraces--footstool -business--the old fake--told you so. - -ALMA. The husband is an author, like Mr. Chetwynd; and as the act -progresses, his wife grows rather jealous. - -DICK. Quite a new motive, isn't it? Only been done about a thousand -times. - -DR. (_rises; looks at DICK, who turns away_) These interruptions are -distracting. (_sits_) - -MRS. D. (_wakes_) Silence! (_goes to sleep again_) - -SIR H. Please go on. - -ALMA. He is at work upon a play, in which a faithless lover is a -leading character. - -NED. That is _my_ play! - -DICK. Of course it is! I knew Blake couldn't be original. - -ALMA. The lover writes to tell his second love how much better he -likes her than his first, and the sheet of paper on which the letter -is written, the author, in the old untidy way, leaves lying about the -house. - -DICK. It's all been done! Wife finds the letter--thinks it's -genuine--and leaves home to slow music. - -ALMA. End of Act the first. - -DICK. (_rises_) And a nice fine old crusted situation that is to ring -down on. - -DR. (_rises_) It is a drawback to interpolations that they interrupt -the argument and distract the attention. (_business with DICK repeat; -sits_) - -SIR H. Never mind Mr. Dick. Come to the second act. (_NED listens -eagerly_) - -ALMA. The wife goes on the stage. - -DICK. What manager would take her? - -ALMA. Probably some old curmudgeon who'd just refused his leading lady -a few pounds. (_DICK turns from her; meets DR. DOZEY looking at him on -the other side, then back again_) - -DICK. Go on--go on--we're waiting. - -ALMA. Well, in course of time, a certain part is given her; and in the -part she finds the letter she'd misunderstood. - -TOM. It is her husband's play! - -NED. (_much excited_) _My_ play! - -SIR H. Yours! (_beginning to understand_) - -ALMA. (_rises_) Act the third. (_turns to SUSAN_) Prompter, you'd -better call the heroine. (_rises. SUSAN opens door, R._) - -NED. (_rising_) Go on! - -ALMA. One day she meets a certain actress---- - -NED. You! - -ALMA. Who lives in the same house---- - -DICK. (_rises; gets down, R.C._) Hallo! here's something new. - -ALMA. Who knows her husband, and who tells the story. He stands -aghast--his wife is at the door--they are about to meet--she only -waits her cue. Her cue is her own name. Her name is---- (_SUSAN -signals to LUCY, R.C._) - -NED. Lucy! (_rushes to meet her_) - -_Re-enter LUCY, R.C._ - -LUCY. Ned! (_running into his arms; all rise except MRS. DOZEY_) - -ALMA. Tableau! - -DICK. (_as if signalling the flies_) Ring! - -ALMA. Curtain! - -CURTAIN. - - - -Transcriber's Note - -This transcription is based on scanned images posted by Google from a -copy from the Harvard library: - -nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.FIG:002663452 - -Note that the Google scans are included in a set of four Sydney Grundy -plays published by Samuel French posted under the title of the first -play in the set, _A Fool's Paradise._ Based on how the Harvard Library -catalogs the individual copies, I assume Google combined the different -scans into a single document. _The Silver Shield_ is the fourth play -in the set. - -French's Acting Editions from the nineteenth century tend to have -minor editorial inconsistencies and errors as well as errors -introduced in the printing process, depending on the condition and -inking of the plates. Thus, for example, it is at times difficult to -determine whether a certain letter is an "c," "e," or "o" or whether a -certain punctuation mark is a period or a comma. Where context made -the choice obvious, the obvious reading was given the benefit of the -doubt without comment. - -The following changes were noted: - -- Throughout the text, all instances of "and" between character names -in stage directions are consistently italicized and in lower case. - -- Throughout the text, all instances of "L.C." and "R.C." have been -made consistent so that there is no space between them. - -- Throughout the text, the use of dashes has been made consistent. - -- p. 3: Can't you see the likeness--Added a question mark to the end -of the sentence. - -- p. 5: ...to bear the purring cat...--Changed "bear" to "hear". - -- p. 9: (_arranges hersel before the glass_)--Changed "hersel" to -"herself". - -- p. 9: graually gets round, and down--Changed "graually" to -"gradually". - -- p. 12: Scrubbs is the man for skies, --Changed comma after "skies" -to a period. - -- p. 13: What nonsense I never met you...--Added an exclamation mark -after "nonsense". - -- p. 14: ...should have said nothing, We don't...--Changed comma to a -period. - -- p. 16: (_embraces Dr. DOZEY, while ALMA shakes..._--Changed "Dr." to -small caps in html version or all caps in text version. - -- p. 18: What's the matter, Mrs. DOZEY?--Changed small caps in -printing of "Dozey" to initial cap. - -- p. 19: I believe you're smitten Men are all alike.--Added period -after "smitten". - -- p. 23: _LUCY sits R._--Added a comma after "sits" in space that -appeared to be left for one. - -- p. 30: I don't read plays, sir; I produce em.--Added an apostrophe -before "em". - -- p. 32: You may--you may It's quite a relief to hear a little bad -language.--Added a period between "may" and "It's". - -- p. 38: (_Exit through window off, L._) _SERVANT closes -window..._--Deleted closing parenthesis after "L.". - -- p. 39: MRS. D. It' an elopement!--Added an "s" after the apostrophe. - -- p. 42: you can t be sorry for me, Miss Blake.--Added an apostrophe -between "can" and "t". - -- p. 47: Say that the lady on the first floor wants t speak to her on -business...--Changed "t" to "to". - -- p. 51: I have no right to tell you I will; never see you...--Deleted -semicolon. - -- p. 54: DR. (_rising: also MRS. DOZEY_)--Changed colon to semicolon -for consistency. - -Variant spellings such as "bran new" and "weazel" were not changed. - -The html version of this etext attempts to reproduce the layout of the -printed text. However, some concessions have been made. For example, -the spacing above and below the stage directions has been -standardized, and in the stage directions, no attempt was made to -reproduce whether the punctuation was italicized. Thus, if a -punctuation mark was adjacent to an html <span> tag, it was included -within the <span> group. This prevents line breaks in the display text -of some ereaders right before the punctuation mark. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Silver Shield, by Sydney Grundy - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SILVER SHIELD *** - -***** This file should be named 41033-8.txt or 41033-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/1/0/3/41033/ - -Produced by Paul Haxo from page images generously made -available by Google and the Harvard University Library. - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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