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| author | www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> | 2026-01-24 13:24:02 -0800 |
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| committer | www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org> | 2026-01-24 13:24:02 -0800 |
| commit | ac2bd8b5533a9bd4fe82340b4050f9f2ec641d32 (patch) | |
| tree | 2dbbc2f80a8c8eacf33955776529aca96b3901ba /77765-h | |
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| -rw-r--r-- | 77765-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 0 -> 728392 bytes | |||
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+ clear: both; } + div.titlepage {text-align: center; page-break-before: always; + page-break-after: always; } + div.titlepage p {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; + line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 3em; } + .ph1 { text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; font-size: xx-large; + margin: .67em auto; page-break-before: always; } + .ph2 { text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; font-size: x-large; margin: .75em auto; + page-break-before: always; } + .blackletter {font-family: 'Old English Text MT', serif; font-weight:bold; + font-style: normal; } + .x-ebookmaker p.dropcap:first-letter { float: left; } + </style> + </head> + <body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77765 ***</div> + +<div class='tnotes covernote'> + +<p class='c000'><strong>Transcriber’s Note:</strong></p> + +<p class='c000'>New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the public domain.</p> + +</div> + +<div class='chapter ph1'> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c001'> + <div>MONSIEUR D’OR</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class='chapter ph2'> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c001'> + <div>BY THE SAME AUTHOR</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> + +<p class='c002'><span class='large'><strong>A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SAMUEL TAYLOR +COLERIDGE.</strong></span> With portrait. Edition limited +to three hundred copies, printed from type, +and a large paper edition of thirty copies.</p> + +<table class='table0'> +<colgroup> +<col class='colwidth50'> +<col class='colwidth50'> +</colgroup> + <tr> + <td class='c003'>Regular Edition</td> + <td class='c004'>$ 4.00 <i>net.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'>Large Paper Edition</td> + <td class='c004'>10.00 <i>net.</i></td> + </tr> +</table> +<p class='c002'><span class='large'><strong>EARLY REVIEWS OF ENGLISH POETS.</strong></span> +With Introduction and Notes.</p> + +<table class='table0'> +<colgroup> +<col class='colwidth50'> +<col class='colwidth50'> +</colgroup> + <tr> + <td class='c003'>Regular Edition</td> + <td class='c004'>$1.20 <i>net.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'>Library Edition</td> + <td class='c004'>2.00 <i>net.</i></td> + </tr> +</table> +<p class='c002'><span class='large'><strong>THE NAME OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE.</strong></span> +A Study in Orthography.</p> + +<table class='table0'> +<colgroup> +<col class='colwidth50'> +<col class='colwidth50'> +</colgroup> + <tr> + <td class='c003'>Regular Edition</td> + <td class='c004'>$1.00 <i>net.</i></td> + </tr> +</table> + +<div class='titlepage'> + +<div> + <h1 class='c005'>MONSIEUR D’OR<br> <span class='xlarge'>A DRAMATIC FANTASY</span></h1> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c006'> + <div><span class='small'>BY</span></div> + <div class='c006'><span class='large'>JOHN LOUIS HANEY</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='figcenter id001'> +<img src='images/titlepage.jpg' alt='A black laurel wreath encircling a central torch with a flame, tied at the base with a ribbon bow.' class='ig001'> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> + <div class='nf-center'> + <div>PHILADELPHIA</div> + <div>THE EGERTON PRESS</div> + <div>1910</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c007'> + <div><span class='small'>This edition is limited to two hundred and fifty copies printed from type and numbered.</span></div> + <div class='c006'>No. ——</div> + <div class='c007'><span class='small'>Copyright, 1910</span></div> + <div class='c006'><span class='small'>By <span class='sc'>John Louis Haney</span></span></div> + <div class='c006'><span class='small'>All rights, including presentation and translation, are reserved.</span></div> + <div><span class='small'>Application concerning public performances should be made to</span></div> + <div><span class='small'>The Egerton Press, 934 North Eleventh Street, Philadelphia.</span></div> + <div class='c007'><span class='small'><span class='sc'>Press of</span></span></div> + <div><span class='small'><span class='sc'>The New Era Printing Company</span></span></div> + <div><span class='small'><span class='sc'>Lancaster, Pa.</span></span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c007'> + <div>TO</div> + <div class='c006'><span class='blackletter'>My Parents</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c008'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold!</div> + <div class='line'>Bright and yellow, hard and cold,</div> + <div class='line'>Molten, graven, hammered, and rolled;</div> + <div class='line'>Heavy to get, and light to hold;</div> + <div class='line'>Hoarded, bartered, bought, and sold,</div> + <div class='line'>Stolen, borrowed, squandered, doled;</div> + <div class='line'>Spurned by the young, but hugged by the old</div> + <div class='line'>To the very verge of the churchyard mould;</div> + <div class='line'>Price of many a crime untold;</div> + <div class='line'>Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold!</div> + <div class='line'>Good or bad a thousand fold!</div> + <div class='line in32'>—Thomas Hood</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span> + <h2 class='c009'>THE CHARACTERS</h2> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-l c007'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The Prolog</div> + <div class='line in4'>ROBERT DORR</div> + <div class='line in4'>SIDNEY HASTINGS</div> + <div class='line in4'>JACK NORGATE</div> + <div class='line in4'>BILLY FANSHAWE</div> + <div class='line in4'>PERCY MIDDLETON</div> + <div class='line in4'>HAROLD WESTBROOK</div> + <div class='line in4'>Mrs. SARA KEENE</div> + <div class='line in4'>ELEANOR RICHMOND, her niece</div> + <div class='line in4'>MARIAN WINTHROP</div> + <div class='line in4'>MARGARET THURBER</div> + <div class='line in4'>ROSE LOWELL</div> + <div class='line in4'>GERTRUDE PASTON</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Scene I</div> + <div class='line in4'>MONSIEUR D’OR</div> + <div class='line in4'>RAOUL LEHMANN</div> + <div class='line in4'>FRÉDÉRIC LEHMANN, his brother</div> + <div class='line in4'>M. BERTINE, their secretary</div> + <div class='line in4'>M. ALBERT</div> + <div class='line in4'>M. LORRAINE</div> + <div class='line in4'>ADRIENNE COURTEAUX</div> + <div class='line in4'>CÉLESTE BERGÈRE</div> + <div class='line in4'>M. FRÉMIET</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Scene II</div> + <div class='line in4'>MONSIEUR D’OR</div> + <div class='line in4'>ADOLPHE LEMAIRE</div> + <div class='line in4'>JEAN MOREAU</div> + <div class='line in4'>HENRI VAUX</div> + <div class='line in4'>HÉLÈNE VAUX, his daughter</div> + <div class='line in4'>Mme. CYPRIENNE DACIER</div> + <div class='line in4'>Mme. LUCETTE CLARY</div> + <div class='line in4'>BAPTISTE, a servant</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>Scene III</div> + <div class='line in4'>MONSIEUR D’OR</div> + <div class='line in4'>SIR MORTIMER MUIRHEAD</div> + <div class='line in4'>Mr. GILBERT, his secretary</div> + <div class='line in4'>BARON GRAEFFLINGEN</div> + <div class='line in4'>Herr LOBEN, his secretary</div> + <div class='line in4'>MARQUIS PALLOT</div> + <div class='line in4'>COUNT ANDRIEV</div> + <div class='line in4'>CLAIRE LASALLE, a stenographer</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Scene IV</div> + <div class='line in4'>MONSIEUR D’OR</div> + <div class='line in4'>Dr. MIRSKY</div> + <div class='line in4'>RAMANAND, an Oriental</div> + <div class='line in4'>CYRIL, a boy</div> + <div class='line in4'>EDITH PACKARD, a nurse</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Epilog</div> + <div class='line in4'>ROBERT DORR</div> + <div class='line in4'>Mr. MATHEWS</div> + <div class='line in4'>ELEANOR RICHMOND</div> + <div class='line in4'>Mr. HANSON, her secretary</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c010'>The forty characters may be distributed among thirteen players. +See note on page <a href='#Page_10'>10</a>.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> + <div class='nf-center'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>THE PROLOG</div> + <div>A terrace adjoining the Dorr Villa at Lenox.</div> + <div class='c006'>SCENE I</div> + <div>The office of Lehmann Frères, St. Gallen.</div> + <div class='c006'>SCENE II</div> + <div>The music room of the Chateau D’Or, near Versailles.</div> + <div class='c006'>SCENE III</div> + <div>A private parlor in the Hotel Royal, Interlaken.</div> + <div class='c006'>SCENE IV</div> + <div>A chamber in a Balkan palace.</div> + <div class='c006'>THE EPILOG</div> + <div>A parlor in the Hotel Orient, Port Said.</div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c010'>Fifteen years elapse between the Prolog and the Epilog.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>NOTE</p> + +<p class='c010'>The forty characters may be distributed among thirteen players +as follows:</p> + +<table class='table1'> + <tr> + <th class='c011'>Prol.</th> + <th class='c011'>Sc. I</th> + <th class='c011'>Sc. II</th> + <th class='c011'>Sc. III</th> + <th class='c011'>Sc. IV</th> + <th class='c012'>Epil.</th> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Dorr</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>D’or</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>D’or</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>D’or</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>D’or</span></td> + <td class='c013'><span class='sc'>Dorr</span></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Westbrook</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>R. Lehmann</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Lemaire</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Muirhead</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Ramanand</span></td> + <td class='c013'> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Hastings</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>F. Lehmann</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Moreau</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Gilbert</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Mirsky</span></td> + <td class='c013'><span class='sc'>Hanson</span></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Fanshawe</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Bertine</span></td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Loben</span></td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c013'><span class='sc'>Mathews</span></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Norgate</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Albert</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Baptiste</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Pallot</span></td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c013'> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Middleton</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Frémiet</span></td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Andriev</span></td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c013'> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Lorraine</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Vaux</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Graefflingen</span></td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c013'> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene</span></td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c013'> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Eleanor</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Adrienne</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Hélène</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Claire</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Edith</span></td> + <td class='c013'><span class='sc'>Eleanor</span></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Marian</span></td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Céleste</span></td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c013'> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Margaret</span></td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne</span></td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c013'> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Gertrude</span></td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Lucette</span></td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c013'> </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Rose</span></td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'> </td> + <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Cyril</span></td> + <td class='c013'> </td> + </tr> +</table> + +<div><span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span></div> +<div class='chapter ph1'> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c001'> + <div>MONSIEUR D’OR</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> + +<div> + <h2 class='c009'>THE PROLOG</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c014'>[<i>A handsome terrace adjoining the ball room of the +Dorr Villa. Wide marble steps in the rear lead to a +higher tesselated walk with marble balustrades. As it is +night there is only a dim vista of the beautiful gardens +beyond. On the right there is a similar approach by +marble steps to the higher level. The ball room is +reached by steps on the left. Its glass doors and deep +windows are draped with exquisite lace curtains. Palms +and other exotic plants are placed appropriately about the +terrace; large, gaudy Japanese lanterns are strung overhead +at various points. At each side of the terrace there +is, in front of a bank of potted plants, a large marble bench +provided with silk cushions. The orchestra in the ball +room is playing a delightful Viennese waltz as the curtain +rises. During the earlier part of the scene recurrent noise +of laughter and chatter is heard from the dancers and their +shadows are reflected on the curtains of the room. As +the various couples emerge from the ball room or enter +from the rear they engage in mutual conversation as they +promenade without regard for the others. The characters +all suggest superabundant wealth and a marked air +of flippancy in the consciousness of their social preeminence. +A few moments after the rising of the curtain</i> +<span class='sc'>Sidney Hastings</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Marian Winthrop</span> <i>enter from +the ball room</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span><span class='sc'>Marian.</span> So the court granted her the custody of the +children?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> And he is forbidden to marry again during +her life time.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Marian.</span> She gets alimony, of course?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> Fifty thousand a year.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Marian.</span> Poor Mabel! She’ll spend that in three +months. I really believe the dear girl will have to make +up with him or find some one else who is willing to take +her with the youngsters. There’s three of them, you +know, Sid—and large families are not fashionable now. +She’ll never manage to scrape along on fifty thousand. +Why, he used to give her that in jewels every year!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> I believe you’re right, Marian. It seems a +bit hard, doesn’t it?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Marian.</span> Mabel would have done better if she had +gone to Reno. They’re specialists out there, you know—they +would have given her a square deal. [<i>They pass up +the steps at the right and return slowly by the upper walk +to the ball room. Meanwhile</i> <span class='sc'>Billy Fanshawe</span> <i>and</i> +<span class='sc'>Margaret Thurber</span> <i>enter direct from the ball room</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> Yes, the whole story is in the New York papers +this evening. Shot himself through the mouth and didn’t +live a minute. I felt sorry for the poor devil! Did you +know him?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Margaret.</span> I knew his wife—she was Susie Caxton—one +of the Amherst Caxtons. Lucky there’s no children. +Why did he do it, Billy?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> I suppose he couldn’t stand the pace his particular +Amherst Caxton was setting for him. He was +only a bank clerk, you know, and trying to keep up with +people who spent as much in a week as he earned in a year.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span><span class='sc'>Margaret.</span> I thought he had an important position +at the bank.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> My dear Margaret, how innocent you are! +His position was important enough, but they didn’t pay +him more than they had to. He tried the stock-market +to help him out and before he knew it he was juggling +the deposit slips like a professional crook. The warrant +was out for his arrest and he knew it. That’s why he +turned the gun upon himself.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Margaret.</span> Poor little Susie! She gave up Charlie +Decker, who is worth at least ten millions, to marry that +man. I suppose we’ve seen the last of her. [<i>During +the latter part of the conversation</i> <span class='sc'>Percy Middleton</span> <i>and</i> +<span class='sc'>Rose Lowell</span> <i>have entered from the ball room and have +walked across the back of the stage, so that they now pass</i> +<span class='sc'>Billy</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Margaret</span> <i>at the right and proceed along the +front while the other two sit on the bench at the right +side and converse</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Rose.</span> You shouldn’t associate with that woman, +Percy—she’s a notorious character.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Percy.</span> She’s not so bad. You girls are simply jealous. +Besides, there’s always a lot of reporters and johnnies +hanging around her dressing-room. There’s no +chance to get really intimate. She seems to think a lot +of me, though—you ought to hear her call me ‘mon cher +Pairsee’—she’s not strong on English, you know.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Rose.</span> I don’t know.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Percy.</span> Well, that’s why I’m telling you. The other +night I said to her, ‘Natalie, your tongue can’t speak +English, but your eyes can speak every language there is +in the world.’ [<span class='sc'>Billy</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Margaret</span> <i>rise from the +bench and return to the ball room by the upper walk</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span><span class='sc'>Rose.</span> That was rather neatly put, Percy.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Percy.</span> [<i>Flattered.</i>] Wasn’t it? The reporters wanted +to write it up for the papers, but I called them off. +Natalie doesn’t like notoriety. She’s not such a bad one, +Rose, when you get to know her. Of course, she likes +a bird and a bottle after the show and she gets a bit lively +at times, but she doesn’t lose her self-control. She’s a +thoroughbred. She’s not like that Margaret Thurber +we passed just now. At the Decker dance last week that +girl just stowed away champagne till she fell off her +chair. Now Natalie would know better than that; she’s—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Rose.</span> See here, I don’t want to hear any more about +that vulgar chorus girl—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Percy.</span> Oh! you’re just jealous—like the rest of +them. Maybe Natalie wouldn’t get a fit if she saw me +out here in the dark with you. I believe she’d scratch +your eyes out. She’s a spunky little filly—she’s a real +thoroughbred. You’ve got to treat her right. [<i>As they +pass off right to the garden</i>, <span class='sc'>Jack Norgate</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Gertrude +Paston</span> <i>stroll along the rear terrace from the left +and come down by the central steps</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> There’s Rose Lowell with that silly +Percy Middleton. I don’t see how she can tolerate the +fellow.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> That’s no enigma. He’s worth three or four +millions, whereas the Lowells are not rich.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> It’s cruel of you, dear, to say that. Rose +isn’t the sort of girl to marry for money.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> Why, Gertie, she must marry for money, +whether it’s cruel or not to say so. I’m sorry there’s +nothing more promising than Percy on her matrimonial +<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>horizon. Shall we sit down a while? [<i>They take seats +on the bench at the right.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> He’s a disgusting creature, Jack. I wish +the Dorrs wouldn’t invite him to their affairs.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> Have you heard of his escapade with Mrs. +Vansant?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> Ah! that impudent Vansant woman! +What has she been doing to Percy?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> They gave her charge of a booth at the charity +bazaar and when trade grew slack she announced that she +would auction off a dozen kisses among the men. Just +then Percy came along and bid fifty dollars for the entire +dozen. That silenced the rest and she had to accept +Percy’s bid. He promptly paid the money, took one kiss, +and notified her that he reserved the rest for future +delivery.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> What did Mrs. Vansant say to that?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> Oh! she was game! She told Percy that she +was ready whenever he was. I presume he will collect +those kisses one at a time whenever he can make himself +sufficiently conspicuous in doing it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> How disgusting! Buying and selling kisses!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> You’re right, dearest! Kisses were not meant +to be sold. [<i>He looks around towards the ball room to +make sure that they are alone, then kisses her passionately. +Meanwhile</i> <span class='sc'>Percy</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Rose</span> <i>have re-entered from +the right just in time for the tender scene. It is too late +to retreat, so they tiptoe awkwardly and hurriedly across +the back of the terrace to the ball room.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> [<i>Freeing herself.</i>] How imprudent, Jack. +Somebody might have seen us.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> Now don’t scold me, Gertie. I made sure +that we were alone; besides, I don’t often get a chance—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> [<i>Curtly.</i>] Won’t you take me back to +the ball room? [<i>They rise and walk towards the left.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> You’re not angry, I hope? We were talking +of kisses, dear, and I simply couldn’t help it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> We were talking of Percy Middleton’s +buying the kisses of that odious grass-widow.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> I’ll admit that I did wrong, and I’m very, very +sorry. Does that satisfy you? [<i>After a pause.</i>] Now +let’s kiss and make up.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> [<i>Smiling.</i>] Another kiss! Jack, you’re +incorrigible. [<i>She kisses him tenderly.</i>] You dear boy! +Will it always be like this?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> [<i>Taking her in his arms.</i>] Always—forever—and +so on for eternity. We shall be all in all to each +other and the rest of the world will be as nothing to us. +Just you and I—we two alone—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> Dear Jack! I am so happy! [<i>They enter +the ball room. From the rear</i> <span class='sc'>Harold Westbrook</span> <i>and</i> +<span class='sc'>Eleanor Richmond</span> <i>come slowly down the central +steps; her demeanor is serious, his is somewhat depressed. +They seat themselves on the bench at the left side.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> How soon do you leave?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Harold.</span> In a few days. The ranch is a large one +and I’m needed out there. I had no intention of asking +you so soon, Eleanor—I’m afraid fortune has been against +me, but it was my last chance to see you alone—I had to +speak!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>With sympathy.</i>] I am heartily sorry it +cannot be otherwise, but our decisions in the real crises of +life seem often not to rest with ourselves.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span><span class='sc'>Harold.</span> Have you no hope to offer me? No chance +that some day you may be willing to join me in the West, +to work out our destinies together in the great world +beyond the plains?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> No, I feel sure it can never be—but I +hope we shall remain good friends. I want to hear from +you, Harold, and I shall pray for your happiness in your +new home. I shall always remember that you have paid +me the sincerest tribute that a true man can offer a +woman. You have put a consecrated seal upon our +friendship. No matter what our lot may be in the days +to come, we must never forget this night.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Harold.</span> Heaven knows, I shall never forget it. +There is consolation in the thought that you are not going +entirely out of my life. Your kindness has brought a +soothing calm over my great grief. I have no right to +ask if there is another to whom you have given your heart, +but Heaven has indeed blessed that man.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Heaven has blessed every man and every +woman who has known true love. If our human frailty +is such that we can never comprehend the full measure +of that blessing, we should at least be thankful for whatever +glimpse of the divine vision is granted us.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Harold.</span> You know best, Eleanor—your soul speaks +with a clearer insight than mine. I shall abide by your +decision—and I shall worship you till the end.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Don’t say that, Harold—you will meet +some one else—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Harold.</span> [<i>Softly, but with conviction.</i>] No, there +will never be any one else. [<i>They sit in silence for a few +moments. The music stops.</i> <span class='sc'>Harold</span> <i>takes her hand and +<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>kisses it reverently. They rise and walk silently into the +ball room.</i> <span class='sc'>Billy Fanshawe</span>, <span class='sc'>Jack Norgate</span> <i>and</i> +<span class='sc'>Sidney Hastings</span> <i>stroll in leisurely at the centre from +the terrace behind the ball room</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> [<i>Looking after them.</i>] Harold Westbrook has +been very attentive to Miss Richmond all evening.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> He’s wasting his time in that campaign. I’ll +back Bobbie Dorr for any amount to win her against the +field. [<span class='sc'>Sidney</span> <i>looks after the retreating figures and says +nothing</i>.] What do you think of it, Sid?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> Miss Richmond is altogether too fine a girl +for Bobbie Dorr—that’s my thought. [<i>He offers a cigarette +to</i> <span class='sc'>Jack</span>, <i>who accepts, then to</i> <span class='sc'>Billy</span>.] Smoke, +Billy?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> No thanks! I came out for some fresh air. +Besides, smoking spoils my appetite. I’m going to make +another raid on the collation pretty soon. It’s excellent +stuff. I’ve had a couple of lobster cutlets, some sweet +breads and two of the nicest soft crabs I ever ate. The +Dorrs certainly know how to do things.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> [<i>Bitterly.</i>] Who wouldn’t know how to do +things with the income of forty-odd millions at one’s +disposal?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> Forty-odd millions! [<i>Whistles.</i>] Forty-odd! +Why, I’d be satisfied with the odd! [<i>Explaining.</i>] It +might be seven or nine, you know. [<i>In a lower voice.</i>] +I say, is that correct? Is it as much as that?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> I don’t believe that old man Dorr gathered so +much out of his Nevada mines. Of course, he piled up +a lot of money, but—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> I grant you, there were no forty millions in +<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>his silver mines, but you are evidently not aware of his +other interests that paid him enormously though his name +was never associated with them. You may remember +that no inventory was filed by the executors—but Simpson, +who was chief counsel for the estate, told me a few +things.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> [<i>Curiously.</i>] What did he say, Sid?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> He mentioned substantial shareholdings in +the Kimberley diamond fields, in the Swiss lace and embroidery +industries, in breakfast foods, railroads, waterpower +companies, automobile factories, tobacco, oil, sugar. +[<i>Savagely.</i>] I declare that when Simpson got through +with his catalogue of Dorr’s interests I felt convinced that +there was hardly a human creature in civilization who +didn’t pay tribute in some form to that old octopus.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> [<i>Looking reflectively at his cigarette.</i>] And +even the tobacco we are smoking! Rather lucky we know +the Dorrs, eh? We can get back some of our tribute +when we gather here as their guests.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> Bobbie Dorr and his aunt are certainly making +the income on the forty-odd millions circulate with +startling vivacity. I’m willing to help them. Won’t +you boys come in and get another bite of something to eat?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> No, thanks.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> We’ll finish our cigarettes first.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> Pity you fellows smoke so much—it spoils +your appetite. Well, I’m off for another lobster cutlet +and a sweetbread or two—[<i>He goes toward left.</i>] and I +shall certainly have another of those delicious soft crabs. +[<i>Exit left.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> I envy a man who can enjoy material existence +<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>as Billy does. Why, he’s a personified stomach. I +believe he’d sell his soul for a salad!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> [<i>Laughing.</i>] Not much! Billy would make +a better deal than that. He would demand at least a +well-selected dinner with appropriate wines—then he +might feel satisfied that he had made a real bargain.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> He’s a sterling good fellow just the same—I’m +glad to number him among my friends. I need a +cheerful spirit like Billy about me occasionally—I am apt +to grow bitter when I let my thoughts dwell on such men +as Bobbie Dorr.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> I don’t see why you should feel that way about +Bobbie. Of course, he’s a child of fortune. With his +good looks, his wealth, and his fair allotment of brains +he is bound to play a conspicuous part in our social life.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> You know, Jack, I’m fond of growling at +times and just now I’m not above criticizing a man who +is virtually my host. There’s something I don’t like about +Bobbie Dorr. I don’t envy him his great wealth nor his +social triumphs, but that insufferable air of presumption +I cannot tolerate. What was his grandfather when he +started for the West half a century ago?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> Nobody in particular, I suppose.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> Josiah Dorr was a strong, keen-witted Yankee +with no capital except his good health and his persistent +optimism. He knocked about for a good many years +before he made that lucky strike in Nevada.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> And then he married and lived unhappily ever +after.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> Not at all! Dorr married while he was still +poor and with his usual luck chose a wife who was just +<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>the right sort for him—a woman of no pretensions, but +of sound common sense; and their married life was happy +enough until the children grew up.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> Bobbie’s father and his aunt Martha?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> Exactly. The lamented Josiah, Jr., and +[<i>Pointing toward the ball room.</i>] our charming hostess. +Simpson told me that young Josiah was for many years a +thorn in the flesh of his parents. He seemed to progress +from one escapade to another till he crowned his list of +indiscretions by marrying a third-rate actress whose pretty +face was her only recommendation for public attention.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> I didn’t know that Bobbie’s mother was an +actress.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> Neither did the public, though she tried hard +enough to make them think so. Of course, she gave up +the stage when she became Mrs. Josiah, Jr. She probably +expected to try her histrionic talent in melting the +heart of the stern parent—but old Dorr didn’t give her a +chance. He never laid eyes on her!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> Not even after Bobbie was born? That frequently +makes a difference!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> Old Dorr saw nothing of Bobbie till both +Josiah, Jr. and his actress-wife were dead. Then Aunt +Martha took charge of Bobbie and the boy grew up under +her care. After that nothing was too good for the hope +of the family. They took him to Lausanne for his education, +gave him a thoroughly cosmopolitan training, topped +off with a few semesters at Heidelberg. He speaks four +languages—but I don’t believe he has been accused of +enriching the world’s store of thought in any of them. +Behold to-night the finished product, capering in yonder +<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>ball room! When he reaches his twenty-fifth birthday a +few weeks hence he will be the happy possessor of some +forty millions.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> A fellow has little excuse for being anything +but the most decent sort of chap under such conditions. +Fate has been unusually kind to Bobbie Dorr.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> He’s no silly offspring of superabundant +wealth—Bobbie’s a capital fellow in many respects, but I +can’t quite overlook his patronizing air, his superb confidence +in the power of his riches. That sort of thing is +pardonable in a man who has created the wealth, who has +wrested it from the unyielding earth by the sweat of his +brow or has won it by the exercise of his superior wit, but +it takes little genius to inherit another man’s money.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> Here he comes, Sid; we’re in for a quick change +of subject. [<i>Louder.</i>] In my opinion, these gardens are +among the most attractive at Lenox. There’s that fine +row of Lombardy poplars—[<span class='sc'>Robert Dorr</span> <i>enters from +the ball room. His evening attire is beyond criticism +save for the fact that he wears large gold studs in his +shirt, a heavy gold fob and several conspicuously large +rings.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Would anybody believe it? A room full of +charming girls, and you two solemn philosophers out here +in the dark discussing the Lombardy poplars. Can you +find nothing better to talk about?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> I’m sure we’re both booked for every dance +on the list. It’s a breath of fresh air we’re after now.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Meanwhile the ladies are commenting upon +your ungallant disappearance; but you cannot elude them +long. Billy Fanshawe is bringing out a small party to +<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>view the lower gardens. Perhaps such a trip would appeal +to you?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> It’s a lark! I wonder how they ever got Billy +away from the lobster cutlets and the soft crabs. [<i>Enter</i> +<span class='sc'>Billy</span> <i>left, followed by</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene</span>, <span class='sc'>Marian</span>, <span class='sc'>Gertrude</span>, +<span class='sc'>Margaret</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Rose</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> [<i>Officiously, from the top step.</i>] All in line +for a personally conducted tour around the celebrated +Dorr gardens. The small and select party will be carefully +chaperoned by Mrs. Keene and will be under the +immediate direction of Mr. William Fanshawe, the well-known +cicerone, who will explain all points of interest.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> Bully, old man! You’re as impressive as the +prospectus of a Cook’s tour.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene.</span> Come on, girls. [<i>They descend to the +terrace.</i>] Why, Mr. Norgate and Mr. Hastings! I have +been wondering what had become of you.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> We just stepped out to admire the garden +and we now crave permission to join your small and select +party.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Marian.</span> I think they’re horrid in coming out here +to smoke and then to pretend they were admiring the +garden. I move that we refuse them permission to join +our party. All in favor say ‘aye.’</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>The Girls.</span> [<i>In chorus.</i>] Aye!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Marian.</span> It is carried. Mr. Hastings and Mr. Norgate +are not permitted to join us.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> Pardon me, Miss Winthrop, you are not parliamentary. +You put your own motion—you even forgot +to wait till some one seconded it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Marian.</span> What was the use? I knew they were all +in favor of it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> You ought to be in Congress—they need +girls like you. But seriously, do you mean to say we may +not join you?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> Yes, and it serves you right, too!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> Hold on! I want to amend that resolution. +If you girls don’t mind, I should like to have Jack Norgate +along. He knows the names of the trees and shrubs +better than I do.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Margaret.</span> What! better than the well-known cicerone?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> I regret to say he does. In fact, I might +make a mess of it without him.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Marian.</span> Shall we relent, Mrs. Keene?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene.</span> I suppose so, though you are adding to +my responsibilities as chaperone. [<span class='sc'>Billy</span> <i>mounts the +marble railing and detaches one of the Japanese lanterns</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Rose.</span> But only Mr. Norgate—not Mr. Hastings. He +has been too sarcastic.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> Ladies, I am overwhelmed with the sense of +my shortcomings. I spare you the need of further deliberation +by admitting that I am unworthy of your company.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> How pathetic! I believe he’s glad we +don’t want him!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Margaret.</span> Mr. Dorr, won’t you join us?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Thank you—I think I shall try to entertain +Mr. Hastings during your absence.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Marian.</span> He ought to be left by himself.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I should hate to leave him in such bad company. +I want to try moral suasion on him.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> I hope he survives. [<i>Holds up the lantern.</i>] +Ladies, are you ready?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene.</span> We shall surely need more light. It +must be very dark at the foot of the garden.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> One’s enough. Besides, if we had more, you +might get confused and follow some other lantern instead +of mine.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Don’t forget to show the ladies the sun-dial.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Rose.</span> Oh! a sun-dial! Isn’t that romantic!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> Especially at this time of night.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> It’s a quaint old dial that was brought over +from Italy many years ago.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> [<i>Whispers to</i> <span class='sc'>Dorr</span>.] By the way, Bobbie, +what does that Italian motto on the sun-dial mean? I +always forget it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> ‘Time will reveal all things.’</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> Thanks. That helps me over one difficulty +at least. Come on, ladies. We’re now under way! [<i>He +heads the procession off right, followed by</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene</span> +<i>and the girls. The latter speak almost simultaneously as +they leave.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Marian.</span> <i>Au revoir!</i> I hope you’ll enjoy that moral +suasion, Mr. Hastings!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Rose.</span> Don’t spare him, Mr. Dorr!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> I hope you will profit by it, Mr. Hastings!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Margaret.</span> You are too self-sacrificing, Mr. Dorr! +[<i>They go off.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> [<i>Laughing.</i>] In such charming creatures as +these rests most of our happiness in life. I suppose I +ought to be in a penitent mood—they will all be ready to +forgive me when I dance with them later on. [<i>He offers</i> +<span class='sc'>Dorr</span> <i>a cigarette</i>.] Smoke, Dorr?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> [<i>Takes cigarette.</i>] Thanks. [<i>After a pause.</i>] +<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>Do you know, Hastings, the women seem to be more or +less afraid of you? I’ve noticed it many times.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> The sex has evidently little respect for my +cynical philosophy. It’s a pleasure to toss a choice morsel +of flippancy at them and watch them gasp.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> [<i>Reflectively.</i>] They’re a life-long study for +the keenest man. How splendidly they play their parts! +Every woman’s an actress at heart. [<i>Pointing to the garden.</i>] +There is a group of apparently ingenuous, simple-hearted +young creatures alive to the pleasure of the moment +and intent upon enjoying existence—yet I’ll wager that in +each feminine mind there are deep-laid schemes beyond +your detection or mine.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> We men are at a disadvantage because we +have no adequate weapon to match theirs—and the laws +of common courtesy render us helpless before their cleverly +concealed advances. To make matters worse, each +fair antagonist plans her campaign in her own individual +manner—woe to the presumptuous man who tries to generalize +their methods. No two of them will act precisely +alike in effecting their ends.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> They’re all alike in one thing, Hastings.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> What’s that?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Their respect for wealth! They may be as +individual as you please; but exhibit your pile of gold—the +talisman that puts the luxurious gowns upon their +backs and the gleaming jewels about their persons—and +you’ll find them all ready to purr like a lot of kittens over +a bowl of warm milk!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> See here, Dorr, I thought I was a bit of a +cynic myself, but I never quite believed that. You don’t +<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>mean to say that a woman cannot rise above a cringing +regard for mere material wealth?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I mean just that; no woman—and no man +either, for that matter. It was long before our time that +a famous statesman declared that every man had his price—and +I don’t believe he had any intention of ignoring +woman when he said it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> [<i>Seriously.</i>] Well, if you really feel that way +about it, I must insist that you are far more in need of +moral suasion than I am. We two are very different, +Dorr, in one respect.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Yes?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> If you will pardon my saying so, I flash an +occasional cynicism upon the ladies that puts them on their +guard and marks me as a person to be treated with caution. +You retain their good opinion by an outward show +of courtesy and deference, yet in your heart you entertain +sentiments that make it impossible for you to respect a +single human creature.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> We’re quite different in another respect, Hastings. +You light upon a thing of this sort and brood over +it until it spoils your good nature. I take it for granted +that we are all corruptible and that none can stand the +absolute tests of integrity, but I don’t worry about it. +This is a good enough world if one has the power to command +its good things. When it comes to testing the power +of its talisman [<i>He draws a few gold coins from his pocket +and jingles them.</i>] I must affirm that those who have tried +its virtues are, after all, the best judges of its merits. +[<span class='sc'>Sidney</span> <i>tosses away his cigarette with a gesture of disgust</i>.] +What’s the matter?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> The tobacco was beginning to taste bad; I +have smoked enough, anyhow. [<i>He rises and gazes down +into the garden.</i> <span class='sc'>Dorr</span> <i>hesitates for a moment, then +crosses to him.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Evidently you find my views very shocking. +Somehow I expected you to agree with me.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> I presume I am like most of my kind—when +I find a man more cynical than myself I conclude that it +is time to reform my philosophy of life. [<i>After a pause.</i>] +Bobbie Dorr, when you say that you believe all men and +women bow to the power of wealth, do you make no +reservations—no exceptions?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I make no exceptions—not even myself! If I +were a poor man, I should be as corruptible as the rest. +There are no exceptions!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> [<i>Slowly.</i>] Not even such a girl as—Eleanor +Richmond?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> [<i>Annoyed.</i>] Why should you mention Miss +Richmond in this connection?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> Pardon me—because I believe that you care +more about her than you do about most girls. I know +you admire her; I don’t hesitate to say that I regard her +as the embodiment of all that is lovable in woman. I +wondered whether you were willing to class her with the +rest of your mercenary herd—that is all.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> [<i>With constraint.</i>] Miss Richmond has always +enjoyed all the luxuries that wealth can supply. Where +gold has nothing to offer it cannot be expected to corrupt. +I should prefer to discuss this question in the abstract +without considering its bearing upon Miss Richmond, or +upon any one else, for that matter. [<i>Shrieks are heard +from the garden.</i> <span class='sc'>Sidney</span> <i>crosses to the right</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> Something has happened to Mrs. Keene’s +party!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> [<i>Peering off right.</i>] They are coming up the +path. Their lantern is extinguished! Billy’s personally +conducted tour seems to have ended in a fizzle.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> [<i>Looking towards the left.</i>] Those shrieks +were evidently heard in the ball room. Miss Richmond +is coming out. [<span class='sc'>Eleanor</span> <i>enters with an alarmed look. +Dorr crosses to her.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> What is it, Bobbie? I thought I heard +some one crying from the garden.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> You undoubtedly did. Billy Fanshawe has +been trying to guide Mrs. Keene and a party of the girls +about the place and he has evidently come to grief. We +shall know in a moment.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> You don’t suppose that anything serious +has happened?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> It’s hardly likely—Jack Norgate is with +them. [<i>Confused voices and exclamations off right, drawing +nearer.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> [<i>Looking off.</i>] This way! Watch out for +that step! [<i>Another shriek and exclamations. The girls +tumble in hastily in couples. Finally</i> <span class='sc'>Billy</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Jack</span> +<i>supporting</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene</span> <i>between them</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Why, what has happened? [<i>The girls +assist each other in smoothing their ruffled hair and gowns. +The men escort</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene</span> <i>to the right bench, where +she gasps for breath</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Marian.</span> Billy Fanshawe was showing us around the +garden—and everything was so beautiful! We had just +reached the sun-dial and Billy raised his lantern to read +<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>the curious Italian inscription when a sudden gust of wind +blew out the light—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> And we were left in the dark—it was +pitch dark, and the boys had no matches!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene.</span> [<i>Dramatically.</i>] There was no sudden +gust of wind! Mr. Norgate deliberately blew out the +light. I never experienced anything so outrageous!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> My dear Mrs. Keene—I must protest. I was +simply leaning over Billy’s shoulder to see the inscription. +I was just about to read off the Italian words when I +suddenly found myself in total darkness.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Sidney.</span> Perhaps your Italian pronunciation put out +the light.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene.</span> [<i>Severely.</i>] Sidney Hastings, this is no +matter for jesting. The worst is yet to come! [<i>The +girls look at each other with assumed surprise.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Rose.</span> What do you mean?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene.</span> I mean that after that light went out +the behavior of those young men was disgraceful. There +was hugging and kissing all about me!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Margaret.</span> Oh! Mrs. Keene! How can you say such +a thing? Of course, we all uttered exclamations of surprise.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene.</span> You certainly did—and several of you +young ladies also said ‘stop’! [<i>The girls look at one +another.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> [<i>Slowly.</i>] I suppose Jack and I are disgraced +forever, Mrs. Keene, if you’re going to believe that about +us. I say it’s unkind.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene.</span> [<i>Witheringly.</i>] There is just one +thing I’d like to find out.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span><span class='sc'>Jack.</span> [<i>Innocently.</i>] What is it?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene.</span> Which of you two young men put his +arm around <i>my</i> waist—by mistake, of course! [<span class='sc'>Jack</span> +<i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Billy</span> <i>look foolishly at each other. The rest chuckle +wherever</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene</span> <i>cannot see them</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Marian.</span> [<i>To the rescue.</i>] I believe I put my arm +around your waist—I was very much frightened.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene.</span> [<i>With sarcasm.</i>] I dare say you girls +were so much frightened that you all had your arms about +each other’s waists; and our two gallant escorts—I suppose +they will also insist that they embraced each other for +mutual protection.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I think you might make some allowance, Mrs. +Keene. The boys were probably doing their best to keep +the party close together.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene.</span> The party was close enough, I assure +you. I’m glad it’s all over. No more garden trips for +me in the dark, especially when there are irresponsible +young men in the party. [<i>She rises and crosses to the +left.</i>] You girls had better come inside—the dancing will +go on in a few moments.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Rose.</span> I’m so sorry about the sun-dial. I scarcely had +a look at it—I was so anxious to see it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gertrude.</span> We couldn’t even read the Italian motto. +What was it, Billy?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Billy.</span> The exact Italian words have slipped my memory, +but they meant—let me see—they meant—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> ‘Time will reveal all things.’ [<i>Soft waltz +music begins in the ball room.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Keene.</span> A very good motto, Mr. Fanshawe. +Perhaps some day time will reveal how that light went +<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>out! Come, girls, the music has begun. [<i>They enter +the ball room in groups</i>, <span class='sc'>Dorr</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Eleanor</span> <i>in the rear. +They detach themselves from the rest.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> [<i>Softly.</i>] The next dance is mine, Eleanor. +Shall we not stay out here for a few moments?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Yes, if you wish. [<i>He leads her to the +bench at the right.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I have been eager all evening to have a few +words with you apart from that restless whirl inside—just +we two alone, with our little secret!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> You silly boy! Be careful you don’t betray +us. [<i>Looks toward the garden.</i>] How delightful it is +out here in the open! There <i>is</i> a slight breeze. Bobbie, +do you believe Aunt Sara was right in declaring that the +boys put out that light?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Certainly. You heard Gertrude Paston say the +boys had no matches to re-light the lantern. Well, Jack +was out here smoking with Hastings before he joined your +aunt’s party.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Of course, Gertrude and Jack are rather +fond of each other—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I don’t blame him for not finding his matches.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> You know I didn’t mean that—I don’t +believe Jack would do such a thing! You wouldn’t, Bobbie?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Not in their bungling fashion, perhaps—but +there’s no telling what a fellow wouldn’t do for a few +golden moments with a girl he cared for. I grant that if +there’s a bevy of girls about, he may possibly hug the +wrong one—he may even embrace the chaperone, eh? +[<i>He laughs softly.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Don’t say such things, Bobbie. You shouldn’t +talk so flippantly.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> It’s true, isn’t it? In spite of their apparent +protests, there wasn’t one in that party who regretted the +little episode at the sun-dial—except your aunt, of course, +and she protested mainly on behalf of outraged social +decorum. One can hardly help being flippant about such +women!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Bobbie!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I know—she’s your aunt—that’s the best I can +say for her; she doesn’t deserve the honor. But after all, +why should we bother about these people? We can be +happy out here—with our secret. The time will be short +enough. Who has the next dance?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>Looking at the card.</i>] Harold Westbrook.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> He won’t be long in claiming you. I can’t +help feeling decidedly jealous when I see some one else +swinging you about the floor. [<i>He takes her hand.</i>] But +soon I shall make them all envious forever—soon our little +secret will no longer be our own. Within two months +my grandfather’s fortune passes into my hands, and then—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Then you will be a very wealthy man, +Bobbie, but your fortune will carry serious responsibilities +with it. You can find better things to do than trying to +make the other boys envious of you.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> They must be envious when they learn that you +are mine, when they see you resplendent as a queen, dazzling +from head to foot; they’ll no longer sneer at my +wealth—they will realize what it has achieved for me!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>Withdrawing her hand.</i>] What your +wealth has achieved for you! You believe that your +grandfather’s money makes a difference?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Why not? If I were a poor man, I wouldn’t +<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>ask a girl I loved to share my poverty and thus spoil her +own chance of happiness; but if I can give my wife everything +that heart can desire, why shouldn’t it make a +difference?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>Reflectively.</i>] There is one great happiness +that is denied to the rich girl—the happiness that +comes to the self-sacrificing wife who helps her husband +in his struggle with the world, who stands at his side +offering aid and encouragement until together they forge +their way upward to the heights of success—a success that +both can cherish as a result of mutual effort.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> That’s all mere story-book sentimentality. Let +a poor husband and his self-sacrificing wife start out +together in a life of poverty, and ten to one he’s ashamed +of her when he has made his fortune—if he ever does. +The newspapers are full of such instances. Don’t cast a +romantic glamor over a state of affairs that would be +extremely unpleasant in real life. You wouldn’t be the +sort of girl for such a career!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>With spirit.</i>] A true woman finds her +happiness with the man she loves, whether rich or poor; +she does not find it in a mere riot of gold!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> But the gold helps! The gold makes life pleasant—it +gives us what we desire. [<i>She turns away.</i>] Why, +Eleanor, you’re not going to let this spoil things? Remember +our secret!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Bobbie—[<i>A pause.</i>] We can no longer—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> You’re not going to throw me over for a mere +difference of opinion? We have our lives before us and +everything to live for—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Yes, we have everything—except spiritual +<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>kinship. I’m sorry, Bobbie—heartily sorry, but I’m also +thankful I found that out in time. [<i>The music ceases.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> The dance is over! Westbrook will be here +in a moment to claim you. Will you let it end in this +way?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>Rising.</i>] I cannot hope that you will +understand how distressed I am, but I want to say just +one thing, Bobbie—to-night seems to mark a turning point +in our lives. I trust it is for the best. Whatever happens +hereafter, I want you to remember the motto on your old +Italian sun-dial—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> [<i>Mechanically.</i>] ‘Time will reveal all things.’</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Yes. We shall both grow older and perhaps +we shall see with a clearer vision than now. I shall +not forget—[<span class='sc'>Harold</span> <i>enters hastily from the ball room</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Harold.</span> Ah, Miss Richmond, you are here. The next +dance is mine, I believe?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>Taking his arm.</i>] Yes, Mr. Westbrook. +Are you coming in, Bobbie?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Not now. [<i>As they pass up the steps left, he +deliberately lights a cigarette.</i>] ‘Time will reveal all +things.’—I hope it will; then we’ll see if I’m not right. +[<i>Taking a few gold coins from his pocket he tosses them in +his palm.</i>] Now, my golden friends, you, at least, will +be true to me! I shall rely upon you to show her—her +and all the rest of them your wonderful power! [<i>He +looks toward the ball room as the dance music resumes and +the curtain descends.</i>]</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span> + <h2 class='c009'>SCENE I</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c014'>[<i>The office of Lehmann Frères in their factory at St. +Gallen. It is furnished in a manner appropriate to a +prosperous business concern. In the centre is a large rectangular +table with several chairs. At the left is a low +flat desk with papers, telephone and chair. Close to the +wall behind the desk is a telephone switchboard for communicating +with various parts of the works. At the right +there is a modern office-desk, richly furnished, with a hatrack +nearby. In the centre back is a large leather covered +davenport above which hangs a portrait of the late M. +Lehmann senior, the father of Lehmann Frères and the +honored founder of the establishment. Elsewhere on the +walls hang framed views of the plant and other appropriate +pictures. There are exits right and left to inner +offices, likewise two exits in the rear, the right exit leading +to the street and provided with a glass-door, the left exit +leading to the shops. Whenever the left exit is opened +the heavy whirr of machinery is heard within. As the +curtain rises</i>, <span class='sc'>Bertine</span> <i>is seen at the flat desk, left, signing +papers. A few moments later the telephone bell rings.</i> +<span class='sc'>Bertine</span> <i>answers the telephone at his desk</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Bertine.</span> Hello!... Yes... M. Raoul Lehmann +is out at present.... This is his secretary, M. Bertine.... +Yes.... He should be here shortly.... No.... +M. Frédéric Lehmann has an important conference +on hand in this office at three o’clock.... No.... Impossible!... +No!... No!!... Very well.... Good-by. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>[<i>He hangs up the receiver and resumes work at his papers.</i> +<span class='sc'>Raoul Lehmann</span> <i>enters at the rear right entrance with +hat, cane and gloves, which he places on the rack near his +desk at the right</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Bertine.</span> Good afternoon, M. Lehmann. I have just +had a telephone call from a reporter of <i>Le Journal</i> asking +for an interview with you or your brother.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> Ah! So the newspapers have learned of our +trouble with our operatives. I presume they wish to send +a representative to the conference?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Bertine.</span> Yes. I took the liberty of informing the +reporter that it was impossible.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> Very good! Has my brother returned from +luncheon?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Bertine.</span> Not yet, sir. [<i>He hands a telegram to</i> +<span class='sc'>Raoul</span>.] This telegram arrived while you were out.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Opens it and reads.</i>] ‘If possible, kindly +postpone conference till five o’clock. I wish to be present +at the meeting. Signed, D’Or.’</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Bertine.</span> M. D’Or!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> As he chooses to call himself—the grandson +of the late Josiah Dorr, whose money coupled with the +brains of my honored father [<i>Pointing to the portrait.</i>] +made this great plant possible. Let me see—the Dorr +estate holds about one-third of the shares, does it not?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Bertine.</span> Somewhat more. Within the last few months +they have increased their holdings to nearly forty per cent.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> In any event, it is enough to command respect +for such a request as this. [<span class='sc'>Frédéric Lehmann</span> <i>enters +at the rear right entrance with hat and gloves</i>.] Ah! +Frédéric. I have just received this communication from +M. D’Or. [<i>He hands the telegram to</i> <span class='sc'>Frédéric</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Reads.</i>] So! The mysterious grandson +and heir!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> We must accede to the request. He may +make trouble otherwise—we have enough to worry about +without antagonizing our shareholders.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> By all means! If he is anything like his +grandfather, he will strengthen our position very much. +Old Josiah always took care that he got his share of the +spoils—and usually a little besides!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Bertine.</span>] Kindly have M. Albert sent +here at once. He heads the delegation, I believe?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Bertine.</span> Yes. [<i>He goes to the house-telephone and +adjusts the plug.</i>] Hello.... Yes.... Ask M. Albert +to come to the office.... Yes.... That’s all.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Looking at the telegram.</i>] So the grandson +of old Mr. Dorr blossoms into M. D’Or!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> Some rogue of a genealogist probably convinced +him that the change of name could be defended. +The rich American has a weakness for that sort of thing. +The manufacture of genealogies is a more profitable industry +than that of laces, Frédéric!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> Very likely; but it demands an imagination—an +inventive faculty that most of us do not possess. +[<span class='sc'>Albert</span> <i>enters at the rear, left. He bows respectfully +to the</i> <span class='sc'>Lehmanns</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> M. Albert, our conference this afternoon will +be postponed until five o’clock. M. D’Or, who is one of +our American shareholders, wishes to attend the meeting, +so we are making this change to accommodate him.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Albert.</span> Very well, M. Lehmann. Shall I inform +my associates?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> Yes. I believe there are five of you?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span><span class='sc'>Albert.</span> Two of the men besides myself and two of +the women.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> You may return to your work, M. Albert. +[<span class='sc'>Albert</span> <i>bows himself out at the left rear entrance</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Who has been examining a paper at the +table.</i>] M. Bertine, will you look over this schedule and +compare it with the duplicate on file in my office?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Bertine.</span> [<i>Taking the paper.</i>] Very well, M. Lehmann. +[<i>He bows low and goes out at the side door, left.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> Bah! What a life it must be to cringe and +bow continually to one’s superiors. Our M. Albert from +the shops is scarcely more servile than our M. Bertine in +his attitude towards us.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> True enough; but let M. Albert show lack +of respect to so influential a man as M. Bertine and he +would soon feel the consequences. Even the secretary of +Lehmann Frères is a great man in the eyes of his inferiors. +[<i>He goes to his desk.</i>] It’s a queer world, Frédéric, but +there’s considerable satisfaction to be gained from being +in the front ranks.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> Yes—to issue orders, not to take them; to +command men, not to obey them. [<i>Looks at the portrait.</i>] +What a debt we owe, Raoul, to the genius of our dear +father!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Drily, at the desk, without looking around.</i>] +And to the money of old Josiah Dorr!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> Certainly—but tell me, could anything be +more useless, in fact more harmful than such money unless +administered with discretion and foresight?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> By the way, Frédéric, M. Bertine has just +informed me that the Dorr interest is now forty per cent. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>of our capital. Have you been keeping track of the stock-transfers?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> You signed the certificates as well as I.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> True; they were all for small amounts, but +it now occurs to me there were a great many of them. I +often regret that we ever reduced our holdings below an +actual majority of the stock. Of course, you had to furnish +your villa on the Axenstrasse—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> And you needed money to keep your racing-stables +stocked with thoroughbreds. You know very well, +Raoul, that you disposed of more shares than I did.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> We have both been careless in the matter. +Our joint holdings are about forty-five per cent., which is +but a little more than the Dorr estate now holds. I +know, the rest is scattered in small lots, but I get apprehensive +at times. [<i>He goes over to</i> <span class='sc'>Frédéric</span>.] Frédéric, +we have a serious duty before us—we must regain a majority +interest of the stock.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> You are right. We cannot afford to take +chances on losing control of the business. I shall increase +the mortgage on my villa; you can probably spare a few +of your horses?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> Yes. We must also devise other means of +raising money. One thing is certain—we cannot grant the +demand of our workpeople for higher wages. [<i>He picks +up the petition from</i> <span class='sc'>Bertine’s</span> <i>desk and scans it</i>.] I +note that they ask for a uniform advance of ten per cent. +in all departments.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> They might as well ask for one hundred +and ten per cent. [<i>Laughing.</i>] You and I agree on that +subject, at least—and M. D’Or is not likely to intercede +<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>for them if he is as fond of fat dividends as his respected +grandfather used to be!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> We need not fear M. D’Or. It is probably +idle curiosity that brings him here. [<i>Voices are heard in +the room, left.</i> <span class='sc'>Bertine</span> <i>enters excitedly, followed by</i> +<span class='sc'>D’Or</span>, <i>who is dressed in fine white flannels, with gold-headed +cane, gold band on straw hat, several conspicuous +gold rings and a heavy watch fob</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Bertine.</span> [<i>Spluttering.</i>] M. D’Or! M. Raoul Lehmann, +M. Frédéric Lehmann! [<i>He bows himself out.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>With familiarity.</i>] Ah, gentlemen, so I stand +in the presence of Lehmann Frères. [<i>They shake hands.</i>] +You evidently expected me to enter by your front door +[<i>Points back, right.</i>] but I stole a march on you. I have +been inspecting the factory for the past two hours.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Surprised.</i>] Inspecting the factory!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I have been all over the plant—it is truly a +model establishment. I am pleased to be associated in +the control of such an admirable hive of industry. You +will pardon my unconventional way of learning these +things, but I did not wish to be bored by an official and +perfunctory inspection starting from the office. I therefore +took matters into my own hands—and starting at the +bottom, I have worked my way to the intellectual summit +of the structure. [<i>He looks about him.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> It is a pleasure to know that we stood this +unusual test so well, M. D’Or—but, after all, the house +of Lehmann Frères has nothing to conceal—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Evidently not. Your product is of the highest +grade and commands the best markets; your people work +under the most hygienic conditions. They are a busy multitude—those +<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>hundreds of men and women in the shops. +By the way, gentlemen, I observed some very pretty girls +among them—but I suppose you are already familiar with +that fact.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Coldly.</i>] Pardon me, M. D’Or—my brother +and I are hardly in a position to admire the personal +charms of our employees. We are both married men.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Ah! I see—you may not talk freely of such +things. How promptly you seem to suspect that I was +about to intimate something quite shocking. Charming +girls, just the same, even if they do not bask in the sunshine +of your favor. I became interested in one of the +young women in your lace department and stopped for a +few moments to question her about her work—a Mlle. +Adrienne—Adrienne—[<i>He pulls out a small memorandum +book.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> Mlle. Courteaux.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Thank you—that was the name. I was amazed +at her dexterity and the rapidity with which she worked. +It was fascinating; yet she told me that she receives only +thirty-five francs a week.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> Did she say <i>only</i> thirty-five francs? She is +one of our most skilful and best-paid operatives.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> No—I supplied the <i>only</i>! It is an outrage—that +attractive young figure bending over the machine, +those well-shaped, nimble fingers constantly at work—and +a miserable five and thirty francs at the end of the week! +No wonder your workers are complaining.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> But, M. D’Or, we pay the same wages as +all the rest. There must be a profit in the business—a +fair return for the large capital invested.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I wish above all things to act intelligently +when we meet their delegation this afternoon—that is why +I chose my own way of becoming acquainted with the +establishment. Have your people formulated their grievances?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Taking the document from</i> <span class='sc'>Bertine’s</span> +<i>desk</i>.] Yes, here is their petition addressed to us. We +did not wish to be subjected to their oratory at the conference, +so we insisted upon a preliminary bill of complaint.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Scanning the sheets.</i>] H’m—in view of the +prosperous times—plant working to the limit of its capacity—unprecedented +business—increased rents—higher cost +of living—we request a general increase of ten per cent. +Why, surely, it is very little that they ask?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> Do you realize what an effect it will have +upon our dividends?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> Are not our shareholders entitled to first +consideration?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Still glancing at the petition and not heeding +their remarks.</i>] ‘Respectfully submitted, Messrs. Albert, +Lorraine, Frémiet; Mlles. Céleste Bergère, Adrienne +Courteaux’—well, I declare, my charming friend of the +lace-machine is to be one of your delegation! How soon +do we meet them?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> I think we had better agree upon some line +of action before we invite the delegation to the office. We +should at least present a united front.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> How do you usually act in such an industrial +crisis as this?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> Sometimes we find it necessary to make a partial +concession—they are usually crafty enough to ask for +<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>twice what they expect to get. Occasionally we can win +over a delegation by assuring them of an individual raise +in wages and thus send them back to their associates with +a discouraging report.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> We dare not tamper with the present delegation—they +would be difficult to handle. Their leader, +Albert, is a quiet fellow, but the soul of honor. [<i>Looks +over the petition.</i>] Lorraine is an old man, generally +esteemed and beloved by his associates; Frémiet is a rascally +socialist, a constant breeder of trouble. [<i>He drops the +petition.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Picking up the petition.</i>] And the girls, Mlles. +Céleste and Adrienne—what lovely names they have!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> We never worry about the women in such +delegations. They are easily managed. It is strange, +Raoul, that just those two should have been chosen. You +should know, M. D’Or, that Adrienne Courteaux is +a good, highly respected girl, who is supporting her widowed +mother. As for Mlle. Bergère—what shall I say, +Raoul?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>With sarcasm.</i>] I hardly know how she will +appeal to M. D’Or’s fancy. She lacks exactly those +virtues and qualities that strike us so favorably in Mlle. +Courteaux.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Well, gentlemen, I see that you know something +after all about the young women of your establishment, +in spite of the fact that you are both married men—but, +seriously, how do you propose to answer their +request for an advance?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> There is but one answer if we are not to +reduce our dividends—the request must be refused.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> And the admirable Mlle. Courteaux, supporting +a widowed mother, will continue to get only thirty-five +francs a week?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> Her case seems to distress you most. Do +you realize that even with the increase she would be earning +less than forty francs?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> True—I hadn’t thought that it meant so little—so +contemptibly little. Gentlemen, I propose that we +grant the ten per cent. increase and that in such deserving +cases as Mlle. Courteaux’s we give an additional increment.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Leaping to his feet.</i>] M. D’Or, pardon me—but +what you propose is impossible! Lehmann Frères +are now paying the maximum wage-scale. We cannot +increase wages further without defying an established economic +law.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> M. Lehmann, the economic law has tyrannized +over us long enough—it must be taught a wholesome +respect for the power of gold. Of what value is wealth +if it cannot crush so immaterial a thing as an economic +law?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> If you have no regard for your own interests, +you should at least respect the investment of the other +shareholders.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Who are the other shareholders?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> You hold some forty per cent. from your +grandfather’s estate together with recent additions; my +brother and I jointly own—[<i>A pause.</i>] about half of the +stock or a little over. That leaves about six or eight per +cent. in small scattered holdings. [<span class='sc'>Frédéric</span> <i>looks anxiously +at</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>With a sinister expression, drawing a bundle +of certificates from his pocket.</i>] M. Lehmann, you and +your brother own forty-five per cent. or less! The so-called +scattered holdings are not six or eight per cent.—here +are at least fifteen per cent.—you will observe that +each certificate is endorsed in my favor.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Leaping up.</i>] Then you actually own a +majority of the stock? [<span class='sc'>Raoul</span> <i>buries his face in his +hands and groans</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Yes. The Blausteins at Paris have been quietly +obtaining this little block of Lehmann Frères for me. +Gentlemen, I was surprised to learn that you had permitted +the control to escape you.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Walking excitedly.</i>] Why should the delegation +consult with us, Frédéric? M. D’Or now dominates +the situation—why prolong the agony?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You should not be so bitter, M. Lehmann, +because the sins of your own negligence have found you +out. Your lie a moment ago is pardonable. I recognize +your talents—you have maintained and advanced a great +industry established by your father. I hope you will continue +to direct the interests of Lehmann Frères. I simply +wish to act as spokesman in the conference with your delegation—I +may say <i>our</i> delegation of workers.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> Why ask of us a favor that we have no power +to withhold? Complete your triumph! We are in your +hands! [<span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>glances for a moment at the angry</i> <span class='sc'>Raoul</span>, +<i>then turns to</i> <span class='sc'>Frédéric</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Kindly summon the committee!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Rings.</i> <span class='sc'>Bertine</span> <i>enters, left</i>.] M. Bertine, +please ask the delegation to come at once. [<span class='sc'>Bertine</span> <i>goes +<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>out, rear left. Frédéric crosses over to</i> <span class='sc'>Raoul</span>, <i>who +seems crushed and helpless. He tries to encourage</i> <span class='sc'>Raoul</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Looking at portrait, after a pause.</i>] Your +father’s portrait, I presume?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> Thank Heaven, he did not live to see this day!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Drily.</i>] If he had lived there would have +been no such day—at least, it would not have disturbed +his equanimity.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Comforting</i> <span class='sc'>Raoul</span>.] Do not reply, Raoul. +Let us at least preserve appearances before our employees. +[<i>Enter, rear left</i>, <span class='sc'>Bertine</span>, <i>followed by</i> <span class='sc'>Albert</span>, <i>then</i> +<span class='sc'>Céleste</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Adrienne</span>, <i>finally</i> <span class='sc'>Lorraine</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Frémiet</span>. +<i>Throughout this scene</i> <span class='sc'>Raoul</span> <i>labors under suppressed +excitement</i>; <span class='sc'>Frédéric</span> <i>is more composed</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> M. D’Or, this is the delegation of our +workpeople who have arranged for to-day’s conference. +May I say to the committee that we are honored in having +with us M. D’Or, who has a large interest in Lehmann +Frères and wishes to participate in our deliberation.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I should like to meet the delegates individually.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Indicating.</i>] M. Albert is their leader.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Shaking hands.</i>] M. Albert, I am glad to +grasp the hand of a man who has the mark of leadership +in his personality. [<i>Pointing to the petition.</i>] Is this petition +your work?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Albert.</span> [<i>Modestly.</i>] Only partly, monsieur. The +committee worked on it as a body.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> It is a masterful summary. I congratulate +you! [<span class='sc'>Albert</span> <i>bows with a look of gratification and steps +aside</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Introducing</i> <span class='sc'>Lorraine</span>.] Our oldest worker, +M. Lorraine.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> The oldest worker! Most interesting! How +long have you been associated with the company?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lorraine.</span> I was twenty when the honored father +[<i>Points to the portrait.</i>] of Messrs. Lehmann first engaged +me—and I’ve been here ever since. I have two sons and +five grandsons here now. I am seventy-three years old.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Astonished.</i>] Fifty-three years of faithful service—and +you are still among the workers! How is it +that you have not risen to prosperity in that time?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lorraine.</span> [<i>Without bitterness.</i>] We cannot all hope +to reach the top. Some of us have not the brains—and +others have not the chance. I have always been a sober +and industrious man, but the pay is not large. I do not +complain, however—I have always been treated well.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> It is unjust—rankly unjust! [<i>He turns to</i> +<span class='sc'>Frémiet</span>.] And our third delegate?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Curtly.</i>] M. Frémiet.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Ah! I recall—the anarchist!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frémiet.</span> Pardon me, I am a socialist.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Is there any difference? [<span class='sc'>Frémiet’s</span> <i>look is +contemptuous</i>.] I am quite unfamiliar with your nice +distinctions of political or economic creed. I dare say you +regard yourself as a very badly used person?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frémiet.</span> Yes. Every worker is badly used. He does +not get his share of the wealth that he creates by the sweat +of his brow.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I suppose you believe that all men are created +equal?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frémiet.</span> They are not—they should be.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Ah! So you actually have a grudge against +Nature in the first instance. How unhappy you must be! +<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>At any rate you believe in social equality. Let me test +your faith. You are a workman, laboring faithfully +week after week at the plant of Lehmann Frères; I am a +gentleman of leisure, living idly on an inherited income. +Do you believe that any social upheaval can ever make me +your equal?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frémiet.</span> [<i>Misunderstanding.</i>] I regard myself as +any man’s equal, poor and crushed as I am. It is a cruel +social tyranny that keeps us down.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Pardon me, my friend—you did not listen carefully. +I asked whether you believed that any social upheaval +could make me <i>your</i> equal.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frémiet.</span> You are mocking me, M. D’Or. In your +heart you know that you are my superior—my superior in +everything that is most desirable in this world. You live +your life according to the dictates of your own fancy, you +call no man master, the pleasures of the world are at your +beck. Why should you seek to torture me and these others +on the rack?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Turning to the</i> <span class='sc'>Lehmanns</span>.] Really, I had no +idea that my visit was to be so interesting! [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Frémiet</span>.] +M. Frémiet, you are something better than a socialist—you +are a poet. Instead of working at the lace-machines +you should capitalize your thoughts. You would soon +attract sufficient attention to make you rich and famous—and +incidentally to drive every vestige of socialism out of +your system. [<span class='sc'>Frémiet</span> <i>bows with evident pleasure</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Introducing</i> <span class='sc'>Céleste</span>.] Mlle. Bergère.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Céleste.</span> [<i>With a curtsy, archly.</i>] Céleste Bergère.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Bowing.</i>] Mademoiselle, I am particularly +<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>interested in the welfare of the young women in our workrooms. +In which department are you?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Céleste.</span> I assist in sorting and packing embroideries.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> And what is your pay for this service?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Céleste.</span> Twenty francs a week.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Twenty francs! How can one live on such +wages?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Céleste.</span> [<i>With a deliberate look at the</i> <span class='sc'>Lehmanns</span>.] +One cannot—and very few make the effort. [<i>The</i> <span class='sc'>Lehmanns</span> +<i>are astounded and annoyed at her audacity; the +men of the delegation seem uneasy</i>; <span class='sc'>Adrienne</span> <i>draws away +from</i> <span class='sc'>Céleste</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>With sympathy.</i>] Pardon me for asking that +question. I might have anticipated the answer. Of course, +a girl living at home with her family is under less expense—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frémiet.</span> [<i>Starting forward.</i>] How about the rest? +It means ruin for the rest!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Waving</i> <span class='sc'>Frémiet</span> <i>back and introducing</i> +<span class='sc'>Adrienne</span>.] I believe you have met Mlle. Courteaux.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Graciously.</i>] Yes, I met Mlle. Courteaux in +the lace department. Your pay is thirty-five francs a week—it +is inadequate, I know.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> It would not be so bad if it were not for +the doctor and for the medicines that my mother needs.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You are your mother’s sole support?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> Yes. [<span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>looks at her in mingled admiration +and pity</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> Mlle. Courteaux receives high pay as the +schedule is arranged. There are hundreds who receive +far less.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Heaven help the hundreds—and the thousands +<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>of their kind elsewhere. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Adrienne</span>.] Are you happy +at your work?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> Yes; it is not difficult—one soon acquires +the necessary skill.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> But you are surely looking forward to something +better—something less monotonous than a lace-machine!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Albert.</span> I hope some day to make Mlle. Courteaux +my wife.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Some day?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Albert.</span> Yes. As soon as my pay is sufficient to keep +us both.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Looks at</i> <span class='sc'>Albert</span>, <i>then</i> <span class='sc'>Adrienne</span>.] This, +too! Another tyranny of our industrial system! [<i>Turns +to</i> <span class='sc'>Frédéric</span>.] Can Lehmann Frères afford to be accessories +to such hardships?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Coldly.</i>] It is distressing, of course—but +we surely cannot undertake to reform society and bring +about universal happiness.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Stepping forward.</i>] May I remind M. D’Or +that we have summoned this delegation to discuss the +wage-scale? We can hardly reach any conclusion by +considering the individual cases before us.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>With suppressed anger.</i>] Thank you for reminding +me, M. Lehmann. I have made the mistake of +regarding our delegation as a group of human beings. +[<i>He seats himself between the</i> <span class='sc'>Lehmanns</span>.] Let us +settle down to business. I take it for granted we are all +familiar with the contents of this petition—it sums up the +situation aptly—unless our friend Frémiet wishes to make +a speech?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span><span class='sc'>Frémiet.</span> I have no speech to make, M. D’Or. I +have been listening attentively to you—you are a fair-minded +man. I am perfectly willing to leave our grievances +in your hands. [<span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>is visibly flattered</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Very well. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Raoul</span>.] Now, M. Lehmann, +you are the head of this great establishment—for +years you have directed it ably and profitably. What do +you suggest?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Looking keenly at</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.] Are you asking +for my opinion?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Certainly. Can we do anything for our people?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Speaking cautiously.</i>] Perhaps what I say +may appear unsympathetic—but I have always proceeded +on the assumption that the shareholders deserve first consideration +in the distribution of earnings. Our relation +with our workers is in the nature of a personal contract—we +offer a certain wage and they are free to refuse it and +stay out of our employ if they so desire.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> That is sufficiently blunt to be understood by +any one—and it’s also quite orthodox, I believe; but let +us drop abstractions. Can we afford the requested increase +in wages?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Feeling his way.</i>] I wish to do the fair +thing—but before all else I must advise the safe course. +Our reports show clearly that a ten per cent. increase in +all departments would ruin the concern. Perhaps we +might compromise on a five per cent. advance and try it +for—say six months, without committing ourselves to continue +it beyond that term unless our earnings justify—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Impatiently.</i>] Nonsense, M. Lehmann; you +would offer Mlle. Bergère an extra franc per week, the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>others perhaps two francs or less—do you imagine that +you have solved the problem? I propose that we try the +ten per cent. increase and give it a fair test.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Céleste.</span> [<i>Eagerly.</i>] Oh! M. D’Or, you are our +good angel!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Flattered.</i>] What is more, I propose to learn +the circumstances of every girl who works in this plant, +and wherever conditions warrant it, I shall recommend +an increase of twenty per cent. or even more—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> It is impossible! We shall face bankruptcy!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> We might try it, at any rate.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Fiercely.</i>] Your plan cannot succeed.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Ominously.</i>] None the less I ask you—shall +we try it?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>After a struggle.</i>] Yes, if you insist! [<i>The +workers are astounded.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Frédéric</span>, <i>blandly</i>.] Do you also agree?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> Yes. Do whatever you think best!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>To the delegation.</i>] Your petition is favorably +considered and you may report to your associates that +an increase of ten per cent. in all wages goes into effect +immediately. [<i>The delegates are delighted</i>; <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>pays +no attention to the rest, but gazes at</i> <span class='sc'>Adrienne</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Albert.</span> [<i>Kissing</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or’s</span> <i>hand</i>.] You are a friend of +humanity, M. D’Or!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lorraine.</span> [<i>With choking voice.</i>] I speak for my +sons and grandsons when I say, ‘Heaven bless you!’ You +have brought joy into our lives.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frémiet.</span> If all employers were like you, monsieur, I +would stay away from our socialistic meetings.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span><span class='sc'>Céleste.</span> [<i>Boldly.</i>] M. D’Or, Adrienne and I also +wish to thank you, do we not? [<span class='sc'>Adrienne</span> <i>stands with +bowed head beside her</i>.] You have made us so happy! +You will be a hero henceforth in the eyes of us all. [<i>She +turns to</i> <span class='sc'>Adrienne</span>, <i>expecting her to say something</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> And what do you say, Mlle. Courteaux? +[<span class='sc'>Adrienne</span> <i>raises her head and looks fixedly at</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>for +several moments of tense silence; then with a sob she +bursts into tears</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Albert.</span> [<i>Hastening to her.</i>] The truest tribute of +all, M. D’Or! The tribute of tears!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Curtly.</i>] The conference being over, you +may return to your work. [<i>The delegates pass out at the +rear left.</i>] M. Bertine, you will at once post a notice in +the shops announcing the increase in wages. [<span class='sc'>Bertine</span> +<i>goes off, left</i>. <span class='sc'>Raoul’s</span> <i>demeanor changes completely</i>.] +M. D’Or, in my whole life I have never experienced such +a sense of humiliation, of utter degradation as in the last +half hour. What a terrible man you are! How could +you trample us so ruthlessly under foot—and before our +workpeople—treating us like a pair of impotent puppets!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Coolly.</i>] I like to feel the power of my wealth. +You have had the same experience in dealing with your +workers.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> Why don’t you exercise your power over +them? It is easier and cheaper.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> They know the power of wealth—they need +no further demonstration. The war of wealth against +wealth is more to my taste at present. Besides, gentlemen, +it is cleaner sport.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> Don’t you realize that as the majority stockholder +you must pay the lion’s share of the bill?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Yes, but it’s worth whatever it costs to see +such a precious pair as you brought to terms. I am satisfied +with the reward that my generosity will bring. By +nightfall I shall be heralded through the town as the kind +friend of the downtrodden workers—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Bitterly.</i>] And Lehmann Frères will lose +thirty to forty thousand francs a year!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Of which nearly one half will fall upon you +and your brother.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> You forget, M. D’Or—there is still one resource. +It would not be difficult to prove in any court +of law that you are an irresponsible person. When a +man, in order to gratify a passing whim, seeks to disturb +the economic balance—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>With a sneer.</i>] Economic balance! I like that +phrase! On the one hand, our wealth, securely entrenched +with all its vast unlimited influence; on the other, the +hands and brains of the numerous wretches whom we call +our employees. Economic balance, indeed!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> M. D’Or, we shall not be ruined without +a struggle. This industry has been fostered through two +generations of growth and development. We take pride +in it—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Let us stop quarreling, gentlemen—I have +heard enough in this strain. At what figure do you estimate +your holdings in Lehmann Frères?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Interrupting</i> <span class='sc'>Frédéric</span>.] This morning our +joint holdings were worth six hundred thousand francs—Heaven +knows what they are worth now, with you in the +saddle!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Deliberately.</i>] Then I presume the easiest +<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>way for me to restore peace and to avoid a commission in +lunacy would be to pay you—let us say eight hundred +thousand francs?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> What do you mean? To buy us out?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Toying with the petition.</i>] Yes—for eight +hundred thousand francs.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> On what terms?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> A sight draft on the Blausteins at Paris. [<i>A +frantic discussion between the brothers, which evokes a +smile from</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Finally.</i>] We accept your offer!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Are you no longer afraid that I am a desperate +madman? Are you sure that a man who disturbs the +economic balance can legally transact business? Would +not the sale of your holdings at such an outrageous overvaluation +be liable to attack in your courts?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Suavely.</i>] Not unless you or your friends +should proceed. You made the offer yourself—we are not +likely to test your sanity after the draft is honored.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Gentlemen, I see you are not without a sense +of humor. Kindly draw up a formal agreement—the +actual transfer of the property can be effected to-morrow. +[<span class='sc'>Raoul</span> <i>prepares an agreement</i>.] You can make immediate +delivery, I presume?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> Yes. There is nothing to prevent you from +taking absolute possession of the entire establishment at +once. You will henceforth be able to follow the dictates +of your own fancy in administering the affairs of the company. +Would it be an impertinence to wish you success +in your venture?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I fear it would be, in the face of your conviction +that I am doomed to inevitable failure.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> You are trying to do the impossible!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> The impossible is the only thing worth doing +nowadays. [<span class='sc'>Raoul</span> <i>shows the agreement to</i> <span class='sc'>Frédéric</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> [<i>Handing it to</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.] Very good!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Returning it to</i> <span class='sc'>Raoul</span>.] Quite proper—and +to the point. [<span class='sc'>Raoul</span> <i>rings for</i> <span class='sc'>Bertine</span>, <i>who enters, +left</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> M. Bertine, kindly let us have three copies +of this agreement at once. [<span class='sc'>Bertine</span> <i>takes the paper, +glances at its contents and utters an involuntary cry</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Severely.</i>] Have you forgotten yourself?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Bertine.</span> [<i>Confused.</i>] I—I beg your pardon, gentlemen. +[<i>He glances from one to another, looks at</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>as +at an apparition and goes out awkwardly</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Sympathetically.</i>] Poor fellow! How hard +he takes it! Gentlemen, I confess that I looked for a +possible word of sentiment from you—a desire to remain +identified with the great business that your father had +established and had developed to its present importance. I +was even prepared to bid higher in case my first offer was +not accepted—[<i>The brothers look at him in mingled anger +and covetousness.</i>] but the sum seems to have satisfied your +cupidity. However, I have an appeal to make. I do not +wish to undertake the administration of this great industry—I +know nothing about it. Do you care to remain here +in your present executive capacity? I know we can agree +upon terms.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> Events have crowded each other so quickly +that neither of us has any plans for the future. We shall +be willing to stay—for a time at least, eh, Frédéric?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> Assuredly. I, for one, am interested to +<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>know how M. D’Or’s experiment is going to work out. +Such audacity affords an enlightening spectacle to the business +man of normal training.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Thank you, gentlemen, I shall appreciate your +co-operation. Such a business requires a certain amount +of personal shrewdness and finesse with which you are evidently +well equipped. [<span class='sc'>Bertine</span> <i>enters with the papers, +hands them to</i> <span class='sc'>Raoul</span> <i>and goes off, left</i>. <span class='sc'>Raoul</span> <i>signs +each copy, hands them to</i> <span class='sc'>Frédéric</span>, <i>the latter signs and +passes them to</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Signing the last copy.</i>] There we are! [<i>Each +takes a copy.</i>] That settles the formal transfer—the details +can go over till to-morrow. Is there anything further, +gentlemen?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>Somewhat excited, puts his hand to his brow.</i>] +I—I do not feel altogether well. The excitement of the +past hour is playing havoc with my brain! I had better +go home—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Frédéric.</span> My dear Raoul—you are not ill, I hope?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> You had better take me home. [<i>They get +their hats and gloves.</i>] M. D’Or, I wonder whether you +are not a demon—or an apparition of some evil dream!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Have no fear, M. Lehmann. You will find +my draft on the Blausteins a very reliable piece of paper—in +exchange for which I am to receive [<i>Throwing out his +arms.</i>] all this!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Raoul.</span> [<i>In agony.</i>] Ah! this is terrible! [<i>He goes +out, rear right, followed by</i> <span class='sc'>Frédéric</span>. <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>looks after +them with a laugh, jingles the gold in his pocket and rings +for</i> <span class='sc'>Bertine</span> <i>who enters, left. As it is growing dark</i>, +<span class='sc'>Bertine</span> <i>turns on the electric lamp on the table</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> M. Bertine, at what time does work cease?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span><span class='sc'>Bertine.</span> [<i>Consults his watch.</i>] In twenty minutes, +monsieur.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Will you kindly ask Mlle. Courteaux to come +to the office before she leaves? You may tell her to come +at once.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Bertine.</span> Very well, monsieur. [<i>He goes off, rear +left.</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>takes the agreement from his pocket and +laughs over it. He looks over other papers on the desk +with deprecatory gestures. For a few moments he gazes +at the portrait of Lehmann senior.</i> <span class='sc'>Adrienne</span> <i>enters, +rear left, followed by</i> <span class='sc'>Bertine</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Bertine.</span> Anything further, monsieur?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Not at present. [<i>Exit</i> <span class='sc'>Bertine</span>, <i>left</i>. <span class='sc'>Adrienne</span> +<i>stands looking steadily at</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.] Mlle. Courteaux, you +doubtless wonder why I sent for you?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> [<i>Simply.</i>] No, I am not wondering.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> But you surely cannot know? You see, I—that +is, I was so much distressed when I heard of your +sick mother that I desire to learn if I can do anything for +her—perhaps a better doctor, or a trip to the mountains. +I am much interested in her welfare.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> [<i>Coolly.</i>] M. D’Or, it is impossible for +me to believe that you are at all concerned about my +mother.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You might at least credit me with good intentions +towards her. There was another reason for my +summoning you. When I announced the increase in +wages to the delegation, the others were profuse in their +thanks. You said nothing—you burst into tears.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> The rest believed you meant well by them.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> And you?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> [<i>After a pause.</i>] I knew better.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>With a look of admiration.</i>] You are entirely +too bright a girl to pass your best years in a factory. This +morning I recognized your beauty and your charm of +manner—now I learn that you are clever as well.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> What next, M. D’Or?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> How did the shops receive the news of the +increase?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> The workers went almost wild with joy.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> And you alone find a sinister motive in what +I did?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> Am I wrong?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>With apparent wounded dignity.</i>] You are +doing me a great injustice—I want you to regard me as a +friend. I shall be perfectly frank with you. When I +arrived here I had no intention of playing the philanthropist +as I did a few moments ago. I would have supported +the Lehmanns and there would have been no increase—not +a franc for anyone—if I had not seen you at work.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> All this would be very complimentary, +monsieur, if I could ignore the rest of your frankness.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> When I urged the increase in wages it was to +please you—you alone. I did not care a whit about the +others—and the Lehmanns had to dance as I fiddled!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> That was evident. I felt very sorry for +them.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Then you don’t think better of me for what I +have done?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> How can you expect any one who reads +your motives to think well of you?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Of course, the increase was only a trifle for +you after all! But suppose you could get away from the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>lace-machine altogether, could live well, dress well and +enjoy life in a way worthy of your beauty—would that +make any difference?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> M. D’Or, why do you find it necessary to +insult me?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Perhaps you care for that fellow Albert?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> [<i>Quietly.</i>] No.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Is there any one else?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> No.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>More eagerly.</i>] I wouldn’t use that word +‘insult’ if I were you. I am offering to take you out of +a life of drudgery into one of comfort and affluence, to +put the luxuries of the world at your disposal, to give you +the one talisman to the real joy of living.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> And that is—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Drawing out a handful of gold coin and talking +hysterically.</i>] Gold! Gold! Unlimited gold! The +faithful slave that brings me whatever I desire. The +power that sent the Lehmanns slinking out of this room +a few minutes ago like a pair of whipped curs! The +power that has placed the entire establishment of Lehmann +Frères in my hands. I own it all—all, Adrienne!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> And you are the man who is now being +proclaimed throughout the town as the champion of the +poor man, the friend of the oppressed woman—you, who +seek to control only that you may corrupt!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Nettled.</i>] How dare you speak thus to me? +You forget that I am your employer!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Adrienne.</span> That you are not. You have made it +impossible for me to earn my living here. [<i>She moves +toward the door, rear left.</i>] Even if you do own Lehmann +<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>Frères, you might at least spare to your workers their own +souls. You call gold your faithful slave; be careful that +your slave does not master you in the end! [<i>She passes +out quickly.</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>stares after her and throws the coins +on the table. He laughs nervously as he looks about, +especially at the portrait of Lehmann senior. He picks +up the petition, pulls out the agreement, and after some +moments of indecision goes to the telephone.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Looks up the number in the telephone book.</i>] +7—1—4 please.... Hello.... Yes.... Is that the +home of M. Raoul Lehmann?... M. Lehmann himself? +This is M. D’Or, at the office.... Yes.... I have +changed my mind about purchasing your interest and your +brother’s.... Yes, I prefer to restore the plant into your +hands.... Yes, a majority of the stock as well as a bonus +for cancelling the deal.... I know you won’t lose control +of it again.... Yes.... I’m sorry I treated you +and your brother so roughly to-day.... Why am I giving +it up? Well, I’ve already had enough of it. Besides, +your father’s portrait makes me nervous. I wouldn’t +care to take it down—and I don’t dare to look at it.... +What’s that?... You accept? Good!... Will you +inform your brother?... Very well, in the morning at +ten! Are you feeling better?... I am glad to hear it.... +Good-by. [<i>He goes over to the table and slowly +picks up the coins.</i>] To-day you played me a very shabby +trick! [<i>He pockets the gold, puts on his hat, takes his +cane and is about to leave when he again notices the portrait. +He goes directly to it, takes off his hat with a +bow and addresses the picture.</i>] M. Lehmann, I have the +honor to bid you farewell! [<i>With a laugh he goes out at +the rear right entrance as the curtain falls.</i>]</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span> + <h2 class='c009'>SCENE II</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c014'>[<i>The music salon of the Chateau D’Or. A handsome +room, most luxuriously furnished in white and gold. The +grand piano at the left is also finished in white and gold. +The central entrance leads to a wide corridor which runs +parallel with the room. The furniture and hangings are +over-ornate, showing plainly the triumph of wealth over +good taste in their selection. The guests of</i> <span class='sc'>M. D’Or</span> <i>are +seated about the room in fashionable morning toilettes. +On a sofa right are seated</i> <span class='sc'>Mme. Cyprienne Dacier</span> <i>and</i> +<span class='sc'>Mme. Lucette Clary</span>. <i>Before the curtain rises, the +Prelude in C sharp minor by Sergei Rachmaninoff is played +at the piano. As it concludes, the curtain rises and</i> <span class='sc'>Henri +Vaux</span> <i>is seen standing at the piano, bowing to the applause +of the assembled guests. (If practicable, the curtain might +rise before</i> <span class='sc'>Vaux</span> <i>has completed his solo.) As the scene +begins, the anonymous guests chat in groups.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lucette.</span> Bravo, M. Vaux! You played that prelude +beautifully.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> Thank you, Mme. Clary. It is a favorite of +mine, but perhaps a bit too depressing for such a pleasant +occasion as this.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lucette.</span> Not at all. We must remember that there +is a serious side to life—don’t you think so, Cyprienne?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> Of course. We can’t have dance music +all the time.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> But life—at least, life as the artist usually +knows it—is apt to be sad enough; perhaps it is natural +<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>that he should prefer a melancholy theme for subjective +interpretation.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> Speaking of melancholy themes reminds +me that Adolphe Lemaire is to be here.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lucette.</span> Why do you call this M. Lemaire a melancholy +theme?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> Don’t you know him? He exhibited +that remarkable painting called ‘Death in Life’ in the +recent <i>Salon</i>.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lucette.</span> I did not get to Paris this spring.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> You surely saw a reproduction of the +picture—it was copied in all the illustrated papers—a +young girl wandering through a sun-lit grove and intercepted +by a shrouded figure of Death.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lucette.</span> Oh! I recall it! I shall be delighted to +meet the artist.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> M. D’Or usually brings together the most +interesting people at his musicales. I believe the poet +Moreau is also expected. You know him, Mme. Clary? +A brilliant but eccentric genius! [<span class='sc'>Lucette</span> <i>shakes her +head</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> You have surely heard of Jean Moreau. +He writes those stinging verses against the government. +M. Dacier says that the Opposition would be helpless without +him. Of course, he pretends that his satires refer to +the middle ages or to some other country, but every one +knows what he means!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lucette.</span> Have you brought your daughter along, M. +Vaux?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> Yes; she was in the corridor a few moments ago.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lucette.</span> She is a most charming girl—so modest, so +<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>refined, and so very reticent! She seems almost afraid to +express an opinion of her own.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> Is there any wonder? The sort of opinions +that society likes to hear are not the sort that a young girl +can express with any self-respect.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> Oh! what a cynical remark! Could anything +be more attractive than the sincere thoughts of a +sweet girl who has not yet lost her illusions, who is still +a stranger to the bitter realities of life? [<i>She sighs.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lucette.</span> My dear Cyprienne! Do not seem so vividly +reminiscent! It makes me feel like an old woman to hear +you talk in that strain. It isn’t ages since we felt that +way ourselves.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> It isn’t ages, Lucette, in the number of +years, but I feel that I have lived ages since then.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> So you regret those days?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> They were sweet; but life has been so +varied since—I have enjoyed so much—that I cannot say +that I regret the passing of impossible ideals. We must +all awaken from the vain dreams of youth!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> I would have Hélène dream while the mystic +charm still pervades her soul; I would not have her +crushed to earth by the revelation of the deep-seated miseries +of existence. I would foster her love for art, her +devotion to music—in short, her taste for such ideals as +are cherished by our genial and accomplished host, M. +D’Or. [<i>Enter</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>, <i>at the centre, in a frock coat, gold +waistcoat, wearing a conspicuous scarfpin and rings</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> My good friends! You have just enjoyed a +treat! I heard the Rachmaninoff prelude from the corridor, +M. Vaux. Your interpretation is masterful; it is +<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>the grip of despair itself tugging at the heartstrings of +humanity. We are all indebted to you and pay homage +to your art. I am having some light refreshment served +in the corridor. Won’t you kindly step that way? M. +Vaux, may I entrust Mme. Clary to you? [<span class='sc'>Vaux</span> <i>leads +with</i> <span class='sc'>Lucette</span>, <i>the rest follow</i>. <span class='sc'>Cyprienne</span> <i>takes</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or’s</span> +<i>arm. When the others are out, he stops short.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> We need not hurry after the others, Mme. +Dacier. I have not had a chance to chat with you this +morning; you will not deny me the pleasure of a few +words. I do not see your husband among the guests.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> He is very busy at the bank just now. +He finds it impossible to get away—even for such a +splendid affair as you are giving us to-day.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> It is right that M. Dacier should regard his +business as his first consideration. He is becoming one +of our best known bankers.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> Ah! you are trying to flatter me. My +husband is like many others who are engaged in the money +game—a good enough fellow in the ranks, but not likely +to become a leader. He is somewhat envious of you!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> <i>He</i> envious of me?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> Yes—your close association with the house +of Blaustein. He has sought for years to acquire the +good will of that firm, but evidently his talents and resources +are not sufficient to command their attention. I +also am envious, M. D’Or.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Surely not.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> I am envious of your future wife. Think +of the unlimited wealth you will place at her disposal—the +unfailing resource of gold.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Sentimentally.</i>] I shall never marry.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> And why not?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Because the one charming woman whom I +know is already married. [<span class='sc'>Cyprienne</span> <i>affects indifference</i>.] +Her name is—Cyprienne! [<i>He takes her hand.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> [<i>Starts, but does not withdraw her hand.</i>] +Hush, M. D’Or—you should not say such things! You +should not call me Cyprienne. M. Dacier would not like it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Do you think there is the remotest possibility +of my saying it in his hearing, Cyprienne?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> [<i>Archly.</i>] You are an irresistible man. +How many hearts have you broken?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> None, I assure you. My own heart is more +likely to be broken, unless—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> [<i>Coming closer.</i>] M. D’Or, you might +say a favorable word or two about Dacier to the Blausteins—you +have such great influence!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Eagerly.</i>] I shall be delighted to do so, +Cyprienne. We must talk it over some time. When can +I see you?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> You are always welcome at our chateau.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> But I would see you alone!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> [<i>With feigned surprise.</i>] Alone?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Surely, our plan is to arrange a surprise for M. +Dacier. At what hour does he reach home?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> At four or later.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Then I may call some afternoon—say at two? +[<span class='sc'>Cyprienne</span> <i>starts</i>.] We can talk things over quite by +ourselves. And then—[<i>Enter</i> <span class='sc'>Baptiste</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Baptiste.</span> [<i>Announcing.</i>] M. Moreau! [<span class='sc'>Baptiste</span> +<i>retires</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Cyprienne</span>.] Confound the poet! I’d +rather chat with you. [<i>Enter</i> <span class='sc'>Moreau</span>.] Welcome, my +dear M. Moreau! I’m delighted to see you.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> Pardon my lateness, M. D’Or. I have +been attending a conclave of the Opposition.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Still denouncing the government, eh? I hope +you will find it more agreeable here. Mme. Dacier, may +I present M. Moreau?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyprienne.</span> [<i>Extending her hand.</i>] M. Moreau is +an old friends of ours. [<i>Enter</i> <span class='sc'>Baptiste</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Baptiste.</span> [<i>Announcing.</i>] M. Lemaire! [<i>He retires.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> Ah! so Lemaire is also late. Evidently we +poets and artists are an unreliable class. [<i>Enter</i> <span class='sc'>Lemaire</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> My best greetings, my dear Lemaire. [<span class='sc'>Lemaire</span> +<i>greets</i> <span class='sc'>Cyprienne</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Moreau</span>.] We feared you were +going to disappoint us this time—and every one is anxious +to learn what work you have undertaken since your successful +painting ‘Death in Life.’</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> [<i>Staring vacantly and nervously.</i>] I’ve done +very little lately. Heaven knows, I should be working, +but that picture seems to have exhausted every vestige of +inspiration in my being. I find it impossible to pull myself +together.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> I know the sensation—a great vital utterance +leaves the inventive power paralyzed and one gropes +about in vain for support.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Gentlemen, if you will pardon me, I shall +escort Mme. Dacier to the corridor for some refreshment. +Pray make yourselves at home; I shall rejoin you shortly. +[<i>Exeunt</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Cyprienne</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> [<i>Looking about.</i>] What a palace! What +<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>wonderful appointments! Is it conceivable that the pen +or the brush could ever earn such luxury for either of us? +D’Or’s supply of gold seems inexhaustible—and he spends +with a knowing hand.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> A pleasant fellow, our host! My only +regret is that he sympathizes with the scoundrels who constitute +the present ministry. If I could only get him to +support the Opposition, we should have the Premier’s +resignation within a week!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> Try him, Moreau! It’s worth working +for! I believe that the mere mention of D’Or’s name as +an adherent of our party would overturn the authority of +the Premier. Try to have a quiet talk with him before +you go—and let me know how you succeed.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> I shall do it; with D’Or on our side the +cause is as good as won! And then, Lemaire, a brighter +day shall dawn for our country. We shall once more +lead the way to higher and nobler achievement. [<i>Enter</i> +<span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You see, my friends, I have not kept you waiting +long. Perhaps you would care to partake of some +refreshment?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> No, thank you. Like most poets, I think +most clearly on an empty stomach.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> With many poets compulsion and not choice +develops that opinion. And you, M. Lemaire?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> [<i>With a significant look at</i> <span class='sc'>Moreau</span>.] I +think I shall cater a bit to the inner man. I shall rejoin +you later. <i>Au revoir!</i> [<i>Exit</i> <span class='sc'>Lemaire</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Well, my dear Moreau, on what are you working +now? I hope you are not as destitute of plans as our +good friend Lemaire?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> No; I am writing a new poem which I +hope to finish shortly.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> May I enquire the nature of your subject?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> Certainly. I am seeking to glorify the future +of our country and to blaze the way toward the realization +of its noblest ideals. [<i>Slowly.</i>] Of course, such a +dream is impossible under existing conditions.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You mean the present ministry?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> Yes. They are a group of detestable politicians +who make all great questions of state subservient to +their own schemes for personal power and profit.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I think you are a little unfair to the Premier +and his associates. You must not forget that every party +when out of office rails against those in control.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> But the Opposition stands upon a firm +foundation of integrity and high moral purpose.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Mere vaporing, my dear Moreau. The minority +is always respectable. It’s their only chance to regain +the ascendancy. If your Opposition should triumph +they would soon be drunk with power and the present +party could successfully parade its manifold virtues before +the public.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> So you really believe that in the long run +there can be no improvement in government?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Yes, if you choose to put it thus; and my +advice to you is that you join the party in power. You +have too much talent to squander your life in the service +of a hopeless Opposition.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> Hopeless? I thought that possibly you might +be induced to join our cause—to become the patron of a +new and better order of things.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Apparently ignoring the remark.</i>] Of course, +the ministry has antagonized the visionaries—idealists like +yourself, who dream of Utopian governments, but who +have little or no experience in practical affairs.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> An instinctive sense of right and wrong is +the best equipment for a statesman.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> There speaks the poet! Now, may I tell you +in confidence what really does constitute the best equipment +for a statesman?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> [<i>Curiously.</i>] What is it?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Deliberately.</i>] Knowledge of the fact that +his party has the approval of the Blausteins!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> [<i>Astounded.</i>] The approval of a banking-house!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> The approval of the greatest power in the +world—unlimited gold.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> It seems hardly credible! The utter corruption +of the existing state of affairs is beyond my comprehension.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> M. Moreau, let us talk sensibly about these +things. I like your poetry very much; I admire everything +about you except your political sentiments. Why +do you not put your fine talent to better use?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> What better use is there than devotion to +the popular welfare?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Nonsense. The people for whom you write +cannot appreciate the subtlety of your thought nor the +nobility of your inspired poetic nights. They place a +scant value upon your efforts. The present government +honors its friends more highly. A poem in praise of the +ministry would bring you greater material reward and +<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>more renown than ten years of labor for the ungrateful +Opposition.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> M. D’Or, I am devoted to our cause; I +would not write a poem in commendation of the present +ministry for fifty thousand francs.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Alert.</i>] You would not?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> No. It would be treason to the people.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> How long would you labor for the popular +cause before you earned fifty thousand francs with your +pen?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> Five years at least.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> And you are unwilling to purchase a release +from five years of drudgery by a single effort because of a +conscientious scruple? You are indeed a patriot.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> I wish merely to be true to myself.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Slowly.</i>] M. Moreau, what would you do if +some one were to offer you—say one hundred thousand +francs for a poem over your signature addressed to the +Premier and commending the present government?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> [<i>Aghast.</i>] One hundred thousand francs! +The question is ridiculous. You are trying to entrap me.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> The question is not ridiculous. I offer you +that sum!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> Are you serious?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I shall not mince words. The government +seeks the support of its most intelligent and most gifted +people. You are one of these. The government would +not, however, pay you such an amount as I have mentioned; +that sum represents my personal gratification at +the prospect of numbering M. Moreau among the champions +of the ministry.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> You are bribing me!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I am not. I am telling you that there is fame +and substantial reward for the adherents of the government; +there is futile effort and wasted opportunity for the +Opposition. You are a sane man; which do you choose?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> But to write such a poem is a manifest +renunciation of my high principles of conduct.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> To write such a poem is a declaration to the +world that you have become a conservative. Are you +familiar with that word ‘conservative’? It is a word of +excellent savor and of good repute. A man who betrays +a cause is justly styled a renegade or a traitor; but a man +who has held visionary views concerning government or +society, and who as a result of maturer deliberation rejects +such fallacies and becomes an adherent of the existing +social order may properly be styled a conservative. That’s +the worst they can say about you—and the reward is the +price of ten years’ hard labor with the pen.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> [<i>Bewildered.</i>] One hundred thousand francs! +I can see it in every journal in Paris! ‘M. Moreau joins +the conservatives!’ One hundred thousand francs!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Jestingly.</i>] You will note that there is nothing +conservative in the sum I am offering you. I should +call it liberal—decidedly liberal!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> [<i>Brokenly.</i>] After all, perhaps you’re right. +Lemaire will think I’m a cur—but I accept your offer. I +may live to regret this step, but I cannot resist you. I +shall write your poem and I shall mean every word that +I say. Henceforth I am one of your party. There is no +future for me elsewhere. I want you to understand that +I am completely within your ranks. I will not be a hireling, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>to puff the Premier in a single insincere poem. You +have not bought a poem, M. D’Or—you have bought me, +body and soul. Do you understand?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Quietly.</i>] Yes. It was you I was bidding for.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Moreau.</span> [<i>More wildly.</i>] It’s a serious matter, this +tearing one’s self out by the roots. I must have time for +reflection. Pardon me, M. D’Or, it is growing oppressive +here—I must have fresh air. I cannot meet Lemaire +just now. You shall have your poem—a poem from the +depths of my heart. It’s fresh air I need—fresh air! +[<i>He staggers out with a groan.</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>looks after him +and smiles strangely. He draws a handful of gold coins +from his pocket and is about to jingle them when</i> <span class='sc'>Lemaire</span> +<i>enters</i>. <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>replaces the coins quickly</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> You are alone! I expected to find M. +Moreau with you.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Coolly.</i>] He left me only a moment ago. +Have you partaken of the luncheon?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> Yes, and chatted with some of your delightful +guests. I am grateful to find so many recognized +Liberals among them. Are you being converted?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> By no means—but I like to know intimately +all points of view. It’s part of one’s education, after all. +I try to make these gatherings as varied as possible and to +give free rein to the expression of opinion. Did you hear +nothing that might arouse renewed inspiration for another +great painting?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> [<i>Gloomily.</i>] I shall probably grope long +in the dark before I find another subject as striking as +‘Death in Life’!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Surely, there are many themes available?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> Few that I should care to depict. I shall +paint nothing ignoble, nothing degrading. If my brush +is not destined to uplift and to glorify mankind, I shall +cast it aside.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> A noble ideal, indeed; but ideals are evanescent +in this corrupt old world of ours.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> Are they not about all that is worth while?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Rather too unsubstantial, I should say. After +all, an artist must labor for his bread and butter. Of +course, he may be so absorbed in his ideals that he ignores +the gross commercial value of his inspiration and its +product. I am told you sold your ‘Death in Life’ for a +trifle—yet it is your finest picture.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> I have no regrets. The ‘Death in Life’ +was sold to a collector while it still hung in my studio. +He offered two thousand francs—I needed the money and +accepted. Had I anticipated the success of the picture in +the <i>Salon</i>, I might have asked more.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> That picture would have been cheap at ten +thousand francs. Perhaps you do not know that I offered +your lucky purchaser twice that sum—and it was refused!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> Twenty thousand francs for my painting!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Yes, and it was refused. [<i>After a pause.</i>] I +have an idea, M. Lemaire—a good one. Will you paint +me a companion piece to ‘Death in Life’?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> A companion piece?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Yes. You might call it ‘Life in Death’ by +way of contrast. I will give you thirty thousand francs +for such a painting, if you permit me to suggest the subject.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> You are willing to pay that price for a +painting of mine?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I have an object in view. I wish to make the +other painting ridiculous, so that the purchaser may be +willing to part with it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> I do not quite understand—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Why should you? It is but necessary that +you accept my offer.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> Of course I accept! It is many times +more than I have ever received for a painting, but you are +a rich man, a noble patron of the arts. Have you chosen +your subject?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You agree to be bound to it?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> Yes. It is to be called ‘Life in Death,’ I +understand, and is to represent—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Slowly.</i>] A dead rat lying in a foul gutter!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> [<i>With a cry.</i>] You are mad, M. D’Or!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Not at all. I think it’s a rather good subject +to accomplish my purpose. I would like you to represent +the rat as putrescent—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> [<i>Horrified.</i>] Stop, monsieur! You are insulting +me. I shall hear no more of that.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You gave your promise.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> Yes, to paint a picture—not to execute a +mad vagary of yours.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I don’t expect my realistic theme to conform +with your airy ideals, but think of the money I intend to +pay you for this painting.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> It won’t do. I must refuse.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Firmly.</i>] I intend to have that dead rat, M. +Lemaire!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> Then you must get some one else to paint it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I intend that you shall paint it. Perhaps I +<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>estimate realism too cheaply. I offer you forty thousand +francs for the rat!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> [<i>Almost in a whisper.</i>] Forty thousand +francs! To drag my reputation as an artist through the +slime?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> No. To initiate you into a new and profitable +school of art. Do you not realize that mankind has a +natural craving for the unclean and the depraved? Mine +will not be your last commission in the realistic style. +Remember that I am offering you twenty times as much +as you received for your ‘Death in Life.’ If any one +asks you why you painted ‘Life in Death,’ tell them it is +a parody on the original, executed at my order.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Lemaire.</span> [<i>Hesitating.</i>] If I did not need the money +so badly, I would—[<i>Suddenly.</i>] I’ll do it—I’ll do it for +you, M. D’Or. I cannot help myself. [<i>Beating his forehead.</i>] +A dead rat—Great Heavens!—a dead rat! [<i>He +rushes out wildly.</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>is about to jingle the gold +as before, but feels that he cannot. He mops his brow +with his handkerchief and seems somewhat distracted. +Meanwhile</i> <span class='sc'>Hélène Vaux</span>, <i>a charming girl of eighteen, +dressed simply in white, enters quietly and gazes strangely +at</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>as if to fathom his thoughts</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Observing her.</i>] Mlle. Vaux! I did not +hear you come in.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> [<i>Timidly.</i>] Pardon me, M. D’Or. I am +looking for my father.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Surely you will not deny me the pleasure of +a few words with you. I am always glad to see you here +with your father, but you seem desirous of avoiding me.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> [<i>Nervously.</i>] No!—I—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> My sole object on such occasions as this is +to make my guests happy—to entertain them in a way +that will ever be a pleasant memory in the days to come; +yet you always seem apprehensive of harm—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> I cannot explain. It seems so strange that +you—[<i>She stops helplessly. They gaze fixedly at each +other.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>After a pause.</i>] Eleanor! [<i>He seems entranced.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> Why do you call me Eleanor? My name +is Hélène.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Embarrassed.</i>] Pardon me, Mlle. Vaux. I +once knew some one of that name. You resemble her—you +bring back fleeting memories of the past.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> [<i>Ill at ease.</i>] I do not understand—I must +find my father. [<i>She goes off hastily.</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>sits down at +the right and rests his head on his hand as if dazed. He +does not notice</i> <span class='sc'>Baptiste</span> <i>who enters</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Baptiste.</span> M. D’Or! [<i>Louder.</i>] M. D’Or! [<i>A +pause.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Recovering himself.</i>] Baptiste!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Baptiste.</span> Mme. Dacier asked me to give you this +note.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Takes it.</i>] Very well. [<span class='sc'>Baptiste</span> <i>bows himself +out</i>. <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>opens the envelope and draws out a card +which he reads</i>.] ‘To-morrow at two—Cyprienne.’ [<i>He +quickly thrusts the card into his waistcoat pocket. His +demeanor instantly changes. He is completely aroused +from his trance.</i> <span class='sc'>Vaux</span> <i>enters at the centre</i>.] Ah! M. +Vaux, your daughter is looking for you!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> I have been neglecting her all morning. I +<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>thought she was talking to Mme. Clary a few moments +ago.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Your daughter is a most attractive girl—one +in a thousand. I congratulate you, M. Vaux, on the possession +of such a jewel.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> [<i>Pleased.</i>] Yes, Hélène is a good girl—my +chief consolation since her mother was taken away. It is +my one regret that I cannot give her the musical training +that her talents merit.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Surely she has teachers?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> The best that my purse allows, but not the +best to be had. We musicians cannot hope to win great +wealth, yet I still have hopes that when my new symphonic +poem is brought out—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> A new composition! I am glad to hear of it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> It is almost completed. I have been laboring +on it for many years. It was begun in the first hours of +grief after the loss of Hélène’s mother. I have put my +very soul into that score!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Have you a program in mind?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> I shall call it ‘The Conqueror’—the record +of a storm-tossed soul that works its way through peril +and temptation to the triumphant heights of its ideal. +You see how much of a dreamer I am, but I love the idea +of the conquering soul—the personality that dominates +and directs.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Much interested.</i>] That is a very fascinating +idea—the personality that dominates! I am sure you +will win fame with ‘The Conqueror.’ Have you sought +to glorify a particular hero in your composition?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> No. It would be difficult to find a man who +<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>represents my ideal conqueror—who reaches the heights +unspotted with the stains of the battle.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> The more I think of your idea, the more it +pleases me. I always have sought to be such a conqueror +as you have in mind—a man of commanding position and +so equipped as to become a directing intelligence in the +affairs of the world. This may sound boastful, M. Vaux, +but I have a reason for speaking thus.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> [<i>Bewildered.</i>] I do not understand—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You say that you have no particular hero in +mind to whom you are addressing your symphonic poem. +Would it be presumptuous on my part to say that I should +feel honored to have such a composition dedicated to me? +Let me explain more fully, M. Vaux—there need be no +reserve. I have abundance of the wealth that you in +common with others find so useful; you have a talent that +can immortalize the man to whom your compositions are +addressed. If you were to honor me with the dedication +of ‘The Conqueror’ I should see that every resource were +at the disposal of Mlle. Vaux for her thorough musical +training.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> For Hélène’s education?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> It would be a trifle for me, M. Vaux; to you +it would represent long hours of arduous toil. Thus each +of us can serve the other.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> [<i>Anxious not to offend.</i>] I must confess that +I had a very different ideal of ‘The Conqueror’—pardon +my bluntness, but my hero typified spiritual achievement, +not the conquests of material wealth.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Of course—I understand. Spiritual achievement +has a pleasant sound and at one time in the world’s +<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>history it probably meant something; but we are living in +a very different age. The real conquerors of to-day are +the men who act as stewards of the world’s great wealth. +I can buy you any man you may name, heart and soul. +It is merely a question of price—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> [<i>Horrified.</i>] M. D’Or!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I know it sounds scandalous, but it is true—I +have demonstrated my power. There are no conquests in +this world like the conquests of material wealth.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> [<i>Sadly.</i>] I have lived in this world many +more years than you, M. D’Or—I know the weakness of +humanity. There is much truth in what you say; but we +artists have not done our duty if we are content to depict +the world as we find it—if we do not point the way to +higher ideals—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Impatiently.</i>] A truce to your ideals! I +have heard more than enough this morning about ideals! +I have just made you a substantial and flattering offer; +you seem inclined to treat me in turn to a conventional +discussion on the nature of the artistic impulse. You are +a poor man, M. Vaux, though a talented one. You have +a daughter whose future welfare is largely concerned in +your answer to my offer. Are you foolish enough to +hesitate?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> I appreciate fully what your offer means, but +people will understand by my dedication that I desire to +uphold you as the type of ‘The Conqueror’—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> And why not?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> Because I had a very different conqueror in +mind—one whose career typified a conquest by spiritual +resource, by unfailing courage—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Suddenly but with deliberation.</i>] M. Vaux, +do you love your daughter Hélène? Are you mindful +of her future—of the years when you will no longer be +here to protect her?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> [<i>Completely broken.</i>] I can struggle against +you no longer. You have triumphed! ‘The Conqueror’ +shall be dedicated to you!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Smoothly.</i>] I appreciate the honor, especially +since there was no haggling over terms. Rest assured, +M. Vaux, you will have no occasion to regret your trust +in my generosity.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> [<i>Subdued.</i>] I have done it for my Hélène. [<i>He +sits on the sofa, right, and seems overcome with emotion.</i> +<span class='sc'>Hélène</span> <i>enters and takes a half kneeling position on the +mat at his feet. She places a small autograph album on +his lap.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> Father, I have been searching for you. Mme. +Clary wishes your autograph. Isn’t it an honor! Just +look at the famous names—artists, poets, musicians—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> [<i>Takes a fountain pen from his pocket and +writes.</i>] Mme. Clary is very kind to ask your father to +enroll himself in this record of genius. [<i>Turning the +pages.</i>] What is this? M. D’Or, I find your name +here!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>With a smile.</i>] Indeed! Does it appear out +of place among your brilliant assemblage of earth’s talented +sons?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> No, no! Do not misunderstand me! I thought +it was merely a collection of artists’ autographs. I am +pleased to see it includes at least one generous patron of +the arts. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Hélène</span>.] Hélène, we are much indebted +<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>to M. D’Or. He will make it possible for me to give +you the best masters for your musical training.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> [<i>Rising.</i>] You could not accept such an +offer?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> [<i>Embarrassed.</i>] I am dedicating ‘The Conqueror’ +to M. D’Or. It has pleased him to express his +generous intentions in return.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> [<i>Turning on</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>with unexpected energy</i>.] +‘The Conqueror’! [<i>Reproachfully.</i>] M. D’Or, you have +taken advantage of an old man.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Taken advantage! Those are hard words for +one who has your welfare at heart. I am enabling your +father to provide amply for you; indirectly I am helping +you to make the most of life, to win fame and position if +the talent abides within you. This you call taking advantage +of your father!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> M. D’Or, we are here as your guests. I +cannot speak frankly.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> If I have offended you, my roof shall not save +me from your reproaches. Speak as freely as you will and +tell me honestly why you despise my offer.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> Hélène, I beseech you, be careful how you +answer.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.] You see how thoroughly you +have subdued my poor father! He fears that my frankness +will forfeit the bounty you are disposed to heap upon +us. You wish me to speak freely?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> By all means.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> Very well. M. D’Or, I fear the intention +of your apparent kindness.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Why do you say that?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> A few moments ago I passed M. Moreau +in the corridor—Moreau, the brave champion of the people—and +I heard him say that he had changed his political +views, and now felt morally obliged to support the ministry!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> [<i>Astonished.</i>] Moreau a conservative! Impossible!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> What have I to do with Moreau’s politics?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> [<i>Watching him closely.</i>] I cannot help +thinking that you had a hand in his sudden change of +faith.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Carelessly.</i>] Why should I deny it? You +would not believe me.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> [<i>Coming closer.</i>] M. D’Or, I would believe +you, if I heard you deny it! Do you deny it?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Without flinching, looking steadily at her.</i>] +Mlle. Vaux, I admire your courage; I marvel at your +penetration. I shall tell you the truth. I bought that +fellow Moreau for so much gold. He’s my man now and +he’ll take my orders when I give them. [<span class='sc'>Vaux</span> <i>groans</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> Father, do you hear what M. D’Or says? +[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.] Is there nothing else on your conscience? +Are you aware that M. Lemaire is astonishing your guests +by incoherent ravings about dead rats and foul-smelling +gutters?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Steadily.</i>] It’s the subject for his next painting. +The fellow is executing it at my commission. I +chose the subject, and I pay him his price. [<span class='sc'>Vaux</span> <i>groans +again</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Vaux</span>.] Are you still inclined to dedicate +‘The Conqueror’ to M. D’Or?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> I have given my promise.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I shall release you from that promise if Mlle. +Vaux requests it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> I do not request it. After all, you are a +conqueror—you have triumphed over my unhappy father +just as you overcame those other frail souls and dragged +them to the earth.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I release your father from his promise. His +conqueror is a vain seeker after empty ideals. M. Vaux, +you may dedicate your symphonic flight to whom you will, +but I beg you to let me carry out at least my part of our +compact. [<span class='sc'>Vaux</span> <i>looks eagerly at</i> <span class='sc'>Hélène</span> <i>to reply</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> You have made that impossible for us, M. +D’Or. We cannot accept your generosity. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Vaux</span>.] +We must not stay here any longer. Let us go home.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Can we not remain friends? Will you not +permit the resources of my wealth to prove my friendship?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> [<i>More softly.</i>] The best way to befriend +you, M. D’Or, is to prove to you the futility of your +wealth. Come, father.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> Good-bye, M. D’Or. [<i>He offers his hand.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Good-bye. [<i>He looks at</i> <span class='sc'>Hélène</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hélène.</span> [<i>After a pause extends her hand.</i>] Good-bye. +Are you not convinced?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Not yet—but you are very kind to me. [<i>He +kisses her hand.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> [<i>Near the entrance, as if inspired.</i>] M. D’Or, +at last I know to whom I shall dedicate ‘The Conqueror.’</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> To whom?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Vaux.</span> [<i>Taking</i> <span class='sc'>Hélène’s</span> <i>hand</i>.] To my daughter +Hélène! [<i>They go out quickly.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Somewhat seriously, after a pause.</i>] Perhaps +<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>the old man is right—and perhaps he is not! [<i>Laughs +cynically and puts his hand as if by instinct to his waistcoat +pocket. He draws out</i> <span class='sc'>Cyprienne’s</span> <i>card and reads +it again</i>.] ‘To-morrow at two—Cyprienne.’ [<i>He kisses +the card as the curtain falls.</i>]</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span> + <h2 class='c009'>SCENE III</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c014'>[<i>A private parlor in the Hotel Royal, Interlaken. The +room is handsomely furnished in dark red. There are +wide double doors in the centre with elaborate panels on +either side. On the left side there is an exit and a fireplace +in which a fire is burning. On the right there is +a window overlooking the street below. There is also an +exit further front. The furniture is appropriate for a +business meeting. A large central table is flanked by five +armchairs. There is a large armchair, left; also a small +table with an adjacent chair, right. As the curtain rises +one central door opens slowly and</i> <span class='sc'>Claire Lasalle</span> <i>peers +in nervously. Seeing no one, she enters and closes the +door softly behind her. She is dressed in black, with a +white collar, and carries a small leather writing pad. Her +demeanor is that of a person undertaking a delicate and +difficult mission. She goes to the door, right, and knocks +cautiously. Receiving no answer, she stands for a moment, +centre, in evident indecision, then advances to the +door, left, and knocks. The door is opened and</i> <span class='sc'>M. D’Or</span> +<i>steps in. He wears black satin knee-breeches and a fancy +house-jacket, heavily trimmed with gold braid.</i> <span class='sc'>Claire</span> +<i>hurriedly draws a card from her pad and hands it to</i> +<span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> M. D’Or?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Yes. [<i>Reads the card.</i>] ‘Mlle. Claire Lasalle, +stenographer.’ [<i>He looks at her curiously, then at the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>card.</i>] Ah! the Blausteins! I must confess I hardly +expected them to send a lady! [<i>He bows.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> The Blausteins desire a verbatim report of +the meeting.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Are you familiar with such commissions as this?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>Smiling.</i>] Yes. [<i>She looks about.</i>] You +must place me where I can write unmolested. It is not +necessary that I should see them. My hearing is acute. +[<i>She indicates the door, right.</i>] Is that room available?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> They are likely to insist on locked doors. +You might let me lock myself in. I can open the door +slightly after the conference has begun.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Very well. I shall turn the knob as a signal +to you that we are about to begin. Be very careful, +mademoiselle!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> Have no fear. Such experience is not new +to me.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Do you know them—Muirhead, Graefflingen, +and the rest?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> All but Andriev. He is a stranger to me. +You expect them at three? We have little time to spare.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You’re right. I shall make you comfortable +before they arrive. [<i>He crosses to the right.</i>] You will +pardon my appearance, Mlle. Lasalle—I was dressing for +this conference when you knocked.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> Certainly. Do not let me detain you. [<i>He +goes off, right, meanwhile she opens her leather pad and +gets her pencils ready. In a moment</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>returns</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I have placed a chair for you just beside the +door. [<i>After a pause.</i>] Really, I cannot quite grasp the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>idea that a woman should be entrusted with diplomatic +work of this character.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>Facetiously.</i>] There are women and women.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> And, moreover, a few rarely endowed young +ladies who can keep secrets—important secrets of state. +Mademoiselle, I congratulate you! I hope the Blausteins +pay you adequately for such unusual services.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>Simply.</i>] A thousand francs a session.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Will you permit me to double it this time?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>Surprised, but on her guard.</i>] Why should +you?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Ingenuously.</i>] Why shouldn’t I?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>Sharply.</i>] M. D’Or, the thousand francs +that the Blausteins pay me are sufficiently tainted. I’ve +sunk about as low as I care to. Does that answer your +question?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Your cleverness assures me that the Blausteins +do not appreciate you at your real worth.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> Perhaps you’re right—but I had the privilege +of naming the degree and the price of my corruption, so +I have no cause for complaint. May I take my place in +the next room?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Certainly. [<i>He throws open the door, right, +for her.</i>] Make yourself comfortable, while I hurry into +the rest of my official dress. [<i>She passes out.</i>] But let +me first test our arrangement. [<i>He adjusts the door to a +very slight aperture.</i>] There! How is that? [<i>He +crosses to the left side and faces the door, right.</i>] Now, +mademoiselle, can you hear me distinctly at this distance?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>Within.</i>] Yes, quite plainly.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Can you hear me when I say that my offer of +<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>that extra thousand francs will hold good after the conference +if you should see fit to take it? [<i>No answer. He +draws a little nearer.</i>] Perhaps you would hear better if +I said two thousand francs!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>Throwing the door wide open and stepping +into the room.</i>] M. D’Or, we two—you and I—are +about to engage in a very contemptible business here. I +am being paid my price; I trust you are getting yours. +There should be some show of mutual respect even among +the corrupt. If you annoy me further, I may be tempted +to step out during your little conference to expose you for +the despicable creature that you are!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>With a deprecatory gesture.</i>] Pray retire, +mademoiselle, to your post of vantage. I shall risk no +further verbal fusillade from that accomplished tongue of +yours.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>With a sneer.</i>] Where did the Blausteins +find you? They have the reputation of employing agents +who attend strictly to the business at hand. Let us see if +you can live up to that standard! [<i>She goes off, right, +and closes the door with a bang. The lock clicks audibly.</i> +<span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>shrugs his shoulders and goes off, left, shaking his +head. For a few moments the stage is empty. A knock +is heard at the centre door. It is repeated, then the door +opens and</i> <span class='sc'>Herr Loben</span> <i>steps in. He draws out his +watch.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> None here yet! I have the honor to be the +first. [<i>He crosses to the table, right, and puts down a +red portfolio. A moment later</i> <span class='sc'>Mr. Gilbert</span> <i>enters, +carrying a similar black portfolio</i>. <span class='sc'>Loben’s</span> <i>back is +turned</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Herr Loben, I believe?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> [<i>Turning.</i>] Ah—you are the secretary of +Sir Mortimer Muirhead—let me see—Mr.—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Mr. Gilbert.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> Yes! Good afternoon, Mr. Gilbert. I infer +that Sir Mortimer is to be at this mysterious conference?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> [<i>He places his portfolio on the centre table +and examines his papers.</i>] Yes. Is Baron Graefflingen +also to be here?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> I expect him every moment. [<i>He goes to the +window and looks out. Comes back and watches</i> <span class='sc'>Gilbert</span> +<i>with his papers, then, after a pause, speaks as if in +confidence</i>.] I say, Mr. Gilbert, do you know what it’s +all about?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> [<i>Carelessly.</i>] What? This meeting with +M. D’Or?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> Yes. Do you know him?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> I have seen him once or twice at the consulate. +He is enormously rich—one of the Blaustein coterie.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> Ah! so this is a Blaustein affair! I thought +as much. Marquis Pallot and Count Andriev are also +to be here. Quite an international gathering, eh?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> [<i>Absently, busy with his papers.</i>] Yes, +quite so. [<i>Suddenly.</i>] What’s that you’re saying? Pallot +and Andriev?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> I thought you took it rather mildly. Yes, +both of them. [<i>A pause.</i>] Do you suspect anything?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> What do you mean?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> Don’t you imagine that something is on foot +when such a distinguished array of diplomatic talent +gathers to receive orders from the Blausteins—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> [<i>Springing up.</i>] To receive orders—from +the Blausteins? Herr Loben, that is too absurd—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> [<i>With a shrug.</i>] How long have you been +Sir Mortimer’s secretary?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Six months.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> Still a youngster in diplomacy, eh? I have +been with Baron Graefflingen for—let me see—seven +years this winter.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Well?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> Only this, Mr. Gilbert. To-day is not the +first time that I hear the name of the Blausteins.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Possibly not! But you spoke of their giving +orders—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> I hate to disillusion you—there was a time +when I felt about things as you do now—those were the +days of my diplomatic innocence. [<i>Motor-horn is heard +outside.</i> <span class='sc'>Loben</span> <i>goes to the window</i>.] It’s your principal, +Sir Mortimer.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> [<i>Looks at his watch.</i>] He’s on time. It +lacks a minute or two of three.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> [<i>Coming forward.</i>] He evidently doesn’t +believe in keeping an emissary of the Blausteins waiting. +[<span class='sc'>Gilbert</span> <i>is annoyed</i>.] No offense, Mr. Gilbert—the +others won’t be long in following him. [<i>Enter</i> <span class='sc'>Sir +Mortimer Muirhead</span> <i>at the centre</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> [<i>Nods to</i> <span class='sc'>Gilbert</span>, <i>then turns to</i> <span class='sc'>Loben</span>.] +Good afternoon, Herr Loben. Graefflingen’s coming?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> [<i>Politely.</i>] Yes, Sir Mortimer. He should +be here now.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Gilbert</span>.] You have sent off the +dispatches?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Yes; they went this morning. I have received +a wire confirming your reservations at Geneva for +next week.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> Very good. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Loben</span>.] I believe +Baron Graefflingen is one of your delegates to the Geneva +Conference?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> Yes, he heads the delegation; our government +is sending six representatives. [<i>Motor-horn is heard</i>; +<span class='sc'>Loben</span> <i>goes to the window as before</i>.] Here comes the +Baron! [<i>He looks out.</i>] I’m wrong! It’s Marquis +Pallot and Count Andriev!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> Count Andriev!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> Yes, Sir Mortimer. They are both expected.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Gilbert</span>.] Have you seen nothing +of M. D’Or?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> I asked before I came up. The attendants +informed me that he had taken a suite here at the hotel. +[<i>Enter</i> <span class='sc'>Pallot</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Andriev</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Pallot.</span> Good afternoon, Sir Mortimer. [<i>He nods +slightly to the others.</i>] You know Count Andriev?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> I have the honor. [<span class='sc'>Andriev</span> <i>bows</i>.] +My secretary, Mr. Gilbert—Herr Loben, secretary to +Baron Graefflingen.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Pallot.</span> Are you familiar with the circumstances that +bring us together to-day, Sir Mortimer?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> I know absolutely nothing except that +the note from Paris asks me to meet M. D’Or at three this +afternoon.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Andriev.</span> My note read, ‘M. D’Or of the house of +Blaustein.’</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> Of course—mine also! [<i>Laughing.</i>] +<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>Otherwise what claim would the gentleman have upon +our attention? [<span class='sc'>Gilbert</span> <i>starts and avoids the grinning +glance of</i> <span class='sc'>Loben</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Pallot.</span> I must say that I resent such a peremptory +summons, coming from such a source; but there is no +alternative, I understand—we must simply comply with +the request. [<span class='sc'>Loben</span> <i>coughs, and watches</i> <span class='sc'>Gilbert’s</span> +<i>tense face</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Andriev.</span> We may as well be prepared for the Blaustein +message—it undoubtedly concerns the Geneva Conference +of next week. [<i>Motor-horn is heard again</i>; +<span class='sc'>Loben</span> <i>goes to the window</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> It is the Baron!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> Graefflingen may be better informed than +the rest of us. Perhaps he may be able to throw some +light upon the very unusual procedure that brings us +together.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Pallot.</span> I doubt it. The Blausteins rarely take any +one into their confidence. They say nothing till they are +ready to talk, but then—[<i>Enter</i> <span class='sc'>Graefflingen</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Graefflingen.</span> Good afternoon, gentlemen. Am I +late? [<i>He shakes hands with the diplomats and nods to</i> +<span class='sc'>Gilbert</span>.] M. D’Or has not yet appeared?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> No. We’ve been counting on you, Baron, +to tell us what it’s all about.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Graefflingen.</span> I cannot speak with any authority, +but from a dispatch received this morning I infer that the +Blausteins are not pleased with certain details of the international +agreement that will probably be adopted at +Geneva next week.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Pallot.</span> [<i>Looking at his watch.</i>] I do not know how +<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>soon M. D’Or is likely to join us—but I believe it would +be advisable among ourselves to oppose any material alteration +in the Geneva agreement.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> A united front might strengthen our +position very much, if we only knew what particular part +of the agreement the Blausteins are likely to assail.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Andriev.</span> I propose, gentlemen, that when M. D’Or +arrives and explains the Blaustein views, we shall take +the cue from one of our own number. I suggest Sir +Mortimer as the leader of our united forces.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Pallot.</span> That seems to be most desirable. If we do +not stand together there is not the least likelihood of our +accomplishing much with M. D’Or.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Graefflingen.</span> I heartily concur in Count Andriev’s +proposal. We must keep the Blaustein emissary within +bounds.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> Gentlemen, I appreciate the honor that +you are showing me. At present we are groping in the +dark—we do not as yet know the intentions of M. D’Or.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> [<i>Warningly.</i>] Sh—h!! [<i>A pause.</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> +<i>enters at the left, wearing an elaborate diplomatic uniform +of black satin, with a broad gold band across his bosom</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Good afternoon, gentlemen. [<i>Looking about.</i>] +One hardly needs introduction to such a distinguished +group. [<i>He shakes hands.</i>] Sir Mortimer, you are looking +well—Baron Graefflingen—Marquis Pallot—Count +Andriev. [<i>He stops at the secretaries.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> Our secretaries, Mr. Gilbert and Herr +Loben.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Shaking their hands.</i>] It gives me pleasure +to welcome the future lights of diplomacy.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span><span class='sc'>Graefflingen.</span> Perhaps you prefer that our secretaries +retire during our conference?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Not at all, Baron—not at all. It will do the +young men good to be present.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Andriev.</span> Are we safe from possible eavesdroppers?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Remembering</i> <span class='sc'>Claire</span>.] Certainly, but we +can assure ourselves by locking the doors. [<i>He locks the +door, left, and the central doors.</i>] This door is always +kept locked, I believe. [<i>He goes to the door, right, and +very deliberately turns the knob several times. The others +present seem satisfied.</i>] Shall we be seated? [<i>They take +seats at the central table</i>, <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>at the right end, then</i> +<span class='sc'>Muirhead</span>, <span class='sc'>Pallot</span>, <span class='sc'>Andriev</span>, <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Graefflingen</span>. +<span class='sc'>Gilbert</span> <i>sits at the small table, right</i>; <span class='sc'>Loben</span> <i>in the armchair, +left</i>.] Of course, we shall take no minutes of our +deliberation—everything is informal and secret.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Graefflingen.</span> That is wise. This meeting must +be regarded as absolutely confidential among ourselves.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Andriev.</span> I presume that it is agreed that no notes +shall be taken by any one present—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>The Others.</span> Certainly—assuredly. [<span class='sc'>Gilbert</span> <i>starts +from his seat and stares ahead of him</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> What is the matter, Mr. Gilbert?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Nothing, Sir Mortimer. Pardon me, I +thought I heard a slight creaking noise. I was mistaken! +[<i>He resumes his seat. Throughout the scene</i> <span class='sc'>Gilbert</span> +<i>pays close attention, Loben twiddles his thumbs and +yawns</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.] Have any others been invited, +or is the group now complete?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Quite complete, I assure you, Sir Mortimer. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>I dislike dealing with a large group of men. A few sensible +minds gathered around a table can best transact important +business. You have not been chosen at random, +gentlemen. The Blausteins desired the leading figure in +each delegation to be present to-day and I am happy to +say that the choice has fallen upon you.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Graefflingen.</span> You are very complimentary, M. +D’Or.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Not at all, my dear Baron. Men like yourself +who are leaders in shaping the destinies of their country +are entitled to recognition and honor—but to come +down to the immediate business of our meeting. You are +all delegates to the Geneva Conference which assembles +next week. Can you tell me, Sir Mortimer, what the +convention is expected to accomplish?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> From the program, of which you may +have seen a copy, it is evident that the principal purpose +is to consider questions concerning international arbitration +and to effect by general agreement a reduction of the +active military forces maintained by our respective governments.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> The first is a laudable object and I believe the +Blausteins are in hearty accord with the project. As for +the second—is such a reduction possible?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> Not only possible, but very desirable; +the military and naval budgets are the most serious problems +that concern our treasury ministers.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Graefflingen.</span> There is widespread dissatisfaction +throughout Europe at the enormous appropriation of funds +for military purposes. It is our thought that if the +Geneva Conference cannot effect total disarmament, it +<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>can at least bring about a material reduction in equipment +for war.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> It is proper that you should not misunderstand +the attitude of the Blausteins toward this great question. +They do not desire to foment strife among nations. As a +matter of fact, they would not permit a European war at +this time.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Andriev.</span> Would not <i>permit</i> a war! Those are strong +words, M. D’Or.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Smoothly.</i>] None the less, the older diplomats +present will assure Count Andriev that my words are not +stronger than the case warrants. [<i>He looks about. There +is an awkward pause.</i>] I am sure the general silence is the +best proof of my assertion.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Pallot.</span> Pardon my remark, M. D’Or, but I cannot +understand why the Blausteins should deprecate warfare, +yet at the same time insist that the nations maintain the +highest military efficiency.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> It was to explain just such matters as you have +mentioned that our little meeting of this afternoon was +arranged. There are certain things that cannot be openly +discussed—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> One moment, M. D’Or. Are you certain +that you do not wish our secretaries to retire before +you go into details?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Assuredly not, Sir Mortimer. I particularly +desire the young men to remain. Diplomacy has many +valuable lessons to teach. Here they can learn some of +them.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> [<i>Rising.</i>] I should much prefer to retire if—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Nonsense! I want you to remain—I insist on +<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>it! [<span class='sc'>Gilbert</span> <i>resumes his seat</i>.] You are aware, gentlemen, +of the extent to which the Blausteins hold the bonds +of your respective governments, but there is another side +to the story. A government does not borrow money +except to spend it. Now, while it undoubtedly pays the +Blausteins to lend you their gold, it pays them still better +to become national contractors and purveyors, thus getting +back much of the actual money with an added profit in +the second transaction.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Pallot.</span> By which you mean—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Simply this, gentlemen. The Blausteins have +secured control of your most important gun factories, +your powder works, your saltpeter and sulphur deposits, +your mines. They control the firms that get most of the +contracts for the erection of fortifications and for furnishing +the munitions of war. In fact, they feed and clothe +your soldiers, they supply the horses—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> Can this be possible?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Why should it surprise you? Is it not the +most natural thing in the world? The vast Blaustein +millions cannot lie idle in the vaults. Is there any wonder +that with the accumulated surplus of three generations of +shrewd financiering, this insuperable power reaches out +into new fields to secure a firmer grasp upon the forces of +civilization?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> M. D’Or, may I ask you to state precisely +what the Blausteins desire of us, as far as the Geneva +Conference is concerned?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Assuredly, Sir Mortimer. The Blausteins are +aware that the Geneva Conference will be watched with +interest throughout the civilized world; the press will +report its proceedings in detail—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span><span class='sc'>Andriev.</span> [<i>Drily.</i>] But not these proceedings—here, +to-day!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> No, that would never do. We must not give +the rabble an opportunity to peer behind the scenes; it +might interfere with the public performance. The Geneva +Conference is presumably a gathering to foster universal +peace.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Graefflingen.</span> Presumably!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Certainly, my dear Baron! Can anyone predict +what such a gathering will accomplish until the +powers have sat in judgment upon it?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Pallot.</span> And we are here to get the verdict of the +<i>real</i> powers and to settle the fate of the Geneva Conference +a full week before it begins!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You are unnecessarily bitter, gentlemen. I am +surprised to find such strange ideals in a group of experienced +diplomats. This is no fairy-tale world in which +we are living—it is still the same old, wicked, scandalous +and hopeless Europe that it has always been.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> I am afraid, M. D’Or, that you are +being drawn away from the answer to my question—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Thank you, Sir Mortimer—these idealists always +make trouble. Now, to the point. What the Blausteins +particularly desire is that the Geneva Conference shall +not give the journalists a chance to become rampant. +Most of those vexatious pests are subsidized, but there are +always reckless fellows who have nothing to lose and who +are ready to court notoriety upon the slightest pretext. +The Blausteins therefore want a triumphant victory of +the peace party at Geneva.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>The Others.</span> [<i>Astounded.</i>] The peace party!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You misunderstand me. They want you to +talk peace, to sing peace, to shout peace till you are exhausted. +They want you to recommend measures advising +partial reduction of military equipment and eventual +disarmament in all countries, but at the same time they +want it distinctly understood by all that not one of those +recommendations is to be carried out at present. Just +give each journalistic dog his bone to gnaw, and when all +is over, things will go on as they are.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> [<i>Seriously.</i>] Then what you suggest, M. +D’Or, is that we should go through the farce of gathering +at Geneva next week as the ostensible delegates of our +respective governments, that we should adopt those splendid +measures that appeal to all of us, and then, to please the +Blausteins, we should nullify the work of the Conference +by permitting its recommendations to become a dead letter! +It is no trifle that you ask of us!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Andriev.</span> [<i>Warmly.</i>] Trifle! He is asking us to +become the Blaustein puppets! Are we here to take his +orders?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Smoothly.</i>] No, no, Count Andriev—not +orders. I am not here to issue any orders, least of all to +such eminent diplomats as you. I am simply telling you +what the Blausteins desire; the rest I leave in your hands. +Perhaps some day you will better understand the significance +of the name of Blaustein! [<span class='sc'>Gilbert</span> <i>springs up +with a cry and with clenched fists stands quivering before</i> +<span class='sc'>D’Or</span>, <i>who has also risen</i>. <span class='sc'>Muirhead</span> <i>quickly steps between +them.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> Mr. Gilbert, you forget your place! You +owe M. D’Or an apology. [<i>The others have risen.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> [<i>Tensely.</i>] I—I could not control myself, +Sir Mortimer—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Suavely.</i>] Pray do not take this seriously, +Sir Mortimer. Your secretary owes me no apology. He +did a very natural thing—I respect him for it. [<span class='sc'>Gilbert</span> +<i>drops heavily into his chair holding his head in his hands</i>. +<span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>watches him curiously. The rest resume their +seats.</i> <span class='sc'>Loben</span> <i>twiddles his thumbs</i>.] Of course, it is very +unpleasant—this mission of mine. You can readily see +that the Blausteins must protect their interests. We are +showing you how you can satisfy the clamors of your +people and silence the criticism of your newspapers by +ostensibly complying with the popular demand. After +all, the execution of your recommendations rests with +others; you will do your duty at the conference.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Andriev.</span> Do you imagine that the people will tolerate +this sort of trickery forever?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Why not? The government that cannot control +its masses by throwing them an occasional sop is a +confessed failure—it deserves to fall. Count Andriev, +your civic authorities have a most efficient ally in that +universal force known as human nature. When your +aristocrats engage against the rabble in that great game +of skill popularly known as maintaining the government +it is your own fault if you do not win; the dice are always +loaded in your favor.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Andriev.</span> Suppose we should refuse to be parties to +your plan?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Looking around.</i>] If you personally are eager +to defy the Blausteins, you will probably find that the rest +of the gentlemen present are not similarly inclined. [<i>An +uneasy silence.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span><span class='sc'>Andriev.</span> [<i>Bitterly.</i>] Evidently, you are right! Heaven +help the nations that have to take orders from the Blausteins! +Is there anything further, M. D’Or?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Nothing except that I wish to express my thanks +to all of you for meeting me here this afternoon. I hope +that we part as friends?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Pallot.</span> Assuredly, M. D’Or. We must remember +that you are merely the representative of the Blausteins +and in no sense personally responsible for the policy which +they have adopted. It would be absurd to harbor any +personal resentment against you. [<i>Offers his hand.</i>] I +wish you good afternoon!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Andriev.</span> [<i>Likewise shakes hands.</i>] I have used hard +words here this afternoon—they were intended for the +Blausteins, not for M. D’Or. Good day! [<span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>unlocks +the central doors, and Pallot and Andriev go off +together</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Graefflingen</span>.] Well, Baron, are you +as kindly disposed as these others? [<i>They shake hands. +He turns to</i> <span class='sc'>Loben</span>.] I suppose you have learned a new +lesson in the science of diplomacy?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Loben.</span> [<i>Wearily.</i>] Bless you, no indeed! I have +been in diplomacy for seventeen years; I have become +hardened to such incidents as this. It’s getting a bit +monotonous. I wish there were some new forms of political +corruption—they might prove interesting!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I congratulate you, Baron, on your very blasé +secretary. Such a man must be a treasure in your profession.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Graefflingen.</span> Good afternoon, M. D’Or. [<i>To</i> +<span class='sc'>Muirhead</span>.] Sir Mortimer, do you remain at Interlaken?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> No, I leave for Lucerne this evening. I +shall spend a few days at the <i>Kaiserhof</i> before going to +Geneva.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Graefflingen.</span> I was about to ask you to dine with +me. I am sorry you are leaving so soon. Good afternoon! +[<span class='sc'>Loben</span> <i>has meanwhile shaken hands with</i> <span class='sc'>Gilbert</span> +<i>and clapped him on the shoulder as a sign of approval</i>. +<span class='sc'>Gilbert</span> <i>stands in dejection</i>. <span class='sc'>Graefflingen</span> <i>and</i> +<span class='sc'>Loben</span> <i>pass out together</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> In taking leave, M. D’Or, I still feel +that Mr. Gilbert owes you an explanation for his very +remarkable conduct. I am sorry the incident happened.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>After a pause.</i>] Perhaps you are right, Sir +Mortimer. Won’t you permit Mr. Gilbert to remain for +a few moments when you go? We can talk the matter +over between ourselves.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Muirhead.</span> Mr. Gilbert, you hear what M. D’Or +has said. You may rejoin me later at the hotel. Good +day. [<i>They shake hands and</i> <span class='sc'>Muirhead</span> <i>goes off</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Very pleasantly.</i>] Mr. Gilbert, Sir Mortimer +has made it easy for me to have a confidential chat with +you. I am indebted to him for it. I had no idea when +I entered this room that I should meet such an interesting +personality as yourself.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Sir Mortimer is right. I owe you an apology +and I make it freely. I should have known my place.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> That is not the point. I want to know why +you made that outcry?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> I would rather not answer that question.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I feel as if I have a right to insist upon an +answer, Mr. Gilbert.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Perhaps you have. May I give the explanation +in my own way?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> By all means! Let us sit down. [<i>They take +seats, centre.</i>] Do you smoke? [<i>He offers a cigar.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> No, thank you. [<span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>lights his own +cigar</i>.] M. D’Or, I sought the appointment as Sir Mortimer’s +secretary because I believed it would prove an opening +to a diplomatic career.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Quite right—a very good opening!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> At that time I regarded diplomacy as my +life-work. I dreamed of participating in the great affairs +of state, of helping in my own small way to mould the +history of our own day and generation. The diplomat +seemed to be so important a figure, so essentially a servant +of the state that I was dazzled at the thought of +serving my country in that way. And now—[<i>He pauses.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Now you think otherwise?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Until to-day I regarded Sir Mortimer Muirhead +as one of the most enviable of men. Now I pity +him—from the bottom of my heart. Kindly stop me if I +offend—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Go on. I want to hear all you have to say.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> I learned this afternoon how hopelessly a +man may be fettered in his efforts to serve his fellow men. +To an experienced man like yourself it must be apparent +how unfit I am for the profession I have chosen.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Why were you so distressed to-day?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Picture a group of distinguished diplomats, +representing the leading nations of Europe, gathered in +secret conclave to hear the commands of a coterie of money-barons, +and, what is worse, yielding to those commands in +<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>spite of their own convictions! It is enough to make +one’s blood boil!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You forget, Mr. Gilbert, that they are practical +men of affairs. They know the power of the money-barons, +as you choose to call them, and they act accordingly. +A modern nation cannot afford to entrust its +affairs to idealists and dreamers.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Apparently not; but what of the national +honor? Do these secret compromises never become public? +What can the reputable people of a great nation think +when its rulers stoop to curry favor with the rich and +powerful?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> My young friend, you have a distorted image +in your mind; I advise you to set it right. Who are your +reputable people who are to cavil at those who seek wealth +or the influence that wealth affords? How many of your +apparently reputable people are not themselves engaged in +the pursuit of wealth by every method, direct or devious, +that lies within their power? Look about you, Mr. Gilbert, +and examine your fellow man a little more closely. +Don’t place him on a pedestal. He’s a corrupt specimen +of creation when you get to know him thoroughly.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> [<i>Hotly.</i>] What makes him corrupt but the +fact that there are forces of evil abroad to tempt him—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Smiling.</i>] Like myself, for example?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Some men are not strong enough to resist +temptation. You know that, M. D’Or. The shame of +it is that men like you take advantage of it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Nonsense, Mr. Gilbert. We corrupt none of +them. If need be we ascertain the price of their corruption, +but there our responsibility ends. The work of the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>world must be accomplished. We cannot have men pulling +in all directions at once. There must be some harmony +of action to achieve results. If any one impedes the +progress of a great plan, it is policy to buy him off; if he +refuses to yield he must be swept out of the way. Usually +he is too wise to resist—he takes his price and withdraws +gracefully. The world is waiting to be bought.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> There is one thing I cannot understand, M. +D’Or—why do you tell me these things?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Because I take an interest in you. I should +like to see you make something of your career. A few +moments ago there were four prominent diplomats in this +room who did me the honor to confer upon the important +question that you heard discussed, yet for this quartette +of notables I have infinitely less respect than I have for +you. I took real pleasure in your outburst of disapproval.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> But they all opposed you, particularly Count +Andriev.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Yes, but they all yielded at last—that is the +fact that makes them contemptible in my eyes. Mr. Gilbert, +may I ask what salary Sir Mortimer pays you for +acting as his secretary?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Five hundred pounds.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> If I were to offer you a thousand pounds to +become my secretary, would you accept?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> No!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> If I were to make it five thousand pounds, +would you listen to the offer?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> No, M. D’Or!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> If I were to discover that the Blausteins needed +an eminently trustworthy agent and that you fulfilled the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>requirements exactly, would you consider a salary of ten +thousand pounds?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Never!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Puffing his cigar, coolly.</i>] I knew it! That’s +why you interest me—you are a human curiosity. A few, +years ago I was ready to declare there were no such men +in existence. Remember, I have not insulted you by +really making the offer that I put just now. I pride +myself that I read your character aright and knew the +offer would be rejected.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Are such offers ever made seriously?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Certainly, if the man is worth it. Such matters +are always subject to the dictates of reason.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> I now realize the source of your overwhelming power. +I have learned something from this interview—I +shall not give up diplomacy.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Will you remain Sir Mortimer’s secretary?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> Yes, for the present. If I am one of the +few of whom you speak so highly, my country needs me +and I intend to remain in her service.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Smiling.</i>] There speaks the patriot! Be +careful, my friend, to avoid tight places, so that you may +not have to yield to the tempter one of these days. [<i>They +rise.</i>] May I wish you success in your career? [<i>He extends +his hand.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> [<i>Painfully.</i>] M. D’Or, I don’t want to +insult you again—but—I’d rather not shake your hand.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>With assumed indifference.</i>] Just as you +wish—it is better that we should understand each other +exactly. Perhaps I should feel offended, but I don’t—I’m +not going to quarrel with you. I wish you success +<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>just the same. You may be right, after all—you young +fellows have a great deal of enthusiasm. There ought to +be more like you.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> [<i>Eagerly.</i>] M. D’Or, there’s a real strain +of good in you—why don’t you give it a chance?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Uneasily.</i>] I may change my mind some day. +If I do, I shall remember you, Mr. Gilbert—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Gilbert.</span> [<i>Seizes</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or’s</span> <i>hand and looks squarely in +his eyes</i>.] I hope so, M. D’Or—I hope so! Good-bye! +[<i>He goes out.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Places his cigar on the table and looks toward +the central door.</i>] I’d give my fortune for that man’s outlook +on life! [<span class='sc'>Claire</span> <i>enters silently at the right, holding +her notes in her hand. She looks curiously at</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> Well—there are some honorable people, after +all!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Turning quickly.</i>] What! I must confess I +had quite forgotten that you were in the next room. You +heard everything?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>Drily.</i>] Yes—and profited by it, too!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You have a verbatim report?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> Everything; even your interesting little chat +with Mr. Gilbert.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> See here, mademoiselle—that has no place in +the report. Kindly let me have those sheets.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> Never fear, M. D’Or—the Blausteins will +never see any part of this report!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> What do you mean?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> I intend to destroy every line that I wrote in +that room. I heard what Mr. Gilbert said. I will no +longer be the servile spy of the Blausteins!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>With a sneer.</i>] Ah! Virtue seems to be contagious.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> There are always immunes.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Your tongue has not lost its cunning, in spite +of your moral awakening. So you won’t let me have the +notes?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> Not unless you take them by force. [<i>With +determination.</i>] I warn you, I shall not give them up +tamely.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Calm yourself. You forget the Blaustein maxim, +‘Above all things, no public scandal.’ I shall not make +the least effort to obtain those notes without your consent.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> Thank you. May I go?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Earnestly.</i>] Mlle. Lasalle, I will give you +five thousand francs for those notes.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>Frightened.</i>] Please let me pass!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Ten thousand francs—for the notes.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> How dare you! [<i>A pause.</i>] Remember Mr. +Gilbert!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>With a start, then quietly.</i>] Mademoiselle, +will you give me those notes at your own price if I promise +to destroy them—now, here, before your eyes?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>After a pause.</i>] I shall give them to you on +one condition.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Name it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>Slowly.</i>] That you don’t ask me to touch +any more Blaustein money. I’m trying to do a decent +thing this time.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>With admiration.</i>] I understand. You have +my promise. [<span class='sc'>Claire</span> <i>fixes her gaze on</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>, <i>and hands +over the sheets. He keeps his eyes on her as he tears the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>notes into tiny scraps which fall on the table. He gathers +up the scraps and throws them into the fire.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>Earnestly.</i>] We two are not entirely hopeless.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Still gazing at her.</i>] Not after this!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> We are not likely to meet again. I am going +to some remote corner of the earth—to try to forget the +past. The Blausteins shall never hear of me again. Let +us make one good resolution before we part.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> What shall it be?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> Let us both try to remember Mr. Gilbert!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I shall never forget Mr. Gilbert—[<i>Extending +his hand.</i>] nor Mlle. Claire Lasalle, stenographer!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Claire.</span> [<i>Taking his hand.</i>] Good-bye, M. D’Or! +[<i>She hurries out at the centre.</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>looks after her for +a moment, then snatches the gold band from across his +bosom and dashes it on the table with a gesture of disgust. +He drops into a chair as the curtain falls.</i>]</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span> + <h2 class='c009'>SCENE IV</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c014'>[<i>A sombre, darkly furnished room in a Balkan palace. +There are wooden panels and heavy gold hangings; also +a window, left, a door, right, and large double doors, +centre. At the left there is a table on which is a lamp +with a dull gold shade. Nearby are an armchair, a footrest +and a smaller chair. At the right there is a small table +with two chairs. Against the walls are several quaint +high-backed chairs and a curious medieval stove. As the +curtain rises</i>, <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>is in the armchair asleep. He wears +a dark dressing gown with deep gold borders and embroidery. +He still has his gold rings. The window at +the left is open and from the outside come the plaintive +notes of a shepherd’s pipe. The light is that of early +evening.</i> <span class='sc'>Edith Packard</span>, <i>dressed as a nurse, enters at +the right. She feels</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or’s</span> <i>pulse and tiptoes noiselessly +about. She places fresh golden flowers in a vase on the +smaller table, then lights the lamp at the larger table and +turns the flame low. After tidying the room a bit, she +takes another look at</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>, <i>feels his forehead lightly and +goes off, right. The shepherd’s pipe is silenced. There +is a sudden flash of lightning at the open window and the +distant rumble of thunder.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>In his sleep.</i>] Not Death! Not Death! I’ve +bought off Death for a time! Not yet! [<i>He awakes +with a start.</i>] Miss Packard! I’ve been dreaming horribly +again! [<i>He looks about anxiously.</i>] Miss Packard! +Has Dr. Mirsky arrived? [<i>Listens for reply.</i>] They take +<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>my money, yet they’re not here when I need them most. +[<i>He experiences a convulsive spasm and is unable to articulate</i> +<span class='sc'>Miss Packard’s</span> <i>name, though he makes a painful +effort to do so. He rises heavily from his chair and staggers +to the bell rope near the door, right. He manages to +pull it and falls in a faint over the chair standing near. +Lightning and distant thunder.</i> <span class='sc'>Edith</span> <i>rushes in and rubs +his wrists. He revives and she succeeds in getting him to +the table, right.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Bewildered.</i>] Where am I? Yes—I remember—I +called—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> You were sleeping peacefully when I left the +room a moment ago!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Not peacefully! I never sleep peacefully.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Do you feel any better?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Worse—much worse! How long did I sleep?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Over three hours. It is past six o’clock.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Evening already! Another day gone! [<i>Lightning.</i> +<span class='sc'>Edith</span> <i>starts to close the window. It thunders as she +looks out.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Oh! M. D’Or, a terrible storm is approaching! +The whole valley is filled with black clouds! +[<i>Lightning.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Close that window quickly! I cannot bear +lightning. [<i>She closes it amid thunder.</i>] Another storm! +I shall lie awake all night! [<i>Groans.</i>] Hasn’t Dr. +Mirsky arrived?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> No, he has not come. Perhaps the storm will +prevent his getting here to-night.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I <i>must</i> see the doctor—he must come to-night! +He takes my money; he should be at my beck and call. I +<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>need him now—I may die before morning. Is there no +one at the palace whom you can send to the village? +[<i>Heavy thunder.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Cyril is downstairs.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> The gardener’s son? I’ll not send the boy on +such a night as this. Perhaps Mirsky will get here after +all.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> He should come.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I pay him well enough, eh? I pay you well, +Miss Packard? I pay everybody well. I may be feeble, +but I still have my gold. It serves me yet! [<i>Thunder.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Do you care for something to eat?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> No, I have no appetite. I am an unhappy +creature. Turn up the lamp, Miss Packard—it is too +gloomy. I can scarcely see. [<i>She turns up the lamp.</i> +<span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>notices the flowers</i>.] Why are those wilted flowers +on the table?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> They do seem wilted—yet they were quite +fresh when I brought them in a few minutes ago. [<i>Thunder.</i>] +Perhaps the storm—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Nonsense! A storm cannot affect cut flowers! +They must have been dying when you brought them in. +[<i>Raises their drooping heads.</i>] Dying! Dying—their golden +beauty waning—a few hours more and all will be over! +[<i>Groans.</i>] I must see Mirsky! I feel wretched to-night. +Look down the road, Miss Packard, and see if there are +any signs of the doctor’s carriage. He would not come +on foot to-night. [<span class='sc'>Edith</span> <i>opens the window. Lightning +and a wild blast of wind.</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>covers his eyes and +groans</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> [<i>Peering out.</i>] It is too dark to see far—but +the road seems quite deserted. [<i>Thunder.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Quick! Close the window! [<span class='sc'>Edith</span> <i>does so</i>.] +Even Mirsky fails me when I need him most. He shall +hear from me to-morrow—[<i>A pause.</i>] if I am still alive. +Have you had your dinner?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> No, but there’s no hurry—I do not wish to +leave you alone.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Get your dinner by all means. You are young +and healthy—you can enjoy it. Send up Cyril to keep +me company; I like the boy.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Very well. Is there nothing else I can do +for you?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>More softly.</i>] Nothing, Miss Packard. You +are very kind to me. Are you satisfied in this Balkan +wilderness? Am I paying you enough for coming to this +desolate region?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Don’t say such things. I am a nurse—it is +my duty to serve you. Besides, you have been very generous +to me.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Thank you. Run along now—and don’t forget +to send up Cyril. [<i>She goes off, centre.</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>looks +nervously about him, holds his hand over his heart, then +draws himself slowly up and goes to the window to peer +out. Seeing nothing he opens it. A furious downpour +of rain is heard, then a flash of lightning half-blinds him. +He closes the window with a loud bang.</i>] No hope of +Mirsky to-night. Even my money won’t bring him out +on such a night as this. [<i>He walks slowly to the armchair.</i>] +If he does not come, I shall be dead before sunrise!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> [<i>Putting in his head, centre.</i>] May I come in, +M. D’Or?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Brightening.</i>] Cyril! By all means! Come +in, my boy! [<i>He resumes his seat.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> Miss Packard said you wouldn’t be angry.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I am very glad to see you. What have you +been doing all day?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> I have been exploring along the other side of +the river. I left the palace this morning at five o’clock +and joined some boys in the village. We tramped for +several miles along the river, then crossed the bridge at +Arak and went into the woods.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> It must have been delightful. You started at +five o’clock?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> Yes, it was still dark. I saw the sun rise +from the Hadderberg. By dinner time we were over ten +miles beyond Arak.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> How did you get home so quickly?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> Oh! we saw the storm coming—at first it was +a little speck of black cloud floating far off in the sky beyond +the mountain range. We hurried through the woods +and reached home a half-hour ago.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You must have had a glorious tramp. Did +you do any hunting?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> Oh no! The season has not opened yet—we +shall go hunting later on. M. D’Or, did you ever take +such trips when you were a boy? [<i>Rumbling thunder.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> No, I never had such sport. I didn’t live near +the mountains and the forests.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> [<i>Sits on the foot rest at</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or’s</span> <i>feet</i>.] How +do the boys in your country spend their time?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> The most sensible spend their time in learning +how to make money.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> Do they need much money when they grow up?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Nearly all of them think they need more than +they have.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> What do they buy with their money?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Whatever they think they want. What would +you buy if you had twenty florins?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> A pair of hunting boots and a new knife. +[<i>He pulls out his knife.</i>] Not a cheap knife, like this +one—but one with six silver bands on the handle.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Why six bands?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> Because my friend Boris has one with five +bands and his knife is the finest in the village.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Ah! I see! And what would you buy if you +had fifty florins?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> Fifty florins! [<i>After a pause.</i>] I wouldn’t +buy anything. I’d save until I had a hundred.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Interested.</i>] And then—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> Then I would buy a handsome rifle such as I +saw in a shop window in Buda-Pesth. Were you ever in +Buda-Pesth?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Yes, Cyril. I’ve seen those fine shops. Now, +isn’t it pleasant to think that you can go into such a shop +with a pocket full of money and pick out anything you +want?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> Yes—it’s like a fairy-tale.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Drily.</i>] Well, that’s why the boys in my +country learn how to make money!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> [<i>With enthusiasm.</i>] And when they have it, +they go to the shops and buy what they wanted?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> No; by that time they have usually lost interest +in what they wanted—and then they desire something +which they cannot buy.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> Then it isn’t much fun after all?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Stroking</i> <span class='sc'>Cyril’s</span> <i>hair</i>.] No, it isn’t much fun. +You have something better than money, Cyril. You have +youth and health—be careful how you spend them. You +wouldn’t sell them at any price, would you?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> How can one sell youth, M. D’Or?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> By doing foolish things and by wasting the +precious hours of early manhood—that is how one sells +youth. I want you to realize how very rich you are, +even if you haven’t enough money to buy that new rifle. +[<i>The noise of carriage wheels is heard.</i>] Do you hear a +carriage? Can it be Dr. Mirsky, after all?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> [<i>Opens the window.</i>] Yes, it is the doctor—and +another man with him in a long white robe—a strange-looking +man!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You see very well in the dark, Cyril!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> I have good eyes; father calls them forester’s +eyes.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Is it still raining?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> [<i>Puts out his hand.</i>] A little, but the worst +is over. The clouds are breaking.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I am glad of it; you may leave the window +open. [<i>Enter</i> <span class='sc'>Mirsky</span> <i>at centre</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Good evening, M. D’Or! I’m a bit late +to-night on account of this cursed storm—I never experienced +such weather before. The road to the palace is +a veritable river! At every turn a fresh torrent bursts +over it. How do you feel?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Fairly well since Cyril has been keeping me +company, but I felt miserable before—I feared you would +not come.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Not come for such a patron as M. D’Or! +My dear sir, I would have come if it had been necessary +to swim to the palace!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> [<i>Laughing.</i>] People don’t swim up hills, Dr. +Mirsky.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> No, and well-behaved boys don’t make impertinent +remarks to their elders.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Cyril tells me you had a companion in your +carriage.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Yes—the queerest fellow I’ve ever come +across. I picked him up on the road just beyond the village. +He had sought shelter under a tree but I saw he +would be drenched if he remained there long enough—to +say nothing of the danger from lightning. He’s a sort of +oriental sage—calls himself Ramanand. I expect to take +him back to the village when I leave and have a chat with +him to-night.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I am interested in your find! Can’t we have +him up here?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> I turned him over to Miss Packard—I +believe he is drying out at the kitchen fire. Cyril, run +along and fetch up the philosopher.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> [<i>Meekly.</i>] Very well, doctor. I hope you +will forgive me for my impertinence just now—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> [<i>Clapping his shoulder.</i>] Impertinence, my +boy? It was the truth. As you say, people do <i>not</i> swim +up hill. [<span class='sc'>Cyril</span> <i>laughs and runs off, centre</i>. <span class='sc'>Mirsky</span> +<i>turns to</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.] Well, how is my patient? [<i>Feels his +pulse.</i>] Still feverish and unsettled—appetite poor—all +out of sorts, eh?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Doctor, I feel like a man whose life is ebbing +away. I had a horrible seizure this evening. It’s all up +with me. I’ve been burning the candle at both ends all +my life. I have crowded more experience into my forty +years than properly belongs there—that’s all!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> My dear M. D’Or, you talk like a man +who is preparing for another world, yet you are paying +me handsomely to keep you here. One can hardly regard +such remarks as complimentary—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> True enough, doctor, but there’s no power of +resistance left in me. I’ve been fighting Death for some +time and now I have only one real weapon left—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> [<i>Surprised.</i>] One weapon?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Yes, my money! Youth and health are gone, +and I have long since turned my back upon my few friends—but +my money is still my faithful slave. It has provided +me this airy retreat in the Balkans, it has brought me +such a devoted nurse as Miss Packard, such a skilful physician +as yourself—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Come, come—I’m not so sordid! A true +physician thinks first of the professional obligation.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> But a successful doctor does not give up a +lucrative practice in Buda-Pesth to bury himself in the +mountains with a solitary patient unless the latter pays +handsomely, eh?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> It is true that you are giving me many times +what I could earn by my practice, but why do you constantly +remind me of it?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I don’t want to offend you, doctor—but I like +to feel that my money is still helping me to keep Death at +bay. I have gone through life believing that wealth is +<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>power and I want to think so yet. Don’t you share that +belief?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Frankly, I do. I have even coined a new +beatitude—blessed is the rich man, since he can have what +he wants!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Gravely.</i>] Not always—I have found that +out. I want health, vigor, an interest in life.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Your money would obtain any of these if +you gave it a fair chance. You are sated, that is all—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> It is worse than that. I’m worn out—done +for!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> M. D’Or, you are absolutely wrong. I cannot +comprehend your passive yielding to this chronic invalidism. +You harm not only yourself, but me likewise—professionally, +I mean. I shall be quite frank with you. +My reputation is at stake. All Buda-Pesth knows that +I am treating the rich M. D’Or. If I restore you to +health, my fortune is assured! I shall no longer be the +promising Dr. Mirsky in his shabby carriage—I shall +become the famous Dr. Mirsky in his automobile. Do +you realize what it means to me?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> So you wish me to get well for <i>your</i> sake?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Certainly, if you have no reasons of your +own. I pretend to no philanthropy in the matter. You +are paying me lavishly, M. D’Or—give me a chance to +earn the money.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Shaking his head.</i>] You’ve taken a bad case, +doctor—I’m sorry for you. You’ll have your money and +the automobile in any event. Of course, you expect to +find greater happiness in becoming more prominent in your +profession?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Yes, both happiness and reputation. I look +upon it as a recompense for my early years of struggle.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You had to make your own way?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> My father was a poor village shoemaker; +my mother eked out his income by what she could earn at +washing and sewing. I was the youngest of five children.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> And the others?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> They were all sacrificed for my sake. They +are hard-working men and women to-day. My parents +died before I achieved independence in my profession. I +should like to help my brothers and sisters, but they refuse +my aid.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Perhaps you don’t offer them enough.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> M. D’Or, they have pride! They feel that +an unfair advantage was given to me—and they are right!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I fail to see it. This was clearly a case of +one rising from the depths, or none at all. If they have +pride, they should take pride in you.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> It has made a permanent breach between us, +I fear.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> And they will feel even more bitter when you +return to Buda-Pesth and ride about in your new automobile?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> [<i>Gloomily.</i>] Yes, I have been thinking of +that. If I could only drive them from my mind!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Yet you look forward to happiness! Is there +no way of making wealth obedient to our desires?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> [<i>Putting in his head at central door as before.</i>] +May I bring in Mr. Ramanand?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Certainly—I shall be glad to see him. [<span class='sc'>Cyril</span> +<i>throws the door open and</i> <span class='sc'>Ramanand</span> <i>enters in stately +fashion, garbed in an oriental robe</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Ah! Ramanand, quite dry now? I want +to present you to M. D’Or, the tenant of this palace and +my worthy patron. He has heard of our meeting on the +road.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> [<i>With a profound bow, speaks in a deep, +rich voice.</i>] My salutations and greetings, monsieur. I +am indebted to you for your hospitality.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Won’t you be seated? [<span class='sc'>Ramanand</span> <i>takes a +seat, right</i>, <span class='sc'>Cyril</span> <i>sits on the foot rest</i>.] I trust they made +you comfortable downstairs. Didn’t you suffer in the +storm?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> A slight wetting—no more. I am accustomed +to rough weather. I travel constantly on foot. +It is no hardship for such as I.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Are you familiar with this country?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> No. I am on my way to the West, to +study the civilization of other lands. I have read of them +and their manners; I now seek to know them by actual +experience.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You have doubtless traveled far enough to find +things different?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> Yes, I already feel the mark of the West +in your customs. In the East, all things are deliberate and, +whether right or wrong, rest upon traditions handed down +from the remotest ages. Here you strive for things that +are new and you are ever ready to forget the old.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> But why do you follow such a roving life? Is +there any profit in it? Will you be better off when you +have completed your travels?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> There is much profit in it—I shall enrich +my mind with golden thought—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> But does it enrich your purse with golden coin—that’s +more to the point!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> Money! It is a delusion!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> A delusion?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> [<i>Placidly.</i>] Yes. Has it ever proved +otherwise?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Why, it brings power, the thing best worth +having in life.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> It brings mostly care and sorrow.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Did you ever hear such a philosophy?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Cyril</span>.] Cyril, you recall speaking to me +this evening of a new rifle?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> Yes, M. D’Or.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> We shall send to Buda-Pesth to-morrow for +that rifle and when it arrives it is yours.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> [<i>Leaping up in pleasure and kissing</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or’s</span> +<i>hand</i>.] Oh! dear M. D’Or, you are like a good magician +in the story-books!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Ramanand</span>.] And the agency of such +happiness as this you call a delusion! Where’s your care +and sorrow?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> [<i>Smiling.</i>] You are a ready man with +your proof. No one can deny the momentary exaltation +that follows a gift or a favor, nor do I believe that gratitude +is a forgotten virtue. But look about you, and note +what a curse wealth has brought upon humanity.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> I should not care to entertain the philosophy +of the East.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> Mine is not the philosophy of the East. +We also have the worship of gold among us and its +<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>devotees lead the same blind lives in its pursuit as your +own people. The views I express are my own.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Then you really believe that the poor man is +the happiest man?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> Yes, if he is not possessed by the lust for +gold.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> And the rich man is the unhappiest man?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> Yes, if he is the slave of his own wealth.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Rail against wealth if you will—I maintain +that poverty has nothing to recommend it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> [<i>Reflectively.</i>] I too sought material +wealth as a young man and I gained nothing but care; for +many years I have cherished poverty and my days are +crowned with peace. I ask no better test of my philosophy.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> If you are satisfied, you have reached a state +of mind that neither M. D’Or nor I shall ever experience. +[<span class='sc'>Edith</span> <i>enters, centre</i>; <span class='sc'>Mirsky</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Ramanand</span> <i>rise</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Pardon me—I have come to tell Cyril that +his father is ready to take him back to the lodge.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> [<i>Leaping up and running to the window.</i>] +Oh! it is clearing up beautifully—the moon will rise soon. +I suppose I’ll have to go. [<i>He shakes hands.</i>] Good +night, Dr. Mirsky. [<i>He stands abashed before</i> <span class='sc'>Ramanand</span>.] +Good night, Mr. Ramanand.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> [<i>Stroking</i> <span class='sc'>Cyril’s</span> <i>hair as if invoking a +blessing on the boy</i>.] Good night, Cyril.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> Good night, M. D’Or. Shall I pray that you +should get better?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Surprised.</i>] Should you pray—why—yes, if +you care to.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> You won’t forget about the new rifle?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> What has the rifle to do with your prayer?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> I think I could pray better if I knew I was +sure to get it. [<span class='sc'>Ramanand</span> <i>shakes his head</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Very well, Cyril, just pray your very best for +me. Good night.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> Good night, Miss Packard. Why don’t you +make M. D’Or get better? That’s what nurses are for.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> The young rascal will be censuring me next +for not having M. D’Or in perfect physical condition. +Run along.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Cyril.</span> [<i>Laughing.</i>] Good night, everybody. [<i>He +goes off hastily.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.] It is time for your medicine.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> One moment, Miss Packard. We shall discontinue +that medicine; I am not satisfied with our patient’s +response. We shall adopt a new course—no drugs +at all for the next few days.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I am heartily glad of it. I get far more benefit +from your talk, doctor, than from your medicines. Our +little discussion to-night has made me forget myself for +the time. By the way, let us see how Miss Packard feels +about the matter. She will be an unprejudiced judge.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> One whose opinion will be worth having. +[<span class='sc'>Ramanand</span> <i>bows politely</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> We were trying to decide among ourselves +whether wealth is a blessing or a curse. Do you believe +it brings power?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Yes, unquestionably.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Does it bring happiness?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Certainly. Why shouldn’t it bring happiness?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> Does it bring sorrow and misery?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Far too often, I fear.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Are all three of us right in our contentions? +Wealth seems to be rather fickle, Miss Packard, according +to your view.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> It appears a very simple matter to me. The +unattainable always seems attractive; what we possess is +apt to pall after a time. Wealth does not usually bring +power, nor happiness, nor sorrow until its possessor has +taken some initiative in the matter. The owner of the +wealth must in a large measure determine its influence on +his career.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> If you possessed great wealth, would you test +its power to secure for you the things that you might deem +most desirable—social position, for instance?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> I think not. I should prefer to expend it in a +quest of happiness, but it would be a happiness that came +from service—from using the wealth to bring sunshine +and peace into other lives. Perhaps as a nurse I have +come to think differently than many other women—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> More self-sacrificing, I am sure.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> Does Miss Packard believe in the philosophy +of service—that our lives can be counted most +successful when we make ourselves most useful to our +fellow men?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Assuredly. Service seems to me the ideal of +a well-ordered life. I can imagine no finer life than that +of my honored country-woman, Miss Eleanor Richmond—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Springing up.</i>] Eleanor Richmond!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> A noble woman, indeed, a goddess of +charity. I met her in Bombay last year.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> I have heard of her—she organized a relief +committee for the India famine—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Yes, and is devoted heart and soul to the great +cause.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Eleanor Richmond—in India! [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Edith</span>.] +You know her?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Very well. I have been with her at different +times for several years. I was a member of her party that +went into the fever district.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> She—has not married?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> Such a woman needs no family of her +own. All mankind is her family!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> How strange that you should know her. I +always passed over the accounts of India famines in the +papers—such unpleasant reading, such harrowing details.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Think of the heroism of a woman who will +plunge into the midst of such misery and desolation!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> There are parts of India where Miss +Richmond is worshiped as a saint!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> She deserves it. I know of no one who has +made such a splendid use of wealth as she has done. She +has been an inspiration to me at times when I felt weak +and discouraged. [<i>Moonlight shines in at the window.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> The moon has risen; what a glorious light +it sheds into this room. We must be going, M. D’Or, if +we are to reach the village before midnight. We shall +have a well-lighted road, at all events. [<i>He goes to the +window.</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>is staring into space</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> I shall have the carriage sent around to the +door. [<i>She goes off, centre.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> Monsieur, I am deeply indebted to you +and to the good doctor for the shelter you have afforded +me, and for your tokens of good will.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Recovering himself.</i>] And to-morrow you +continue your westward march—in search of truth?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> In search of truth, M. D’Or. There is +the most precious wealth that the earth affords. It will +be a long and difficult quest.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I have been searching for truth for many years +and in many lands; to-night I believe I have stumbled +upon it by chance. A few hours ago I was wondering +what new bribe I might offer Death to postpone for a +time the final settling of my account. Now I yearn for +a chance to redeem my past follies, to add a new and more +creditable chapter to my career. You have done me much +good to-night, doctor! I feel better and happier at this +moment than I have been for many years!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> Not too fast! Don’t be in too much of a +hurry to deprive me of so profitable a patient.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Have no fear, doctor—you shall have no occasion +to regret the cure that you wrought here to-night.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mirsky.</span> You are indeed a changed man—I am glad +to see it. Good night, M. D’Or.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Ramanand.</span> [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span>.] Good night, monsieur. +[<i>He bows.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Good night! A pleasant ride back to the +village! [<i>They go out, centre.</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>examines the wilted +flowers and laughs softly. He then goes over to the window +and stands in the moonlight. He calls to the others +below.</i>] Good night! Good night! [<i>The sound of carriage +<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>wheels is heard.</i> <span class='sc'>Edith</span> <i>comes in, centre, and looks +at</i> <span class='sc'>D’Or</span> <i>a few moments before speaking</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> You may catch cold at the window—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Turning.</i>] Miss Packard! I did not hear +you enter.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> You are feeling much better?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> I am a new man to-night. Pray tell me, do +you know if Eleanor Richmond is in India now?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> She is on her way to India. She wrote me +from London that she would be at Port Said in a fortnight.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> Port Said! You have a letter from her?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Yes. Do you know her?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> We were very good friends—many years ago, +over in America. It seems so long ago—almost like +another existence.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Would you like to see her letter? It tells of +her plans for the coming year.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> You are very kind—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> I shall fetch the letter; I am sure it will interest +you. [<i>She goes off, right.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>In meditation.</i>] Fifteen years! It seems like +a lifetime! A lifetime of hideous nightmare and delusion. +Fifteen years! [<i>He paces the room.</i> <span class='sc'>Edith</span> <i>returns</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> Here is Miss Richmond’s letter.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Takes the letter to the light and tries to read. +His hand trembles. He speaks in an uncertain voice.</i>] +Won’t you read it for me?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> [<i>Reading.</i>] ‘I am now in London with my +secretary, Mr. Hanson, making final preparations for +another year’s work in the Orient. Mr. Hanson’s wife +and I have been buying great quantities of supplies to be +<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>shipped to the East. She is a most helpful woman—just +another like’—[<i>A pause.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Softly.</i>] ‘Like yourself.’</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Edith.</span> [<i>Embarrassed, continues.</i>] ‘From all reports +the distress is even greater than before and we shall have +to labor harder than ever to relieve the miseries of those +unfortunate people. How my heart bleeds for them! I +have found many good friends who have contributed generously +to our fund, but the need is so great that we can +never bring adequate relief. We can assist a little here +and there, and instil new courage in those who are partly +able to help themselves, but there is much that we can +never hope to undertake. I wonder that I ever had the +hardihood to attempt this work. Now it has become my +mission in life and it means everything to me. We shall +be at Port Said on the 25th, and shall spend two or three +days there. I wish you could arrange to rejoin me this +year. I recall our days of labor among the poor in New +York and in Chicago. You were so very’—Oh! M. D’Or, +won’t you read the rest?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>D’Or.</span> [<i>Taking the letter.</i>] Too modest to sound +your own praises? <i>[He reads in silence.</i>] Very true, +Miss Packard, what she says of you is indeed true. No +wonder she wants you with her again. [<i>He reads.</i>] +‘The work is a consecration—it has made life very sweet +to me’—[<i>As he goes on</i>, <span class='sc'>Edith</span> <i>silently steals from the +room by the centre door</i>.] ‘What a pleasure it is to bring +the light of joy and gratitude into the eyes of others. In +my devotion to their welfare I have tried to forget an +early sorrow of my own’— [<i>He pauses, overcome with +emotion. He looks up and sees that he is alone. His +<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>hand trembles as he holds the letter near the lamp.</i>] ‘I +hope we may soon meet again—time alone can tell.’ +Time alone can tell! How that phrase brings back that +last evening together in the garden—the legend on the +sun-dial—‘Time will reveal all things.’—[<i>He rises and +stands by the window, glancing over the letter in the +moonlight.</i>] ‘I have tried to forget an early sorrow of +my own’—<i>Tried</i> to forget! Eleanor! [<i>He gazes at the +letter as the curtain slowly falls.</i>]</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span> + <h2 class='c009'>EPILOG</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c014'>[<i>A parlor in the Hotel Orient, Port Said, furnished as +a writing-room for the guests. There is at the right a +table with pens, ink, magazines, railway guides and folders. +At the left a table with writing materials, blotters, +etc. Each table is flanked by two chairs. There are also +several comfortable armchairs and a revolving case with +time-tables and other hotel literature. From the room a +wide central entrance leads through glass doors to a porch +with posted placards. There are exits right and left and +a window on the left beside the door. The sun shines +brightly through this window and also illumines the prospect +from the porch. As the curtain rises</i>, <span class='sc'>Mr. Mathews</span> +<i>enters at the centre and casts a critical eye over the room. +He puts the papers, etc., into order at both tables and +throws several soiled sheets into a wastebasket under the +table on the right.</i> <span class='sc'>Mr. Hanson</span> <i>enters with a large +bundle of letters and goes to the opposite table</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> Good morning, Mr. Hanson. I hope you +slept well.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> Thank you, Mr. Mathews. My first night +in Africa was one of undisturbed repose. What a lovely +morning! Is such weather common in Egypt?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> It is during the season. We often have +fine weather at this time of the year.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> Your hotel seems quite crowded.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> It filled up yesterday after the arrival of +<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>your steamer. Most of our guests are tourists who are on +their way to Cairo and the Pyramids.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> Have you seen Miss Richmond this morning?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> Yes, she is now at breakfast. What a +charming lady she is!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> One of Heaven’s good angels, I should say. +My wife and I have been associated with her for two +years in her American charities and in this India relief +work. Her soul is wrapped up in it. You should see +how people respond to her appeal for aid. [<i>He reads the +mail as he talks.]</i> One contribution after another. Our +fellow-passengers on the ship raised a fund of one hundred +pounds.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> That reminds me to give you this check +on behalf of the management. [<i>He takes a check from +his wallet.</i>] We desire to show our interest in the cause.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> Thank you very much. I am certain your +kindness will gratify Miss Richmond. [<i>He reads a letter +with an enclosure.</i>] Here’s a curious one! From the +English missionary at Kermeh—‘ten pounds from our +mission for the India relief fund.’ Where is Kermeh?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> It is far up the Nile—at the Third Cataract. +That’s the sort of coöperation that counts; it +shows that Miss Richmond’s noble work is known in the +remotest regions. [<i>He takes out his check book and +writes.</i>] Mr. Hanson, I wish you would add this personal +contribution to that of the management. I want to +help a little.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> You are indeed generous. I wish the world +could realize the nature of the task that Miss Richmond +has undertaken—the feeding of impoverished thousands +<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>is but a small part of it. There are schools and hospitals +to be provided—an effort is being made to raise the whole +country to a better standard of living. The fever must +be stamped out—[<i>Reads.</i>] Twenty pounds—fifty pounds—Heaven +bless them all. [<i>He takes up a telegram.</i>] A +dispatch from Paris. [<i>As he reads it, the paper trembles +in his hand. He starts up with a cry.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> What is the matter?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> [<i>Excitedly.</i>] The matter! It’s too wonderful +to be true. I doubt whether I’m awake! It can’t +be possible—yet here it is, black on white. It’s like a +voice from Heaven answering Miss Richmond’s prayer. +[<i>Hands over the telegram.</i>] Read it, Mr. Mathews.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> [<i>Reads.</i>] ‘The Messrs. Blaustein have +the honor to inform Miss Richmond that securities amounting +to ten million pounds’—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> [<i>Wildly.</i>] It does say ten million? I’m +not dreaming?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> You’re wide awake—it’s ten million. I’m +not familiar with the sum, but I know what the figures +look like. [<i>He resumes reading.</i>] ‘Securities amounting +to ten million pounds have been deposited with them +to form a permanent fund known as the Eleanor Richmond +Fund, the income thereof to be expended in the +interests of Miss Richmond’s great charities throughout +the world. Provision is made that one hundred thousand +pounds shall be immediately available for Miss Richmond’s +relief work in India. The Messrs. Blaustein +regret that they are not at liberty to mention the name of +the donor, who prefers to remain anonymous because he +wishes only one name to be associated with the fund—that +<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>of Miss Richmond herself.’ Did you ever hear anything +like that before in your life, Mr. Hanson?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> [<i>Almost delirious.</i>] Has there ever been +anything like it before? It is stupendous! How can such +a gift be kept secret! How can any human being give +away ten million pounds without public recognition? Can +you realize what burdens it will lift from Miss Richmond’s +mind? She can now proceed safely with many +noble enterprises which she has long hoped to carry out +when funds were available. How she will rejoice at this +wonderful answer to her prayers!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> [<i>Gravely.</i>] By the way, Mr. Hanson, be +careful in giving her the information. Good news may +cause as severe a shock as bad news. Tell her gradually—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> You’re right. It’s a wonder it didn’t knock +me over—I haven’t had my breakfast yet. I don’t believe +a doctor would recommend hearing such news on an +empty stomach. [<i>Enter</i> <span class='sc'>Robert Dorr</span> <i>at the centre. He +wears a plain sack suit and no jewelry of any sort. He +seems alert and vigorous.</i> <span class='sc'>Hanson</span> <i>continues to read the +mail</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Good morning, Mr. Mathews.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> Good morning, Mr. Dorr. You are an +early riser—the porter told me you went out at five o’clock +for a stroll about the harbor.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I am enjoying the best of health. You must +have observed the improvement in the four days that I +have been here. The climate of Egypt is wonderful—bracing, +invigorating!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> [<i>Drily.</i>] Yes, just now—but wait till +next summer!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I haven’t time to wait. I’ll take your word +for it.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> By the way, Mr. Dorr, you ought to know +Mr. Hanson, secretary to Miss Richmond. Mr. Hanson, +Mr. Dorr. You are both Americans—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> The best of reasons for our knowing each other, +Mr. Hanson. I have heard of Miss Richmond’s splendid +services for India. You have doubtless taken part in that +work?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> Yes. Mrs. Hanson and I have been associated +with Miss Richmond for several years. It has +been a pleasure to help even a little in the great cause, but +I’ve never been so happy as this morning. What do you +think has happened?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I’m sure I never could guess.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> A noble hearted soul has established a fund +of ten million pounds to carry on Miss Richmond’s work.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Ten millions! Who is your Crœsus?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> That’s the most remarkable part of it. He +is as modest as he is magnanimous—he prefers to remain +unknown.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> What does Miss Richmond say?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> She doesn’t know it yet. The dispatch +arrived from Paris this morning.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> It will be the happiest day of her life, I +am sure.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> How long do you remain at Port Said?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> Our steamer leaves day after to-morrow at +ten. That reminds me, I must send off a note at once to +the steamship office. You will pardon me? [<i>He goes to +the table, left, and writes.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> [<i>Beside the table.</i>] Just look at that mail, +Mr. Dorr—contributions coming in from all quarters. +There are many hundred pounds in all, and yet how small +that seems beside those ten millions! How would you +like to be able to give such a donation?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> [<i>Uncomfortably.</i>] I—I think it would be very +pleasant—I think I’d rather like it!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> I should say so! A man with such generous +impulses should not hide his light—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> [<i>Interrupting.</i>] Pardon me, Mr. Mathews, +have you a Bradshaw handy?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> [<i>Indicating to the table, right.</i>] You will +find one on that table. [<i>He crosses.</i>] Here it is. [<span class='sc'>Dorr</span> +<i>follows and takes a seat with his back to the others</i>. +<span class='sc'>Mathews</span> <i>turns to the back as if to go out and meets</i> +<span class='sc'>Eleanor Richmond</span>. <i>He comes front with her.</i> <span class='sc'>Dorr</span> +<i>pretends to be reading his Bradshaw</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Good morning, Mr. Mathews. It’s a full +year since I was here. How have you been?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> Very well. I need not ask—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>Smiling.</i>] Always well and busy. Perhaps +I should say always well because I’m busy. What a +lovely sunny morning. You seem to furnish such beautiful +weather whenever I come to your hotel.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> I hope you will enjoy your stay here, Miss +Richmond.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> I always do. I’m sorry it must be such a +short stay, but you know—India is calling and I’m needed +there. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Hanson</span>.] Good morning, Hanson—have +you breakfasted?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> Not yet, Miss Richmond—I’ve been looking +over the mail. The fact is, I’m not at all hungry—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> You’re not getting ill, I hope? You seem +strangely excited about something. Is the fever prevalent +now, Mr. Mathews?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> No, indeed. I don’t think anything serious +is the matter with Mr. Hanson. He is simply suffering +from a slight shock.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> A shock! Why, what has happened?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> You see I was reading the mail—it’s a +goodly batch of letters. Nearly all of them contain donations, +both large and small—I was simply overcome by +their generosity. Here is one from the English mission at +Kermeh in the upper Nile valley. Mr. Mathews has +given me a check on behalf of the management of the +hotel and a personal contribution as well.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>Gratefully.</i>] Thank you for your aid. +It is an inspiration to find people everywhere so anxious +to help! [<i>She has taken a seat at the table, left, her back +to</i> <span class='sc'>Dorr</span>. <span class='sc'>Hanson</span> <i>is seated at her side and</i> <span class='sc'>Mathews</span> <i>is +standing</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> [<i>Slowly and seriously.</i>] Miss Richmond, +you know that now and then there is an unusually large +donation announced in the mail. [<i>She nods expectantly +as she looks over the letters.</i>] That happened this morning. +[<i>A pause.</i>] It is the most splendid gift that your +cause has ever received. [<i>She drops the letters and looks +eagerly at</i> <span class='sc'>Hanson</span>.] This is a trust fund, the interest +of which is to be applied to your work. Do not be startled +at the sum—it is very great. You remember last year the +Earl of Shropshire gave—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Ten thousand pounds—a munificent sum! +And you say this is even more?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> [<i>Deliberately.</i>] Conceive the Earl of Shropshire’s +gift multiplied ten fold—a hundred fold—a thousand fold!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>Rising from her seat.</i>] Hanson, what do +you mean?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> [<i>Rising.</i>] Miss Richmond, the amount is +ten million pounds. [<i>A pause. She looks from</i> <span class='sc'>Hanson</span> +<i>to</i> <span class='sc'>Mathews</span>. <span class='sc'>Hanson</span> <i>gives her the dispatch. Tense +silence as</i> <span class='sc'>Eleanor</span> <i>reads it</i>. <span class='sc'>Dorr</span> <i>trembles, but does not +look around. The paper shakes in</i> <span class='sc'>Eleanor’s</span> <i>hand</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>Faintly.</i>] Ten million pounds—a permanent +fund—one hundred thousand pounds immediately +available! [<i>She sinks into her chair.</i>] Can this be true? +It is like the realization of a fairy-dream. Hanson, I +<i>must</i> know the donor of this enormous fund—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> The dispatch says he prefers to remain +anonymous.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> I must know. His name may be kept secret if +he so desires, but I must see that man and thank him from +the bottom of my heart for the good that he is doing. +His bounty will reap a perpetual harvest—he must see for +himself what his unparalleled generosity will accomplish.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> Shall I write to the Blausteins at Paris, +asking that the donor’s name be communicated to you?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> No—I shall let you have a telegram for +them. I want to know before I leave Port Said. What +a wonderful day this is! You knew of it, Mr. Mathews?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> Mr. Hanson told me just before you came +in. Let me say in all sincerity, it is the kind of support +that your noble work has merited all along.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> It makes me happy past all understanding. +We can achieve real results now—not temporary relief, +but permanent progress. Won’t you get your breakfast, +Hanson? I am forgetting all about you. No wonder +you seemed so excited. I shall telegraph to the Blausteins +at once. [<i>She reaches for a telegram pad and writes.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Hanson.</span> Very well. [<i>He gathers up the mail, leaving +the dispatch from the Blausteins in</i> <span class='sc'>Eleanor’s</span> <i>possession</i>.] +Mr. Mathews, won’t you deposit these remittances +in your safe for the present? [<span class='sc'>Dorr</span> <i>at his table writes +out a check</i>.]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> Certainly. Can I be of further service, +Miss Richmond?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Not now, but I shall call upon you later. +Let me thank you once more for your kindness! I must +get off this dispatch at once.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Mathews.</span> Let me know when I can serve you in any +way. [<i>He goes off, centre, with</i> <span class='sc'>Hanson</span>. <span class='sc'>Eleanor</span>, +<i>when alone at the table, reads the dispatch again, clasps it +to her breast and looks upward in thankfulness. Trying +to compose her own telegram, she once more reads the other +and weeps softly as she does.</i> <span class='sc'>Dorr</span> <i>rises and turns towards +her. She is trying to compose herself to write, but cannot.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> [<i>Advancing.</i>] Pardon me, Miss Richmond—I +should like to contribute a trifle to your fund. [<i>He +hands her the check.</i>]</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> How good of—[<i>Looks intently at him.</i>] +why—I—[<i>In a whisper.</i>] Bobbie Dorr!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Yes.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Bobbie Dorr—in Egypt! Oh! what a +surprise! Were you sitting over there reading that Bradshaw? +I took you for an ill-mannered tourist!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> And you recognized me at once—after fifteen +years.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Is it as long as that? Then you must not +mention the fact again. You’ve grown broader and heavier, +Bobbie—you look more sensible, too!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> And you’re just the same charming Eleanor +that you were in the old Lenox days.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> The idea of your saying such a thing! I +just remarked that you seemed more sensible—now I am +inclined to doubt it. What have you been doing all these +years?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Wandering over the face of Europe and learning +many things. I fear you have never forgiven me for +the unceremonious way I cleared out after that dance of +Aunt Martha’s. I sailed from New York a few hours +after that—that last evening we spent together.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> I have never forgotten that evening, Bobbie. +You seemed like a man possessed of some evil spirit. You +remember how you raved about the power of wealth—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I meant it then. My money is practically all +gone now.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> You have run through that great fortune +of your grandfather’s? You have spent it all?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> All but a very little—I couldn’t give you much +of a contribution—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>Looking at the check.</i>] How thoughtless +of me! Here I have been holding your check all this +time without even glancing at it. One thousand pounds! +Generous as ever, Bobbie!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I’m sorry it isn’t more—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>Examining the signature.</i>] What’s this? +What a strange way of spelling your name!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I’ve been known as M. D’Or ever since I left +America—it was simply a fancy of mine. Now that I’m +through with my money, I shall be plain Bobbie Dorr +hereafter.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> It certainly sounds better, Bobbie—more +like old times. Do you know, I always felt that we +should meet again and that you would tell me truly +whether or not wealth can buy power—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> It cannot, Eleanor, I admit that. I spent my +money foolishly for the most part—that is, until recently, +when I acquired more common sense—but I’m glad I’m +done with it. Now I’m going to ask you a favor.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> What is it, Bobbie?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Won’t you take me along to India?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Take you along to India! Why, this is no +pleasure excursion. It means work—the hardest kind of +work.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> [<i>Dejectedly.</i>] I know I don’t amount to much, +but I thought I might serve as a second or third assistant +secretary. [<i>Brightening.</i>] I was watching your secretary +this morning. When the mail comes in I might open +the envelopes and hand them over to Mr. Hanson.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> And what then?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Well, I suppose I’d have to look out of the +window until the next mail arrived. But, Eleanor, I’m +serious about this—I’m no longer the frivolous youngster +I was at Lenox.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> We’ve both seen a good bit of life since +then, Bobbie. I became interested in charitable work, and +<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>my labors at home and in India have been crowned with +great success. Did you hear us speak before of the wonderful +good fortune that has just befallen us—the income +of ten million pounds to be annually devoted to our cause? +Isn’t it marvelous! I was just about to write in order to +learn the name of the donor.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I shouldn’t ask the Blausteins about him—they +won’t tell you anyway.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> How did you know it was the Blausteins? +I didn’t mention their name.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Why, I—that is, Mr. Hanson happened to +mention it to Mr. Mathews before you came in.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> And knowing that, you were willing to sit +there in that cold-blooded manner reading your Bradshaw?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I didn’t want to take you by surprise. I wanted +to give you a chance to hear what Mr. Hanson had to +say before I forced my unworthy self on your attention.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> What Mr. Hanson had to say? It seems +to me that you show very little enthusiasm over this wonderful +endowment. I must discover the donor; won’t +you help me?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I don’t see why you bother about him. He’s +probably some eccentric old fellow—he must be a queer +chap to turn over such a sum to a Board of Trustees—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Board of Trustees—[<i>Reading the dispatch.</i>] +The dispatch says nothing about a Board of Trustees!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Doesn’t it? Well, you see, they usually do +such things in that way. I inferred from what Mr. +Hanson said to Mr. Mathews—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>Alert.</i>] Bother Mr. Hanson and Mr. +Mathews. [<i>Coming closer.</i>] Bobbie Dorr, tell me the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>truth. You left us fifteen years ago to prove that wealth +was power.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> I know I made myself ridiculous. I believed +then that humanity could be bought and sold like merchandise +over a counter. For a time I succeeded after a +fashion. I know better now. I confess my defeat.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> [<i>Watching him.</i>] What did you do with +that large fortune, Bobbie?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> [<i>Evasively.</i>] It’s all gone—no use crying over +spilled milk. I’m rather poor now, and glad of it. There’s +just enough left to provide for my wants. All the rest +is gone. Why do you look at me so strangely? It’s all +spent—that is, I got rid of it—I had no further use for +it—I—gave it away—I—</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Bobbie! It was you!!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Eleanor, a few moments ago you remarked to +Mr. Hanson that you wanted the donor of that fund to +see what good it would accomplish. Now I—I’m willing +to confess—provided you take me along to India.</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> You have triumphed, after all! Wealth +is power!</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Dorr.</span> Only when such a noble soul as yours dispenses +it. [<i>He takes her hand.</i>] Give me a chance, Eleanor! +May I go along to India?</p> + +<p class='c010'><span class='sc'>Eleanor.</span> Yes. [<i>She picks up her half-finished dispatch +to the Blausteins and smilingly they look at it as the curtain +falls.</i>]</p> +<div class='pbb'> + <hr class='pb c006'> +</div> +<div class='lg-container-l c001'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'><span class='xlarge'>Early Reviews of</span></div> + <div class='line'><span class='xlarge'>English Poets</span></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c007'> + <div>EDITED WITH AN INTRODUCTION</div> + <div class='c006'>BY</div> + <div class='c006'><span class='large'>JOHN LOUIS HANEY, Ph.D.</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c014'><strong>The Regular Edition</strong>, bound in red buckram cloth, gold stamped, +with gilt top, uncut, at <strong>$1.20</strong> <i>net</i> (postage 13 cents).</p> + +<p class='c010'><strong>The Library Edition</strong>, printed on superior laid paper, with frontispiece +on Japan paper, bound in green boards with paper labels, gilt +top, uncut, limited to three hundred numbered copies at <strong>$2.00</strong> <i>net</i> +(postage 16 cents).</p> + +<p class='c015'>“It was a happy thought, that of collecting in one handy volume these selected +and important reviews.... It is not merely as a convenience to the student, who +can have here under his hand important documents not otherwise readily accessible, +that we welcome this volume, but as comprising an instructive and significant chapter +in English literature.... The present work is complemented by excellent notes, +and an introduction containing an interesting historical sketch of the English critical +journals.”—<cite>The Nation.</cite></p> + +<p class='c015'>“Dr. John Louis Haney has performed a task of considerable usefulness to students +of literary history.... The introduction is a valuable sketch of English periodical +literature, bringing together many facts for which we should hardly know +where else to look.”—<cite>The Dial.</cite></p> + +<p class='c015'>“An entertaining book, ... Mr. Haney’s book needs neither excuse nor explanation; +it is surprising that such a book has not been written long ago.... +Until the appearance of Mr. Haney’s book the general conception of early British +criticism was a vague, formless thing.... It is an amusing and certainly an edifying +book.”—<span class='sc'>John R. Young</span> in <cite>Chicago Evening Post</cite>.</p> + +<p class='c015'>“An interesting and serviceable survey of the history of English criticism.... +A valuable and entertaining collection.”—<span class='sc'>Dr. Richard Garnett</span> in <cite>The Speaker</cite>.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c001'> + <div><span class='large'>A BIBLIOGRAPHY</span></div> + <div class='c006'><span class='small'>OF</span></div> + <div class='c006'><span class='xlarge'>Samuel Taylor Coleridge</span></div> + <div class='c006'><span class='small'>BY</span></div> + <div class='c006'><span class='large'>JOHN LOUIS HANEY, Ph.D.</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c010'>This important bibliography was issued in an edition limited to +three hundred numbered copies, printed from type and bound in boards +with paper labels; also, a large paper (quarto) edition of thirty copies, +numbered and signed, with frontispiece on Japan paper. It enumerates +all editions of Coleridge’s works; his contributions to other works and +periodicals; biographies, and editions of his letters; critical articles, +poetical tributes, portraits, etc.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> + <div class='nf-center'> + <div><strong>Regular edition (300 copies), $4.00 <i>net</i>, postpaid.</strong></div> + <div class='c006'><strong>Large paper edition (30 copies), $10.00 <i>net</i>, postpaid.</strong></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c015'>“The importance of Mr. Haney’s book may be inferred from the fact that under +the heading ‘Marginalia’ no fewer than three hundred and forty-one items are collected, +as against the seventy odd titles enumerated under that heading in the British +Museum Catalogue—the only other list of marginalia extant. The compiler has aimed +at producing a practical handbook for the literary worker.... In Mr. Haney’s work +we recognize a worthy attempt to grapple with a laborious and somewhat intricate +task, which has never yet been seriously taken in hand on this side of the water.”—<cite>The +Athenæum.</cite></p> + +<p class='c015'>“We do not remember a more comprehensive individual bibliography.... The +items are fully and systematically recorded and described. The notes are valuable, +giving the contents of collected works, facts concerning publication, and many exact +references to contemporary reviews and criticisms of the newly issued works. +This makes the list of special use to students.... If more of Coleridge’s valuable +criticisms can be rescued from their penciled desuetude for publication, Mr. Haney +will have performed a double service by his painstaking and very excellent work.”—<cite>The +Literary Collector.</cite></p> + +<p class='c015'><span lang="fr">“Il n’y a que des éloges à donner à la <cite>Bibliographie de Coleridge</cite> publiée par +M. Haney. Ce volume de luxe deviendra indispensable à tous ceux qui voudront +étudier de près Coleridge.”—<cite>Revue Germanique.</cite></span></p> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c001'> + <div><span class='large'>THE NAME OF</span></div> + <div class='c006'><span class='xlarge'>William Shakespeare</span></div> + <div class='c006'><span class='large'>A STUDY IN ORTHOGRAPHY</span></div> + <div class='c006'><span class='small'>BY</span></div> + <div class='c006'><span class='large'>JOHN LOUIS HANEY, Ph.D.</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c014'>This extensive study deals with the origin, history and orthography +of the name Shakespeare and discusses the merits of the variant spellings. +It has received the cordial endorsement of the leading students +of Shakespeare in England and America.</p> + +<p class='c010'>Seven hundred and fifty numbered copies, printed from type and +bound in blue-ribbed cloth, stamped in gold.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> + <div class='nf-center'> + <div><strong>$1.00 <i>net</i>. (Postage 6 cents.)</strong></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c015'>“Accept my hearty thanks for your book on <cite>The Name of William Shakespeare</cite>, +which I have read with much interest and edification. It is complete and exhaustive, +and ought to be ‘the final word’ on the subject—Your book ought to go into all the +college and other leading libraries, and into the hands of all critical students of +Shakespeare. I should doubt whether your limited edition would supply the natural +demand for it.”—<span class='sc'>Dr. William J. Rolfe.</span></p> + +<p class='c015'>“A fair, complete and clear exposition of the subject. So far as we have observed, +it takes account of every scrap of evidence available—Externally, the volume +is a model of good taste; type, page and binding are alike excellent. We regret that +the edition should have been limited to seven hundred and fifty copies.”—<cite>The +Nation.</cite></p> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> + <div class='nf-center'> + <div><span class='large'>THE EGERTON PRESS</span></div> + <div><span class='sc'>934 North Eleventh Street</span>      PHILADELPHIA</div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='pbb'> + <hr class='pb c006'> +</div> +<div class='tnotes x-ebookmaker'> + +<div class='chapter ph2'> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c001'> + <div>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> + + <ul class='ul_1 c007'> + <li>Typos fixed; non-standard spelling and dialect retained. + </li> + </ul> + +</div> + +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77765 ***</div> + </body> + <!-- created with ppgen.py 3.57i (with regex) on 2026-01-03 00:12:10 GMT --> +</html> diff --git a/77765-h/images/cover.jpg b/77765-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..593359b --- /dev/null +++ b/77765-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/77765-h/images/titlepage.jpg b/77765-h/images/titlepage.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..bc5cd5f --- /dev/null +++ b/77765-h/images/titlepage.jpg |
