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diff --git a/old/55945-h/55945-h.htm b/old/55945-h/55945-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index c98929a..0000000 --- a/old/55945-h/55945-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9188 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" -"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> -<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Exiles by James Joyce</title> - -<style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> - -body { margin-left: 15%; - margin-right: 15%; - text-align: justify; } - -h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 {text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: -normal; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em;} - -h1 {font-size: 300%; - margin-top: 0.6em; - margin-bottom: 0.6em; - letter-spacing: 0.12em; - word-spacing: 0.2em; - text-indent: 0em;} -h2 {font-size: 150%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} -h3 {font-size: 130%; margin-top: 1em;} -h4 {font-size: 120%;} -h5 {font-size: 110%;} - -.no-break {page-break-before: avoid;} /* for epubs */ - -div.chapter {page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em;} - -hr {width: 80%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} - -p {text-indent: 1em; - margin-top: 0.25em; - margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - -p.drama {text-indent: 0%; - margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 0em; } - -span.charname {font-variant: small-caps; font-style: normal;} - -a:link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} -a:visited {color:blue; text-decoration:none} -a:hover {color:red} - -</style> -</head> -<body> - -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Exiles, by James Joyce</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Exiles</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: James Joyce</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: November 12, 2017 [eBook #55945]<br /> -[Most recently updated: October 18, 2023]</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Menno de Leeuw</div> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EXILES ***</div> - -<h1>Exiles</h1> - -<h3>A Play in Three Acts</h3> - -<h2 class="no-break">By James Joyce</h2> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2><b>Contents</b></h2> - -<table summary="" style=""> -<tr> -<td> <a href="#actI">First Act</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td> <a href="#actII">Second Act</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td> <a href="#actIII">Third Act</a></td> -</tr> - -</table> - -</div><!--end chapter--> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h3><b>Characters</b></h3> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD ROWAN, a writer.<br/> -BERTHA.<br/> -ARCHIE, their son, aged eight years.<br/> -ROBERT HAND, journalist.<br/> -BEATRICE JUSTICE, his cousin, music teacher.<br/> -BRIGID, an old servant of the Rowan family.<br/> -A FISHWOMAN.<br/> -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -At Merrion and Ranelagh, suburbs of Dublin.<br/> -Summer of the year 1912. -</p> - -</div><!--end chapter--> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2><a name="actI"></a><b>First Act</b></h2> - -<p class="drama"> -<i>The drawingroom in Richard Rowan’s house at Merrion, a suburb of Dublin. On -the right, forward, a fireplace, before which stands a low screen. Over the -mantelpiece a giltframed glass. Further back in the right wall, folding doors -leading to the parlour and kitchen. In the wall at the back to the right a -small door leading to a study. Left of this a sideboard. On the wall above the -sideboard a framed crayon drawing of a young man. More to the left double doors -with glass panels leading out to the garden. In the wall at the left a window -looking out on the road. Forward in the same wall a door leading to the hall -and the upper part of the house. Between the window and door a lady’s davenport -stands against the wall. Near it a wicker chair. In the centre of the room a -round table. Chairs, upholstered in faded green plush, stand round the table. -To the right, forward, a smaller table with a smoking service on it. Near it an -easychair and a lounge. Cocoanut mats lie before the fireplace, beside the -lounge and before the doors. The floor is of stained planking. The double doors -at the back and the folding doors at the right have lace curtains, which are -drawn halfway. The lower sash of the window is lifted and the window is hung -with heavy green plush curtains. The blind is pulled down to the edge of the -lifted lower sash. It is a warm afternoon in June and the room is filled with -soft sunlight which is waning.</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<span class="charname">Brigid</span> <i>and</i> <span class="charname">Beatrice -Justice</span> <i>come in by the door on the left.</i> -<span class="charname">Brigid</span> <i>is an elderly woman, lowsized, with -irongrey hair.</i> <span class="charname">Beatrice Justice</span> <i>is a -slender dark young woman of 27 years. She wears a wellmade navyblue costume and -an elegant simply trimmed black straw hat, and carries a small portfolioshaped -handbag.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -The mistress and Master Archie is at the bath. They never expected you. Did you -send word you were back, Miss Justice? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -No. I arrived just now. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Points to the easychair.</i>] Sit down and I’ll tell the master you are -here. Were you long in the train? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Sitting down.</i>] Since morning. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -Master Archie got your postcard with the views of Youghal. You’re tired out, -I’m sure. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -O, no. [<i>She coughs rather nervously.</i>] Did he practise the piano while I -was away? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Laughs heartily.</i>] Practice, how are you! Is it Master Archie? He is mad -after the milkman’s horse now. Had you nice weather down there, Miss Justice? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Rather wet, I think. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Sympathetically.</i>] Look at that now. And there is rain overhead too. -[<i>Moving towards the study.</i>] I’ll tell him you are here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Is Mr Rowan in? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Points.</i>] He is in his study. He is wearing himself out about something -he is writing. Up half the night he does be. [<i>Going.</i>] I’ll call him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Don’t disturb him, Brigid. I can wait here till they come back if they are not -long. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -And I saw something in the letterbox when I was letting you in. [<i>She crosses -to the study door, opens it slightly and calls.</i>] Master Richard, Miss -Justice is here for Master Archie’s lesson. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<span class="charname">Richard Rowan</span> <i>comes in from the study and -advances towards</i> <span class="charname">Beatrice</span>, <i>holding out his -hand. He is a tall athletic young man of a rather lazy carriage. He has light -brown hair and a moustache and wears glasses. He is dressed in loose lightgrey -tweed.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Welcome. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Rises and shakes hands, blushing slightly.</i>] Good afternoon, Mr Rowan. I -did not want Brigid to disturb you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Disturb me? My goodness! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -There is something in the letterbox, sir. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Takes a small bunch of keys from his pocket and hands them to her.</i>] -Here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<span class="charname">Brigid</span> <i>goes out by the door at the left and is -heard opening and closing the box. A short pause. She enters with two -newspapers in her hands.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Letters? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -No, sir. Only them Italian newspapers. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Leave them on my desk, will you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<span class="charname">Brigid</span> <i>hands him back the keys, leaves the -newspapers in the study, comes out again and goes out by the folding doors on -the right.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Please, sit down. Bertha will be back in a moment. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<span class="charname">Beatrice</span> <i>sits down again in the easychair.</i> -<span class="charname">Richard</span> <i>sits beside the table.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I had begun to think you would never come back. It is twelve days since you -were here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I thought of that too. But I have come. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Have you thought over what I told you when you were here last? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Very much. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -You must have known it before. Did you? [<i>She does not answer.</i>] Do you -blame me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Do you think I have acted towards you—badly? No? Or towards anyone? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Looks at him with a sad puzzled expression.</i>] I have asked myself that -question. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -And the answer? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I could not answer it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -If I were a painter and told you I had a book of sketches of you you would not -think it so strange, would you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -It is not quite the same case, is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Smiles slightly.</i>] Not quite. I told you also that I would not show you -what I had written unless you asked to see it. Well? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I will not ask you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his hands joined.</i>] -Would you like to see it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Very much. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Because it is about yourself? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Yes. But not only that. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Because it is written by me? Yes? Even if what you would find there is -sometimes cruel? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Shyly.</i>] That is part of your mind, too. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Then it is my mind that attracts you? Is that it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Hesitating, glances at him for an instant.</i>] Why do you think I come -here? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Why? Many reasons. To give Archie lessons. We have known one another so many -years, from childhood, Robert, you and I—haven’t we? You have always been -interested in me, before I went away and while I was away. Then our letters to -each other about my book. Now it is published. I am here again. Perhaps you -feel that some new thing is gathering in my brain; perhaps you feel that you -should know it. Is that the reason? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Why, then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Otherwise I could not see you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She looks at him for a moment and then turns aside quickly.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>After a pause repeats uncertainly.</i>] Otherwise you could not see me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Suddenly confused.</i>] I had better go. They are not coming back. -[<i>Rising.</i>] Mr Rowan, I must go. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Extending his arms.</i>] But you are running away. Remain. Tell me what -your words mean. Are you afraid of me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Sinks back again.</i>] Afraid? No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Have you confidence in me? Do you feel that you know me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Again shyly.</i>] It is hard to know anyone but oneself. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Hard to know me? I sent you from Rome the chapters of my book as I wrote them; -and letters for nine long years. Well, eight years. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Yes, it was nearly a year before your first letter came. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -It was answered at once by you. And from that on you have watched me in my -struggle. [<i>Joins his hands earnestly.</i>] Tell me, Miss Justice, did you -feel that what you read was written for your eyes? Or that you inspired me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Shakes her head.</i>] I need not answer that question. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -What then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Is silent for a moment.</i>] I cannot say it. You yourself must ask me, Mr -Rowan. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>With some vehemence.</i>] Then that I expressed in those chapters and -letters, and in my character and life as well, something in your soul which you -could not—pride or scorn? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Could not? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Leans towards her.</i>] Could not because you dared not. Is that why? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Bends her head.</i>] Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -On account of others or for want of courage—which? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Softly.</i>] Courage. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Slowly.</i>] And so you have followed me with pride and scorn also in your -heart? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -And loneliness. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She leans her head on her hand, averting her face. -<span class="charname">Richard</span> rises and walks slowly to the window on -the left. He looks out for some moments and then returns towards her, crosses -to the lounge and sits down near her.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Do you love him still? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I do not even know. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -It was that that made me so reserved with you—then—even though I felt your -interest in me, even though I felt that I too was something in your life. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -You were. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yet that separated me from you. I was a third person, I felt. Your names were -always spoken together, Robert and Beatrice, as long as I can remember. It -seemed to me, to everyone... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -We are first cousins. It is not strange that we were often together. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -He told me of your secret engagement with him. He had no secrets from me; I -suppose you know that. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Uneasily.</i>] What happened—between us—is so long ago. I was a child. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Smiles maliciously.</i>] A child? Are you sure? It was in the garden of his -mother’s house. No? [<i>He points towards the garden.</i>] Over there. You -plighted your troth, as they say, with a kiss. And you gave him your garter. Is -it allowed to mention that? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>With some reserve.</i>] If you think it worthy of mention. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I think you have not forgotten it. [<i>Clasping his hands quietly.</i>] I do -not understand it. I thought, too, that after I had gone... Did my going make -you suffer? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I always knew you would go some day. I did not suffer; only I was changed. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Towards him? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Everything was changed. His life, his mind, even, seemed to change after that. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Musing.</i>] Yes. I saw that you had changed when I received your first -letter after a year; after your illness, too. You even said so in your letter. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -It brought me near to death. It made me see things differently. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -And so a coldness began between you, little by little. Is that it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Half closing her eyes.</i>] No. Not at once. I saw in him a pale reflection -of you: then that too faded. Of what good is it to talk now? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>With a repressed energy.</i>] But what is this that seems to hang over you? -It cannot be so tragic. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Calmly.</i>] O, not in the least tragic. I shall become gradually better, -they tell me, as I grow older. As I did not die then they tell me I shall -probably live. I am given life and health again—when I cannot use them. -[<i>Calmly and bitterly.</i>] I am convalescent. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Gently.</i>] Does nothing then in life give you peace? Surely it exists for -you somewhere. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -If there were convents in our religion perhaps there. At least, I think so at -times. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Shakes his head.</i>] No, Miss Justice, not even there. You could not give -yourself freely and wholly. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Looking at him.</i>] I would try. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -You would try, yes. You were drawn to him as your mind was drawn towards mine. -You held back from him. From me, too, in a different way. You cannot give -yourself freely and wholly. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Joins her hands softly.</i>] It is a terribly hard thing to do, Mr Rowan—to -give oneself freely and wholly—and be happy. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -But do you feel that happiness is the best, the highest that we can know? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>With fervour.</i>] I wish I could feel it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Leans back, his hands locked together behind his head.</i>] O, if you knew -how I am suffering at this moment! For your case, too. But suffering most of -all for my own. [<i>With bitter force.</i>] And how I pray that I may be -granted again my dead mother’s hardness of heart! For some help, within me or -without, I must find. And find it I will. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Beatrice</span> rises, looks at him intently, and -walks away toward the garden door. She turns with indecision, looks again at -him and, coming back, leans over the easychair.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Quietly.</i>] Did she send for you before she died, Mr Rowan? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Lost in thought.</i>] Who? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Your mother. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Recovering himself, looks keenly at her for a moment.</i>] So that, too, -was said of me here by my friends—that she sent for me before she died and that -I did not go? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Coldly.</i>] She did not. She died alone, not having forgiven me, and -fortified by the rites of holy church. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Mr Rowan, why did you speak to me in such a way? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Rises and walks nervously to and fro.</i>] And what I suffer at this moment -you will say is my punishment. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Did she write to you? I mean before... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Halting.</i>] Yes. A letter of warning, bidding me break with the past, and -remember her last words to me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Softly.</i>] And does death not move you, Mr Rowan? It is an end. -Everything else is so uncertain. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -While she lived she turned aside from me and from mine. That is certain. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -From you and from...? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -From Bertha and from me and from our child. And so I waited for the end as you -say; and it came. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Covers her face with her hands.</i>] O, no. Surely no. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Fiercely.</i>] How can my words hurt her poor body that rots in the grave? -Do you think I do not pity her cold blighted love for me? I fought against her -spirit while she lived to the bitter end. [<i>He presses his hand to his -forehead.</i>] It fights against me still—in here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>As before.</i>] O, do not speak like that. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -She drove me away. On account of her I lived years in exile and poverty too, or -near it. I never accepted the doles she sent me through the bank. I waited, -too, not for her death but for some understanding of me, her own son, her own -flesh and blood; that never came. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Not even after Archie...? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Rudely.</i>] My son, you think? A child of sin and shame! Are you serious? -[<i>She raises her face and looks at him.</i>] There were tongues here ready to -tell her all, to embitter her withering mind still more against me and Bertha -and our godless nameless child. [<i>Holding out his hands to her.</i>] Can you -not hear her mocking me while I speak? You must know the voice, surely, the -voice that called you <i>the black protestant</i>, the pervert’s daughter. -[<i>With sudden selfcontrol.</i>] In any case a remarkable woman. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Weakly.</i>] At least you are free now. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Nods.</i>] Yes, she could not alter the terms of my father’s will nor live -for ever. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>With joined hands.</i>] They are both gone now, Mr Rowan. They both loved -you, believe me. Their last thoughts were of you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Approaching, touches her lightly on the shoulder, and points to the crayon -drawing on the wall.</i>] Do you see him there, smiling and handsome? His last -thoughts! I remember the night he died. [<i>He pauses for an instant and then -goes on calmly.</i>] I was a boy of fourteen. He called me to his bedside. He -knew I wanted to go to the theatre to hear <i>Carmen</i>. He told my mother to -give me a shilling. I kissed him and went. When I came home he was dead. Those -were his last thoughts as far as I know. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -The hardness of heart you prayed for... [<i>She breaks off.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Unheeding.</i>] That is my last memory of him. Is there not something sweet -and noble in it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Mr Rowan, something is on your mind to make you speak like this. Something has -changed you since you came back three months ago. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Gazing again at the drawing, calmly, almost gaily.</i>] He will help me, -perhaps, my smiling handsome father. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>A knock is heard at the hall door on the left.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Suddenly.</i>] No, no. Not the smiler, Miss Justice. The old mother. It is -her spirit I need. I am going. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Someone knocked. They have come back. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -No, Bertha has a key. It is he. At least, I am going, whoever it is. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He goes out quickly on the left and comes back at once with his straw hat -in his hand.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -He? Who? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -O, probably Robert. I am going out through the garden. I cannot see him now. -Say I have gone to the post. Goodbye. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>With growing alarm.</i>] It is Robert you do not wish to see? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Quietly.</i>] For the moment, yes. This talk has upset me. Ask him to wait. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -You will come back? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Please God. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He goes out quickly through the garden. <span -class="charname">Beatrice</span> makes as if to follow him and then stops after -a few paces. <span class="charname">Brigid</span> enters by the folding doors on -the right and goes out on the left. The hall door is heard opening. A few -seconds after <span class="charname">Brigid</span> enters with -<span class="charname">Robert Hand. Robert Hand</span> is a middlesized, rather -stout man between thirty and forty. He is cleanshaven, with mobile features. -His hair and eyes are dark and his complexion sallow. His gait and speech are -rather slow. He wears a dark blue morning suit and carries in his hand a large -bunch of red roses wrapped in tissue paper.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Coming towards her with outstretched hand which she takes.</i>] My dearest -coz! Brigid told me you were here. I had no notion. Did you send mother a -telegram? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Gazing at the roses.</i>] No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Following her gaze.</i>] You are admiring my roses. I brought them to the -mistress of the house. [<i>Critically.</i>] I am afraid they are not nice. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -O, they are lovely, sir. The mistress will be delighted with them. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Lays the roses carelessly on a chair out of sight.</i>] Is nobody in? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -Yes, sir. Sit down, sir. They’ll be here now any moment. The master was here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She looks about her and with a half curtsey goes out on the right.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>After a short silence.</i>] How are you, Beatty? And how are all down in -Youghal? As dull as ever? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -They were well when I left. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Politely.</i>] O, but I’m sorry I did not know you were coming. I would -have met you at the train. Why did you do it? You have some queer ways about -you, Beatty, haven’t you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>In the same tone.</i>] Thank you, Robert. I am quite used to getting about -alone. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes, but I mean to say... O, well, you have arrived in your own characteristic -way. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>A noise is heard at the window and a boy’s voice is heard calling, ‘Mr -Hand!’ <span class="charname">Robert</span> turns.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -By Jove, Archie, too, is arriving in a characteristic way! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Archie</span> scrambles into the room through the -open window on the left and then rises to his feet, flushed and panting. -<span class="charname">Archie</span> is a boy of eight years, dressed in white -breeches, jersey and cap. He wears spectacles, has a lively manner and speaks -with the slight trace of a foreign accent.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Going towards him.</i>] Goodness gracious, Archie! What is the matter? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Rising, out of breath.</i>] Eh! I ran all the avenue. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Smiles and holds out his hand.</i>] Good evening, Archie. Why did you run? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Shakes hands.</i>] Good evening. We saw you on the top of the tram, and I -shouted <i>Mr Hand!</i> But you did not see me. But we saw you, mamma and I. -She will be here in a minute. I ran. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Holding out her hand.</i>] And poor me! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Shakes hands somewhat shyly.</i>] Good evening, Miss Justice. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Were you disappointed that I did not come last Friday for the lesson? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Glancing at her, smiles.</i>] No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Glad? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Suddenly.</i>] But today it is too late. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -A very short lesson? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Pleased.</i>] Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -But now you must study, Archie. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Were you at the bath? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Are you a good swimmer now? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Leans against the davenport.</i>] No. Mamma won’t let me into the deep -place. Can you swim well, Mr Hand? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Splendidly. Like a stone. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Laughs.</i>] Like a stone! [<i>Pointing down.</i>] Down that way? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Pointing.</i>] Yes, down; straight down. How do you say that over in Italy? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -That? <i>Giù.</i> [<i>Pointing down and up.</i>] That is <i>giù</i> and this -is <i>sù</i>. Do you want to speak to my pappie? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes. I came to see him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Going towards the study.</i>] I will tell him. He is in there, writing. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Calmly, looking at <span class="charname">Robert</span>.</i>] No; he is out. -He is gone to the post with some letters. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Lightly.</i>] O, never mind. I will wait if he is only gone to the post. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -But mamma is coming. [<i>He glances towards the window.</i>] Here she is! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Archie</span> runs out by the door on the left. -<span class="charname">Beatrice</span> walks slowly towards the davenport. -<span class="charname">Robert</span> remains standing. A short silence. -<span class="charname">Archie</span> and <span class="charname">Bertha</span> -come in through the door on the left. <span class="charname">Bertha</span> is a -young woman of graceful build. She has dark grey eyes, patient in expression, -and soft features. Her manner is cordial and selfpossessed. She wears a -lavender dress and carries her cream gloves knotted round the handle of her -sunshade.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Shaking hands.</i>] Good evening, Miss Justice. We thought you were still -down in Youghal. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Shaking hands.</i>] Good evening, Mrs Rowan. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Bows.</i>] Good evening, Mr Hand. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Bowing.</i>] Good evening, <i>signora!</i> Just imagine, I didn’t know -either she was back till I found her here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>To both.</i>] Did you not come together? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -No. I came first. Mr Rowan was going out. He said you would be back any moment. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I’m sorry. If you had written or sent over word by the girl this morning... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Laughs nervously.</i>] I arrived only an hour and a half ago. I thought of -sending a telegram but it seemed too tragic. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Ah? Only now you arrived? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Extending his arms, blandly.</i>] I retire from public and private life. -Her first cousin and a journalist, I know nothing of her movements. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Not directly to him.</i>] My movements are not very interesting. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>In the same tone.</i>] A lady’s movements are always interesting. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -But sit down, won’t you? You must be very tired. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Quickly.</i>] No, not at all. I just came for Archie’s lesson. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I wouldn’t hear of such a thing, Miss Justice, after your long journey. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Suddenly to <span class="charname">Beatrice</span>.</i>] And, besides, you -didn’t bring the music. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>A little confused.</i>] That I forgot. But we have the old piece. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Pinching <span class="charname">Archie’s</span> ear.</i>] You little scamp. -You want to get off the lesson. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -O, never mind the lesson. You must sit down and have a cup of tea now. -[<i>Going towards the door on the right.</i>] I’ll tell Brigid. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -I will, mamma. [<i>He makes a movement to go.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -No, please Mrs Rowan. Archie! I would really prefer... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Quietly.</i>] I suggest a compromise. Let it be a half-lesson. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -But she must be exhausted. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Quickly.</i>] Not in the least. I was thinking of the lesson in the train. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>To <span class="charname">Bertha</span>.</i>] You see what it is to have a -conscience, Mrs Rowan. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Of my lesson, Miss Justice? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Simply.</i>] It is ten days since I heard the sound of a piano. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -O, very well. If that is it... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Nervously, gaily.</i>] Let us have the piano by all means. I know what is -in Beatty’s ears at this moment. [<i>To <span -class="charname">Beatrice</span>.</i>] Shall I tell? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -If you know. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -The buzz of the harmonium in her father’s parlour. [<i>To -<span class="charname">Beatrice</span>.</i>] Confess. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Smiling.</i>] Yes. I can hear it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Grimly.</i>] So can I. The asthmatic voice of protestantism. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Did you not enjoy yourself down there, Miss Justice? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Intervenes.</i>] She did not, Mrs Rowan. She goes there on retreat, when -the protestant strain in her prevails—gloom, seriousness, righteousness. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I go to see my father. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Continuing.</i>] But she comes back here to my mother, you see. The piano -influence is from our side of the house. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Hesitating.</i>] Well, Miss Justice, if you would like to play something... -But please don’t fatigue yourself with Archie. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Suavely.</i>] Do, Beatty. That is what you want. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -If Archie will come? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>With a shrug.</i>] To listen. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Takes his hand.</i>] And a little lesson, too. Very short. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Well, afterwards you must stay to tea. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>To <span class="charname">Archie</span>.</i>] Come. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Beatrice</span> and <span -class="charname">Archie</span> go out together by the door on the left. -<span class="charname">Bertha</span> goes towards the davenport, takes off her -hat and lays it with her sunshade on the desk. Then taking a key from a little -flowervase, she opens a drawer of the davenport, takes out a slip of paper and -closes the drawer again. <span class="charname">Robert</span> stands watching -her.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Coming towards him with the paper in her hand.</i>] You put this into my -hand last night. What does it mean? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Do you not know? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Reads.</i>] <i>There is one word which I have never dared to say to -you.</i> What is the word? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -That I have a deep liking for you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>A short pause. The piano is heard faintly from the upper room.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Takes the bunch of roses from the chair.</i>] I brought these for you. Will -you take them from me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Taking them.</i>] Thank you. [<i>She lays them on the table and unfolds the -paper again.</i>] Why did you not dare to say it last night? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I could not speak to you or follow you. There were too many people on the lawn. -I wanted you to think over it and so I put it into your hand when you were -going away. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Now you have dared to say it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Moves his hand slowly past his eyes.</i>] You passed. The avenue was dim -with dusky light. I could see the dark green masses of the trees. And you -passed beyond them. You were like the moon. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Laughs.</i>] Why like the moon? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -In that dress, with your slim body, walking with little even steps. I saw the -moon passing in the dusk till you passed and left my sight. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Did you think of me last night? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Comes nearer.</i>] I think of you always—as something beautiful and -distant—the moon or some deep music. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Smiling.</i>] And last night which was I? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I was awake half the night. I could hear your voice. I could see your face in -the dark. Your eyes... I want to speak to you. Will you listen to me? May I -speak? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Sitting down.</i>] You may. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Sitting beside her.</i>] Are you annoyed with me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I thought you were. You put away my poor flowers so quickly. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Takes them from the table and holds them close to her face.</i>] Is this -what you wish me to do with them? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Watching her.</i>] Your face is a flower too—but more beautiful. A wild -flower blowing in a hedge. [<i>Moving his chair closer to her.</i>] Why are you -smiling? At my words? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Laying the flowers in her lap.</i>] I am wondering if that is what you -say—to the others. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Surprised.</i>] What others? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -The other women. I hear you have so many admirers. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Involuntarily.</i>] And that is why you too...? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -But you have, haven’t you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Friends, yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Do you speak to them in the same way? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>In an offended tone.</i>] How can you ask me such a question? What kind of -person do you think I am? Or why do you listen to me? Did you not like me to -speak to you in that way? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -What you said was very kind. [<i>She looks at him for a moment.</i>] Thank you -for saying it—and thinking it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Leaning forward.</i>] Bertha! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I have the right to call you by your name. From old times—nine years ago. We -were Bertha—and Robert—then. Can we not be so now, too? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Readily.</i>] O yes. Why should we not? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Bertha, you knew. From the very night you landed on Kingstown pier. It all came -back to me then. And you knew it. You saw it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No. Not that night. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -When? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -The night we landed I felt very tired and dirty. [<i>Shaking her head.</i>] I -did not see it in you that night. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Smiling.</i>] Tell me what did you see that night—your very first -impression. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Knitting her brows.</i>] You were standing with your back to the gangway, -talking to two ladies. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -To two plain middleaged ladies, yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I recognized you at once. And I saw that you had got fat. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Takes her hand.</i>] And this poor fat Robert—do you dislike him then so -much? Do you disbelieve all he says? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I think men speak like that to all women whom they like or admire. What do you -want me to believe? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -All men, Bertha? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>With sudden sadness.</i>] I think so. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I too? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes, Robert. I think you too. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -All then—without exception? Or with one exception? [<i>In a lower tone.</i>] Or -is he too—Richard too—like us all—in that at least? Or different? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looks into his eyes.</i>] Different. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Are you quite sure, Bertha? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>A little confused, tries to withdraw her hand.</i>] I have answered you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Suddenly.</i>] Bertha, may I kiss your hand? Let me. May I? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -If you wish. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He lifts her hand to his lips slowly. She rises suddenly and listens.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Did you hear the garden gate? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Rising also.</i>] No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>A short pause. The piano can be heard faintly from the upper room.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Pleading.</i>] Do not go away. You must never go away now. Your life is -here. I came for that too today—to speak to him—to urge him to accept this -position. He must. And you must persuade him to. You have a great influence -over him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -You want him to remain here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Why? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -For your sake because you are unhappy so far away. For his sake too because he -should think of his future. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Laughing.</i>] Do you remember what he said when you spoke to him last -night? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -About...? [<i>Reflecting.</i>] Yes. He quoted the <i>Our Father</i> about our -daily bread. He said that to take care for the future is to destroy hope and -love in the world. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Do you not think he is strange? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -In that, yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -A little—mad? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Comes closer.</i>] No. He is not. Perhaps we are. Why, do you...? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Laughs.</i>] I ask you because you are intelligent. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -You must not go away. I will not let you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looks full at him.</i>] You? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Those eyes must not go away. [<i>He takes her hands.</i>] May I kiss your eyes? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Do so. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He kisses her eyes and then passes his hand over her hair.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Little Bertha! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Smiling.</i>] But I am not so little. Why do you call me little? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Little Bertha! One embrace? [<i>He puts his arm around her.</i>] Look into my -eyes again. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looks.</i>] I can see the little gold spots. So many you have. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Delighted.</i>] Your voice! Give me a kiss, a kiss with your mouth. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Take it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I am afraid. [<i>He kisses her mouth and passes his hand many times over her -hair.</i>] At last I hold you in my arms! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -And are you satisfied? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Let me feel your lips touch mine. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -And then you will be satisfied? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Murmurs.</i>] Your lips, Bertha! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Closes her eyes and kisses him quickly.</i>] There. [<i>Puts her hands on -his shoulders.</i>] Why don’t you say: thanks? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Sighs.</i>] My life is finished—over. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -O, don’t speak like that now, Robert. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Over, over. I want to end it and have done with it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Concerned but lightly.</i>] You silly fellow! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Presses her to him.</i>] To end it all—death. To fall from a great high -cliff, down, right down into the sea. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Please, Robert... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Listening to music and in the arms of the woman I love—the sea, music and -death. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looks at him for a moment.</i>] The woman you love? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Hurriedly.</i>] I want to speak to you, Bertha—alone—not here. Will you -come? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>With downcast eyes.</i>] I too want to speak to you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Tenderly.</i>] Yes, dear, I know. [<i>He kisses her again.</i>] I will -speak to you; tell you all; then. I will kiss you, then, long long kisses—when -you come to me—long long sweet kisses. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Where? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>In the tone of passion.</i>] Your eyes. Your lips. All your divine body. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Repelling his embrace, confused.</i>] I meant where do you wish me to come. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -To my house. Not my mother’s over there. I will write the address for you. Will -you come? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -When? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Tonight. Between eight and nine. Come. I will wait for you tonight. And every -night. You will? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He kisses her with passion, holding her head between his hands. After a few -instants she breaks from him. He sits down.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Listening.</i>] The gate opened. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Intensely.</i>] I will wait for you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He takes the slip from the table. <span class="charname">Bertha</span> -moves away from him slowly. <span class="charname">Richard</span> comes in from -the garden.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Advancing, takes off his hat.</i>] Good afternoon. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Rises, with nervous friendliness.</i>] Good afternoon, Richard. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>At the table, taking the roses.</i>] Look what lovely roses Mr Hand brought -me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I am afraid they are overblown. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Suddenly.</i>] Excuse me for a moment, will you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He turns and goes into his study quickly. <span -class="charname">Robert</span> takes a pencil from his pocket and writes a few -words on the slip; then hands it quickly to <span -class="charname">Bertha</span>.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Rapidly.</i>] The address. Take the tram at Lansdowne Road and ask to be -let down near there. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Takes it.</i>] I promise nothing. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I will wait. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Richard</span> comes back from the study.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Going.</i>] I must put these roses in water. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Handing her his hat.</i>] Yes, do. And please put my hat on the rack. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Takes it.</i>] So I will leave you to yourselves for your talk. [<i>Looking -round.</i>] Do you want anything? Cigarettes? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Thanks. We have them here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Then I can go? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She goes out on the left with <span class="charname">Richard’s</span> hat, -which she leaves in the hall, and returns at once; she stops for a moment at -the davenport, replaces the slip in the drawer, locks it, and replaces the key, -and, taking the roses, goes towards the right. <span -class="charname">Robert</span> precedes her to open the door for her. She bows -and goes out.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Points to the chair near the little table on the right.</i>] Your place of -honour. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Sits down.</i>] Thanks. [<i>Passing his hand over his brow.</i>] Good Lord, -how warm it is today! The heat pains me here in the eye. The glare. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -The room is rather dark, I think, with the blind down but if you wish... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Quickly.</i>] Not at all. I know what it is—the result of night work. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Sits on the lounge.</i>] Must you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Sighs.</i>] Eh, yes. I must see part of the paper through every night. And -then my leading articles. We are approaching a difficult moment. And not only -here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>After a slight pause.</i>] Have you any news? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>In a different voice.</i>] Yes. I want to speak to you seriously. Today may -be an important day for you—or rather, tonight. I saw the vicechancellor this -morning. He has the highest opinion of you, Richard. He has read your book, he -said. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Did he buy it or borrow it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Bought it, I hope. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I shall smoke a cigarette. Thirtyseven copies have now been sold in Dublin. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He takes a cigarette from the box on the table, and lights it.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Suavely, hopelessly.</i>] Well, the matter is closed for the present. You -have your iron mask on today. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Smoking.</i>] Let me hear the rest. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Again seriously.</i>] Richard, you are too suspicious. It is a defect in -you. He assured me he has the highest possible opinion of you, as everyone has. -You are the man for the post, he says. In fact, he told me that, if your name -goes forward, he will work might and main for you with the senate and I... will -do my part, of course, in the press and privately. I regard it as a public -duty. The chair of romance literature is yours by right, as a scholar, as a -literary personality. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -The conditions? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Conditions? You mean about the future? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I mean about the past. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Easily.</i>] That episode in your past is forgotten. An act of impulse. We -are all impulsive. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Looks fixedly at him.</i>] You called it an act of folly, then—nine years -ago. You told me I was hanging a weight about my neck. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I was wrong. [<i>Suavely.</i>] Here is how the matter stands, Richard. Everyone -knows that you ran away years ago with a young girl... How shall I put it?... -with a young girl not exactly your equal. [<i>Kindly.</i>] Excuse me, Richard, -that is not my opinion nor my language. I am simply using the language of -people whose opinions I don’t share. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Writing one of your leading articles, in fact. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Put it so. Well, it made a great sensation at the time. A mysterious -disappearance. My name was involved too, as best man, let us say, on that -famous occasion. Of course, they think I acted from a mistaken sense of -friendship. Well, all that is known. [<i>With some hesitation.</i>] But what -happened afterwards is not known. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -No? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Of course, it is your affair, Richard. However, you are not so young now as you -were then. The expression is quite in the style of my leading articles, isn’t -it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Do you, or do you not, want me to give the lie to my past life? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I am thinking of your future life—here. I understand your pride and your sense -of liberty. I understand their point of view also. However, there is a way out; -it is simply this. Refrain from contradicting any rumours you may hear -concerning what happened... or did not happen after you went away. Leave the -rest to me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -You will set these rumours afloat? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I will. God help me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Observing him.</i>] For the sake of social conventions? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -For the sake of something else too—our friendship, our lifelong friendship. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Thanks. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Slightly wounded.</i>] And I will tell you the whole truth. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Smiles and bows.</i>] Yes. Do, please. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Not only for your sake. Also for the sake of—your present partner in life. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I see. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He crushes his cigarette softly on the ashtray and then leans forward, -rubbing his hands slowly.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Why for her sake? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Also leans forward, quietly.</i>] Richard, have you been quite fair to her? -It was her own free choice, you will say. But was she really free to choose? -She was a mere girl. She accepted all that you proposed. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Smiles.</i>] That is your way of saying that she proposed what I would not -accept. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Nods.</i>] I remember. And she went away with you. But was it of her own -free choice? Answer me frankly. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Turns to him, calmly.</i>] I played for her against all that you say or can -say; and I won. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Nodding again.</i>] Yes, you won. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Rises.</i>] Excuse me for forgetting. Will you have some whisky? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -All things come to those who wait. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Richard</span> goes to the sideboard and brings a -small tray with the decanter and glasses to the table where he sets it -down.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Sits down again, leaning back on the lounge.</i>] Will you please help -yourself? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Does so.</i>] And you? Steadfast? [<i><span class="charname">Richard</span> -shakes his head.</i>] Lord, when I think of our wild nights long ago—talks by -the hour, plans, carouses, revelry... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -In our house. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -It is mine now. I have kept it ever since though I don’t go there often. -Whenever you like to come let me know. You must come some night. It will be old -times again. [<i>He lifts his glass and drinks.</i>] <i>Prosit!</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -It was not only a house of revelry; it was to be the hearth of a new life. -[<i>Musing.</i>] And in that name all our sins were committed. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Sins! Drinking and blasphemy [<i>he points</i>] by me. And drinking and heresy, -much worse [<i>he points again</i>] by you—are those the sins you mean? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -And some others. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Lightly, uneasily.</i>] You mean the women. I have no remorse of -conscience. Maybe you have. We had two keys on those occasions. -[<i>Maliciously.</i>] Have you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Irritated.</i>] For you it was all quite natural? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -For me it is quite natural to kiss a woman whom I like. Why not? She is -beautiful for me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Toying with the lounge cushion.</i>] Do you kiss everything that is -beautiful for you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Everything—if it can be kissed. [<i>He takes up a flat stone which lies on the -table.</i>] This stone, for instance. It is so cool, so polished, so delicate, -like a woman’s temple. It is silent, it suffers our passion; and it is -beautiful. [<i>He places it against his lips.</i>] And so I kiss it because it -is beautiful. And what is a woman? A work of nature, too, like a stone or a -flower or a bird. A kiss is an act of homage. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -It is an act of union between man and woman. Even if we are often led to desire -through the sense of beauty can you say that the beautiful is what we desire? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Pressing the stone to his forehead.</i>] You will give me a headache if you -make me think today. I cannot think today. I feel too natural, too common. -After all, what is most attractive in even the most beautiful woman? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -What? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Not those qualities which she has and other women have not but the qualities -which she has in common with them. I mean... the commonest. [<i>Turning over -the stone, he presses the other side to his forehead.</i>] I mean how her body -develops heat when it is pressed, the movement of her blood, how quickly she -changes by digestion what she eats into—what shall be nameless. -[<i>Laughing.</i>] I am very common today. Perhaps that idea never struck you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Drily.</i>] Many ideas strike a man who has lived nine years with a woman. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes. I suppose they do.... This beautiful cool stone does me good. Is it a -paperweight or a cure for headache? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Bertha brought it home one day from the strand. She, too, says that it is -beautiful. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Lays down the stone quietly.</i>] She is right. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He raises his glass and drinks. A pause.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Is that all you wanted to say to me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Quickly.</i>] There is something else. The vicechancellor sends you, -through me, an invitation for tonight—to dinner at his house. You know where he -lives? [<i><span class="charname">Richard</span> nods.</i>] I thought you might -have forgotten. Strictly private, of course. He wants to meet you again and -sends you a very warm invitation. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -For what hour? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Eight. But, like yourself, he is free and easy about time. Now, Richard, you -must go there. That is all. I feel tonight will be the turningpoint in your -life. You will live here and work here and think here and be honoured -here—among our people. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Smiling.</i>] I can almost see two envoys starting for the United States to -collect funds for my statue a hundred years hence. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Agreeably.</i>] Once I made a little epigram about statues. All statues are -of two kinds. [<i>He folds his arms across his chest.</i>] The statue which -says: <i>How shall I get down?</i> and the other kind [<i>he unfolds his arms -and extends his right arm, averting his head</i>] the statue which says: <i>In -my time the dunghill was so high.</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -The second one for me, please. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Lazily.</i>] Will you give me one of those long cigars of yours? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Richard</span> selects a Virginia cigar from the box -on the table and hands it to him with the straw drawn out.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Lighting it.</i>] These cigars Europeanize me. If Ireland is to become a -new Ireland she must first become European. And that is what you are here for, -Richard. Some day we shall have to choose between England and Europe. I am a -descendant of the dark foreigners: that is why I like to be here. I may be -childish. But where else in Dublin can I get a bandit cigar like this or a cup -of black coffee? The man who drinks black coffee is going to conquer Ireland. -And now I will take just a half measure of that whisky, Richard, to show you -there is no ill feeling. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Points.</i>] Help yourself. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Does so.</i>] Thanks. [<i>He drinks and goes on as before.</i>] Then you -yourself, the way you loll on that lounge: then your boy’s voice and -also—Bertha herself. Do you allow me to call her that, Richard? I mean as an -old friend of both of you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -O why not? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>With animation.</i>] You have that fierce indignation which lacerated the -heart of Swift. You have fallen from a higher world, Richard, and you are -filled with fierce indignation, when you find that life is cowardly and -ignoble. While I... shall I tell you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -By all means. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Archly.</i>] I have come up from a lower world and I am filled with -astonishment when I find that people have any redeeming virtue at all. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Sits up suddenly and leans his elbows on the table.</i>] You are my friend, -then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Gravely.</i>] I fought for you all the time you were away. I fought to -bring you back. I fought to keep your place for you here. I will fight for you -still because I have faith in you, the faith of a disciple in his master. I -cannot say more than that. It may seem strange to you... Give me a match. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Lights and offers him a match.</i>] There is a faith still stranger than -the faith of the disciple in his master. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -And that is? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -The faith of a master in the disciple who will betray him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -The church lost a theologian in you, Richard. But I think you look too deeply -into life. [<i>He rises, pressing <span class="charname">Richard’s</span> arm -slightly.</i>] Be gay. Life is not worth it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Without rising.</i>] Are you going? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Must. [<i>He turns and says in a friendly tone.</i>] Then it is all arranged. -We meet tonight at the vicechancellor’s. I shall look in at about ten. So you -can have an hour or so to yourselves first. You will wait till I come? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Good. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -One more match and I am happy. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Richard</span> strikes another match, hands it to him -and rises also. <span class="charname">Archie</span> comes in by the door on the -left, followed by <span class="charname">Beatrice</span>.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Congratulate me, Beatty. I have won over Richard. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Crossing to the door on the right, calls.</i>] Mamma, Miss Justice is -going. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -On what are you to be congratulated? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -On a victory, of course. [<i>Laying his hand lightly on -<span class="charname">Richard’s</span> shoulder.</i>] The descendant of -Archibald Hamilton Rowan has come home. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I am not a descendant of Hamilton Rowan. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -What matter? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Bertha</span> comes in from the right with a bowl of -roses.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Has Mr Rowan...? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Turning towards <span class="charname">Bertha</span>.</i>] Richard is coming -tonight to the vicechancellor’s dinner. The fatted calf will be eaten: roast, I -hope. And next session will see the descendant of a namesake of etcetera, -etcetera in a chair of the university. [<i>He offers his hand.</i>] Good -afternoon, Richard. We shall meet tonight. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Touches his hand.</i>] At Philippi. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Shakes hands also.</i>] Accept my best wishes, Mr Rowan. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Thanks. But do not believe him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Vivaciously.</i>] Believe me, believe me. [<i>To -<span class="charname">Bertha</span>.</i>] Good afternoon, Mrs Rowan. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Shaking hands, candidly.</i>] I thank you, too. [<i>To -<span class="charname">Beatrice</span>.</i>] You won’t stay to tea, Miss -Justice? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -No, thank you. [<i>Takes leave of her.</i>] I must go. Good afternoon. Goodbye, -Archie [<i>going</i>]. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -<i>Addio</i>, Archibald. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -<i>Addio</i>. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Wait, Beatty. I shall accompany you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Going out on the right with <span class="charname">Bertha</span>.</i>] O, -don’t trouble. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Following her.</i>] But I insist—as a cousin. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Bertha, Beatrice</span> and -<span class="charname">Robert</span> go out by the door on the left. -<span class="charname">Richard</span> stands irresolutely near the table. -<span class="charname">Archie</span> closes the door leading to the hall and, -coming over to him, plucks him by the sleeve.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -I say, pappie! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Absently.</i>] What is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -I want to ask you a thing. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Sitting on the end of the lounge, stares in front of him.</i>] What is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Will you ask mamma to let me go out in the morning with the milkman? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -With the milkman? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Yes. In the milkcar. He says he will let me drive when we get on to the roads -where there are no people. The horse is a very good beast. Can I go? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Ask mamma now can I go. Will you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Glances towards the door.</i>] I will. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -He said he will show me the cows he has in the field. Do you know how many cows -he has? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -How many? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Eleven. Eight red and three white. But one is sick now. No, not sick. But it -fell. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Cows? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>With a gesture.</i>] Eh! Not bulls. Because bulls give no milk. Eleven -cows. They must give a lot of milk. What makes a cow give milk? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Takes his hand.</i>] Who knows? Do you understand what it is to give a -thing? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -To give? Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -While you have a thing it can be taken from you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -By robbers? No? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -But when you give it, you have given it. No robber can take it from you. [<i>He -bends his head and presses his son’s hand against his cheek.</i>] It is yours -then for ever when you have given it. It will be yours always. That is to give. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -But, pappie? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yes? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -How could a robber rob a cow? Everyone would see him. In the night, perhaps. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -In the night, yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Are there robbers here like in Rome? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -There are poor people everywhere. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Have they revolvers? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Knives? Have they knives? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Sternly.</i>] Yes, yes. Knives and revolvers. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Disengages himself.</i>] Ask mamma now. She is coming. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Makes a movement to rise.</i>] I will. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -No, sit there, pappie. You wait and ask her when she comes back. I won’t be -here. I’ll be in the garden. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Sinking back again.</i>] Yes. Go. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Kisses him swiftly.</i>] Thanks. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He runs out quickly by the door at the back leading into the garden. -<span class="charname">Bertha</span> enters by the door on the left. She -approaches the table and stands beside it, fingering the petals of the roses, -looking at <span class="charname">Richard</span>.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Watching her.</i>] Well? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Absently.</i>] Well. He says he likes me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Leans his chin in his hand.</i>] You showed him his note? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. I asked him what it meant. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -What did he say it meant? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He said I must know. I said I had an idea. Then he told me he liked me very -much. That I was beautiful—and all that. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Since when! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Again absently.</i>] Since when—what? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Since when did he say he liked you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Always, he said. But more since we came back. He said I was like the moon in -this lavender dress. [<i>Looking at him.</i>] Had you any words with him—about -me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Blandly.</i>] The usual thing. Not about you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He was very nervous. You saw that? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yes. I saw it. What else went on? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He asked me to give him my hand. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Smiling.</i>] In marriage? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Smiling.</i>] No, only to hold. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Did you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. [<i>Tearing off a few petals.</i>] Then he caressed my hand and asked -would I let him kiss it. I let him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Well? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Then he asked could he embrace me—even once?... And then... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -And then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He put his arm round me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Stares at the floor for a moment, then looks at her again.</i>] And then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He said I had beautiful eyes. And asked could he kiss them. [<i>With a -gesture.</i>] I said: <i>Do so.</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -And he did? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. First one and then the other. [<i>She breaks off suddenly.</i>] Tell me, -Dick, does all this disturb you? Because I told you I don’t want that. I think -you are only pretending you don’t mind. I don’t mind. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Quietly.</i>] I know, dear. But I want to find out what he means or feels -just as you do. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Points at him.</i>] Remember, you allowed me to go on. I told you the whole -thing from the beginning. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>As before.</i>] I know, dear... And then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He asked for a kiss. I said: <i>Take it.</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -And then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Crumpling a handful of petals.</i>] He kissed me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Your mouth? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Once or twice. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Long kisses? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Fairly long. [<i>Reflects.</i>] Yes, the last time. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Rubs his hands slowly; then.</i>] With his lips? Or... the other way? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes, the last time. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Did he ask you to kiss him? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He did. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Did you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Hesitates, then looking straight at him.</i>] I did. I kissed him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -What way? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>With a shrug.</i>] O simply. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Were you excited? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Well, you can imagine. [<i>Frowning suddenly.</i>] Not much. He has not nice -lips... Still I was excited, of course. But not like with you, Dick. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Was he? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Excited? Yes, I think he was. He sighed. He was dreadfully nervous. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Resting his forehead on his hand.</i>] I see. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Crosses towards the lounge and stands near him.</i>] Are you jealous? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>As before.</i>] No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Quietly.</i>] You are, Dick. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I am not. Jealous of what? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Because he kissed me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Looks up.</i>] Is that all? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes, that’s all. Except that he asked me would I meet him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Out somewhere? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No. In his house. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Surprised.</i>] Over there with his mother, is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No, a house he has. He wrote the address for me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She goes to the desk, takes the key from the flower vase, unlocks the -drawer and returns to him with the slip of paper.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Half to himself.</i>] Our cottage. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Hands him the slip.</i>] Here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Reads it.</i>] Yes. Our cottage. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Your...? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -No, his. I call it ours. [<i>Looking at her.</i>] The cottage I told you about -so often—that we had the two keys for, he and I. It is his now. Where we used -to hold our wild nights, talking, drinking, planning—at that time. Wild nights; -yes. He and I together. [<i>He throws the slip on the couch and rises -suddenly.</i>] And sometimes I alone. [<i>Stares at her.</i>] But not quite -alone. I told you. You remember? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Shocked.</i>] That place? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Walks away from her a few paces and stands still, thinking, holding his -chin.</i>] Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Taking up the slip again.</i>] Where is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Do you not know? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He told me to take the tram at Lansdowne Road and to ask the man to let me down -there. Is it... is it a bad place? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -O no, cottages. [<i>He returns to the lounge and sits down.</i>] What answer -did you give? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No answer. He said he would wait. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Tonight? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Every night, he said. Between eight and nine. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -And so I am to go tonight to interview—the professor. About the appointment I -am to beg for. [<i>Looking at her.</i>] The interview is arranged for tonight -by him—between eight and nine. Curious, isn’t it? The same hour. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Very. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Did he ask you had I any suspicion? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Did he mention my name? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Not once? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Not that I remember. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Bounding to his feet.</i>] O yes! Quite clear! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -What? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Striding to and fro.</i>] A liar, a thief, and a fool! Quite clear! A -common thief! What else? [<i>With a harsh laugh.</i>] My great friend! A -patriot too! A thief—nothing else! [<i>He halts, thrusting his hands into his -pockets.</i>] But a fool also! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looking at him.</i>] What are you going to do? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Shortly.</i>] Follow him. Find him. Tell him. [<i>Calmly.</i>] A few words -will do. Thief and fool. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Flings the slip on the couch.</i>] I see it all! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Turning.</i>] Eh! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Hotly.</i>] The work of a devil. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -He? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Turning on him.</i>] No, you! The work of a devil to turn him against me as -you tried to turn my own child against me. Only you did not succeed. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -How? In God’s name, how? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Excitedly.</i>] Yes, yes. What I say. Everyone saw it. Whenever I tried to -correct him for the least thing you went on with your folly, speaking to him as -if he were a grownup man. Ruining the poor child, or trying to. Then, of -course, I was the cruel mother and only you loved him. [<i>With growing -excitement.</i>] But you did not turn him against me—against his own mother. -Because why? Because the child has too much nature in him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I never tried to do such a thing, Bertha. You know I cannot be severe with a -child. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Because you never loved your own mother. A mother is always a mother, no matter -what. I never heard of any human being that did not love the mother that -brought him into the world, except you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Approaching her quietly.</i>] Bertha, do not say things you will be sorry -for. Are you not glad my son is fond of me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Who taught him to be? Who taught him to run to meet you? Who told him you would -bring him home toys when you were out on your rambles in the rain, forgetting -all about him—and me? I did. I taught him to love you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yes, dear. I know it was you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Almost crying.</i>] And then you try to turn everyone against me. All is to -be for you. I am to appear false and cruel to everyone except to you. Because -you take advantage of my simplicity as you did—the first time. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Violently.</i>] And you have the courage to say that to me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Facing him.</i>] Yes, I have! Both then and now. Because I am simple you -think you can do what you like with me. [<i>Gesticulating.</i>] Follow him now. -Call him names. Make him be humble before you and make him despise me. Follow -him! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Controlling himself.</i>] You forget that I have allowed you complete -liberty—and allow you it still. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Scornfully.</i>] Liberty! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yes, complete. But he must know that I know. [<i>More calmly.</i>] I will speak -to him quietly. [<i>Appealing.</i>] Bertha, believe me, dear! It is not -jealousy. You have complete liberty to do as you wish—you and he. But not in -this way. He will not despise you. You don’t wish to deceive me or to pretend -to deceive me—with him, do you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No, I do not. [<i>Looking full at him.</i>] Which of us two is the deceiver? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Of us? You and me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>In a calm decided tone.</i>] I know why you have allowed me what you call -complete liberty. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Why? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -To have complete liberty with—that girl. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Irritated.</i>] But, good God, you knew about that this long time. I never -hid it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -You did. I thought it was a kind of friendship between you—till we came back, -and then I saw. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -So it is, Bertha. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Shakes her head.</i>] No, no. It is much more; and that is why you give me -complete liberty. All those things you sit up at night to write about -[<i>pointing to the study</i>] in there—about her. You call that friendship? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Believe me, Bertha dear. Believe me as I believe you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>With an impulsive gesture.</i>] My God, I feel it! I know it! What else is -between you but love? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Calmly.</i>] You are trying to put that idea into my head but I warn you -that I don’t take my ideas from other people. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Hotly.</i>] It is, it is! And that is why you allow him to go on. Of -course! It doesn’t affect you. You love her. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Love! [<i>Throws out his hands with a sigh and moves away from her.</i>] I -cannot argue with you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -You can’t because I am right. [<i>Following him a few steps.</i>] What would -anyone say? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Turns to her.</i>] Do you think I care? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -But I care. What would he say if he knew? You, who talk so much of the high -kind of feeling you have for me, expressing yourself in that way to another -woman. If he did it, or other men, I could understand because they are false -pretenders. But you, Dick! Why do you not tell him then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -You can if you like. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I will. Certainly I will. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Coolly.</i>] He will explain it to you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He doesn’t say one thing and do another. He is honest in his own way. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Plucks one of the roses and throws it at her feet.</i>] He is, indeed! The -soul of honour! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -You may make fun of him as much as you like. I understand more than you think -about that business. And so will he. Writing those long letters to her for -years, and she to you. For years. But since I came back I understand it—well. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -You do not. Nor would he. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Laughs scornfully.</i>] Of course. Neither he nor I can understand it. Only -she can. Because it is such a deep thing! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Angrily.</i>] Neither he nor you—nor she either! Not one of you! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>With great bitterness.</i>] She will! She will understand it! The diseased -woman! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She turns away and walks over to the little table on the right. -<span class="charname">Richard</span> restrains a sudden gesture. A short -pause.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Gravely.</i>] Bertha, take care of uttering words like that! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Turning, excitedly.</i>] I don’t mean any harm! I feel for her more than -you can because I am a woman. I do, sincerely. But what I say is true. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Is it generous? Think. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Pointing towards the garden.</i>] It is she who is not generous. Remember -now what I say. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -What? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Comes nearer; in a calmer tone.</i>] You have given that woman very much, -Dick. And she may be worthy of it. And she may understand it all, too. I know -she is that kind. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Do you believe that? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I do. But I believe you will get very little from her in return—or from any of -her clan. Remember my words, Dick. Because she is not generous and they are not -generous. Is it all wrong what I am saying? Is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Darkly.</i>] No. Not all. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She stoops and, picking up the rose from the floor, places it in the vase -again. He watches her. <span class="charname">Brigid</span> appears at the -folding doors on the right.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -The tea is on the table, ma’am. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Very well. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -Is Master Archie in the garden? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. Call him in. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Brigid</span> crosses the room and goes out into the -garden. <span class="charname">Bertha</span> goes towards the doors on the -right. At the lounge she stops and takes up the slip.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>In the garden.</i>] Master Archie! You are to come in to your tea. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Am I to go to this place? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Do you want to go? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I want to find out what he means. Am I to go? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Why do you ask me? Decide yourself. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Do you tell me to go? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Do you forbid me to go? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>From the garden.</i>] Come quickly, Master Archie! Your tea is waiting on -you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Brigid</span> crosses the room and goes out through -the folding doors. <span class="charname">Bertha</span> folds the slip into the -waist of her dress and goes slowly towards the right. Near the door she turns -and halts.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Tell me not to go and I will not. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Without looking at her.</i>] Decide yourself. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Will you blame me then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Excitedly.</i>] No, no! I will not blame you. You are free. I cannot blame -you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Archie</span> appears at the garden door.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I did not deceive you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She goes out through the folding doors. <span -class="charname">Richard</span> remains standing at the table. <span -class="charname">Archie</span>, when his mother has gone, runs down to -<span class="charname">Richard</span>.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Quickly.</i>] Well, did you ask her? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Starting.</i>] What? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Can I go? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -In the morning? She said yes? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yes. In the morning. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He puts his arm round his son’s shoulders and looks down at him -fondly.</i>] -</p> - -</div><!--end chapter--> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2><a name="actII"></a><b>Second Act</b></h2> - -<p class="drama"> -<i>A room in Robert Hand’s cottage at Ranelagh. On the right, forward, a small -black piano, on the rest of which is an open piece of music. Farther back a -door leading to the street door. In the wall, at the back, folding doors, -draped with dark curtains, leading to a bedroom. Near the piano a large table, -on which is a tall oil lamp with a wide yellow shade. Chairs, upholstered, near -this table. A small cardtable more forward. Against the back wall a bookcase. -In the left wall, back, a window looking out into the garden, and, forward, a -door and porch, also leading to the garden. Easychairs here and there. Plants -in the porch and near the draped folding doors. On the walls are many framed -black and white designs. In the right corner, back, a sideboard; and in the -centre of the room, left of the table, a group consisting of a standing Turkish -pipe, a low oil stove, which is not lit, and a rocking-chair. It is the evening -of the same day.</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Robert Hand</span>, in evening dress, is seated at -the piano. The candles are not lit but the lamp on the table is lit. He plays -softly in the bass the first bars of Wolfram’s song in the last act of -‘Tannhäuser’. Then he breaks off and, resting an elbow on the ledge of the -keyboard, meditates. Then he rises and, pulling out a pump from behind the -piano, walks here and there in the room ejecting from it into the air sprays of -perfume. He inhales the air slowly and then puts the pump back behind the -piano. He sits down on a chair near the table and, smoothing his hair -carefully, sighs once or twice. Then, thrusting his hands into his trousers -pockets, he leans back, stretches out his legs, and waits. A knock is heard at -the street door. He rises quickly.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Exclaims.</i>] Bertha! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He hurries out by the door on the right. There is a noise of confused -greeting. After a few moments <span class="charname">Robert</span> enters, -followed by <span class="charname">Richard Rowan</span>, who is in grey tweeds -as before but holds in one hand a dark felt hat and in the other an -umbrella.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -First of all let me put these outside. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He takes the hat and umbrella, leaves them in the hall and returns.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Pulling round a chair.</i>] Here you are. You are lucky to find me in. Why -didn’t you tell me today? You were always a devil for surprises. I suppose my -evocation of the past was too much for your wild blood. See how artistic I have -become. [<i>He points to the walls.</i>] The piano is an addition since your -time. I was just strumming out Wagner when you came. Killing time. You see I am -ready for the fray. [<i>Laughs.</i>] I was just wondering how you and the -vicechancellor were getting on together. [<i>With exaggerated alarm.</i>] But -are you going in that suit? O well, it doesn’t make much odds, I suppose. But -how goes the time? [<i>He takes out his watch.</i>] Twenty past eight already, -I declare! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Have you an appointment? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Laughs nervously.</i>] Suspicious to the last! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Then I may sit down? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Of course, of course. [<i>They both sit down.</i>] For a few minutes, anyhow. -Then we can both go on together. We are not bound for time. Between eight and -nine, he said, didn’t he? What time is it, I wonder? [<i>Is about to look again -at his watch; then stops.</i>] Twenty past eight, yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Wearily, sadly.</i>] Your appointment also was for the same hour. Here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -What appointment? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -With Bertha. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Stares at him.</i>] Are you mad? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Are you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>After a long pause.</i>] Who told you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -She. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>A short silence.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>In a low voice.</i>] Yes. I must have been mad. [<i>Rapidly.</i>] Listen to -me, Richard. It is a great relief to me that you have come—the greatest relief. -I assure you that ever since this afternoon I have thought and thought how I -could break it off without seeming a fool. A great relief! I even intended to -send word... a letter, a few lines. [<i>Suddenly.</i>] But then it was too -late... [<i>Passes his hand over his forehead.</i>] Let me speak frankly with -you; let me tell you everything. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I know everything. I have known for some time. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Since when? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Since it began between you and her. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Again rapidly.</i>] Yes, I was mad. But it was merely lightheadedness. I -admit that to have asked her here this evening was a mistake. I can explain -everything to you. And I will. Truly. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Explain to me what is the word you longed and never dared to say to her. If you -can or will. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Looks down, then raises his head.</i>] Yes. I will. I admire very much the -personality of your... of... your wife. That is the word. I can say it. It is -no secret. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Then why did you wish to keep secret your wooing? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Wooing? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Your advances to her, little by little, day after day, looks, whispers. -[<i>With a nervous movement of the hands.</i>] <i>Insomma</i>, wooing. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Bewildered.</i>] But how do you know all this? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -She told me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -This afternoon? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -No. Time after time, as it happened. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -You knew? From her? [<i><span class="charname">Richard</span> nods.</i>]. You -were watching us all the time? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Very coldly.</i>] I was watching you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Quickly.</i>] I mean, watching me. And you never spoke! You had only to -speak a word—to save me from myself. You were trying me. [<i>Passes his hand -again over his forehead.</i>] It was a terrible trial: now also. -[<i>Desperately.</i>] Well, it is past. It will be a lesson to me for all my -life. You hate me now for what I have done and for... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Quietly, looking at him.</i>] Have I said that I hate you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Do you not? You must. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Even if Bertha had not told me I should have known. Did you not see that when I -came in this afternoon I went into my study suddenly for a moment? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -You did. I remember. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -To give you time to recover yourself. It made me sad to see your eyes. And the -roses too. I cannot say why. A great mass of overblown roses. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I thought I had to give them. Was that strange? [<i>Looks at -<span class="charname">Richard</span> with a tortured expression.</i>] Too many, -perhaps? Or too old or common? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -That was why I did not hate you. The whole thing made me sad all at once. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>To himself.</i>] And this is real. It is happening—to us. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He stares before him for some moments in silence, as if dazed; then, -without turning his head, continues.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -And she, too, was trying me; making an experiment with me for your sake! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -You know women better than I do. She says she felt pity for you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Brooding.</i>] Pitied me, because I am no longer... an ideal lover. Like my -roses. Common, old. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Like all men you have a foolish wandering heart. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Slowly.</i>] Well, you spoke at last. You chose the right moment. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Leans forward.</i>] Robert, not like this. For us two, no. Years, a whole -life, of friendship. Think a moment. Since childhood, boyhood... No, no. Not in -such a way—like thieves—at night. [<i>Glancing about him.</i>] And in such a -place. No, Robert, that is not for people like us. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -What a lesson! Richard, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to me that you -have spoken—that the danger is passed. Yes, yes. [<i>Somewhat diffidently.</i>] -Because... there was some danger for you, too, if you think. Was there not? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -What danger? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>In the same tone.</i>] I don’t know. I mean if you had not spoken. If you -had watched and waited on until... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Until? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Bravely.</i>] Until I had come to like her more and more (because I can -assure you it is only a lightheaded idea of mine), to like her deeply, to love -her. Would you have spoken to me then as you have just now? -[<i><span class="charname">Richard</span> is silent. <span -class="charname">Robert</span> goes on more boldly.</i>] It would have been -different, would it not? For then it might have been too late while it is not -too late now. What could I have said then? I could have said only: You are my -friend, my dear good friend. I am very sorry but I love her. [<i>With a sudden -fervent gesture.</i>] I love her and I will take her from you, however I can, -because I love her. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>They look at each other for some moments in silence.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Calmly.</i>] That is the language I have heard often and never believed in. -Do you mean by stealth or by violence? Steal you could not in my house because -the doors were open; nor take by violence if there were no resistance. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -You forget that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence: and the kingdom of -heaven is like a woman. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Smiling.</i>] Go on. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Diffidently, but bravely.</i>] Do you think you have rights over her—over -her heart? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -None. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -For what you have done for her? So much! You claim nothing? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Nothing. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>After a pause strikes his forehead with his hand.</i>] What am I saying? Or -what am I thinking? I wish you would upbraid me, curse me, hate me as I -deserve. You love this woman. I remember all you told me long ago. She is -yours, your work. [<i>Suddenly.</i>] And that is why I, too, was drawn to her. -You are so strong that you attract me even through her. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I am weak. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>With enthusiasm.</i>] You, Richard! You are the incarnation of strength. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Holds out his hands.</i>] Feel those hands. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Taking his hands.</i>] Yes. Mine are stronger. But I meant strength of -another kind. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Gloomily.</i>] I think you would try to take her by violence. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He withdraws his hands slowly.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Rapidly.</i>] Those are moments of sheer madness when we feel an intense -passion for a woman. We see nothing. We think of nothing. Only to possess her. -Call it brutal, bestial, what you will. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>A little timidly.</i>] I am afraid that that longing to possess a woman is -not love. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Impatiently.</i>] No man ever yet lived on this earth who did not long to -possess—I mean to possess in the flesh—the woman whom he loves. It is nature’s -law. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Contemptuously.</i>] What is that to me? Did I vote it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -But if you love... What else is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Hesitatingly.</i>] To wish her well. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Warmly.</i>] But the passion which burns us night and day to possess her. -You feel it as I do. And it is not what you said now. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Have you...? [<i>He stops for an instance.</i>] Have you the luminous certitude -that yours is the brain in contact with which she must think and understand and -that yours is the body in contact with which her body must feel? Have you this -certitude in yourself? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Have you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Moved.</i>] Once I had it, Robert: a certitude as luminous as that of my -own existence—or an illusion as luminous. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Cautiously.</i>] And now? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -If you had it and I could feel that you had it—even now... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -What would you do? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Quietly.</i>] Go away. You, and not I, would be necessary to her. Alone as -I was before I met her. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Rubs his hands nervously.</i>] A nice little load on my conscience! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Abstractedly.</i>] You met my son when you came to my house this afternoon. -He told me. What did you feel? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Promptly.</i>] Pleasure. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Nothing else? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Nothing else. Unless I thought of two things at the same time. I am like that. -If my best friend lay in his coffin and his face had a comic expression I -should smile. [<i>With a little gesture of despair.</i>] I am like that. But I -should suffer too, deeply. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -You spoke of conscience... Did he seem to you a child only—or an angel? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Shakes his head.</i>] No. Neither an angel nor an Anglo-Saxon. Two things, -by the way, for which I have very little sympathy. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Never then? Never even... with her? Tell me. I wish to know. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I feel in my heart something different. I believe that on the last day (if it -ever comes), when we are all assembled together, that the Almighty will speak -to us like this. We will say that we lived chastely with one other creature... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Bitterly.</i>] Lie to Him? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Or that we tried to. And He will say to us: Fools! Who told you that you were -to give yourselves to one being only? You were made to give yourselves to many -freely. I wrote that law with My finger on your hearts. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -On woman’s heart, too? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes. Can we close our heart against an affection which we feel deeply? Should -we close it? Should she? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -We are speaking of bodily union. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Affection between man and woman must come to that. We think too much of it -because our minds are warped. For us today it is of no more consequence than -any other form of contact—than a kiss. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -If it is of no consequence why are you dissatisfied till you reach that end? -Why were you waiting here tonight? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Passion tends to go as far as it can; but, you may believe me or not, I had not -that in my mind—to reach that end. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Reach it if you can. I will use no arm against you that the world puts in my -hand. If the law which God’s finger has written on our hearts is the law you -say I too am God’s creature. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He rises and paces to and fro some moments in silence. Then he goes towards -the porch and leans against the jamb. <span class="charname">Robert</span> -watches him.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I always felt it. In myself and in others. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Absently.</i>] Yes? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>With a vague gesture.</i>] For all. That a woman, too, has the right to try -with many men until she finds love. An immoral idea, is it not? I wanted to -write a book about it. I began it... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>As before.</i>] Yes? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Because I knew a woman who seemed to me to be doing that—carrying out that idea -in her own life. She interested me very much. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -When was this? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -O, not lately. When you were away. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Richard</span> leaves his place rather abruptly and -again paces to and fro.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -You see, I am more honest than you thought. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I wish you had not thought of her now—whoever she was, or is. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Easily.</i>] She was and is the wife of a stockbroker. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Turning.</i>] You know him? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Intimately. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Richard</span> sits down again in the same place and -leans forward, his head on his hands.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Moving his chair a little closer.</i>] May I ask you a question? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -You may. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>With some hesitation.</i>] Has it never happened to you in these years—I -mean when you were away from her, perhaps, or travelling—to... betray her with -another. Betray her, I mean, not in love. Carnally, I mean... Has that never -happened? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -It has. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -And what did you do? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>As before.</i>] I remember the first time. I came home. It was night. My -house was silent. My little son was sleeping in his cot. She, too, was asleep. -I wakened her from sleep and told her. I cried beside her bed; and I pierced -her heart. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -O, Richard, why did you do that? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Betray her? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -No. But tell her, waken her from sleep to tell her. It was piercing her heart. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -She must know me as I am. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -But that is not you as you are. A moment of weakness. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Lost in thought.</i>] And I was feeding the flame of her innocence with my -guilt. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Brusquely.</i>] O, don’t talk of guilt and innocence. You have made her all -that she is. A strange and wonderful personality—in my eyes, at least. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Darkly.</i>] Or I have killed her. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Killed her? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -The virginity of her soul. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Well lost! What would she be without you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I tried to give her a new life. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -And you have. A new and rich life. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Is it worth what I have taken from her—her girlhood, her laughter, her young -beauty, the hopes in her young heart? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Firmly.</i>] Yes. Well worth it. [<i>He looks at <span -class="charname">Richard</span> for some moments in silence.</i>] If you had -neglected her, lived wildly, brought her away so far only to make her suffer... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He stops. <span class="charname">Richard</span> raises his head and looks at -him.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -If I had? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Slightly confused.</i>] You know there were rumours here of your life -abroad—a wild life. Some persons who knew you or met you or heard of you in -Rome. Lying rumours. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Coldly.</i>] Continue. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Laughs a little harshly.</i>] Even I at times thought of her as a victim. -[<i>Smoothly.</i>] And of course, Richard, I felt and knew all the time that -you were a man of great talent—of something more than talent. And that was your -excuse—a valid one in my eyes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Have you thought that it is perhaps now—at this moment—that I am neglecting -her? [<i>He clasps his hands nervously and leans across toward -<span class="charname">Robert</span>.</i>] I may be silent still. And she may -yield to you at last—wholly and many times. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Draws back at once.</i>] My dear Richard, my dear friend, I swear to you I -could not make you suffer. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Continuing.</i>] You may then know in soul and body, in a hundred forms, -and ever restlessly, what some old theologian, Duns Scotus, I think, called a -death of the spirit. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Eagerly.</i>] A death. No; its affirmation! A death! The supreme instant of -life from which all coming life proceeds, the eternal law of nature herself. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -And that other law of nature, as you call it: change. How will it be when you -turn against her and against me; when her beauty, or what seems so to you now, -wearies you and my affection for you seems false and odious? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -That will never be. Never. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -And you turn even against yourself for having known me or trafficked with us -both? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Gravely.</i>] It will never be like that, Richard. Be sure of that. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Contemptuously.</i>] I care very little whether it is or not because there -is something I fear much more. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Shakes his head.</i>] You fear? I disbelieve you, Richard. Since we were -boys together I have followed your mind. You do not know what moral fear is. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Lays his hand on his arm.</i>] Listen. She is dead. She lies on my bed. I -look at her body which I betrayed—grossly and many times. And loved, too, and -wept over. And I know that her body was always my loyal slave. To me, to me -only she gave... [<i>He breaks off and turns aside, unable to speak.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Softly.</i>] Do not suffer, Richard. There is no need. She is loyal to you, -body and soul. Why do you fear? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Turns towards him, almost fiercely.</i>] Not that fear. But that I will -reproach myself then for having taken all for myself because I would not suffer -her to give to another what was hers and not mine to give, because I accepted -from her her loyalty and made her life poorer in love. That is my fear. That I -stand between her and any moments of life that should be hers, between her and -you, between her and anyone, between her and anything. I will not do it. I -cannot and I will not. I dare not. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He leans back in his chair breathless, with shining eyes. -<span class="charname">Robert</span> rises quietly, and stands behind his -chair.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Look here, Richard. We have said all there is to be said. Let the past be past. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Quickly and harshly.</i>] Wait. One thing more. For you, too, must know me -as I am—now. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -More? Is there more? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I told you that when I saw your eyes this afternoon I felt sad. Your humility -and confusion, I felt, united you to me in brotherhood. [<i>He turns half round -towards him.</i>] At that moment I felt our whole life together in the past, -and I longed to put my arm around your neck. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Deeply and suddenly touched.</i>] It is noble of you, Richard, to forgive -me like this. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Struggling with himself.</i>] I told you that I wished you not to do -anything false and secret against me—against our friendship, against her; not -to steal her from me craftily, secretly, meanly—in the dark, in the night—you, -Robert, my friend. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I know. And it was noble of you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Looks up at him with a steady gaze.</i>] No. Not noble. Ignoble. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Makes an involuntary gesture.</i>] How? Why? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Looks away again: in a lower voice.</i>] That is what I must tell you too. -Because in the very core of my ignoble heart I longed to be betrayed by you and -by her—in the dark, in the night—secretly, meanly, craftily. By you, my best -friend, and by her. I longed for that passionately and ignobly, to be -dishonoured for ever in love and in lust, to be... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Bending down, places his hands over <span class="charname">Richard’s</span> -mouth.</i>] Enough. Enough. [<i>He takes his hands away.</i>] But no. Go on. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -To be for ever a shameful creature and to build up my soul again out of the -ruins of its shame. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -And that is why you wished that she... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>With calm.</i>] She has spoken always of her innocence, as I have spoken -always of my guilt, humbling me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -From pride, then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -From pride and from ignoble longing. And from a motive deeper still. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>With decision.</i>] I understand you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He returns to his place and begins to speak at once, drawing his chair -closer.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -May it not be that we are here and now in the presence of a moment which will -free us both—me as well as you—from the last bonds of what is called morality. -My friendship for you has laid bonds on me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Light bonds, apparently. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I acted in the dark, secretly. I will do so no longer. Have you the courage to -allow me to act freely? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -A duel—between us? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>With growing excitement.</i>] A battle of both our souls, different as they -are, against all that is false in them and in the world. A battle of your soul -against the spectre of fidelity, of mine against the spectre of friendship. All -life is a conquest, the victory of human passion over the commandments of -cowardice. Will you, Richard? Have you the courage? Even if it shatters to -atoms the friendship between us, even if it breaks up for ever the last -illusion in your own life? There was an eternity before we were born: another -will come after we are dead. The blinding instant of passion alone—passion, -free, unashamed, irresistible—that is the only gate by which we can escape from -the misery of what slaves call life. Is not this the language of your own youth -that I heard so often from you in this very place where we are sitting now? -Have you changed? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Passes his hand across his brow.</i>] Yes. It is the language of my youth. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Eagerly, intensely.</i>] Richard, you have driven me up to this point. She -and I have only obeyed your will. You yourself have roused these words in my -brain. Your own words. Shall we? Freely? Together? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Mastering his emotion.</i>] Together no. Fight your part alone. I will not -free you. Leave me to fight mine. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Rises, decided.</i>] You allow me, then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Rises also, calmly.</i>] Free yourself. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>A knock is heard at the hall door.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>In alarm.</i>] What does this mean? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Calmly.</i>] Bertha, evidently. Did you not ask her to come? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes, but... [<i>Looking about him.</i>] Then I am going, Richard. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -No. I am going. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Desperately.</i>] Richard, I appeal to you. Let me go. It is over. She is -yours. Keep her and forgive me, both of you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Because you are generous enough to allow me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Hotly.</i>] Richard, you will make me angry with you if you say that. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Angry or not, I will not live on your generosity. You have asked her to meet -you here tonight and alone. Solve the question between you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Promptly.</i>] Open the door. I shall wait in the garden. [<i>He goes -towards the porch.</i>] Explain to her, Richard, as best you can. I cannot see -her now. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I shall go. I tell you. Wait out there if you wish. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He goes out by the door on the right. <span class="charname">Robert</span> -goes out hastily through the porch but comes back the same instant.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -An umbrella! [<i>With a sudden gesture.</i>] O! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He goes out again through the porch. The hall door is heard to open and -close. <span class="charname">Richard</span> enters, followed by -<span class="charname">Bertha</span>, who is dressed in a darkbrown costume and -wears a small dark red hat. She has neither umbrella nor waterproof.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Gaily.</i>] Welcome back to old Ireland! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Nervously, seriously.</i>] Is this the place? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yes, it is. How did you find it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I told the cabman. I didn’t like to ask my way. [<i>Looking about her -curiously.</i>] Was he not waiting? Has he gone away? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Points towards the garden.</i>] He is waiting. Out there. He was waiting -when I came. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Selfpossessed again.</i>] You see, you came after all. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Did you think I would not? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I knew you could not remain away. You see, after all you are like all other -men. You had to come. You are jealous like the others. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -You seem annoyed to find me here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -What happened between you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I told him I knew everything, that I had known for a long time. He asked how. I -said from you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Does he hate me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I cannot read in his heart. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Sits down helplessly.</i>] Yes. He hates me. He believes I made a fool of -him—betrayed him. I knew he would. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I told him you were sincere with him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He does not believe it. Nobody would believe it. I should have told him -first—not you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I thought he was a common robber, prepared to use even violence against you. I -had to protect you from that. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -That I could have done myself. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Are you sure? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -It would have been enough to have told him that you knew I was here. Now I can -find out nothing. He hates me. He is right to hate me. I have treated him -badly, shamefully. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Takes her hand.</i>] Bertha, look at me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Turns to him.</i>] Well? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Gazes into her eyes and then lets her hand fall.</i>] I cannot read in your -heart either. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Still looking at him.</i>] You could not remain away. Do you not trust me? -You can see I am quite calm. I could have hidden it all from you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I doubt that. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>With a slight toss of her head.</i>] O, easily if I had wanted to. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Darkly.</i>] Perhaps you are sorry now that you did not. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Perhaps I am. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Unpleasantly.</i>] What a fool you were to tell me! It would have been so -nice if you had kept it secret. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -As you do, no? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -As I do, yes. [<i>He turns to go.</i>] Goodbye for a while. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Alarmed, rises.</i>] Are you going? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Naturally. My part is ended here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -To her, I suppose? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Astonished.</i>] Who? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Her ladyship. I suppose it is all planned so that you may have a good -opportunity. To meet her and have an intellectual conversation! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>With an outburst of rude anger.</i>] To meet the devil’s father! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Unpins her hat and sits down.</i>] Very well. You can go. Now I know what -to do. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Returns, approaches her.</i>] You don’t believe a word of what you say. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Calmly.</i>] You can go. Why don’t you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Then you have come here and led him on in this way on account of me. Is that -how it is? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -There is one person in all this who is not a fool. And that is you. I am -though. And he is. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Continuing.</i>] If so you have indeed treated him badly and shamefully. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Points at him.</i>] Yes. But it was your fault. And I will end it now. I am -simply a tool for you. You have no respect for me. You never had because I did -what I did. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -And has he respect? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He has. Of all the persons I met since I came back he is the only one who has. -And he knows what they only suspect. And that is why I liked him from the first -and like him still. Great respect for me she has! Why did you not ask her to -come away with you nine years ago? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -You know why, Bertha. Ask yourself. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes, I know why. You knew the answer you would get. That is why. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -That is not why. I did not even ask you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. You knew I would go, asked or not. I do things. But if I do one thing I -can do two things. As I have the name I can have the gains. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>With increasing excitement.</i>] Bertha, I accept what is to be. I have -trusted you. I will trust you still. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -To have that against me. To leave me then. [<i>Almost passionately.</i>] Why do -you not defend me then against him? Why do you go away from me now without a -word? Dick, my God, tell me what you wish me to do? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I cannot, dear. [<i>Struggling with himself.</i>] Your own heart will tell you. -[<i>He seizes both her hands.</i>] I have a wild delight in my soul, Bertha, as -I look at you. I see you as you are yourself. That I came first in your life or -before him then—that may be nothing to you. You may be his more than mine. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I am not. Only I feel for him, too. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -And I do too. You may be his and mine. I will trust you, Bertha, and him too. I -must. I cannot hate him since his arms have been around you. You have drawn us -near together. There is something wiser than wisdom in your heart. Who am I -that I should call myself master of your heart or of any woman’s? Bertha, love -him, be his, give yourself to him if you desire—or if you can. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Dreamily.</i>] I will remain. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Goodbye. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He lets her hand fall and goes out rapidly on the right. -<span class="charname">Bertha</span> remains sitting. Then she rises and goes -timidly towards the porch. She stops near it and, after a little hesitation, -calls into the garden.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Is anyone out there? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>At the same time she retreats towards the middle of the room. Then she -calls again in the same way.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Is anyone there? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Robert</span> appears in the open doorway that leads -in from the garden. His coat is buttoned and the collar is turned up. He holds -the doorposts with his hands lightly and waits for -<span class="charname">Bertha</span> to see him.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Catching sight of him, starts back: then, quickly.</i>] Robert! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Are you alone? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Looking towards the door on the right.</i>] Where is he? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Gone. [<i>Nervously.</i>] You startled me. Where did you come from? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>With a movement of his head.</i>] Out there. Did he not tell you I was out -there—waiting? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Quickly.</i>] Yes, he told me. But I was afraid here alone. With the door -open, waiting. [<i>She comes to the table and rests her hand on the -corner.</i>] Why do you stand like that in the doorway? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Why? I am afraid too. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Of what? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Of you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looks down.</i>] Do you hate me now? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I fear you. [<i>Clasping his hands at his back, quietly but a little -defiantly.</i>] I fear a new torture—a new trap. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>As before.</i>] For what do you blame me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Comes forward a few steps, halts: then impulsively:</i>] Why did you lead -me on? Day after day, more and more. Why did you not stop me? You could -have—with a word. But not even a word! I forgot myself and him. You saw it. -That I was ruining myself in his eyes, losing his friendship. Did you want me -to? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looking up.</i>] You never asked me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Asked you what? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -If he suspected—or knew. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -And would you have told me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Hesitatingly.</i>] Did you tell him—everything? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I did. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I mean—details. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Everything. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>With a forced smile.</i>] I see. You were making an experiment for his -sake. On me. Well, why not? It seems I was a good subject. Still, it was a -little cruel of you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Try to understand me, Robert. You must try. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>With a polite gesture.</i>] Well, I will try. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Why do you stand like that near the door? It makes me nervous to look at you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I am trying to understand. And then I am afraid. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Holds out her hand.</i>] You need not be afraid. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Robert</span> comes towards her quickly and takes her -hand.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Diffidently.</i>] Used you to laugh over me—together? [<i>Drawing his hand -away.</i>] But now I must be good or you may laugh over me again—tonight. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Distressed, lays her hand on his arm.</i>] Please listen to me, Robert... -But you are all wet, drenched! [<i>She passes her hands over his coat.</i>] O, -you poor fellow! Out there in the rain all that time! I forgot that. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Laughs.</i>] Yes, you forgot the climate. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -But you are really drenched. You must change your coat. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Takes her hands.</i>] Tell me, it is pity then that you feel for me, as -he—as Richard—says? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Please change your coat, Robert, when I ask you. You might get a very bad cold -from that. Do, please. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -What would it matter now? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looking round her.</i>] Where do you keep your clothes here? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Points to the door at the back.</i>] In there. I fancy I have a jacket -here. [<i>Maliciously.</i>] In my bedroom. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Well, go in and take that off. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -And you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I will wait here for you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Do you command me to? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Laughing.</i>] Yes, I command you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Promptly.</i>] Then I will. [<i>He goes quickly towards the bedroom door; -then turns round.</i>] You won’t go away? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No, I will wait. But don’t be long. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Only a moment. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He goes into the bedroom, leaving the door open. -<span class="charname">Bertha</span> looks curiously about her and then glances -in indecision towards the door at the back.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>From the bedroom.</i>] You have not gone? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I am in the dark here. I must light the lamp. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He is heard striking a match, and putting a glass shade on a lamp. A pink -light comes in through the doorway. <span class="charname">Bertha</span> -glances at her watch at her wristlet and then sits at the table.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>As before.</i>] Do you like the effect of the light? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -O, yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Can you admire it from where you are? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes, quite well. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -It was for you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Confused.</i>] I am not worthy even of that. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Clearly, harshly.</i>] Love’s labour lost. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Rising nervously.</i>] Robert! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Come here, quickly! Quickly, I say! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I am ready. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He appears in the doorway, wearing a darkgreen velvet jacket. Seeing her -agitation, he comes quickly towards her.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -What is it, Bertha? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Trembling.</i>] I was afraid. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Of being alone? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Catches his hands.</i>] You know what I mean. My nerves are all upset. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -That I...? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Promise me, Robert, not to think of such a thing. Never. If you like me at all. -I thought that moment... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -What an idea? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -But promise me if you like me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -If I like you, Bertha! I promise. Of course, I promise. You are trembling all -over. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Let me sit down somewhere. It will pass in a moment. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -My poor Bertha! Sit down. Come. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He leads her towards a chair near the table. She sits down. He stands -beside her.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>After a short pause.</i>] Has it passed? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. It was only for a moment. I was very silly. I was afraid that... I wanted -to see you near me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -That... that you made me promise not to think of? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Keenly.</i>] Or something else? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Helplessly.</i>] Robert, I feared something. I am not sure what. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -And now? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Now you are here. I can see you. Now it has passed. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>With resignation.</i>] Passed. Yes. Love’s labour lost. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looks up at him.</i>] Listen, Robert. I want to explain to you about that. -I could not deceive Dick. Never. In nothing. I told him everything—from the -first. Then it went on and on; and still you never spoke or asked me. I wanted -you to. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Is that the truth, Bertha? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes, because it annoyed me that you could think I was like... like the other -women I suppose you knew that way. I think that Dick is right too. Why should -there be secrets? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Softly.</i>] Still, secrets can be very sweet. Can they not? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Smiles.</i>] Yes, I know they can. But, you see, I could not keep things -secret from Dick. Besides, what is the good? They always come out in the end. -Is it not better for people to know? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Softly and a little shyly.</i>] How could you, Bertha, tell him everything? -Did you? Every single thing that passed between us? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. Everything he asked me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Did he ask you—much? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -You know the kind he is. He asks about everything. The ins and outs. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -About our kissing, too? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Of course. I told him all. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Shakes his head slowly.</i>] Extraordinary little person! Were you not -ashamed? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Not a bit? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No. Why? Is that terrible? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -And how did he take it? Tell me. I want to know everything, too. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Laughs.</i>] It excited him. More than usual. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Why? Is he excitable—still? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Archly.</i>] Yes, very. When he is not lost in his philosophy. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -More than I? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -More than you? [<i>Reflecting.</i>] How could I answer that? You both are, I -suppose? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Robert</span> turns aside and gazes towards the -porch, passing his hand once or twice thoughtfully over his hair.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Gently.</i>] Are you angry with me again? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Moodily.</i>] You are with me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No, Robert. Why should I be? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Because I asked you to come to this place. I tried to prepare it for you. -[<i>He points vaguely here and there.</i>] A sense of quietness. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Touching his jacket with her fingers.</i>] And this, too. Your nice velvet -coat. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Also. I will keep no secrets from you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -You remind me of someone in a picture. I like you in it... But you are not -angry, are you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Darkly.</i>] Yes. That was my mistake. To ask you to come here. I felt it -when I looked at you from the garden and saw you—you, Bertha—standing here. -[<i>Hopelessly.</i>] But what else could I have done? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Quietly.</i>] You mean because others have been here? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He walks away from her a few paces. A gust of wind makes the lamp on the -table flicker. He lowers the wick slightly.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Following him with her eyes.</i>] But I knew that before I came. I am not -angry with you for it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Shrugs his shoulders.</i>] Why should you be angry with me after all? You -are not even angry with him—for the same thing—or worse. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Did he tell you that about himself? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes. He told me. We all confess to one another here. Turn about. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I try to forget it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -It does not trouble you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Not now. Only I dislike to think of it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -It is merely something brutal, you think? Of little importance? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -It does not trouble me—now. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Looking at her over his shoulder.</i>] But there is something that would -trouble you very much and that you would not try to forget? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -What? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Turning towards her.</i>] If it were not only something brutal with this -person or that—for a few moments. If it were something fine and spiritual—with -one person only—with one woman. [<i>Smiles.</i>] And perhaps brutal too. It -usually comes to that sooner or later. Would you try to forget and forgive -that? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Toying with her wristlet.</i>] In whom? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -In anyone. In me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Calmly.</i>] You mean in Dick. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I said in myself. But would you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -You think I would revenge myself? Is Dick not to be free too? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Points at her.</i>] That is not from your heart, Bertha. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Proudly.</i>] Yes, it is; let him be free too. He leaves me free also. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Insistently.</i>] And you know why? And understand? And you like it? And -you want to be? And it makes you happy? And has made you happy? Always? This -gift of freedom which he gave you—nine years ago? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Gazing at him with wide open eyes.</i>] But why do you ask me such a lot of -questions, Robert? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Stretches out both hands to her.</i>] Because I had another gift to offer -you then—a common simple gift—like myself. If you want to know it I will tell -you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looking at her watch.</i>] Past is past, Robert. And I think I ought to go -now. It is nine almost. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Impetuously.</i>] No, no. Not yet. There is one confession more and we have -the right to speak. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He crosses before the table rapidly and sits down beside her.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Turning towards him, places her left hand on his shoulder.</i>] Yes, -Robert. I know that you like me. You need not tell me. [<i>Kindly.</i>] You -need not confess any more tonight. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>A gust of wind enters through the porch, with a sound of moving leaves. The -lamp flickers quickly.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Pointing over his shoulder.</i>] Look! It is too high. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>Without rising, he bends towards the table, and turns down the wick more. -The room is half dark. The light comes in more strongly through the doorway of -the bedroom.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -The wind is rising. I will close that door. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Listening.</i>] No, it is raining still. It was only a gust of wind. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Touches her shoulder.</i>] Tell me if the air is too cold for you. [<i>Half -rising.</i>] I will close it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Detaining him.</i>] No. I am not cold. Besides, I am going now, Robert. I -must. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Firmly.</i>] No, no. There is no <i>must</i> now. We were left here for -this. And you are wrong, Bertha. The past is not past. It is present here now. -My feeling for you is the same now as it was then, because then—you slighted -it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No, Robert. I did not. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Continuing.</i>] You did. And I have felt it all these years without -knowing it—till now. Even while I lived—the kind of life you know and dislike -to think of—the kind of life to which you condemned me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes, when you slighted the common simple gift I had to offer you—and took his -gift instead. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looking at him.</i>] But you never... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -No. Because you had chosen him. I saw that. I saw it on the first night we met, -we three together. Why did you choose him? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Bends her head.</i>] Is that not love? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Continuing.</i>] And every night when we two—he and I—came to that corner -to meet you I saw it and felt it. You remember the corner, Bertha? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>As before.</i>] Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -And when you and he went away for your walk and I went along the street alone I -felt it. And when he spoke to me about you and told me he was going away—then -most of all. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Why then most of all? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Because it was then that I was guilty of my first treason towards him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Robert, what are you saying? Your first treason against Dick? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Nods.</i>] And not my last. He spoke of you and himself. Of how your life -would be together—free and all that. Free, yes! He would not even ask you to go -with him. [<i>Bitterly.</i>] He did not. And you went all the same. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I wanted to be with him. You know... [<i>Raising her head and looking at -him.</i>] You know how we were then—Dick and I. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Unheeding.</i>] I advised him to go alone—not to take you with him—to live -alone in order to see if what he felt for you was a passing thing which might -ruin your happiness and his career. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Well, Robert. It was unkind of you towards me. But I forgive you because you -were thinking of his happiness and mine. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Bending closer to her.</i>] No, Bertha. I was not. And that was my treason. -I was thinking of myself—that you might turn from him when he had gone and he -from you. Then I would have offered you my gift. You know what it was now. The -simple common gift that men offer to women. Not the best perhaps. Best or -worst—it would have been yours. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Turning away from him.</i>] He did not take your advice. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>As before.</i>] No. And the night you ran away together—O, how happy I was! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Pressing his hands.</i>] Keep calm, Robert. I know you liked me always. Why -did you not forget me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Smiles bitterly.</i>] How happy I felt as I came back along the quays and -saw in the distance the boat lit up going down the black river, taking you away -from me! [<i>In a calmer tone.</i>] But why did you choose him? Did you not -like me at all? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. I liked you because you were his friend. We often spoke about you. Often -and often. Every time you wrote or sent papers or books to Dick. And I like you -still, Robert. [<i>Looking into his eyes.</i>] I never forgot you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Nor I you. I knew I would see you again. I knew it the night you went away—that -you would come back. And that was why I wrote and worked to see you again—here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -And here I am. You were right. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Slowly.</i>] Nine years. Nine times more beautiful! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Smiling.</i>] But am I? What do you see in me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Gazing at her.</i>] A strange and beautiful lady. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Almost disgusted.</i>] O, please don’t call me such a thing! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Earnestly.</i>] You are more. A young and beautiful queen. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>With a sudden laugh.</i>] O, Robert! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Lowering his voice and bending nearer to her.</i>] But do you not know that -you are a beautiful human being? Do you not know that you have a beautiful -body? Beautiful and young? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Gravely.</i>] Some day I will be old. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Shakes his head.</i>] I cannot imagine it. Tonight you are young and -beautiful. Tonight you have come back to me. [<i>With passion.</i>] Who knows -what will be tomorrow? I may never see you again or never see you as I do now. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Would you suffer? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Looks round the room, without answering.</i>] This room and this hour were -made for your coming. When you have gone—all is gone. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Anxiously.</i>] But you will see me again, Robert... as before. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Looks full at her.</i>] To make him—Richard—suffer. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He does not suffer. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Bowing his head.</i>] Yes, yes. He does. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He knows we like each other. Is there any harm, then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Raising his head.</i>] No there is no harm. Why should we not? He does not -know yet what I feel. He has left us alone here at night, at this hour, because -he longs to know it—he longs to be delivered. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -From what? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Moves closer to her and presses her arm as he speaks.</i>] From every law, -Bertha, from every bond. All his life he has sought to deliver himself. Every -chain but one he has broken and that one we are to break. Bertha—you and I. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Almost inaudibly.</i>] Are you sure? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Still more warmly.</i>] I am sure that no law made by man is sacred before -the impulse of passion. [<i>Almost fiercely.</i>] Who made us for one only? It -is a crime against our own being if we are so. There is no law before impulse. -Laws are for slaves. Bertha, say my name! Let me hear your voice say it. -Softly! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Softly.</i>] Robert! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Puts his arm about her shoulder.</i>] Only the impulse towards youth and -beauty does not die. [<i>He points towards the porch.</i>] Listen! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>In alarm.</i>] What? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -The rain falling. Summer rain on the earth. Night rain. The darkness and warmth -and flood of passion. Tonight the earth is loved—loved and possessed. Her -lover’s arms around her; and she is silent. Speak, dearest! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Suddenly leans forward and listens intently.</i>] Hush! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Listening, smiles.</i>] Nothing. Nobody. We are alone. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>A gust of wind blows in through the porch, with a sound of shaken leaves. -The flame of the lamp leaps.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Pointing to the lamp.</i>] Look! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Only the wind. We have light enough from the other room. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He stretches his hand across the table and puts out the lamp. The light -from the doorway of the bedroom crosses the place where they sit. The room is -quite dark.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Are you happy? Tell me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I am going now, Robert. It is very late. Be satisfied. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Caressing her hair.</i>] Not yet, not yet. Tell me, do you love me a -little? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I like you, Robert. I think you are good. [<i>Half rising.</i>] Are you -satisfied? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Detaining her, kisses her hair.</i>] Do not go, Bertha! There is time -still. Do you love me too? I have waited a long time. Do you love us both—him -and also me? Do you, Bertha? The truth! Tell me. Tell me with your eyes. Or -speak! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She does not answer. In the silence the rain is heard falling.</i>] -</p> - -</div><!--end chapter--> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2><a name="actIII"></a><b>Third Act</b></h2> - -<p class="drama"> -<i>The drawingroom of Richard Rowan’s house at Merrion. The folding doors at -the right are closed and also the double doors leading to the garden. The green -plush curtains are drawn across the window on the left. The room is half dark. -It is early in the morning of the next day. Bertha sits beside the window -looking out between the curtains. She wears a loose saffron dressing gown. Her -hair is combed loosely over the ears and knotted at the neck. Her hands are -folded in her lap. Her face is pale and drawn.</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Brigid</span> comes in through the folding doors on -the right with a featherbroom and duster. She is about to cross but, seeing -<span class="charname">Bertha</span>, she halts suddenly and blesses herself -instinctively.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -Merciful hour, ma’am. You put the heart across me. Why did you get up so early? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -What time is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -After seven, ma’am. Are you long up? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Some time. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Approaching her.</i>] Had you a bad dream that woke you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I didn’t sleep all night. So I got up to see the sun rise. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Opens the double doors.</i>] It’s a lovely morning now after all the rain -we had. [<i>Turns round.</i>] But you must be dead tired, ma’am. What will the -master say at your doing a thing like that? [<i>She goes to the door of the -study and knocks.</i>] Master Richard! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looks round.</i>] He is not there. He went out an hour ago. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -Out there, on the strand, is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Comes towards her and leans over the back of a chair.</i>] Are you fretting -yourself, ma’am, about anything? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No, Brigid. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -Don’t be. He was always like that, meandering off by himself somewhere. He is a -curious bird, Master Richard, and always was. Sure there isn’t a turn in him I -don’t know. Are you fretting now maybe because he does be in there [<i>pointing -to the study</i>] half the night at his books? Leave him alone. He’ll come back -to you again. Sure he thinks the sun shines out of your face, ma’am. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Sadly.</i>] That time is gone. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Confidentially.</i>] And good cause I have to remember it—that time when he -was paying his addresses to you. [<i>She sits down beside <span -class="charname">Bertha</span>. In a lower voice.</i>] Do you know that he used -to tell me all about you and nothing to his mother, God rest her soul? Your -letters and all. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -What? My letters to him? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Delighted.</i>] Yes. I can see him sitting on the kitchen table, swinging -his legs and spinning out of him yards of talk about you and him and Ireland -and all kinds of devilment—to an ignorant old woman like me. But that was -always his way. But if he had to meet a grand highup person he’d be twice as -grand himself. [<i>Suddenly looks at <span class="charname">Bertha</span>.</i>] -Is it crying you are now? Ah, sure, don’t cry. There’s good times coming still. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No, Brigid, that time comes only once in a lifetime. The rest of life is good -for nothing except to remember that time. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Is silent for a moment: then says kindly.</i>] Would you like a cup of tea, -ma’am? That would make you all right. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes, I would. But the milkman has not come yet. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -No. Master Archie told me to wake him before he came. He’s going out for a -jaunt in the car. But I’ve a cup left overnight. I’ll have the kettle boiling -in a jiffy. Would you like a nice egg with it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No, thanks. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -Or a nice bit of toast? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -No, Brigid, thanks. Just a cup of tea. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Crossing to the folding doors.</i>] I won’t be a moment. [<i>She stops, -turns back and goes towards the door on the left.</i>] But first I must waken -Master Archie or there’ll be ructions. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She goes out by the door on the left. After a few moments -<span class="charname">Bertha</span> rises and goes over to the study. She opens -the door wide and looks in. One can see a small untidy room with many -bookshelves and a large writingtable with papers and an extinguished lamp and -before it a padded chair. She remains standing for some time in the doorway, -then closes the door again without entering the room. She returns to her chair -by the window and sits down. <span class="charname">Archie</span>, dressed as -before, comes in by the door on the right, followed by -<span class="charname">Brigid</span>.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Comes to her and, putting up his face to be kissed, says:</i>] <i>Buon -giorno</i>, mamma! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Kissing him.</i>] <i>Buon giorno</i>, Archie! [<i>To -<span class="charname">Brigid</span>.</i>] Did you put another vest on him under -that one? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -He wouldn’t let me, ma’am. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -I’m not cold, mamma. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I said you were to put it on, didn’t I? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -But where is the cold? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Takes a comb from her head and combs his hair back at both sides.</i>] And -the sleep is in your eyes still. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -He went to bed immediately after you went out last night, ma’am. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -You know he’s going to let me drive, mamma. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Replacing the comb in her hair, embraces him suddenly.</i>] O, what a big -man to drive a horse! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -Well, he’s daft on horses, anyhow. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Releasing himself.</i>] I’ll make him go quick. You will see from the -window, mamma. With the whip. [<i>He makes the gesture of cracking a whip and -shouts at the top of his voice.</i>] <i>Avanti!</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -Beat the poor horse, is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Come here till I clean your mouth. [<i>She takes her handkerchief from the -pocket of her gown, wets it with her tongue and cleans his mouth.</i>] You’re -all smudges or something, dirty little creature you are. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Repeats, laughing.</i>] Smudges! What is smudges? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>The noise is heard of a milkcan rattled on the railings before the -window.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Draws aside the curtains and looks out.</i>] Here he is! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Rapidly.</i>] Wait. I’m ready. Goodbye, mamma! [<i>He kisses her hastily -and turns to go.</i>] Is pappie up? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Takes him by the arm.</i>] Come on with you now. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Mind yourself, Archie, and don’t be long or I won’t let you go any more. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -All right. Look out of the window and you’ll see me. Goodbye. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Brigid</span> and <span -class="charname">Archie</span> go out by the door on the left. <span -class="charname">Bertha</span> stands up and, drawing aside the curtains still -more, stands in the embrasure of the window looking out. The hall door is heard -opening: then a slight noise of voices and cans is heard. The door is closed. -After a moment or two <span class="charname">Bertha</span> is seen waving her -hand gaily in a salute. <span class="charname">Brigid</span> enters and stands -behind her, looking over her shoulder.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -Look at the sit of him! As serious as you like. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Suddenly withdrawing from her post.</i>] Stand out of the window. I don’t -want to be seen. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -Why, ma’am, what is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Crossing towards the folding doors.</i>] Say I’m not up, that I’m not well. -I can’t see anyone. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Follows her.</i>] Who is it, ma’am? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Halting.</i>] Wait a moment. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She listens. A knock is heard at the hall door.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Stands a moment in doubt, then.</i>] No, say I’m in. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>In doubt.</i>] Here? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Hurriedly.</i>] Yes. Say I have just got up. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Brigid</span> goes out on the left. -<span class="charname">Bertha</span> goes towards the double doors and fingers -the curtains nervously, as if settling them. The hall door is heard to open. -Then <span class="charname">Beatrice Justice</span> enters and, as -<span class="charname">Bertha</span> does not turn at once, stands in hesitation -near the door on the left. She is dressed as before and has a newspaper in her -hand.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Advances rapidly.</i>] Mrs Rowan, excuse me for coming at such an hour. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Turns.</i>] Good morning, Miss Justice. [<i>She comes towards her.</i>] Is -anything the matter? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Nervously.</i>] I don’t know. That is what I wanted to ask you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looks curiously at her.</i>] You are out of breath. Won’t you sit down? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Sitting down.</i>] Thank you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Sits opposite her, pointing to her paper.</i>] Is there something in the -paper? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Laughs nervously: opens the paper.</i>] Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -About Dick? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Yes. Here it is. A long article, a leading article, by my cousin. All his life -is here. Do you wish to see it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Takes the paper, and opens it.</i>] Where is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -In the middle. It is headed: <i>A Distinguished Irishman.</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Is it... for Dick or against him? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Warmly.</i>] O, for him! You can read what he says about Mr Rowan. And I -know that Robert stayed in town very late last night to write it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Nervously.</i>] Yes. Are you sure? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Yes. Very late. I heard him come home. It was long after two. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Watching her.</i>] It alarmed you? I mean to be awakened at that hour of -the morning. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I am a light sleeper. But I knew he had come from the office and then... I -suspected he had written an article about Mr Rowan and that was why he came so -late. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -How quick you were to think of that! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Well, after what took place here yesterday afternoon—I mean what Robert said, -that Mr Rowan had accepted this position. It was only natural I should think... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Ah, yes. Naturally. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Hastily.</i>] But that is not what alarmed me. But immediately after I -heard a noise in my cousin’s room. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Crumples together the paper in her hands, breathlessly.</i>] My God! What -is it? Tell me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Observing her.</i>] Why does that upset you so much? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Sinking back, with a forced laugh.</i>] Yes, of course, it is very foolish -of me. My nerves are all upset. I slept very badly, too. That is why I got up -so early. But tell me what was it then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Only the noise of his valise being pulled along the floor. Then I heard him -walking about his room, whistling softly. And then locking it and strapping it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He is going away! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -That was what alarmed me. I feared he had had a quarrel with Mr Rowan and that -his article was an attack. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -But why should they quarrel? Have you noticed anything between them? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I thought I did. A coldness. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Lately? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -For some time past. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Smoothing the paper out.</i>] Do you know the reason? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Hesitatingly.</i>] No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>After a pause.</i>] Well, but if this article is for him, as you say, they -have not quarrelled. [<i>She reflects a moment.</i>] And written last night, -too. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Yes. I bought the paper at once to see. But why, then, is he going away so -suddenly? I feel that there is something wrong. I feel that something has -happened between them. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Would you be sorry? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I would be very sorry. You see, Mrs Rowan, Robert is my first cousin and it -would grieve me very deeply if he were to treat Mr Rowan badly, now that he has -come back, or if they had a serious quarrel especially because... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Toying with the paper.</i>] Because? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Because it was my cousin who urged Mr Rowan always to come back. I have that on -my conscience. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -It should be on Mr Hand’s conscience, should it not? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Uncertainly.</i>] On mine, too. Because—I spoke to my cousin about Mr Rowan -when he was away and, to a certain extent, it was I... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Nods slowly.</i>] I see. And that is on your conscience. Only that? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I think so. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Almost cheerfully.</i>] It looks as if it was you, Miss Justice, who -brought my husband back to Ireland. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I, Mrs Rowan? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes, you. By your letters to him and then by speaking to your cousin as you -said just now. Do you not think that you are the person who brought him back? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Blushing suddenly.</i>] No. I could not think that. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Watches her for a moment; then turning aside.</i>] You know that my husband -is writing very much since he came back. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Is he? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Did you not know? [<i>She points towards the study.</i>] He passes the greater -part of the night in there writing. Night after night. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -In his study? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Study or bedroom. You may call it what you please. He sleeps there, too, on a -sofa. He slept there last night. I can show you if you don’t believe me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She rises to go towards the study. <span class="charname">Beatrice</span> -half rises quickly and makes a gesture of refusal.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I believe you, of course, Mrs Rowan, when you tell me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Sitting down again.</i>] Yes. He is writing. And it must be about something -which has come into his life lately—since we came back to Ireland. Some change. -Do you know that any change has come into his life? [<i>She looks searchingly -at her.</i>] Do you know it or feel it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Answers her look steadily.</i>] Mrs Rowan, that is not a question to ask -me. If any change has come into his life since he came back you must know and -feel it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -You could know it just as well. You are very intimate in this house. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I am not the only person who is intimate here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>They both look at each other coldly in silence for some moments. -<span class="charname">Bertha</span> lays aside the paper and sits down on a -chair nearer to <span class="charname">Beatrice</span>.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Placing her hand on <span class="charname">Beatrice’s</span> knee.</i>] So -you also hate me, Miss Justice? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>With an effort.</i>] Hate you? I? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Insistently but softly.</i>] Yes. You know what it means to hate a person? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Why should I hate you? I have never hated anyone. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Have you ever loved anyone? [<i>She puts her hand on -<span class="charname">Beatrice’s</span> wrist.</i>] Tell me. You have? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Also softly.</i>] Yes. In the past. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Not now? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Can you say that to me—truly? Look at me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Looks at her.</i>] Yes, I can. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>A short pause. <span class="charname">Bertha</span> withdraws her hand, and -turns away her head in some embarrassment.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -You said just now that another person is intimate in this house. You meant your -cousin... Was it he? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Have you not forgotten him? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Quietly.</i>] I have tried to. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Clasping her hands.</i>] You hate me. You think I am happy. If you only -knew how wrong you are! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Shakes her head.</i>] I do not. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Happy! When I do not understand anything that he writes, when I cannot help him -in any way, when I don’t even understand half of what he says to me sometimes! -You could and you can. [<i>Excitedly.</i>] But I am afraid for him, afraid for -both of them. [<i>She stands up suddenly and goes towards the davenport.</i>] -He must not go away like that. [<i>She takes a writing pad from the drawer and -writes a few lines in great haste.</i>] No, it is impossible! Is he mad to do -such a thing? [<i>Turning to <span class="charname">Beatrice</span>.</i>] Is he -still at home? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Watching her in wonder.</i>] Yes. Have you written to him to ask him to -come here? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Rises.</i>] I have. I will send Brigid across with it. Brigid! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She goes out by the door on the left rapidly.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Gazing after her, instinctively:</i>] It is true, then! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She glances toward the door of <span class="charname">Richard’s</span> -study and catches her head in her hands. Then, recovering herself, she takes -the paper from the little table, opens it, takes a spectacle case from her -handbag and, putting on a pair of spectacles, bends down, reading it. <span -class="charname">Richard Rowan</span> enters from the garden. He is dressed as -before but wears a soft hat and carries a thin cane.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Stands in the doorway, observing her for some moments.</i>] There are -demons [<i>he points out towards the strand</i>] out there. I heard them -jabbering since dawn. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Starts to her feet.</i>] Mr Rowan! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I assure you. The isle is full of voices. Yours also, <i>Otherwise I could not -see you,</i> it said. And her voice. But, I assure you, they are all demons. I -made the sign of the cross upside down and that silenced them. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Stammering.</i>] I came here, Mr Rowan, so early because... to show you -this... Robert wrote it... about you... last night. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Takes off his hat.</i>] My dear Miss Justice, you told me yesterday, I -think, why you came here and I never forget anything. [<i>Advancing towards -her, holding out his hand.</i>] Good morning. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Suddenly takes off her spectacles and places the paper in his hands.</i>] I -came for this. It is an article about you. Robert wrote it last night. Will you -read it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Bows.</i>] Read it now? Certainly. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Looks at him in despair.</i>] O, Mr Rowan, it makes me suffer to look at -you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Opens and reads the paper.</i>] <i>Death of the Very Reverend Canon -Mulhall</i>. Is that it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Bertha</span> appears at the door on the left and -stands to listen.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Turns over a page.</i>] Yes, here we are! <i>A Distinguished Irishman.</i> -[<i>He begins to read in a rather loud hard voice.</i>] Not the least vital of -the problems which confront our country is the problem of her attitude towards -those of her children who, having left her in her hour of need, have been -called back to her now on the eve of her longawaited victory, to her whom in -loneliness and exile they have at last learned to love. In exile, we have said, -but here we must distinguish. There is an economic and there is a spiritual -exile. There are those who left her to seek the bread by which men live and -there are others, nay, her most favoured children, who left her to seek in -other lands that food of the spirit by which a nation of human beings is -sustained in life. Those who recall the intellectual life of Dublin of a decade -since will have many memories of Mr Rowan. Something of that fierce indignation -which lacerated the heart... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He raises his eyes from the paper and sees <span -class="charname">Bertha</span> standing in the doorway. Then he lays aside the -paper and looks at her. A long silence.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>With an effort.</i>] You see, Mr Rowan, your day has dawned at last. Even -here. And you see that you have a warm friend in Robert, a friend who -understands you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Did you notice the little phrase at the beginning: <i>those who left her in her -hour of need?</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He looks searchingly at <span class="charname">Bertha</span>, turns and -walks into his study, closing the door behind him.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Speaking half to herself.</i>] I gave up everything for him, religion, -family, my own peace. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She sits down heavily in an armchair. <span -class="charname">Beatrice</span> comes towards her.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Weakly.</i>] But do you not feel also that Mr Rowan’s ideas... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Bitterly.</i>] Ideas and ideas! But the people in this world have other -ideas or pretend to. They have to put up with him in spite of his ideas because -he is able to do something. Me, no. I am nothing. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -You stand by his side. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>With increasing bitterness.</i>] Ah, nonsense, Miss Justice! I am only a -thing he got entangled with and my son is—the nice name they give those -children. Do you think I am a stone? Do you think I don’t see it in their eyes -and in their manner when they have to meet me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Do not let them humble you, Mrs Rowan. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Haughtily.</i>] Humble me! I am very proud of myself, if you want to know. -What have they ever done for him? I made him a man. What are they all in his -life? No more than the dirt under his boots! [<i>She stands up and walks -excitedly to and fro.</i>] He can despise me, too, like the rest of them—now. -And you can despise me. But you will never humble me, any of you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -Why do you accuse me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Going to her impulsively.</i>] I am in such suffering. Excuse me if I was -rude. I want us to be friends. [<i>She holds out her hands.</i>] Will you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Taking her hands.</i>] Gladly. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Looking at her.</i>] What lovely long eyelashes you have! And your eyes -have such a sad expression! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Smiling.</i>] I see very little with them. They are very weak. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Warmly.</i>] But beautiful. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She embraces her quietly and kisses her. Then withdraws from her a little -shyly. <span class="charname">Brigid</span> comes in from the left.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -I gave it to himself, ma’am. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Did he send a message? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -He was just going out, ma’am. He told me to say he’d be here after me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Thanks. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -[<i>Going.</i>] Would you like the tea and the toast now, ma’am? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Not now, Brigid. After perhaps. When Mr Hand comes show him in at once. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BRIGID.<br/> -Yes, ma’am. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She goes out on the left.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I will go now, Mrs Rowan, before he comes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Somewhat timidly.</i>] Then we are friends? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>In the same tone.</i>] We will try to be. [<i>Turning.</i>] Do you allow me -to go out through the garden? I don’t want to meet my cousin now. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Of course. [<i>She takes her hand.</i>] It is so strange that we spoke like -this now. But I always wanted to. Did you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -I think I did, too. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Smiling.</i>] Even in Rome. When I went out for a walk with Archie I used -to think about you, what you were like, because I knew about you from Dick. I -used to look at different persons, coming out of churches or going by in -carriages, and think that perhaps they were like you. Because Dick told me you -were dark. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Again nervously.</i>] Really? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Pressing her hand.</i>] Goodbye then—for the present. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BEATRICE.<br/> -[<i>Disengaging her hand.</i>] Good morning. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I will see you to the gate. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She accompanies her out through the double doors. They go down through the -garden. <span class="charname">Richard Rowan</span> comes in from the study. He -halts near the doors, looking down the garden. Then he turns away, comes to the -little table, takes up the paper and reads. -<span class="charname">Bertha</span>, after some moments, appears in the doorway -and stands watching him till he has finished. He lays down the paper again and -turns to go back to his study.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Dick! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Stopping.</i>] Well? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -You have not spoken to me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I have nothing to say. Have you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Do you not wish to know—about what happened last night? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -That I will never know. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I will tell you if you ask me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -You will tell me. But I will never know. Never in this world. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Moving towards him.</i>] I will tell you the truth, Dick, as I always told -you. I never lied to you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Clenching his hands in the air, passionately.</i>] Yes, yes. The truth! But -I will never know, I tell you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Why, then, did you leave me last night? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Bitterly.</i>] In your hour of need. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Threateningly.</i>] You urged me to it. Not because you love me. If you -loved me or if you knew what love was you would not have left me. For your own -sake you urged me to it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I did not make myself. I am what I am. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -To have it always to throw against me. To make me humble before you, as you -always did. To be free yourself. [<i>Pointing towards the garden.</i>] With -her! And that is your love! Every word you say is false. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Controlling himself.</i>] It is useless to ask you to listen to me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Listen to you! She is the person for listening. Why would you waste your time -with me? Talk to her. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Nods his head.</i>] I see. You have driven her away from me now, as you -drove everyone else from my side—every friend I ever had, every human being -that ever tried to approach me. You hate her. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Warmly.</i>] No such thing! I think you have made her unhappy as you have -made me and as you made your dead mother unhappy and killed her. Womankiller! -That is your name. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Turns to go.</i>] <i>Arrivederci!</i> -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Excitedly.</i>] She is a fine and high character. I like her. She is -everything that I am not—in birth and education. You tried to ruin her but you -could not. Because she is well able for you—what I am not. And you know it. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Almost shouting.</i>] What the devil are you talking about her for? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Clasping her hands.</i>] O, how I wish I had never met you! How I curse -that day! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Bitterly.</i>] I am in the way, is it? You would like to be free now. You -have only to say the word. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Proudly.</i>] Whenever you like I am ready. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -So that you could meet your lover—freely? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Night after night? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Gazing before her and speaking with intense passion.</i>] To meet my lover! -[<i>Holding out her arms before her.</i>] My lover! Yes! My lover! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She bursts suddenly into tears and sinks down on a chair, covering her face -with her hands. <span class="charname">Richard</span> approaches her slowly and -touches her on the shoulder.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Bertha! [<i>She does not answer.</i>] Bertha, you are free. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Pushes his hand aside and starts to her feet.</i>] Don’t touch me! You are -a stranger to me. You do not understand anything in me—not one thing in my -heart or soul. A stranger! I am living with a stranger! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>A knock is heard at the hall door. <span class="charname">Bertha</span> -dries her eyes quickly with her handkerchief and settles the front of her gown. -<span class="charname">Richard</span> listens for a moment, looks at her keenly -and, turning away, walks into his study. <span class="charname">Robert -Hand</span> enters from the left. He is dressed in dark brown and carries in -his hand a brown Alpine hat.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Closing the door quietly behind him.</i>] You sent for me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Rises.</i>] Yes. Are you mad to think of going away like that—without even -coming here—without saying anything? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Advancing towards the table on which the paper lies, glances at it.</i>] -What I have to say I said here. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -When did you write it? Last night—after I went away? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Gracefully.</i>] To be quite accurate, I wrote part of it—in my mind—before -you went away. The rest—the worst part—I wrote after. Much later. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -And you could write last night! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Shrugs his shoulders.</i>] I am a welltrained animal. [<i>He comes closer -to her.</i>] I passed a long wandering night after... in my office, at the -vicechancellor’s house, in a nightclub, in the streets, in my room. Your image -was always before my eyes, your hand in my hand. Bertha, I will never forget -last night. [<i>He lays his hat on the table and takes her hand.</i>] Why do -you not look at me? May I not touch you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Points to the study.</i>] Dick is in there. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Drops her hand.</i>] In that case children be good. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Where are you going? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -To foreign parts. That is, to my cousin Jack Justice, <i>alias</i> Doggy -Justice, in Surrey. He has a nice country place there and the air is mild. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Why are you going? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Looks at her in silence.</i>] Can you not guess one reason? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -On account of me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes. It is not pleasant for me to remain here just now. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Sits down helplessly.</i>] But this is cruel of you, Robert. Cruel to me -and to him also. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Has he asked... what happened? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Joining her hands in despair.</i>] No. He refuses to ask me anything. He -says he will never know. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Nods gravely.</i>] Richard is right there. He is always right. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -But, Robert, you must speak to him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -What am I to say to him? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -The truth! Everything! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Reflects.</i>] No, Bertha. I am a man speaking to a man. I cannot tell him -everything. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -He will believe that you are going away because you are afraid to face him -after last night. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>After a pause.</i>] Well, I am not a coward any more than he. I will see -him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Rises.</i>] I will call him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Catching her hands.</i>] Bertha! What happened last night? What is the -truth that I am to tell? [<i>He gazes earnestly into her eyes.</i>] Were you -mine in that sacred night of love? Or have I dreamed it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Smiles faintly.</i>] Remember your dream of me. You dreamed that I was -yours last night. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -And that is the truth—a dream? That is what I am to tell? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Kisses both her hands.</i>] Bertha! [<i>In a softer voice.</i>] In all my -life only that dream is real. I forget the rest. [<i>He kisses her hands -again.</i>] And now I can tell him the truth. Call him. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Bertha</span> goes to the door of -<span class="charname">Richard’s</span> study and knocks. There is no answer. -She knocks again.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Dick! [<i>There is no answer.</i>] Mr Hand is here. He wants to speak to you, -to say goodbye. He is going away. [<i>There is no answer. She beats her hand -loudly on the panel of the door and calls in an alarmed voice.</i>] Dick! -Answer me! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Richard Rowan</span> comes in from the study. He -comes at once to <span class="charname">Robert</span> but does not hold out his -hand.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Calmly.</i>] I thank you for your kind article about me. Is it true that -you have come to say goodbye? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -There is nothing to thank me for, Richard. Now and always I am your friend. Now -more than ever before. Do you believe me, Richard? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Richard</span> sits down on a chair and buries his -face in his hands. <span class="charname">Bertha</span> and -<span class="charname">Robert</span> gaze at each other in silence. Then she -turns away and goes out quietly on the right. <span -class="charname">Robert</span> goes towards <span -class="charname">Richard</span> and stands near him, resting his hands on the -back of a chair, looking down at him. There is a long silence. A -<span class="charname">Fishwoman</span> is heard crying out as she passes along -the road outside.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -THE FISHWOMAN.<br/> -Fresh Dublin bay herrings! Fresh Dublin bay herrings! Dublin bay herrings! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Quietly.</i>] I will tell you the truth, Richard. Are you listening? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Raises his face and leans back to listen.</i>] Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Robert</span> sits on the chair beside him. The -<span class="charname">Fishwoman</span> is heard calling out farther away.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -THE FISHWOMAN.<br/> -Fresh herrings! Dublin bay herrings! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I failed, Richard. That is the truth. Do you believe me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I am listening. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I failed. She is yours, as she was nine years ago, when you met her first. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -When we met her first, you mean. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes. [<i>He looks down for some moments.</i>] Shall I go on? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -She went away. I was left alone—for the second time. I went to the -vicechancellor’s house and dined. I said you were ill and would come another -night. I made epigrams new and old—that one about the statues also. I drank -claret cup. I went to my office and wrote my article. Then... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Then? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Then I went to a certain nightclub. There were men there—and also women. At -least, they looked like women. I danced with one of them. She asked me to see -her home. Shall I go on? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I saw her home in a cab. She lives near Donnybrook. In the cab took place what -the subtle Duns Scotus calls a death of the spirit. Shall I go on? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -She wept. She told me she was the divorced wife of a barrister. I offered her a -sovereign as she told me she was short of money. She would not take it and wept -very much. Then she drank some melissa water from a little bottle which she had -in her satchel. I saw her enter her house. Then I walked home. In my room I -found that my coat was all stained with the melissa water. I had no luck even -with my coats yesterday: that was the second one. The idea came to me then to -change my suit and go away by the morning boat. I packed my valise and went to -bed. I am going away by the next train to my cousin, Jack Justice, in Surrey. -Perhaps for a fortnight. Perhaps longer. Are you disgusted? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Why did you not go by the boat? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I slept it out. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -You intended to go without saying goodbye—without coming here? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Why? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -My story is not very nice, is it? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -But you have come. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Bertha sent me a message to come. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -But for that...? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -But for that I should not have come. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Did it strike you that if you had gone without coming here I should have -understood it—in my own way? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Yes, it did. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -What, then, do you wish me to believe? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I wish you to believe that I failed. That Bertha is yours now as she was nine -years ago, when you—when we—met her first. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Do you want to know what I did? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I came home at once. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Did you hear Bertha return? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -No. I wrote all the night. And thought. [<i>Pointing to the study.</i>] In -there. Before dawn I went out and walked the strand from end to end. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Shaking his head.</i>] Suffering. Torturing yourself. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Hearing voices about me. The voices of those who say they love me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Points to the door on the right.</i>] One. And mine? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Another still. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Smiles and touches his forehead with his right forefinger.</i>] True. My -interesting but somewhat melancholy cousin. And what did they tell you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -They told me to despair. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -A queer way of showing their love, I must say! And will you despair? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Rising.</i>] No. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>A noise is heard at the window. <span class="charname">Archie’s</span> face -is seen flattened against one of the panes. He is heard calling.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Open the window! Open the window! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Looks at <span class="charname">Richard</span>.</i>] Did you hear his voice, -too, Richard, with the others—out there on the strand? Your son’s voice. -[<i>Smiling.</i>] Listen! How full it is of despair! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Open the window, please, will you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Perhaps, there, Richard, is the freedom we seek—you in one way, I in another. -In him and not in us. Perhaps... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Perhaps...? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -I said <i>perhaps</i>. I would say almost surely if... -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -If what? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>With a faint smile.</i>] If he were mine. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He goes to the window and opens it. <span class="charname">Archie</span> -scrambles in.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -Like yesterday—eh? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Good morning, Mr Hand. [<i>He runs to <span class="charname">Richard</span> and -kisses him:</i>] <i>Buon giorno, babbo</i>. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -<i>Buon giorno</i>, Archie. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -And where were you, my young gentleman? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Out with the milkman. I drove the horse. We went to Booterstown. [<i>He takes -off his cap and throws it on a chair.</i>] I am very hungry. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Takes his hat from the table.</i>] Richard, goodbye. [<i>Offering his -hand.</i>] To our next meeting! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Rises, touches his hand.</i>] Goodbye. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i><span class="charname">Bertha</span> appears at the door on the right.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>Catches sight of her: to <span class="charname">Archie</span>.</i>] Get your -cap. Come on with me. I’ll buy you a cake and I’ll tell you a story. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>To <span class="charname">Bertha</span>.</i>] May I, mamma? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -[<i>Takes his cap.</i>] I am ready. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -[<i>To <span class="charname">Richard</span> and <span -class="charname">Bertha</span>.</i>] Goodbye to pappa and mamma. But not a big -goodbye. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ARCHIE.<br/> -Will you tell me a fairy story, Mr Hand? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -ROBERT.<br/> -A fairy story? Why not? I am your fairy godfather. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>They go out together through the double doors and down the garden. When -they have gone <span class="charname">Bertha</span> goes to -<span class="charname">Richard</span> and puts her arm round his waist.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Dick, dear, do you believe now that I have been true to you? Last night and -always? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Sadly.</i>] Do not ask me, Bertha. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Pressing him more closely.</i>] I have been, dear. Surely you believe me. I -gave you myself—all. I gave up all for you. You took me—and you left me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -When did I leave you? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -You left me: and I waited for you to come back to me. Dick, dear, come here to -me. Sit down. How tired you must be! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She draws him towards the lounge. He sits down, almost reclining, resting -on his arm. She sits on the mat before the lounge, holding his hand.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes, dear. I waited for you. Heavens, what I suffered then—when we lived in -Rome! Do you remember the terrace of our house? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I used to sit there, waiting, with the poor child with his toys, waiting till -he got sleepy. I could see all the roofs of the city and the river, the -<i>Tevere</i>. What is its name? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -The Tiber. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Caressing her cheek with his hand.</i>] It was lovely, Dick, only I was so -sad. I was alone, Dick, forgotten by you and by all. I felt my life was ended. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -It had not begun. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -And I used to look at the sky, so beautiful, without a cloud and the city you -said was so old: and then I used to think of Ireland and about ourselves. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Ourselves? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Yes. Ourselves. Not a day passes that I do not see ourselves, you and me, as we -were when we met first. Every day of my life I see that. Was I not true to you -all that time? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Sighs deeply.</i>] Yes, Bertha. You were my bride in exile. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Wherever you go, I will follow you. If you wish to go away now I will go with -you. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I will remain. It is too soon yet to despair. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Again caressing his hand.</i>] It is not true that I want to drive everyone -from you. I wanted to bring you close together—you and him. Speak to me. Speak -out all your heart to me. What you feel and what you suffer. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -I am wounded, Bertha. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -How wounded, dear? Explain to me what you mean. I will try to understand -everything you say. In what way are you wounded? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Releases his hand and, taking her head between his hands, bends it back and -gazes long into her eyes.</i>] I have a deep, deep wound of doubt in my soul. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -[<i>Motionless.</i>] Doubt of me? -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -Yes. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -I am yours. [<i>In a whisper.</i>] If I died this moment, I am yours. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -RICHARD.<br/> -[<i>Still gazing at her and speaking as if to an absent person.</i>] I have -wounded my soul for you—a deep wound of doubt which can never be healed. I can -never know, never in this world. I do not wish to know or to believe. I do not -care. It is not in the darkness of belief that I desire you. But in restless -living wounding doubt. To hold you by no bonds, even of love, to be united with -you in body and soul in utter nakedness—for this I longed. And now I am tired -for a while, Bertha. My wound tires me. -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>He stretches himself out wearily along the lounge. -<span class="charname">Bertha</span> holds his hand still, speaking very -softly.</i>] -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -BERTHA.<br/> -Forget me, Dick. Forget me and love me again as you did the first time. I want -my lover. To meet him, to go to him, to give myself to him. You, Dick. O, my -strange wild lover, come back to me again! -</p> - -<p class="drama"> -[<i>She closes her eyes.</i>] -</p> - -</div><!--end chapter--> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EXILES ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. 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