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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78762 ***
+
+
+
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Macmillan Company Colophon]
+
+ THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+ NEW YORK · BOSTON · CHICAGO · DALLAS
+ ATLANTA · SAN FRANCISCO
+
+ MACMILLAN & CO., LIMITED
+ LONDON · BOMBAY · CALCUTTA
+ MELBOURNE
+
+ THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, LTD.
+ TORONTO
+
+
+
+
+ VAN ZORN
+
+ A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS
+
+ BY
+ EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON
+
+ New York
+ THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+ 1914
+
+ _All rights reserved_
+
+
+
+
+ COPYRIGHT, 1914
+ BY THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+ Set up and electrotyped. Published September, 1914
+
+ COPYRIGHT IN GREAT BRITAIN,
+ All acting rights reserved by the author
+
+
+
+
+ TO
+ HERMANN HAGEDORN
+
+
+
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+
+
+
+CHARACTERS
+
+
+  VAN ZORN
+  GEORGE LUCAS
+  WELDON FARNHAM
+  OTTO MINK
+  MRS. LOVETT
+  VILLA VANNEVAR
+  JENNY
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+
+  WELDON FARNHAM’S _studio in Macdougal Alley, New York. In the rear is
+      a long window, beneath which is a wide cushioned seat, extending
+      from the left wall to a vestibule on the right, from which a
+      door, front, opens into the studio. The door is hidden by a tall
+      screen. Further down on the right is another door, and still
+      further down is an antique cabinet, upon which rests a bust of
+      Shakespeare. To the left of the cabinet, well into the room, is
+      a table, upon which are a few books and, among other objects, an
+      ornamental cigar box of polished mahogany. Half way down the left
+      wall, which is built diagonally into the stage, cutting off about
+      one-third of the rear wall, is an open grate with a mantel. Well
+      to the front, on the left, is an upright wheeling easel, upon
+      which a framed portrait faces the rear. There are several chairs,
+      for the most part plain and small; but one of them, near the
+      table, to the left, is large and comfortable._
+
+  _The curtain rises, revealing_ WELDON FARNHAM _and_ OTTO MINK.
+      FARNHAM _is a well-conditioned and well-satisfied man of thirty,
+      or a little more, with a certain complacent hardness about his
+      face, which suggests an aggressiveness that does not really
+      exist. He stands surveying_ OTTO, _a younger man--short, plump,
+      pink and loquacious--who in turn stands surveying the picture on
+      the easel. His hands are in his trousers pockets, and he stands
+      from time to time on the tips of his toes during the process of
+      his scrutiny._
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_As if amused_]
+
+Well, Otto, aren’t you going to say something?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Slowly, with a frown_]
+
+So this is Villa Vannevar.[1]
+
+[1] Pronounced Vannee´-vr.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Not exactly. It’s a picture of her.
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+You don’t care for it, I see--Lucas and Petherick think it’s rotten.
+
+OTTO
+
+Did Lucas say that?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Still amused_]
+
+No, but he smoked it. He might as well have said it.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Leaving the picture and lighting a cigarette_]
+
+You can’t always tell what Old Hundred means--when he doesn’t say
+anything. Or when he does, for that matter.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+I’m sorry, Otto, that you don’t like the picture.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Showing his teeth_]
+
+There’s genius in it. Is that what you wanted me to say?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+But a poor likeness--eh?
+
+OTTO
+
+Likeness?--Farnham, you make me sick.
+
+  [FARNHAM _scowls quickly and laughs_]
+
+I beg your pardon, but you do,--just now, I mean.
+
+  [_With a sniff_]
+
+You and your pictures!
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+Are they all so bad as that, Otto?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Irritated_]
+
+I suppose it’s _you_ that I’m talking about, not your pictures.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With patronage_]
+
+You don’t seem to be improving matters very much. What have _I_ done?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_With affectionate disgust_]
+
+You? You haven’t done anything. Destiny, or something or other, has
+done it for you.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+But I don’t believe much in destiny. I believe in work.
+
+OTTO
+
+You didn’t work very hard to get the best girl in New York.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+If I didn’t know you, Otto, I might be offended.
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+What’s the matter with you today, anyhow?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_With all sincerity_]
+
+I understand. You think I’m jealous, but I’m not. I’m not such a dam
+fool.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Otto, don’t be so impulsive.
+
+  [_He laughs_]
+
+OTTO
+
+Impulsive? You don’t know what the word means.
+
+  [_With a grimace_]
+
+You might at least look glad, or say something foolish once in a
+while,--just to let a fellow know that you’re human.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Seriously_]
+
+I’ll take back a part of what I said, Otto. There may be a large
+element of destiny in my--we’ll say my very great good fortune.
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+But I wouldn’t say as much as that to Van Zorn.
+
+OTTO
+
+Van Zorn? He’s a fatalist, isn’t he?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+I don’t know just what he is. He’s the best man living, and he’s my
+best friend.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Cheerfully_]
+
+And he’s worth about how many millions?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With animation_]
+
+I don’t know. Twenty or twenty-five. I don’t care much about that part
+of it.
+
+OTTO
+
+You know, Farnham, I believe you when you say that.
+
+  [_Moving to the Right_]
+
+If I didn’t, I shouldn’t hang around your place any more. You think you
+wouldn’t miss me if I didn’t, but you would. I’m a tender shoot, and
+I’m delicate, and you’ll be dam sorry when I’m dead.
+
+  [OTTO _pauses before the bust of Shakespeare, looks at it
+      thoughtfully, places his hat upon it carefully, and surveys the
+      result with satisfaction_. FARNHAM _watches him with patronizing
+      amusement. Presently, when the two men stand looking at each
+      other, the bell rings_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Looking at his watch_]
+
+That sounds like Lucas. It can’t be Mrs. Lovett--yet.
+
+OTTO
+
+It’s Old Hundred, I’ll bet a sequin. Let him in.
+
+  [FARNHAM _admits_ GEORGE LUCAS, _who is a square-jawed and somewhat
+      cadaverous looking man of thirty, with a melancholy and highly
+      intellectual face. His clothes are well kept, but unmistakably
+      the worse for wear, and there is a whimsical weariness in his
+      manner that might be suggestive of latent tragedy. He looks at_
+      FARNHAM _and_ OTTO _as if he expected them to say something_]
+
+OTTO
+
+Good morning, Phœbus-Apollo.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With a benignant smile_]
+
+Good morning.
+
+  [_To_ FARNHAM, _half quizzically_]
+
+Good morning.
+
+  [_He looks at the decorated bust of Shakespeare, and then at_ OTTO.
+      _He smiles once more and removes his hat, which_ FARNHAM _takes
+      and tosses on to window seat_]
+
+OTTO
+
+Have you come to join the celebration?
+
+LUCAS
+
+Celebration of what?
+
+OTTO
+
+Oh, I don’t know. You take your choice. You might celebrate the
+publication of my new book, or you might celebrate the rotation of the
+planet Neptune--on his axis. Or, you might celebrate the engagement of
+our friend Farnham to the radiant Miss Villa Vannevar.
+
+  [_Motioning towards the picture_]
+
+There she is--or, I should say, a picture of her.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With gathering surprise and difficulty_]
+
+I have seen the picture, but I had not heard of the engagement.
+
+  [_Giving his hand to_ FARNHAM, _but as if with unconscious
+      reluctance_]
+
+Farnham, let me congratulate you.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Taking his hand_]
+
+Thank you, Lucas.
+
+  [_As_ LUCAS _goes towards the picture_]
+
+I fear that some of us get rather more than we deserve in this life.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Affecting indifference_]
+
+Oh, I don’t know about that.
+
+  [_Studying the picture_]
+
+So this is Villa Vannevar.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Promptly, with his hands in his pockets_]
+
+That’s what _I_ said.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Comfortably_]
+
+Your congratulations are quite enough, Lucas. You needn’t feel obliged
+to praise the picture.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Solemnly_]
+
+I wasn’t going to praise the picture.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Standing on his toes and grinning at_ FARNHAM _with satisfaction_]
+
+“Heaven is not reached with a single bound.” You can’t have everything
+at once, Farnham, even if you are a genius. But you might give Lucas a
+drink, and you might give me a bottle of cold beer.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Amused_]
+
+In the morning, Otto? Isn’t this something new?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Nodding at the bust_]
+
+Shakespeare did it, and I wish to do everything that Shakespeare
+did--so far as in me lies.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Laughing, as if_ OTTO _were a child_]
+
+Well, all right, if I’ve got it.
+
+  [_He goes out at the right_, LUCAS _leaves the picture, frowning
+      to himself, and returns to_ OTTO, _who is standing near the
+      corner of the vestibule_. OTTO _turns_ LUCAS _gently and assists
+      him towards the cabinet, from which_ LUCAS _takes out a bottle
+      of whiskey and a glass, going with them to the table nearby._
+      FARNHAM _returns with a bottle of beer and a glass_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_After a look at_ LUCAS]
+
+Here you are, Stratford.
+
+  [OTTO _goes to the window seat_]
+
+Don’t you want some water, Lucas?
+
+LUCAS
+
+No, thank you. It won’t be necessary.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With mild insistence_]
+
+Better for the heart.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Prying the cap from the bottle_]
+
+Lucas hasn’t got any heart.
+
+  [_He pours out a glass of beer with care_]
+
+Well, Farnham, you man of iron, _morituri salutamus_. I’m a tender
+shoot, and I shan’t be with you very long. Neither will Lucas, if he
+doesn’t drink some water one of these days.
+
+  [_There is a sinister note in his last words, and it is evidently
+      caught by the other men_]
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With a dry flourish_]
+
+Farnham, you are a man of parts, and once more I congratulate you. I’m
+a man of parts myself, as a matter of fact, but some of my parts don’t
+exactly fit, and as a consequence
+
+  [_With a hard, insincere laugh_]
+
+as a consequence, I--I rattle. Your health and happiness.
+
+  [_He drinks, and shivers a little_]
+
+And now,
+
+  [_Exploring the table_]
+
+If you will give me a small cigar
+
+  [_He takes a large one from the box_]
+
+I’ll tell you what a great man you are going to be.
+
+  [_He puts back the bottle and moves again towards the picture_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Who has been watching_ LUCAS _with a patronizing smile_]
+
+And now if you two fellows will kindly make yourselves at home, I’ll
+be back in a little while. I’m going over to Petherick’s to get some
+photographs of his comical bust of Poe for Mrs Lovett; and if anyone
+comes in while I’m gone, I’ll trust you two to be agreeable.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Nervously_]
+
+But what does this mean, Farnham? If you expected visitors, why didn’t
+you say so?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Soothingly_]
+
+They are coming to see the picture in its new frame.
+
+  [_Hesitating_]
+
+Of course you remember Mrs. Lovett--and Villa Vannevar?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_In a dry voice_]
+
+Yes, I remember them. Villa Vannevar and I used to be rather good
+friends.
+
+  [_Indifferently_]
+
+But I doubt if Mrs Lovett remembers me.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_At the door_]
+
+She must.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Sitting down_]
+
+Why do you say that?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+She must,--for you are not the kind that women forget.
+
+  [_He laughs and goes out, and_ LUCAS _follows him with his eyes. He
+      remains for a time as if in retrospection_]
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_From the window seat, after a pause_]
+
+It seems to me that Farnham might have done a little better than that.
+
+  [LUCAS _gives him a quick look_]
+
+But I don’t know,
+
+  [_In half soliloquy_]
+
+perhaps he couldn’t, after all.
+
+  [OTTO _studies the beer-bottle as if it were a rare vase, and_
+      LUCAS, _leaning forward on his chair, rubs his fingers together
+      thoughtfully_.]
+
+OTTO
+
+Phœbus,
+
+  [LUCAS _looks at him_]
+
+wake up.
+
+LUCAS
+
+I am awake.
+
+OTTO
+
+The devil you are.
+
+  [_Getting up and stretching himself_]
+
+Let’s have another look at Farnham’s picture. Petherick thinks it’s
+rotten.
+
+  [_Mercifully_]
+
+But then, Petherick’s a sculptor.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+Can’t sculptors tell when things are rotten?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Briskly_]
+
+Apparently not--if we are to judge them by what they have done for our
+fair city.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Rising and smiling_]
+
+You are severe this morning, Otto.
+
+  [_In a fatherly way_]
+
+I hope you aren’t going to be severe with _me_.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Looking at him sharply_]
+
+I _was_ going to be--but I won’t now.
+
+  [_Frowning before the picture_]
+
+So this is Villa Vannevar.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+That’s what _I_ said.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Still frowning_]
+
+Mrs. Weldon Farnham.
+
+  [_Throwing up his hands_]
+
+Lucas, I can’t make it sound right.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+What’s wrong about the sound of it? Farnham is a good fellow, isn’t he?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_With emphasis_]
+
+He’s a fine fellow; and he’s one of his own best friends.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Smiling grimly_]
+
+Well, that makes for prudence--and for longevity.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+Very good indeed. What do you think of this picture, Phœbus, anyhow?
+
+LUCAS
+
+It’s a pretty good picture. All things are relative.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Promptly_]
+
+Then you agree with Petherick.
+
+LUCAS
+
+Not necessarily.
+
+  [_He looks around him uncomfortably_]
+
+But I don’t believe, Otto, that I’ll stay here any longer.
+
+  [OTTO _moves toward him_]
+
+You can entertain these women without me.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Backing_ LUCAS _into his chair_]
+
+There! You try that for a while. Farnham said you were to stay here
+till he came back.
+
+  [_He takes another chair and sits facing_ LUCAS]
+
+Phœbus, you may kick me if you like, but I’m sorry for you. I’m dam
+sorry.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With a doubtful scowl_]
+
+What do you think you are talking about, Otto?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Plunging_]
+
+Phœbus, I like you. I like you a lot. I’ve liked you for ten
+years--ever since I met you.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+So far as I count for anything, I suppose I’m as good a friend as you
+have in the world.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Pleased and embarrassed_]
+
+I’m glad to hear you say that, Otto.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_With more confidence_]
+
+You’d better wait till I’m done with you.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+Go on. I’m at your service.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Clasping his knee and becoming very serious_]
+
+Very well. Tell me when to stop.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+Phœbus, how much does Farnham know about you? Did he know anything
+about you before he came to New York? Let me see, that was four years
+ago.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Surprised_]
+
+Probably not.
+
+OTTO
+
+Well, then, did Farnham know Villa Vannevar before he came to New York?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Surprised_]
+
+Not to my knowledge.
+
+OTTO
+
+Am I getting too personal?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Fighting with his curiosity_]
+
+You haven’t said anything injurious.
+
+OTTO
+
+Good. Now does Farnham.... Oh, the devil! I suppose I ought not to ask
+you this, but I’m going to, all the same. Does Farnham know that Villa
+Vannevar cared more for you at one time than she cares now for any
+other man living?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Rubbing his hands slowly_]
+
+I rather think, Otto, that you may as well stop.
+
+OTTO
+
+Are you going to kick me?
+
+LUCAS
+
+No. Your motive is good, and I try to judge a fellow by his motive.
+
+  [_Taking a cheap watch from his pocket, he looks at it and shakes it
+      at his ear_]
+
+What time is it?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_With much vigor_]
+
+Phœbus, you can’t put me off. I’ve got you now, and I’m going to tell
+you what I think of you.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Shaking his watch at his ear_]
+
+What do you think of me?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Nettled_]
+
+Well, I think you are going to the devil, for one thing.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Grinning_]
+
+Only going? I was told the other day that I had arrived--with banners.
+
+OTTO
+
+Did Farnham tell you that?
+
+LUCAS
+
+That was Farnham’s hidden meaning.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_After a pause_]
+
+Well, Phœbus, I can’t speak for Farnham. But there was a time when the
+rest of us would have said that you had empires up your sleeve.
+
+  [_Impressively_]
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Looking at his sleeve_]
+
+Then they must be there yet. I’ve never shaken them out.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_With more fervor_]
+
+They may be there, but all the devils in hell, with microscopes,
+couldn’t find them there this morning. As you are fond of reading, you
+may have gathered, from various authorities, that empires don’t run
+themselves, exactly. When they do, they run down.
+
+LUCAS
+
+Like my watch.
+
+  [_He shakes it, and returns it to his pocket_]
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Getting up with a sigh_]
+
+Phœbus, why don’t you try to find out where you are, and stop pickling
+your brain with rum, and quit bewildering your inferiors, and go back
+to school? If you don’t, there will be a funeral one of these days, and
+you won’t have to walk. And what I say is all as true as God made great
+whales and little squirrels.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Rubbing his knees and grinning_]
+
+Good. Say on.
+
+  [OTTO _gives a snort of disgust and moves towards the bust of
+      Shakespeare, his hands in his trousers’ pockets and his face
+      puckered with a scowl_]
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Watching_ OTTO _with weary amusement_]
+
+Otto, tell me something more about this much-travelled Odysseus of many
+devices, whom Farnham calls Van Zorn.
+
+  [OTTO _removes his hat from the bust_]
+
+I thought you would do that, Otto.
+
+  [OTTO _puts his hat on his head and gives_ LUCAS _a look of
+      discouragement_]
+
+Tell me about Van Zorn, Otto, and take off your hat.
+
+  [OTTO _spins his hat at_ LUCAS, _who catches it deftly and throws it
+      over to the window seat_]
+
+I understand that he’s a fatalist--or something or other. Where does he
+live?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Piqued_]
+
+He doesn’t live anywhere. He doesn’t have to. He’s worth about
+twenty-five millions.
+
+LUCAS
+
+That isn’t very much. Is he in town?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Impatiently_]
+
+Yes, he’s in town.
+
+LUCAS
+
+How long is he going to stay?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Wearily_]
+
+How the devil do I know? I suppose he’ll stay as long as he likes the
+place. That’s what I should do, if I had twenty-five millions.
+
+  [_Becoming more rancid_]
+
+And then, if the fancy seized me, I should pack my suitcase and go in
+for the irrigation of Mesopotamia.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Still leaning forward and rubbing his hands slowly_]
+
+When is Farnham to be married?
+
+OTTO
+
+I don’t know. Didn’t you hear about the engagement?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Getting up and speaking without apparent interest_]
+
+No.... I don’t hear about things any more.
+
+  [_The bell rings and_ LUCAS _turns with a start_]
+
+I wonder who that is.
+
+  [_He takes his watch from his pocket nervously and pretends to look
+      at it_]
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Smiling as he looks at his own watch_]
+
+If you wish to know what time it is, it’s five minutes to twelve.
+
+  [OTTO _opens the door and admits_ MRS. LOVETT _and_ MISS VILLA
+      VANNEVAR. MRS. LOVETT _is a short lady of fifty, with a manner
+      that is slightly affected, but not comically so. She is dressed
+      in black, and in a manner calculated to suggest rather than
+      to express mourning._ VILLA VANNEVAR _is rather tall and very
+      handsome, inclined to be unconventional and at times careless,
+      naturally vivacious, but evidently not satisfied with her
+      existence. She wears a walking suit of bright gray, with a smart
+      hat_]
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_With familiar mock-ceremony_]
+
+You are to come in--both of you--and you are to make yourselves
+entirely at home.
+
+  [_To Mrs Lovett_]
+
+The genius of the place has gone to get some photographs of your friend
+Petherick’s bust of Edgar A. Poe, the eminent literary man.
+
+  [_Turning to_ LUCAS, _who has found something interesting on the
+      table_]
+
+Both of you remember Mr. Lucas, I suppose.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_In a voice of friendly surprise_]
+
+Why it’s George!
+
+  [_She goes to him and gives him her hand, which he takes slowly, and
+      holds a little longer than he means to_]
+
+Why, Auntie, it’s George!
+
+  [_To_ LUCAS]
+
+You remember my aunt, don’t you, George?
+
+LUCAS
+
+I remember Mrs. Lovett very well.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_without warmth_]
+
+Of course I remember Mr. Lucas.
+
+  [_To_ OTTO]
+
+And now, Otto, you bad child
+
+  [_Holding up her finger_]
+
+oh, yes! I have read your wicked books, and I know just how bad you are
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+--Villa and I are perishing to see the picture in its new frame.
+
+  [_To_ VILLA]
+
+Shall we wait for dear Weldon to come back? Artists are so queer, you
+know, and
+
+  [_To_ OTTO, _with a smile_]
+
+So very sensitive.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Beaming_]
+
+Very sensitive indeed. Have you read my last one--_Au Cinquième_? It
+came out day before yesterday.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Amused_]
+
+I’m sorry, Otto, but we haven’t even seen it.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Briskly_]
+
+In that case,
+
+  [_To_ MRS. LOVETT]
+
+you cannot possibly know how bad I am.--As for the frame,
+
+  [_Moving towards the picture_]
+
+the frame is a beautiful piece of work. In point of fact, I don’t quite
+see how you are going to get along without it.
+
+  [MRS. LOVETT _follows him and they stand together before the
+      picture_. LUCAS _and_ VILLA _remain near the table, she becoming
+      very serious and he pretending, not very well, to take a humorous
+      view of the situation_]
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_After a silence_]
+
+Aren’t you coming to see yourself, Villa?
+
+VILLA
+
+I’ll watch you and Otto--and talk with George. I know just how the
+picture looks, and I haven’t seen George for a thousand years.
+
+  [MRS. LOVETT _frowns a little and_ OTTO _smiles to himself
+      significantly_]
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Looking at the picture_]
+
+Oh--dear!
+
+  [_She sighs and looks at_ OTTO, _who stands on his toes for a moment
+      and then shakes his head_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Turning from_ LUCAS _to_ MRS. LOVETT, _and laughing_]
+
+What’s the matter, Auntie?
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_With ample resignation_]
+
+I don’t know what to say about it.
+
+  [_She looks at_ LUCAS, _who does not see her, and then looks at_ OTTO]
+
+_You_ say something, Otto. I simply don’t know how.
+
+OTTO
+
+I would gladly be of assistance, my dear Madam, but I don’t know how to
+say anything about it either.
+
+  [_Looking at_ LUCAS]
+
+But there’s Lucas; he knows how to say something about it.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_After a quick frown_]
+
+Tell me the truth, Otto.
+
+  [_She sighs again_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Turning and laughing_]
+
+If you do, Otto, I’ll tell Weldon everything you say.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Looking from_ VILLA _to_ MRS. LOVETT, _with a grimace_]
+
+You seem to know the truth already. If you don’t, I cannot tell a lie.
+
+  [_Very distinctly_]
+
+In the last analysis, then, the thing is worse than--than office-hours.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With determination_]
+
+_I’m_ going to say something now. I’m going to ask Otto to turn that
+picture to the wall until Weldon comes back. I won’t have it abused.
+
+  [_To_ LUCAS, _with sorry laugh_]
+
+The only trouble with that picture is that it isn’t _me_.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+Yes, that is one trouble with it.
+
+  [VILLA _looks at him strangely, and laughs again as before_. MRS.
+      LOVETT _looks at her with mild disapproval_. OTTO _grins,
+      and begins to sing the swan-song in Lohengrin with subdued
+      satisfaction as he turns the easel. As_ OTTO _comes back to
+      the center of the stage, the bell rings, and all appear to be
+      suddenly disturbed_]
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+Now who in the world is that? We don’t want people.
+
+LUCAS
+
+You might find out, Otto.
+
+OTTO
+
+Aye, aye, sir.
+
+  _[Becoming more exuberant, he propels himself towards the door with
+      a series of quasi-nautical hitches, trumpeting with his lips
+      the opening chorus in “Pinafore.”_ LUCAS _watches him with a
+      weary smile_, VILLA VANNEVAR _laughs, and_ MRS. LOVETT _looks
+      bewildered_. OTTO _opens the door and stands back, in whimsical
+      obeisance_]
+
+OTTO
+
+You may come in, for I know your name. Your name is Van Zorn, and I’ve
+seen you before.
+
+  [VAN ZORN ENTERS. _He is rather tall, well built, bronzed, and has
+      powerful, penetrating eyes. His manner, though courteous and
+      possibly a bit too dignified, is also a little heavy. He seems to
+      be in constant fear of being taken too seriously; and yet he is a
+      very serious person, inclined to a certain intangible melancholy
+      that is easy to recognize but difficult to describe. His voice
+      is rich, deep, and musical, his laugh is rare but pleasing, but
+      his smile is frequent and engaging. There is at times something
+      childlike in his acceptance of unusual situations and events, and
+      there is something almost unreal in his easy persistence along
+      lines that few men would ever think of pursuing. While he is for
+      the most part self explanatory, there remains a fringe of mystery
+      about him to the end_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Taking_ OTTO’S _hand and smiling_]
+
+And I should remember _your_ name. Your name is ...
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Distinctly_]
+
+Mink.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With another smile_]
+
+Indeed? Then you must have two names.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_As the two move into the room_]
+
+I have. The grand total is Otto Mink.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I remember now that Farnham called you Otto. I am very glad to see you
+again.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_With expansion_]
+
+And now it devolves upon me to present a few of Farnham’s friends.
+Here, for example, is Mrs. Lovett.
+
+  [_She smiles at Otto, and receives Van Zorn with unqualified
+      approval_]
+
+And here is Miss Villa Vannevar. She’s another friend of Farnham’s, and
+you’ve met her before.
+
+  [VILLA _gives_ VAN ZORN _her hand, and he looks at her, in spite of
+      his efforts, as if he were fascinated. The two appear to be very
+      serious, until_ OTTO _presents_ LUCAS, _when she laughs--but with
+      no great amount of spirit_]
+
+And here is Mr. Lucas. Sometimes we call him Phœbus--on account of his
+sunny disposition.
+
+  [VAN ZORN _shakes hands with_ LUCAS _with great cordiality and looks
+      at him as long as he looked at_ VILLA VANNEVAR, _but with an
+      entirely different expression. There is a kindness and a certain
+      satisfaction in his eyes that surprises_ LUCAS _and embarrasses
+      him_]
+
+That object over there is a portrait of Miss Vannevar, but we are not
+to see it again until Farnham comes back. You won’t like Farnham any
+better after you see it.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Amused_]
+
+That doesn’t sound altogether complimentary to Farnham.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Cheerfully_]
+
+It isn’t.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Perhaps I don’t quite understand you.
+
+OTTO
+
+You will.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a look of amused inquiry at_ LUCAS]
+
+You surprise me. I have come to think of Farnham as one of the best of
+living painters.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_With his hands in his trousers’ pockets_]
+
+He is. That’s partly what ails him.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+Why, Otto,--you ridiculous child!
+
+OTTO
+
+If you don’t believe me, ask Phœbus--I mean Lucas.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_To_ VILLA, _smiling_]
+
+I think I’ll wait and ask Farnham himself.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+He may bite you.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I know Farnham’s bite. It isn’t very dangerous.
+
+VILLA
+
+He thinks it is.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Moving nearer to her, as if drawn_]
+
+How soon do you expect him back?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Suddenly serious_]
+
+At any moment.
+
+  [LUCAS _begins a silent investigation of the studio, while_ MRS.
+      LOVETT _and_ OTTO _talk together_, MRS. LOVETT _apparently amused
+      and perhaps a little scandalized by his childlike narrations. She
+      looks frequently and almost eagerly at_ VAN ZORN _and_ VILLA,
+      _who stand near the table. They seem to be laboring under a
+      mysterious constraint, which_ VILLA _tries to put off with an
+      assumed light humor_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+You talk as if you thought me a doubtful character. I trust that
+Farnham hasn’t given me one.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Nervously_]
+
+Weldon has praised you so much that we are all a little afraid of you.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I shall have to stop that.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+Do you remember the day when you and Mr.--
+
+  [_Glancing at_ OTTO]
+
+Mr. Mink--went over my boat with Farnham and me?
+
+VILLA
+
+Of course I do. That was the day before you sailed away to the other
+side of the world.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Earnestly_]
+
+Thank you for remembering that day.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Still nervous_]
+
+I remember the day--and I remember that you frightened me somehow.
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+You made me think of Captain Kidd and the Flying Dutchman--both
+together.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+I don’t know about Captain Kidd, but I suppose I _am_ a sort of
+Dutchman.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With a little shiver_]
+
+Not the Flying Dutchman--I hope?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a quaint seriousness_]
+
+No--not exactly. As a matter of fact, I have undertaken to be a doctor.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Bewildered_]
+
+Medicine, Philosophy or Divinity?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a melancholy laugh._]
+
+All three, in a measure--and I shall be my own patient.
+
+  [_Quite seriously_]
+
+I must have a place in the scheme of existence, and I have had a
+presentiment that I am soon to find it.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Drawing back a little and laughing_]
+
+You?... A place in the scheme of existence?... I’m beginning to be
+positively creepy. I thought you had everything.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Shaking his head_]
+
+Then you are greatly mistaken. I have nothing--yet.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Impulsively_]
+
+What a very unfortunate person! I beg your pardon a thousand times, but
+you make me laugh.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+You needn’t be apologetic, and you needn’t laugh.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Bewildered_]
+
+What--are you going to do--first?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling faintly_]
+
+I have thought of several plans to make my existence worth while, but I
+am not yet sure of any of them.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With a sigh and a laugh_]
+
+Well, I don’t know what you expect me to say. You don’t speak a
+language that a poor girl can understand.
+
+  [_She looks over her shoulder and meets the eyes of_ LUCAS, _who by
+      this time has made a circuit of the studio and taken a casual
+      inventory of its contents. She looks at him, smiling, and then
+      at_ VAN ZORN, _who is looking at_ LUCAS _with a slight frown that
+      is both friendly and inquiring_]
+
+VILLA
+
+I wonder if George--Mr. Lucas--could be of any service to you. He isn’t
+a doctor, but he knows almost everything.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Pleasantly, after a slow nod at_ LUCAS]
+
+Does he know himself?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With a shrug_]
+
+I regret to say that he does.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_To_ LUCAS, _distinctly_]
+
+Then Miss Vannevar is right. The man who knows himself does know almost
+everything.
+
+  [_There has been a brief pause in_ OTTO’S _animated conversation
+      with_ MRS. LOVETT, _and now_ OTTO _looks keenly at_ VILLA, VAN
+      ZORN, _and_ LUCAS]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing at_ OTTO]
+
+The man who knows himself must be inspired.
+
+  [_To_ VAN ZORN]
+
+Otto couldn’t keep from being inspired if he tried. Otto is a poet.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Grinning_]
+
+Do I look like one?
+
+VILLA
+
+You look like a rose of Sharon, Otto.
+
+  [_Glancing towards the door_]
+
+I thought I heard something.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Holding up his finger_]
+
+Hist! There it is again!
+
+  [_Going to the door mysteriously_]
+
+It’s the Thing itself.
+
+  [FARNHAM _is heard in the vestibule, singing carelessly to himself
+      the air of the Conspirators from “La Fille de Madame Angot.”_
+      OTTO _opens the door with a flourish, and_ FARNHAM _soon enters_]
+
+OTTO
+
+You are late, and the show is half over.
+
+  [_Putting his hands into his trousers’ pockets_]
+
+The next thing on the programme will be the eminent comedians, Van Zorn
+and Lucas, in “The Old Oaken Bucket.” Song and dance.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_With languid primness_]
+
+Otto, you might take your hat and go home.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Taking_ MRS. LOVETT’S _hand_]
+
+No, don’t send him home. He can’t help it. The trouble is in his brain.
+
+  [HE _shakes hands with_ VILLA _and smiles_]
+
+But _you_
+
+  [_Shaking hands with_ VAN ZORN _and looking at him with eager
+      satisfaction_]
+
+--you might have let a fellow know that you were coming.
+
+  [_looking around_]
+
+I suppose there is no need of introductions.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Beaming_]
+
+None whatever. We are all happily acquainted.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_After giving_ OTTO _a patronizing scrutiny_]
+
+There are the photographs, Mrs. Lovett, and if you don’t find them
+sufficiently bad, it won’t be Petherick’s fault. Poor Poe!
+
+  [_Nodding to_ VAN ZORN]
+
+_He_ could tell you something about Destiny, if he were alive.
+
+  [_He nods at the envelope_]
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Looking at one of the photographs_]
+
+Poe was a wonderful creature.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+There are no records to prove that he ever denied it.
+
+  [_To_ VILLA, _with his most confident smile_]
+
+Have you seen the picture, and the frame?
+
+  [_He gazes at the easel, frowns for a moment, and then laughs drily_]
+
+Who turned it to the wall? Did you do that, Lucas?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Quickly_]
+
+Otto did it. I told him to.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Rather drily_]
+
+That was very considerate of you.
+
+  [HE _moves the easel back to its former position_]
+
+Well, there it is.
+
+  [_Confidently_]
+
+And now you may all do your worst. Otto and Lucas needn’t say anything,
+for I know what they think already.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Cheerfully_]
+
+You may not. We’ve never told you.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With a short laugh_]
+
+Well, if you haven’t, you needn’t.
+
+  [VAN ZORN _stands before the picture and studies it ominously_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Well, which is it--life, or death?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With annihilating deliberation_]
+
+I should say that it was neither. I am not satisfied with it.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With a dry laugh_]
+
+Were you ever entirely satisfied with anything?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Gently_]
+
+We are not here on earth to be entirely satisfied, are we?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Oh, I don’t know about that.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I hope most sincerely that you are not satisfied with this picture.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+I thought it had a kind of merit.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Frowning_]
+
+It has. It’s a work of genius, if you like.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Promptly_]
+
+That’s what _I_ said.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Patiently_]
+
+I know it Otto--And now I should like to hear what Mrs. Lovett has to
+say.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+But, dear Weldon, you can’t possibly care what I think--a poor old
+thing like me.
+
+  [_Looking through her glasses_]
+
+Of course you have flattered the poor child almost to death.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Genially_]
+
+I don’t see how you can say so.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_To_ VAN ZORN _and_ LUCAS]
+
+Help! help!
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+But you are a wonderful creature, all the same, and I shall have to
+forgive you. Two very intelligent men
+
+  [_Beaming on_ OTTO]
+
+have called you a genius, and surely that should be enough for one
+morning.
+
+OTTO
+
+Three, Mrs. Lovett, Phœbus--I mean George--called him one before you
+came in.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_After a look at_ LUCAS]
+
+I am very glad to hear it.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Briskly_]
+
+I knew you would be.
+
+  [_Going to_ LUCAS]
+
+And now, Phœbus--I mean George--it’s time for you and me to go out and
+have something to eat. I have a premonition that you and I are in a way
+to become superfluous.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_With motherly tolerance_]
+
+Otto, are you going to talk nonsense all the rest of your life?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Spinning his hat on the end of his stick_]
+
+If youth but knew.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With animation_]
+
+Why can’t we all go out and lunch somewhere together? I’ve got some
+money.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+You forget, my child, that we are to have luncheon with Mrs. Dyce.
+
+OTTO
+
+Give my love to Mrs. Dyce, and to the Pomeranian twins. And now Phœbus
+and I are going over to the Brevoort House and have something with a
+squeezed lime in it. After that we shall have a morsel of bread, and
+Phœbus will tell me what he thinks of my new book--_Au Cinquième_, I
+call it.
+
+  [_To_ VILLA]
+
+You haven’t seen it. Are you going to be at home this afternoon?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+Yes, Otto,--to _you_.
+
+OTTO
+
+All right. I’ll bring around a copy of _Au Cinquième_. [_cheerfully_] I
+wrote it with my heart’s blood.
+
+  [_To_ LUCAS, _briskly_]
+
+Come along, Phœbus.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Going to_ LUCAS _and holding out her hand_]
+
+Good-bye, George.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Taking her hand and speaking strangely_]
+
+Good-bye.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Giving_ LUCAS _his hand_]
+
+I am very glad to have met you, Mr. Lucas--very glad indeed.
+
+  [HE _speaks with a peculiar earnestness that causes_ MRS. LOVETT
+      _and_ FARNHAM _to look at each other. But_ LUCAS _appears to be
+      abstracted and indifferent_]
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_At the door, declaiming solemnly_]
+
+“So now for a season we leave you, taking with us our various musical
+instruments. Presently we shall return, bringing with us nothing but
+our accordeons.” _Auf wiedersehen._
+
+  [OTTO _and_ LUCAS _go out_. MRS. LOVETT _and_ FARNHAM _look after_
+      OTTO _and laugh_. VAN ZORN _looks at_ VILLA VANNEVAR, _who stands
+      gazing at the floor. Her face is troubled and she bites her under
+      lip as if to keep it under control_]
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_To_ FARNHAM]
+
+Otto should be ashamed of himself.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+He will be--sometime.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+He is going to take that poor unfortunate Mr. Lucas over to the
+Brevoort House and give him liquor.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With an unfeeling grin_]
+
+I don’t see any way out of it now. As for poor Mr. Lucas, this man
+
+  [_Looking at_ VAN ZORN]
+
+will tell you that he is in the hands of Destiny--gin-rickeys and all.
+
+  [_With a laugh_]
+
+We can do nothing for him.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Rising with a sigh_]
+
+It may be so, poor fellow. If he were not so thoroughly impossible, he
+would be rather interesting.
+
+  [VILLA _looks at her almost angrily_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+May I venture to ask, Mrs. Lovett, if you are final in your judgment?
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_With apologetic vivacity_]
+
+Dear me, no! I don’t judge anything--not even a fly.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling, as if with effort_]
+
+I am very glad, for I have begun to believe that Mr. Lucas and I may be
+of service to each other.
+
+  [VILLA _looks at him eagerly_]
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Puzzled and not wholly pleased_]
+
+I don’t understand what you mean, and I’m not going to try.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I am not always sure that I understand myself.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With a nervous laugh_]
+
+I’m glad to know it, for I’m not either.
+
+  [_To_ MRS. LOVETT]
+
+Come along, Auntie, or Mrs. Dyce’s little dogs will eat up all the
+luncheon.
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+Pomeranian twins!
+
+  [_Giving her hand to_ VAN ZORN]
+
+Good-bye.... I’m glad you aren’t the Flying Dutchman.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Holding her hand_]
+
+Nothing half so distinguished, I assure you.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Not wholly at ease_]
+
+Or so unfortunate.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Letting her hand go, slowly_]
+
+I am not so sure about that.
+
+VILLA
+
+Weldon thinks you are the greatest man in the world
+
+  [_To_ FARNHAM, _laughing_]
+
+--except himself.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Beaming_]
+
+And the most wonderful creature.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+Weldon has made a mistake.
+
+VILLA
+
+You are too modest.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Do you think so?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With the same constrained laugh_]
+
+Perhaps I don’t know you well enough to say.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+We may come to know each other better in the future.
+
+VILLA
+
+I feel sure of that. I should like to know you better.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+You may be disappointed in me.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_As before_]
+
+If I am, I’ll tell you so.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Who has been watching the two with bewildered approval_]
+
+She means that she will say, on all occasions, the first thing that
+comes into her silly little head.--But we must go now. Good-bye.
+
+  [THEY _shake hands_. VAN ZORN _and_ VILLA VANNEVAR _look at each
+      other with a smile of half-fascinated intensity. The two women
+      go_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Coming from the door and touching_ VAN ZORN _on the shoulder,
+      laughing curiously_]
+
+Well, Childe Harold, for a sedate and rather melancholy Ancient
+Mariner, you seem to be getting on.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Standing in thought_]
+
+Yes, I am getting on in years.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Oh, cheer up. We are only thirty two. “We are children still,” and we
+“grope in the dark for what the day will bring.”
+
+  [_Going to the table and reaching for the cigars_]
+
+That’s what we do: we “grope in the dark for what the day will
+bring”.... Here--have a cigar.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Absently_]
+
+No, thank you.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Holding out the box_]
+
+It’s a Pedro.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+No, thank you.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Coaxingly_]
+
+Colorado.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Not now.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Taking a cigar and putting back the box_]
+
+Well, is there anything that your serene excellency _would_ like, that
+I can give you--this fine October morning? You’ll have a drink, perhaps.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Shaking his head_]
+
+No, Farnham. But I may--I may ask you for your advice.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Lighting his cigar_]
+
+And you couldn’t possibly do better. What seems to be weighing most
+heavily on your noble mind?
+
+  [_Pointing to a chair_]
+
+Sit down.
+
+  [VAN ZORN _takes the large chair mechanically and remains for a time
+      in silence_. FARNHAM _sits expectantly in a small chair not far
+      from the table_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Slowly_]
+
+Farnham, I wish you would tell me something about this man Lucas....
+About his life, and his death, and his possibilities.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+His death, did you say?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Simply_]
+
+Yes. He seems to have died.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Carelessly_]
+
+I don’t know but you are right. And if you refer to his possibilities
+in the way of drink, I can recommend him without qualifications. There
+is nothing else in town that is quite like him.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I am not joking, I assure you.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Neither am I. Old Hundred is no joke.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Then you might tell me something about him. Who is he? What is he? And
+why is he where he is?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+Where _is_ he?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+He appears just now to be at what we might call the crossways. Whether
+he takes one way or the other, will depend upon events.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With a short laugh_]
+
+Why don’t you say Destiny, and be done with it?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Very well--we’ll call it Destiny. How old is Lucas?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+About twenty-nine. Abundantly old enough to know better.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a smile_]
+
+You might say that of _me_. It is possible that Lucas and I may have a
+great deal in common.
+
+  [_He taps the arms of his chair with his fingers and looks into the
+      distance_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Laughing impatiently_]
+
+I thought of that when I saw you together.
+
+  [_Crossing his legs_]
+
+Well, you ask me to tell you about Lucas, and I find that I haven’t
+much to tell. I haven’t known him very long, when it comes to that;
+but from what I have gathered and inferred, it would seem that his
+father was a good deal of a metropolitan rounder--before the days of
+the Great White Way. Whether that made any difference or not, I don’t
+know. All I can say for certain is that Lucas’s father didn’t spend all
+his evenings holding his little one on his knee, or teaching him the
+binomial theorem.
+
+  [_With a tired sigh_]
+
+Little Georgie was undoubtedly neglected. But what of it?
+
+  [_Looking at the bust_]
+
+So was Shakespeare, I fancy.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Frowning_]
+
+And Lucas’s mother?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+She had the good fortune to die. You needn’t look at me like that, for
+the old man was a bad egg.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Disappointed_]
+
+Is that the best you can do for me?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Impatiently_]
+
+What more do you want? It’s for Lucas to do the rest. He has ability
+enough to fit out a dozen ordinary men, but he can’t use it--or he
+won’t. He isn’t peculiar to New York. You’ll find him over all the
+world.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Thoughtfully_]
+
+And Lucas has run down--like a watch.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Yes, or rather like the Old Clock on the Stairs. And I’m afraid he’s
+past winding up.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Tapping with his fingers_]
+
+And what will be the outcome of all this?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Weary of the subject_]
+
+Oh, I don’t know. I shouldn’t wonder if I were to take up a newspaper
+some morning and read that one George Lucas had blown the top of his
+head off in one of our public parks--probably in Washington Square,
+not far from the statue of Garibaldi. That statue beats anything of
+Petherick’s.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Slowly_]
+
+I wonder if I have made a mistake. I don’t often make mistakes in my
+judgment of men.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+That’s interesting. How about women?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+We are not talking about women--
+
+  [_With emphasis_]
+
+at present.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+All right; excuse me. But what if you _do_ make mistakes? You can
+charge them all up to Destiny, and go on about your business. The rest
+of us poor devils, who think we are burdened with free will, have to
+pay for our mistakes--with complex interest.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+No matter about that. But what if _I_ were to run down--after the
+manner of Lucas?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+But Lucas’s case hasn’t anything to do with yours.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+How do you know?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+You couldn’t let yourself run down.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+How do you know?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Getting up, with a laugh of protest_]
+
+Because that isn’t the way we do things nowadays--if we have any sense.
+If you say “How do you know” again, I’ll....
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Farnham, has it occurred to you that Lucas’s problem may not be half so
+simple as you have made it out to be?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+You can’t expect me to tell you what I don’t know.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Significantly_]
+
+Or all that you do know--possibly.
+
+  [FARNHAM _says nothing, but smokes_]
+
+In the light of what you say, I wonder that you should trouble yourself
+to have this man Lucas around.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+More Destiny I suppose. We can’t beat Destiny.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Certainly not. But Destiny can beat _us_, and it can make us do better
+than we have done in the past.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With a sharp look_]
+
+So Lucas is going to have greatness thrust upon him, is he?
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+“Van Zorn and Lucas, the eminent comedians.”
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Laughing a little and looking at the bust_]
+
+I wonder what Shakespeare would do if he were in my place.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+He might kill Polonius, or he might mix himself a drink. That would
+depend entirely upon Destiny.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+Undoubtedly ... and we might say more about Destiny.... But whether or
+not we ought to say it....
+
+FARNHAM
+
+According to your convenient doctrine, I don’t see that there is
+any “ought” or “ought not” about it--unless you think you ought to
+congratulate me on my engagement to Villa Vannevar. Do you?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Distinctly, after a pause_]
+
+Most assuredly _not_.
+
+  [VAN ZORN _drums with his fingers on the arms of his chair and looks
+      straight before him_. FARNHAM _watches him with a gathering
+      hardness in his look and at length breaks the strained silence
+      with a flat laugh, to which_ VAN ZORN _pays no attention_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Uncomfortably_]
+
+Is this a new kind of joke that you have brought with you from India?
+If it is, I don’t seem to care much for it.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Looking at him_]
+
+I wish, Farnham, that you would wait a little before you talk like that.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With a short laugh_]
+
+All right--I’ll wait. There’s nothing else for me to do. It’s going to
+be Destiny anyhow, and I can’t help myself.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_After getting up and looking at the picture_]
+
+Farnham, there is something wrong here.
+
+  [HE _moves slowly towards him_]
+
+There is something in the air. I can feel it. I have felt it ever since
+I came in.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Unpleasantly_]
+
+Shall I open a window and let it out?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I think it would be quite sufficient if we were to--lift a curtain.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+On your past life?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+On mine--and yours. Past, present, and future.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+You are sure that you are quite well?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Nods slowly_]
+
+I am sure.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With mock relief_]
+
+That’s good. Now a man in your condition ought to have a cheerful, not
+to say optimistic, outlook on life.
+
+  [HE _shrugs his shoulders and forces another laugh_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Distinctly_]
+
+I may not see life as it is, but I see it as I see it. And I am
+confident that I see one rather important aspect of it as it is going
+to be if you have your way. I mean, rather, if your vanity and your
+obstinacy have _their_ way.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With a sign of resignation_]
+
+Go on.
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+You are the best thing we have had since Samson and the foxes. Well,
+with my Vanity and your Destiny working together, we ought to arrive
+somewhere, as I have no doubt we shall.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+And where do you think we shall arrive?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+If you’ll be good enough to raise that magic curtain of yours, we may
+find out.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Frowning_]
+
+If I raise it--yes.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Nervously_]
+
+Then why the devil don’t you?
+
+  [_Laughing as before_]
+
+I can stand it--Destiny and all.
+
+  [_With assumed lightness_]
+
+I am enjoying what you say, thus far; and I have no doubt
+
+  [_Sitting down_]
+
+that I shall be interested in what may follow.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_After watching_ FARNHAM]
+
+Then I may as well come to my subject. Do you know that I have been
+coming to it for a long time--for more than four years, in fact?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+I don’t know what you are talking about, but go ahead, all the same.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I will. And I’ll begin by asking you one or two direct questions. If
+they seem too direct, you must try to pardon me.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+Farnham, does the approaching unhappiness of three people, who might as
+well be happy, commend itself to you as an attractive picture, or as a
+desirable state of affairs? Have you said to yourself that your Vanity
+and my Destiny, to use your own words, might as easily work together
+for joy and for good, as for misery and for evil?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Squirming_]
+
+What name does your doctor give to this?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Don’t you think we are beyond that now?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Nervously_]
+
+Beyond recovery? I hope not.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Haven’t I raised the curtain?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Getting up_]
+
+You have raised the devil. That’s about what you have done.
+
+  [_With another dry laugh_]
+
+What have you been doing since you went away?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Quietly_]
+
+You give me a leverage when you ask that.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Impulsively_]
+
+Then for God’s sake use it, and send this curtain of yours up a little
+higher.
+
+  [_With irony_]
+
+If I can be of any assistance....
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Distinctly_]
+
+Farnham, my career, during the past four years, has consisted for the
+most part in _seeking_ ... seeking for guidance.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With another laugh_]
+
+You might have done worse. “He that seeketh”.... You know about that
+fellow.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Slowly, but with finality_]
+
+“Findeth.”
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With strained humor_]
+
+Good. Are you sure you won’t have a cigar?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Solemnly_]
+
+Do you remember what the text goes on to say of him that knocketh? I
+wonder what you think would be likely to happen if I were to--knock.
+
+  [FARNHAM _moves to the fireplace and stands gazing into the grate_.
+      VAN ZORN _looks at him and waits for him to speak_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Slowly and incredulously_]
+
+What are you driving at, anyhow? Are you in love with Villa
+Vannevar?... You have never told me about this.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+You have not been exactly available.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+You might have come back before.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+And I might have made a mistake in doing so. I waited for what seemed
+to be the appointed time, and then I came.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+And here you are.
+
+  [_With more spirit_]
+
+Now I don’t know much about the appointed time, as you call it, but I
+suppose I do know what you mean by knocking at doors.
+
+  [_He looks at the picture and scowls_]
+
+May I ask
+
+  [_Unpleasantly_]
+
+how many times you intend to knock? And when you intend to begin?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_In a level, musical voice_]
+
+My intention was to knock once, this afternoon, if it could be arranged.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Incredulously_]
+
+You and your boat must have made a record, if that’s the way you feel.
+
+  [_As if led along reluctantly by the humor of the situation_]
+
+Well, I dare say it can be arranged--and I infer that you count on me
+to do the arranging.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I shall never knock under other conditions.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_As before_]
+
+And what do you intend to do after you get in? Something in the
+Lochinvar line? Carry the young lady away on a horse--or in a limousine?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Seriously_]
+
+If I were to be admitted, and if I were to satisfy myself that my
+convictions are correct, that three people are on their way to
+unhappiness and disaster.... What should I do then? What ought I to do
+then?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+You look at me as if you thought I was afraid of something. I wish you
+would tell me what _I_ ought to be beginning to think of _you_.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Quietly_]
+
+You should think of me at all times as the best friend you have in the
+world.
+
+  [FARNHAM _lights a match on the box that he has taken from the mantel
+      and watches the flame until it burns down to his fingers. Then he
+      puts his hands into his pockets and looks at_ VAN ZORN _intently_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Distinctly_]
+
+How long has this been going on? How long have you been planning to
+marry Villa Vannevar?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Distinctly_]
+
+I said something about four years. But time, in your sense of the word,
+doesn’t mean very much to me.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Almost with a sneer_]
+
+It may come to mean more--eventually.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Nods slowly_]
+
+That remains to be seen.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_As before_]
+
+As you see it?
+
+  [VAN ZORN _nods again_]
+
+My fatalistic friend, you may not care much to know what I have been
+doing during the past four or five years, but what I have been doing
+during the past four or five minutes may be of interest to you. If so,
+I have been asking myself why it is, in spite of my agreement, that I
+have been taking the trouble to listen to you. You must be aware that
+I would not have listened to the same talk from any other man living.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a strange innocence_]
+
+What possible fear can you have, if you have no doubts--or misgivings?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Scowling_]
+
+Fear? Doubts? Misgivings?--what the devil are you driving at now?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_As before_]
+
+You might lead me to believe that you think me capable of treachery.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Treachery?
+
+  [_With a nasal laugh_]
+
+By treachery, I suppose you mean
+
+  [_Letting his words out half-angrily, in detached phrases_]
+
+the repeated visitations--of an irresistible personality--on the
+unschooled emotions--of a young lady who is about to do me the honor of
+becoming my wife.... Am I about right?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+You speak now as if you thought me capable of almost
+anything--beginning with murder.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Trying to laugh_]
+
+No, I don’t think that. For I know now that even you have your
+limitations.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With tightening lips_]
+
+Yes; and I am limited, for the present, at any rate, to one
+interview--subject to your consent and arrangement. If by any chance
+you should choose to change your mind....
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Half-angry_]
+
+What do you mean by that? Why should I change my mind? Just because
+you have elected to be plain crazy--with your appointed time, and
+your--your Destiny--do you think I’m going to be such an ass as to take
+you seriously? I don’t care much for this sort of thing, and I don’t
+mind telling you so; but if you insist upon making a show of yourself,
+I don’t know that I am bound by courtesy to interfere, or by law to be
+responsible--under the circumstances.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+That will be first rate--especially under the circumstances. Now let me
+be sure that we both understand. If I call to see Miss Vannevar this
+afternoon at four o’clock, by special appointment,--or, if not then, at
+the earliest opportunity....
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With an incredulous laugh_]
+
+Oh, you’ll get in. You needn’t worry about that.
+
+  [_He smiles to himself and shakes his head, with a long sigh_]
+
+Shall we go out now and have something to eat?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+Don’t you think, Farnham, that we had better give each other a short
+leave of absence?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+As you say.
+
+  [_With a sorry laugh_]
+
+As you see it.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Will you dine with me this evening?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+I’m sorry, but I can’t. But I’ll be here at ten, if that will do you
+any good.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Laughing a little_]
+
+Then I shall see you at ten. And you will telephone me at my
+hotel--we’ll say at three-thirty?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With an easy snarl_]
+
+Yes, I’ll telephone.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+The Knickerbocker.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Wearily_]
+
+I know it.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Then I’ll say good-bye until--ten.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_More wearily_]
+
+I understood what you said. You said ten.
+
+  [_After a pause_ VAN ZORN _goes out_. FARNHAM _returns from the
+      vestibule with his hat and stick. After turning the picture to
+      the wall, he stands for a while near the window seat, shakes
+      his head slowly, puts his hat on slowly, sits down, and smiles
+      incredulously to himself. He draws figures on the floor with his
+      stick as the curtain falls_]
+
+
+CURTAIN
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+
+  _A diagonal view of a room in_ MRS. LOVETT’S _house. The right
+      corner is revealed, with half of the right wall. In the corner
+      is a small grand piano, and to the right is a window. To the
+      left, half way down, is the entrance, a wide arched doorway with
+      curtains. Well down in front, somewhat to the right, is a table,
+      before which are two comfortable chairs that partly face each
+      other. Against the wall, to the left and below the entrance, is
+      a couch. There are several pictures on the walls, and over the
+      piano is a portrait of_ MRS. LOVETT’S _late husband, showing
+      the beardless face of a man of fifty, melancholy and rather
+      glowering. The room has the unmistakable appearance of a place
+      where people live and make themselves at home._
+
+  _As the curtain rises_, VILLA VANNEVAR _is at the piano, playing in
+      a listless, abstracted manner the cantabile part of Chopin’s
+      Nocturne, Op. 37, No. 2_. MRS. LOVETT, _sitting in the chair at
+      the right of the table, listens, frowns, stamps her foot, and
+      finally speaks out with evident impatience_.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+Villa Vannevar, do for heaven’s sake keep still, or play something that
+has a little life in it. You play that thing as if you were crying
+through the ends of your fingers.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Turning about and facing_ MRS. LOVETT]
+
+Would you have me always laughing, Auntie--like this?
+
+  [_She makes a ridiculous face and laughs_]
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+No, you silly child. But you needn’t look forever as if life were
+nothing but one long funeral. I don’t like funerals.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With a shrug_]
+
+I don’t know about that. It seems to me sometimes that funerals
+are better than weddings. When we go to funerals, we know what has
+happened; but when we go to weddings, we don’t even pretend to know
+what is _going_ to happen.
+
+  [_Looking at her foot_]
+
+I think I like funerals best.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+You crazy child, you are positively wicked.
+
+VILLA
+
+Oh no, I’m not, Auntie. I’m good.
+
+  [_Getting up with a sigh_]
+
+I’m good enough to be a fool.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_As if scared_]
+
+Villa Vannevar!
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+Yes, Auntie, that’s what’s the matter with me.
+
+  [_Wearily_]
+
+Otto Mink and George Lucas believe already that I _am_ one.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+Child! Do you know what you are saying?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Moving about with her hands behind her_]
+
+I know perfectly well what I’m saying. They think I’m a fool for
+marrying Weldon Farnham--when he doesn’t more than half want me.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Significantly, after a pause_]
+
+You haven’t married him yet.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Trying to laugh_]
+
+No, I have not.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+I wonder if the other man--Mr. What-you-call-him--thinks I’m a fool.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_With excited sarcasm_]
+
+Don’t you know what _he_ thinks?
+
+VILLA
+
+How should I know what he thinks? I don’t even know that he thinks at
+all.
+
+  [_With a pleasant nervousness_]
+
+Do _you_ know what he thinks?
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+I know that he considers you a very charming person, for one thing.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+How nice of him! He didn’t tell me so.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+He may not have told _you_, but he did tell _me_. I am too old to be
+deceived.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+Then you must be the oldest woman in the world.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_With decayed archness_]
+
+Possibly I am. In any case, I am old enough to see that he considers
+you not only very charming, but exceedingly impertinent.
+
+VILLA
+
+Then he must be a beast.
+
+  [_She laughs_]
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+He isn’t a beast. He’s a wonderful creature. And I am surprised out of
+my senses that he should be coming here to see you again this afternoon.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+If you don’t go away with your wonderful creatures, I shall throw
+things out of the window and shriek. For Mr. Van Zorn isn’t a wonderful
+creature in the least. He’s just a big overgrown man with a heap of
+money that he doesn’t know what to do with, and he’s coming to get you
+and carry you off in a taxicab.
+
+  [SHE _sits at_ MRS. LOVETT’S _feet and looks up into her face_]
+
+And I’ll never see my Auntie any more. And then I suppose there’ll
+be nothing left for me to do but to go melancholy mad. I shall prowl
+around all by myself like a shut-up cat, and I’ll sit down in all sorts
+of corners and cry like anything.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Pleased_]
+
+So you have found his name at last, have you?
+
+VILLA
+
+I like his name. It sounds like a bassoon. But I don’t like his eyes as
+well as I do the other man’s.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Disturbed_]
+
+Do you mean Weldon Farnham’s?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Calmly_]
+
+No, I was thinking for the moment of George Lucas’s eyes. Mr.
+What’s-his-name’s are too much like blue search-lights.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+You needn’t call him Mr. What’s-his-name--and you needn’t mention
+George Lucas. I am sorry that he has come to be what he is, but I don’t
+care to have his name mentioned in my house.
+
+VILLA
+
+But you used to like him once, Auntie,--and this wonderful creature
+of yours liked him at first sight. As a matter of fact, he likes him
+better than he likes any of the rest of us.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+Don’t talk such nonsense.
+
+VILLA
+
+I’m not talking nonsense.
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+Anyhow, Auntie, your wonderful creature has taken a wonderful fancy to
+George--I beg your pardon--and I don’t know how you are going to change
+the course of events, even if you tell me that I have a head like an
+Edam cheese--which I haven’t, in the least. My head makes Otto think of
+a very nice horse. He said so.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+Otto may have said so because you act so much like a donkey.
+
+VILLA
+
+I don’t act in any respect like a donkey, and I don’t think you
+ought to say such things. For I am an extremely well-behaved young
+lady--except at times.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+If you look at me like that much longer, Auntie, I’ll say bow-bow; and
+then I’ll put both my paws on your shoulders, and then I’ll bite you.
+
+  [_She snaps her teeth and laughs_]
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Reluctantly_]
+
+My dear Villa, why did you bring up George Lucas’s name again?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With a kind of triumph_]
+
+Why do _you_ bring it up again, Auntie?
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+At any rate, he never injured anybody.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Sharply_]
+
+But he disappointed everybody--and that’s as bad as injuring them. I’m
+not sure that it isn’t worse.
+
+VILLA
+
+But something may have happened.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+Something always happens. What would be the use of living if things
+didn’t happen?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Slowly_]
+
+I know. But if they happen at the wrong time, and under the wrong
+conditions....
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_With a sniff_]
+
+Well, what do you mean? Do you mean that when a boy with more than
+ordinary brains chooses to make an utter fool of himself, and
+continues to do so until he grows up and everybody loses all patience
+with him....
+
+  [_She stops and looks angrily at her fingers_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Getting up and speaking thoughtfully_]
+
+No, I don’t mean just that ... George’s father must have been a very
+strange man.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Rapidly_]
+
+It doesn’t make any difference what you mean. Besides
+
+  [_Slowly, with significant vagueness_]
+
+if you consider yourself engaged to Weldon Farnham, you ought not to
+think of other men at all. And you are not supposed to know anything
+about men like George Lucas’s father.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+You did that very badly, Auntie.
+
+  [_With mock-deliberation_]
+
+And so you want this new man with the queer name--this wonderful
+creature--all to yourself!
+
+  [_Going behind_ MRS. LOVETT _and putting her hands on her cheeks_]
+
+And you’re a dear, and you’re a pig, and you want him all to yourself,
+and it’s nearly time for him to come.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Shaking her head free and looking over her shoulder_]
+
+Do you know that you grow sillier and sillier every day of your life?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Drawing_ MRS. LOVETT _back and looking down into her eyes_]
+
+Well, would you have me stay forever and ever the same?... If you will
+roll your eyes back just a little farther, Auntie, I shall see myself
+in them--as I did when I was a little girl.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+THE MAID
+
+  [_In the doorway_]
+
+There is a gentleman to see Miss Villa. He gave me this card.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Taking the card and examining it_]
+
+But there’s nothing on it.
+
+  [_She gives the card to_ MRS. LOVETT _and laughs nervously_]
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+Dear me! I hope he isn’t going to be eccentric.
+
+VILLA
+
+He may be an anarchist or something.
+
+  [_Shrugs and laughs_]
+
+Go downstairs, Jenny, and find out the creature’s name, and what he
+wants. If he asks for fish, give him a serpent.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Reprovingly_]
+
+Villa!
+
+MAID
+
+His name is Mr. Lucas.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+Then why didn’t you say so?
+
+VILLA
+
+Tell him to come upstairs, Jenny.
+
+  [_The_ MAID _goes out_]
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Bewildered_]
+
+What in the world does this mean? And what in the world do _you_ mean
+by asking him to come upstairs?
+
+VILLA
+
+Heaven only knows, Auntie. I don’t seem to know what anything means
+today.
+
+  [MRS. LOVETT _sits and frowns, and looks at her hands_. VILLA
+      VANNEVAR _goes to the window and stands with her hands behind her
+      back. Presently_ MRS. LOVETT _turns and gazes at her, evidently
+      much disturbed, and remains gazing at her until_ LUCAS _enters_.
+      HE _is pale, and his manner shows a constraint that he cannot
+      wholly conceal. His clothes have been through some process of
+      hasty renovation since his appearance in Act I_]
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With a certain huskiness_]
+
+I hope, Mrs. Lovett, that you will pardon this--I’ll say this last
+intrusion on my part.
+
+  [VILLA _comes to him and takes his hand cordially, looking at him as
+      if disturbed and anxious_]
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Without warmth_]
+
+Are you leaving New York, Mr. Lucas?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With assumed lightness_]
+
+Yes; and it might have been better for me if I had gone long before
+this.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+Indeed?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With impulsive directness_]
+
+I came in the hope of seeing Miss Villa for a few moments before going
+away.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Rising slowly_]
+
+Oh, I understand.
+
+  [_Reluctantly_]
+
+In that case, I will leave you two to yourselves.
+
+  [LUCAS _and_ VILLA _look at each other as she goes out. The faces of
+      both are very serious and in hers there seems to be an expression
+      of fear_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_After a pause_]
+
+Why did you send me a blank card?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With a thin laugh_]
+
+Oh, I don’t know. Because I drew it, I suppose. It wasn’t a very
+brilliant performance on my part.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With feeling_]
+
+I don’t think it was at all brilliant--or at all kind. You ought not to
+do such things, or say such things--to me.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With weak humor_]
+
+I knew it wasn’t brilliant as soon as I had done it.
+
+  [_At a venture_]
+
+Your aunt was very good to leave us here together.
+
+VILLA
+
+Auntie is always good--
+
+  [_Hesitating_]
+
+or means to be.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With a vague smile_]
+
+I am glad to know that, for I should be sorry to leave you with an aunt
+who was not good. But I came only to say good-bye,--not to talk of
+family history, or of old times.
+
+VILLA
+
+Would any harm come of it if we did talk of old times?
+
+  [_She sits down on the chair at the right of the table_]
+
+Please sit down.
+
+LUCAS
+
+No harm, I suppose, and not much good.
+
+  [_With a forced smile_]
+
+No great good seems to have come of anything that I have done.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Frowning anxiously_]
+
+But I don’t know what you have done.
+
+  [_Trying to laugh_]
+
+You speak as mysteriously as Mr.--Mr. Van Zorn did this morning when he
+talked about his business.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Sitting down_]
+
+Yes, Van Zorn and I have a great deal in common.
+
+  [_He speaks and smiles with mild bitterness_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Quickly_]
+
+You may have. I couldn’t keep from seeing that he took a great interest
+in you this morning.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_As if tired, but still interested_]
+
+If you could see that, you ought to be able to see almost anything. You
+ought even to be able to see what I have done.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Angry with herself_]
+
+But I didn’t mean to say that. You know I didn’t.
+
+LUCAS
+
+You might as well have meant to say it, for you must see that I have
+done nothing. Even Van Zorn took the trouble--did me the honor, if you
+insist--to see as much as that.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Lamely_]
+
+He saw that you were not--well, not quite satisfied. Isn’t that what
+you mean?
+
+LUCAS
+
+Do you know anyone who is quite satisfied?
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+I know two or three who seem to be, but they are in asylums.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With a forced laugh and a shiver_]
+
+Oh! So that’s where they are. I thought there must be something wrong.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Standing up and speaking earnestly_]
+
+You are quite right. There _is_ something wrong. We see it in the
+streets, we live it in our lives, we feel it in our hearts. And there
+you have my reason for coming to say good-bye to you.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Frightened_]
+
+You mustn’t speak like that--as if we were never to see you again.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_As before_]
+
+And there you have my reason for wanting to go away into--what shall I
+call it?--into another kind of life, and to make a new beginning. It
+seems to be absolutely necessary, for many reasons, that I should make
+a new beginning. Yes, I want to get away from all this dust and deceit
+and disillusion; I want to get away from all this noise and poison; I
+want a place where I can be quiet for a while, away from streets and
+faces; I want a place where there are no roofs between me and the sky;
+I want a place where the sun shines down on a fellow, and where the
+stars are.... Oh yes, I know well enough what I want, and I know that
+I’ve waited too long. I might as well have gone away years ago....
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Looking down_]
+
+Yes, it might perhaps have been as well.
+
+LUCAS
+
+It would have been better--far better.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Looking up and hesitating_]
+
+Won’t you tell me where you are going?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_After a pause_]
+
+I am going--west.
+
+VILLA
+
+You are not very confidential.
+
+LUCAS
+
+I would be more so if I could.
+
+VILLA
+
+Mightn’t it be better if you were to go in the other direction--towards
+the sunrise?... Was that a silly thing for me to say?
+
+LUCAS
+
+It will come to the same thing, for I shall follow the sun.
+
+  [_Trying to laugh_]
+
+Some people do that all their lives--in order to keep warm.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Also trying to laugh_]
+
+Is that why you are going away? But you told me why you were going. I
+forgot.
+
+LUCAS
+
+I don’t want you to forget that. What I want you to forget are some
+things that happened a long time ago.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_As before_]
+
+Do be careful. You speak as if I were a hundred years old.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With strange earnestness_]
+
+I’ll be very careful, or at least I’ll try to be. And will you be good
+enough to pardon me for not knowing at one time as much as I know
+now?--which God knows is little enough. I thought I knew myself then,
+but I’ve seen since that I was wrong. It was you who knew me. Yes, you
+knew me, then, and you know me still. And I am glad for that.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Doubtfully_]
+
+You don’t speak as if you were glad.... And I wonder if it is really
+worth while for us to be so serious over a matter that is--past--and--
+
+LUCAS
+
+Forgotten?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Slowly_]
+
+No, there is nothing that I wish to forget. We all make mistakes, don’t
+we? How can we help ourselves?
+
+  [_She smiles sorrowfully_]
+
+LUCAS
+
+We were younger then than we are now.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Forcing another laugh_]
+
+I don’t know what I shall do if you keep on telling me how old I am.
+Do you know that I pulled three gray hairs out of my poor scalp this
+morning?
+
+  [_He looks at her solemnly, and her face becomes suddenly serious_]
+
+How long do you intend to stay in--the west?
+
+  [_Her question is obviously a makeshift to break the silence_]
+
+LUCAS
+
+There seems to be no answer to that question--for the present.
+
+VILLA
+
+But you are coming back sometime?
+
+LUCAS
+
+Who can tell? I may become so deeply attached to the region where I am
+going that I shall not wish to come back. Besides one has to consider
+the wisdom of his ways in this life--or he _should_ consider them.
+
+  [_He speaks with a rather disastrous attempt at lightness that serves
+      only to make_ VILLA _more dissatisfied and unhappy than before_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Troubled_]
+
+I don’t understand what you mean.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With an effort_]
+
+I don’t mean very much.
+
+  [_Smiling faintly_]
+
+But I came to say good-bye before going away--not to talk about wisdom.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Looking at him as she rises_]
+
+It was good of you to come.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Drearily_]
+
+It was magnanimous of me.
+
+  [_With deep feeling_]
+
+I wonder if you know how good you have been to me today?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Trying again to laugh_]
+
+My aunt has just been telling me that I am wicked.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_After looking about the room_]
+
+Well, good-bye.
+
+  [_He holds out his hand_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Holding his hand and speaking as if unwillingly_]
+
+Good-bye ... and I wish you every kind of good fortune.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+And I shall remember you--always--if you care.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With difficulty_]
+
+Always?... Thank you.... Good-bye....
+
+  [_As they stand looking into each other’s eyes, the_ MAID _appears in
+      the doorway and announces_ “MR. VAN ZORN”]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Dropping_ LUCAS’S _hand_]
+
+Very well, Jenny. Tell him to come upstairs.
+
+  [_The_ MAID _disappears_, VILLA _and_ LUCAS _continue to look at each
+      other, and both appear now to be embarrassed. She speaks again,
+      after a pause_]
+
+Please don’t go--quite yet.
+
+LUCAS
+
+Why should I stay longer?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Trying to laugh_]
+
+I suppose I ought to keep him waiting, but I won’t.
+
+  [_Seriously_]
+
+For you are going away, and I feel sure that he would like to see you
+before you go.... Isn’t it odd that you two should be here together
+this afternoon?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+It may be odd.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Nervously_]
+
+Or it may be fate. Anyhow, I shan’t let you go until you see him.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With tightened lips_]
+
+Apparently not, unless I run.
+
+VILLA
+
+You aren’t angry with me, are you?
+
+LUCAS
+
+I’m never angry, except with myself.
+
+  [_There is another pause, and_ VAN ZORN _enters. He looks at_ VILLA
+      VANNEVAR _and at_ LUCAS, _but shows no surprise. He smiles
+      pleasantly and shakes hands with_ VILLA]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Ah! I’m very glad to see you again.
+
+  [_Shaking hands with_ LUCAS]
+
+And I’m very glad to see Mr. Lucas again.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Quickly_]
+
+I thought you would be glad to see him--for he is going away.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a slight frown_]
+
+May I ask when he is going?
+
+  [_He turns to_ LUCAS _inquiringly_]
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Rather thickly_]
+
+I was on the point of going when you came.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Seriously_]
+
+May I ask how long you intend to stay away?
+
+LUCAS
+
+I expect to be gone indefinitely.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a friendly smile_]
+
+You may shake down one of my best castles if you do that.
+
+LUCAS
+
+I should be sorry to shake down any man’s castle.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I’m sure of that.
+
+  [_Stroking his chin thoughtfully_]
+
+I wonder, Miss Vannevar, if you would pardon me if I were to make a
+somewhat surprising request. You may think it even eccentric.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Who enters while he speaks_]
+
+We like eccentric people.
+
+  [_Beaming and holding out her hand_]
+
+I’m so glad to see you.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+But what is this awful request of yours?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I was going to ask
+
+  [_Smiling at_ MRS. LOVETT, _who smiles in return_]
+
+if you would be kind enough to leave Mr. Lucas alone here with me for a
+few minutes. I fear that he is plotting against me, and I should like
+to know, before he leaves this house, that his plot has been abandoned.
+
+  [_With another smile_]
+
+I am quite well aware that this request is unusual.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Taking_ MRS. LOVETT _by the arm and laughing_]
+
+Oh, that’s nothing! Everything is unusual today, and it’s all the fault
+of Weldon’s picture. Come along, Auntie, and we two will wait for what
+happens.
+
+MRS. LOVETT
+
+  [_Beaming, but bewildered_]
+
+I’m sure I don’t know what any of you are talking about, but of course
+I’ll do as I’m told.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Drawing her towards the door_]
+
+Of course you will. What else can you do when two conspirators drive
+you out of your own room?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Pleased_]
+
+Thank you. And when we have conspired sufficiently, I will play on the
+piano. Then you may come back.
+
+  [_The two women go out_, VILLA VANNEVAR _singing “Quand on Conspire”
+      and laughing at the same time_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Still smiling_]
+
+Do you object to being corralled in this unconventional manner, Mr.
+Lucas?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Puzzled_]
+
+I am entirely at your service.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_In a very friendly voice_]
+
+Well, to begin, it may possibly make you feel better to know that your
+friends have been talking about you behind your back.
+
+  [_He sits down on the piano stool, with his back to the keyboard_]
+
+I refer to Farnham and myself.
+
+  [LUCAS _looks more puzzled_]
+
+I’ll be quite honest with you and tell you that I began it; and I may
+as well come to the point at once and tell you that I shall probably
+need you in my business,--assuming, you understand, that you are
+available. I have had three or four schemes in my head for some time,
+and I’m sure that you will find at least one of them congenial. Are you
+interested?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Taking an ivory paper cutter from the table_]
+
+Yes, I am interested, but I don’t want you to make a mistake.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+I shall make mistakes, whether you want me to or not. And as for what
+Farnham said--to go back for a little....
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+Let us go back, by all means. What Farnham said about me ought to make
+rather good copy.
+
+  [_Curiously_]
+
+What sort of stuff has he been telling you?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+He didn’t tell me much. In fact, far less than I hoped for.
+
+  [_Laughing a little_]
+
+So you needn’t worry about Farnham.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Looking at something on the wall and breaking the ivory paper
+      cutter in his abstraction_]
+
+I wasn’t worrying about Farnham.
+
+  [_Fitting the pieces together_]
+
+I was wondering about you.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+Do you know what you are doing?... Do you know that you are taking me
+seriously?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a friendly smile_]
+
+If I were not taking you seriously, I should hardly have resorted, in a
+strange house, to this method of getting hold of you.
+
+  [_Half laughing_]
+
+Don’t you care to be taken seriously? Or do you prefer to be taken as a
+joke?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Hesitating_]
+
+Why do you ask me if I care?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Pleasantly_]
+
+Partly for the sake of saying something, and partly because I should
+like to know.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With tightened lips_]
+
+Why don’t you ask me the other question--and have it off your mind?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Indulgently_]
+
+At your own suggestion, I will. I will ask if you care enough to begin
+the game all over again, and let the past sink.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Cynically_]
+
+The past ought to be pretty well drowned by this time.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Kindly, but very distinctly_]
+
+On the contrary, I have been led to infer that you have put yourself to
+a great deal of trouble and expense to keep it floating, so to speak.
+As a rule, I don’t mean to meddle with other people’s affairs, but in
+your case....
+
+  [_With a laugh_]
+
+I’m sure you understand me. You have a head of your own.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Nodding it slowly_]
+
+Yes; and only one.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Do you think it worth saving?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Embarrassed_]
+
+If you insist, I--well, I suppose I do. It’s a fairly good head, in
+some respects. But why should we talk about it now?
+
+  [_He looks about him uneasily_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Standing up and gazing at Lucas_]
+
+Because you told me you were going away. Now I will be as frank as
+possible with you and tell you that I didn’t like your way of saying
+it, or your way of looking when you said it.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Wetting his lips_]
+
+You are not very clear.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Seriously_]
+
+I am as clear as I can be, without having more specific information.
+
+  [_More seriously_]
+
+I knew another fellow once who--went away; and you made me think of him.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+How far did he go?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Firmly_]
+
+How far did you intend to go?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Nervously_]
+
+You seem to have it settled that I am not going.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling again_]
+
+You are not going if I can keep you in New York.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Throwing the broken paper cutter down on the table and putting his
+      hands in his pockets_]
+
+I thought I was going.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Frowning as he watches him_]
+
+You speak as if you had made some final preparations. Sometimes they
+are very final indeed--preparations.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+Will you give me an answer to my question if I ask you just what
+preparations you have made?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Slowly_]
+
+Yes, and I will give you more than that.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Relieved_]
+
+Good. But I’m not going to be satisfied even then. I am going to ask
+you, in addition, to dine with me this evening at the Knickerbocker,
+and I am going
+
+  [_He returns to the piano stool_]
+
+to ask you to take a small advance.
+
+  [_Taking a check book and a pen from his pocket_]
+
+If you don’t happen to need this
+
+  [_He writes as he speaks_]
+
+you needn’t use it, but I want you to take it, all the same.
+
+  [_Handing him the check_]
+
+Will you?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Slowly_]
+
+Yes, I will take it. And I will see you at--seven o’clock?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Thank you.
+
+  [_He toys with his pen as if he were waiting_]
+
+LUCAS
+
+And you may do whatever you like with this.
+
+  [_He takes a small vial from his waistcoat and gives it to_ VAN ZORN,
+      _who takes it slowly_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Looking at the vial and scowling_]
+
+Cyanide of potassium?
+
+  [_He smiles grimly and shakes his head as he looks up_]
+
+That isn’t what you need.
+
+  [_He looks again at the vial_]
+
+K C N ... do you know what that makes me think of?
+
+  [_He looks up again and laughs drily_]
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Uncomfortably_]
+
+Yes, I suppose I know.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Putting the vial in his pocket_]
+
+No, I don’t believe you do.
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+It makes me think of Sir Joseph Porter, K. C. B.--in _Pinafore_. The
+last letter is different, however. How does that thing go?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With sardonic distinctness_]
+
+“When I was a lad, I served a term.” You may not believe it, but I did.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Yes, I believe it. But I was thinking of the tune.
+
+  [_He turns on the stool and begins to drum with his right forefinger
+      on the piano_]
+
+Is that the way it goes?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With grateful impatience to get away_]
+
+Yes--and this is the way I go.
+
+  [_Grasping_ VAN ZORN’S _hand quickly_]
+
+You will say something.
+
+  [_As if he had made a discovery_]
+
+and _I_ will say something.
+
+  [_Trying to hide his emotion in his voice_]
+
+I’ll make some sort of explanation.
+
+  [LUCAS _disappears quickly into the hall and_ VAN ZORN _begins to
+      drum “When I was a lad” once more on the piano_. VILLA VANNEVAR
+      _appears in the doorway and watches him unseen. Finally she
+      laughs and begins to clap her hands_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Getting up_]
+
+Mr. Lucas has gone.
+
+  [_Distinctly_]
+
+But not so far as he thought he was going.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Looking about_]
+
+Did he go through the roof?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+No, he went by the way of the stairs--and rather suddenly.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Puzzled_]
+
+Did he leave any word behind him?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Well, yes. He told me to say something.
+
+VILLA
+
+What did he tell you to say?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+That was all--something.
+
+VILLA
+
+Please don’t laugh at me.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Should I be likely to do that? Especially on so slight an acquaintance?
+
+  [_He laughs a little as he speaks, but_ VILLA _remains serious_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Slowly_]
+
+It doesn’t seem to be slight--somehow.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a touch of mystery_]
+
+Perhaps it isn’t, really. We mortals know very little of ourselves, and
+far less of each other. As a consequence, we make mistakes.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Still puzzled_]
+
+Do _you_ make mistakes?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Frequently.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With a nervous laugh_]
+
+I’m so glad.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Do you know that many of us waste large fractions of our short lives in
+being sorry for our mistakes--and oftentimes when we should be glad for
+them?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Puzzled_]
+
+You said that as if you meant something.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+It is possible that I did mean something.
+
+VILLA
+
+Now you are laughing at me again.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Easily_]
+
+Why should I laugh at you when I know that you are not happy?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Puzzled_]
+
+Do I look as if I were not happy?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Something has troubled you for a long time.
+
+VILLA
+
+Why do you say that?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+If I had not known it, I should not have come to this house.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Trying to laugh again_]
+
+Did I look so utterly miserable this morning that you took pity on me?
+Was it the picture? Or did you think I took too much trouble to see
+that Weldon laughed at Mr. Lucas?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Frowning strangely_]
+
+No, it was not that.
+
+VILLA
+
+You seem to know something about him.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+About Lucas?
+
+VILLA
+
+Yes. You have kept him from going away. I am sure that he wished to go.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+And I am sure that he intended to go. But I ventured to put the matter
+in a different light, and he has agreed to give New York another
+chance. New York, as I told him, is not in all respects the worst place
+in the world.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing as before_]
+
+Weldon thinks it is. But I forgot to offer you a chair.
+
+  [_Takes the chair at the left of the table_]
+
+I don’t wonder that Auntie calls me all sorts of things.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Thank you.
+
+  [_He puts his hands on the back of the chair at the left and looks at
+      her as if waiting for her to say more_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Looking up at him_]
+
+Yes, he thinks New York is the very worst. And that, I suppose, is one
+of the reasons why we are going to Damascus.
+
+  [_She laughs again, nervously_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Slowly_]
+
+Damascus?... Why Damascus?
+
+VILLA
+
+Heaven only knows. And I am stupid enough to like New York. I like even
+the ferry whistles.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Should you care to stay here forever?
+
+VILLA
+
+No, I don’t say that. I want to go to Egypt sometime and see the
+Sphynx. There are no sphynxes in New York.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+Are you sure of that?
+
+  [_She laughs_]
+
+There are no ferry whistles in Damascus.
+
+VILLA
+
+Why do you object to my going?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Why should I?
+
+VILLA
+
+Why do you object to George Lucas’s going--west?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Because I have taken a particular interest in him.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Quickly_]
+
+I’m glad of that.
+
+  [_With a slight constraint_]
+
+For I have known him all my life--and I like him.
+
+  [VAN ZORN, _who has been looking from time to time at the portrait
+      over the piano, is now gazing at it with apparently unconscious
+      intentness_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Glancing over her shoulder_]
+
+Did you know _him_--my uncle?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Looking at her and shaking his head_]
+
+I did not.
+
+VILLA
+
+My poor uncle Lovett was unfortunate, and I am glad for his sake that
+he is dead. Does that sound hard?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Far from it. I have known such cases.
+
+VILLA
+
+He died in this room.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I am not superstitious.
+
+VILLA
+
+He drank himself to death.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I am not uncharitable.
+
+VILLA
+
+He was a good man.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I have no doubt of it.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+Lucas is a good man.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Earnestly_]
+
+He _is_ good. And I hope his meeting with you may prove to be fortunate.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Steadily_]
+
+Lucas may prove to be the most fortunate of us all. Don’t you think
+it would be well for at least one of us to be fortunate, even if the
+others are not?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Half-frightened_]
+
+The others? You say such unexpected things.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Still with his hands on the back of the chair_]
+
+Yes, the others. The others who are not going to be fortunate.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With a shrug_]
+
+You speak like a wizard. If you are trying to cast a spell over me, you
+might as well let me know beforehand.
+
+  [_Laughing thinly_]
+
+All good wizards should do that, I think.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Firmly but rather sadly_]
+
+I should say that the spell had already been cast.
+
+VILLA
+
+But what manner of spell do you mean?
+
+  [_Nervously_]
+
+There are spells and spells, I suppose. Aren’t there?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I might say the spell that compels you to take so much apparent
+satisfaction in being insincere.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Looking at him_]
+
+Insincere?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Nods slowly_]
+
+To yourself and to the others. To the others who are not going to be
+fortunate.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Biting her lip_]
+
+Did you come to tell me this?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I came because I was called. You may be surprised, but there is no
+reason why you should be offended.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With a cold but artificial laugh_]
+
+Amused, you mean.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Calmly and distinctly_]
+
+No, that is not what I mean. For you cannot possibly find it amusing
+to know that you have the happiness of at least three lives at your
+disposal.... Yes, in your power.... Do you believe, really, that
+it would be amusing to make three new contributions to the world’s
+unhappiness--much of which, from any finite point of view, is already
+unnecessary?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Her lips tightening_]
+
+I don’t believe you realize what you are saying.
+
+  [_She rises_]
+
+No, I don’t mean that you are to go.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_She goes to the table and looks aimlessly at some objects that are
+      on it_]
+
+Will you tell me something?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Now at the right of the table, near the chair_]
+
+Willingly, if I can.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Toying with the broken paper cutter_]
+
+What did you say to Weldon Farnham about--about this? And what did he
+say to you?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I asked him for one interview.
+
+VILLA
+
+And where do you intend to go at the end of this--one interview?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+My own way, wherever that may lie.
+
+  [_Very distinctly_]
+
+You may never see me again, but you will kindly believe me when I
+assure you that the situation before you is not--amusing.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With half-hearted authority_]
+
+Under ordinary conditions, you must see that I could not listen any
+longer to what you are saying.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I understand you perfectly.
+
+  [_Slowly, with a strange confidence_]
+
+I understand at the same time that these are not ordinary conditions,
+and that you and I are not ordinary people.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With a shrug_]
+
+I am beginning to think that we are not.
+
+  [_With a reluctant smile_]
+
+Do you think we are so very important?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With his hands on the back of the chair_]
+
+Is anything important?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Slowly_]
+
+I wonder--sometimes. And I thought
+
+  [_Rather feebly_]
+
+that you were a friend of Weldon Farnham’s.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+His best friend, so far as I know.
+
+VILLA
+
+Does a man’s best friend try to....
+
+  [_She stops as if frightened_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Yes.... If it is written so, yes.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_As if compelled_]
+
+Do you mean--“destiny?”
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+You may give it whatever name you choose. May I ask you another
+question?
+
+VILLA
+
+I suppose so.
+
+  [_With another shrug_]
+
+But you needn’t scare me.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a melancholy smile_]
+
+That is the last thing that I could possibly wish to do. What I have
+now to ask is this: Is it your unalterable will to deprive three
+people, including yourself, of the happiness that might as well be
+theirs?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Trying to laugh_]
+
+Why do you speak of my “will” and of your “destiny?” Mayn’t I have a
+destiny as well as you?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Looking at the portrait_]
+
+You have one undoubtedly. And I have one interview.
+
+  [_He stands as before with his hands on the back of the chair and
+      watches her while she examines various objects on the table_]
+
+Are you sure that you know what it would mean if you were to make a
+mistake now?
+
+  [_She gives him a bewildered look that is meant to be resentful, but
+      he does not seem to notice it_]
+
+Are you sure that you are thinking of the years, and the darkness, and
+the long roads that lie in the darkness--and end there? Are such things
+important, or are they still--amusing?
+
+  [VILLA _stands looking vacantly at a picture post-card that is in her
+      hand and finally turns the card towards_ VAN ZORN, _speaking with
+      a trace of injured and half-frightened humor in her voice and
+      eyes_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Irrelevantly_]
+
+Did you ever see the Lion of Lucerne?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Suddenly inclined to laugh_]
+
+No.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+I thought you had seen everything.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Shaking his head slowly_]
+
+I haven’t. I have never seen you but once, until today.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing nervously_]
+
+I don’t see what the Lion of Lucerne has to do with your seeing me.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+I don’t see what the Lion of Lucerne has to do with any of us.
+
+  [_He looks at the card and then at her, with the same melancholy and
+      inquiring smile_]
+
+I dare say that he has his good points.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Throwing down the card and putting her hands behind her_]
+
+I still think that I ought to be angry with you.
+
+  [_Ruefully_]
+
+Every nerve and fibre tells me so.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+You are too healthy to have nerves and fibres. And if you knew yourself
+better, you could not even think of being angry with _me_.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With humor and self-assertion_]
+
+You are not an absolute mystery, and I know a great deal about you, and
+about myself--that is, for a girl who has never seen the Sphynx.
+
+  [_Taking up the card again and looking at it_]
+
+I’ll tell you something else that I know--something that I’ve known for
+a long time.
+
+  [_He nods slowly_]
+
+I have known for a long time that our ways,
+
+  [_Quickly_]
+
+Weldon’s way and mine, I mean,--have been leading us just where you
+have said they are leading us--into the dark.
+
+  [_Looking down_]
+
+And I have always been afraid of the dark.
+
+  [_With a shrug and a laugh_]
+
+I wonder whether your coming to make me tell you this may not be
+“destiny” after all.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Looking at her fixedly_]
+
+There can be no doubt about that.
+
+  [_They stand looking at each other, she with her hands behind her,
+      and he with his hands on the back of the chair. After a pause she
+      turns quietly toward the door, where the maid is seen standing_]
+
+THE MAID
+
+Mr. Mink would like to see you, Miss Villa.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Biting her lip to keep from laughing at_ VAN ZORN’S _augmented
+      solemnity_]
+
+Tell him to come up, Jenny.
+
+  [_To_ VAN ZORN]
+
+You don’t look as if you were going to be glad to see Otto. You ought
+to be, for he is a very nice boy.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Forcing a smile_]
+
+So I have been told.
+
+  [OTTO _enters briskly, with a book in his hand. Being a child
+      of nature he does not attempt to conceal his surprise at
+      discovering_ VAN ZORN _in the room_]
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Blankly_]
+
+Oh! How do you do?... I’m afraid I’m in the way.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+Of what, Otto? You foolish child, you are never in the way.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Doubtfully_]
+
+I don’t know about that. But I have come, anyhow, as I said I would.
+And here, my adorable young lady, is a copy of my latest abhorred
+twitterings. Does it look wicked?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Taking the book and laughing at_ OTTO]
+
+It looks lovely. But why do you call it _Au Cinquième_? You don’t live
+on the fifth floor.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Briskly_]
+
+That isn’t necessary. All you have to do is to shut yourself up
+in almost any kind of place, have in a barrel of mangoes, and let
+imagination do the rest.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+Mangoes?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Cheerfully_]
+
+Mangoes. The mango has the flavor of all the fruits. If you eat a
+barrel of ’em, you will have the wisdom of all the ages.
+
+  [_With a grimace_]
+
+Unhappily, I didn’t eat my barrel quite fast enough, and so I lost some
+of it.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+That was too bad.
+
+  [_Looking at the book_]
+
+But I hope the critics will be good to _Au Cinquième_.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Shaking his head sorrowfully_]
+
+They won’t.
+
+  [_Brightening_]
+
+Do you remember my last book--_Huîtres et Chablis_?
+
+  [_She nods and laughs_]
+
+Thank you for remembering it. Well,
+
+  [_Putting his hands into his trousers pockets_]
+
+one inky-fingered imbecile advised me to write one more book
+as an antidote and to call it _Huile de Foie de Morue_, or
+Cod-liver-oil,--that being his private idea of humor. No, my dear young
+lady, Posterity is the only judge. Sometime, therefore, when I am
+gone--sometime when you are old and full of wrinkles--and rheumatism,
+if God wills it so--some far-off winter evening, for example, when
+you sit by the fire, with your cat in your lap,--say to yourself that
+Mink, who was always delicate, once took you out canoeing and contrived
+somehow to spill you into the beautiful Hudson, and that you swam
+ashore.
+
+VILLA
+
+And nearly died laughing.
+
+OTTO
+
+Oh, very well. But I can assure you both
+
+  [_Looking at_ VAN ZORN, _who has been listening rather wearily_]
+
+that my neglected afflatus is of no manner of importance when compared
+with a bit of history that occurred about half an hour ago on Broadway,
+not far from Forty-second Street. It will do no good for me to tell it,
+for neither of you will believe it,--unless you believe in Noah’s Ark,
+and such like.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Quickly_]
+
+We do believe in Noah’s Ark, and you will please go on. Sit down and
+tell us about it.
+
+  [_She sits on the piano stool_]
+
+OTTO
+
+I’d better not. I might not be able to get up again. Well then, it’s
+about Phœbus--Old Hundred--Lucas.... O Lord!
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a quick frown of inquiry_]
+
+Has anything happened to Lucas?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Looking from one to the other_]
+
+It isn’t easy to talk about.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Impatiently_]
+
+But tell me what you mean, Otto.
+
+OTTO
+
+I mean
+
+  [_Folding his arms_]
+
+that Old Hundred has refused a gin-rickey.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Forgetting herself_]
+
+Oh!... But after all, was that so very wonderful?
+
+  [_Her manner reveals her suppressed excitement_]
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Innocently_]
+
+You speak as if you thought so.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_More naturally_]
+
+I spoke because I was glad. It was the only thing for him to do, and I
+was afraid that he could never do it.
+
+  [_Eagerly again_]
+
+Are you sure that he has done it, Otto,--or is this only once?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_With a queer smile of reminiscence_]
+
+He has done it fast enough, if I know anything about him.
+
+  [_To_ VAN ZORN, _with sudden expansion_]
+
+You see, this friend of ours fills himself with fluid extract of early
+death for certain years, and then, all of a sudden, on Broadway, not
+far from Forty-second Street, he slaps a fellow kindly on the shoulder
+and tells a fellow that he, Phœbus, has been born again. That was
+it,--“born again.”
+
+  [_To_ VILLA, _who has risen to her feet in her excitement_]
+
+The man is illuminated, I tell you. There is something in his eyes.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With tightening lips_]
+
+Let us hope it is not dust.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Standing on his toes_]
+
+No, the dust is in _our_ eyes, if anywhere. Or it was.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_To_ VAN ZORN, _gratefully_]
+
+Not in _yours_, at any rate.... And you have been the cause of it all!
+
+  [OTTO _looks at_ VAN ZORN _in amazement_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_As before_]
+
+On the contrary, I don’t know that I have ever been the cause of
+anything. But I agree with you in saying that this was the only course
+for him to take, although I have never shared your fear that he would
+not take it.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Still wondering_]
+
+But how did you know anything about him?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling faintly_]
+
+Oh, there are signs. Moreover, I permitted Farnham to tell me as much
+as he would about Lucas’s early life.
+
+VILLA
+
+But he cannot possibly know much about it.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Thoughtfully_]
+
+He spoke, I think, of an eccentric father.
+
+  [_He glances at the portrait of_ LOVETT]
+
+VILLA
+
+Weldon was not here in those days and perhaps it was as well that he
+was not,--for he might not have understood.
+
+  [_As if to correct herself_]
+
+I mean that men like Weldon find it hard to measure the importance of
+things that happen in other people’s lives. They can’t do otherwise, I
+suppose.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+All of which being granted, there still remains no room for doubt as to
+Farnham’s friendliness towards Lucas.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Vexed_]
+
+I didn’t mean that. I don’t see how I came to speak as I did.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Going to_ VILLA]
+
+I’m very much afraid that you must put _me_ down as the tender and
+innocent cause. Pardon my interruption, and--beware the book.
+
+  [_After a somewhat bewildered pause_]
+
+Good afternoon.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_As he is going_]
+
+Is there very much about Nineveh in it?
+
+  [_She laughs rather thinly_]
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_With a grimace_]
+
+Nineveh occurs but twice, and Babylon has disappeared entirely.
+
+  [_He bows with exaggerated deference and disappears_]
+
+  [_After_ OTTO’S _departure there is a pause_. VILLA _sits down in the
+      large chair at the left of the table, while_ VAN ZORN _stands
+      looking at the portrait. Both have become very serious, and_
+      VILLA’S _voice and manner reveal more and more constraint and
+      emotion during the following scene_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Trying to smile_]
+
+What do you think of Otto, now?
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+Wasn’t it strange--what he told us about George?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Standing near his chair_]
+
+Was it any stranger than my coming to this house?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Embarrassed_]
+
+But your coming was different, and I knew just when to expect you.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Did you know just _why_ you were to expect me?
+
+VILLA
+
+Well, no,--not quite.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Were you a little offended at my request to see you?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Slowly_]
+
+No.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+You must at least have thought it very unusual.
+
+VILLA
+
+Possibly.
+
+  [_With a faint smile_]
+
+But one looks for unusual things from you, somehow.... But I shouldn’t
+have said that. I beg your pardon.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I am asking myself whether or not I should beg _your_ pardon.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Her voice trembling_]
+
+For telling me the truth?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+No; but for remaining here when you must be wishing that I would go
+away.
+
+  [_She pauses, rises quickly from her chair, and stands before him.
+      She can hardly control herself. He looks into her eyes and then
+      turns away_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Almost beseeching him_]
+
+No, you must not do that! You must not go yet!... I can’t let you go
+until I tell you something.
+
+  [_She moves back to her chair and sits down slowly_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Unhappily, but with dignity_]
+
+I don’t wish you to tell me anything unless you are sure that I should
+hear it; and I don’t wish to take advantage of your perplexity--or of
+your unhappiness. You will understand that, I am sure; and you will
+agree with me, no doubt, when I say that my position has already become
+rather--well, say strange, to use your own word.
+
+  [_With unconscious bitterness_]
+
+It will serve as well as another.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Impulsively_]
+
+I don’t care how strange it is, or how strange you are, so long as I
+know that I can trust you. If you were not strange, I might not have
+the courage to ask you to help me.... I wonder if I ought to wait until
+I know you better.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With deep feeling_]
+
+You will never know me better, and I shall be always at your service.
+
+  [_With a bitter smile_]
+
+“They also serve who only stand and wait.”
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+Even the blind can serve, in their limited way.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Choking_]
+
+You must not say that again. You must not....
+
+  [_Her voice breaks completely. She throws herself forward, laying her
+      head and arms upon the table. Her whole body shakes, as if the
+      prisoned emotion of years were finally asserting itself._ VAN
+      ZORN _stands with his hands on the back of his chair and looks
+      down at her with a great sorrow in his eyes. Finally he turns
+      from her to the part of the table that is near him and absently
+      picks up the pieces of ivory that_ LUCAS _has broken_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Fitting the pieces together, and speaking with difficulty_]
+
+Then you are not going to Damascus, after all.
+
+  [VILLA’S _body still shakes with her emotion, and she makes no sign
+      to show that she has heard him. He looks down at her as the
+      curtain falls_]
+
+
+CURTAIN
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+
+  FARNHAM’S _studio, a little after ten in the evening. When the
+      curtain rises the room is dark, save for the light of the fire
+      which is now burning in the grate._
+
+  FARNHAM _is lying stretched on the window seat. Presently he gets
+      up rather lazily, turns on the light, looks at his watch and
+      stands in the middle of the room with his hands thrust deep into
+      the pockets of a black velvet house coat. Apart from this coat
+      he is in evening dress. He moves about aimlessly, yawns, and
+      takes a cigar from the box on the table. As he is lighting it,
+      the bell rings. He remains motionless for a little while, and a
+      strange hard smile comes over his face. Finally, with a shrug of
+      his shoulders he goes to the door and admits_ VAN ZORN, _who is
+      dressed in ordinary business clothes. His face wears a serious
+      expression and he greets_ FARNHAM _with a kindly but somewhat
+      uncanny smile. Then he looks towards the portrait on the easel,
+      which has been moved back to its original place in Act I._
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Still smiling drily_]
+
+For such a demon of punctuality, it seems to me that you are a bit late.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling as before_]
+
+Am I so insufferably punctual that I cannot have five minutes’ grace?
+
+  [_He takes off his overcoat_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Taking his coat and hat and putting them on the window seat_]
+
+Oh, no offence. You have made your own reputation.
+
+  [VAN ZORN _goes to the fire_]
+
+Are you cold?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+It’s rather cool outside.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With a grin_]
+
+I noticed that when I came out of the subway. Aren’t you going to sit
+down?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Presently.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Take your time about it. Have a cigar.
+
+  [_He holds out the box and smiles_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I’ll take one later, if you don’t mind.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+It’s a Pedro.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Not now.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Coaxingly_]
+
+Colorado.
+
+  [VAN ZORN _shakes his head and smiles patiently_]
+
+Very well. Pardon me if I appear to urge you.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I can think of no one who should ask me to pardon him.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+You remind me of the noble Spaniard who had no enemies because he had
+killed them all.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling faintly_]
+
+I have never killed anybody, to my knowledge. I may once have had
+something to do with bringing a man back to life again.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+That was good. Did he thank you for it?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+He didn’t say very much.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+They don’t as a rule, I believe. By the way,
+
+  [_Grinning_]
+
+when do you intend to tackle Old Hundred?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Frowning slightly_]
+
+I dined with Lucas this evening--if you mean Lucas.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Surprised_]
+
+Oho! You did?--Did he get drunk?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+He did not.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Not too pleasantly_]
+
+Oh well, you needn’t be discouraged over that. There’ll be time enough
+between now and midnight.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Distinctly_]
+
+There will be time enough between now and midnight for more things than
+you may have considered.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Puzzled_]
+
+I have no doubt of it. But no matter about Lucas. Tell me something
+more about your destiny.
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+How _is_ your destiny this evening, anyway?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Still standing by the fire_]
+
+My destiny is a very good destiny, but unfortunately it has encountered
+one that is better.--Unfortunately for myself I mean,--not in any sense
+for others.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Patronizingly_]
+
+You are a good fellow--altogether too good to be put at a disadvantage.
+But this once--only this once, upon my word--I can’t help repeating
+that I didn’t think much of it. One interview, and all that sort of
+thing. You see, it wasn’t quite in your line.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+Well, how much am I to know?--and how soon am I to know it?
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+Suppose you sit down in that chair.
+
+  [_Indicating the large chair_]
+
+The consequent relaxation may be a good thing for you.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Thank you, I will.
+
+  [_He sits down and begins to drum with his fingers on the arms of the
+      chair_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Sitting down_]
+
+Now you look more comfortable.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Abruptly_]
+
+I told you, Farnham, that I thought Lucas and I might possibly be of
+service to each other.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Wearily_]
+
+Can’t you forget Lucas for the rest of this evening? Granting all his
+noble qualities--including his indefatigable industry--I don’t yet
+understand that you came here to talk about him.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Earnestly_]
+
+Farnham, if you had known what you were asking, you would never have
+asked me to forget Lucas this evening. I may forget my name, and my
+age, and my way to Forty-second Street, but I shall not be likely to
+forget Lucas this evening.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+You told me this morning, I believe, that you had had enough of him for
+one day.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Puzzled and irritated_]
+
+Most assuredly I did, and I meant what I said. I’ll be as glad as
+anybody if you can straighten him out, but what the devil sense is
+there in harping on him from morn till dewy eve? Why not let Lucas go
+for the present?
+
+  [_Becoming more incisive_]
+
+You started out this afternoon, I believe, to acquire some very special
+information that doesn’t seem to be forthcoming.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Slowly_]
+
+It will come.... And as for letting Lucas go--
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Throwing up his hands_]
+
+Good God!
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Calmly_]
+
+--letting Lucas go will be very difficult. In fact, it will be out
+of the question. Instead of letting Lucas go, I fear that we shall be
+under the necessity of letting Lucas come.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Unpleasantly_]
+
+What are you talking about? I didn’t ask him to come, did I?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_As before_]
+
+You did not, and _I_ did not.
+
+  [_Drumming with his fingers_]
+
+But he is coming all the same. I have no doubt that he has been
+coming--through the ages.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Laughing drily_]
+
+So that’s it. More of your infernal Destiny, I suppose.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Earnestly_]
+
+Whatever you do, Farnham, you had better wait a while before you begin
+to find fault with Destiny. For I should be inclined to say that you
+are going to be far more fortunate than I am, or am ever likely to be.
+
+  [_He looks thoughtfully about the studio_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Oh, you needn’t try to smooth it over like that. I only meant that I
+was looking forward to this evening for a different kind of talk from
+this.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Quietly_]
+
+You will have it yet.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Wearily_]
+
+With Lucas?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With deliberation_]
+
+Farnham, if I don’t give you certain information that you have every
+reason to expect, it is because I don’t feel that I am in a position to
+give it. But I will say,
+
+  [_Smiling_]
+
+at the risk of my life, that Lucas has been straightened out. I don’t
+know just how I know it, but I know it.
+
+  [_With another smile_]
+
+Your engaging friend Otto brought the news this afternoon--
+
+  [_Casually_]
+
+not long after Lucas left Mrs. Lovett’s house.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Rising and speaking sharply_]
+
+Lucas at Mrs Lovett’s house?... You are keeping something back from me,
+and I should like very much to know what it is.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Reluctantly_]
+
+Yes, I am keeping something back. And I have something else that I was
+requested, and finally persuaded, to give to you this evening. I would
+rather not do it, but it may be as well that I should.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With dry fervor_]
+
+I hope it will be something more tangible than what you have been
+giving me.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Giving him a small object_]
+
+There it is.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_After a stupefied pause_]
+
+Man alive, are you out of your senses? This is Villa Vannevar’s ring.
+What the devil has been going on?
+
+  [_Sharply_]
+
+Why don’t you tell me?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Miss Vannevar will do that.
+
+  [FARNHAM _scowls incredulously_]
+
+She and Lucas have been together, at her special request, since eight
+o’clock. Until she comes, please remember that I am acting only as a
+messenger.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Looking from the ring to_ VAN ZORN]
+
+Are you all trying to make a fool of me? Are you the friend that I
+have been trusting and praising all these years?
+
+  [_With a falling inflection_]
+
+I’d better build a cabin in the woods.... What does all this insanity
+mean, anyhow? You can answer that question, if you have a mind to, and
+you know it damned well.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Quietly_]
+
+Farnham.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+You are going to have two more visitors this evening, and they are
+nearly due. They are not going to stay, in all probability, more than
+fifteen minutes. When they are gone, you and I may have something more
+to say to each other.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+That is altogether possible.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Rising_]
+
+And if I have been the indirect means of this sudden change in the
+course of events, I wish you to know that I believe, as I stand here,
+that events would have taken the same course, though not quite so
+suddenly, if I had never gone to Mrs. Lovett’s house this afternoon. I
+mean, you understand, so far as events concern you personally. So be a
+good fellow and try to keep a little of your old faith in me.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+Do you hear a motor coming?
+
+  [_He takes out his watch and smiles wearily at_ FARNHAM]
+
+They are on time, if I was not.
+
+  [_The bell rings._ FARNHAM _admits_ LUCAS _and_ VILLA VANNEVAR. LUCAS
+      _has more color in his face, and his eyes are brighter than in
+      the morning. He carries himself through the following scene with
+      far more dignity and ease than might be expected, with now and
+      then a facial suggestion of appreciative humor. Of the two_ VILLA
+      _is the more excited, but hers is the excitement of determination
+      rather than of embarrassment or fear_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_To the three, after rather formal greetings to_ LUCAS _and_ VILLA]
+
+Well, I have the honor to report that I am still in the dark.
+
+  [_With a hard smile_]
+
+Won’t you all sit down?
+
+  [_They remain standing_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Going to_ FARNHAM _and speaking with suppressed excitement_]
+
+Oh, but I am glad to hear you say that--that you are in the dark.
+
+  [_He nods with condescension and she steps back a little_]
+
+I was afraid you didn’t know it.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+Weldon, do you know what it was doing to me? But you don’t, because you
+can’t. I shall have to tell you what it was doing. It was driving me
+mad.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Drily, with a glance at_ LUCAS]
+
+Kindly go on.
+
+VILLA
+
+It was killing me.
+
+  [FARNHAM _nods again_]
+
+I know you are going to think some dreadful things about me,--and say
+them too, I suppose.
+
+  [_Rapidly_]
+
+But whatever you do or say, don’t ever forget that I am the cause
+of all that’s happened this evening. I took the matter into my own
+hands--just because I couldn’t wait. And when my mind was once made up
+that I couldn’t wait,--well, I couldn’t wait.
+
+  [_He nods again_]
+
+And I couldn’t see much need of spending days and nights in talking
+about it.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With a shrug, and another look at_ LUCAS]
+
+Naturally not.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_To_ VAN ZORN, _who is standing near the fire_]
+
+And you
+
+  [_Gratefully but rapidly_]
+
+--you remember what I told you when I got over that foolish fit of
+crying. I told you that nothing could ever make me change, and I asked
+you to help me. You told me first that you would rather not, and you
+said something that I didn’t hear about circumstances; but finally you
+did agree to do a little--just because you could see that I was so much
+in earnest--and that nothing could ever make me change--and that I
+couldn’t wait.
+
+  [VAN ZORN _replies with a slow nod, and_ FARNHAM _grins at_ LUCAS
+      _with sardonic incredulity_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_To_ VILLA, _with a dry laugh_]
+
+Will you be so kind as to let me know what this thing is or was,--you
+haven’t yet given it a name--that was driving you mad, and killing you,
+and whatever else it may have been doing? You don’t look to me like a
+dying person, as you stand there now.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Impatiently_]
+
+Oh, you know what it was. It was our horribly false
+position--pretending to care for each other when we didn’t--I mean when
+we didn’t care enough.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Unpleasantly_]
+
+In that case, perhaps you will be good enough to tell me what sort of
+position you would call this that we are in now.
+
+  [_He looks at_ LUCAS _and_ VAN ZORN]
+
+Lucas, why do you stand there like that? Why don’t you say
+something--if you have anything to say?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Quickly, looking from_ LUCAS _to_ FARNHAM]
+
+He can’t speak yet, for I shan’t let him. I shan’t let anybody speak
+until I have said what I have to say. No, not one of you three can say
+a word until I tell you that I have asked George Lucas to marry me.
+
+  [FARNHAM _and_ VAN ZORN _are almost equally surprised at this
+      announcement, though the latter quickly regains his usual
+      composure_. LUCAS _looks at first as if he would like to get
+      away, but endures his unlooked-for prominence with an Indian-like
+      resignation_]
+
+There!
+
+  [_With her hands behind her back_]
+
+Now you may all speak at once, if you care to.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Going to_ VILLA, _after a pause, and taking one of her hands_]
+
+Villa, what is the matter with you this evening? Has the moon driven
+you insane?
+
+  [_To_ LUCAS, _sharply_]
+
+Lucas, why don’t you say something?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With a dry cough_]
+
+You are quite right. The time has come for me to speak.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Well, if the time has come for you to speak, why the devil don’t you?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Calmly, but uncomfortably and with several oratorical pauses_]
+
+I am going to say something--and I don’t see how it is going to take me
+very long to say it.
+
+  [_With another cough_]
+
+Knowing--as I need hardly tell you now--that I could not, in view of
+my past and present circumstances--presume to ask of this lady the
+kind of question that she has taken upon herself to ask of me--and
+this time without wholly anticipating its immediate effect upon one’s
+nervous organization,--well, I can only say that she has acted in
+accordance with her own convictions in regard to the solution of a
+rather difficult problem, and has thereby placed me under excessive
+obligations--that she cannot expect ever to be entirely fulfilled.
+
+  [_To_ FARNHAM, _with a faint smile_]
+
+Whatever else you may wish me to say will be related, with your
+permission, at another time.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With cold humor_]
+
+“She has acted in accordance with her own convictions in regard to the
+solution of a rather difficult problem.”
+
+  [_To_ VAN ZORN, _drily_]
+
+As she sees it, I suppose.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Is there more than one way to see it?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+I see it as a bit of impetuous farce.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Protesting violently_]
+
+No, don’t say impetuous. Say anything but that. Say
+determined--ordained--premeditated--desperate--anything but impetuous.
+I’ll not have anybody--not even George--tell me that I was impetuous
+when I was only sensible. You might as well call me--I don’t know what.
+You might as well call me a fool.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With reluctant humor_]
+
+Do you know, my dear young lady, that you are using some rather
+positive language?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Still excited_]
+
+I don’t care. I must use it, in order to make myself understood.
+
+  [_To_ LUCAS]
+
+Tell him, George, about the ring.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Satirically_]
+
+Yes, George, let us hear about the ring.
+
+LUCAS
+
+She means that the ring would have been returned to you in any case.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_To_ VAN ZORN, _with fine irony_]
+
+And this is your work.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Distinctly_]
+
+No, my friend, you are mistaken. It is not the work of any human
+being--in this room, or out of it.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Wearily_]
+
+Oh, the devil! I’ve heard all that before.
+
+  [VAN ZORN _shrugs his shoulders and looks at the fire_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Earnestly_]
+
+Weldon, let me tell you again what I told you when I came in.
+
+  [_With intensity_]
+
+It was killing me. It was driving me mad.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Throwing up his hands_]
+
+For heaven’s sake, are you going to drag that nonsense in again?
+
+VILLA
+
+It meant the torture of our two lives.... The ruin of them, for all we
+know.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With a careless absence of emotion_]
+
+Lives are not so easily ruined as all that. If they were, some of us
+would be ruined before we were born.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a faint smile_]
+
+Some of us are, Farnham.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_To_ VAN ZORN, _with hesitation_]
+
+Don’t you think that you have contributed about enough to the needless
+absurdity and injustice of all this....
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Quickly_]
+
+No, you must not say that to him. It was I who did this, and it was I
+who insisted that it should be done tonight. If your best friend had
+not helped me, I should have done it sooner or later without him....
+Now will you let me go on from where I was when you interrupted me?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With evident admiration_]
+
+Yes, if you remember where that was.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With animation_]
+
+It was where I was going to say something more about George.
+
+  [FARNHAM _looks at_ LUCAS, _who is looking at the bust of
+      Shakespeare_]
+
+Weldon, there are certain people in this world who are made for
+each other. You may laugh at me for saying so--I know it isn’t very
+original--but I believe it to be true, and that makes it just the same
+as if it _were_ true. Well then, I believe that George Lucas and I have
+belonged to each other since the beginning of our lives, and I have
+known it ever since I can remember. I knew him long before I knew you,
+and I know more about him than you have ever known or ever can know;
+
+  [FARNHAM _looks again at_ LUCAS]
+
+and once, when I was so scared and happy that I didn’t know what to
+do--this was ages ago--I told Auntie all about it.
+
+  [_With comical directness_]
+
+Auntie didn’t like--his father.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With venomous humor_]
+
+And what did Auntie say?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With a shrug and a rueful laugh_]
+
+Oh dear! If I were to try to tell you what she said, I shouldn’t know
+how to begin or where to end. It doesn’t make so much difference what
+Auntie said, so long as she said--what she said.
+
+  [_With unconscious humor, looking down_]
+
+She didn’t like George’s father.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Grinning at_ LUCAS]
+
+Did she like George?
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+George doesn’t seem to have anything more to say.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_With dry emphasis_]
+
+Yes, George has one thing more to say. He has to say that he has not
+yet accepted the lady’s offer.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Scowling_]
+
+Then why are you here?
+
+LUCAS
+
+To do so in your presence--now that you understand the situation.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+But I don’t understand the situation--except in the vaguest kind of
+way.... I knew about it in that way before.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Still standing by the fire_]
+
+Farnham, I don’t like to interrupt you.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Oh--you don’t....
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+But why debate the inevitable? It will do no manner of good, and it
+will be likely, as Miss Vannevar has already implied, to take up a
+great deal of time.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+Have you been coaching them?
+
+  [VAN ZORN _makes a gesture of resigned protest, but says nothing_]
+
+Well, you haven’t told me what you said to Lucas during dinner.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I told Lucas that Miss Vannevar wished very much to see him as soon as
+possible after eight o’clock.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Was that all?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Substantially, yes.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Mightn’t that leave a pretty wide margin for conjecture?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+It might, but it doesn’t. Please remember that when I told you of my
+interest in Lucas, I was not anticipating the developments that have
+transpired.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Unwilling to let the subject go_]
+
+But you are the cause of these developments, for all that. What did you
+say to Villa after Otto went away?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a slight weariness_]
+
+I didn’t find a great deal to say. I told her pretty much what I have
+told you,--that Lucas and I were going to be of service to each other,
+and that I had complete confidence in him. Please do not ask me to go
+any further into details--just now.
+
+  [_With a friendly smile_]
+
+My dear Farnham, if you were to form at your time of life the fatal
+habit of clinging to ruins, and of refusing to accept what has
+irrevocably taken place, there is no knowing what might happen to
+you--and to your art.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Do you remember that you used to call yourself a friend of mine?
+
+  [_He speaks half-heartedly, and seems to regret having spoken_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Distinctly_]
+
+I was never in my life more convinced of my complete loyalty to you,
+or of your complete faith in me. I was not expecting to say so this
+evening, unless to you alone, but never mind that now.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Rather ruefully_]
+
+I suppose that’s your fantastic, esoteric, oriental way of telling a
+fellow that he has said something foolish. I don’t say it’s a bad way,
+you understand--
+
+  [_He stops, and has another look at_ LUCAS, _who smiles in approval_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Going to_ FARNHAM _and putting her hands on his arms_]
+
+You needn’t try to be angry any longer, for I can see by the look in
+your eyes that you can’t.
+
+  [_Shaking him a little and beginning to laugh_]
+
+You ought not to be angry, for you are so glad to get rid of me that
+you don’t know what to do with yourself. You may tell me that I ought
+not to say so, but you can’t put the words back into my mouth--’cause
+I’ve got my teeth together.
+
+  [_She shows her teeth and laughs at him_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Taking her hands and smiling_]
+
+I don’t remember having said that I was angry.
+
+  [_He pushes her away gently_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Putting her hands behind her and laughing_]
+
+There was no need of your _saying_ it.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+Then that must have been the reason why I didn’t say it.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+But don’t you think that I had just the slightest conceivable reason
+for being--for being a trifle annoyed, we’ll say?
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_With feline demureness_]
+
+Well, I rather suppose you did.
+
+  [_Looking at him brightly_]
+
+But it’s all over now, _isn’t_ it?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Trying not to laugh_]
+
+And so you find your escape from me a very simple matter.
+
+  [_With mild sarcasm_]
+
+It seems to be one of the prerogatives of womankind to discover now and
+then that some problems _are_ very simple.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_She looks at_ LUCAS, _then for a longer time at_ VAN ZORN, _who
+      still remains by the fire, and finally at_ FARNHAM _again_]
+
+And that others are very difficult.
+
+  [FARNHAM _glances at_ VAN ZORN, _who stands looking at the burning
+      coals. There is a pause, which is broken by the ringing of the
+      bell._ FARNHAM _admits_ OTTO, _who stands for a time in meek
+      bewilderment after looking from one to the other_]
+
+OTTO
+
+I--I saw the light, and so I came over--from Petherick’s.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Drily amused_]
+
+Of course you did, Otto. That was the right thing for you to do.
+We have all seen the light, even if we haven’t all come over from
+Petherick’s.
+
+  [_Patting his shoulder_]
+
+Now take a look around you, little friend, and tell us what you see
+besides the light.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Looking from_ LUCAS _to_ VILLA]
+
+Oh--good evening.
+
+  [_He plays with his hat_]
+
+I saw the light, and so I came over.
+
+  [_To_ LUCAS]
+
+Did you see the light, Phœbus, and did you come over?
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Avoiding over-confidence_]
+
+Yes, Otto, I may be said to have seen the light, and to have come
+over--though not from Petherick’s.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_With a long sigh_]
+
+That’s illuminating, and I thank you kindly.
+
+  [_He looks at_ VAN ZORN, _who smiles and nods_]
+
+Good evening.
+
+  [_To_ VILLA]
+
+Are you sure that I’m not in the way?
+
+  [_He makes a puzzled grimace and looks at_ FARNHAM, _who grins_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing nervously_]
+
+We are sure of one thing, Otto, and that is that you are not very
+cordial with your old friends. Aren’t you going to congratulate me on
+my engagement to George Lucas? We are going to be married--sometime.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_After a stupefied pause_]
+
+Are you?
+
+  [_He looks again from one to another, and finally addresses_ VAN ZORN]
+
+I knew this afternoon that something was going to happen. Of course it
+was none of my business, but you--you understand me, I’m sure.
+
+  [_He wipes his forehead with his handkerchief_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With lingering sarcasm_]
+
+We understand you, Otto. You saw the light and you came over.
+Everything has been explained, and we are all going to try to be happy.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Looking again from one to another, and beginning to beam_]
+
+Do you know, Farnham, that I--that I rather like this?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+I’m glad to hear you say so, Otto. We study to please.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_To_ VAN ZORN, _who appears to be mildly amused_]
+
+Do _you_ like this?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+It has my unqualified approval. In addition, it was undoubtedly
+inevitable.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_With an air of discovery_]
+
+Doesn’t that make it all the better?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+I am sure that you have every reason to congratulate your friends on
+their mutual good fortune.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_After shaking hands, rather suddenly, with_ VILLA _and_ LUCAS]
+
+Farnham, old man, the more I think of this, the better I like it.
+There’s a--there’s a kind of destiny about it.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Patting Otto’s shoulder_]
+
+Otto, we can always look to you for the right word.
+
+  [_Wearily, with a mild trace of venom_]
+
+I’ve been trying to think of that word “destiny” all the evening.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Giving_ FARNHAM _her hand_]
+
+And I have been trying to think of something more to say to _you_,
+Weldon, but somehow I can’t just now. So I think George had better take
+me home. And then, I suppose I’ll have a talk with....
+
+  [_She sighs_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With an unfeeling grin_]
+
+With Auntie?
+
+VILLA
+
+Yes, with Auntie.
+
+  [_She breaks into childish laughter_]
+
+Poor Auntie!
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+Well, good night. I won’t say good-bye, for that would be too solemn.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Holding her hand_]
+
+Good night. And I hope you will be very happy.
+
+  [_Shaking hands with_ LUCAS]
+
+Good night, George,--and my congratulations. You will excuse me if I
+don’t make a speech.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_To_ VAN ZORN, _who comes forward_]
+
+Good night.
+
+  [_She gives him her hand and looks at him as if a little frightened_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Holding her hand_]
+
+Good night.
+
+  [_They look into each other’s eyes for some time. She leaves him
+      slowly and moves towards the door. He returns to his former place
+      by the fire, after speaking with_ LUCAS]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_While_ LUCAS _is shaking hands with_ VAN ZORN]
+
+Good night, Otto.
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Still bewildered_]
+
+Good night. I don’t think I’ll make a speech either. On the contrary I
+may as well go home to my mousy garret, light my guttering candle, and
+work away for a while at my popular song.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+But you never told me that you were writing a popular song. How does it
+go, and what is it about?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Solemnly_]
+
+It’s a sad story, and it doesn’t go very fast.
+
+  [_Doubtfully_]
+
+And it may not be altogether appropriate to the present auspicious
+occasion.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+Oh, yes it is--perfectly. How does it go, Otto?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Scratching his ear thoughtfully_]
+
+I’ve only got four lines of it.
+
+  [_He appears to be reading them from the inside of his hat_]
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_Shaking him_]
+
+But how do they go?
+
+OTTO
+
+They go like this:
+
+  [_He repeats the following lines with comical solemnity, punctuating
+      them with sharp pauses_]
+
+    Oh, long shall we remember the dark days that followed then,
+      And how our faith in truth and honor sank;
+    For we knew the dear old home would never be the same again,
+      When Father robbed the baby’s little bank.
+
+LUCAS
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+Can you keep it up to that level, Otto?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Scratching his ear_]
+
+I think so.
+
+  [_With owlish innocence_]
+
+But of course you understand that there’s nothing prophetic about
+it--nothing personal. I wouldn’t have any words of mine cast a shadow
+on this propitious hour--no, not even if my friend Farnham were to
+give me a small potion of his Double X Rattlesnake Rye over yonder.
+
+  [_He nods towards the bust of Shakespeare_]
+
+I’m delicate, and I may not be with you very long.
+
+VILLA
+
+  [_To_ FARNHAM, _laughing_]
+
+Before you give it to him, I think it will be safer for me to go away.
+Good night again.
+
+  [FARNHAM _goes with_ VILLA _and_ LUCAS _to the vestibule, closing
+      the door slowly and thoughtfully as he returns_. OTTO, _in the
+      meantime, has gone to the cabinet, from the depths of which he
+      has produced a bottle of whiskey_. VAN ZORN, _standing by the
+      fire, watches_ OTTO _with a look of abstracted amusement_.]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Returning_]
+
+Well, Otto, you seem to be in a romantic frame of mind this evening.
+You aren’t unhappy, are you?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Wiping his lips_]
+
+No, I don’t complain.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Patronizingly, to_ VAN ZORN]
+
+Otto never complains. He eats his crust at sunset, and he drains his
+cup of bitterness without so much as making a face. Don’t you, Otto?
+
+OTTO
+
+  [_Moving towards the door_]
+
+Don’t ask me to talk this evening. You have shaken me up, and I’m
+delicate. I may be on my way to eminence, or I may be merely another
+case of the gods seeing otherwise. In either event, it will be all
+right, for the universe will take care of us all. Throw on my grave a
+flower. Fare you well, gentlemen both, and peace be with you.
+
+  [OTTO _lays his hand on his heart, bows deferentially, and disappears
+      slowly and silently_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Smiling faintly_]
+
+You must not undervalue that youth, Farnham.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Opening the cigar box_]
+
+I shall never again undervalue anything that has a destiny.
+
+  [_Holding out the box_]
+
+Here--have a cigar. And for God’s sake have it this time or you’ll make
+me peevish.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Thank you.
+
+  [_He takes a match from Farnham and lights his cigar_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Lighting his cigar_]
+
+I suppose Otto has a destiny, hasn’t he?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+I suppose he has.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Giving him a queer look_]
+
+And what about Lucas--and _his_ destiny?
+
+  [_He sits down and invites_ VAN ZORN _to take the large chair as
+      before_]
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Calmly_]
+
+I don’t know that I pretend to be a prophet,
+
+  [FARNHAM _grins_]
+
+but I should venture to say that Lucas’s destiny will not be altogether
+a bad one. Being human and not a fool, he must in the nature of things
+have ambitions that he will never realize. On the other hand, he will
+have a great deal of happiness, I believe.
+
+  [_Looking earnestly at_ FARNHAM]
+
+But neither he nor I can have what _you_ are going to have.
+
+  [FARNHAM _begins to beam with approval and anticipation_]
+
+I won’t say that you have it already
+
+  [_He glances toward the picture and scowls_]
+
+--for that might not be good for you ... and it might not be true.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Affecting modesty_]
+
+You may be within a gunshot of being right, but this day’s work doesn’t
+seem to be very promising--that is, to the uninitiated.
+
+  [_Clasping his knee_]
+
+I suppose, however, that _you_ feel a great deal better.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Why do you say that?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+After what you have done?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a frown_]
+
+I have done nothing. I thought that was understood.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Laughing a little_]
+
+Oh yes, you have, in spite of your cosmic modesty. Haven’t you cleared
+the air? Haven’t you raised the curtain?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Apparently after some hesitation_]
+
+Would you talk like that, Farnham, if you knew me a little better ...
+if you knew, as I know, what I have lost?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With a trace of his old manner_]
+
+We have things before we lose them. That’s old, I know; but I believe
+it’s true.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_More earnestly_]
+
+Yes, Farnham, it is quite true. And it is most distinctly what I have
+had that I have now lost.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Puzzled_]
+
+Go on. You are talking; I’m only listening.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Very distinctly_]
+
+What is your notion of the best thing for a man to do when he has lost
+his belief that he has something to live for?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Pretending not to understand_]
+
+Why, that’s easy. Find something new to live for.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Getting up and speaking as if half to himself_]
+
+There may be a certain amount of wisdom in that. And yet you do not
+wholly understand me.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With unconscious emphasis_]
+
+And who the devil does?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Looking steadily at_ FARNHAM]
+
+Do you know what it is, Farnham, that I am facing?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With a forced laugh_]
+
+You are facing _me_, for the moment. I’m not much to be facing, I grant
+you; but you might have to face something worse.
+
+  [_With a glance at the picture_]
+
+The deadliest thing about me, at present, seems to be my ability to
+paint pictures like that one over there.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Becoming more and more serious_]
+
+I seem to be facing you, Farnham, but the truth is that I am facing
+myself. Whichever way I look now, I look forward into a thousand
+mirrors; and I see myself--only myself--Van Zorn. If I had one talent,
+I should see that; and I should thank God for it. But it isn’t there.
+There is nothing there but--Van Zorn.
+
+  [_He smokes for a time in thought_]
+
+Farnham, do you wonder that there are people in this world who howl
+about property?... Yes; my property, if you like.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+Good! That sounds as if the yeast were beginning to work. You needn’t
+worry; you’ll find something to live for.
+
+  [_Getting up and stretching himself comfortably_]
+
+Why don’t you begin by tearing down a row of rotten tenements--just
+for the fun of it--and putting up some thing--oh, something sanitary
+and ornamental? Then the tired father could come home and cleanse
+his honest hide in a white enameled bath-tub--only of course he
+wouldn’t,--and after dinner the entire family could sit around a gilded
+radiator and sing songs by the most eminent composers, as Otto would
+say, of their native land.
+
+  [_Laughing_]
+
+Hear me, Norma, but don’t excite yourself. You are still young, and
+there’s going to be no end of time.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_With a dutiful smile_]
+
+There is something in what you say.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_With easy patronage_]
+
+You bet there is. And then there is always this “business” of yours:
+“Van Zorn and Lucas, the eminent comedians.” Don’t you see _that_, when
+you look forward into your thousand mirrors?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Looking down_]
+
+Yes, I see it. The business will succeed.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+To be sure.
+
+  [_Becoming over-confident_]
+
+Van Zorn, from whom all blessings flow, do you realize that we are
+beaten by Old Hundred?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Gravely_]
+
+I don’t like your word--beaten.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Piqued but persistent_]
+
+Neither do I,--but I didn’t invent it, and I won’t say it again. But I
+should like to ask you one question. When you came in this evening, you
+said something about your destiny being a very good destiny; and you
+said, also, that it had encountered--I think that was your word--one
+that was better. Now, if I have a right to ask the question, I wish you
+would be good enough to tell me what the devil Lucas was doing this
+afternoon at Mrs. Lovett’s.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+He came to tell Miss Vannevar that he was going west, and to say
+good-bye.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+Going west--eh?
+
+  [_Excited but satirical_]
+
+And if you hadn’t kept Lucas from going west--whatever that means--I
+suppose you would have been contented for all time with your--your one
+interview.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_After some deliberation_]
+
+If Lucas had gone--west,--you would still have recovered your ring.
+
+  [_They look at each other until Farnham shrugs his shoulders and
+      looks at the floor_]
+
+When Lucas changed his mind about going, he was not in any manner
+influenced by the ring or by the person who wore it.
+
+  [_Pause_]
+
+But why say more about that?
+
+  [_His last words come rather thickly; he moves away and finally
+      remains standing before the picture_]
+
+By the way, Farnham, what are you going to do with this picture?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+You speak as if you wanted it yourself.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+Will you give it to me?
+
+  [_He is evidently in earnest_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Cynically_]
+
+Yes, take it. Take everything in sight.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Thoughtfully_]
+
+I could almost believe that this picture was painted for me--without
+your knowledge.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Drily_]
+
+More destiny?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Taking a small knife from his pocket_]
+
+I don’t know what else to call it.
+
+  [_He begins to cut the head and shoulders from the canvas_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Going quickly towards him_]
+
+Here! What do you think you are doing?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Cutting diligently_]
+
+I am getting rid of one of the most insincere
+
+  [_Cuts_]
+
+and exasperating
+
+  [_Cuts_]
+
+bits of charlatanry
+
+  [_Cuts_]
+
+that man’s eyes have ever looked on. I am doing it partly for the good
+of your artistic conscience, and partly for reasons of my own.
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Unable to protest_]
+
+All right, the thing is yours.
+
+  [_With cynical observation_]
+
+But I suppose you know that you are disintegrating twenty-five hundred
+dollars worth of high art?
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Throwing the piece of canvas into the fire_]
+
+Is that your figure?
+
+FARNHAM
+
+For the present, yes. And therefore it seems to me that your eccentric
+little ingle-flame over there is just a bit extravagant.
+
+VAN ZORN
+
+  [_Punching the burning canvas with the poker_]
+
+I shouldn’t worry about that if I were you. We are living in an
+extravagant age.
+
+  [_He puts away the poker and stands watching the fire. At length he
+      turns to_ FARNHAM _and speaks with a subdued intensity and a new
+      emphasis_]
+
+It is your age, Farnham, and you had better not play with it.
+
+  [_Slowly_]
+
+If I were you, I should try to meet it half way.
+
+  [VAN ZORN _throws his cigar into the fire and stands looking at the
+      smouldering canvas, holding his hands behind him_. FARNHAM _goes
+      toward him slowly, holds out his hand and looks for a moment
+      into_ VAN ZORN’S _eyes_. VAN ZORN _takes his hand, lets it go,
+      and continues to look down into the fire_]
+
+FARNHAM
+
+  [_Embarrassed and with evident regret_]
+
+I’m sorry, old fellow, but I didn’t quite ... I didn’t realize that you
+were quite so much in earnest.
+
+  [VAN ZORN _makes no reply, but remains looking at the fire_. FARNHAM
+      _sits down on the edge of the window seat and looks thoughtfully
+      at the floor before him. Finally he looks again at Van Zorn, and
+      a slow incredulous smile comes over his face. Then he shrugs his
+      shoulders, as if he was still in doubt about something, and the
+      curtain falls slowly._]
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+The following pages contain advertisements of a few of the Macmillan
+books on kindred subjects.
+
+
+
+
+_RABINDRANATH TAGORE’S NEW DRAMA_
+
+The King of the Dark Chamber
+
+By
+
+RABINDRANATH TAGORE
+
+ Nobel Prizeman in Literature, 1913; Author of “Gitangali,” “The
+     Gardener,” “The Crescent Moon,” “Sadhana,” “Chitra,” “The
+     Post-Office,” etc. Cloth 12 mo.
+
+“The real poetical imagination of it is unchangeable; the allegory,
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+
+                                                 _The London Globe._
+
+
+
+
+_NEW POEMS AND PLAYS_
+
+
+Romance
+
+   BY EDWARD SHELDON, Author of “The Nigger,” etc. Decorated cloth,
+     12mo.
+
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+
+
+Poems
+
+   BY HARRIET MONROE. Cloth, 12mo. $1.25 net.
+
+ In this book is brought together some of Miss Monroe’s best work. As
+     the editor of _Poetry: A Magazine of Verse_, wherein occasionally
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+
+
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+
+     BY ISRAEL ZANGWILL. Cloth, 12mo. $1.25 net.
+
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+
+
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+
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+
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+
+   BY AMY LOWELL, Author of “A Dome of Many-Coloured Glass.” Boards,
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+
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+
+
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+
+   BY VACHEL LINDSAY. Cloth, 12mo.
+
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+
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+
+   BY WILFRID WILSON GIBSON, Author of “Daily Bread,” “Fires,”
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+
+ With the publication of _Daily Bread_ Mr. Gibson was hailed as a new
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+
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+      The Truth                                         .75 net
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+      Saints and Sinners                                .75 net
+      The Crusaders                                     .75 net
+      Michael and His Lost Angel                        .75 net
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+      Theft                                            1.25 net
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+      Sappho and Phaon                                 1.25 net
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+      Canterbury Pilgrims                              1.25 net
+      The Scarecrow                                    1.25 net
+      A Garland to Sylvia                              1.25 net
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+      The Faith Healer                                 1.25 net
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+      The Sin of David                                 1.25 net
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+      Pietro of Siena                                  1.00 net
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+ =Phillips and Carr.= Faust                            1.25 net
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+ =Edward Sheldon’s= The Nigger                         1.25 net
+      Romance                                          1.25 net
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+ =Rabindranath Tagore’s= The Post Office               1.00 net
+      Chitra                                           1.00 net
+      The King of the Dark Chamber                     1.25 net
+
+ =Robinson, Edwin A.= Van Zorn                         1.25 net
+
+ =Sarah King Wiley’s= Coming of Philibert              1.25 net
+      Alcestis                                          .75 net
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+      Hour Glass (and others)                          1.25 net
+      The Green Helmet and Other Poems                 1.25 net
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+      The War God                                      1.25 net
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+
+
+                              PUBLISHED BY
+                          THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
+            Publishers      64-66 Fifth Avenue      New York
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber’s Notes
+
+
+ ‣ Italics represented with _underscores_.
+
+ ‣ Small Caps converted to ALL CAPS.
+
+ ‣ Duplicate chapter headers omitted.
+
+ ‣ Obvious typographic errors silently corrected.
+
+ ‣ On p. 148, three misspellings of "Pethrick" changed to "Petherick".
+
+ ‣ Footnote numbered and moved to follow the citing paragraph.
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78762 ***