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diff --git a/old/60465-0.txt b/old/60465-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 5cab808..0000000 --- a/old/60465-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8270 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Lady Patricia, by Rudolf Besier - -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 -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Lady Patricia - A comedy in three acts - -Author: Rudolf Besier - -Release Date: October 10, 2019 [EBook #60465] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LADY PATRICIA *** - - - - -Produced by Clarity and the Online Distributed Proofreading -Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from -images generously made available by The Internet -Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - - -_PLAYS OF TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW_ - -_LADY PATRICIA_ - - - - -_PLAYS OF TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW._ - - -DON. By RUDOLF BESIER. - -“Mr. Besier is a man who can see and think for himself, and constructs -as setting for the result of that activity a form of his own. The -construction of ‘Don’ is as daring as it is original.”—Mr. Max Beerbohm -in _The Saturday Review_. - -“It is a fresh and moving story ... and full of good things.”—Mr. A. B. -Walkley in _The Times_. - -“‘Don’ is a genuine modern comedy, rich in observation and courage, and -will add to the author’s reputation as a sincere dramatist.”—Mr. E. F. -Spence in _The Westminster Gazette_. - -“If the essence of drama be conflict, the wrestle of will, then ‘Don,’ by -Rudolf Besier, comes as near as any play I know to essential drama. It is -a sparring match in heaven knows how many rounds.”—Mr. William Archer in -_The Nation_. - - -THE EARTH. By JAMES B. FAGAN. - -“A magnificent play—at one and the same time a vital and fearless attack -on political fraud, and a brilliantly written strong human drama. -Moreover, the lighter interludes are written with a brilliance and a -polished humour with which one had not credited Mr. Fagan hitherto”—_The -Daily Chronicle._ - -“‘The Earth’ must conquer every one by its buoyant irony, its pungent -delineations, and not least by its rich stores of simple and wholesome -moral feeling.... The credit may be equally divided between the vivacity -and iridescence of its witty and trenchant dialogue and the tenacious -grip of its searching and most substantial issues.”—_The Pall Mall -Gazette._ - -“An interesting and remarkable achievement.”—_The Westminster Gazette._ - - LONDON: T. FISHER UNWIN. - NEW YORK: DUFFIELD & CO. - - - - - _LADY - PATRICIA_ - - _A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS_ - - _BY - RUDOLF BESIER - Author of “Don”_ - - [Illustration] - - _NEW YORK: DUFFIELD & COMPANY - 36-38 WEST 37th STREET_ - - - - -TO ELIZABETH FAGAN - -(_All rights reserved._) - - - - -CHARACTERS - - - DEAN LESLEY - MICHAEL COSWAY - WILLIAM O’FARREL (BILL) - BALDWIN - ELLIS - JOHN - LADY PATRICIA COSWAY - MRS. O’FARREL - CLARE LESLEY - - - - -The Cast of the play as it was produced at the Haymarket Theatre, London, -on March 22, 1911, under the management of Mr. Herbert Trench. - - Dean Lesley MR. ERIC LEWIS - Michael Cosway MR. ARTHUR WONTNER - Bill O’Farrel MR. CHARLES MAUDE - Baldwin MR. C. V. FRANCE - Ellis MR. DICKSON KENWIN - John MR. NORMAN PAGE - Lady Patricia Cosway MRS. PATRICK CAMPBELL - Mrs. O’Farrel MISS ROSINA FILIPPI - Clare Lesley MISS ATHENE SEYLER - - - - -SCENERY - - -THE FIRST ACT. - -The platform and summer-house built on an oak-tree in the grounds of -“Ultima Thule,” Michael Cosway’s country seat at Norman Arches. - - -THE SECOND ACT. - -The same. - - -THE THIRD ACT. - -The Deanery garden, Norman Arches. - - -Five weeks elapse between Acts I. and II., and one night between Acts II. -and III. - - - - -_CAUTION_ - - -_Professionals and Amateurs are hereby warned that “LADY PATRICIA,” being -fully protected under the Copyright Laws of the United States, is subject -to royalty, and anyone presenting the play without the consent of the -author or his authorized agent will be liable to the penalties by law -provided. Application for the right to produce “LADY PATRICIA” must be -made to Charles Frohman, Empire Theatre, New York City._ - -[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED] - - - - -THE FIRST ACT - -_The scene shows the summer-house and platform built in an oak-tree at -“Ultima Thule.” The stage, slightly raised, represents the platform. -In the right-hand corner is the summer-house, built on branches a few -feet higher than the platform. The entrance to the platform is through a -square hole, reached by a ladder from beneath. The tree, a vast, ancient, -and mossy oak, comes straight through the centre of the platform, its -branches spreading aloft in every direction._ - - - (_LADY PATRICIA, in a loose and exquisite costume, lies - full length in a deck-chair, reading aloud from some - beautiful vellum MSS. She is a woman of about thirty-five, - languid, elegant, exotic, romantic, and sentimental. - Beside her is a tall vase with arum-lilies and a table - with a samovar. It is a late afternoon in May._) - - -LADY PATRICIA. - - (_Reading with fine feeling._) - - _Go from me. Yet I feel that I shall stand_ - _Henceforward in thy shadow. Nevermore_ - _Alone upon the threshold of my door_ - _Of individual life shall I command_ - _The uses of my soul, nor lift my hand_ - _Serenely in the sunshine as before,_ - _Without the sense of that which I forebore—_ - _Thy touch upon the palm——_ - - (_ELLIS, the footman, enters carrying a tray with a - cup and saucer, and some sliced lemon. LADY PATRICIA - raises her hand to command silence. He stands rigid. She - continues with scarcely a break:_) - - _The widest land_ - _Doom takes to part us, leaves thy hand in mine,_ - _With pulses that beat double. What I do_ - _And what I dream include thee as the wine_ - _Must taste of its own grape. And when I sue_ - _God for myself, He hears that name of thine,_ - _And sees within my eyes the tears of two...._ - - (_A pause; she repeats in a deep voice_) - - _And sees within my eyes the tears of two ..._ - _... the tears of two...._ - -What is it, Browning? - - (_ELLIS stands motionless; a pause; she looks round at - him._) - -Did I call you Browning? How absurd! I meant Ellis.... Oh, the tea! Yes, -of course. Please put everything near me on the table. - - (_He does so._) - -(_She repeats dreamily_) _... the tears of two...._ - -ELLIS. - -I beg your pardon, my lady? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Nothing. I will look after myself. - - (_ELLIS turns to go._) - -Oh, Ellis.... - -ELLIS. - -Yes, my lady? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You have brought only one cup. - -ELLIS. - -I thought you were taking tea by yourself, my lady. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Please bring another cup. - -ELLIS. - -Yes, my lady. And milk and cream, my lady? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Milk and cream.... (_After a dreamy pause._) Yes, I am afraid so. But -don’t put it on the table. Hide it in the summer-house. And will you -send Baldwin to me? - -ELLIS. - -Yes, my lady. - - (_He goes out._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - - (_Turns over the pages of a MS., and then reads with - thrilling beauty._) - - _When I am dead, my dearest,_ - _Sing no sad songs for me,_ - _Plant thou no roses at my head,_ - _Nor shady cypress-tree._ - _Be green the grass above me,_ - _With showers and dewdrops wet,_ - _And if thou wilt, remember,_ - _And if thou wilt, forget._ - - _I shall not see the shadows,_ - _I shall not feel the rain,_ - _I shall not hear the nightingale_ - _Sing on as if in pain._ - _And dreaming through the twilight_ - _That doth not rise or set,_ - _Haply I may remember,_ - _And haply may forget._ - - (_With dramatic emphasis._) - - _When I am dead, my dearest——_ - - (_Enter BALDWIN, a gardener of about seventy, heavy, slow, - phlegmatic._) - -BALDWIN. - -(_In spite of LADY PATRICIA’S raised hand._) Beg pardon, m’lady? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -_Sing no sad songs_—— (_Fretfully._) Oh, Baldwin, what do you want? - -BALDWIN. - -Mr. Ellis said as you wished to speak to me, mum. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Mr. Ellis?... Oh, yes, I remember now. What is it I wanted to tell you? - -BALDWIN. - -Mr. Ellis didn’t make mention, m’lady. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -How stupid of him! (_She regards BALDWIN dreamily._) Baldwin.... - -BALDWIN. - -Yes, ’um? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You ought to be very happy. - -BALDWIN. - -Yes, ’um. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Very happy. Because you are a gardener. I can imagine no calling more -beautiful. You are the father of innumerable children, and they are all -lovely. - -BALDWIN. - -Thank ’ee, m’lady. I’ve ’ad thirteen—and two of ’em by my first wife. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Thir-teen!... Good heavens, Baldwin, what are you talking about? - -BALDWIN. - -You made mention of my family, m’lady. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Oh, but I meant the flowers you tend and rear. The gillyflowers and -eglantine, myrtle, rosemary, columbine, and daffydowndillies. Not—how -strange and dreadful! Thirteen! - -BALDWIN. - -I’ve ’eard tell that thirteen’s an unlucky number, m’lady. But I ain’t -suspicious. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Suspicious? - -BALDWIN. - -Yes, ’um. And if I was, fac’s won’t change for the wishin’. Thirteen’s -the number, and thirteen it’s like to remain, seeing as Mrs. Baldwin’s -turned sixty-three. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you’re talking about. - -BALDWIN. - -I—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You needn’t repeat it.... Oh, I remember now why I sent for you, Baldwin. -I wonder if, without hurting the beauty of the tree, you could open a -window to the sunset? - -BALDWIN. - -Open a winder?... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You don’t understand me? Let me put it differently! I should like you to -cut away some of the foliage so that I can watch the sun dropping behind -the hills. - -BALDWIN. - -Yes, m’lady. But—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I know what you are going to say. When we built this place in the tree, -I gave you special directions not to touch the western foliage as it hid -the view of Ashurst Manor, which I found distressingly unsightly. Yes! -But since my aunt, Mrs. O’Farrel, has taken the house, it seems to me far -less offensive. Likes and dislikes are, after all, so much a matter of -temperament and association! The former owner was an impossible person. - -BALDWIN. - -The Scotch gentleman? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -He was a Jew, Baldwin, though his name was Mackintosh. I don’t wish to -speak of him. When you cut the foliage, please use restraint and feeling. -On no account disfigure the tree. Watch from this spot the sun going -down, and lop away a little branch here and a little branch there, so as -to give me some perfect glimpses of gold and rose. - - (_ELLIS enters with cup and saucer, milk, cream, whisky, - soda, and a tumbler._) - -BALDWIN. - -Yes, ’m. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_To ELLIS._) What have you got there? - -ELLIS. - -The cup and saucer and the milk and cream, my lady. And I thought I had -better bring whisky and soda as well, my lady. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I never told you to. I wish you wouldn’t be so enterprising. Please hide -it with the cream in the summer-house. (_ELLIS does so._) So you think I -can safely trust you with this important piece of work, Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -Yes, ’m. - - (_ELLIS goes out._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Do it as soon as possible, as I shall often be sitting here during these -adorable summer evenings— - - (_BILL O’FARREL enters during the rest of her sentence. - He is a wholesome, typically English young man of about - twenty-six._) - -—and I couldn’t bear to miss many sunsets like yesterday’s. - -BILL. - -Patricia! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Without rising._) Bill! - -BILL. - -(_Seizing her hands._) Patricia! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Bill!... That will do, Baldwin. - -BILL. - -Quite well, Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -Pretty middlin’, Mr. O’Farrel, sir, thank you.... Then it don’t matter -showin’ up Ashurst Manor, m’lady? - -BILL. - -(_With a laugh, to PATRICIA._) Hullo! what’s this? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -No, no, Baldwin! I wish to see it. It has suddenly grown beautiful! A -fairy palace! - -BILL. - -Great Scott! - -BALDWIN. - -Yes, ’m. But—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -That will do, Baldwin. - -BALDWIN. - -Yes, ’m. - - (_He goes out._) - -BILL. - -What’s this about Ashurst? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I have asked Baldwin to cut away some of those branches so that I can see -it. I used to loathe the sight of the house. Then your mother bought it, -and I liked it. I love it now that you have come to stay there.... You -may kiss me, Bill. - -BILL. - -May I? - - (_He kisses her forehead._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You may kiss me again. - -BILL. - -May I? - - (_He kisses her cheek._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You may kiss me again. - -BILL. - -Patricia! - - (_He kisses her mouth._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Clinging to him._) Oh, how I’ve longed for this moment—how I’ve longed -for it!... All these weary months I’ve lived in the past and future, -on memories and anticipations. Now, at last I have the present—I have -reality—you—to have and to hold—you—you.... Kiss me. - -BILL. - -(_Embracing her ardently._) Patricia! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Hush! (_Disengaging herself._) We mustn’t be foolish.... Sit down.... -(_He sits at her feet._) So you got my telegram? - -BILL. - -Directly the boat came alongside. But it took me a deuce of a time to -make out! My French is a bit rusty, and the rotters had jumbled up some -of the words. As it is, I only made out the gist of it—to take an earlier -train from London than I’d intended, and to call on you before going on -to Ashurst, as I’d find you alone in a summer-house you’d built on some -tree or other. The twiddly bits of the message didn’t somehow seem to -make sense.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -The ... twiddly bits? - -BILL. - -Yes; something about a star in red water, and horses with white manes. -Couldn’t make it out at all. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -That was a quotation from De Musset, my poor boy. - -BILL. - -Great Scott! I thought it was a cypher. People don’t generally quote -poetry in their telegrams. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I do. - -BILL. - -In any case, it seemed to me a bit rash of you to send the wire at -all—even in French. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Oh, did it? As a matter of fact, I used French, not to conceal the -message, but because the language seemed to me so beautifully appropriate -for making a clandestine meeting. - -BILL. - -By Jove! Fancy thinking of that! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -To sin beautifully is the less a sin. Don’t forget, dear, that, however -innocent, our love is wrong. We should never neglect an opportunity of -ennobling it with little touches of beauty, should we? - -BILL. - -Rather not!... So Michael’s away? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Only this afternoon. He has gone to a garden party at the Fitzgeralds’. -Your mother’s there as well. Everybody’s there. But I wanted to see you -for a little while before any one else, so I sent you that wire and -pretended a headache. A petty deceit that avenged itself! For directly I -told it, I felt a slight twinge of neuralgia. - -BILL. - -Hard luck! But it’s better, dear, isn’t it? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I suppose it is. But you mustn’t say “hard luck.” My life, alas! is so -full of deceits that when one of them is punished, I always try to be -grateful. But tell me now, about yourself—everything that has happened -these last months. Your letters have been too full of facts to tell me -anything. And I do so long to hear all your news.... - -BILL. - -Patricia.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Yes, dear? - -BILL. - -What an awfully good woman you are! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Am I?... I wonder! - -BILL. - -And your eyes are simply ripping. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Are they? - -BILL. - -And your hands, by Jove! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -What of my hands, dear? - -BILL. - -They’re simply ripping. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Dear heart! (_Stroking his head._) Dear soft hair. But I’m waiting. - -BILL. - -Oh yes, I forgot. But there really ain’t much to tell that I haven’t told -you in my letters. I arrived in New York on a Saturday after an awfully -jolly passage. Those big Cunarders are corking boats. Had a bit of a -dust-up at the Customs, but I squared the chap with a ten-dollar bill. A -chap on board advised me to put up at the Waldorf-Astoria. He told me it -was one of their swaggerest hotels, but I must say—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Laughing._) Yes, yes, dear, you’ve told me all that before! And about -the nigger waiter whose thumb was always in the soup—and the Californian -peach as big as a baby’s head—and the factory that was burned down in -Chicago—and the card-sharper who tried to swindle you at poker, “but -he got hold of the wrong chap, by Jove!”—and so many other thrilling -details. (_Almost with passion, taking his face in her hands._) You -darling! Oh, you darling! - -BILL. - -I thought I’d told you everything. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Of course you did—everything. (_With far-off eyes._) I wonder why I am -so foolish as to expect the essentials from you—those labourings of the -soul at midnight, yearnings, ecstasies, and long, long thoughts under -the stars. If you had been capable of these I should never have loved -you. It’s just your simplicity and eternal boyishness that took my heart. -Poor Michael’s spiritual nature, his dreams, his subtlety, his devotion, -never touched me deeper than the intellect. I mistook sympathy for love—I -seemed to have found a kindred spirit—I married him. Yes! we are all -born to suffer and endure.... Which reminds me, my poor dear boy, you -must be dying for tea. (_Pouring out the tea._) I hope you had some lunch? - -BILL. - -Rather! I had a luncheon-basket in the train, and put away the best part -of a chicken, among other things. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -How young and hungry you are! - - (_Hands him a cup of tea with a lemon slice in the - saucer._) - -BILL. - -I say!... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Yes, dear? - -BILL. - -Have you any milk or cream? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Sorrowfully._) Oh, Bill!... - -BILL. - -I can’t help it. This Russian mess ain’t a Christian drink. I can’t think -how you can swallow it. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I don’t suppose I like it any better than you, dear. But the mixture of -cream and tea, as I have often told you, produces an odious colour—and I -refuse to encourage it. You should try to do likewise.... However, you -will find cream in the summer-house. - -BILL. - -Right-ho! (_Goes into summer-house._) Hullo! Good man! Here’s -whisky-and-soda. (_Talking in the summer-house, half to himself, half to -her._) That’s the stuff! Nothing like a syphonated spot when one’s got a -real thirst! No tea for me, thanks. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_To herself, smiling._) Dear babbler.... - -BILL. - -(_Coming down, a glassful in his hand._) Here’s to you, Patricia! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_In a deep voice, looking into eternity._) We are all born to suffer, to -endure, to renounce.... - -BILL. - -Oh, well! I’ll drink that Russian stuff if you like. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I was not thinking of tea. I was thinking of life. - -BILL. - -(_Unfeignedly relieved._) Yes, it’s an awfully hard world. (_Takes a long -draught._) By Jove, that’s clinking good! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -It becomes more and more difficult to play my part, and return Michael’s -love, which seems to grow stronger and deeper day by day. His eyes follow -my every movement, his mind anticipates my every wish, he surrounds me -with an atmosphere of passionate worship. Few women have ever received -such love. It is the love that poets dream of—the love that must follow -those marriages that are made in heaven. - -BILL. - -Good Lord, it’s awfully rough on you! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I think and I think and I think, but I can see no solution to the -mystery. Surely love is the best gift of God, and that such love as -Michael’s—so noble, so pure, so unselfish—should be utterly wasted, is -inconceivable. It must be that I am unworthy. - - (_She pauses expectantly._) - -BILL. - -And it puts me in such a rotten position. If Michael treated you badly, I -shouldn’t care a rap how much I made love to you. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_With slight asperity._) Can it be that I am unworthy? - -BILL. - -As it is I often feel such a beastly cad.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Then you think me unworthy? - -BILL. - -I? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You never denied it. - -BILL. - -But I didn’t know you wanted me to! You’re worthy of anything! You know -that! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Dear, dear boy! But am I? I wonder! Heaven only knows how desperately I -tried to love him, and when I found it impossible, how I never faltered -in pretending a love equal to his. And I knew that it would kill him -should he learn the truth. But if the part I played was difficult before -you came, after you came, and I knew what love was, it was almost beyond -my power. And yet I drew strength somehow, not only to resist temptation -and keep our love pure, but never by word, deed, or expression to let -Michael suspect for one moment that his devotion was not returned. Yes! -I think a woman who has done all this cannot be altogether unworthy. - -BILL. - -You’re—you’re a saint—you’re an angel! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Am I? I wonder! - -BILL. - -You really are! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Dear, inarticulate boy!... And, Bill, remember this. We have put our -hands to the plough, and there must be no turning back. The martyrdom -which must be lifelong has only just begun. I feel I shall find strength -to play my bitter rôle to the final curtain. For I love renunciation, -endurance, and purity. They are such exquisite virtues. And virtue is -very beautiful.... But you are made of more earthly materials, my poor -boy. Do you realise that your love must always remain unsatisfied? Can -you love me without the faintest hope of more reward than a look, a -touch, a kiss?... - -BILL. - -That’s all right, Patricia. Don’t you worry about me. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -But you are young and vigorous and passionate.... - -BILL. - -That’s all right! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I can only offer you the shadow; your nature will some day cry out for -the substance. - -BILL. - -Not it! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Ah, if only I had the strength and courage to bid you good-bye for ever! - -BILL. - -I shouldn’t go. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Ah, Bill!... - - (_She invites his caress with a beautiful movement. - Kneeling beside her, he gathers her in his arms and kisses - her. At that moment BALDWIN enters, carrying a saw and a - pair of shears. They are blissfully unconscious of his - presence. He glances at them with complete indifference, - then comes down looking carefully at the sky on the - right, his head dodging from side to side as though he - were spying for something among the branches._) - -BALDWIN. - -If you please, ’m.... - - (_BILL, with an inarticulate cry, starts to his feet._) - -BILL. - -What the devil are you doing here? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Calmly._) Well, Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -If you please, m’lady, I thought as I ’ad best watch the sun early. It’s -close on six ’m, and I thought as p’raps you’d like some branches lopped -’igher up. The sun’s a fine sight at six, mum—much more light in it than -a hour later, an’ it’s a neasier job loppin’ they ’igher branches than -them out there, as I shan’t need no ladder. - -BILL. - -Quite mad! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I don’t want to sit here and look at the sun through a pair of smoked -glasses. You may return here when the sun is lower. - -BALDWIN. - -Yes, m’lady. But—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Go away.... - -BALDWIN. - -Yes, ’m. - - (_He goes out._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Very tiresome, isn’t he? - -BILL. - -I don’t half like the old ass catching us like that. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Catching us? - -BILL. - -Yes, fairly caught us in the act.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Bill! - -BILL. - -Well, he must have seen me kiss you. I don’t half like it. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -How very _bourgeois_ you are! - -BILL. - -Well, I don’t know about that. But—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Not _bourgeois_, then! No, no! Young and self-conscious! Fancy getting -red and embarrassed because a gardener saw you looking affectionate!... -Dear, dear boy!... Now sit down again and listen. I caught an impression -of the sunset yesterday, a few lines, but I believe they are precious—not -_precieux_—precious in the true sense of the word.... Don’t you hate this -modern artistic jargon? - -BILL. - -Rather! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Listen.... (_She recites._) - - _A dreamy blue invests the lonely hill,_ - _Far off against the orient green and cold;_ - _Silence declines upon these branches old;_ - _The level land is still;_ - _The lofty azure deepens; faintlier glows_ - _The delicate beauty of the sunset rose;_ - _And pensive grey encroaches on the gold._ - -Tenderly coloured, are they not? - -BILL. - -Yours? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Mine. - -BILL. - -Ripping! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Ripping.... Oh, how unpleasant! Say that other word instead. - -BILL. - -What word? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I don’t quite know. Something to do with bottles. - -BILL. - -Clinking? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -No.... Something to do with wine.... - -BILL. - -Oh! you mean—corking. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Yes, corking. - -BILL. - -Right-ho! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Thank you, dear.... And so you like my lines? - -BILL. - -They’re corking. And so’s your voice when you read ’em. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Dreamily._) I write corking verses, and I read them with a corking -voice. (_With passion._) Oh, Bill! Oh, my dear—— - -BILL. - -Yes? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -How I wish that you and I were alone on a little island in the Ægean -Archipelago!... Hush! (_The sound of a motor in the distance._) Do you -hear? A motor-car coming up the drive! You can see if you look through -the branches there. (_Points to the left._) Be careful, dear. Don’t let -any one see you. - -BILL. - -(_Looking over the rail of the platform._) Great Scott! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Yes? - -BILL. - -It’s the mater’s car, and—— - - (_The sound of the motor stops._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -It’s stopping! Oh, Bill—— - -BILL. - -The mater and Michael, and the Dean—and who’s the jolly-looking girl? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -With a face like a naughty boy’s? - -BILL. - -Yes. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -That must be Clare Lesley. Michael has been very kind to her lately. He -is trying to give her a serious view of life. - -BILL. - -I say, you don’t mean to tell me that’s Clare, the Dean’s daughter? Why, -I thought she was a flapper! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -A flapper?... - -BILL. - -Yes. When last I saw her, a little more than a year ago, her skirts -weren’t much below her knees, and—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Flapper.... What a strange word! How do you spell it? With a “ph”? - -BILL. - -No, with a double p. Hullo! - - (_He draws back._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -What is it? - -BILL. - -They’re all coming here! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -No! - -BILL. - -They are, by Jove! The whole crowd. What shall we do? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Your mother and Michael mustn’t find you here. You must fly! - -BILL. - -That’s all very well. But where can I go to? They’re bound to spot me if -I get down the steps. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Oh, but can’t you climb somewhere up the tree and hide yourself like a -bird among the branches? - -BILL. - -What?... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -It’s the only thing to do. And so simple! And so romantic! - -BILL. - -Yes, that’s all right. But supposing they see me—what am I to say? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Oh, anything! Use a little imagination.... Say you are looking for birds’ -eggs. But they won’t see you if you lie along that thick branch up there. - -BILL. - -Birds’-nesting.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I shall pretend to be asleep. - -BILL. - -Why? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Why not? - -BILL. - -(_Grumbling as he moves towards the trunk._) I’ll look such a bally ass -if they spot me.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Bill! - -BILL. - -Eh? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -This glass mustn’t be found here. - -BILL. - -By Jove! - - (_He returns and takes hold of the glass, which is - half-full._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -And the cup and saucer.... - -BILL. - -Good Lord! - - (_He stands helplessly, the cup and saucer in one hand, - the glass in the other._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Put them into your pockets. - -BILL. - -But—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Quick—quick! (_He drinks the whisky._) Now the tea. (_He makes as though -to throw it away._) No! no! they might see or hear. Drink it. - -BILL. - -I really couldn’t. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -For my sake. - -BILL. - -(_Gulping it down._) Muck! (_Making for the tree._) By Jove, they’re -nearly here! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Pointing to the left._) I really must have another ladder built on this -side. - -BILL. - -I hope they won’t see me climbing. - - (_He starts climbing the tree._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Be small—for my sake.... - - (_She composes herself elaborately into a sleeping - posture. BILL is seen disappearing on high. Voices are - audible beneath. A pause._) - -BILL. - -(_He has climbed out of sight._) I say.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -S-sh!... - -BILL. - -It’s all right. They’re standin’ about talkin’. Can you see me? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Where are you? - -BILL. - -Here. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Oh, yes, I see.... - -BILL. - -The devil you do! What part o’ me? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Er—well—your—your back.... - -BILL. - -Damn! Oh, confound this beastly cup and saucer! They keep on rattling. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Put the saucer in the other pocket. - -BILL. - -The glass is in the other pocket. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Have you only two pockets? - -BILL. - -Hush! they’re coming. - - (_The voices approach. LADY PATRICIA arranges herself, one - hand supporting her face, the other hanging over the side - of the chair lightly holding a manuscript. MRS. O’FARREL - enters, followed by CLARE LESLEY, DEAN LESLEY, and MICHAEL - COSWAY. MRS. O’FARREL is a genuine, downright, humorous - lady of fifty-seven; CLARE LESLEY, the DEAN’S daughter, - a pretty girl of about twenty; DEAN LESLEY, a clerical - exquisite, who carries his sixty years as lightly as his - silver-knobbed stick and monocle; and MICHAEL COSWAY, LADY - PATRICIA’S husband, a tall, serious man of thirty-eight._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_Out of breath._) Ah.... I’m green with envy of you, Dean! You’re at -least five years my senior, and your wind is as sound as your doctrines. -Look at me! I can’t climb a tree without getting—what’s the word, Clare? - -CLARE. - -Punctured. - -DEAN. - -My dear child! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Scold me, Dean, scold me! I meant the word, but hadn’t the pluck to say -it. - - (_The DEAN laughs._) - -MICHAEL. - -And how do you like our little eyrie, Mrs. O’Farrel? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Charming, Michael, charming! It’s quite worth getting—getting—give me the -word, Clare. - -CLARE. - -Winded. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_Laughs and pats CLARE’S cheek._) Yes, it’s quite worth getting -punctured—and winded—to see the view from here, Michael. How like you and -Patricia to think of such a piece of arboreal sentimentality! Now whose -idea—— (_Perceives LADY PATRICIA for the first time._) Why, Patricia! - - (_MICHAEL with an exclamation rushes to LADY PATRICIA’S - side. CLARE looks bored._) - -DEAN. - -Delightful! - -MICHAEL. - -S-sh.... She’s asleep.... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Asleep! I should think she was, for my strident voice not to awake her! - -CLARE. - -Perhaps she’s shamming. - -DEAN. - -My dear child! - -MICHAEL. - -(_In a solemn whisper._) We must be very careful not to wake her. She had -a bad headache this morning.... _See how she leans her cheek upon her -hand!_ - -DEAN. - -_I would I were a glove upon that hand!_ - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Dean! - -CLARE. - -Shocking! - -DEAN. - -And why? I love all that is beautiful with all my senses.... And why -shouldn’t I? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Because such youthful depravity makes me envious again. - -DEAN. - -Pardon me, my dear lady, I remember you far too well as a girl to believe -that even now— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_Hastily._) Michael!... Will you and Clare take the car and meet Bill’s -train? It won’t take you ten minutes; I’m too comfortable to move at -present. Besides, we must have the place to ourselves, the Dean and I, as -he is becoming indiscreetly reminiscent. Bring Bill back with you here, -and he and I will drive home together.... You don’t mind? - -MICHAEL. - -I shall be delighted. - -CLARE. - -I’m not surprised you want to get rid of me, pater, if you’re going to -talk about your gay youth. You must have been an awful rip. - -DEAN. - -Really, Clare! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -It was my gay youth your father was threatening us with. - -CLARE. - -You must have been a dear then, as now!... - - (_She kisses MRS. O’FARREL impulsively, and goes out past - MICHAEL. MICHAEL follows her, turns and comes back with a - twig of oak in his hand. He gives it to the DEAN._) - -MICHAEL. - -Will you kindly keep the flies off Patricia’s face while I’m away? - -DEAN. - -Oh, delighted! Delighted! - - (_MICHAEL goes out. MRS. O’FARREL looks with amusement at - the DEAN, who stands with the twig in his hand glancing - quizzically at her and longingly at LADY PATRICIA._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -When duty and pleasure are combined, there’s no reason to hesitate. I saw -a fly settle on Patricia’s chin. - -DEAN. - -Happy fly! - - (_He tiptoes up to PATRICIA and starts fanning her - and daintily examining her through his eyeglass. MRS. - O’FARREL puts up her lorgnette and regards them with vast - amusement. Suddenly a rotten branch falls from above on to - the platform._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_Lorgnetting upwards._) How very strange! And not a breath of wind! - -DEAN. - -(_Monocling upwards._) Merely a squirrel. I believe I caught sight of its -tail. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I hope the tree’s not rotten. I’m considerably heavier than a squirrel! - - (_She goes over to the DEAN._) - -DEAN. - -Oh, softly, please.... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_Laughing._) Softly yourself! - -DEAN. - -(_Pointing to PATRICIA._) Did you ever see the like? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -What are you talking about? - -DEAN. - -The wonder of this sleeping woman. Was there ever anything more beautiful? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I thought you knew better than to praise one woman to another. - -DEAN. - -Oh, but you are not another! You are Eileen who, ever since I met her in -short skirts, have been the fairest of all. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Fiddle-de-dee! I’m old and ugly! - -DEAN. - -No woman can ever be old and ugly—you least of all. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Charming old humbug! Well, I agree with you—Patricia’s certainly -ornamental. - -DEAN. - -The pose, my dear lady, the pose! Unstudied grace of abandonment, artless -perfection! Perfection as a whole, perfection in detail! Consider the -right hand: so blissfully burdened. Consider the left: still clasping -some poem only less exquisite than itself. The eyelids are faintly -blue—surely with the sky of a delicate dream. From head to foot every -curve is a lyric—from head—I should like to see her foot. - - (_He looks sadly at her covered feet._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Haven’t you the courage? - -DEAN. - -I beg your pardon? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -To look at it. - -DEAN. - -Mrs. O’Farrel! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Well, if I admired her feet as much as you do, I shouldn’t hesitate. - -DEAN. - -But supposing she woke and found me—er—er— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Arranging her skirt?... My dear man, I know Patricia; she would gladly -show you several inches of her ankle. - -DEAN. - -Eileen, you’re a wicked woman! - - (_They move to the other side of the platform._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -And you’re a scandalous example of clerical depravity! - - (_LADY PATRICIA looks cautiously over her shoulder at - them, yawns, and pretends to sleep again._) - -DEAN. - -Tut, tut, tut, my dear!... Eileen, do you know why I went into the Church? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -You thought it a convenient cloak for your peccadilloes. - -DEAN. - -Out of sheer gratitude to my Maker for creating woman.... Eileen, why did -you refuse to marry me? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -There must be at least half a dozen flies on Patricia’s face. - -DEAN. - -Never mind the flies—it’s their turn for the moment.... Why did you -refuse me, Eileen? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Because my love for you made me a blind fool! I misunderstood your -admiration for women. I thought your homage of every girl you met, -personal—not universal, as I learned too late—a superb compliment to -the whole sex. Dear friend, I repented in sackcloth and ashes! Not that -O’Farrel wasn’t a good fellow, every inch of him. He made life very -happy. But life with you—well, I missed it! - -DEAN. - -Will you marry me, Eileen? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -No. - -DEAN. - -Why not? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I’m far too old for a boy like you. - -DEAN. - -Is this final? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Final. - -DEAN. - -Ah!... Your companionship would have been so good for Clare. A tactfully -restraining influence.... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I doubt it. I’m too much in sympathy with the child. - -DEAN. - -But you wouldn’t encourage her to tell every one she meets—including the -Bishop—that she is an Atheist, or ride astride through the town without -the formality of—er—divided skirts.... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -No—perhaps not. (_She lowers her voice._) I should first of all put a -stop to her galavantin’ about every other day with Michael. - -DEAN. - -Really, my dear Eileen, I think the friendship between Michael Cosway -and Clare is wholly charming and can only do the child good. Surely you -don’t—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -No, of course I don’t! Michael’s far too infatuated with your sleeping -beauty there. Still, I’d put a stop to it. And then I should marry your -daughter to Bill with indecent haste. - -DEAN. - -Eh, what? Your son? Dear me! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Why shouldn’t they marry? They are obviously kindred spirits. - -DEAN. - -I don’t know your son sufficiently well to—er—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -A thoroughly healthy, young animal.... You’ll meet him in a moment. I -hear the motor.... - -DEAN. - -How quick they’ve been!... Marry them! Dear me! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Now then, Mr. Dean, to work! - -DEAN. - -I don’t quite—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Patricia’s flies! If Michael catches you idling! - -DEAN. - -Now, fancy my forgetting it! - - (_They both laugh. He hurries back to LADY PATRICIA and - starts fanning her. Voices are audible beneath._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_Looking over the railing._) But where’s Bill? (_She hurries towards the -entrance and calls down._) Have you people dropped my only son out of the -car? - - (_CLARE enters, followed by MICHAEL._) - -CLARE. - -He never turned up! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Nonsense! He wired from Southampton that—— - -MICHAEL. - -S-s-sh! You might wake Patricia! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Oh, confound Patricia! - -CLARE. - -But—— - - (_Suddenly a saucer falls from above on to the middle of - the platform. They all are startled and PATRICIA sits up - with a cry._) - -DEAN. - -Dear me! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Well, I never! - -MICHAEL. - -What on earth! - -CLARE. - -There’s some one up the tree! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -The squirrel.... (_Looks at the DEAN._) - -DEAN. - -Most awkward.... - -MICHAEL. - -Don’t be alarmed, Patricia. (_Sternly._) Who are you, sir? What are you -doing there? Come down at once.... Do you hear me, sir? - -BILL. - -(_Still invisible to the audience._) All right—I’m coming.... - -CLARE. - -There he is, Mike! I see his leg! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_To herself._) Mike? Hm! - -MICHAEL. - -Bill! - -BILL. - -(_From aloft._) Hullo! - - (_Astonished exclamations of “What!” and “Bill!”_) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Bill? - - (_BILL comes into sight descending the trunk._) - -Bill! - - (_BILL reaches terra firma. He smiles, embarrassed, from - one person to the other._) - -BILL. - -How are you, mother? How-de-do, Mr. Dean? How-de-do, Miss Lesley? How’s -yourself, Michael? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -And have you no greeting for poor me, Cousin Bill? - -BILL. - -Oh, I say, I’m awfully sorry! How-de-do, Cousin Patricia? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -But what on earth were you doing up the tree? - -BILL. - -Birds’-nesting. - -MRS. O’FARREL, MICHAEL, DEAN. - -Birds’-nesting? - -CLARE. - -(_Gravely._) And you took a saucer up with you to put the eggs in? - -BILL. - -Oh, did I? - -CLARE. - -Of course. It’s the usual thing to do when you go birds’-nesting. Didn’t -you always take a saucer with you as a boy, Mr. Cosway? - -MICHAEL. - -I can’t say I remember doing so. - -CLARE. - -So long ago that you’ve forgotten? I’ve read somewhere that when they -look for ostrich-eggs in America they take soup-tureens. - -BILL. - -I say ...! - -MICHAEL. - -There are no ostriches in America. - -CLARE. - -Then I wonder why they look for ostrich-eggs. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_Laughing._) Do stop talking nonsense, Clare!... Really, Bill, I’m -curious to know quite a lot of things. Why did you take an earlier train? -Why did you come here? Why did you climb up the tree with a saucer? Why -did you let Michael and Miss Lesley fetch you at the station? And why did -you remain in the tree while the Dean and I—er—— - -DEAN. - -Talked over old times together. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Talked over old times together. It’s all rather mysterious. - -DEAN. - -Unusual.... - -BILL. - -I dropped a rotten branch. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Quite so. And the Dean thought a squirrel had done it. - -BILL. - -Oh yes, you caught sight of my tail! - - (_He goes into a shout of lonely laughter._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -That’s all very well. But what was your idea in playing such a prank? It -seems to me rather childish. - -DEAN. - -Primitive.... - -MICHAEL. - -Very. - -CLARE. - -Quite. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_With disarming vivacity._) Oh, my dear, dear friends, why do you take -this so heavily? Surely a charming piece of boyishness! May I tell them -what happened, Cousin Bill? I saw through the whole thing at once. - -BILL. - -I’m sure you did. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -He so longed to see his mother that he came down by an earlier train.... -Didn’t you, Cousin Bill? - -BILL. - -That’s right. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -But when he arrived he found she had gone to a garden party. He was so -disappointed.... Weren’t you, Cousin Bill? - -BILL. - -That’s right. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Did you learn to say “that’s right” in America? It sounds so -successful.... When he found his mother was out, he thought he would come -and see Michael and—me. Michael had gone to the garden party, but he was -told that I was here. He found me asleep.... - -CLARE. - -(_Imitating LADY PATRICIA’S voice and manner._) And he kissed me—didn’t -you, Cousin Bill? - - (_BILL goes into a shout of long and lonely laughter._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_In a pained voice._) He found me asleep. I had not been feeling very -well.... - -MICHAEL. - -Are you better, my darling? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Thank you, Michael dear, a little better.... He found me asleep. He was -thirsty, poor fellow! So he helped himself to tea. Providentially, Ellis -had brought two cups. Then he saw you all coming, and thought it would be -“such jolly fun” to climb up the tree and drop a saucer.... Didn’t you? - -CLARE. - -—Cousin Bill. - - (_BILL laughs._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -He had meant to do it at once. But he couldn’t resist the joke of letting -Clare and Michael fetch him at the station. And when they had gone he -simply had to wait till they came back again—or, perhaps, the Dean and -Aunt Eileen were so enjoying each other’s company, he hadn’t the heart to -disturb them.... Then Clare and Michael returned, and he thought the joke -had gone far enough. - -CLARE. - -So he threw a saucer at us. - - (_BILL indulges in a third lonely laugh._) - -MICHAEL. - -(_Shortly._) Crown Derby.... - -BILL. - -Sorry. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Isn’t that more or less the true story, Cousin Bill? - -BILL. - -I say, what an awfully clever woman you are! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Am I?... I wonder! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Clever at writing verses, Patricia. But prose fiction’s not in your line. -(_PATRICIA smiles pityingly and examines her rings._) Bill we must be -off. There’s barely time to dress, and some people are dining with us -to-night. - -BILL. - -All right, mother. (_He goes to CLARE._) I say, Miss Lesley, when last we -met you had long hair. - -CLARE. - -(_Gravely._) I still have long hair, Mr. O’Farrel. - -BILL. - -Oh, but what I meant was—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_To CLARE._) Your father tells me you are dining with us, Clare. I’m so -glad! - -CLARE. - -If you don’t mind me in this dress, Lady Patricia. Mr. Cosway has -promised to show me the—er—what’s its name? - -MICHAEL. - -The spiral nebula in Andromeda. - -BILL. - -How much? - -MICHAEL. - -A cluster of minute stars in the constellation of Andromeda. I say stars -designedly. For I differ from many authorities in believing this nebula -to be irresolvable or gaseous. Indeed, the remarkable observations of Sir -William McKechnie leave no doubt in my mind that this so-called nebula is -an external galaxy. In which case—— - -BILL. - -Oh, help! So you still rot about with a telescope, Michael? - -MICHAEL. - -(_Coldly._) I am greatly interested in astronomy. - -BILL. - -(_To CLARE._) You, too? - -CLARE. - -I like the stars.... - - (_She turns loftily from him and talks to MRS. O’FARREL - and MICHAEL._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_To the DEAN._) I’m so sorry! (_To CLARE._) I was trying to persuade -your father to stay with you, Clare. But he’s bent on putting -finishing-touches to to-morrow’s sermon. - -MICHAEL. - -(_To the DEAN._) I’ll see Miss Lesley home, of course. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Can we drop you at the Deanery? - -DEAN. - -It’s very kind of you. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Come along, Bill. Good-bye, all! - - (_She goes out. The DEAN shakes hands with LADY PATRICIA - and follows her._) - -BILL. - -(_To PATRICIA, in a low voice._) I’ve left the cup and glass up the tree. -(_Aloud._) Good-bye, Cousin Patricia. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Good-bye, Cousin Bill. - -BILL. - -Good-bye, Clare. - -CLARE. - -(_Haughtily._) Clare? - -BILL. - -Yes. (_To MICHAEL, in passing._) Sorry about the saucer. Good-bye. - -CLARE. - -Cheek! - - (_He goes out. A pause. Voices are heard below and the - sound of a departing motor. MICHAEL waves good-bye._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Stretching out her arms._) Michael! - -MICHAEL. - -(_Putting his arms about her._) Patricia! And the poor head is really -better, darling? I’m so glad you were able to sleep! - - (_CLARE looks at them with bored contempt, shrugs her - shoulders, goes to the tree, and starts climbing up it - during the following._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -And my sleep was full of dreams, Michael. Strange and mystic dreams—oh, -and such beautiful dreams! For they all led up to a vision of my -dearest’s face. - - (_CLARE has vanished aloft._) - -MICHAEL. - -Heart of my heart! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Soul of my soul! - -MICHAEL. - -Patricia.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Michael.... - - (_BALDWIN enters unnoticed with his saw and garden shears. - He stares fixedly up the tree._) - -MICHAEL. - -One night I shall find a new star in the depths of the sky—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -One day I shall write a poem that will ring down the ages—— - -MICHAEL. - -And the star shall be called Patricia. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -And the poem—Michael. - -MICHAEL. - -(_Lingering on the word._) Patricia! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Lingering on the word._) Michael! - -BALDWIN. - -Beggin’ yer pardon, sir, but there be summin’ white movin’ about up the -tree. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Baldwin! - -BALDWIN. - -It a’most looks to me as though a young lady ’ad climbed up the tree, sir. - -MICHAEL. - -What on earth——! - -CLARE. - -(_Shrilly from above._) Don’t you dare to look up here, Baldwin—nor you, -Mi—Mr. Cosway! If there’s something white to be seen it’s certainly not -for you to look at! (_BALDWIN continues stolidly looking up._) D’you hear -me, Baldwin? Oh! Tell him to turn his head somewhere else. - -MICHAEL. - -Baldwin! - -BALDWIN. - -Yessir? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -But, my dear child, what are you doing there? - -CLARE. - -Birds’-nesting. - -MICHAEL AND LADY PATRICIA. - -Birds’-nesting! - -CLARE. - -I don’t believe there’s a nest here at all. He was simply kidding us. - -BALDWIN. - -If it’s h’eggs you’re wantin’, miss, there’s a rare lot of ’em in the ivy -up at the ’ouse. Sparrers—drat’em! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_To MICHAEL._) What an amazing young creature! (_To CLARE._) But you’ll -ruin your frock, my child. - -CLARE. - -I can’t help that. I mean to find out whether there’s a nest here or not. -Besides, I simply couldn’t hang around while you and Mr. Cosway were -canoodleing. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Puzzled._) Canoodleing? - -CLARE. - -Spooning. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -How very vulgar you can be! - -CLARE. - -Can’t I! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Shrugs her shoulders and speaks to MICHAEL with a plaintive languor._) -I think it would be very pleasant to dine here, Michael. I’ll go indoors -and change into something warmer. - -MICHAEL. - -You’re not cold, my love? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -No, no, dear, no. But I might be later on. (_To BALDWIN, who has been -staring fixedly into the branches._) What are you doing, Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -It’s main ’ard to keep a h’eye on the sun, m’lady, an’ mine ain’t no -longer w’at they was. Might I arst, mum, if the sun’s ’bout right for -loppin’ off they branches? - -MICHAEL. - -Lopping off the branches? - -CLARE. - -(_From above._) Oh! I’ve found a cup! - -MICHAEL. - -A cup! - -CLARE. - -And a glass! - -MICHAEL. - -A cup and a glass! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Languidly._) Oh, I suppose Cousin Bill left them up there. You needn’t -trouble to bring them down, Clare. Baldwin can fetch them. - -CLARE. - -He seems to have been doing himself uncommonly well. I daresay I shall -find plates, knives and forks, napkins and finger-bowls. What ho! - -MICHAEL. - -(_To LADY PATRICIA._) Has that fellow gone quite off his head? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Going out._) Bill? Oh, no, dear! Oh, no! It’s only youth—youth will -out! Beautiful rose-white youth! - - (_She gives him her hand to kiss, and he looks after her - with a fatuous smile so long as she is in sight. Then you - hear her singing below_:) - - _When all the world is young, lad,_ - _And all the trees are green,_ - _And every goose a swan, lad,_ - _And every lass a queen,_ - _Then, hey! for boot and horse, lad,_ - _And round the world away!_ - _Young blood must have its course, lad,_ - _And every dog its day!_ - - (_MICHAEL turns slowly from the railing, heaves a deep - sigh, and stands with clenched hands, rigid, looking - straight before him with tragic eyes. The beautiful voice - grows fainter in the distance. The sun is westering on - the right, and sheds a golden light on the scene. BALDWIN - stands staring out into the sunset._) - -CLARE. - -(_From above._) Mike! - -MICHAEL. - -Yes? - -CLARE. - -Has she gone? - -MICHAEL. - -Yes. - -CLARE. - -Mike. - -MICHAEL. - -Yes? - -CLARE. - -Why is she like a collar? - -MICHAEL. - -I don’t know. - -CLARE. - -Because she’s always round your neck. - -MICHAEL. - -(_With clenched hands._) Oh.... - -CLARE. - -You and she are enough to make a saint ill. You ought to have more tact -than to spoon about in public. (_MICHAEL stands rigid._) Mike. - -MICHAEL. - -Yes? - -CLARE. - -Sulky? - -MICHAEL. - -No. - -CLARE. - -What’s up, then? - -MICHAEL. - -Nothing. - -CLARE. - -I’m coming down. There’s not a nest to be seen anywhere. By Jove, I -am in a mess! It’s all your fault for driving me up a tree with your -disgusting billing and cooing. - -MICHAEL. - -(_Hoarsely._) Don’t.... - -CLARE. - -Sorry. (_MICHAEL makes a movement._) No, no! Stay where you are! And -don’t look up here. Oh, damn!... Sorry! But I’ve torn my frock and ripped -open the hooks behind. All your fault. - -MICHAEL. - -You shall have another frock. - -CLARE. - -Thanks. - -MICHAEL. - -Two frocks. - -CLARE. - -No—one and a pinafore. Oh, confound this branch!... I think the pater -would draw the line at two frocks. - - (_She descends into view, and jumps on to the ground. She - is sadly dishevelled, her gloves filthy, her dress all - open at the back, and with a great tear at the side of the - skirt._) - -At last!... Hullo, Baldwin, I thought you had gone.... - -BALDWIN. - -No, miss. - -MICHAEL. - -What are you doing here, Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -The mistress’s orders, sir. I was to keep a h’eye on the sun. - - (_CLARE laughs._) - -MICHAEL. - -(_Mystified._) Keep a h’eye on the sun? What do you mean? - - (_CLARE laughs._) - -BALDWIN. - -’Er ladyship said as I was to keep a h’eye on the sun, so as to lop away -the branches. - -MICHAEL. - -I don’t understand in the least what you are talking about. Come back -later on. - -BALDWIN. - -Yessir. But the mistress’s orders—— - -MICHAEL. - -Yes, yes—another time. I’m busy now. - -BALDWIN. - -Yessir.... - - (_He goes out slowly._) - -CLARE. - -(_Exhibiting the damages in her dress._) And now perhaps, sir, you will -keep a h’eye on me, while I show you the result of your ’andiwork! - -MICHAEL. - -My dear child!... But in common fairness, you can’t put all the blame on -me. - -CLARE. - -Well, I shan’t say anything more at present, since you’re going to give -me a new frock. (_Looking at her hands._) Oh, dear! I wish it were gloves. - -MICHAEL. - -(_With fascinated eyes._) A dozen pair.... - -CLARE. - -All right—five and three-quarters. Now then—pins. - -MICHAEL. - -Pins? - -CLARE. - -Yes, pins. Look alive! - -MICHAEL. - -(_Going._) I’ll be back in a moment. - -CLARE. - -No, stay here. Your tie-pin will do for one. I’ve a safety-pin here -(_fiddling at her waist_), and another somewhere in my collar.... Bring a -cushion here. - -MICHAEL. - -A cushion?... - -CLARE. - -(_Still searching for her pins._) Yes—a cushion. (_In a dazed way he -fetches one from LADY PATRICIA’S chair._) Put it down. - -MICHAEL. - -The cushion?... - - (_He stands helplessly holding the cushion, then puts it - back, on the chair._) - -CLARE. - -Don’t play the giddy goat, Mike! Put the cushion on the ground. - -MICHAEL. - -Oh, yes—yes, of course. - - (_He places it at her feet._) - -CLARE. - -Kneel down. - -MICHAEL. - -Eh? - -CLARE. - -Kneel on the cushion. I want to spare your old joints. - -MICHAEL. - -Oh.... - - (_He kneels with a mirthless laugh._) - -CLARE. - -Now we’ll see if you’re worth your keep. Here are two safety-pins. Make -that tear look respectable. - -MICHAEL. - -But—— - -CLARE. - -If these safety-pins aren’t enough, use your tie-pin. - -MICHAEL. - -(_Setting to work._) Very well. - -CLARE. - -I shall want you afterwards to fasten up the hooks behind.... (_A -pause._) How are you getting on? - -MICHAEL. - -All right, thanks. - - (_He works at her skirt for a moment in silence._) - -CLARE. - -(_Abruptly._) What’s that boy like? - -MICHAEL. - -What boy? - -CLARE. - -Bill O’Farrel. - -MICHAEL. - -He’s given you a fair specimen of himself in the silly prank he played -just now. - -CLARE. - -Oh, that seemed to me rather a sporting thing to do. - -MICHAEL. - -A sporting thing! - -CLARE. - -Yes. To make an utter ass of himself, and then carry it off with a string -of lies. How are you getting on? - -MICHAEL. - -(_Surveying his handiwork._) I think that looks better. - -CLARE. - -It’ll have to do, anyhow.... Now for the hooks. (_MICHAEL sets to work -at the back of her dress._) Begin at the top. I daresay some of the eyes -have got torn. I gave the dress an awful wrench on the tree. Do the best -you can.... Oh, don’t fumble about like that! - - (_MICHAEL’S hands tremble as he works. A pause._) - -MICHAEL. - -(_In a low voice._) Clare.... - -CLARE. - -Well? - -MICHAEL. - -I love you.... - - (_A long pause. He stares with breathless expectation at - the back of her head. She looks straight before her._) - -CLARE. - -Have you finished all the hooks? - -MICHAEL. - -The hooks?... I—I beg your pardon.... (_He goes on with his work for a -time in silence._) Are you angry with me? - -CLARE. - -I don’t know. - -MICHAEL. - -You must have known for some time that I loved you. - -CLARE. - -(_Turning on him._) Then why do you always annoy me by making love to—to -your wife when I’m there? (_MICHAEL still kneels on the cushion, looking -up at her with abject eyes._) Why don’t you speak? - -MICHAEL. - -Clare—— - -CLARE. - -(_With a sudden burst of laughter._) Oh, get up from that cushion! -You don’t know what a fool you look! (_MICHAEL gets up with a pained -expression and stands staring tragically before him. A pause. She speaks -in a gentler voice._) Well, Mike? - -MICHAEL. - -Since I have spoken so much and done you wrong and Patricia wrong, I must -tell you all and throw myself on your mercy.... When I married Patricia -I sincerely believed I loved her. She seemed to me a kindred spirit—with -her sensitive, beautiful nature. I found out too late that love depends -as often on mutual difference as mutual sympathy. My love for her never -went deeper than the intellect. Oh, the tragedy of it! She is such a -fair, white soul, and so worthy of my whole love!... - -CLARE. - -If you don’t love her, why do you pretend to? - -MICHAEL. - -Can’t you see—can’t you see I have no alternative? Patricia’s love for -me is unearthly in its depth and intensity. She worships me, little as -I deserve it. If for one moment she thought my love had slackened, that -moment would be her last. You don’t know how sensitive she is.... Do you -suppose, Clare, I enjoy playing this dreadful game? But I must—it is my -duty. I have sworn to love and cherish her. - -CLARE. - -(_After a pause, going up to him._) Michael, how long have you loved me? - -MICHAEL. - -Almost since first I met you, you wild thing! You soul of youth and -incarnation of the morning! - - (_He looks longingly down at her._) - -CLARE. - -Oh, you poor old thing! (_She looks up sideways at him._) Mike, you may -if you like. - -MICHAEL. - -Clare.... - - (_He hesitates._) - -CLARE. - -Get it over soon. (_He bends down and kisses her reverently, then turns -away from her with tragic eyes._) Didn’t you like it?... - -MICHAEL. - -But the wrong I am doing you, and the wrong I am doing Patricia.... - -CLARE. - -But if Patricia doesn’t know and I don’t mind, I don’t see where the -wrong comes in.... Do you? - -MICHAEL. - -(_Taking her hands._) Do you love me, Clare? - -CLARE. - -I don’t know.... Yes, I think I do. You’re such a solemn old donkey!... -Michael, if I love you, will it really make you a happier man? - -MICHAEL. - -Happier? Oh, my dear, with the knowledge of your love I should be able to -endure anything! - -CLARE. - -Even Patricia? - -MICHAEL. - -Hush, Clare, hush!... Patricia’s is a pure and delicate soul. It is I who -am unworthy, since I cannot return her wonderful love.... Little girl, -do you understand that this love of yours may bring much suffering into -your life? I can never, by word or deed, change my attitude towards -Patricia—never! She must never know that I do not love her.... And what -of us? Our love must stand alone in the world. It must be something -wholly pure and noble and self-sacrificing—the love that asks for -nothing, that hopes for nothing—the love of the angels that neither marry -nor are given in marriage.... Do you realise all this? - -CLARE. - -Yes.... You see, Mike, I always believe in platonic love. - -MICHAEL. - -(_A little doubtfully._) Platonic.... - -CLARE. - -Well, platonic lovers _do_ kiss each other now and then ... don’t they? - -MICHAEL. - -(_Solemnly._) I believe they do. - -CLARE. - -And, Mike.... - -MICHAEL. - -Well? - -CLARE. - -I don’t want you to give me that frock. - -MICHAEL. - -But—— - -CLARE. - -Or the gloves. - -MICHAEL. - -But why not, Clare? I don’t understand.... - -CLARE. - -Don’t you, old boy? Neither do I. But I’d much rather you didn’t—now. - -MICHAEL. - -Surely, dear—— - - (_LADY PATRICIA’S voice is heard speaking beneath._) - -CLARE. - -Hush!... And I’m going home now. Don’t try to prevent me, like a good -chap. And I want to walk back alone. - - (_LADY PATRICIA emerges speaking to BALDWIN, who follows - her._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -We’ve come just at the wonderful moment, Baldwin. All the west is a -ritual of gold. (_She has a wrap over her of a wonderful sunset hue and a -white lily in her hand._) Here’s poor Baldwin deeply grieved because he’s -shooed away every time he gets to work! - -MICHAEL. - -He didn’t seem to be doing anything particular, dearest, when I sent him -away. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -But, Michael—— - - (_BALDWIN, with his shears and saws, crosses to the right - and examines the sunset._) - -CLARE. - -Don’t you remember he was keeping a h’eye on the sun? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -But, Clare! What a dreadful state you’re in! - -CLARE. - -I know. Your trees are shockingly dirty. You really ought to get Baldwin -to scrub them with soap and water!... Lady Patricia, I hope you won’t -think me very rude if I run away. I had quite forgotten it was father’s -sermon night when I accepted Mr. Cosway’s invitation to dinner. I always -help him with his sermons. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You, my dear child! - -CLARE. - -I verify the quotations and prune the adjectives.... Then you’ll forgive -me? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Sweet girl! (_She strokes CLARE’S unwilling face._) I’m very sorry, -because I’m going to do such a wicked and decadent thing at dinner. You -see this lily? So virginal and nun-like! I am going to put her into a -glassful of wine and make her tipsy. - -CLARE. - -Oh!... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You must come some other evening. We are both so very fond of you. - -CLARE. - -Good-bye. Good-bye, Mr. Cosway. - -MICHAEL. - -Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you? - -CLARE. - -Quite, thanks. Good-bye. - - (_She goes out._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -She seems to be in a chastened frame of mind. - -MICHAEL. - -Perhaps she’s not quite well. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Holding out her hands to him._) Michael.... - -MICHAEL. - -(_Taking her hands._) Dearest! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -It will be just—just you and I! - -MICHAEL. - -You and I, Patricia! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You needn’t stay, Baldwin. - -BALDWIN. - -(_Who is still staring into the sunset._) Beg pardon, mum? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You needn’t stay. - -BALDWIN. - -But if you’ll excuse my sayin’ so, mum, the sun—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Another time, Baldwin. - -BALDWIN. - -Yes, ’m. - - (_He goes out slowly._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Just you and I, Michael.... Kiss me. - -MICHAEL. - -(_Kissing her._) Just you and I. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You and I and the sunset.... - - -(END OF THE FIRST ACT.) - - - - -THE SECOND ACT - -SCENE:—_The same, except for an extra ladder which LADY PATRICIA has had -built up to the platform on the left. It is a beautiful night in early -June. The full moon spreads a network of shadows on the platform, and a -few large stars twinkle through the leaves. Suspended from the branches -by pieces of silken string attached to nails driven into the trunk of -the tree are several elaborate Chinese lanterns. Empty coffee-cups and -liqueur glasses stand on two small tables in the background. There are -one or two chairs about in addition to LADY PATRICIA’S deck-chair._ - - - (_When the curtain rises, BALDWIN is seen slowly entering - on the left. He has a bundle of small candles in his hand. - He looks anxiously from lantern to lantern. Suddenly one - of them goes out._) - -BALDWIN. - -Ho! (_He unfastens the string from the nail and lowers the lantern -with deliberation, muttering._) Them little lanterns do burn uncommon -quick.... Whoa! (_Fixes fresh candle in the lantern._) Uncommon quick -... drat ’em.... (_Pulls up the lantern._) Whoa! - - (_While he fastens the string on to the nail LADY - PATRICIA’S voice is heard singing divinely in the - distance. BALDWIN listens for a moment. The singing - ceases. He shakes his head gloomily, glances into the - tree, and another lantern goes out._) - -Ho!... (_He lowers the lantern._) Whoa.... (_Fixing the fresh candle._) -They do burn oncommon quick—drat ’em.... (_Pulls up the lantern._) -Whoa.... - - (_After fixing the string, he retires slowly into the - shadowy background and stands motionless, staring from - lantern to lantern. Suddenly BILL O’FARREL enters - hurriedly by the ladder in the centre. He is in evening - dress. He does not see BALDWIN, who merely glances at him - and then resumes his upward scrutiny. BILL throws himself - into LADY PATRICIA’S deck-chair._) - -BILL. - -Whew.... safe! (_He lights a cigarette._) - - (_Suddenly close beneath LADY PATRICIA’S voice is heard - singing with desultory beauty. BILL springs to his feet._) - -Damn! - - (_He tiptoes cautiously to the edge of the platform and - peeps over. The bird-like snatches of song grow nearer._) - -Damn! - - (_He crosses softly and quickly to the ladder on the left, - and with a scared look over his shoulder, disappears just - as LADY PATRICIA, in a gown of shimmering wonder, emerges - by the ladder in the centre. She stops singing and looks - around._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Flutingly._) Bill.... Bill.... (_She perceives the shadowy figure of -BALDWIN and makes a quick movement with outstretched arms towards it._) -Ah, my dear! - -BALDWIN. - -Beg pardon, m’lady? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Oh!... Baldwin! How amusing!... I was looking for—Mr. Cosway. Has he been -here? - -BALDWIN. - -Yes’m. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Oh, when? - -BALDWIN. - -’E took corfee ’ere with your ladyship, mum, and ’is Very Reverence, and -the young lady and Mrs. O’Farrel and Mr. O’Farrel. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Sometimes, Baldwin, I wonder whether your amazing futility may not be a -conscious pose. - -BALDWIN. - -Beg pardon, mum? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Oh, never mind.... - - (_She goes out on the left, humming sweetly. BALDWIN - retires to the background and resumes his lantern watch. - CLARE enters by the central ladder quickly in breathless - condition and drops into the deck-chair. BALDWIN, - unperceived, glances at her, then looks up at the lanterns - again._) - -CLARE. - -Safe! (_With a sigh of relief she lights a cigarette._) - - (_Suddenly MICHAEL’S voice is heard beneath calling - softly._) - -MICHAEL. - -Clare—Clare.... - -CLARE. - -Damn! (_She springs to her feet, crosses quickly to the left, and -descends as MICHAEL’S head emerges up the central ladder._) - -MICHAEL. - -Clare.... (_Looks around and perceives the vague form of BALDWIN._) -Clare, my—— Oh! I was looking for Lady Patricia. Have you seen her, -Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -Yessir. - -MICHAEL. - -Oh.... Has she been here? - -BALDWIN. - -Yessir. - -MICHAEL. - -When? - -BALDWIN. - -Beg pardon, sir? - -MICHAEL. - -(_Impatiently._) When was Lady Patricia here? - -BALDWIN. - -Well, sir, it may ’a been two minutes ago, sir, or it may ’a been—— - -MICHAEL. - -Thank you. - - (_He goes out on the left, while BALDWIN continues_:) - -BALDWIN. - -Or it may ’a been three. ’Er ladyship were looking for you, sir. She arst -me, sir—— (_Perceiving the vanity of continuing his reminiscences he -looks up and a lantern goes out._) Ho! (_Lowers the lantern._) Whoa!... - - (_Enter ELLIS up the central ladder, carrying a tray with - whisky-and-soda._) - -ELLIS. - -Good evening, Mr. Baldwin. - -BALDWIN. - -Them candles do burn oncommon quick.... You was sayin’, Mr. Ellis? - -ELLIS. - -I said good evening. - -BALDWIN. - -Whoa!... (_Fixes the string._) Good evening to you. - -ELLIS. - -(_Clearing coffee-cups, &c., and setting the whisky-and-soda._) It beats -me what the company are up to to-night. After dinner they all went -for a stroll down to the pond. ’Er ladyship wanted to see—(_imitates -PATRICIA_)—“the great moon-flower’s reflection among the lilies.” Then -they seem to ’ave separated. The old people are behaving themselves quite -rational—playing bézique in the drawing-room. The others are playing the -tomfool or ’ide-and-seek or something o’ the sort. - -BALDWIN. - -’Iding-seek? Are they now! That minds me as ’ow I onct played ’iding-seek -with Mrs. Baldwin as was my first wife—she weren’t my wife then—an’ found -’er—(_he chuckles_)—and found ’er—(_chuckles_)—in the middle of the -bed!... - - (_ELLIS guffaws._) - -A rose bed it wer’. “Maidens’ blush” they was, jest fur all the world -same as ’er purty face. So I gives her sutting wot to blush for. That I -did. Dang it! Yus, I did. - -ELLIS. - -You seem to ’ave lived your life, Mr. Baldwin. - -BALDWIN. - -I ’ave that. I’ve ’ad thirteen, an’ two of ’em by me first wife. -Thirteen’s an onlucky number I’ve ’eard tell. But I ain’t suspicious. - -ELLIS. - -Su-per-stitious is what you mean, I take it? - -BALDWIN. - -If I says suspicious I means it. - -ELLIS. - -Well, please yourself, Mr. Baldwin, please yourself. My motter’s “Live -an’ let live.” Yes, as I was saying, it’s a queer game of ’ide-and-seek -they’re playing at. I saw young O’Farrel just now by the yew-trees. ’E -caught sight of ’er ladyship comin’ up the path, and dived into the -shadder like a frightened rabbit. Bit queer considering ’ow thick they -are. I just stood aside to see if anything was going to ’appen. Then ’oo -should come along but the master! They must have caught sight of each -other at the same time. She gave a sorter jump an’ stood still. ’E cut -and ’urried into the bushes. Then she turned and ’urried back the way -she’d come. What d’yer say to that? - -BALDWIN. - -What do I say? - -ELLIS. - -Bit queer, ain’t it? - -BALDWIN. - -Chronic! Why, a minute or two back ’er ladyship was up ’ere an’ says, -“I’m looking for Mr. Cosway.” And arfter she’s gorne, ’e comes up ’ere -an’ says, “I’m lookin’ for ’er ladyship,” ’e says. - -ELLIS. - -Well, I give it up! - - (_LADY PATRICIA is heard singing in the distance._) - -There, she’s at it again! - - (_BILL enters up the central ladder unperceived by the - others. He stands in the background. They all listen to - the singing in silence until it ceases._) - -She can sing, an’ no error! - -BALDWIN. - -Minds me of an ole cat as used to yeowl night after night in the rubub -beds. - -ELLIS. - -Good Lord, Mr. Baldwin, ’ow d’you make that out? - -BALDWIN. - -Course it ain’t the same. ’Er ladyship’s voice is a rare treat to -’ear, an’ a cat’s ain’t. But there’s somethin’ in ’em both as seems to -be callin’ for somethin’ else. ’Twas jest afore Mrs. Baldwin ’ad ’er -seventh. An’ yer’d ’ardly b’lieve me, Mr. Ellis, that cat ’ad kittens -same day as Mrs. Baldwin. - - (_With a smothered laugh BILL comes forward. ELLIS hastily - picks up the tray with the cups, &c._) - -BILL. - -Ah, whisky-and-soda, Ellis. That’s good! - -ELLIS. - -Yes, sir. - - (_He goes out by the centre._) - -BILL. - -(_Helping himself to whisky-and-soda._) Well, Baldwin, what are you up -to? Keeping an eye on the sun so as to lop off the branches? - -BALDWIN. - -No, sir.... I was jest watching them lanterns. - -BILL. - -Yes. They’re very pretty. - -BALDWIN. - -They do burn uncommon quick. - -BILL. - -Well, they’re made of paper, you know. - -BALDWIN. - -Yessir.... It was the candles I was alludin’ of, sir. They do burn—— (_A -lantern goes out._) Ho! - - (_He fiddles about with the string, BILL watching him with - a smile. Suddenly halfway up the central ladder you hear - the voice of LADY PATRICIA sweetly humming. BILL throws a - wild glance around him._) - -BILL. - -Don’t give me away, Baldwin. - - (_He darts into the summer-house at the back and locks the - door._) - -BALDWIN. - -’Iding-seek!... (_Lowering the lantern._) Whoa!... - - (_LADY PATRICIA enters._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Bill?... (_Looks around._) Who were you talking to just now, Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -Mr. O’Farrel, mum. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Yes; I thought so—but I don’t see him. - -BALDWIN. - -No, mum. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Where is he? - -BALDWIN. - -’E’s gorne, m’lady. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Gone? - -BALDWIN. - -Yes’m. You gave yerself away, mum, you did. D’rectly ’e ’eard your -ladyship’s voice ’e was gorne, mum. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Amazed._) I gave myself away? Directly he heard my voice he was gone? - -BALDWIN. - -’Twas like as when you come up ’ere before a-lookin’ for the master. Mr. -O’Farrel, ’e was ’ere then, mum. ’E ’eard you, an’ ’e jest ran. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Mr. O’Farrel heard me and he ran? - -BALDWIN. - -Yes’m. An’ if you’ll h’excuse my sayin’ so, mum, it ain’t gumptious to -sing when playin’ ’iding-seek. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Playing hide-and-seek?... - -BALDWIN. - -Yes’m. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Hide-and-seek! What on earth are you talking about? I really am afraid, -Baldwin, the full moon must have deprived you of your few remaining wits. -Do you seriously mean to tell me that Mr. O’Farrel ran away twice because -he heard me coming? - -BALDWIN. - -Yes’m. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_After a dumbfounded pause_) Where did he go to? - -BALDWIN. - -(_Knowingly._) Beggin’ yer pardon, mum, I really couldn’t tell yer that. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You—— - - (_CLARE enters on the left unperceived, and slips - cautiously behind the trunk._) - -BALDWIN. - -I arst you, mum, would it be playin’ fair on the young gentleman? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Edging rather nervously away from him._) I think you had better go home -now, Baldwin. I am afraid you are not quite well. Tell Mrs. Baldwin to -come and see me to-morrow. - -BALDWIN. - -Yes’m. - - (_LADY PATRICIA goes out on the left, throwing a nervous - look back at BALDWIN, who nods his head triumphantly and - pulls up the lantern. CLARE emerges from behind the trunk - and tiptoes towards him._) - -BALDWIN. - -Whoa! - -CLARE. - -S-sh! - -BALDWIN. - -Lord-a-mercy! - -CLARE. - -Language, Baldwin! - -BALDWIN. - -Yer did give me a turn, miss. - -CLARE. - -Sorry! Hullo, drinks! (_Goes to the edge of the platform and looks -cautiously over._) The coast’s clear. I’ll have some soda-water. - -BALDWIN. - -’Iding-seek do give you a bit of a thirst, miss. - -CLARE. - -(_Astonished._) Hide-and-seek? - -BALDWIN. - -Yes, miss. - -CLARE. - -Why, have you been playing hide-and-seek? - -BALDWIN. - -Me, miss? - -CLARE. - -Didn’t you say so just now? Really, Baldwin, for a person of your age! -And now you want a drink? Well, I’ve no objection, though it looks -uncommonly as if you had helped yourself already. - - (_She points to BILL’S half-filled glass._) - -BALDWIN. - -(_Excitedly._) Me, miss? I give you my word, miss. Why, that’s—that’s—— - -MICHAEL. - -(_His voice is heard calling softly beneath._) Clare.... - -CLARE. - -(_To BALDWIN, in a fierce whisper._) Hush! Don’t say where I am! - - (_She runs to the summer-house and gains the door just as - MICHAEL emerges up the central ladder. She finds the door - locked. The key turns in the lock audibly, the door opens, - and BILL’S hand seizes her arm and pulls her inside._) - -CLARE. - -Oh!... - -BILL. - -Hush! - - (_Draws her into the summer-house, closes and locks the - door._) - -BALDWIN. - -(_In unrestrained delight._) Haw! Haw! Haw! Haw! - -MICHAEL. - -(_Looking around him._) Wasn’t Miss Lesley speaking to you a second ago, -Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -She were, sir. Haw! Haw! - -MICHAEL. - -(_Regarding the amused BALDWIN with severity._) Where did she go to? - -BALDWIN. - -She’s gorne, sir. - -MICHAEL. - -I asked you _where_ she had gone to. - -BALDWIN. - -No, sir; I couldn’t tell yer that, sir. I reely couldn’t. - - (_He guffaws again._) - -MICHAEL. - -Have you been drinking, Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -Me, sir? Drinking? ’Pon me honour, sir, I ain’t touched a drop o’ that -whisky. It’s mortal ’ard, sir, that a man o’ my years should be tole ’e’s -in liquor twice in one evenin’! An’ me teetotal ’cept for me pint o’ -four-’arf at dinner an’ supper and a drop o’ somethin’ on Saturday night. - -MICHAEL. - -Do you know the day of the week, Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -(_After a pause._) Lor’, sir, if it ain’t Sat’day.... But I give you me -word, sir, I ain’t—— - -MICHAEL. - -Very well, Baldwin. But you must admit that your conduct was peculiar. -Perhaps now you will be so good as to tell me where Miss Lesley went to. - -BALDWIN. - -She—she—— - - (_He starts laughing again._) - -MICHAEL. - -Do you mean to tell me she has climbed up the tree again? - -BALDWIN. - -Maybe she ’as, sir, an’ maybe she ’asn’t. Haw! Haw! - -MICHAEL. - -(_Angrily._) Fool! (_Goes to the trunk, and, standing in the shadow, -looks up into the branches._) Clare.... Clare.... I see you, you naughty -little girl.... You’ve led me a pretty dance to-night.... Clare.... If -you don’t come down I’ll climb up and fetch you.... - - (_LADY PATRICIA enters quickly on the left._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_To BALDWIN, her finger on her lip._) Hush! - - (_She tiptoes quickly across the stage and seizes MICHAEL - by the shoulders._) - -MICHAEL. - -Oh! (_He faces her and falls back._) Patricia! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Falling back an amazed step._) Michael! - -BALDWIN. - -(_In an ecstasy of glee._) The wrong man! Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord! - - (_He doubles up with laughter. LADY PATRICIA and MICHAEL - regard him in silent amazement and consternation._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_To MICHAEL._) I’m afraid he’s—— - - (_Touches her forehead._) - -MICHAEL. - -Good God!... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Gently._) Don’t you think it’s better you went now, Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord! - -MICHAEL. - -You ought to stay in bed to-morrow. - -BALDWIN. - -Bed, sir?... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Or sit quietly in the sweet sunshine at your cottage door. - -BALDWIN. - -Yes’m.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Good-night, Baldwin. - -BALDWIN. - -Good-night, mum. Good-night, sir. - - (_He walks stolidly to the ladder on the left; then, - just before descending, starts once more guffawing and - continues as he descends. LADY PATRICIA and MICHAEL look - at each other in pitying astonishment._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Poor old man! I fear he is breaking up at last! - -MICHAEL. - -God forgive me, dearest; I thought he had been drinking. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Let us make the twilight of his long day full of peace and fragrance. - -MICHAEL. - -He shall never want. - - (_A nightingale begins its song in the distance._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Ah, listen! Ah, listen, dear heart! - -MICHAEL. - -The nightingale. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -We have not far to go, you and I, to reach that land where music and -moonlight and feeling are one! - -MICHAEL. - -Music and moonlight and feeling—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Are one.... - -MICHAEL. - -Sweet bird! - - (_A pause. They listen “emparadised in one another’s - arms.”_) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -But where have you been, dearest? For the last half-hour I have been -looking for you down shadowy paths and by moonlit waters. - -MICHAEL. - -And I for you. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Cousin Bill went indoors as he had something he wished to say to his -mother. So I seized the opportunity to find _you_. - -MICHAEL. - -Miss Lesley left me to speak to her father—and I thought I would snatch a -beautiful moment with my wife. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Cousin Bill said he would come back to me in a moment. - -MICHAEL. - -Miss Lesley too. I’m afraid they may be hunting for us. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Poor children! But they will forgive us when they know we have been -together—and so happy. Tell me, dear, why were you looking so fixedly up -the tree when I came just now? - - (_MICHAEL looks apprehensively towards the tree._) - -MICHAEL. - -I—I was looking for a nightingale. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -A nightingale?... - -MICHAEL. - -Yes. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I thought for a moment some one had climbed the tree, as you seemed to be -speaking up into it. - -MICHAEL. - -I was making fluting sounds so as to encourage the bird to sing. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -How clever of you, dear! And now it’s singing in the bushes near the pond. - -MICHAEL. - -Perhaps I frightened it out of the tree. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Perhaps you did.... Darling. - -MICHAEL. - -Yes? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Has it ever occurred to you that child may misconstrue your beautiful -friendship for her? - -MICHAEL. - -(_Startled._) Clare! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Coldly._) Clare? - -MICHAEL. - -Er—Miss Lesley? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Yes. - -MICHAEL. - -Oh, Patricia, how can you think such a thing! Our friendship is like -the friendship of two men or two women, the elder tenderly guiding the -younger towards a higher, saner, nobler, larger view of life. (_He -glances apprehensively at the tree._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Exquisite! Ideal! But haven’t you noticed, Michael, that the child no -longer accepts your companionship with the same frank pleasure as before? -I have watched her lately. It seems to me as though she were always -trying to avoid you. - -MICHAEL. - -(_Roused._) Avoid _me_! Clare! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Do you call her by her Christian name? - -MICHAEL. - -Only in moments of excitement. Avoid me! Impossible! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -No, dear, not impossible. And when a girl pointedly avoids a man, it too -often means—pursue me. - -MICHAEL. - -(_Distinctly relieved._) Ah!... Ah! yes. But I think you must be mistaken. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Indeed, I hope so. But you must be careful. You are so attractive, -Michael. - -MICHAEL. - -Oh, nonsense, darling!... Strangely enough, a week or two ago I was on -the point of warning you in just the same way. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Warning me? - -MICHAEL. - -I used to watch that boy’s eyes when he looked at you. They were the eyes -of a loving spaniel. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Cousin Bill’s? - -MICHAEL. - -Yes; and I felt sorry for him. But I think his infatuation was only -temporary. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Sharply._) Temporary? What do you mean? - -MICHAEL. - -He no longer sits at your feet and follows you about as much as he used -to. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You are quite wrong. His cousinly affection is the same now as it ever -was. He was never in any way infatuated. - -MICHAEL. - -How could he help it, dearest? You are so wonderful! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Am I? I wonder! (_A pause._) I think we really ought to join the others -now, dearest. - -MICHAEL. - -(_With a glance into the tree._) Very well. - - (_LADY PATRICIA, who has moved towards the ladder on the - left, turns and notices MICHAEL’S upward gaze._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -What is it, dear? - -MICHAEL. - -I—I was looking for a star. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Which star? - -MICHAEL. - -Arcturus. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -But Arcturus is low in the west. - -MICHAEL. - -How stupid of me! - - (_They go out. The stage is empty for a moment. The - nightingale sings on. Then BALDWIN enters—hurriedly for - him—up the central ladder. He goes—softly for him—to the - summer-house, after carefully looking over the edge of - the platform to see that the coast is quite clear. He - listens, nods his head, and grins. Then he taps gently - on the door and listens again. Receiving no reply, he - taps once more and listens. Finally he speaks in a husky - whisper._) - -BALDWIN. - -It’s all right, sir. It’s all right, miss. They’ve gorne. (_The -summer-house remains silent._) They’ve gorne.... It’s all right, sir. -(_Taps at the door._) They’ve gorne. (_Taps again after a pause._) -They’ve gorne.... - - (_The door suddenly flies open._) - -BILL. - -(_In the doorway._) What the devil d’you want, Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -Beg pardon, sir? - -BILL. - -What do you want? - -BALDWIN. - -They’ve gorne, sir. - -BILL. - -I can’t help that, can I? - -BALDWIN. - -No, sir. - -BILL. - -Well, then? - -BALDWIN. - -You see, sir, it’s like this. I thought as ’ow—— - -CLARE. - -(_Invisible in the dark interior of the summer-house._) Oh, Baldwin, for -the love of heaven, hook it! - -BALDWIN. - -’Ook it? - -CLARE. - -Yes; run away, like a dear. - -BALDWIN. - -Very good, miss. - - (_BALDWIN goes out by the central ladder._) - -BILL. - -(_Speaking into the summer-house._) Darling. - -CLARE. - -(_In the summer-house._) You’ve pulled all my hair down—— - -BILL. - -Oh, I—— - -CLARE. - -I’ve lost at least six hair-pins. You needn’t have been so rough. - -BILL. - -I’m awfully sorry, darling—but—— (_He is about to re-enter the -summer-house._) - -CLARE. - -No, stay where you are.... - - (_She emerges from the summer-house, and moves past him - to the front of the platform. Her hair is all loose and - dishevelled. She starts shaking it out._) - -BILL. - -Darling—— - -CLARE. - -Don’t touch me.... - -BILL. - -Clare!... - -CLARE. - -Please find those hair-pins, and the two side-combs. They’re all real -tortoise-shell. - -BILL. - -But I say—— - -CLARE. - -Find those hair-pins, or, at any rate, the side-combs. - -BILL. - -Oh, all right.... - - (_He goes into the summer-house, strikes a match, and - searches about the floor for the missing hair-pins. CLARE - stands plaiting her hair into a “pigtail,” and looking - straight before her with very grave eyes._) - -BILL. - -(_Half to himself while searching._) Here are a couple.... By Jove! one -of ’em’s got rammed tight behind the seat.... Another—that’s three.... -Four!... I’ve found one of the side-combs.... I say, they are jolly -pretty!... Where the deuce has t’other one got to?... Oh, Lord, I’m -awfully sorry! It’s smashed. I put my clumsy hoof on it.... (_He joins -her at the front of the platform._) - -CLARE. - -It’s all right.... - -BILL. - -But—— (_Looks at her with puzzled eyes._) I say, darling, is anything the -matter with you? (_Puts his arm around her._) A moment ago—— - -CLARE. - -(_Freeing herself._) You must never call me that again. - -BILL. - -Call you what? - -CLARE. - -“Darling.” - -BILL. - -But—— - -CLARE. - -Or put your arm round me.... - -BILL. - -But—— - -CLARE. - -(_Passionately._) Oh, Bill, I was mad—I lost my head—I forgot.... It was -so—so thrilling in there.... I should never have let you—I should never -have let you.... - -BILL. - -But I—I only kissed you. - -CLARE. - -You—you—— - -BILL. - -And told you that I loved you. - -CLARE. - -Yes.... - -BILL. - -And you said you loved me.... - -CLARE. - -I didn’t! - -BILL. - -You kissed me. - -CLARE. - -That’s not the same thing. - -BILL. - -Then you don’t love me? - -CLARE. - -I never said so. - -BILL. - -Do you love me, Clare? - -CLARE. - -I should never have kissed you if I didn’t. - -BILL. - -Clare! (_Tries to take her in his arms._) - -CLARE. - -(_Decidedly._) No.... - -BILL. - -No?... - -CLARE. - -I am not free. - -BILL. - -Not ... free.... Then you’re—you’re—engaged? - -CLARE. - -No. - -BILL. - -No?... But—— - -CLARE. - -I am not free. - -BILL. - -But you’re _not_ engaged? - -CLARE. - -No. - -BILL. - -Clare! You don’t mean—you can’t mean that you are married?... - -CLARE. - -Married? - -BILL. - -Yes—married! - -CLARE. - -Don’t be silly. - -BILL. - -That’s no answer. Are you married? - -CLARE. - -Of course I’m not. - -BILL. - -You’re neither engaged nor married—but you’re not free to marry me. What -does it all mean? - -CLARE. - -You must be content with that. - -BILL. - -Must I? Then you don’t know me. I’ll give you no rest—I’ll persecute you -night and day till I get at the truth. - -CLARE. - -(_After a pause._) You may be right, Bill; perhaps I do owe you an -explanation since I allowed you to kiss me.... - -BILL. - -And kissed me.... - -CLARE. - -(_Tragically._) I belong to another man.... - -BILL. - -But you said just now—— - -CLARE. - -Whom I can never marry.... - -BILL. - -What! - -CLARE. - -Because he is already married. - -BILL. - -(_Horrified._) Clare! you—you—— - -CLARE. - -(_Loftily._) Our bond is purely of the spirit. - -BILL. - -Eh? - -CLARE. - -(_Unconsciously imitating MICHAEL’S manner._) He is a noble and -high-souled gentleman. His life is one long self-sacrifice for the woman -whom he married. She loves him, and for her sake he fought against his -love for me. But that love mastered him: he confessed it. I told him it -was returned, though I know now it was the pity and friendship I felt -for him which I mistook for love. We promised to be true to each other. -I cannot—I dare not break my promise. My love is all he has to make life -bearable.... - - (_BILL is about to speak when LADY PATRICIA’S voice, - singing in the distance, brings him up with a jerk. He - listens a moment. When he speaks his tone is one of - dismay._) - -BILL. - -Great—Scott! - -CLARE. - -(_Coldly._) I beg your pardon? - -BILL. - -I say, Clare, d’you know I’ve made an ass of myself in just the same way -as you! - -CLARE. - -An ass?... Will you kindly explain yourself. - -BILL. - -I had no right to tell you I loved you, because I am bound to another -woman. - -CLARE. - -Not—not to a married woman? - -BILL. - -A married woman.... - -CLARE. - -Oh, how dreadful! - -BILL. - -Our bond is purely of the spirit. - -CLARE. - -Oh?... What is she like? - -BILL. - -Noble and high-souled like your—— - -CLARE. - -Is she pretty? - -BILL. - -Oh, yes, she—— - -CLARE. - -Did you love her? - -BILL. - -Till I met you five weeks ago I believe I did. Then I—— Anyhow, I’m -afraid I’ll have to stick to her. If I threw her over now I don’t know -what the poor woman would do. - -CLARE. - -You have a pretty high notion of your attractions. - -BILL. - -And you of yours. - -CLARE. - -You appear to forget that I am a woman. - - (_You hear LADY PATRICIA’S voice just beneath talking to - MICHAEL. BILL exclaims with a scared look_:) - -She’s coming here!... - -CLARE. - -Well?... (_With dawning comprehension. She seizes his arm._) Bill—you -don’t mean to say that she—— - - (_MICHAEL is heard replying to LADY PATRICIA. CLARE - whispers with startled eyes_:) - -That’s he! - -BILL. - -(_Staring at her._) That’s Michael.... Good God! Clare, it’s not—it’s not -Michael that you—— - -CLARE. - -Hush!... They’re going past.... - -BILL. - -(_In a fierce undertone._) The blackguard! - -CLARE. - -What do you mean? - -BILL. - -If I hadn’t been a blind fool, I would have seen through this precious -friendship for you long ago. It never dawned on me that the fellow was -such a scoundrel. And a precious hypocrite, too, by Jove! Playing up -so as to make that poor, trusting woman believe him madly in love with -her.... - -CLARE. - -That poor, trusting woman? Are you, by any chance, speaking of Patricia? - -BILL. - -Of course I am. Hanging about her neck while all the time he’s making -love to an innocent girl! It’s perfectly disgusting! - -CLARE. - -And what has your noble, high-souled Patricia been doing, I should like -to know? Shamming infatuation for poor Michael to hide her shameful -flirtation with a callow boy. - -BILL. - -It was not a shameful flirtation—and I’m no more a callow boy than you -are. - -CLARE. - -What amazes me is that you should ever have allowed yourself to be fooled -by a shallow, deceitful _poseuse_ like Patricia. - -BILL. - -She hasn’t fooled me. She’s deeply and truly in love with me. - -CLARE. - -Contradiction isn’t argument: it’s merely rude. - -BILL. - -If it had been any one else but Michael there might have been some excuse -for you. But Michael! How could you? A dull, priggish ass—— - -CLARE. - -He’s not a dull, priggish ass! - -BILL. - -Contradiction isn’t argument: it’s merely rude. - -CLARE. - -How dare you speak to me like that! - -BILL. - -(_Sulkily._) I beg your pardon. - - (_He moves away from her, and they both stand staring in - opposite directions._) - -CLARE. - -(_After a pause._) I don’t think there’s anything more to be said. - -BILL. - -Neither do I. - - (_A pause._) - -CLARE. - -Nothing. - -BILL. - -Nothing. - - (_A pause._) - -CLARE. - -Things must remain as they are. - -BILL. - -Yes, I suppose they must. - - (_A pause._) - -CLARE. - -Of course, any one who was at all unprejudiced would see at once the—the -higher morality of my decision. - -BILL. - -The what? - -CLARE. - -The higher morality. Michael has often told me that our pure love and the -fact that he does his duty as best he can to his wife are the only things -that keep him from suicide.... - -BILL. - -(_Under his breath._) Bosh! - -CLARE. - -I beg your pardon? - -BILL. - -Nothing.... It’s awfully funny to think of Michael spooning away with you -and Patricia and boring you both to death without knowing it. - -CLARE. - -I don’t see that it’s any funnier than Patricia doing the same with you -and Michael. - -BILL. - -Well, anyhow, I shall have to stick to Patricia—not because of “higher -morality”—whatever that means—but because I know she would pine away if I -left her now. - -CLARE. - -Tchah! - - (_They stand miserably silent, looking in opposite - directions. The nightingale starts singing, and sings - through the next scene. The voices of the DEAN and MRS. - O’FARREL come up from beneath._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Well, I find it chilly, Dean—distinctly chilly. - -DEAN. - -For Whitsuntide, dear lady—surely not. True, Whitsuntide is very late -this year.... - - (_MRS. O’FARREL enters, followed by the DEAN, up the - central ladder._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Why, here’s the child! All alone, my dear? Whatever have you been doing -to your hair? - -CLARE. - -It’s such a hot night I had to take it down. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Hot? - -DEAN. - -But, my dear child, you can’t possibly go home like that! - -CLARE. - -I’ll put it up when I get back to the house. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_Perceiving BILL._) Is that my son? - -BILL. - -(_Gloomily._) Hullo, mater.... - -DEAN. - -Enchanting night, my boy! - -BILL. - -(_As before._) Awfully jolly.... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -And where are the others? - -CLARE. - -I don’t know. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Sentimentalising in the moonlight.... - -CLARE. - -I suppose so. - - (_MRS. O’FARREL regards both the young people critically - through her lorgnette._) - -DEAN. - -(_Breezily._) And what have you two been up to? - -BILL. - -Mootching around. - -CLARE. - -Playing about. - -DEAN. - -Your mother and I thought we’d like a little stroll before going home. - -BILL. - -Good idea.... - - (_The DEAN fixes his monocle, and, slightly puzzled, - scrutinises them each in turn._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -What’s the matter with you both? - -BILL AND CLARE. - -The matter?... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Have you been quarrelling? - -BILL AND CLARE. - -Quarrelling?... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -You’re as sulky as two bears. - -BILL AND CLARE. - -I? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -As two bears. Aren’t they, Dean? - -DEAN. - -Sulky? No, no; surely not sulky! Chastened! Thoughtful! A little -overcome, perhaps, by the beauty of the night—as all sensitive young -souls should be. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -H’m!... Sensitive young souls!... - - (_LADY PATRICIA, followed by MICHAEL, enters on the left._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -All of you? But how charming! How delightful! - -DEAN. - -Dear Lady Patricia! - - (_MICHAEL moves towards CLARE, who evades his ardent - gaze._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -What have you been doing with yourselves? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Looking at the guelder-roses in the moonlight, and wondering whether they -were guelder-roses at all or great pearls. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Personally I should say they were guelder-roses. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Ah, but dear Aunt Eileen, how can you tell what pranks the fairies may -not play on such a night as this? - -DEAN. - -What an exquisite fancy! - -BILL. - -(_Who has been looking jealously at CLARE and MICHAEL. He speaks -defiantly with eyes on CLARE._) I say, Cousin Patricia.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Yes, Cousin Bill? - - (_CLARE looks at them._) - -BILL. - -If it wouldn’t bother you too much, I wonder if you’d care to take me to -have a look at those thingumybob roses. It would be simply corking! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I shall be charmed, Cousin Bill. We’ll settle the question of -guelder-rose or pearl together. - - (_They move towards the ladder on the left._) - -CLARE. - -(_In a low voice to BILL as he passes her._) Worm! (_In a defiant -voice to MICHAEL._) Mr. Cosway, you’ve never shown me the—the -what’s-its-name.... - -MICHAEL. - -The spiral nebula in Andromeda? It’s scarcely favourable for a view of -the nebula to-night. Shall we look at the mountains of the moon? - -CLARE. - -Thanks awfully. - - (_She and MICHAEL move to the central ladder._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_To BILL as they descend on the left._) Do you believe in fairies, -Cousin Bill? - -MICHAEL. - - (_To CLARE as they descend the central ladder._) - -I have often wondered how the night would look if we had nine moons like -Jupiter. - - (_A pause. The DEAN looks disapprovingly after the - disappearing BILL, MRS. O’FARREL through her lorgnette - after CLARE._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -H’m.... - -DEAN. - -I beg your pardon?... You were saying?... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I didn’t say anything. I was thinking. - -DEAN. - -Ah, thinking—yes, thinking.... So was I.... By the way, Eileen, -your—er—cherished project for marrying Clare to your son doesn’t appear -to be materialising quite—er—satisfactorily. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -No, it doesn’t. - -DEAN. - -Not quite as smoothly as we—as you hoped. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Give me a whisky-and-soda. - -DEAN. - -A whisky—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -And soda. - - (_The DEAN pours out a drop of whisky._) - -Go on.... - - (_The DEAN sets the syphon going._) - -Nearly full.... When!... And you had better take something as well—to -fortify yourself against what I am going to say. - -DEAN. - -Ah.... A little soda-water. (_Helps himself._) So you are going to be -unpleasant, my dear Eileen? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I am. Those two _had_ been quarrelling just now. - -DEAN. - -That was evident—even to me. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -They had been quarrelling bitterly—and I can make a shrewd guess at the -cause. - -DEAN. - -I also. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Indeed. Well, I think it’s high time to speak plainly. - -DEAN. - -I quite agree with you. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I’m glad to hear it.... Bill had very evidently been taking your daughter -to task for her amazing indiscretions. - -DEAN. - -Amazing indiscretions? Clare’s? Will you kindly be more explicit. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I mean to be. Perhaps you remember some weeks ago I warned you that her -intimacy with Michael Cosway ought to be stopped? - -DEAN. - -Certainly. And I took leave to disagree with you entirely. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Well, you were wrong. You should immediately have put an end to this -intimacy—to use the mildest word for her friendship with Michael. - -DEAN. - -Mrs. O’Farrel, is it possible you are speaking of my daughter? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -And it’s your duty to put an end to it at once. I only hope that you may -not be too late. - -DEAN. - -This—this—this is beyond anything!... Perhaps you will be so good—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Now then, Dean, pray don’t lose your temper. It’s neither wise -nor becoming, and at our age very bad for the heart. Listen to me -quietly for a moment. I refused for a long time to believe any ill of -this—er—friendship. I knew Michael to be infatuated with his wife, and -Clare to be a healthy-minded girl. But last week Emily Fitzgerald told -me she had seen Michael walking in the Stanton Woods with his arm around -Clare’s shoulder. She added that the affair was becoming quite notorious -in the neighbourhood.... You must act, and act at once. - -DEAN. - -Is that all? So you condescend to listen to the tittle-tattle of a -notorious old gossip like Emily Fitzgerald? Upon my word I’m ashamed of -you! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Dean! Have you taken leave of your senses? - -DEAN. - -I might well put that question to you, Mrs. O’Farrel. But I refrain from -vulgar _tu quoque_ repartee. I have no more to say except to warn you -that before looking after the morals of my daughter, you had far better -look after those of your son. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -My son? - -DEAN. - -Precisely—your son. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -What do you mean? - -DEAN. - -I and others—unlike yourself, I will not drag in the names of -outsiders—have for some time past watched your son and Lady Patricia with -grief and dismay. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Patricia! - -DEAN. - -Just now you believed your son had been impertinently taking Clare to -task for her charming friendship with Michael Cosway. I am convinced -you were mistaken. It was Clare who had been warning your son that his -indiscretions were becoming the talk of the place. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Bill entangled with Patricia! And Clare—_Clare_ preaching propriety! It’s -too laughable! A boy’s innocent homage for a woman at least ten years his -senior! You’re a very foolish old man. - -DEAN. - -Again I put away from me the _tu quoque_ retort.... Add two and two -together. I don’t for a moment blame _her_. I can’t find it in my heart -to blame her. The dear and beautiful creature is as God made her: -exquisitely sensitive, sentimental and infinitely affectionate.... But I -warn you, Mrs. O’Farrel, I warn you. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I refuse to hear another word. You ought to be ashamed of yourself!... -And the saddest part of the whole affair is my poor boy’s undoubted -affection for your daughter. - -DEAN. - -Affection for Clare! I don’t believe it! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Are you his mother? - -DEAN. - -Certainly not!... But I have watched him—with the result that I am -convinced of his infatuation for Lady Patricia. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Fiddle-sticks! - -DEAN. - -And I may as well tell you, though you will not believe it, that my poor -girl’s affections are centred on your son. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Oh, dam’ foolishness! - -DEAN. - -This has gone far enough, Mrs. O’Farrel. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Quite far enough. I am going home. - -DEAN. - -So am I. - - (_Followed by the DEAN, MRS. O’FARREL moves towards the - central ladder. Suddenly he stops, hurries on tiptoe - to the back, and looks cautiously over the railing. He - whispers_:) - -Eileen!... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -What is it? - -DEAN. - -Hush!... Clare’s coming here with Michael Cosway. I offer you a chance to -substantiate the aspersions you have made against her character. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -What do you mean? - -DEAN. - -We will conceal ourselves in the summer-house and hear what they have to -say to each other. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Really, Dean! - -DEAN. - -We may disregard the rules of ordinary morality in a situation like this. -I speak professionally. Quick! (_He draws her towards the summer-house._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Well, upon my word!... - - (_They go into the summer-house, and sit with the door - open, but invisible in the gloom of the interior. Voices - are heard beneath. Then CLARE enters on the left, followed - by MICHAEL._) - -CLARE. - -Father!... (_She looks around her._) Why, they’ve gone!... - -MICHAEL. - -They must have returned to the house. - -CLARE. - -We had better go too. - -MICHAEL. - -Oh, Clare, a moment.... Look at me, dear.... (_He takes her hands._) - -CLARE. - -Well? - -MICHAEL. - -Are you unhappy? - -CLARE. - -Why should I be? - -MICHAEL. - -You are no longer the wild and buoyant thing you were. You have grown so -pensive and _distrait_. And is it my jealous imagination?—so often lately -you have seemed to avoid me.... - -CLARE. - -I—I’m sorry.... - -MICHAEL. - -There’s trouble in your eyes, my dearest. Clare, do you chafe at the -restrictions fate has put on our love? - -CLARE. - -Oh, I—I don’t know. I’m all right, Michael—but you—— We’d better go in -now. Father’s waiting for me. - -MICHAEL. - -Clare. - -CLARE. - -Yes. - -MICHAEL. - -Kiss me before you go. - -CLARE. - -Oh, not now.... - -MICHAEL. - -(_Bending down to her._) Kiss me, dear. - - (_She kisses him perfunctorily on the cheek; he sighs; - she turns and descends the ladder on the left; he follows - her._) - -How sweet it is!... - -CLARE. - -Sweet? - -MICHAEL. - -Your “pigtail,” dear. The sight of it makes me feel a boy again. I should -like to pull it and run away. - - (_CLARE laughs and they both descend out of sight. A - pause. The nightingale starts singing. MRS. O’FARREL - emerges from the summer-house. Her step is almost jaunty - with suppressed triumph, and her manner elaborately - off-hand. The DEAN remains invisible in the summer-house._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Ah, the nightingale! How charmingly it sings to-night!... I do wish we -had some nightingales at Ashurst. I suppose they prefer low-lying ground -like this.... Do they sing in your garden at the Deanery? - - (_The DEAN comes out of the summer-house in a very - crestfallen condition._) - -DEAN. - -Eileen—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_Cheerfully._) Yes? - -DEAN. - -This is dreadful—dreadful.... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -On the contrary, I think it’s most delightful! One can hear every note so -perfectly at this elevation. - -DEAN. - -Is it generous of you—is it generous of you, Eileen, to flaunt your -terrible triumph like this? I am heart-broken! I am distracted! What on -earth am I to do? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_Pouring him out a whisky-and-soda._) Drink this! - -DEAN. - -(_Pettishly._) I don’t care for whisky. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Oh, you needn’t make such a fuss! It’s perfectly obvious from what we saw -just now that no real harm has been done. The way she kissed Michael—— - - (_She bursts out laughing._) - -DEAN. - -How can you, Eileen? How can you? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -It reminded me of a child taking castor-oil!... But Michael—the -double-faced hypocrisy of the man! I’m really very sorry for Patricia. - -DEAN. - -I don’t see the necessity for lavishing sympathy on her. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -What do you mean? Doesn’t she believe he returns her devotion? - -DEAN. - -Her devotion doesn’t prevent her philandering with other men, as I told -you just now. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Well, upon my word! I wouldn’t have believed it! In spite of this gross -example of your obtuseness, you still have the—the audacity to stick to -your slander against Bill! Really I—— (_She stops short, listens, then -hurries to the back and looks over the railing. She turns to the DEAN and -speaks in a quiet whisper._) We must hide in the summer-house.... - -DEAN. - -Eh? What? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -At once! Bill and Patricia are returning here. You will see for yourself -there’s nothing more between them than cousinly regard. - -DEAN. - -I refuse to eavesdrop a lady. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -But you deliberately did it a moment ago. - -DEAN. - -Clare is my daughter. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Fiddlesticks! (_Pushes him before her._) Quick now! - -DEAN. - -I submit—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Hush! - -DEAN. - -—Under protest.... - - (_She shepherds the DEAN into the summer-house just as - PATRICIA and BILL come up the central ladder._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Cousin Bill and I have discovered that guelder-roses are guelder-roses -after all.... Why, Bill dear, they’re not here! - -BILL. - -Got impatient, I suppose, and went back to the house. About time we did -the same. It’s getting late. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Dreamily._) _Too late, too late! Ye cannot enter now!_ - -BILL. - -What d’you say? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I was quoting Tennyson. - -BILL. - -Oh.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You know the lines, don’t you? Listen: - - _Late, late, so late! and dark the night and chill!_ - _Late, late, so late, but we can enter still!_ - _Too late, too late! Ye cannot enter now!_ - -So sweet and sad, are they not? Don’t you love sweet, sad things? - -BILL. - -Rather. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -_Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought._ - -BILL. - -Rather.... I say, hadn’t we better be going? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Bill.... - -BILL. - -Yes. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Her hands on his shoulders._) Do you love me as you used to? - -BILL. - -I say, why d’you—you don’t think—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -No—no—no—ah, no! I know well enough that your love is deeper and -stronger than it was. But this sacred love—this hopeless love of ours has -swept you suddenly into manhood. You are no longer a boy; you are graver; -you are sadder.... And if sometimes you seem to avoid me now, it’s due -to no cooling of passion, but to the fear lest the pent-up lava at your -heart should overflow and ruin us both. - -BILL. - -I say, you do put things awfully well! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Petrarch and Laura—Paolo and Francesca—Lancelot and Guinevere.... -Bill—no, William and Patricia.... Ah, my poor boy, put your arm around -me, and say those lines of Lovelace that I taught you. - -BILL. - -Oh, I say—really, you know—— On my honour, I’ve forgotten ’em.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -No, no! You’re merely shy—bashful—boyish! I love to hear you say that -verse. (_She starts him._) _Yet this_—— - -BILL. - -_Yet this—yet this_—— What’s the word? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -_Yet this inconstancy_—— - -BILL. - -(_In a self-conscious sing-song._) - - _Yet this inconstancy is such_ - _As you, too, shall adore;_ - _I could not love thee, dear, so much,_ - _Loved I not honour more._ - -LADY PATRICIA. - -_Loved I not honour more...._ Love—duty—honour—— (_She sighs deeply._) -Come, dear.... - - (_They go out on the left. A pause. The DEAN comes out of - the summer-house. He barely conceals his triumph under a - mask of outraged propriety. MRS. O’FARREL follows him._) - -DEAN. - -H’m.... Cousinly regard!... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -It’s shocking! Outrageous! - -DEAN. - -It is indeed. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -—That you shouldn’t even pretend to hide your satisfaction at the scene -we have just witnessed. - -DEAN. - -Satisfaction! I assure you, dear lady, I’m shocked and grieved—deeply -grieved, that your son should prove capable of such depravity. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -My son! You know as well as I do that the foolish boy has been bewitched -by that unprincipled woman. - -DEAN. - -Come, come, Eileen. In common fairness we should apportion the blame -equally—though, indeed, my experience has generally led me to the -conclusion that the _man_ is more to blame in these cases than the woman. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -_Your_ experience! Quite so!... I shall give Patricia my plain, -unvarnished opinion of herself and forbid her my house. You will tell -Michael that he’s a scoundrel and a libertine. - -DEAN. - -No, no, no! Tact, tact, my dear Eileen, tact and diplomacy!... Let us -calmly review the position. Cosway’s and Lady Patricia’s relations with -Clare and your son, though highly culpable, appear to be blameless of the -worst, and considerably more—er—ardent on the part of the married couple -than of the single. So much is—er—unhappily evident. Now, do you still -maintain that your son is—er—interested in Clare? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I am certain of it. - -DEAN. - -Incredible! Of course, I _know_—in spite of appearances—that Clare feels -strongly for your son. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Fudge! - -DEAN. - -Now, my dear Eileen, pray don’t fall back on contradiction. What we have -both got to do is to bring these young people together—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Hush! D’you hear? (_She goes quickly to the back and looks out. A -pause._) All four of them! Of course, they went up to the house to look -for us.... What shall we do? - -DEAN. - -Ah! (_Goes to the railing at the back._) Allow me.... (_Calls._) Clare.... - -CLARE. - -(_Beneath._) Hullo!... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_Excitedly._) But are you going to let them know—— - -DEAN. - -I beg you, Eileen, to sit down and control yourself. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Well, but I should like to know—— - -DEAN. - -Will you kindly entrust the conduct of the situation entirely to me. -Take your cue from me, and above all, be tactful and dignified. (_He sits -down with unction._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I really believe you are thoroughly enjoying yourself. - -DEAN. - -Pray don’t be flippant, Eileen. This is a very serious matter. - - (_He crosses his legs and fixes his eyeglass as CLARE - enters up the central ladder followed by LADY PATRICIA, - BILL, and MICHAEL._) - -CLARE. - -We thought you had gone back to the house. - -DEAN. - -Indeed. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I really believe they went to depreciate the guelder-roses as well! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -We did nothing of the sort, Patricia, and let—— - -DEAN. - -Kindly allow me, Mrs. O’Farrel.... No, Lady Patricia, we have not been to -examine the guelder-roses. We have been all the time here. - -LADY PATRICIA, BILL, MICHAEL, CLARE. - -Here!... - -DEAN. - -We have been all the time—_here_. - -MICHAEL. - -But—but I returned a short while ago, and you were certainly not here -then. - -DEAN. - -Excuse me, sir—we were. - -CLARE. - -But we never saw you.... - -DEAN. - -That I can quite believe. We, however, saw you and Mr. Cosway quite -distinctly. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Most distinctly! And I—— - -DEAN. - -Allow me, Mrs. O’Farrel.... - -BILL. - -But, I say—— - -DEAN. - -Sir? - -BILL. - -You can’t have been here a minute or two ago when Patri—— Cousin Patricia -and I—— - -DEAN. - -Pardon me, sir—we were. - -BILL. - -But, I say, you must have hidden yourselves somewhere, because—— - -DEAN. - -Your mother and I were sitting in the summer-house. - -BILL, CLARE. - -Oh ...! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Oh!... O—oh!... (_She gropes for a chair, she sits down heavily._) - -MICHAEL. - -What—what is the matter, dear? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Nothing.... I—I am a little faint—— - -MICHAEL. - -The—the night is certainly oppressive.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I—I’m all right now.... - - (_A pause. The nightingale starts singing._) - -DEAN. - -(_To CLARE._) I think it is high time to go.... Did you see whether the -carriage had arrived? - -CLARE. - -Yes, it’s there. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Come, Bill, we must be getting home. - -DEAN. - -(_Solemnly._) I have several weighty additions to make to my sermon -to-morrow—additions which certain events to-night have suggested. I -trust you will all be at the Cathedral for morning service. (_An awkward -silence. The DEAN waves his hand towards the central ladder._) Mrs. -O’Farrel.... (_MRS. O’FARREL passes and descends._) Clare.... (_CLARE -passes him and descends. He says with impressive unconcern_:) The -nightingale sings most divinely to-night! - - (_He goes out, BILL following him with a hang-dog air. - BALDWIN enters on the left just as LADY PATRICIA and - MICHAEL move to the central ladder._) - -BALDWIN. - -If you please, sir.... - -MICHAEL. - -What is it, Baldwin? What is it? - -BALDWIN. - -If you please, sir, will you be using them lanterns agin to-night? - -MICHAEL. - -No. - -BALDWIN. - -Then I ’ad better take ’em down, sir? - -MICHAEL. - -Yes, take them down. (_To LADY PATRICIA._) Come, dear. - - (_BALDWIN starts fiddling about with the strings of the - lanterns._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Wearily._) Yes, darling. - -BALDWIN. - -(_Lowering the first lamp._) Whoa!... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Speaking in a passionate whisper._) Will you love me, Michael, -always—always—and no matter what may happen? - -MICHAEL. - -(_Taking her hands._) I? How can you ask? But you—could you still love me -if—if—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -If——? - -MICHAEL. - -If I were unworthy? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You! - - (_They descend the central ladder._) - -BALDWIN. - -(_Lowering the second lantern._) Whoa!... (_He blows out the candle and -folds the lamp up. Then he goes leisurely for the next lantern and lowers -it._) Whoa!... (_He blows it out, folds it up and goes for the next -lantern and the curtain descends while he is lowering it. When it rises -again, he says_:) Whoa!... (_And folds it up._) - - -(END OF THE SECOND ACT.) - - - - -THE THIRD ACT - -SCENE:—_The Deanery garden. At the back is a wing of the Deanery, -red-bricked, Norman-arched, with mullioned windows and a heavy door -opening on to the lawn. On the right, three-quarters across the -background, the house ends, and an old machicholated wall begins, with a -great brass-studded double gateway in the middle of it, in the left side -of which is a wicket with grating. The door opens on the Deanery Close -and a view of the Cathedral in the distance. The garden is all lawn, -flower-bed, and old trees. From the great door, and running diagonally -across the stage and out to the left in front, is a stone-flagged path. -Another path from the house-door joins it about the centre of the stage. -On the lawn in the foreground stands a table spread for breakfast, with -two chairs beside it. It is a brilliant Sunday morning in June._ - - - (_When the curtain rises, JOHN, the DEAN’S butler and - verger of the Cathedral, and ROBERT, the page, are putting - finishing touches to the breakfast-table. After a moment - the DEAN enters and goes to the table._) - -DEAN. - -What a morning! Fragrant! Exquisite! Ha! (_He sniffs the air -appreciatively, fixes his eyeglass and beams around him._) A _happy_ -Whitsun, John. - -JOHN. - -Thank you, sir. Same to you, sir. - -DEAN. - -Eh?... Oh, certainly! - -JOHN. - -Yes, sir. It’s mornings like this, sir, that one feels a inclination to -sing the tedium. - -DEAN. - -To sing the—er——? - -JOHN. - -The tedium, sir. - -DEAN. - -The _Te Deum_! Ah, yes, to be sure! To sing the _Te Deum_. Most -appropriate! (_Looks at his watch._) A quarter to ten. - -JOHN. - -Yes, sir. It’s highly significant to see so many people at early service -this morning, sir. Highly significant. - - (_ROBERT goes out._) - -DEAN. - -Ah, yes!... Is Miss Clare in the garden? - -JOHN. - -I believe she is, sir. - -DEAN. - -Well, she’ll be here in a minute. I think, as it’s rather late, I had -better begin at once. Is this all you’re giving me to-day, John? - -JOHN. - -Oh, no, sir. There’s an omelette with asparagus-tops to come. - -DEAN. - -Good. Very good! In the meantime these delicious fruits. - - (_Sits at the table._) - -JOHN. - -Yes, sir. If you please, sir, Mr. Cosway’s gardener was here this morning -before you came back from church. As far as I could gather he had some -message from her ladyship which he refused to leave. I gathered he had -instructions to give it to you direct, sir. - -DEAN. - -Oh ... ah ... h’m.... Is he here now? - -JOHN. - -No, sir; I told him to come back at ten o’clock. He’s gone to the -cemetery to visit the grave of his first wife. - -DEAN. - -Bring him here when he comes. - -JOHN. - -Very good, sir. - - (_JOHN goes into the house. The DEAN daintily skins a - peach, humming gently, “Every morn I bring thee violets.” - After a moment CLARE enters from the left, a bunch of pink - and white may in her hand. She is obviously in a shocking - temper._) - -CLARE. - -Good morning, father. - -DEAN. - -Good morning, Clare. May! Is it for me? - -CLARE. - -You can have it if you like. - - (_She lays it beside his plate and sits down._) - -DEAN. - -Thank you, my dear. Fragrant, delicately-tinted, fresh and dewy as -young girls. (_He regards her critically._) But _you_ don’t look quite -yourself, my child. - -CLARE. - -I? - -DEAN. - -A little tired. Perhaps you slept badly? - -CLARE. - -I’m as fit as a fiddle, and I slept like a log. - -DEAN. - -These peaches are delicious. Try one. - -CLARE. - -Aren’t there any cherries yet? - -DEAN. - -I’m afraid not. “Fruits in due season,” you know, my dear! - -CLARE. - -What about your peaches? - -DEAN. - -That’s different, quite different. An early peach cannot be too early. -They live in glass houses—— - -CLARE. - -(_Significantly._) And don’t throw their stones.... I’ll have a cup of -tea. - -DEAN. - -There’s an omelette with asparagus-tops on the way. - -CLARE. - -I’m not hungry. - -DEAN. - -Oh, that’s a pity! I suppose it’s this exceptionally early summer. - -CLARE. - -Yes. I was unbearably hot all night. And so thirsty that I drank nearly -all the water in my jug. - -DEAN. - -Dear me! Wasn’t there any in the carafe? - -CLARE. - -I drank that as well. - -DEAN. - -Really? It seems to me that for a log you were somewhat restive last -night. - -CLARE. - -A log? - -DEAN. - -I thought you slept like a log. - -CLARE. - -I scarcely slept a wink. - -DEAN. - -Well, well, my dear, so long as you feel—to use your expression—as fit as -a fiddle, it—— - -CLARE. - -I feel rotten. - - (_JOHN enters with the omelette, ROBERT with plates._) - -DEAN. - -I’m sorry. I didn’t go to bed until very late myself. Those little -additions to my sermon took me longer than I had anticipated. (_JOHN and -ROBERT go out, having placed the dish before the DEAN._) This looks most -inviting. And as there doesn’t seem to be much of it, I’m not, on the -whole, sorry that you’ve lost your appetite this morning! It’s an ill -wind that—— - -CLARE. - -May I have some, please? - -DEAN. - -Changeable young person! - -CLARE. - -Well, of course, if you grudge me a little piece of your omelette—— - -DEAN. - -Not at all, my dear! Not at all! - - (_He offers her a liberal helping._) - -CLARE. - -You needn’t give me three-quarters of it. - -DEAN. - -Very well. You had better take the other piece, then. - -CLARE. - -Oh, it doesn’t matter! - - (_Impatiently she takes the larger helping._) - -DEAN. - -(_Genially._) I don’t mind confessing that I’m very hungry, so unless you -really want it, my dear—— - -CLARE. - -Oh, for goodness’ sake, father, take the whole lot! I’m sure I don’t -want to deprive you of your food! - -DEAN. - -What a peppery young lady it is! I was only joking. - -CLARE. - -I may be sadly lacking in humour, but jokes about omelettes and the -condition of one’s stomach never much appealed to me. - -DEAN. - -Really, my dear child, I should much prefer your not using that word. - -CLARE. - -Stomach? - -DEAN. - -Yes. - -CLARE. - -Oh! I do hope you’re not going to suggest I should say “Little Mary”! - -DEAN. - -(_Puzzled._) Little Mary? I—er—don’t quite see the connection.... Is -there any reason for alluding to that—er—portion of the anatomy? - -CLARE. - -I was under the impression that _you_ made the first allusion to it. - -DEAN. - -My dear, I merely mentioned the fact that I was hungry. - -CLARE. - -Well, you’re not hungry with your foot, are you? - -DEAN. - -Don’t you think this bickering rather silly and childish? - -CLARE. - -Very. - -DEAN. - -(_After a pause, and with a change of voice but unabated cheerfulness._) -Unclouded sunshine and a sense of deep peace and repose! My ideal of an -English Sunday! John told me just now that he feels inclined to sing the -_Te Deum_ on mornings like this. - -CLARE. - -Why don’t you come to the point, father? - -DEAN. - -The point?... - -CLARE. - -Yes. - -DEAN. - -I don’t quite understand. - -CLARE. - -I think you owe me some explanation of your extraordinary action last -night. - -DEAN. - -_My_ extraordinary action!... - -CLARE. - -Yes—in deliberately hiding yourself in the summer-house to overhear a -private conversation. - -DEAN. - -You amaze me, Clare! Instead of being grateful for my silence on the -events of yesterday, you turn on me as though you had a grievance! My -action was amply justified by the circumstances. - -CLARE. - -I don’t see how eavesdropping can ever be justified. And now you’re bent -on giving us “beans” from the pulpit. I’m awfully sorry to have to say -it, father, but really it’s rotten bad form.... - -DEAN. - -We won’t discuss the matter any further. Believe me, I am the best judge -of my actions. - -CLARE. - -And I of mine. - -DEAN. - -You refer to the unhappy discoveries Mrs. O’Farrel and I made last night? - -CLARE. - -I do. - -DEAN. - -Certainly, if you’re heartily ashamed of yourself, you’re a competent -judge of your actions. - -CLARE. - -I’m not in the least ashamed of myself. - -DEAN. - -Then, my dear child—— - -CLARE. - -And why should I be? I’ve done nothing wrong. - -DEAN. - -You have done very wrong indeed. But I don’t wish to exaggerate. Of -course, I know this has been nothing more than a foolish flirtation. -Reprehensible—most reprehensible. A grave error, but scarcely a sin. We -will say no more about it.... One thing, however, I am bound to insist -upon after what came to my knowledge last night. You must have nothing -more to do with that young man. - -CLARE. - -What young man? Michael’s forty, if he’s a day. - -DEAN. - -I was not speaking of Mr. Cosway. Honestly, your future relations with -him don’t cause me acute anxiety. I was alluding to young O’Farrel. - -CLARE. - -(_Sitting up._) Bill! - -DEAN. - -I think, my dear, we will leave the use of his Christian name to the -unhappy lady—or ladies—with whom he is intimate. Certain facts have -come to my knowledge. He is not a fit companion for a young girl. Your -acquaintance with him must cease from to-day. - -CLARE. - -Oh!... And may I ask what he has done? - -DEAN. - -It is quite superfluous to go into—er—unsavoury details. - -CLARE. - -You seriously expect me to cut him because he doesn’t quite meet with -your approval? - -DEAN. - -I expect you to obey me implicitly. - -CLARE. - -(_Rising._) I had better tell you at once, father, that I shall do -nothing of the kind. - - (_The gateway bell rings._) - -DEAN. - -Clare! (_The DEAN looks at the gateway and lowers his voice._) You forget -yourself! - -CLARE. - -His crime hasn’t by chance anything to do with Patricia? - -DEAN. - -H’m—well, since you appear to know something about this, it would -be—er—affectation on my part to deny it. His conduct has been shameful, -outrageous, and ungentlemanly. - -CLARE. - -His conduct has been splendid. That detestable creature got hold of him -somehow, and he behaved perfectly from start to finish. Of course you -side with her because you think her pretty. But—— - -DEAN. - -We won’t discuss the matter any further, my child. You are very young and -headstrong and inexperienced, and must learn to repose implicit faith in -your father’s judgment. You are not to see this young man again. - -CLARE. - -I’m sorry, father, but I refuse to obey you. - -DEAN. - -Clare! - -CLARE. - -It’s grossly unjust—it’s mean and horrid. I won’t do such a caddish -thing even for you. I am going to see him now. - - (_JOHN enters and goes to the gateway._) - -DEAN. - -Clare, remember I have forbidden it. - -CLARE. - -(_Beside herself._) I don’t care! I’m going to him now! I won’t go to -church to be preached at. I’m going to him. You can turn me out of your -house, if you like, father. But I won’t obey you. I won’t. - - (_She storms into the house._) - -DEAN. - -Clare, how dare you! (_Directly she has disappeared, he laughs -heartily._) Oh! Most satisfactory. - - (_He changes plates and commences on CLARE’S untouched - omelette. JOHN, who has looked through the grating and - recognised BALDWIN outside, goes to the DEAN._) - -JOHN. - -Mr. Cosway’s gardener has just called again, sir. - -DEAN. - -Very well. Bring him round. - -JOHN. - -Yes, sir. - - (_He goes to the gateway and opens the wicket. The DEAN - continues eating his breakfast. BALDWIN enters in Sunday - broadcloth and a broad-brimmed, black, soft felt hat. He - carries an abnormally large prayer-book and hymn-book._) - -JOHN. - -Mr. Baldwin, sir. - - (_JOHN goes out._) - -DEAN. - -Ah.... Good morning, Baldwin. - -BALDWIN. - -Mornin’, sir. - -DEAN. - -You have a message for me from her ladyship? - -BALDWIN. - -Yessir. - - (_He places his two books on the ground, plunges into his - right-hand breast-pocket and produces a letter._) - -I would ’a lef’ this at the door, sir, without troublin’ you, but ’er -ladyship when she give it me said most particular as I was to ’and it to -you personal, sir. - -DEAN. - -Quite so. Quite so. - - (_Opens the envelope and reads._) - -BALDWIN. - -(_After fumbling in the left-hand breast-pocket, produces a second -letter._) And ’ere’s the other letter, sir. - -DEAN. - -Eh, what? Another? - -BALDWIN. - -Yessir. As I was leavin’ ’ome, the master come up and give it me, and -said most particular as I was to ’and it to you personal. - -DEAN. - -Oh.... (_Takes the letter and reads it through._) Er—thank you.... I -understand you’ve been to visit the grave of the late Mrs. Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -I ’ave that, sir. She was a good wife to me, sir, though she did give me -ondly two.... I’ve ’ad thirteen, sir, an’ two of ’em by ’er. - -DEAN. - -Thirteen! Excellent! Excellent! - -BALDWIN. - -Yessir. Thirteen’s an onlucky number, I’ve ’eard tell, but I ain’t -suspicious. - -DEAN. - -(_Laughing gently._) And how many of the thirteen are girls, Baldwin? - -BALDWIN. - -Nine of ’em, sir—leastways, I think as ’ow nine of ’em is female. (_He -tots them off on his fingers._) H’Annie, and H’Effel, ’Enrietta, Louisa, -Maggie, Victoria ... H’Alice.... H’Edith.... an’—an’ Milly. Yessir—nine. -The rest is boys. - -DEAN. - -Nine! Dear me! What a terrible responsibility. Their upbringing must have -been very trying. Nine! - -BALDWIN. - -Yessir. They do give a bit more worry than boys. But Mrs. Baldwin’s a -rare ’and at tacklin’ ’er own sects. - -DEAN. - -Oh, really? And what measures did she take when they were fractious and -disobedient? - -BALDWIN. - -She ’anded ’em over to me, sir. - -DEAN. - -And what did you do? - -BALDWIN. - -I thrashed ’em. - -DEAN. - -Did you really! That never dawned on me as a practical measure.... I -wonder—I wonder whether all girls would derive benefit from—er—occasional -chastisement. - -BALDWIN. - -You take my word for it, sir. All my girls ’ave gorne straight and -married respec’able. - -DEAN. - -Gone straight and married respectably! All nine of them!... And do you -put down this happy result to your special treatment? - -BALDWIN. - -Yessir. - -DEAN. - -Most interesting! Most interesting! I must think it over—I must indeed.... - - (_JOHN enters._) - -JOHN. - -Mrs. O’Farrel has called, sir. - -DEAN. - -Oh.... Ask her out here, John. - -JOHN. - -Very good, sir. - - (_He goes out._) - - (_The DEAN takes up the letters and glances through them. - A pause. He looks up and sees BALDWIN standing patiently - watching him._) - -DEAN. - -Ah, Baldwin—yes.... What was I saying? - -BALDWIN. - -You said as you’d think it over, sir. - -DEAN. - -Oh, to be sure! Physical chastisement for girls. Quite so. - - (_Enter JOHN from the house followed by MRS. O’FARREL._) - -JOHN. - -Mrs. O’Farrel. - - (_He goes out._) - -DEAN. - -(_Rising with outstretched hands._) My dear Eileen! This is a most -unexpected pleasure! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Nonsense. You guessed I should turn up. - -DEAN. - -Well, I may have hoped it. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Good morning, Baldwin. - -BALDWIN. - -Mornin’, ma’am. - -DEAN. - -Baldwin has been giving me sage advice on the up-bringing of girls. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -You need it. - -DEAN. - -He’s a great advocate of—er—corporal punishment. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Oh!... That’s all very well when they’re in short frocks, Baldwin. But -afterwards, I don’t exactly see how—— - -DEAN. - -Quite so.... - -BALDWIN. - -I thrashed Milly when she was turned twenty, mum. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Upon my word! What on earth had the girl done? - -BALDWIN. - -Mrs. Baldwin found ’er sittin ’on Constable ’Iggins’ knee—’e was a -married man, as you may remember, sir, and ’e—— - - (_MRS. O’FARREL bursts out laughing._) - -DEAN. - -(_Hastily._) Yes, yes, yes, Baldwin.... Neither of these notes requires -an answer, thank you. Good morning. - -BALDWIN. - -Mornin’, sir. Mornin’, ma’am. - - (_He goes out slowly, inadvertently leaving his books on - the ground. MRS. O’FARREL is still amused._) - -DEAN. - -Well? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Well?... - -DEAN. - -I said it first. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -And I’m a woman. - -DEAN. - -True. To begin with I’ve just received these two notes. (_Hands her the -letters._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_Opening a letter._) From Patricia!... Now I really wonder whether this -terribly agitated handwriting is put on. - -DEAN. - -Be generous, Eileen! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -What on earth does the woman mean by scrawling “Sunrise” on the top of -the page? - -DEAN. - -Presumably that was when she wrote the letter. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Oh, I see! She wants you to believe she paced her room in wakeful agony -all night. (_Reads._) “Sunrise. I have need of confession. I will call -at the Deanery before morning service—PATRICIA COSWAY.” Confession! -Evidently she means to enjoy herself!... (_Opens the other note and -reads._) “DEAR DEAN,—I am calling on you before morning service to-day. I -trust, in spite of all that has happened, you will not refuse to receive -me—MICHAEL COSWAY.” Very interesting. What do you intend to do? - -DEAN. - -Honestly, I haven’t made up my mind yet. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I protest against your giving Patricia and yourself the luxury of private -confession. She owes _me_ her precious confession, not _you_. Have her -out here, and we’ll trounce her together. - -DEAN. - -Poor woman! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Fiddle-de-dee! She’s having the time of her life. I wonder whether -they’ve confessed to each other. - -DEAN. - -I shouldn’t think so—but I mean that they shall. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -So do I.... Well, Dean, I’ve had it out with my son. - -DEAN. - -Ah.... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Driving home last night I talked about the likelihood of a thunderstorm, -Crême de Menthe and lawn-tennis, and made him thoroughly uncomfortable. - -DEAN. - -Then you said nothing about—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Not a word. And we both went to bed. He came down to breakfast in a -shocking temper. I cheerfully exhausted two tedious subjects: the House -of Lords and domestic servants. Suddenly he lost his manners—cut me -short—and plunged into the sad story of Patricia and himself.... Now, -I’d had time to think the matter over! I treated the whole thing as a -youthful peccadillo and mildly suggested he had better put an end to it. -The poor dear boy was completely floored. I’m sure he’d prepared himself -against a regular tornado. He simply sat there and stared at me.... Then -abruptly I turned the conversation on to your daughter. - -DEAN. - -Eh? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I described her conduct as scandalous, herself as a hussy, and wound up -with a burst of gratitude that he’d been Patricia’s victim instead of -hers. - -DEAN. - -Most remarkable! And what did the young man say? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -He dazzled me with an amazing flare-up. Exhausted his vocabulary on my -injustice and Clare’s perfections, and stormed out of the room, leaving -me with tingling ears. - -DEAN. - -And now? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Presumably he’s gone in search of this maligned young woman. My blessings -attend on him!... Well, Dean, I’m a brilliant and original tactician, -what? - -DEAN. - -Brilliant, certainly—original, no! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -No? - -DEAN. - -Not ten minutes ago I adopted precisely the same tactics with Clare and -achieved precisely the same result. She’s searching for your worthless -son at present. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Upon my word, I should never have credited you with so much sense! - -DEAN. - -My dear Eileen, I put down the tragedy of so many women’s lives—— - - (_Enter JOHN._) - -JOHN. - -(_Announcing._) Lady Patricia Cosway. - - (_Enter LADY PATRICIA. She is dressed in black from head - to foot. JOHN goes out._) - -DEAN. - -(_Rising._) Lady Patricia, this is indeed an—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -No, Dean; it’s neither unexpected nor a pleasure. - -DEAN. - -I must really beg of you, Eileen! (_To PATRICIA._) Won’t you sit down? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Who has been standing at the back in an attitude of majestic humility. -She speaks with pleading dignity._) Do you refuse me your hand?... - -DEAN. - -(_At her side, and taking her black-gloved hand in both of his._) My dear -lady! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Ah.... You were always large-minded and gentle and tolerant.... Aunt -Eileen.... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Well? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -They told me you were here, so I came out. I am determined to speak -before you both. It was not what I had meant to do. I had hoped to lay -bare my secret soul in secret to the Dean. Deliberately I have chosen the -fiercer ordeal. For I expect and deserve no sympathy from you, no mercy, -no forgiveness, no understanding.... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I think I understand you well enough, Patricia. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -But do you? Oh, do you? Can any one so sane and practical understand -this living paradox? Can prose ever understand poetry? I am the refined -essence of spirit and sense. I am a thing of fire and dew. I have in me -the making of a great saint and a great courtesan.... - -DEAN. - -(_Hurriedly._) Yes, yes; we quite understand.... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Go ahead, Patricia. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -If you really understand, my task will be so much the easier! For -understanding is the beginning of sympathy. And sympathy ends in -forgiveness.... Dean, Aunt Eileen—will you be patient and listen to me -for a moment? - -DEAN. - -Of course we will. But won’t you sit down? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I should prefer to stand. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -It’s more effective, Dean. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -What you overheard yesterday gave you only a crude outline of my tragedy -and sin. All the colour, all the light and shadow were missing; and -without these you are bound to misjudge me.... Ah! don’t believe for a -moment I am seeking to justify myself! No! No! There _can_ be no real -justification for my sin.... But I _do_ want your understanding—I _do_ -want your pity—I _do_ want your pardon. And from you, Dean, I have come -for punishment—for penance—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Hand her over to Baldwin. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Baldwin? - -DEAN. - -Eileen! I beg of you! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -On the surface my marriage has been perfect. Michael is the husband -of old romance, steel-true, chivalrous, and devoted—oh! as no man was -ever devoted to a woman before! (_MRS. O’FARREL and the DEAN exchange -significant glances._) But he just lacked what the depths of my complex -nature cried out for—passion, simplicity, primeval energy. These he -hadn’t in him to give, and I wanted them, not knowing at first what -I wanted.... But when Bill came into my life—I knew—I knew ... and we -rushed together, drawn by the mystic gravitation of alien soul for soul. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -A moment, Patricia. I understand that my son has “primeval energy.” I’ve -never noticed it myself. What are its manifestations? - -DEAN. - -Don’t you think we can leave that to—er—the imagination? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Oh ... by all means! Then what do you mean by “rushing together”? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I use the expression metaphorically ... spiritually. (_With sudden -drama._) Dean—Aunt Eileen—I swear to you by all that is beautiful and -sacred that our love has been pure. You believe me? Ah, say you believe -me! - -DEAN. - -Why, of course we do! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -If you swore to the contrary, I should call you a liar! You’ve neither -the strength nor the courage to do more than play with sin. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I? I! Oh, how little you know me! Had you looked into my heart when -first this temptation stole upon me you would have never said anything -so foolish.... Shall I ever forget those long nights of battle when -my skin was dry and fevered—my pillow wet with tears? I lived with -clenched hands and bitten lip, and fixed my thoughts steadfastly on high -and holy things. Yes, I fought the good fight well—and if I was half -defeated ... I am but human.... At last it came—the day came when I lost -the battle.... Spring was in the air, sweet perfumes of budding and -burgeoning things ... above my head a blackbird fluted ... I had an early -snowdrop in my hand. He looked at me; I felt his eyes devouring my face. -Slowly I lifted mine—our eyes met—and no force on earth could have torn -them apart; and the world reeled and sang about us—— _Oh, and that bluer -blue, that greener green!..._ - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -That bluer blue—that——? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Stephen Phillips.... Ah, that moment! I was mad—I was drunk with love and -spring! - - DEAN Well? - AND (_Excitedly interested._) - MRS. O’FARREL. Yes? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Fate intervened and saved us. - -MRS. O’FARREL AND DEAN. - -(_Unfeignedly disappointed._) Fate? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Baldwin returned with the water. - -DEAN AND MRS. O’FARREL. - -The water? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -For the snowdrop. - - (_The DEAN coughs. MRS. O’FARREL solemnly scrutinises - PATRICIA through her lorgnette._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Doesn’t it occur to you that was rather funny? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Funny? No, oh no! I see a certain ironical humour in such banal -intervention. But it’s far too mysterious to be called funny. After that -I struggled no more against the stream. I drifted; I was carried down the -great ocean of love. But I never once faltered in my high resolve to keep -that ocean pure, and—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Ocean? What ocean? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -The ocean of love. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Sorry; my fault. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -To keep that ocean pure, and come what might, to shield Michael from -the least suspicion that his wonderful love was not returned. Deceit? -Oh, yes! But surely, surely deceit is justified when the alternative -means—death! - -DEAN. - -Death! Dear me! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Do you really think poor Michael would succumb if he learned the dreadful -truth? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I know it. Have you ever seen such devotion as his? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -It’s certainly remarkable.... - -DEAN. - -(_Briskly._) Now, Lady Patricia, are you prepared to put yourself -unreservedly in my hands? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I am. - -DEAN. - -Then I shall require two things of you. Firstly, that you break off these -relations with young O’Farrel. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I have determined on that already. I won’t speak of the suffering it -will cause _me_. I have merited suffering and will bear it in silence. -But when I think of him——! My poor, poor boy! What is to become of -him without me?... Oh, you are his mother—can you devise no means of -softening this blow for him? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -(_Reverently._) I think we may safely leave that in the hands of -Providence. - -DEAN. - -I quite share your opinion. Secondly, Lady Patricia, I wish you to tell -your husband everything. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Genuinely startled._) Michael! - -DEAN. - -Everything. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Very much in earnest._) No—no. It’s impossible. I could never think of -doing that. - -DEAN. - -You said just now you would place yourself unreservedly in my hands. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -But I never dreamt you intended to punish the innocent for my sin. Why -should Michael’s life and happiness be blighted because I’ve strayed from -righteousness? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I think it’s just possible Michael may survive the shock. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -And I know that it will kill him. It’s impossible! - -DEAN. - -(_Sternly._) I insist. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -And I refuse. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -That brings _me_ into the fray! The Dean, as your confessor, no doubt -considers himself bound to keep your story secret. I don’t. So look here, -Patricia; unless you make a clean breast of this to Michael, I shall go -to him with it myself. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -No! No! I don’t believe you’re capable of such infamy. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Oh, yes I am. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I don’t believe it. I don’t believe it! It would be too cruel and wicked! -Aunt Eileen, for pity’s sake—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -You won’t get any pity out of me, my dear—not an ounce! Either you or I -tell Michael the story from start to finish—and if _I_ tell him, there -won’t be much left of your character when I’ve finished. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Wildly._) What am I to do? What am I to do? Dean—Dean—will you allow my -aunt to wreak her horrible vengeance on me by murdering my husband? - -DEAN. - -Oh, but really, I don’t think it will be quite so bad as that. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -But I know it—I know it! - -DEAN. - -Besides, how am I to prevent her—even if I wished to? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -As the mouthpiece of spiritual authority.... - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -I don’t care a rap for his spiritual authority. - -DEAN. - -You see. - - (_A pause. LADY PATRICIA stands rigid, with clenched - hands. Finally she speaks in a low, dull voice._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Then—you—really—mean—to—do—this? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Certainly. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I—am—ruined. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Nonsense! I’ve a strong idea this may be the saving of you both. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Ruined.... I should like to sit down. - -DEAN. - -My dear lady—— - - (_Brings her a chair._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Sits, and points blindly to the breakfast table._) Is that ... milk? - -DEAN. - -Yes. Would you—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I should like a little milk. (_The DEAN gives it to her._) Thank you.... -I—I will tell Michael all. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Bravo! We shall make a woman of you yet! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You are very hard and cruel and vindictive.... But I forgive you. - - (_JOHN enters._) - -JOHN. - -Mr. Cosway has called, sir. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_In a whisper._) Michael! - -DEAN. - -Where is he? - -JOHN. - -In the study, sir. - -DEAN. - -Lady Patricia—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -No—no—no. - -DEAN. - -Just a minute, John. - -JOHN. - -Yes, sir. - - (_Retires to the back._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -What does it mean? Why is he here? - -DEAN. - -He said he might call this morning on the way to church. Lady Patricia, -go to him now. Tell him everything now. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I can’t—I can’t—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Get it over, Patricia. - -DEAN. - -Come, dear lady—— - - (_He offers her his arm. LADY PATRICIA rises unsteadily, - stares for a moment wildly before her, then sits down - again._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I haven’t the strength—I haven’t the strength to go to him.... My knees -tremble. Bring him here and leave us together.... - -DEAN. - -(_Calling._) John. - - (_JOHN re-enters._) - -JOHN. - -Yes sir? - -DEAN. - -Ask Mr. Cosway to come here. - -JOHN. - -Yes sir. - - (_JOHN goes out._) - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Cheer up, Patricia! - -LADY PATRICIA. - - _A little since and I was glad, but now_ - _I never shall be glad or sad again...._ - -DEAN. - -I—er—beg your pardon? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Swinburne.... For the last time—for the last time, Aunt Eileen, I ask you -to spare me. - -DEAN. - -Perhaps, after all, we had better—— - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -No! Don’t be a fool, Dean! No, Patricia, you’ve got to go through with -this. Believe me, the result will astonish you. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -What do you mean? - - (_MICHAEL enters from the house._) - -DEAN. - -Ah, good morning, Cosway. - -MICHAEL. - -(_Standing still at the back and looking at LADY PATRICIA with startled -eyes; whispers._) Patricia!... Have you told her? - -DEAN. - -Hsh! - - (_Without greeting MRS. O’FARREL he goes to PATRICIA, who - stares straight before her._) - -MICHAEL. - -Patricia, dearest.... I—I didn’t expect to find you here. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Nor—I—you.... - -DEAN. - -Lady Patricia wants to speak to you privately. We—er—will leave you -together. - -MICHAEL. - -(_In a whisper._) Privately? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Good morning, Michael. - -MICHAEL. - -Er—good morning. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Delightful weather! - -MICHAEL. - -Yes—er—ver—very nice. - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Come along, Dean. (_Takes his arm and leads him to the house._) - -DEAN. - -(_As they go in._) Poor woman! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Fiddlesticks! - - (_They go into the house._) - -MICHAEL. - -You—you look so white and strange, dearest. Are you ill ... Patricia? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I am thirsty.... My throat is parched.... Please give me some milk.... - -MICHAEL. - -Milk?... Yes, dear. (_Moves towards the house._) I’ll be back in a moment. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -No—no. It is on the table. - -MICHAEL. - -The milk?... Oh, yes. I see. - - (_Pours her out inadvertently some of the hot milk for the - coffee, and kneeling at her side, offers it to her._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Taking milk._) Don’t kneel to me—don’t kneel to me! (_She takes a sip -of milk and hands it back to him with a wry face._) It is boiled.... -(_He places it back on the table._) - -MICHAEL. - -(_Returning to her._) Patricia! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -No—no—no—no! Don’t look at me—don’t touch me—stand up—stand away from -me.... - -MICHAEL. - -Patricia! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Do as I say. - -MICHAEL. - -(_Getting to his feet with a terrified face._) They—they have told -you—they—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Hush!... don’t speak. Give me time.... I—I am a broken woman. - -MICHAEL. - -No, no, no! I will cherish you—I will worship you—I will serve you on my -knees—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Genuinely puzzled._) Michael! - -MICHAEL. - -All the rest of my life—every hour—every moment—will be given to making -up for my sin. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_Amazed._) _Your_ sin? - -MICHAEL. - -My crime then. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -_Your_——! - -MICHAEL. - -(_Pouring forth the words in a torrent of passionate entreaty. LADY -PATRICIA stands staring at him first in bewilderment, then in amazement, -then in dawning comprehension, finally in arctic realisation._) It was -cruel of them—it was unfair to steal a march on me like this. For your -sake—for mine—they should have left the confession to me. I would have -withheld nothing. I would have told you all of my own free will. But -they’ve spoken. And I see it—they’ve put the vilest construction on the -few words they overheard last night. They have made you believe the worst -of me. But it’s not true, Patricia. I swear it. It’s not true. (_LADY -PATRICIA makes a gesture as though to speak._) No, no, let _me_ speak!... -I have been faithful to the letter of our marriage vow—I have been -unfaithful to the spirit. I am a man with a man’s passions, but for your -sake I fought and kept my sinful love pure. Doubt all else—but believe -that. You must believe it. You shall.... I am not trying to excuse -myself. There is no excuse for what I have done. But O, Patricia, you -know that to love and not to love isn’t in our control. And if I never -loved you with all the passion I pretended ... I’m really deeply attached -to you. It was for your sake I pretended. I felt it might kill you should -you ever dream that your wonderful love was not returned in full ... that -I loved ... elsewhere. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_In a cold, level voice._) What are you talking about? - -MICHAEL. - -(_Floored._) Eh ...? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You appear to be under the impression that the Dean and Aunt Eileen have -told me something unpleasant about you. - -MICHAEL. - -Well, haven’t they? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -They have told me nothing. - -MICHAEL. - -Oh.... I—I thought they had.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -And now perhaps you will kindly explain the meaning of all this. - -MICHAEL. - -I—I’ve told you everything. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Who is the woman? - -MICHAEL. - -Clare Lesley. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Clare—Lesley!... I don’t believe it—it’s impossible. I don’t believe -it!... (_MICHAEL is silent._) Do you mean to tell me that you don’t adore -me? - -MICHAEL. - -I’m—I’m very fond of you. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Fond of me? Then all your passion has been a sham, and you’ve been making -love to that—that—oh, what is the horrible word?... - -MICHAEL. - -(_Deferentially._) Er—impossible ...? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -No—no ... with two “p’s.” ... - -MICHAEL. - -Appalling ...? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -No.... Flapper.... Oh, how I’ve been fooled! And they know it—the Dean -and Aunt Eileen. You’ve made me a figure of fun—something to point and -jeer at.... Oh, I could kill myself and—you! - -MICHAEL. - -I am not worthy to live. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -And to think of all I have gone through for your sake—how I’ve forced -myself to take your kisses and return them—how for months and months I -fought and struggled to keep down the one great passion of my life. All -for your sake—all because I thought you loved me! Oh, the bitter irony of -it! - -MICHAEL. - -What do you mean by this? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -But now the one obstacle to my love has been removed. I will go to him -now—I will put my arms around him. He shall love me and I will love him. - -MICHAEL. - -What are you saying, Patricia? Are you mad? Of whom are you speaking? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Bill. Bill O’Farrel—Bill, whom I love and who loves me. - -MICHAEL. - -Bill O’Farrel! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -For two years he has been the passion of my soul. He will now become my -heart’s delight. Yes, Michael, you have taken my wonderful and unrequited -love for you too much for granted. You have played the infatuated husband -so artistically that I believed in it to the extent of playing the -infatuated wife in return. - -MICHAEL. - -You! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Yes, I! I remained with you—I pretended to be absorbed in you, because I -thought it would kill you if you realised that I wanted something more -than you. - -MICHAEL. - -Bill O’Farrel.... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Yes—Bill O’Farrel! - -MICHAEL. - -Does any one know of this? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -They all know. - -MICHAEL. - -That you’ve tricked and fooled me and made a laughing-stock of me? Oh—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -What have you done with me? - -MICHAEL. - -When did they find it out? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -They overheard us last night. - -MICHAEL. - -You and O’Farrel? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Yes. - -MICHAEL. - -In the tree—when they overheard us? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You, too! Ah, I see it all now—I see it all. She said I must confess to -you—that aunt—she said the result would astonish me. And now—now she’s -hugging herself with vindictive joy at having humiliated me to the dust. -But she has not finished with me yet. No! I can still strike back—and -strike I will! You have no love for me. Very well. I know where to go for -love. - -MICHAEL. - -What do you mean? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Bill loves me—he loves me—he worships me. I shall go to him—I shall hold -him to me—I shall love him. - -MICHAEL. - -I forbid it. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Who are you to forbid me? - -MICHAEL. - -I am your husband. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You! You are no husband of mine! He is my husband because he loves me! - -MICHAEL. - -If you go to him, I will return to Clare. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -To Clare! - -MICHAEL. - -To the girl who loves me with all the strength of her young heart and -soul. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -You shall never do that! - -MICHAEL. - -And who’s to prevent me? - -LADY PATRICIA. - -I. - -MICHAEL. - -You—the woman who has tricked me—fooled me, and now threatens to leave me -for another! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Threatens! I don’t threaten. I mean to do it. - -MICHAEL. - -Very well, then. Leave _me_ to go my own way. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Go to her. Go to her. And I will go to him. - - (_She turns and moves towards the house. He takes a step - or two to the left, then stops with an exclamation._) - -MICHAEL. - -Clare!... - -LADY PATRICIA. - -(_She turns, looks to the left, and starts with a faint cry._) Bill! - - (_They both stand irresolute and embarrassed. BILL - and CLARE enter from the left, also irresolute and - embarrassed._) - -BILL. - -Er—good morning, Cousin Patricia. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Good morning, Bill. - -CLARE. - -Good morning, Mr. Cosway. - -MICHAEL. - -Good morning, Clare. - -BILL. - -(_A pause. He says in a whisper to CLARE_:) I say—_you_ tell them. - -CLARE. - -(_In a whisper._) No—you. - -BILL. - -Awfully—er—jolly morning, Cousin Patricia, isn’t it. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Yes ... very ... jolly. - -CLARE. - -I’ve been for—for a walk, Mr. Cosway. - -MICHAEL. - -Oh, yes—it’s nice weather for walking. Are you tired? - -CLARE. - -Oh, no, thank you. (_To BILL in a whisper_:) Tell them.... - -BILL. - -I say ... I say, Michael. - -MICHAEL. - -Sir? - -BILL. - -You’ll be glad—I mean you’ll be awfully surprised to hear that I—that -Clare and I—that’s to say, that we’re—Clare and I, you know—— - -CLARE. - -(_In a whisper._) Oh, get it out! - -BILL. - -Well, you see—we’re engaged. - -LADY PATRICIA AND MICHAEL. - -Engaged! - -BILL. - -Yes. We hadn’t meant to be—but ... we are. - -CLARE. - -We tried awfully hard to hold out for—for the sake of others ... but—— - - (_She goes impulsively up to MICHAEL, puts her hand on his - arm and speaks in a low voice._) - -I’m awfully sorry, Mike. I’m a beast, I know. But I can’t help it.... - -MICHAEL. - -(_Rigid and staring before him._) How long have you loved him? - -CLARE. - -Oh ... ages ... I ought to have told you, but—— - -MICHAEL. - -I don’t wish to hear another word. - - (_Bill has gone up to LADY PATRICIA, who stands motionless - with a tragic face, staring before her. His appearance is - that of a naughty schoolboy, hat in hand and shifting from - one foot to the other._) - -BILL. - -(_To LADY PATRICIA._) I—I—I—I’m sorry—I’ve behaved rottenly—but I—I—I’m -awfully fond of you.... Of course I ought—but you see—I—that’s to say—but -she—she’s—you know what I mean—I’m—— - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Enough.... - - (_BILL goes to CLARE, who gives him her hand._) - -CLARE. - -Now for the pater.... - -BILL. - -Help!... - - (_They go into the house. MICHAEL and LADY PATRICIA stand - motionless, with clenched hands, staring before them. A - long pause. The gateway bell rings. A pause. JOHN enters - from the house and opens the wicket door. BALDWIN enters._) - -BALDWIN. - -’Scuse me, Mr. John, but I think as I lef’ my ’ymn-book and prayer-book -on the lawn. - -JOHN. - -I haven’t seen ’em. - -BALDWIN. - -That’s them yonder. (_Distant sound of church bells._) Lord, if that -ain’t the first bell! (_JOHN goes out._) Beg pardon, m’lady. Beg pardon, -sir. I jest want my prayer-book an’ ’ymn-book. (_Picks them up._) Thank -’ee, m’lady. They was given me by Mrs. Baldwin as was me first wife. I -thought as ’ow I’d lef’ them on ’er grave jest now when I went to ’ave a -look at it. But—— - -MICHAEL. - -That will do, Baldwin. - -BALDWIN. - -Thank ’ee, sir. - - (_He is just about to go out when the house door opens - and the ringing laughter of BILL and CLARE brings him to - a standstill. They enter, followed by the voice of MRS. - O’FARREL: “Be off—both of you!” and her laugh._) - -BILL. - -I say, darling, weren’t they corking? - -CLARE. - -(_Pointing to the motionless MICHAEL and LADY PATRICIA and putting a -finger to her lips._) S-sh!... - -BILL. - -Oh.... - - (_Very sedately they pass up the path to the gateway, but - just as they go out BILL passes his arm through CLARE’S - and squeezes it. They disappear. MRS. O’FARREL and the - DEAN enter from the house, followed later by JOHN and - ROBERT._) - -DEAN. - -(_Jovially._) So much for tact and diplomacy! - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -And common-sense! - -DEAN. - -(_Lowering his voice and indicating the rigid MICHAEL and LADY -PATRICIA._) And these two? - -MRS. O’FARREL. - -Best leave them alone. - -DEAN. - -No, no!... - - (_Goes up to MICHAEL and LADY PATRICIA, while MRS. - O’FARREL goes out; JOHN, standing near the door, waits for - the DEAN._) - -Are you not going to join us in church? (_A pause._) My dear friends, -on such a morning as this we should all sing the _Te Deum_, and forget -everything but the joy of being alive.... - - (_He looks smilingly from one to the other, then goes - out, followed by JOHN. ROBERT waits at the door. A - pause. BALDWIN stands hesitating. LADY PATRICIA turns to - MICHAEL._) - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Michael!... - -MICHAEL. - -Yes. - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Under the great rose window in the south transept our pew is now full of -purple and amber lights and shafts of chrysoprase. Shall we not sit there -again together? - -MICHAEL. - -I don’t see what else there is to do.... Patricia! - -LADY PATRICIA. - -Michael!... Repentance is very exquisite, and how beautiful is -forgiveness. Come.... - - (_Followed at a respectful distance by BALDWIN, they go - out together in silence side by side, and the Curtain - falls as they pass under the gateway._) - - -THE END. - - The Gresham Press, - UNWIN BROTHERS, LIMITED, - WOKING AND LONDON - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Lady Patricia, by Rudolf Besier - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LADY PATRICIA *** - -***** This file should be named 60465-0.txt or 60465-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/4/6/60465/ - -Produced by Clarity and the Online Distributed Proofreading -Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from -images generously made available by The Internet -Archive/American Libraries.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -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. 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