Benefit of the Doubt

<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <div class='tnotes'> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div>Transcriber’s Note:</div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Footnotes have been collected at the end of each chapter, and are linked for ease of reference.</p> <p class='c001'>Minor errors, attributable to the printer, have been corrected. Please see the transcriber’s <SPAN href='#endnote'>note</SPAN> at the end of this text for details regarding the handling of any textual issues encountered during its preparation.</p> <div class='htmlonly'> <p class='c001'>Any corrections are indicated using an <ins class='correction' title='original'>underline</ins> highlight. Placing the cursor over the correction will produce the original text in a small popup.</p> <div class='figcenter id001'> <ANTIMG src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /></div> </div> <div class='epubonly'> <p class='c001'>Any corrections are indicated as hyperlinks, which will navigate the reader to the corresponding entry in the corrections table in the note at the end of the text.</p> </div> </div> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <div class='lg-container-b c002'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><span class='xlarge'><i>THE BENEFIT</i></span></div> <div class='line in5'><span class='xlarge'><i>OF THE DOUBT</i></span></div> </div></div> </div> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center c002'> <div><i>THE PLAYS OF ARTHUR W. PINERO</i></div> <div>WITH INTRODUCTORY NOTES</div> <div><span class='sc'>By MALCOLM C. SALAMAN</span></div> <div class='c000'><span class='small'>Paper cover, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>; cloth, 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each</span></div> <div><span class='small'>In 16mo</span></div> </div></div> <table class='table0' summary=''> <colgroup> <col width='12%' /> <col width='14%' /> <col width='73%' /> </colgroup> <tr> <td class='c003'><span class='sc'>Vol.</span></td> <td class='c004'>I.</td> <td class='c005'><i>THE TIMES</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c003'>”</td> <td class='c004'>II.</td> <td class='c005'><i>THE PROFLIGATE</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c003'>”</td> <td class='c004'>III.</td> <td class='c005'><i>THE CABINET MINISTER</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c003'>”</td> <td class='c004'>IV.</td> <td class='c005'><i>THE HOBBY-HORSE</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c003'>”</td> <td class='c004'>V.</td> <td class='c005'><i>LADY BOUNTIFUL</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c003'>”</td> <td class='c004'>VI.</td> <td class='c005'><i>THE MAGISTRATE</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c003'>”</td> <td class='c004'>VII.</td> <td class='c005'><i>DANDY DICK</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c003'>”</td> <td class='c004'>VIII.</td> <td class='c005'><i>SWEET LAVENDER</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c003'>”</td> <td class='c004'>IX.</td> <td class='c005'><i>THE SCHOOLMISTRESS</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c003'>”</td> <td class='c004'>X.</td> <td class='c005'><i>THE WEAKER SEX</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c003'>”</td> <td class='c004'>XI.</td> <td class='c005'><i>THE AMAZONS</i></td> </tr> <tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr> <tr><td class='c006' colspan='3'><span class='small'>Also</span></td></tr> <tr><td class='c006' colspan='3'><span class='small'><i>In small 4to.</i></span></td></tr> <tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr> <tr> <td class='c003'>”</td> <td class='c004'>XII.</td> <td class='c005'><i>THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c003'>”</td> <td class='c004'>XIII.</td> <td class='c005'><i>THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c003'>”</td> <td class='c004'>XIV.</td> <td class='c005'><i>THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT</i></td> </tr> </table> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center c002'> <div><i>LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN</i></div> <div><i>MDCCCXCVI</i></div> </div></div> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center c002'> <div><span class='xlarge'><i>THE BENEFIT</i></span></div> <div><span class='xlarge'><i>OF THE DOUBT</i></span></div> </div></div> <div class='lg-container-r'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line in5'><i>A COMEDY</i></div> <div class='line'><i><span class='small'>In Three Acts</span></i></div> </div></div> </div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><i><span class='sc'>By</span> ARTHUR W. PINERO</i></div> <div class='c000'><i>LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN</i></div> <div><i>MDCCCXCVI</i></div> </div></div> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <p class='c007'><span class='small'><i>Copyright 1895 All rights reserved Entered at Stationers’ Hall Entered at the Library of Congress, Washington, U.S.A.</i></span></p> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <p class='c007'><i>This Play was produced at the Comedy Theatre, London, on Wednesday, October 16th, 1895</i></p> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center c002'> <div>THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY</div> </div></div> <ul class='ul_1'> <li><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> (<em>a widow</em>) </li> <li><span class='sc'>Claude Emptage</span> (<em>her son</em>) </li> <li><span class='inline'><span class='sc'>Justina Emptage</span><br/><span class='sc'>Theophila Fraser</span></span><span class='xxlarge'>}</span> (<em>her daughters</em>) </li> <li><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood, M.P.</span> (<em>her brother</em>) </li> <li><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> (<em>her sister</em>) </li> <li><span class='sc'>Rt. Rev. Anthony Cloys, D.D.</span>, Bishop of St. Olpherts </li> <li><span class='sc'>Alexander Fraser</span>—“Fraser of Locheen” </li> <li><span class='sc'>John Allingham</span> </li> <li><span class='sc'>Olive Allingham</span> </li> <li><span class='inline'><span class='sc'>Denzil Shafto</span><br/><span class='sc'>Peter Elphick</span></span><span class='xxlarge'>}</span> (<em>Allingham’s Friends</em>) </li> <li><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves</span> </li> <li><span class='sc'>Horton</span> (<em>a servant at Mrs. Emptage’s</em>) </li> <li><span class='sc'>Quaife</span> (<em>a servant at Mr. Allingham’s</em>) </li> </ul> <p class='c008'><i>The scenes are placed at Mrs. Emptage’s house, in the neighbourhood of Regent’s Park, and at “The Lichens,” Mr. Allingham’s cottage at Epsom.</i></p> <p class='c008'><i>The events of the First and Second Acts occur on the same <SPAN name='corrv.5'></SPAN><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='day'>day,</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><SPAN href='#c_v.5'><ins class='correction' title='day'>day,</ins></SPAN></span> those of the Third Act about fifteen hours afterwards.</i></p> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <div> <span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> <h1 class='c009'>THE <br/> <span class='large'>BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT</span></h1></div> <div class='chapter'> <h2 class='c010'>THE FIRST ACT</h2></div> <p class='c011'><i>The Scene represents a drawing-room in</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage’s</span> <i>house near Regent’s Park. At the back are double doors, opening on to a further drawing-room, and these face a window, over which the blinds are drawn, to moderate the glare of the sun, which nevertheless streams through them, for it is a fine afternoon in early summer. The rooms are furnished and decorated in a costly and tasteful fashion.</i></p> <p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> <i>is reclining upon the settee, her eyes closed, a bottle of smelling-salts in her hand</i>. <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>is pacing the room between the door and the window</i>. <span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> <i>is a pretty, carefully-preserved woman with dyed hair and “touched-up” face: she is old enough to be the mother of a <span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>daughter of nine-and-twenty</i>. <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>is of that age, good-looking, “smart,” and already somewhat passé. Both are fashionably but sombrely dressed.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center c013'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Tell me the time once more, ’Tina.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Referring to her watch.</i>] A few minutes to four, mother.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Does the judge of the Divorce Court invariably rise at four o’clock?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>He may sit a little later under special circumstances.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To have done with a case if it’s very near its end?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>So I’m told.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>They must all be here soon, whether that happens or not.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, yes. Oh, but if the confounded thing should last into another day!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>A third day’s suspense will kill me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ma, I suppose, really, we ought to be reading our Church Services or something.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I can’t concentrate my attention in the least; I have been glancing at “The Yellow Book.”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Hark! what’s that?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I don’t hear anything.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It <em>is</em> somebody!</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Horton</span>, <i>a manservant, appears</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span><span class='sc'>Horton.</span></div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</div> </div></div> <p class='c008'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> <i>struggles to her feet as</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves</span> <i>enters</i>. <span class='sc'>Horton</span> <i>retires</i>. <span class='sc'>Kate Twelves</span> <i>is a lively, handsome young woman, brightly dressed</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina and Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Throwing themselves upon her.</i>] Kitty!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Kissing them.</i>] Well, well, well, well!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Is it over?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not quite; that is, it wasn’t when I came away. It’s all over by now, I expect.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Hysterically.</i>] Oh, Kitty——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sssh, sssh! everything has gone swimmingly, I tell you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>For Theophila?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Of course, for Theophila.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sinking back on to the settee.</i>] I felt sure it would.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>But what was happening when you left?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The dear old judge was just beginning to deliver his decision—his judgment.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, how <em>could</em> you come away then?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Certainly, it was a wrench. Only, Theo wrote little notes to Sir Fletcher Portwood and to Claude and me. [<i>Taking a screw of paper from her <SPAN name='corr5.17'></SPAN><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='glove'>glove.</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><SPAN href='#c_5.17'><ins class='correction' title='glove'>glove.</ins></SPAN></span></i>] Here’s mine. [<i>Reading.</i>] “I won’t have anybody I am <span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>fond of, except my husband, in Court at the finish. They tell me they are sure I am cleared, but it frightens me to think you are all <em>waiting</em>. Go to mother’s.”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Taking the note.</i>] My poor child! [<i>Reading it.</i>] “... they are sure I am cleared....” ’Tina, she’s cleared!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Cleared! I wish you could have heard Sir John Clarkson’s opening speech for Theophila this morning. There was quite a murmur of approval when he sat down.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>He let that wretch, Mrs. Jack Allingham, have it—eh? He did!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>He said that a morbidly jealous wife is one of the saddest spectacles the world presents; but that when her jealousy leads her to attempt to blacken the reputation, the hitherto spotless reputation, of another woman—in this instance, a young lady more happily married than herself—then that jealous wife becomes a positive danger to society.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I ought to have been there, ’Tina. I said it was my duty, if you remember.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'><em>I</em> might have gone.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Certainly; and yet you have both sat at home, quaking; behaving, for all the world, as if you have a lurking suspicion that Theophila really may—really has—really did——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Kate, I will not permit you to say such a thing!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why these miserable-looking gowns then? You are dressed more funereally to-day than you were yesterday!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Tearfully.</i>] If you live to see a daughter of yours, however innocent she may be, dragged through the Divorce Court——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>We haven’t been quite certain what we ought to put on.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I considered half-mourning rather a happy thought.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To my mind, it looks as if you had deliberately prepared for all emergencies.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising, in a flutter.</i>] ’Tina, pin some flowers in your dress at once! I’ll get Bristow to stick a bit of relief about me somewhere. And I’ll wear some more rings——</p> <p class='c015'>[<i>She goes out.</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>selects some cut flowers from a vase on the pianoforte</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, Kit, we were dreadfully in the dumps. Bless you for bullying us!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Taking a pin from her hat.</i>] Come here.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Twelves</span>.] By Jove, though! it would have been <em>too</em> rough on us if—if—wouldn’t it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Attaching the flowers to the bodice of</i> <span class='sc'>Justina’s</span> <i>dress</i>.] Pray complete your sentence.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well—if Mrs. Allingham had made out her case against Jack Allingham and Theo.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>For shame, ’Tina!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, you’re awfully prudish all of a sudden, Kate. You’ve very soon forgotten—— Mind that pin!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What are you saying?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I mean, it isn’t as if we hadn’t all been just a <em>leetle</em> <span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>rapid in our time, we three girls—Theo, you, and I. You needn’t be quite so newly-married-womanish with <em>me</em>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Shut up!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Glancing round.</i>] No one’s there.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In an undertone.</i>] We always knew where to draw the line, I hope.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Of course we did. Only, when you’re married, as Theo is, to a cold, dry mummy of a man like Alexander Fraser, the line’s apt to get drawn rather zigzag.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Finishing with the flowers.</i>] Go away!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Thanks—they’re jolly. [<i>Picking up a little mirror from the table, and making a wry face at herself.</i>] I haven’t had a night’s sound sleep for weeks.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I should think not, with such thoughts in your head. Poor Theo! I’ve been fretting about her too, in a different way.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Adjusting the flowers with the aid of the mirror.</i>] Yes, but it isn’t only Theo. I’ve been doing a bit of lying-awake on my own account, I can tell you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Moistening her eyelashes as she again surveys her face.</i>] Why, if this business had gone against my sister, it wouldn’t have bettered <em>my</em> chances—eh?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, perhaps it wouldn’t.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’m twenty—oh, you know——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Nine.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ugh, dash it, yes! And this beastly scrape of Theophila’s has been no end of a shocker for me. From to-day I turn over the proverbial new leaf.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>So glad, dear.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Just fancy! I’m the only single one out of we three musketeers. Great Scot, Kate, suppose I got left!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With a laugh.</i>] ’Tina!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>But I won’t, you mark me! From to-day I’ll alter—I take my oath I will! No more slang for me, no more swears, no more smokes with the men after dinner, no more cycling at the club in knickers! I’ve been giving too much away——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Listening.</i>] Take care!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Glancing round.</i>] Claude—back.</p> <p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Claude Emptage</span>, <i>a plain, stumpy, altogether insignificant young man enters—a young man with a pale face, red eyelids and nostrils, a dense look, and heavy, depressed manner</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What news? Any?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It’s finished.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Finished!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Don’t tell me! How?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It’s all right for Theo. Mrs. Allingham’s petition dismissed.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ho, ho! Ha, ha, ha! All right for Theo! [<i>Clapping her hands, almost dancing.</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Twelves</span> <i>embraces her</i>.] All right for Theo!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Isn’t it splendid?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ha, ha, ha! All right for——! Mother! ma! ma!</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>She runs out.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>.] You did wait then, in spite of Theo’s orders?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, not in Court. I hung about outside, with Uncle Fletcher, to hear the result. [<i>Sitting, with a little groan.</i>] Oh!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I must say, Claude, the victory hasn’t left you very cheerful.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Cheerful! Think of the day I’ve spent!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'><em>You’ve</em> spent!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Theophila’s brother! [<i>Pointing into space.</i>] The <span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>brother of Mrs. Fraser of Locheen! The brother of the witness in the box! Every eye upon me!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Drily.</i>] I see.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, Kate, I’ve felt this business in more ways than one. It has been a terrible lesson to me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Smiling.</i>] My poor Claudio!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Not looking at her.</i>] No, don’t pity me—despise me. Kitty, how easy it is for a fellow to imperil a woman’s reputation!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Amused.</i>] Yes, isn’t it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>We attach ourselves to a pretty married woman; we lounge in her drawing-room, her boudoir; we make her our toy, our pastime. Do we allow a single <span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>thought of the scandal we may involve her in to check us in our pursuit of pleasure?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Demurely.</i>] No, I suppose you don’t.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Never!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Perhaps you had better not come to tea with me quite so frequently in the future, Claude.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You are right; you, and others, must see less of me. [<i>Turning to her.</i>] And yet, Kate, I am not all bad!</p> <p class='c016'><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood</span> <i>enters. He is fifty-one, amiable, pompous, egotistical, foolish.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why didn’t you wait for me, Claude, my boy?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sorry; my brain was reeling.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Meeting</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Twelves</span>.] A very proper, a very satisfactory termination of this affair, Mrs. Twelves.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It has been awfully reassuring to see you beaming in Court, Sir Fletcher.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ha! I daresay my attitude has been remarked. Beaming; why not? I’ve had no doubt as to the result.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No doubt of Theo’s innocence—of course not.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Innocent; that goes without saying—my niece. But the result, in any case, would have been much the same, I venture to think.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Really?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You see, my own public position, if I may speak of it——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Smiling.</i>] And I happen to know the judge—slightly perhaps; but there it is.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>But judges are not influenced by considerations of that kind?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Heaven forbid I should say a word against our method of administering law in this country. The House knows my opinion of the English Judicial Bench. At the same time, judges are mortal—I have never concealed that from myself; and Sir William and I have met. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>.] You saw the judge look at me this morning, Claude?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No? Oh, yes, and I half-smiled in return. Yesterday I couldn’t catch his eye, but today I’ve been half-smiling at him all through the proceedings.</p> <p class='c017'><span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span><span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>runs in, seats herself at the pianoforte, and thumps out the Wedding March</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, Uncle Fletcher!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah! ha!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What price Mrs. Allingham?</p> <p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> <i>returns. She has relieved the heaviness of her dress by a fichu of</i> <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">crêpe de soie</span>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Embracing</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>.] My darling! [<i>Embracing</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span>.] Oh, my dear Fletcher! Be quiet, ’Tina!</p> <p class='c018'>[<span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>plays the air of a popular music-hall melody, softly</i>; <span class='sc'>Mrs. Twelves</span> <i>comes to her</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I told you so—hey!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>We all said so.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>But I’ve been the most emphatic——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Where are Theo and Alec?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>They went over to Sir John Clarkson’s chambers directly the case concluded—I fancy, to consult him on some little point that had arisen. I managed to get one word——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Impulsively kissing</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Twelves</span>.] I’m so happy!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I contrived to get just one word with Alec as he was putting Theophila into the carriage. I wanted to tell him——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Pacing the room, humming the air played by</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>.] Tra, la, la! la, la! tra, la, la!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I wanted to tell him an amusing story I’d heard <span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>during the luncheon interval, but he hadn’t time to—— Ha, ha! It’s a legal anecdote. It appears that a fellow of the name of Babbitt once brought an action——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Did the judge apologise, Fletcher?</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>stops playing</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Apologise!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To Theophila?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>A judge never apologises.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>He might do worse, where such undeserved distress is occasioned a young wife and her husband——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Hear, hear!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To say nothing of her mother!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I surmise that the judgment of my friend Sir William was very strongly worded, and I daresay an expression of regret followed from Mrs. Allingham’s counsel. But I had quitted the Court, you know——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, yes; Theo wrote you a note——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>But you are losing my anecdote. It appears that a man of the name of Babbitt—— One thing, Muriel, I will stake my reputation upon.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Peeping out at the side of the window blind.</i>] What’s that?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>That the public applauded the decision roundly.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Pacing the room again.</i>] I can hear them doing it! Bravo, Mrs. Fraser! Eh, girls?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Plucky Mrs. Fraser!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>How jolly to have been there just then!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>As a matter of fact, I talked with several strangers of a humble rank of life, and hinted that a few cheers—so regrettable and unseemly in a court of law as a rule—I hinted that a few cheers would undoubtedly be justifiable in the present instance, as well as peculiarly agreeable to me. It seems that Babbitt——</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Horton</span> <i>enters with a card</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>After glancing at the card.</i>] Oh——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Eh?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What’s up?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Horton</span>.] Where <em>is</em> Mrs. Cloys?</p> <p class='c018'>[<span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span>, <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>rise precipitately</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span><span class='sc'>Horton.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>In the morning-room, ma’am. She preferred——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Taking the card.</i>] I—I—some one will come to her.</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Horton</span> <i>retires</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Harriet here!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>By Jove!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Making for the door.</i>] No; she is too impossible.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Intercepting him.</i>] Claude, I dare you to leave the house!</p> <p class='c019'>[<span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>also moves towards the door</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Stopping him.</i>] Fletcher, you mustn’t!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Muriel, I distinctly prefer not to meet——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>But I must <SPAN name='corr25.2'></SPAN><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='have have'>have</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><SPAN href='#c_25.2'><ins class='correction' title='have have'>have</ins></SPAN></span> every support; I am unequal to it otherwise. Who will fetch her upstairs? Fletcher, dear!——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>In your establishment! Singularly inappropriate!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning to</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>.] Justina——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No thanks, ma.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Brutes, all of you!</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>She hurries out.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Confound her!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I shall submit to none of her airs. What <em>is</em> a bishop?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why does she select this occasion——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It’s nearly ten years since she washed her hands of us.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Exactly eleven years have elapsed since my sister Harriet placed it out of my power to continue on a footing of brotherly intercourse with her.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Twelves</span>, <i>in a whisper</i>.] I know the story.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To him.</i>] Sssh!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Her behaviour on that one memorable afternoon proved that her marriage to a dignitary of the Church was something worse than a fluke—a sacrilege.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Quietly to</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>.] What is it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Quietly to her.</i>] She called him a Bore.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going to</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>.] Do you think I could steal downstairs and get away? She used to tell me I was an empty-headed little fool.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Outrageous!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And predicted I should end badly.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, you haven’t.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, but there’s time, she’d say. [<i>Going towards the doors.</i>] I’m off.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sneak!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Returning hastily.</i>] They’re coming up!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Let ’em!</p> <p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>enters, and stands surveying the room</i>. <span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> <i>follows her</i>. <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>is about fifty-three, handsome, dignified in bearing, richly but soberly dressed, in manner a mixture of sweetness and acerbity</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Justina—is it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going to her.</i>] How do you do, Aunt Harriet?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Kissing her, then eyeing her keenly.</i>] H’m! <em>you’re</em> not married yet, I believe?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, I haven’t the slightest inclination that way.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, my dear, you still tell fibs, then?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Indeed, aunt?</p> <p class='c018'>[<span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>retires</i>; <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>advances</i>. <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>kisses him, then looks him up and down</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, Fletcher, so they’ve knighted you, have they?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Lord Cranbery was gracious enough to recommend——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>How much did it cost you?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Cost me!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, you’ve made money; I suppose you could afford it.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Pray let us——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Don’t puff yourself out at me, Fletcher.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I am doing nothing of the kind, Harriet.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Then don’t.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Er—how is the bishop?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Old.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Old? Let me see—my marvellous head for figures should serve me——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Very old.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Born in——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>We’re all getting old; that’s why you have the pleasure of seeing me amongst you once more. [<i>Turning to</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>, <i>who bows stiffly</i>.] My nephew? [<i>Shaking hands with him and looking him in the face searchingly.</i>] You’re rather old too. [<i>Sharply.</i>] Who’s that there?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Who has been hidden by the flowers on the piano-forte, <span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>advancing, with a nervous outburst.</i>] Oh, I hope you remember me, dear Mrs. Cloys—Kitty Twelves. I was Kitty Powis, if you recollect.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I recollect. Weren’t you at school in Paris with Justina and Theophila, and afterwards——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes. Isn’t this interesting? Quinton, my husband, was <em>confirmed</em> by the Bishop of St. Olpherts! I never discovered it till we’d been married for ages—I mean, weeks and weeks—[<i>gradually quailing under</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys’s</span> <i>gaze</i>]—and then one day—he—he happened to see me kissing the sweetest photograph of you—and and—and——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Twills, I understood from my sister there was a purely family gathering here this afternoon——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Quinton Twelves.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Offering her hand.</i>] I—I have to go on elsewhere——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Detaining her hand.</i>] My dear, <em>you</em> were extremely <span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>old when I last saw you, during your first season, in eighty-something; I pray, now you’re married, that you are—younger.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>They look at each other for a moment longer, then</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Twelves</span> <i>withdraws her hand, and, after nodding to the others in a scared way, goes out silently</i>. <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>follows her</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting on the settee.</i>] Muriel. [<span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> <i>comes to her</i>.] We have been on bad terms for many years; let us have done with it. I suggest mutual concessions to disposition and temper.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting.</i>] I am sure I have been more than desirous——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You have brought up your children abominably; that was always our most serious point of dissension——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I may remind you, Harriet, that Muriel’s cheerful method of training her children has received my <span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>sympathy and sanction. On the death of the late Mr. Emptage——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>My poor dear Herbert——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It naturally devolved upon me——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sssh!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I am not one of those——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sssh, sssh, sssh!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Your twenty years of married life may have taught you how to manage a husband, Harriet, but——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Heaven has blessed you with no offspring.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And the world isn’t all deans, and canons, and bishops and things——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>A department of society you were thrown headlong into——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>By the merest chance, as you well know——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Without, I fear, possessing every qualification for the—ah—the exalted station which—which——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And—and—and——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span>.] There, there! Don’t, I say. Have done with it? At any rate, we’re grey-haired women now—I <em>am</em>, and you ought to be——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Now, Harriet——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And judgment has overtaken you——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Judgment!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>This terrible calamity that has befallen your girl Theophila. Oh, how is it going to end?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>My dear Harriet, it has ended.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Has the case——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Allingham’s petition is dismissed—dismissed.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>My daughter has emerged triumphantly——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Thank God! [<i>Rising.</i>] Muriel——</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> <i>rises</i>; <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>kisses her on both cheeks, then turns away</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You will see Theo and her husband in a few minutes. They are staying with me just now. <span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>“Weak, giddy mother,” am I, Harriet? My child flies to me in her trouble, nevertheless.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Wiping her eyes.</i>] The dear bishop will be so rejoiced. Not a newspaper has been taken at the Palace this week. [<i>Resuming her seat.</i>] It has hit us hard. How did it all come about?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>In this way. I——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting again.</i>] Why, we’ve all known Jack Allingham for years——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting.</i>] A good fellow—little dull, perhaps—little prosy——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Glancing at</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>.] At one time we thought he was rather inclined to pay ’Tina——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What rot, mother!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>However, he married this creature, Olive Harker—daughter of a Major Harker——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>“Crummy” Harker—stout man——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Four years ago this month.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, in the summer of the year in which Theo was married to Fraser of Locheen.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>My extraordinary chronological faculty ought to serve me here. Theophila and Locheen were married in the March, Jack Allingham and Miss Harker in the following June; <em>I</em> took the chair that year at no less than three public dinners——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Of course, when the two couples settled down in <span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>London the usual exchange of visits began. But from the first it was quite evident that Mrs. Allingham resented her husband’s friendship for Theo.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why should Mrs. Allingham have resented it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Olive was always a jealous cat—person.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>John is some months younger than his wife, I may tell you. No marriage can turn out happily when the balance of age drops ever so slightly on the woman’s side. My observation——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Rubbish!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I know my world, Harriet.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What was it that Olive said about that, ma?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>When the wife is older than the husband every fresh little line in her face becomes an acute pain to her, just as if it were cut into her flesh, and renewed daily, with a knife. Those are Mrs. Allingham’s own words.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Poor wretch!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>In her storms with Jack she used to rave out these things, and Jack would repeat them to Theo.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What business had he to do that, pray?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, his home had become such a hell that he fell into the way of rushing round to Lennox Gardens, to Theophila and Alec, to obtain relief from his worries.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>He gradually became a sort of third in Lennox Gardens, you know, aunt.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>A sort of third?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The house-friend who is continually running in and out——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The man who has dined with you almost before you know it, as it were.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh! And is this all?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>All?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>All the justification a jealous woman has for seeking to divorce her husband?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not divorce, Harriet; she wasn’t entitled to ask for that. Mrs. Allingham has been suing for judicial separation.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, well——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Accuracy with me is a perfect mania. Oh, yes, that’s all. With the exception of the—the——[<i>With a wave of the hand.</i>] However——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Exception?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I was thinking of the bézique part of the case.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Yes, yes; but that’s of no consequence now.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Bézique?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Allingham and Theophila happen, both of them, to be fond of cards. And when Fraser was away in Scotland——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Away in Scotland? <em>Not</em> with Theophila?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, no; she loathes Locheen.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I see. When Mr. Fraser was in Scotland and his wife was by herself in London——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Then a little harmless bézique helped to kill the time.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Theophila and Mr. Allingham killed time together?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span>, <span class='sc'>Justina</span>, <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span>.</div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In various tones.</i>] Yes—yes—yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Where was the time killed?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>In Lennox Gardens.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>At Theophila’s house, in her husband’s absence. Is <em>that</em> all?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Absolutely all.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>All the bézique part of the case. You see, the lawyers separated the case against Theophila into three divisions.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Three! Number One?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The House-friend, as aforesaid.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Two?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Bézique—as aforesaid.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Three?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I repeat, surely all this doesn’t matter now!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Number Three?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Tannhäuser.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>In Heaven’s name, what——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>That was nothing. Alec Fraser was in Scotland as usual——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>As usual!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, no—as he is often obliged to be.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Alec was in Scotland, and Theo had been to the opera with pals——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>With——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Friends, to hear Tannhäuser. She had sent her servants to bed, and let herself in with her latchkey. As she was closing the front door she caught sight of Jack Allingham on the other side of the way.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>He had had one of his terrible scenes with his <span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>wife; they lived round the corner, in Pont Street——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And a most charming house theirs was. I always say, with regard to Pont Street——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sternly.</i>] Fletcher!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Jack was in a dreadful state of distress; pacing the streets like a maniac, in fact——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>He’s a very old friend of all of us——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>More like a brother than a——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And Theo begged him to come in——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To calm himself. Simply an impulsive, warm-hearted act on her part.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And it wouldn’t have mattered in the least if that devil of a wife hadn’t suspected——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And planted her maid outside Theo’s house—set of spies!——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Till three in the morning——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>When Theo turned Jack out.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not <em>four</em> in the morning, as Mrs. Allingham’s blundering counsel tried to establish. Ha, ha! Sir John Clarkson bowled him over there! Three, sir—not four!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span>.] Be quiet! be silent!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Upon my word, Harriet——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>, <i>who rises</i>.] Go away! You can sit by and assist at the telling of a story of this nature, single woman that you are! [<span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>walks away</i>.] What did I prophesy? Years ago, what did I prophesy? [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span>.] Now, pray, how do you like seeing your children dabbling their hands in this—this pig-pail?</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>enters</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Fraser and Theo——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising.</i>] Ah!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Just come in.</p> <p class='c021'>[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>walks away</i>; <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>joins</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>.]</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Repressing her excitement.</i>] Sssh, sssh, sssh! Let nobody make a fuss; Alec hates a fuss!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No fuss, but some one ought to play “See the Conquering <span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>Hero——!” Theo is so fond of a little fun—genuine fun!</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He seats himself at the piano and fingers out the air laboriously.</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>and her husband enter. She is an elegantly-dressed, still girlish, woman of seven-and-twenty; he a good-looking, undemonstrative man of about five-and-thirty. Both are pale, weary-looking, and subdued.</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>is gloved and frock-coated</i>; <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>is in her bonnet and cape</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Her hands twitching.</i>] Well, pet?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Kissing her mother in a spiritless way.</i>] Well, mother dear?</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>goes to</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>and kisses them, silently</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Shaking hands with</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.] A hundred thousand congratulations, Alec.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Biting his lip.</i>] Thanks. [<i>Standing at the further end of the piano, to</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span>.] Do you mind <em>not</em> playing?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising and singing.</i>] “See the Conquering He—ro co—o—o—o—o—o—um—ms—!” Not hero—heroes. No, hero and heroine!</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>comes to him and kisses him in the same impassive fashion</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Quietly.</i>] Much obliged to you for sticking to me, the last two days, uncle.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>My dear, as a matter of fact, I’ve enjoyed myself in Court. I am not exaggerating—enjoyed myself.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Theo, your aunt Harriet——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning.</i>] Aunt——! [<i>Advancing slowly to meet</i> <span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>—<i>a little dazed</i>.] I saw a figure; I—I thought it was Kitty. Why, aunt——!</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>They shake hands.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking into her face, earnestly.</i>] You’re tired—quite done.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With a nod, sitting on the settee.</i>] Alec——[<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>advances</i>.] My aunt Harriet, Mrs. Cloys—my husband.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>incline their heads to each other</i>. <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>then turns away and joins</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>, <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood</span> <i>following him</i>. <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>strips off her gloves</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Let mother take your bonnet, pet.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Her head falling backward, faintly.</i>] Oh, do!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Removing</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila’s</span> <i>bonnet</i>.] In your bonnet all <span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>day again; your head must be splitting. <em>I</em> know. Do you remember <em>my</em> head at the flower-show at Eastbourne?</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>bends over</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>and helps her to get rid of her cape</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Thanks, awfully.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She takes her bonnet from</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span>, <i>and fiercely begins to roll it in her cape, as if about to crush them together</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Uttering a little scream, running round the settee to her.</i>] What are you doing?</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>There is a general movement.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking round.</i>] It’s all right. [<i>With an attempt at a laugh.</i>] Those things are to be destroyed.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Taking the bonnet and cape from</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.] Destroyed! They were new for the case!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sniff them, mother.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Doing so.</i>] Perfume.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Phew! I intend to burn every thread I’m wearing, and to have a bath before dinner.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Constrainedly.</i>] We were rather unfortunate in the case that is to follow ours.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes. [<i>Looking straight before her.</i>] There was a patchouli business waiting to come on after us.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Holding the things at arm’s length.</i>] Oh, dear!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It had been flitting about since the morning. It sat down beside me at last.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'><em>It?</em></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It, it, it. And it was wearing a bonnet almost precisely like mine; and it looked to be about my own age, and could have had my sort of complexion if it had chosen——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Hush, Theophila——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Hysterically.</i>] Ho, ho, ho! these last two days!</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>Horton enters with tea.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Here’s tea! Claude, help Justina with the tea-table. Tea is what Theo needs.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She hurries out with</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila’s</span> <i>bonnet and cape</i>. <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>carry the tea-table and place it before the “cosy-corner.”</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>sits with her head bent</i>. <span class='sc'>Horton</span> <i>places the tray upon the tea-table and withdraws</i>. <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>sits in the “cosy-corner” and pours out tea</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Bustling up to the tea-table.</i>] Tea is what we <em>all</em> need. A most exciting day! I’ve often observed how welcome one’s tea is on a Derby Day——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a whisper to</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>across the table</i>.] Alec, will you tell them what the judge said of me, or shall I?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I suppose it’s necessary.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>People <em>heard</em> it. Then, the papers——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Of course. [<i>Agitated.</i>] I—I’ll tell them, if you like.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Thank you. [<i>Quickly.</i>] No, no—I’ll tell them. You couldn’t do it—how <em>could</em> you?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> <i>returns</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Tea, tea! [<i>Sitting.</i>] Alec, come and sit by me. [<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>sits at a distance</i>, <i>his lips compressed</i>, <i>his hands gripped together</i>.] Oh, fie! all that way off! You will persist in treating me as an ordinary mother-in-law! [<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>moves his chair a little nearer</i>.] That’s better. [<i>Triumphantly.</i>] Well, Harriet, you see all my children round me—a happy family!</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>brings tea to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Bringing a cup of tea to</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.] I make no excuse for devoting myself to Theo—on this occasion. [<span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>takes the tea and gulps it</i>.] You looked charming in the witness-box—piquant. [<i>Returning to the tea-table.</i>] Piquant—just the word—piquant.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Now, Alec dear, tell us. Did Mrs. Allingham’s counsel, Mr. What’s-his-name, express regret when it was all over?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Regret——?</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>brings tea to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span>; <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>brings tea to</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>, <i>then returns to the tea-table</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Regret at finding himself made the—the thingamy—the vehicle—for such a malicious attack on Theo’s character—the poor child.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With an effort.</i>] No; no regret was expressed.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not by the judge either?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The judge!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The judge never said he was sorry to see a nicely bred girl, so recently married too, subjected to such a—such a—such an unwarrantable ordeal? [<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>is silent</i>.] Eh—h?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>After a brief pause.</i>] No, mother.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You were wrong, then, Fletcher, you see.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Holding up his hand.</i>] Wait, wait, please! I don’t think I am <em>very</em> often out in my calculations. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.] What sort of demonstration occurred at the close, may I venture to ask?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Demonstration?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Did they cheer you much, darling? That’s what your uncle means.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'><em>Cheer</em> me, mother——?</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>rises abruptly, placing his cup, with a clatter, on the piano</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I—I feel as Theophila does. I must dip my face <span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>into cold water. The atmosphere of that place stifles one even now. Do excuse me.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He goes out; all, except</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>, <i>look after him, surprised</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mother dear—Uncle Fletcher—you seem to have a wrong impression——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Wrong impression?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, Mrs. Allingham’s petition has been dismissed—yes. But Sir John Clarkson and Mr. Martyn, my other counsel—all my friends in fact—were a little too sanguine.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Too sanguine?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, much too sanguine. The judge was rather rough on me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What on earth do you——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Rather down on me—severe. My behaviour—my conduct—has been careless—indiscreet, he says——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Under her breath.</i>] Indiscreet?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Hardly characteristic of a woman who is properly watchful of her own and her husband’s reputation—honour.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Coming forward a few steps.</i>] Theo!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Disjointedly.</i>] But at the same time, he said, Mrs. Allingham had scarcely succeeded in establishing conclusively to his mind ... oh!... and he thought that even the petitioner herself, on further reflection, would be desirous that I should receive the—the benefit of the doubt ... and—and something about costs....</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>She breaks off; they all remain silent for a time.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>This—this will appear in the papers! Won’t it? <span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>Won’t it? [<i>No one replies</i>; <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>sinks into a chair, with a blank look</i>.] Can’t anybody answer me? Fletcher, will this be in the papers?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Confused.</i>] The papers—! No strong-minded public man ever looks at the papers. When I have spoken in the House I never——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a hard voice.</i>] Why, of course, a dozen papers will have it. What a silly question to ask, ma!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Advancing to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>.] I hope you’re quite satisfied, Harriet. You came here, after these many years, on purpose to witness this——[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>rises</i>]—to see disgrace and ruin brought on me and my family.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Muriel, how dare you say it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’m only a widow! Everybody is entitled to stab at me!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning away.</i>] I’ll not listen to you!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Weeping.</i>] Oh, oh, oh! how glad our friends will be! [<i>Going towards the door.</i>] Here’s a triumph for our friends!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Following her.</i>] Mother——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Pushing her aside.</i>] Go away! I don’t want you near me!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ho!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Bristow shall attend on me. I shall lie down on my bed. I shall have my corsets taken off——</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>She disappears.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going towards the door.</i>] Muriel——!</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>She goes out, following</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With a grating laugh.</i>] That’s ma all over; she always goes through this process when there’s a family crisis. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.] Do you remember, Phil?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Stonily.</i>] What?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Directly the news of poor pa’s death came, ma took off her corsets.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising.</i>] I shall go out; people shall see me walking boldly through the streets: Portland Place—Regent Street—[<i>in agitation</i>]—Fletcher Portwood, with his head up—his head up, they’ll say. [<i>He paces the room, and comes upon</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>, <i>who is sitting at the writing-table, writing a telegram, his eyes bolting and a generally vacuous expression on his face</i>.] And you! when are you going to do something in the world besides idling, and loafing, and living upon your mother——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising, disconcerted.</i>] What’s that to do with it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Do with it? Why, at eighteen I was earning twenty shillings a week, and maintaining myself. Now look at the position I have achieved, from sheer brain-force! [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.] I shall not turn my back on you, my poor little girl; don’t be frightened of that. You were always my favourite niece——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Laughing, a little wildly.</i>] Ha, ha, ha, ha!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I beg your pardon, ’Tina; I’ve no favourites. Can I buy you anything, either of you, while I’m out? I may look in here again before I go down to the House. The finest assembly of gentlemen in the world. No patterns, or new music, wanted—eh?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Feebly.</i>] Oh, no.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I shall dine at the House, and then sup at the club. All London shall see me. “Look at Portwood!” everybody will say. “Then there can’t be <span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>the slightest foundation for this scandal about his niece——!”</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>He goes out.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking after him.</i>] Transparent old egotist! How do I know whether I’m in his Will or not? And yet I stand here and allow him to lecture me! Me! Ha, compare his education with mine! And what real knowledge has he of Life, of Men and Women——? [<i>Showing</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>his telegram</i>.] Is that the way you spell Bernhart?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Reading the telegram.</i>] No; h-a-r-<em>d</em>-t. What’s this?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In an undertone.</i>] The Wartons wanted to take me to see Bernhardt to-night. Of course, I can’t go <em>now</em>. A marked man! every eye upon me! her brother! [<i>Going to the door, he meets</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.] ’Ullo, Fraser!</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>goes out</i>; <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>, <i>who is carrying his hat and gloves, walks across the room, eyeing</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.] Do you want to speak to Theo?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh—just for one moment——</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>rises</i>; <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>goes to her</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Never mind, old girl. [<i>With a little laugh.</i>] Ha! I suppose this has queered my pitch for a season or two, but—[<i>kissing her</i>]—never mind—[<i>going to the door</i>]—these things will happen in the best regulated——</p> <p class='c018'>[<i>She disappears. There is a brief silence, during which</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>closes the doors</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Have you told your people?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>How do they take it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>All right—pretty well. Mother is lying down for a bit. She’ll be quite herself again in a few days.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Thoughtfully.</i>] A few days—will she? [<i>Partly to himself.</i>] In a few days?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>She’ll have a week at Worthing. She’s always had a week at Worthing when we’ve been in any trouble. You’ve got your hat, Alec; do you mean to dine out?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To-night!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Weakly.</i>] Oh, don’t be so sharp with me! All the way home from the Strand you’d hardly speak a word.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting on the settee.</i>] I was thinking over what we’d been listening to.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, the things sounded much worse in Court than they did out of it, didn’t they?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>His head bowed.</i>] Awful!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>How cruel it was of them to buoy us up by telling us the case was going right for me!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Many believed it. Martyn was sure the judge was on our side.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>When one comes to think of it, her counsel managed to put such a very queer complexion——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Awful.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, I don’t know what I felt like at some moments! I—I felt like a woman caught with bare shoulders in daylight.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Awful.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking at him curiously.</i>] Alec, you seem to be—different to me, now the trial’s over.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a muffled voice.</i>] Do I? I—we’re worn out.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>After some hesitation, going to the back of the settee.</i>]</p> <p class='c001'>I say! I want to tell you—I am—truly sorry.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Raising his head.</i>] Sorry——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With an effort.</i>] And I humbly beg your pardon.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising and facing her.</i>] For what?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why, for all the bother I’ve caused.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Resuming his seat.</i>] Oh——!</p> <p class='c022'>[<i>She stares at him for a moment, surprised and disappointed, then turns away.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To herself.</i>] Oh——! [<i>To him.</i>] Alec, I’ve had the idea that the trouble we’ve lately gone through, both of us, over this horrid business, might help to bring us together. We haven’t got along over-well, have we?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not too well, I’m afraid.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>A good deal my fault, I dare say. Oh, I hated Locheen——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>As heartily as you hate London. I’m a town girl, a thorough little cockney—you knew it when you married me!—and—Locheen!——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Locheen is a beautiful place.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>London’s a beautiful place.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Hotly.</i>] No to you, then. [<i>Sitting.</i>] I beg pardon again; I didn’t mean to be rude. I understand how you feel. You were born at Locheen.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I was.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Pointing towards the window.</i>] I was born in Chester Terrace. I admit, Locheen is all very well at a certain time of year. But to be stuck there when London’s full; when nobody but a poor relation, whose railway ticket you send with the invitation, will come and look you up! Oh, that summer you made me spend there just after we were married!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I was very happy that summer.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You were in love. And then, the pipers! those pipers!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Duncan and Hamish were supremely ridiculous to you, I remember.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not ridiculous, as you say it—great fun for a time; but four or five months of Duncan and Hamish and their pipes! To and fro on the terrace, for a whole hour in the morning, those pipes! To and fro, up and down, all round the house, in the afternoon, those pipes! At dinner, from the trout to the banana, those pipes. And then, the notion of your persistently dining in a kilt! A Highland costume on the moors—yes; but in the lamplight—at dinner——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It is my dress; I don’t vary it.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Think of it! A man and woman dining <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>tête-à-tête</em></span>, <span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>for months and months; the woman hypped, weary; the novelty of her new clothes gradually wearing off; she feeling she was getting lean and plain with it all, salt-cellary about the shoulders, drawn and hideous—[<i>staring before her, her eyes dilating</i>]—and, every blessed night, the man in a magnificent evening kilt!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Surely that, too, was “great fun” for a time?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It might have been, if you had the smallest sense of humour, Alec; but one soon tires of laughing alone. No, there was never any fun in that kilt. It got on my nerves from the beginning—the solemn, stupid stateliness of it. Girls are subject to creeps and crawls; I grew at last to positively dread joining you in the hall of an evening, to be frightened at giving you my arm to go into dinner—the simple sound of the rustling of my skirt against that petticoat of yours made the chairs, everything, dance. At those moments old Duncan and his boy Hamish seemed to be blowing into the blood-vessels of my head. And during dinner even the table wouldn’t help me; I was weak, hysterical—I declare to goodness <span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>I could always see through the thickness of the board—see the two knees! [<i>With a backward shake of the head</i>] Ha!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, Duncan and Hamish—poor fellows—and their pipes, and the objectionable kilt—those things need never trouble you again; at any rate, we can decide that.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, no, Alec, we will go up to Locheen in August——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Locheen——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Wait! you haven’t heard. [<i>She changes her position, sitting beside him; he not responsive, almost shrinking from her.</i>] Alec—Alec dear—[<i>leaning her head against his shoulder</i>]—I intend to be good in the future, so very good.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What do you mean—good?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I intend to get on well with you, wherever we may <span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>be—I <em>will</em> get on well with you. I’ve been babyish and silly all my life; I’m seven-and-twenty; I’m an old woman; I’ve sown my wild oats now.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Wild oats?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Forty-four pounds to the bushel. And so, directly we’ve fought our way—oh my, it will be a fight, too!—directly we’ve fought our way through the Season in London, we’ll be off to Locheen——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The Season—here——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Theophila, there will be no Season for us in London, and no Locheen even for me, for two or three years at least. [<i>Rising</i>] We’re going abroad——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Abroad——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Directly, directly. There will be only to-morrow to settle everything, to make all arrangements. [<i>Pacing up and down.</i>] The servants at Lennox Gardens will be discharged, the house let furnished—perhaps it would be better to let Marlers sell the furniture, and have done with it. [<i>Pausing in his walk.</i>] I am returning to Lennox Gardens now, at once; will you come back with me, or dine with your people and let me fetch you later on? [<i>She sits, staring at him, without speaking.</i>] Theo, please let me know your wishes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Quietly.</i>] No, no—you mustn’t do this.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why not?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why, don’t you see? We’ve <em>got</em> to sit tight here in town; we’ve <em>got</em> to do it, to win back my good name. [<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>agitatedly resumes his walk</i>.] Of course, we shall be asked nowhere, but we must be seen about together, you and I, wherever it’s possible for us to squeeze ourselves. [<i>Rapidly and excitedly.</i>] <span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>There’s the Opera; we can subscribe for a box on the ground tier—the stalls can’t help picking you out there. And there we must sit, laughing and talking, Alec, and <em>convince</em> people that we’re a happy couple and that you believe in me implicitly. And when the Season’s done with, <em>then</em> Locheen; we must have Locheen crowded with the best we can lay hands on—many that wouldn’t touch me with the tongs at this moment will be glad of a cheap week or two at Locheen in the autumn. And we must let ’em all see that I’m a rattling good indoor, as well as outdoor, wife, and that you’re frightfully devoted to me, and that what <em>she</em> charged me with—well, simply couldn’t have been. And afterwards they’ll go back to town and chatter, and in the end the thing will blow over, and—and——Oh, but to go abroad <em>now</em>! [<i>Going to him, and slipping her arm through his.</i>] Alec, dear old boy, how could you dream of cutting and running <em>now</em>?</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>He withdraws his arm.</i>]</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Theophila, I—I am sorry to distress you—if it does distress you, but I—I’ve quite made up my mind. [<i>Passionately.</i>] We are going abroad.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’ll not stir!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Would you let me go alone?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Recoiling.</i>] Oh——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Following her.</i>] You see, you will have to come with me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You’d be a brute to do it, Alec! [<i>Stamping her foot.</i>] Don’t you hear me? Can’t you understand me? You’re not a fool! I tell you we’ve got to try to convince people——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>People! People shall not see me play-acting——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Play-acting——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, before I go among people, to try to convince <em>them</em>, I have to try to convince <em>myself</em>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting.</i>] People! people!</p> <p class='c019'>[<i>There is silence; she slowly retreats from him.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You—you think there’s some—some truth in it then? [<i>He makes no answer.</i>] It’s true, you believe?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I want time—I want time——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Time?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To shake it off.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To shake it off?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It was awful in Court.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Partly to herself.</i>] Awful.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>As you say, her counsel twisted and turned everything about so. When he cross-examined you to-day, and made you say ... and then the judge ... the benefit of the doubt ... awful....</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Under her breath.</i>] I see.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising.</i>] Yes—that we must go away and be, quietly, together. For the present, there’s something even more important than regaining the good opinion of others—there is <em>ourselves</em>. Will you come back to Lennox Gardens now, or shall I return for you by-and-bye?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Mechanically.</i>] By-and-bye.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going to the door.</i>] Nine o’clock? or ten?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Nine or ten.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Which?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It doesn’t matter. [<i>He goes out. For a few moments she remains quite still; then she rouses herself, and, with a blank look, wanders about, her arms moving restlessly. Suddenly she presses her hands to her brow and sinks into a chair, with a low half-cry, half-moan.</i>] Oh! oh! [<i>After a short burst of crying she examines her wedding-ring, removes it from her finger, and giving a little laugh, flings it on to the settee. Then she rises, and with an air of determination goes to the writing-table.</i>] Very well! very well!</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She sits before the writing-table and writes rapidly. At intervals she utters an exclamation; then sings as she writes. The doors are opened, and</i> <span class='sc'>Horton</span> <i>enters</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Horton.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Collecting the tea-cups.</i>] Beg pardon, ma’am.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Writing.</i>] Mr. Fraser has gone out, hasn’t he?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span><span class='sc'>Horton.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>He have, ma’am.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Horton</span> <i>places the tea-cups on the tea-tray, lifts up the tray, and is about to carry it out</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, Horton, what became of the bonnet and cape I came in with?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Horton.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking off.</i>] Mrs. Emptage lay them down in the next room. Here they are, ma’am.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Just give them to me. [<span class='sc'>Horton</span> <i>goes off and immediately returns with the bonnet, cape, and gloves</i>.] Thanks.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Horton</span> <i>arranges the cape over the back of a chair, places the bonnet and gloves on the table, and withdraws. Having finished her letter and addressed an envelope, she rises and searches for her wedding-ring; finding this she slips it into the letter, and fastens the envelope. Then, keeping the letter in her hand, she puts on her bonnet <span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>and cape, standing before the mirror.</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>enters, looking disturbed and dejected</i>; <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>follows, downcast, silent, and morose, and walks about aimlessly, staring at the carpet</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Discovering</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.] Oh, going out, my dear?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I want a little walk—alone.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To walk it off, eh? [<i>Ruffling his hair.</i>] I find I can’t walk it off; I’ve been into the Euston Road; I don’t think I can be well. Fortunately, I have a box of most remarkable pills at my chambers. They are prepared by Gilliburton of 88 Piccadilly. Don’t forget the number—eighty-eight. Two eights. That’s my system of artificial memory. Eighty-eight—two eights.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going to him, and kissing him, leaning across the settee.</i>] Good-bye, uncle.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>We shall meet again by-and-bye, dear. I shall dine here quietly, after all.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going to</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>, <i>kissing him</i>.] Good-bye.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, you’ll see me at dinner too.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Handing him the letter.</i>] Give that to ’Tina, will you? Claude—take care of mother.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Mildly surprised.</i>] Take care of mother!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, be a good boy, and look after her. Ta, ta!</p> <div class='c014'><i>She goes out.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Boy! <em>my</em> boyhood is long past. [<i>Pinching the envelope.</i>] There’s a coin in this—money.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting on the settee, fatigued.</i>] Eh? Don’t forget, Claude—Gilliburton. Think of Gilly, corruption of Gilbert. Gilbert, a well-known sculptor—or writer; I forget which. Burton, man I jobbed two horses from—bays—Burton. There you have Gilly and Burton—Gilliburton. My own system of mnemonics. <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>Memoria technica.</em></span></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It’s not a coin; it’s a ring.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Irritably.</i>] What are you talking about, my boy? You always appear to be masticating some commonplace or other.</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Horton</span> <i>appears</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Horton.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Beg pardon, Sir Fletcher. Mrs. Cloys wants to wish you good-day, Sir Fletcher. I wasn’t aware where you was, Sir Fletcher.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Giving the letter to</i> <span class='sc'>Horton</span>.] Miss Justina.</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Horton</span> <i>withdraws</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising.</i>] I’d quite forgotten your aunt. Do, please, look unconcerned, Claude. Let her see that men can display courage and decision at such moments.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>Humming an air, he unbuttons his coat and throws it back, sticking his thumbs in his waistcoat pockets. Some newspapers fall from the breast of his coat; he is hastily picking them up when</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>enters</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Meekly.</i>] You are going, Harriet?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Fletcher, you’ve been out to buy evening papers!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Putting them into his tail pockets.</i>] The malicious utterances of the judge are not in these editions.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I thought you never——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It is somebody’s duty to overlook the reports of this case. I see that one vile placard announces, “Lively cross-examination of Mrs. Fraser.”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Lively!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Producing a newspaper.</i>] Here’s a rag which dares to give illustrations—“Sketches in Court.”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Have you contrived to get among them?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Opening the paper.</i>] I happen to <em>be</em> among them. But the fool of an artist has completely missed my salient points——</p> <p class='c023'><span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>runs in with</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila’s</span> <i>letter, opened, and the wedding-ring</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Aunt! oh, I say! What do you think? Theo’s gone!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>She’s gone out for a walk. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>.] Here it is. That’s from an old photograph; I don’t wear that sort of collar <em>now</em>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Advancing between</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span>.] What are you talking about? Look here! [<i>Reading.</i>] “’Tina, hand enclosed to my husband when he comes back for me to-night after dinner.” [<i>Showing the ring.</i>] It’s her wedding-ring. [<i>Reading.</i>] “He believes that what that creature charged me with is true, and wants to take me away and hide me. All is up with me. Oh, those pipers at Locheen are playing into my brain again. Good-bye all.—<span class='sc'>Theo.</span> P.S.—Jack Allingham would not treat a woman so like dirt.”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Agitatedly.</i>] I can’t hear you. [<i>Taking the letter from</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>.] Let me see it.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What shall we do? We must do something. Uncle!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Confused.</i>] We must certainly do something, at once. Er—it <em>is</em> her wedding-ring, I suppose?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Oh——! Aunt!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Encountering</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>.] Don’t stand there, Claude, looking precisely like an owl!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Returning the letter to</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>.] Jump into a cab; you must take that to Mr. Fraser.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Hurrying to the door.</i>] All right. [<i>Pausing.</i>] What shall I do if I don’t find him at home?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>If, if, if! Why throw obstacles?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’m not throwing them. I merely say, what if he’s out, or hasn’t gone back to Lennox Gardens at all?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>This is a moment for action!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting at the writing-table.</i>] Ha, ha! what a hideous mockery the whole world is! Life——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Let us have none of your sickening optimism, sir! and in the presence of your aunt and sister.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Holding out her hand for the letter.</i>] Show it to me again. [<span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>brings the letter to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>, <i>who begins reading</i>.] “Hand enclosed to my husband when he comes back for me to-night after dinner.”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ten or eleven o’clock. Where, on earth, will she be by ten or eleven o’clock?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going to the door.</i>] I’ll tell her mother——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Intercepting him.</i>] For goodness’ sake, not yet. Mother’s no use.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Reading.</i>] “P.S.—Jack Allingham would not treat a woman so like dirt.” Jack Allingham——[<i>Suddenly</i>] Justina! [<span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>again comes to her</i>.] There’s only one very great danger.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why, you don’t think Theo would—take poison—or——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, I mean a worse danger than that. [<i>Pointing to a sentence in the letter.</i>] That one.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Reading.</i>] “Jack Allingham would not treat a woman——” [<i>Staring at</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>.] Oh——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>This Mr. Allingham? Exceedingly kind and gentle to women—is that the class of man he belongs to?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Y—yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Suppose—suppose this wretched girl lets her mind dwell too much just now on Mr. Allingham’s—kindness!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Aunt!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Again returning the letter to</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>—<i>with decision</i>.] Where does he live? Where is he likely to be found?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It’s in the Red Book. [<i>Pointing to the writing-table.</i>] Claude——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Bring me the Red Book! [<span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>finds the Red Book; he and</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood</span> <i>search for the address</i>.] Allingham—A—A—A—[<i>finding the letter</i>] A!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You’re looking at “Ashley Gardens”——</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>join</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>impatiently</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I know it’s there. He went into lodgings when he parted from her. And he has a little cottage in Surrey——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Finding the name.</i>] “Allingham——!”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Taking the book from him.</i>] “Allingham, John Crawshaw, Esq., 11 Bentham Street, W., and Turf and Garrick Clubs.—The Lichens, Epsom, Surrey.”</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>takes the book from</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span>. <i>She tears out the page and throws the book upon the settee.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Folding the extracted page, and slipping it into her glove.</i>] Fletcher, Claude, you had better come with me. I may want you both. Claude, whistle a four-wheeled cab. You hear me!</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>goes out</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>But, Harriet, do you seriously, soberly, entertain the notion?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Get your hat! [<span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>goes out</i>. <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>turns to</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>.] Telegraph to the Bishop of St. Olpherts, The Palace, St. Olpherts: “Detained here to-night. Return, D.V., forenoon to-morrow. Get to bed early. Affectionate messages.—H.”</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>The sound of a cab-whistle, twice or thrice repeated, is heard.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>“Detained here to-night. Return forenoon to-morrow——”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>“D.V.”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>“D.V. Go to bed early——”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Say, “Be in bed by eleven.”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes. “Love——”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, no—“Affectionate messages.”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>“Affectionate messages.—H.”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Thank you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Aunt! When I see Alec Fraser, am I to say anything—about what you are doing?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>For mercy’s sake, don’t put any idea into his head that isn’t there already! Not a word to a soul——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div>[<span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>appears in the doorway, hat in hand</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Cab, aunt.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’m coming. [<span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>withdraws</i>.] Not a word, <span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>except that we’ve gone out, blindly, to try and find her.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Wait! you must tell me; do you suspect that Theophila is—guilty?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking at her steadily.</i>] Woman, what do <em>you</em> suspect?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Falteringly.</i>] Then I can’t understand you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why not, pray?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’ve always taken you for one of those who pick up their skirts and stalk away as far as possible from this kind of thing.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah, you don’t—[<i>moved</i>]—oh, my dear!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You don’t know what was really at the bottom of all my quarrels with your mother. I’ve no children. I’d have given the world if Theo had been mine.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>A little bitterly.</i>] Theo! Theo!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Taking her by the shoulder, almost shaking her.</i>] You, too! [<i>Kissing her.</i>] Bless you, you’d have been better than nothing!</p> <p class='c017'>[<i>She goes out.</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>stands, her lips parted, staring into space</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div>END OF THE FIRST ACT.</div> </div></div> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span> <h2 class='c010'>THE SECOND ACT</h2></div> <p class='c011'><i>The Scene represents a room in</i> <span class='sc'>Mr. Allingham’s</span> <i>cottage at Epsom. On the left-hand side is a fireplace, with a fire burning; above this is a door giving on to the hall; while below it is a similar door, over which hangs a</i> <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">portière</span>, <i>drawn aside, admitting to the dining-room. Facing us is a large open French window; and beyond is a view of a pretty garden with trees, laurels, etc. On the right, also facing us, but nearer, are a few balustered steps leading to an arched opening which is about three feet from the ground. The opening, across which runs a rod supporting a</i> <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">portière</span>, <i>admits to a small room, which, although containing no books that are visible, is called the library. All the furniture and accessories are characteristic of a well-to-do bachelor’s residence. It is twilight.</i></p> <p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Denzil Shafto</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Peter Elphick</span>, <i>two well-groomed, <span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>smart-looking men of about five-and-thirty, dressed for dinner, are shown in by</i> <span class='sc'>Quaife</span>, <i>a manservant</i>. <span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>is carrying a banjo in a case</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center c013'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What time did Mr. Allingham get down?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Placing the banjo on the table.</i>] Half an hour ago, sir; I’m now dressing him. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Elphick</span>.] Glad you brought the banjo, Mr. Elphick.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>A heavy-looking man with staring eyes, taking the banjo from its case with great care.</i>] Nearly made me lose the train, Quaife, puzzlin’ whether to bring it or not.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Laying the case aside.</i>] Do Mr. Allingham a load of good, sir—a little melody after dinner.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mr. Allingham rather fatigued?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Never saw him so played out, sir. [<i>Closing the windows.</i>] Oh, Mr. Allingham’s compliments, Mr. Shafto, and he says he forgot to inquire whether you and Mr. Elphick would sleep at The Lichens to-night.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not to-night, thanks. I’ve arranged to take Mr. Elphick on to my father’s place at Leatherhead.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>We shan’t keep you up here till the last train, Quaife, or anything like. Dessay Mr. Allingham’ll be glad to turn in early.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not much good <em>him</em> turning in, Mr. Elphick.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Queer nights lately, of sorts?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Shockin’, Mr. Shafto.</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>goes out</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking round.</i>] Here we are again, Peter.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>’Pears so.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Wandering about.</i>] This is my first visit to this box since Jack came back here after his split with his wife.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And mine; thought he’d sold it.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>He merely let it, when he married—let it to a stockbroker. Peter, Jack must have had some sort of a premonition——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Some sort of what?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Premonition——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Stoopid ass of a word.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Some sort of a premonition of his speedy return to single life. [<i>Looking out of the window.</i>] Same spotless white gate, I rejoice to see; same elms; same laurels—[<i>Ascending the steps.</i>] The library——! [<i>Entering the room.</i>] My heart sinks within me. [<i>From within.</i>] No, by Jove! Peter! Peter!</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Elphick</span> <i>goes and looks into the room through the balustrade</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What’s wrong?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>From within.</i>] Nothing. I breathe again. All the essential features of Jack’s library are undisturbed. [<i>Coming down the steps.</i>] A luxurious sofa, Ruff’s Turf Guide, and the Stud Book.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Drearily.</i>] Blessed if there’s anything to make fun of in that.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>At a table, examining bottles.</i>] Delightful! Same soda water, same——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting, nursing his banjo</i>.] No, hang it!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Pouring out a glass of Vermouth.</i>] Vermouth. Peter, I was totting up things this morning, gently and quietly, in my bath.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Blowing a speck of dust from his banjo.</i>] Not really?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Seriously.</i>] Yes. You weren’t at Jack’s weddin’?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, I was up at Mahabaleshwar that spring with Sandington. You stood best man, didn’t you?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I did. And look here—Jack Allingham is the seventh I’ve been best man to in nine years.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Abstractedly.</i>] Good figgers.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Frowning.</i>] And they’ve all managed to get into the Divorce Court since, one way or another. [<i>After a pause.</i>] How’s that?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Good figgers.</p> <p class='c008'><span class='sc'>John Allingham</span> <i>enters, a simple, boyish man, of about thirty, looking pale and worn. He is dressed for dinner.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Shaking hands with</i> <span class='sc'>Shafto</span>.] Halloa, Denzil! [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Elphick</span>, <i>shaking hands with him</i>.] Well, Peter! It’s awfully good of you fellows proposing to see me through this evening.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not in the least.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Speak for yourself, Peter.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I couldn’t have endured my own company to-night, I can tell you. Sorry you can’t sleep here, though.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>My governor hasn’t seen Peter since he’s been home this leave. It’s an old promise——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I understand. [<i>Taking the banjo from</i> <span class='sc'>Elphick</span>.] And you’ve actually brought the banjo.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, when a man’s a bit low, sometimes a little music——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Thanks. [<i>To both of them.</i>] Warm, yesterday and to-day, in that Law Court, wasn’t it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Agra in June.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Warm in every sense of the word, eh?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Hell.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With his hand to his brow.</i>] Gurrrh!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sharply.</i>] Now, then?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It’s done with now.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Recovering himself.</i>] True; that cursed nightmare of an approaching trial isn’t waiting for me upstairs, in that bedroom of mine, any longer. And to-morrow morning I shall wake with a start to find—what’ll the feeling be like!—that I’ve no lawyers to interview. Besides, I haven’t much to complain of. You two fellows have kept close at my elbow throughout the whole business—hardly ever left me. Well, that’s friendship—[<i>shaking hands abruptly, first with</i> <span class='sc'>Elphick</span>, <i>then with</i> <span class='sc'>Shafto</span>]—God bless yer!</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He walks away and sits on the settee, looking into the fire.</i> <span class='sc'>Elphick</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Shafto</span> <i>stand together, eyeing him uneasily</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a whisper, to</i> <span class='sc'>Elphick</span>.] Peter, our bags are here. What d’ye say to not leaving him to-night, after all?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a whisper.</i>] Yes, I don’t suppose your guv’nor wants to see me so desperate bad as all that comes to.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, I don’t suppose he does—I mean, we can go over in the morning.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking up.</i>] Eh?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Nothing.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Passing his fingers over the strings of the banjo.</i>] You don’t remember, Denzil—nor you, Peter, I suppose; <em>she</em> used to thrum on this thing—well, hardly this thing—the guitar—much the same. Oh, yes, she used to play it very nicely.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Puzzled.</i>] Who? Mrs. Fraser?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Fraser! No! [<i>Handling the banjo roughly.</i>] My wife.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Hurrying across to John, taking the banjo from him.</i>] Excuse me, old feller.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Starting up.</i>] I was close to her to-day; we stared each other right in the eyes. We didn’t mean to—we simply did it. We met in the corridor during lunch-time; I was getting out of the way of old Portwood; I turned sharply—and there we were, my wife and I, face to face. It might have been for ten seconds—it was like an hour.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Did she look angry?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No. Downright ill and distressed. [<i>To both of them.</i>] You’ve seen her in Court?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yesterday?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>We said “How d’ye do” to her yesterday.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>We told you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, yes, To-day?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not to speak to.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>She nodded to us this morning from the—what do they call it?—not the sink——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well of the Court.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Denzil.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>’Ullo?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>She was very pretty when I married her, wasn’t she?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Undoubtedly.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>John</span> <i>sits, leaning his head upon his hands</i>. <span class='sc'>Shafto</span> <i>walks away, quietly, to the window</i>. <span class='sc'>Elphick</span> <i>sits on the settee, and, turning his face to the fire, strikes up a tune on his banjo</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>That’s right! tune up, Peter! If I had a savage breast this evening you might soothe it with your Tinka-tinka-tinka-tinka-tink, as Kipling says. But I haven’t—isn’t that odd? Boys, do you know, all the bitterness I’ve been feeling towards her seems to have died out of me; and she’s been dragging me pretty thoroughly through the mud lately. Isn’t that odd?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Leaving the window, and coming to the back of settee.</i>] Well, she’s lost the day, you see.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Ceasing playing.</i>] She’s beaten; got nothin’ for her pains.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I suppose that’s it. Ah, but her face! I hadn’t seen it for months. And the silence between us was so strange.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, there wasn’t much of <em>that</em>, old chap, between you two when you were together.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No; <em>didn’t</em> we quarrel! And yet, this morning, during our little deadly-silent encounter, she seemed to say more to me than she’d ever said in her life before. By Jove, she <em>has</em> suffered—[<i>starting up</i>]—oh, damn it!</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He paces to and fro</i>; <span class='sc'>Elphick</span> <i>hurriedly resumes his playing</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Seating himself on the back of the settee, speaking with a drawl.</i>] Ah, I shouldn’t worry myself too much, if I were you, about that. Other people have suffered.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Pausing in his walk.</i>] Mrs. Fraser——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Indifferently.</i>] Oh, she amongst ’em.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a low voice.</i>] Poor little Theo Fraser! I’m forgetting her.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Forget all round, my dear Jack—that’s the ticket; for the future, cultivate a single-minded devotion to yourself——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And the horses! You’re right, Denzil. By the bye, I had a line from O’Halligan yesterday—where is it? [<i>Going to a writing-table and rummaging among the litter there.</i>] He fancies Kildaowen very strongly. The mare’s feeding well; that’s always been their difficulty, you know——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Quietly, looking towards the window.</i>] Jack.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Eh?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Who’s that woman out there?</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Elphick</span> <i>ceases playing</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Where?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>In your garden.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>John</span> <i>looks towards the window</i>; <span class='sc'>Elphick</span> <i>rises and makes one of the group</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>After a pause.</i>] I don’t see anybody.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>She’s behind the laurels now.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>About to go to the window.</i>] One of the maids——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Laying his hand on</i> <span class='sc'>John’s</span> <i>arm</i>.] Wait a bit. [<i>Goes cautiously to the window, peeps out, and comes away.</i>] I say, old chap.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What’s the matter?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I thought so. It’s your wife. [<i>There is a moment’s pause, then an excited movement from</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>.] Stop! [<i>A pause.</i>] What are you going to do?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Dazed.</i>] Do!... do!...</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not anything stoopid, Jack?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Excitedly.</i>] Clear out for a minute, you two fellows.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Shafto</span> <i>goes up the steps and into the library, drawing the</i> <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">portière</span> <i>across the door as he disappears</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Get out, Peter!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going up the steps and pausing at the door.</i>] Jack.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What is it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With an empty expression of face and voice.</i>] Don’t do anything weak.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Get out! [<span class='sc'>Elphick</span> <i>disappears</i>. <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>hurriedly glances round the room and arranges a displaced chair. Then he discovers that</i> <span class='sc'>Elphick</span> <i>has left the banjo upon the settee, and he seizes it impatiently</i>.] Oh—— [<i>Going to the door of the library and drawing aside the</i> portière.] Here! Peter! catch! [<i>He throws the banjo into the room, and readjusts the</i> portière. <i>The instrument is heard to fall with a crash to the floor. He looks into the library, hastily.</i>] I beg your pardon, old fellow. [<i>He descends the steps and goes to the window and opens it, speaking in a low voice.</i>] Is any one there? [<i>A pause.</i>] Someone’s there.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>From a little distance.</i>] Yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Who is it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Olive.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sternly.</i>] Well?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Are you by yourself?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes. [<i>After a pause.</i>] Come in.</p> <p class='c012'><i>He draws back to allow her to pass him. After a short delay she enters, and, without looking at him, comes right into the room. He closes the window, but remains at that end of the room.</i> <span class='sc'>Olive Allingham</span> <i>is a fashionably and richly dressed woman of a little over thirty years of age—pale, worn red-eyed, but still handsome. In manner she is alternately beseeching and gentle, angry and imperious. The twilight now gradually deepens into dusk.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You have some men here?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Shafto and Peter Elphick. I asked them to clear out for a moment.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What will they think?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With a shrug of the shoulder.</i>] They can scarcely know what to think.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Walking to the mantelpiece.</i>] What do you think yourself, of my humbling myself in this fashion? [<i>Turning to him.</i>] What do you——? [<i>As she has crossed to the left of the room, he, still at a distance, has moved over to the right. Speaking with a catch in her breath.</i>] Oh, don’t do that! I’m not poisonous, John. [<i>He approaches stiffly and silently. She advances towards him plaintively.</i>] John, I am quite worn out—[<i>putting her hand to her bosom</i>]—burnt out here. This desperate lawsuit has been my last bolt. I’m finished—spent. I know my regrets won’t avail us much at <span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>this time of day; the future has a most melancholy look-out for both of us; but I want to tell you I am truly conscious, at last, of the evil my jealousy has wrought. [<i>Sitting weakly.</i>] Yes, John, I—I am quite reasonable at last.</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>enters</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Dinner is s——</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>He breaks off, staring at</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Good evening, Quaife.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Aghast.</i>] Good evening, ma’am.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Quaife</span>.] Tell Mrs. Quaife to delay dinner for—for——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising and turning away—in an altered tone.</i>] Oh, five minutes—ten at the outside.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>For a quarter of an hour. [<i>Sharply.</i>] The lamps.</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>withdraws, as if in a dream</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Bitterly.</i>] I much regret keeping you and your friends from your dinner. It’s an exceptionably elaborate entertainment to-night, I suppose?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, no; it’s of no consequence——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Dinner! dinner! if every woman in the world was weeping her heart out, men would be found dining—feeding—feasting! What was I saying when Quaife blundered in? Where was I?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking at her steadily.</i>] Quite reasonable at last.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>After a brief pause, speaking gently again.</i>] Oh, John——! [<i>Advancing a few steps.</i>] It was inconsiderate of me to break out in that way. But I don’t mean half the brutal things I say; I never did.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You couldn’t have done so.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Any jealous woman will tell you what a slave she is to her paroxysms. Oh, they are dreadful, while they last! [<i>Agitatedly.</i>] The flame behind one’s eyes, the buzzing in the ears, the dry tongue, the thumping of the heart——! [<i>Calming herself, breathlessly.</i>] Thank God, I’m cured!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You’ve said something like this to me on other occasions.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Never, under such extraordinary circumstances. [<i>Going to him.</i>] The fact that I can drag myself to you, in this spirit, after my defeat, for the sake of a few words with you, must show you what an altered woman I am. [<i>Sitting.</i>] John, I felt I couldn’t go back to that lonely flat of mine to-night without first proving to you how thorough my remorse is. [<i>Looking round.</i>] That dismal flat! [<i>In an altered tone.</i>] You appear to be extremely comfortable here.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, it’s a little place—very cramped——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>This is where you gave me and papa tea once, when we were engaged to be married.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I remember.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And now——[<i>Excitedly.</i>] Ha, I suppose I’m a fool not to indulge myself just as luxuriously, just as——! [<i>She meets his eye and breaks off shamefacedly. Faltering, with her hand to her brow.</i>] Where was I—again?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You were engaged in demonstrating how thorough your remorse is.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, yes. [<i>Weakly.</i>] After the case ended this afternoon I walked about the streets quite light-headed, till I summoned up resolution to try to find you. [<i>With an effort.</i>] John, that—that lady——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What lady?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Agitatedly.</i>] Mrs. Fraser of Locheen.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Repressing her agitation.</i>] Of course, the judge fully justified my action by the very severe way he spoke of her.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>His remarks were infamous! I could have taken him by the throat and thrown him into the body of the Court. No right-thinking person would have blamed me for doing so.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>However, he gave her the benefit of the doubt——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Scornfully.</i>] The benefit of the doubt!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And paid me the compliment of believing that I would, as one woman to another, prefer such a course being adopted.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Pacing to and fro.</i>] Poor, wretched little Mrs. Fraser!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Wait! Even <em>I</em> see the injustice of it.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Eagerly.</i>] You do?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Haven’t I told you I am reasonable at last? For whether she be innocent or guilty is no longer the question.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’m glad that is no longer the question!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The point is, this woman is entitled to the benefit of the doubt. [<i>Rising and walking to and fro.</i>] But how can she ever receive the benefit of the doubt if those words, which imply the doubt, are always to hang over her?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>That’s it!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And they will hang over her—for ever.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>For ever.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>For ever. [<i>Turning to him.</i>] Unless I cancel them—remove them.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I could, John—by my attitude towards her in public—in society.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Staring at her.</i>] Why, certainly you could.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Leaning over a chair, and speaking almost into his ear.</i>] Would you like me to?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Like you to!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I want to atone to you, if I can, in some measure, for the suffering I’ve caused you. Would you like me to right Mrs. Fraser?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, Olive!——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>John!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With emotion.</i>] If you were always so generous—so good!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Drawing back, suddenly.</i>] Ah!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>After a brief pause.</i>] I’ve offended you by saying that.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a hard voice.</i>] You are evidently very keen concerning her.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Blankly.</i>] Keen!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>She’s a vulgar, common little thing, I’m afraid.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>That’s not true.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Her people are common—excessively bad tone.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Her people are now her husband’s people. She is married to a gentleman.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mr. Fraser has been away from her as much as possible—[<i>her eyes flashing</i>]—<em>you</em> know that better than anybody.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Indignantly.</i>] Why do you come here—after all our struggles and failures, after the injury you’ve endeavoured to do me! Why do you torture me, and insult me, by trying to repeat the old heart-breaking scenes?</p> <p class='c024'>[<i>He throws himself into a chair, distractedly. There is a pause; then she slowly goes to a chair, drags it towards him, and sits beside him.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Panting.</i>] Torture <em>you</em>? Oh! oh, I suffer too! [<i>Rocking herself to and fro.</i>] Well, there can be no punishment for jealous women in another world; we are damned in this.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a muffled voice, with his head on his hands.</i>] And the fire has burnt out in you, you tell me!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I suppose the cinders still retain a little heat, dear.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Brokenly.</i>] Dear!... dear!...</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes. I know my actions are contradictory, but—[<i>her hand stealing towards his</i>]—in my heart, John—always—in my heart—— [<i>The banjo suddenly strikes up an air.</i> <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>raise their heads and stare at each other; then</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>slowly backs her chair to its original position. Speaking in a whisper.</i>] What’s that?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Peter.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Peter——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>He brought his banjo with him.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Aghast.</i>] Why——!... Oh!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Blankly.</i>] Eh?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>If <em>we</em> hear the banjo with such distinctness——</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>They rise. He hurriedly ascends the steps and disappears through the</i> portière. <i>The music of the banjo stops abruptly, and the sound of voices comes from the library.</i> <span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>enters, carrying a lamp which he deposits on the table; then, always watching</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>, <i>he lights the standard-lamp and draws the window-curtains</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>My dear fellow——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>My dear Jack——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sssh!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You might have remembered——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sssh! sssh! [<i>The voices in the library are hushed.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Commanding herself, and crossing to the fireplace.</i>] And how are you, Quaife?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Very well indeed, I thank you, ma’am.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And your wife?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Exceedingly healthy, ma’am, for a stout person.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I hope you look after Mr. Allingham thoroughly, all of you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Dropping his voice, impressively.</i>] We regard him as a trust, ma’am, if I may make use of the expression.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sharply.</i>] A what?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>A solemn trust, ma’am.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning away.</i>] Stuff and nonsense!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I beg pardon, ma’am, if I have gone too far.</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>John</span> <i>returns</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Coming down the steps, a little flustered.</i>] Quaife.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sir?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Er—Mr. Shafto and Mr. Elphick don’t dine.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not dine, sir!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>They have to go on to Leatherhead at once. Is the boy ready to carry their bags to the station?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The boy can be worried till he’s ready, sir.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>All right.</p> <p class='c024'>[<span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>withdraws</i>. <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>now speak in whispers</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I don’t wish this.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>They offered to go; they’d rather go.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Have they heard much?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Er—next to nothing; a syllable or two when we <span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>were sitting there. That’s why Peter struck up a tune. [<i>Laughing a little wildly.</i>] Ha, ha, ha!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In the same way.</i>] Ha, ha, ha! [<i>Glancing towards the door.</i>] Shall I slip into the dining-room while they pass out?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Please don’t. They’re old friends of both of us; they understand perfectly——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Returning to the fireplace.</i>] I’ll face it out, if you wish it.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Calling.</i>] Denzil—Peter——</p> <p class='c024'>[<span class='sc'>Shafto</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Elphick</span> <i>sedately emerge from the library, and descend the steps</i>. <span class='sc'>Shafto</span> <i>bows to</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Advancing, shaking hands with him across the table, graciously.</i>] Oh, Mr. Shafto, I am so sorry to upset everybody in this way——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not at all. I—ah—we—er—my father—at Leatherhead——</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Elphick</span>, <i>encumbered with his banjo and the banjo-case, joins</i> <span class='sc'>Shafto</span>. <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>goes to the door</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Shaking hands with</i> <span class='sc'>Elphick</span> <i>across the table</i>.] Why should you lose your dinner? I have really finished all my—my business with my—with—Mr. Allingham.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With an effort, earnestly.</i>] No, you haven’t, Mrs. Allingham. Take it up, when we’ve gone, where you broke off. [<i>Wringing her hand.</i>] Do everything you’ve offered to do; try and square things——</p> <p class='c024'>[<span class='sc'>John</span> <i>comes to him and draws him away towards the door</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>.] Excuse me; one moment——</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>The three men go out, leaving</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>staring before her</i>. <span class='sc'>John</span>, <span class='sc'>Shafto</span>, <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Elphick</span> <i>are heard talking together in the hall</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Outside.</i>] My dear Denzil! my dear Peter——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Outside.</i>] My good fellow, we are not, at present, in the least hungry.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>runs up the steps and disappears in the library</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Outside.</i>] No conveyance of any kind to get you to the station——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Outside.</i>] Much prefer walking, I assure you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Shafto.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Outside.</i>] Good-bye.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Elphick.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Outside.</i>] Enjoyed seeing the cottage again enormously.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>The sound of the voices dies away</i>; <i>a clock in the library strikes nine</i>; <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>returns</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking round.</i>] Olive—Olive——</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>She reappears.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You didn’t tell me the truth. You can hear the slightest sound in there.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I beg your pardon. Those men went clean out of my head. I was an ass.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Descending the steps.</i>] And that idiot offers me his advice! Take it up where you broke off!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>At least, it’s good advice.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Where <em>did</em> we break off?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>At Mrs. Fraser——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Walking up the stage, beating her hands together.</i>] Mrs. Fraser! the eternal Mrs. Fraser! Oh!... oh!... [<i>Throwing herself into the chair facing the window.</i>] I shall be quite calm in a moment. [<i>Faintly.</i>] Those men upset me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going to her, solicitously.</i>] To-day has been as exhausting for you as for the rest of us. Of course, there’s a dinner prepared here——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Quickly, half-frightened.</i>] Oh, no, dear; I couldn’t sit down to table with you; I’m not entitled to do that. Fetch me a glass of wine and a biscuit—[<i>appealingly</i>]—don’t let a servant bring it, John. [<i>He goes to the dining-room door, she rises, and calls him.</i>] John!—[<i>her head drooping</i>]—do you think we shall ever sit at the same table again, you and I?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>After a pause, sitting, looking away from her.</i>] Oh, Olive, Olive! remember——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Fidgeting with the cigarette-box.</i>] Not for many years, of course—three or four years, at least. Time makes the oddest things possible.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Thoughtfully.</i>] I suppose so.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It would appear supremely ridiculous to the world, you’re afraid?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Pish! the world don’t matter a damn.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Softly.</i>] Ah, that’s delicious!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What is——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I haven’t heard a man swear since I turned you out of Pont Street. [<i>Dreamily, almost inaudibly, as she plays with a cigarette.</i>] Damn! [<i>He looks round <span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>at her; she is lost in thought; suddenly she crushes the cigarette, and flings it from her fiercely.</i>] Ah! Theo Fraser smokes!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Starting up in a rage.</i>] Hah! hah!</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>He goes out of the room.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Following him a few steps, penitently.</i>] Oh, John!—— [<i>There is a knock at the upper door.</i>] Yes?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div>[<span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>enters, with some cards on a salver</i>.]</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking round.</i>] I beg pardon, ma’am; a lady and two gentlemen would like to see Mr. Allingham, if it’s not disturbing him.</p> <p class='c024'>[<i>She goes to the table and examines the cards.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a hard voice.</i>] Are these people friends of Mr. Allingham’s? Have they ever called on him before?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, ma’am. [<i>Hesitatingly.</i>] I fancy the eldest of <span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>the two gentlemen came once, if not twice, to Pont Street in—in—in your time, ma’am.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’ll give those to Mr. Allingham. [<i>He lays the cards out on the table.</i>] You’ll be rung for. [<i>He goes towards the door.</i>] You haven’t mentioned that I am here?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, no, ma’am. I simply said Mr. Allingham was engaged for the moment.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Quite right; thank you.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He withdraws. She eagerly scrutinises the cards, re-arranges them upon the table, then goes to the fireplace and stands waiting impatiently.</i> <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>re-enters, carrying a decanter of champagne and some biscuits in a silver dish, which he places on a side-table</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>This is the Moet we had just begun to drink when we—— You rather liked it, I fancy.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Some people have called; they’re waiting to see you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning.</i>] People—so late?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Pointing to the table.</i>] These are their cards.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Picking up the cards.</i>] “Mrs. Cloys,” “Mr. Claude Aylmer Emptage,” “Sir Fletcher Portwood.” Mrs. Cloys—that’s an aunt.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Stonily.</i>] An aunt——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>An aunt of Mrs. Fraser’s. What can they want with me?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Isn’t it curious!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I assure you I haven’t the slightest idea. I suppose nothing has happened to her!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To Mrs. Fraser?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, no, nothing ever happens to these women with fair hair and heavy eyelids.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Biting his lip.</i>] Really?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You will see them, I suppose?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I can’t refuse to see them.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>May I—may I wait till they have gone?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, Olive——! [<i>She walks to the dining-room, he following her.</i>] I won’t let them detain me very long.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rapidly, agitatedly, facing him, her hand on the door-handle.</i>] This is a most extraordinary visitation. These three people—her relatives—to come down on you like this, at such an hour!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I am sure you will find that their visit admits of a perfectly reasonable explanation.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’ve no doubt!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You shall have the fullest account of what passes between us.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>How shall I know it is a full account?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Leaving her.</i>] Oh——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Advancing quickly.</i>] No, I don’t mean that! [<i>Her hand to her heart.</i>] Oh, do make some allowance for me, for my state of mind!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning abruptly.</i>] Have you the courage to meet these people with me? If so, you can begin to-night to carry out your promise to serve Mrs. Fraser; you can tell her relatives now what your intentions are towards her.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Falteringly.</i>] Certainly, I have the courage to meet them. [<i>Advancing, tremblingly, breathlessly.</i>] But do you know where you are drifting, John?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Where I am drifting——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes. I mean—what position are you willing to give me before these people?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Position——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I couldn’t submit to be treated as a culprit; and there is only one other possible position for me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What is that?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The—the—the wife.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Slowly.</i>] The wife.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Tearfully.</i>] Oh——! oh, I would try!</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He leaves her, and walks about agitatedly. She sits on the settee, weeping.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rather wildly.</i>] Well, I—I only want to cleanse the slate. My cursed stupidity has smeared poor little Mrs. Fraser’s character; I want to put <em>that</em> right. It cuts me to the heart to see how wretched <em>you</em> are, Olive; I want to put <em>that</em> right. Oh, if we fail again——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>We c—c—can’t fail again—it’s impossible!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Desperately, throwing himself into the chair.</i>] All right! Heaven have mercy upon us—we’re reconciled! Ring the bell. [<i>She rises and touches the bell-press, and with the aid of the mirror over the mantelpiece attempts to adjust her hair and straighten her bonnet, he watching her.</i>] By Jove, you have pluck!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To face these people?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With a short laugh.</i>] I call it true courage.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It’s nothing; I am so happy. Oh, John, you shall never regret this.</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>enters</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising.</i>] Show Mrs. Cloys and the two gentlemen in here.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, sir.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Tell them that Mr. and <i>Mrs.</i> Allingham are now disengaged.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, sir. [<i>He withdraws.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning sharply.</i>] <em>Mrs.</em> Allingham——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It wouldn’t be quite fair to spring you upon them suddenly——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You’ve given them warning; they may hurry away, to avoid me!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, no——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>If they did do such a thing——! [<i>Agitatedly.</i>] Gurrrh! I can’t get my bonnet to sit straight. May I take it off, and receive them as if I were—at home?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>If you would rather do so——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going to the dining-room door.</i>] Is there a mirror in here?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes. [<i>She goes out hurriedly.</i>] Let me hold the lamp for you——</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He follows her. After a brief pause</i>, <span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>re-enters, showing in</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>, <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood</span>, <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>. <span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>withdraws</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>After looking round the room.</i>] The wife.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The wife!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Who could have anticipated anything so extraordinary.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Walking about uneasily.</i>] Harriet, your theories and suspicions have involved us in an entanglement of—ah—an unexpected kind.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Moodily.</i>] A reg’lar mess, I call it.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I wish your choice of expressions was a little happier, Claude——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The boy is right; and we must get out of this as quickly as possible.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, yes; yes, yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>But I don’t believe the woman will have the daring effrontery to show her face to us; to <em>me</em>—the brother!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>If she does appear, Fletcher, how on earth are we to explain our visit?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Never explain, Harriet. I once explained in the House——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Devil take the House!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Harriet!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Heaven forgive me!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You are unhinged—not yourself. No, no, we must simply avail ourselves of any topic that presents itself.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mercy on us! there’s only one topic that <em>can</em> present itself.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I am not often nonplussed. You had better watch me closely; follow my lead—tsch!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John</span> <i>enters with</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>, <i>who is now without her outdoor</i></div> <div><i>apparel</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>After bowing to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>.] How do you do, Sir Fletcher? [<i>Nodding to</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>.] How are you, Emptage?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With a wave of the hand towards</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>.] My sister, Mrs. Cloys.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Cloys, Sir Fletcher; there have been some most unhappy differences between my wife and myself in the past, as you know too well. Unfortunately, she and I have not been the only sufferers from these differences; we have dragged others along with us. However, we met this evening, half an hour ago, and are—reconciled——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a murmur.</i>] Very proper—very sensible——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And I have my wife’s authority for saying that her feeling towards Mrs. Fraser are now considerably—in fact, entirely—— But she will speak for herself. [<i>Presenting</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>, <i>awkwardly</i>.] Er—my wife.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>, <i>graciously</i>.] Pray sit down. [<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>sits again</i>.] Sir Fletcher, we knew each other years ago——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I am delighted to renew—[<i>pulling himself up uneasily</i>]—that is, of course——</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>sits on the left and</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>on the right of the table</i>.</p> <p class='c001'><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></p> <p class='c001'>[<i>Addressing</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>.] Mrs. Cloys, it is only fair to you that I should say at once that I don’t expect Mrs. Fraser’s relatives to treat me at all tenderly over the painful proceedings which terminated to-day. [<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>bows stiffly</i>; <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>eyes her anxiously</i>.] So I beg that you will speak before me entirely without reserve. [<i>Looking at</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>.] It is my husband’s wish that you should do so.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Certainly.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood</span> <i>sit staring before them in a glassy way</i>; <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>again glances at</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>, <i>puzzled</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>A little impatiently.</i>] Naturally, Mrs. Cloys, I can’t think that you have taken this inconvenient journey to-night without some very special, some very definite object.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Er—so far as I am concerned, the object of my visit is in a great part attained when I have given Mr. Allingham my assurance that only absolute proof of his unworthiness will ever induce me to withdraw my friendship from him. I am nothing if not a just man——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Genuinely obliged to you, Sir Fletcher.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, I am not ashamed of my simple faith in young English manhood and in the efficacy of a training at one of our most honoured public schools. True, I was never a public-school boy myself——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Leaning on a chair near the window, with his back to those in the room.</i>] Ha!</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>All turn their heads towards</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>, <i>surprised</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising, and going to</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>.] No, but I am still capable of rejoicing when I see the traditions of popular British institutions worthily upheld. The world was my public school——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Changing her position.</i>] Mrs. Cloys——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Eyeing</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>, <i>and returning quickly</i>.] Er—is there a question more vital, more absorbing, than this great vexed question of Education? Is there a question which calls more imperatively upon the attention of thinking men——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning to him with a forced smile.</i>] But, Sir Fletcher, you surely haven’t brought Mrs. Cloys all the way to Epsom that she may hear you discuss Education with my husband?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Disconcerted.</i>] No, no. Good! ha, ha! good! Excellent! Er—— [<i>Suddenly.</i>] Now, this cottage—I wonder whether I may ask how many rooms?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>How many rooms!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Twelve.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Between her teeth.</i>] Twelve.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The reason I put the question is this: my dear brother-in-law, the bishop——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Under her breath.</i>] Eh?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking at</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>significantly</i>.] The bishop often suffers from the effects of severe intellectual strain, and it has more than once struck me that for a few weeks in the year this peculiarly invigorating air—— [<i>Going to the dining-room door.</i>] The arrangements appear to be most convenient. May I?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The dining-room.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Opening the door and peeping into the room.</i>] Delightful! I can picture the bishop sitting there, my sister there, myself, perhaps, over there—delightful! [<i>Closing the door and moving away, pointing to the upper door.</i>] The hall and the little card-room I have seen. [<i>Rapping the table.</i>] But the grand question is, Mrs. Allingham—would you let? That’s the point, Allingham—would you feel inclined to let?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, if his lordship did us the honour of expressing a wish——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>That’s extremely good-natured. [<i>Trying to catch</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys’</span> <i>eye</i>.] You hear, Harriet?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With a gulp.</i>] Yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Pointing to the steps.</i>] And here?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Struggling to suppress her anger.</i>] The library—the library.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Have I permission?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, by all means.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>bustles up the steps and enters the library</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Out of sight.</i>] Cheerful—very cheerful. A paucity of volumes, but the bishop would bring his own books.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Quickly.</i>] Sir Fletcher, while you are there, do examine the little clock on the mantelpiece. The case is modern oriental.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Out of sight.</i>] Ah, yes, yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I gave it to Mr. Allingham some years ago. Count <span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>those curious stones round the dial. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>, <i>rapidly but forcibly, dropping her voice</i>.] Mrs. Cloys, I confess I find it difficult to accept Sir Fletcher’s suggestion that you are engaged at this time of night in hunting for fresh air for the bishop. I——</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>Upon</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher’s</span> <i>disappearance</i>, <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>advances and stands waiting for an opportunity to speak</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Breaking in in a hollow voice.</i>] As Mrs. Fraser’s brother——</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>All turn their heads towards</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>again</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With clenched hands.</i>] Oh! I am endeavouring to speak to Mrs. Cloys——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Pardon me. As Mrs. Fraser’s brother, and as, perhaps, the chief sufferer from the result of to-day’s proceedings——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Appearing suddenly on top of the steps, no longer carrying his hat.</i>] What’s this? What’s this?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I refuse to be silenced. As Mrs. Fraser’s brother, I desire to say that I did not expect to be received to-night by the lady who has done her best—her utmost——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sssh! sssh!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Be quiet, Claude, please!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising and going to</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>.] John, really——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Hotly.</i>] Look here, Emptage, you’re a boy—at any rate, a very young man——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I am a truly unfortunate young man. A blight has been cast upon my name at the very outset of my career——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Bluntly.</i>] What career?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, when I am turning various careers over in my mind——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Enough, Claude——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Coming down the steps.</i>] Why, when I was five years younger than he I had already applied my lever to the mountain. I first saw light in ’forty-four——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>.] Oh——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>’Forty-four; an easily remembered date—two fours. And what was I doing at his age?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Cloys——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Go away, Claude!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Retiring.</i>] Ha, at least I have had the courage to speak out——!</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He throws himself into a chair at the back, and in course of time falls asleep. His head is seen to drop back upon his shoulder; an arm hangs over the side of the chair.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Advancing to the table, imperatively.</i>] Mrs. Cloys——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Firmly.</i>] Excuse me, Fletcher; I believe Mrs. Allingham is looking to me for some further explanation. [<i>Sitting.</i>] Mrs. Allingham, happening to become acquainted to-day, for the first time, with several features of this disagreeable business, I thought—it was a fancy of mine—that I should like to—to meet Mr. Allingham—to talk over—to——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting.</i>] To talk over——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To thresh it all out with John—with Allingham.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Quickly.</i>] It has not been sufficiently threshed out, then, in the Divorce Court?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Hastily.</i>] Quite sufficiently. [<i>Eyeing</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>reprovingly</i>.] My brother doesn’t interpret me correctly. Er—as I have told you, it is a fancy of mine—to meet Mr. Allingham.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Just to make his acquaintance?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Steadily.</i>] Just to make his acquaintance.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Uncomfortably.</i>] Very pleased—very gratified——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With a hard smile.</i>] This is rather an odd hour for such a call.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It would have been earlier but for a little difficulty in discovering Mr. Allingham’s whereabouts.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Genially.</i>] When ladies have fancies they don’t study the hour before indulging them.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I am afraid it <em>is</em> so, in your family, Sir Fletcher.</p> <p class='c001'>[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>makes a movement, but restrains herself</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a low voice.</i>] Olive——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Er—the fact is, my sister shares with me the Lavater-like faculty for judging character at sight.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Judging character by face, manner?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes. I possess it in a remarkable degree. I remember——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>.] Oh, I see! You are here to—to form an impression of Mr. Allingham?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sir Fletcher a little exaggerates my powers; but I confess I am, like many people, very sensitive to receiving impressions through such mediums.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I hope your impressions of my husband will be to his advantage.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking at</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>.] I think I may say at once that they are not unfavourable.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Because the necessity you find for estimating my husband’s character shows—you know what it shows?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Allingham——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It shows, obviously, that if you are uncertain as <span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>to my husband’s innocence, you must be equally doubtful of the innocence of your niece, Mrs. Fraser.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising.</i>] I—I beg that you will not put such a construction on what I have said——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising.</i>] What other construction——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Olive, you are not keeping your promise——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Passionately.</i>] I will keep my promise when I am treated openly and fairly. [<i>Walking away.</i>] I feel something is going on here that I don’t understand, that I am not allowed to understand.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span>.] I am extremely sorry. But my wife is very fatigued and unstrung to-night——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Quite so, quite so. We are most inconsiderate, Harriet. Come—come; another time——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning.</i>] No, no! Mrs. Cloys——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Facing</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>firmly</i>.] Mrs. Allingham, I think, when we look back upon this evening, that you and I will be able to congratulate ourselves upon a considerable exercise of politeness. But there are signs that neither of us is equal to a prolonged strain.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I beg your pardon; I will be patient. You need have no misgivings on my account.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Formidably.</i>] Perhaps not; but I am beginning to be acutely conscious of my own weakness. [<i>Looking round.</i>] Fletcher——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Angrily.</i>] Oh, oh!</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She paces the room</i>; <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>joins her, and is seen expostulating</i>. <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>joins</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Olive, Olive, be reasonable!</p> <p class='c001'><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></p> <p class='c001'>I will be, when you and your friends are honest with me.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She leaves him, as</i> <span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>enters with a note upon a salver</i>.</p> <p class='c001'><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></p> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking at his watch.</i>] Oh, Allingham, the hotel people were to send a carriage up for us; perhaps you’ll get your servant——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Certainly. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Quaife</span>.] Quaife—what’s that?</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>Upon entering</i>, <span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>has encountered</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Allingham</span>; <i>her eyes fall upon the letter on the salver</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Under her breath, staring at the letter.</i>] Ah-h-h!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ma’am?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Drawing back and speaking to</i> <span class='sc'>Quaife</span>.] Well, give it to Mr. Allingham.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>A boy has brought this, sir—waiting for an answer.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>John</span> <i>is about to take the letter; when he sees the writing upon the envelope he hesitates for a moment and draws his hand back; then he picks up the letter deliberately</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Quaife</span>, <i>calmly</i>.] Wait; I’ll ring.</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>retires</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Pointing to the letter.</i>] Isn’t that letter from Mrs. Fraser?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>After opening the letter.</i>] Yes. [<i>He reads the letter to himself.</i>] Poor little lady! This is bad news.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Agitatedly.</i>] Really, Mr. Allingham, really?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Don’t you know? She has left her husband.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Er—yes, sir, we do know it—certainly we know it. I was almost the last person she spoke to before she quitted her mother’s house. She is deeply attached to me. [<i>Buttoning his coat.</i>] Where is she? Where is she?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I gather she is waiting not very far from this house——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Breathlessly.</i>] Waiting——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>She—she wishes to see me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a low voice.</i>] Oh, yes. [<i>Sitting, her hands tightly gripped together.</i>] Oh, yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going to her and handing her the letter.</i>] Read it, please, Olive.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>After a pause, holding the letter between her finger and thumb, reading.</i>] “Station Hotel, Epsom. My dear old Jack”—— [<i>Hastily returning the letter to</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>, <i>with a shudder</i>.] Take it from me!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Reading aloud.</i>] “My dear old Jack”—[<i>looking round, simply</i>]—we have known each other many years—[<i>reading</i>]—“oh! I have had such a job to find you. I shall plant myself at some quiet spot near your cottage and get a messenger to bring this to you. The messenger will show you where I am, if you will only consent to see me for a few moments on—[<i>looking round</i>]—on a matter of business.”</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>, <i>concealed from the others by</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span>, <i>sinks on to the settee</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ha, a matter of business! Of course, a matter of business.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Resuming.</i>] “I have left my husband. He turned against me at the end and crushed my one hope of being able to whitewash myself.” The cur! [<i>Resuming.</i>] “Am off to Paris the first thing in the morning. Very likely this is the last chance you will ever have of a word with your poor little friend, Theo.” [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span>.] Sir Fletcher, I congratulate you on finding your niece; please tell her that it is impossible for me to grant her request.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Calmly.</i>] Oh, but wait. [<i>Rising.</i>] Surely it would be rather uncivil to refuse what Mrs. Fraser asks.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising.</i>] I can be trusted to explain——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>But she is apparently in need of some business service which my husband can render her.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Now that she is again in the hands of her relatives there can be no necessity for troubling Mr. Allingham.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not the slightest; not the slightest.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Perhaps not. But before such a very curt message is sent to Mrs. Fraser, will you do me the favour of letting me have two or three minutes’ conversation with my husband alone?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I—I am anxious to go to my niece.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Two minutes. Please, John.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>John</span> <i>goes to the dining-room door and opens it. After a moment’s hesitation</i>, <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>goes to the door</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning.</i>] I beg that I may not be detained longer.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She passes out;</i> <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>follows her, leaving the door open</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Standing over</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>, <i>shaking him</i>.] Wake up, sir! wake up!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Waking.</i>] What is it? eh? [<i>Rising.</i>] Hullo, Uncle!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You’ve been sleeping, sir; your manners are appalling.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Stupidly.</i>] Where’s aunt?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Leading him towards the door.</i>] In the next room. Come, sir! You are deficient in tact, delicacy——</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>John</span> <i>re-enters.</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>passes him and goes out</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>As he passes</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>.] The dining-room?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>.] I shan’t keep you more than a minute or two.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In the doorway, turning to</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>.] Allingham, of course you and I can never again be the same to each other as we have been in the past; but may I take the liberty of foraging for a piece of cake?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Laying a hand on his shoulder.</i>] Certainly.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>goes out</i>; <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>closes the door and turns to</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Facing him.</i>] Well?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Advancing to her.</i>] Well?</p> <p class='c001'><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></p> <p class='c001'>Oh, could anything be clearer? It’s easy enough <span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>now to see through the twaddle these people have been talking! Mrs. Fraser runs away from her husband, who believes her guilty; her relatives go in pursuit; they look for her and find her—where?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Her relations chance to be here when Mrs. Fraser sends for me——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Mockingly.</i>] Yes!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Referring to the letter.</i>] Desiring to see me “for a few moments, upon a matter of business.” That is all that can be made of it.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>A matter of business!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>This letter is not quite ingenuous, you infer.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You’ve caught the tone of the lawyers exactly.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Hotly.</i>] “A matter of business” is a lie, you mean?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Her arrival to-night is a remarkable coincidence.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>A perfectly natural one.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why are you so eager, then, to avoid granting her the interview she asks for?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Eager——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You send word to her that it’s impossible.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Don’t you make it impossible?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, I do not; I do not. I want you to meet her to-night; you’ve heard me say I wish it.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You mean that?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>If ever I meant anything in my life.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Referring to the letter.</i>] “I shall plant myself at some quiet spot near your cottage——”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah, no! never mind the quiet spot near the cottage. Why can’t you have your business interview here?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Here?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a low voice, her head drooping.</i>] Where we are now, while I—[<i>glancing towards the library</i>]—while I take my place in there?</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>There is a pause; he stands looking at her for a moment silently.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And this is how you propose to carry out your undertaking to make amends to Mrs. Fraser?</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>He turns away from her.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Everything is altered since—since——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Since we were reconciled! reconciled!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Since I promised to aid Mrs. Fraser. The arrival of these people—that letter—has undone everything. [<i>Throwing herself upon the settee despairingly.</i>] Oh, they knew well enough where their bird would fly to! [<i>Burying her face in the pillows.</i>] Oh, John, you’ll kill me!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ha! and so you would like to try Mrs. Fraser twice in one day! And there would be no mistake this time, no doubt whatever! Innocent or Guilty—guilty for choice!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, no, innocent. But I want to be satisfied. Only satisfy me?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Satisfy you! My heavens!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Satisfy me! satisfy me!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And what a model judge of this lady you would make, of any woman you are jealous of! How scrupulously fair! how impartial! how——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I would be just, John; I would be!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Savagely taking a cigarette from the box on the table and sticking it between his teeth.</i>] Women of your temperament detect a leer in the smile of a wax doll.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I give you my word that I will make every allowance <span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>for you both, if you will let me hear you together. You <em>are</em> old friends—“chums” was her expression for it in the witness-box to-day—and you are Jack and Theo to each other, naturally; I am prepared for all that kind of thing. She can kiss you good-bye when she parts from you—[<i>beating her brow</i>]—I can comprehend even <em>that</em>. Only—only let me be satisfied by her general tone and bearing, by that unmistakable ring in the voice, that she has never been the arrant little profligate I once thought her.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>John</span> <i>now sitting staring at the carpet and chewing the end of his cigarette</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Supposing I—consented, and you were—satisfied——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising and speaking earnestly and rapidly.</i>] We are in June; I would have her to stay with me. My friends, her own friends, should see that we were close companions. She should go everywhere with me; my arm should always be through hers. I would get a crowd together; she should receive my guests with me. Oh, by Goodwood week her reputation <span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>should be as sound as any woman’s in England! Come! think of the dreadful days and nights she’s given me, whether she’s good or bad! Come! wouldn’t that be generous?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a low voice.</i>] Look here! you would swear to me you’d never use against her anything that might arise during our meeting—I mean anything that your cursed jealousy could twist into harm?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Solemnly. If she proclaimed herself openly in this room to be your—[<i>with a stamp of the foot he rises</i>]—she should go scot-free, for me. If she behaved as an innocent woman, she might walk over me in the future, trample on me; I’d be a slave to her. Only satisfy me!</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He goes to the writing-table, and rapidly scribbles a note. She watches him with eager eyes. When he has finished writing, he takes an envelope, rises, comes to</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>, <i>and holds the note up before her</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>“Come to the cottage.—J. A.”</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She inclines her head. He touches the bell-press. Then he encloses the note in the envelope, which he fastens, and hands to</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Take it. [<i>She takes it wonderingly.</i>] I have met your demands so far. Now, if you wish to do a womanly thing, you’ll throw that on the fire. [<span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>enters</i>; <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>stands staring before her. Speaking in measured tones, keeping his eyes on</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>.] Quaife, the note which Mrs. Allingham will give you is for the messenger.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, sir.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>If a lady arrives, ask her to sit down in the card-room; let me know when she comes. I am alone, should the lady make any inquiries.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Very good, sir.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Olive, Quaife is waiting for the note. [<i>There is a pause; then</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>turns suddenly and hands</i> <span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>the note. He goes out. There is another pause.</i>] And after this—after this!—you and I! Upon what terms do you imagine you and I will be after this?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, if she comes out of it well, I will be so good to her——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Contemptuously.</i>] Ah——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Clutching his arm.</i>] I will make you forgive me for it; I will make you! [<i>He releases himself from her, almost roughly, and moves away, turning his back upon her.</i>] Of course, you will not mention to Mrs. Fraser that you and I are in any way—in any way——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Reconciled! [<i>Sitting on the settee, laughing wildly.</i>] Ha, ha, ha——! [<i>Turning to her.</i>] Why not?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Naturally, she wouldn’t open her lips to you at all if you did.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Waving her away.</i>] Faugh!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Her hand to her brow.</i>] You are—very—polite—[<i>She walks slowly and painfully towards the steps, pausing in her walk, and referring to her watch.</i>] John, when the talk between you and Mrs. Fraser has—gone far enough, I will strike ten on the bell of the little clock in here. You understand?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>When you are satisfied!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Beginning to ascend the steps, with the aid of the balustrade.</i>] When I am satisfied.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Olive——! [<i>She stops.</i>] It’s not too late now for us to think better of playing this infernally mean trick upon her.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Steadily, in a low hard voice.</i>] Why, nothing can arise, during this interview, injurious, in the mind of any fair person, to Mrs. Fraser’s reputation?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Starting to his feet.</i>] Nothing! nothing!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Then I am clearly serving Mrs. Fraser’s interests by what I am doing.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She disappear into the library. After a brief pause</i>, <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>hastily goes to the dining-room door, and opens it slightly</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Cloys! Mrs. Cloys!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>From the dining-room.</i>] Yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Let me speak to you? [<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>enters; he closes the door sharply, speaking hurriedly and excitedly</i>.] I—I have altered my mind about meeting Mrs. Fraser——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Altered your mind——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I have sent a note to her by her messenger asking her to see me here.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mr. Allingham, I protest against this as quite unnecessary.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Pardon me. [<i>Producing</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila’s</span> <i>letter, and speaking disjointedly, uneasily</i>.] On—on consideration, it seems to me that—that—for everybody’s sake, I have to satisfy my wife that Mrs. Fraser’s presence is due solely to the most innocent causes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Allingham has, I take it, arrived at certain conclusions as to the motive of my visit?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>She has.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And now, Theophila following upon our heels——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It is a most unfortunate accident——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Eyeing him penetratingly.</i>] Mr. Allingham, you have no doubt whatever of the absolute genuineness of my niece’s excuse for calling upon you?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, Mrs. Cloys——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting.</i>] Yes, I admit that I came here to-night to ask you to pledge your word to us that Theo should run no further risk from her—her acquaintanceship with you; to entreat you, if she should be so base, so abandoned——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You mean you thought it possible, probable, that this lady had run away from her husband and friends with the deliberate intention of joining me—me! [<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>covers her eyes with her handkerchief</i>.] Great Heaven, I suppose there <em>is</em> no living soul who will believe in an honest friendship between a young man and a young woman!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>There are certain rules for the conduct of friendship, Mr. Allingham——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Excitedly.</i>] Rules! The world is getting choked with rules for the conduct of everything and every body! What’s the matter with the world that a woman has to lose her character and paint her face before she is entitled to tell a man her troubles, and hear his in return, across a dying fire, by lamplight, when the streets are still and a few words of sympathy and encouragement stir one like a sudden peal of bells——?</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He stands by the fire, bowing his head upon the mantelpiece.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking at him, and speaking in a low voice.</i>] Ah! a dying fire, the lamplight, the still streets——! The world is what it is, Mr. Allingham.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, and it’s a damnable world!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>enters</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The lady has arrived, sir.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>rises</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Quaife</span>.] When I ring, show her in here.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>withdraws</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Agitatedly.</i>] Mr. Allingham, you will not let Theo slip through my fingers; you won’t let her escape me——? [<i>Looking at him.</i>] Oh, I will trust you so far.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You may. I only ask you to allow me to have my interview with Mrs. Fraser undisturbed.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah, if you knew how I hate the idea of this meeting between you two! [<i>Turning sharply.</i>] I’ve a feeling that something evil is going to result from it——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I can only repeat, you’re wrong in what you think of me—[<i>turning away</i>]—wrong, every one of you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Coming to him, her manner gradually changing to harshness, almost to violence.</i>] Well, understand me, Mr. Allingham! I’m inclined to—to half-believe in you; you’ve an honest face and air—not that those things count for much; but understand me: if you bring, in any shape or form, further harm to her——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Indignantly.</i>] What further harm can I bring to her? You find me here with my wife——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sir, you had a wife round the corner when you were engaged in destroying my niece’s reputation in Lennox Gardens! [<i>Recovering her composure.</i>] But enough of that. [<i>Calmly, amiably.</i>] We do understand one another, do we not?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Shortly.</i>] Oh, perfectly.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>That’s right. [<i>Arranging her bonnet-strings, which <span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>have become slightly disordered.</i>] Excuse me for breaking out in this fashion. [<i>She goes to the door, he following her. At the door she turns to him with grave dignity.</i>] I’m afraid I’ve impressed you as being rather a tigress.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She goes out. He closes the door after her and stands staring at the ground for a moment; then he gently turns the key in the lock and carefully draws the</i> <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">portière</span> <i>across the door. He is about to put his finger upon the bell-press when he pauses.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a low voice.</i>] Olive. Olive. I have not yet rung the bell. Do you stop me? [<i>A pause.</i>] Won’t you stop me?</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He waits; there is no answer; with an angry gesture he rings the bell. After a brief pause</i> <span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>enters</i>; <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>follows. She is dressed as in the previous Act, but is now thickly veiled.</i> <span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>gives a puzzled look round the room and withdraws</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Advancing and speaking in a weak, plaintive voice.</i>] <span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>Oh, Jack——! [<i>They shake hands, but in a constrained, rather formal way.</i>] Of course, we could have had our talk very well in the lane; but it’s kind and considerate of you to ask me in.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, not in the least. [<i>Confusedly.</i>] I—er—I—Do sit down.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She looks at him, expecting him to find her a chair. In the end, after a little uncertainty, she seats herself on the right of the table. In the meantime he ascertains that the door by which</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>has entered is closed</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Lifting her veil.</i>] I’m afraid you’re a little angry with me for hunting you up.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Angry? Why should I be angry?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, I suppose it <em>is</em> another—what d’ye call it?—injudicious act on my part. But it seemed to me, if <span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>I thought about it at all, that we came so badly out of it to-day, that nothing matters much now. At any rate, <em>my</em> character’s gone.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Advancing a step or two, but avoiding her eye.</i>]</p> <p class='c001'>No, no——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, isn’t it? And yours has gone too, Jack; only a man gets on comfortably without one. [<i>Facing him, her elbows on the table.</i>] Well, what do you think of my news?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking at her, startled.</i>] By Jove, how dreadfully white you are!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With a nod and a smile.</i>] The looks have gone with the character—[<i>putting her hands over her face</i>]—both departed finally.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Coming a little nearer to her.</i>] Er—when you’ve had a little rest you will see everything in a brighter light——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I should have kept my appearance a good many years, being fair and small. [<i>Removing her hands—looking up at him.</i>] You used to tell me I should last pretty till I’m forty-five. Do you remember? [<i>His jaw drops a little, and he stares at her without replying.</i>] Do you remember?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Moving away.</i>] Oh—er—yes——</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> <p class='c001'>Is there anything wrong with you, Jack?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Wrong—with me? No.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She shifts to the other side of the table, to be nearer to him. He eyes her askance.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why don’t you tell me what you think of my news?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Your news?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] You’ve read my letter, Jack. I’m a—what am I?—a single woman again; a sort of widow.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You are acting too hastily; you’re simply carried away by a rush of indignation. Perhaps matters can be arranged, patched up. You mustn’t be allowed to——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Arranged! patched up! You don’t realise what you’re proposing! You wouldn’t make such a suggestion if you had been a fly on the wall this afternoon while Mr. Fraser and I were—having a little talk. [<i>Struggling to keep back her tears.</i>] Alec—my husband—he was very much in love with me at one time! I never doubted that he would stand by me through thick and thin. He has done so pretty well, up till to-day, up till the trial, and then, suddenly, he—he——</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She produces her handkerchief, rises, then moves away abruptly, and stands, with her back to</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>, <i>crying</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning to the fire.</i>] Mr. Fraser was taken aback, flabbergasted, I expect, by the tone adopted by the judge to-day; there’s that poor excuse for him. But a little reflection will soon——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Drying her eyes.</i>] Oh, don’t prose, Jack! [<i>Turning.</i>] On the whole, I think it’s better that he and I have at last managed to find out where we are.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning to her.</i>] Where you are?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You know, there’s always a moment in the lives of a man and woman who are tied to each other when the man has a chance of making the woman really, really, his own property. It’s only a moment; if he let’s the chance slip, it’s gone—it never comes back. I fancy my husband had <em>his</em> chance to-day. If he had just put his hand on my shoulder this afternoon and said, “You fool, you don’t deserve it, for your stupidity, but I’ll try to save you——”; if he had said something, anything, of that kind to me, I think <span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>I could have gone down on my knees to him and——[<i>Coming to</i> <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>excitedly</i>.] But he stared at the carpet, and held on to his head, and moaned out that he must have time, time! Time! Oh, he was my one bit of rock! [<i>Throwing herself into a chair on the right.</i>] If he’d only mercifully stuck to me for a few months—three months—two—for a month——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going to her slowly and deliberately, and standing by her.</i>] Mrs. Fraser. [<i>She looks up at him surprised.</i>] Of course, whatever future is in store for you, nothing—no luck, no happy times—can ever pay you back for the distress of mind you’ve gone through.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Nothing, Jack—Mr. Allingham. [<i>Her hand to her brow.</i>] Oh, nobody knows! Oh, Jack, some nights—some nights—I’ve said my prayers.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’ve found myself doing that too—in hansoms, or walking along the street.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Praying for <i>me</i>?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Nervously.</i>] Y-yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, don’t make me cry again! Oh, my head! oh, don’t let me cry any more——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Hush, hush, hush! What I want to say is this. You knew young Goodhew?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Charley Goodhew—the boy that cheated at baccarat?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>He didn’t; he was innocent.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’m sure he was, poor fellow.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, he told me, one day in Brussels, that he managed to take all the sting out of his punishment by continually reminding himself that it was undeserved, <span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>that there wasn’t a shadow of justification for it. I suppose it would be the same with a woman who—who gets into a scrape; an innocent woman?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It’s good, under such circumstances, if you can feel a bit of a martyr, you mean?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>That’s it. So, in the future, you must never tire of reminding <i>yourself</i> of the utter harmlessness of those hours we used to spend together in Lennox Gardens.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>They were harmless enough, God knows.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Earnestly, eagerly.</i>] God knows.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And they were awfully jolly, too.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Blankly, his voice dropping.</i>] Jolly——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You know—cosy, comforting.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, yes—comforting. It was the one thing that kept me together during those shocking Pont Street days of mine.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Our friendship?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Our friendship. When I was in the deepest misery, the thought would come to me: “Well, I shall see my little friend to-day or to-morrow.” And then I’d go through our meeting as I supposed it would be—as it always was——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>“’Ullo, Jack! good morning—or good evening. Oh, my dear boy, you’re in trouble again, I’m afraid!”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>“Dreadfully. I shall go mad, I believe—or drink.”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>“Mad—drink; not you. Sit down and tell me all about it.”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And so on.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And so on. I had my miseries too.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, you had your miseries too.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And then you invariably came out with that one piece of oracular advice of yours.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah, yes. “Don’t fret; it’ll be all the same a hundred years hence.”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Which you couldn’t act upon, yourself. How vexed it used to make me—and the ponderous way you said it!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, it was a good, helpful friendship to me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And to me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Standing a little behind her; speaking calmly, but watching her eagerly.</i>] Because, all the while, there was never one single thought of anything but friendship on either side.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why, of course not, Jack.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You’d have detected it in me, if there had been?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Trust a woman for that.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And if you had for a moment fancied that I was losing sight of mere friendship——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What would you have done?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, one day, the usual headache; not at home the next—the proper thing. But, Jack dear, I never felt the slightest fear of <em>you</em>—and that’s what makes an end like this so cruel, so intolerably cruel.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Never felt the slightest fear of me——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, never; oh, of course, a woman can tell. Somehow, I knew—I knew you <em>couldn’t</em> be a black-guard.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>About to seize her hand, but restraining himself.</i>] God bless you! God bless you! [<i>He walks away and pokes the fire vigorously, hitting the coal triumphantly.</i>] Ah, ha, ha! [<i>Turning to</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.] I beg your pardon; you’re in the most uncomfortable chair in the room.</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>She rises and crosses the room.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Arranging the pillows on the settee.</i>] You must be so weary, too. I’m confoundedly stupid and forgetful to-night.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting on the settee.</i>] Fancy! a fire in June!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Walking about elatedly, dividing his glances between</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>and the library</i>.] I love to see a fire.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Suddenly.</i>] Of course. [<i>Dropping her voice.</i>] I remember. [<i>He stops, staring at her.</i>] Do you recollect? [<i>Steadily gazing into the fire.</i>] That night when we were sitting over the fire in that little room in Lennox Gardens——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Hastily.</i>] Oh, yes, yes——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>“I shall always burn a fire, Theo,” you said, “to bring back these nights, these soothing, precious talks in the quiet hours. Wherever I may be, I shall only <span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>have to light my fire to hear you and to see you—to see you sitting facing me——”</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah, that evening—yes, I was terribly—terribly down that evening [<i>Wiping his brow.</i>] By-the-bye, we—we mustn’t neglect the—the—the matter of business—the little matter of business——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rousing herself.</i>] Matter of——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The matter of business you mention in your letter——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising.</i>] Oh, yes. [<i>Sitting on the left of the centre table.</i>] Jack, I—I do hope you won’t hate me for asking you. You see, if I went to any one else, I should run a chance of having all my arrangements upset. I—I want to borrow a little money——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah, yes, certainly—anything—I shall be most happy——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>This is exactly how I am placed. Mr. Fraser wanted to hurry me off abroad—ah! that’s done with. Instead of that, you see, I’ve taken my travels and my future into my own hands. I’ve telegraphed to Emily Graveney, who was at Madame MacDonnell’s with us girls in the Rue D’Audiffret-Pasquier. Emily is teaching in Paris now—I hardly know how she scrapes along; she’ll be mad with delight to have my companionship. But till the lawyers settle my position precisely as regards Mr. Fraser, I’m practically broke, penniless. It’s a little ready-money I want.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Who has seated himself at the right of the table while</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>has been talking</i>.] You have only to tell me how much——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, I think I could tide over with fifty pounds. I’m afraid you haven’t got it in the house, though. I don’t want a cheque.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Taking out his keys and going to a table.</i>] I believe I <em>can</em> just make it up——[<i>He opens a drawer in the <span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>writing-table, finds some bank-notes, counts them, then empties his sovereign-purse and screws the gold up in the notes.</i>] Within a pound——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>That’s of no consequence. [<i>Rising.</i>] I’m awfully obliged to you; I knew you would—I—I——</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He returns to her, and finds her clutching the table unsteadily.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Placing the money on the table.</i>] What’s the matter?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Nothing. [<i>Sinking back into the chair, with closed eyes.</i>] I shall be all right in a minute.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He brings her a glass of water, and places it to her lips. She sips the water for a little while, then gives a sigh.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Better?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I think so.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>When did you last eat? [<i>She shakes her head feebly. He puts the glass of water aside and fetches the biscuits.</i>] Get two or three of these down. Come—try——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Taking a biscuit.</i>] Thank you.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He places the biscuits on the table by her side, and goes back to the other table.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>A glass of this champagne would pull you together.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Nibbling the biscuit, her eyes still closed.</i>] Would it? [<i>He brings the decanter of champagne and a small tumbler. She, speaking faintly, and opening her eyes.</i>] Oh, do let me off this, Jack.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Pouring out some champagne.</i>] No, no; stick to it—do.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Watching him.</i>] That looks nice. [<i>She puts the <span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>remains of her biscuit on the table and stretches out her hand for the wine. He gives it to her; she drinks.</i>] Oh! oh! oh—h—h—h! [<i>There is a pause; there she shakes herself, looks up at him, and breaks into a low, childlike little laugh.</i>] Ha! ha, ha, ha! I’d nearly gone, hadn’t I? [<i>Emptying her glass.</i>] Oh! oh!... Fetch yourself a glass, and we’ll drink luck to each other. Then I really must be off. The porter said the trains run every—every what was it? [<i>He brings a glass, which she fills, speaking animatedly.</i>] A tumbler! oh, fie! [<i>Filling her own glass.</i>] Oh, mine’s a tumbler too! [<i>Nodding to him.</i>] Ourselves! [<i>Touching his glass with hers.</i>] Our two poor unfortunate selves! [<i>They drink.</i>] Ha! I don’t care! do you?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Care——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>A hang. For anything; for what the judge said; for what people think. Puh. Here’s to our friend, the judge——! [<i>Drinking, nearly emptying her glass.</i>] I hope his wife’s a cat who leads him a——! [<i>Jumping up suddenly, her eyes dilating, holding her glass high in the air.</i>] Happiness and prosperity to Mr. Fraser! [<i>Loudly.</i>] Mr. Fraser!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sssh! oh, hush!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Fraser of Locheen! [<i>She goes to the fireplace and flings the contents of her glass into the grate.</i>] Ha! well, that’s throwing good stuff after poor, isn’t it? [<i>She places her glass on the table; the cigarette box is open; she takes a cigarette.</i>] The old sort?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Quickly.</i>] No, no——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Striking a match.</i>] Only a whiff. [<i>Lighting her cigarette.</i>] Sure I’m not in the way, Jack, if I rest here a minute or two longer?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With a glance at the library.</i>] C—certainly not.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Throwing herself upon the settee in a careless attitude, smoking.</i>] Oh, thank God for this rest! [<i>Looking round.</i>] So this is the little place you used to tell me about——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Standing, watching her, apprehensively.</i>] Um——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Phew! Your fire’s all right to look at——! [<i>She removes her cape from her shoulders and flings it away from her; he picks it up, and places it over the back of a chair.</i>] Never mind that rag. Are you likely to be in Paris?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I—I’m not fond of Paris.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Jumping up, and speaking volubly, excitedly, boisterously.</i>] Suppose that wire don’t find Emily, and she doesn’t meet me at the Nord to-morrow night. Ugh! cheerful! She may be dead, No, no; not Emily. Poor old Emily! Be sure you look me up if you <em>should</em> pass through. Rue Poissonnière, 18. You’re bound to be rambling soon. How lucky a man is! Does just as he chooses. Good chap, So-and-so—awfully rackety—but the world would be a dooced deal livelier if there were more like him! That’s what they all say of a man!... phew!... [<i>As she rattles <span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>on, she takes off her bonnet and clears her hair from her brow.</i>] But a woman! Well, look at <em>me</em>. Not that anybody <em>will</em> look at me, in Paris or elsewhere. I used to know several smart people in Paris! Now! Oh, my stars, won’t they stalk distant objects when they see me coming along! [<i>Angrily.</i>] Ah, a gay time I shall have of it, shut up with Emily Graveney, with her red nose, and her poor, narrow chest, and her perpetual sniffle! [<i>She flings away her cigarette. Her hair is disordered, her breath comes quickly, there is a wild look in her eyes. Her bonnet falls to the floor. He paces the room distractedly.</i>] By Jove, I won’t have a dull time though! I shall only hang out with Emily long enough just to turn round. Then I’ll take a little <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>appartement</em></span> of my own. Uncle Fletcher will make me an allowance; I won’t touch a penny of—puh—<em>his</em> money. I’ll let the world see how happy I am without the character I’ve been robbed of! Yes, robbed of! [<i>Laughing noisily.</i>] Ha, ha, ha! [<i>Snapping her fingers.</i>] Pish! I shall burst out laughing in the face of the whole world, Jack—put my tongue out at the world, your wife, my husband! After the solemn farce we’ve all gone through. [<i>Between her teeth.</i>] Y—y—yes, they shall have a pretty picture in their minds of <em>me</em>, t’other side of the Channel, with my finger to my nose like <span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>a cheeky urchin! Oh, my heavens, how I hate ’em—hate ’em—hate ’em!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Fraser——! Mrs. Fraser——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, the devilish injustice of it! To think that we’re still married, Jack—you and I! Hah! the mockery! To think that we wander about the world still with our owner’s marks branded upon us! Ha, ha! I believe I’ve an “F” branded upon my shoulder—burnt in! [<i>Running to him.</i>] Oh, I won’t bear it! I can’t bear it!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Hush, hush!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I shall go mad if I can’t pay out that wife of yours! [<i>Shrilly.</i>] She’s ruined me! I will be even with her!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Hush——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And with <em>him</em>!—that fish!—that cold, flapping <span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>fish! [<i>Clinging to him, suddenly.</i>] Jack——! I wouldn’t bore you! I wouldn’t bore you, Jack——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Bore me!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah-h-h-h! take me away! Let’s you and I go together——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Putting his hand over her mouth.</i>] Ah, for God’s sake——! [<i>The clock in the library is heard to strike.</i>] It’s too late! too late!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Drawing back, looking into his face.</i>] Too late——? [<i>There is a sharp knocking at the dining-room door.</i>] What’s that? [<i>The knocking is repeated.</i>] Who is it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Cloys is here.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Her hand to her brow.</i>] Mrs. Cloys—aunt——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Cloys, Sir Fletcher, and your brother were with me when your note arrived. They want to see you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>See me—See me——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Gripping her wrist.</i>] Pull yourself together, Mrs. Fraser——[<i>The knocking is again heard.</i> <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>goes to the door</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a whisper.</i>] Jack! [<i>He pauses; she seems dazed.</i>] They—they haven’t heard—a word of—oh, of what I’ve said to you?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Heard——! N-no. Are you ready?</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He pulls aside the</i> portière, <i>unlocks the door, and opens it</i>. <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>enters</i>; <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>appear in the doorway</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You have tried my patience long enough, Mr. Allingham. [<i>She goes to</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>; <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>walks <span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>away, and stands with his back to those in the room.</i>] Come! you have had ample time for your <em>business interview</em>. [<i>Staring at</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.] What’s wrong with you?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sinking into a chair.</i>] N-nothing.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Where’s your cape—and your bonnet?</p> <div class='c014'>[<span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>looks round vacantly</i>.</div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Cape? cape? Here’s a cape.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He hands the cape to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>; <i>she snatches it from him, and puts it round</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila’s</span> <i>shoulders</i>. <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>picks up the bonnet, and brings it to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>, <i>then goes to the upper door, and stands there waiting</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Raising</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.] You are not well; you are ill. Fletcher——! [<span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>goes up to the steps leading to the library</i>.] Where are you going?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>My hat——[<i>He pushes the</i> <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">portière</span> <i>aside, then draws back</i>.] Mrs. Allingham——! [<i>Hesitatingly.</i>] Er—I believe I have left my hat here, Mrs. Allingham. May I——? [<i>He enters the library.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Allingham! Mrs.—Allingham——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, yes.</p> <p class='c001'>[<span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>comes out of the library, carrying his hat</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>.] Mrs. Allingham! his ... wife!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mr. and Mrs. Allingham have arranged their differences. [<i>Looking from</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>to</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>.] Why, don’t you know?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Coming down the steps.</i>] Haven’t you seen Mrs. Allingham?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Seen her——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>This evening—here——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Here!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Your interview with Mr. Allingham has taken place in this room?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>In this room? Yes——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Come——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Wait, Harriet, please! Allingham—Mr. Allingham—pardon me for putting such a question: surely you have not allowed—allowed—been a party to——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'><SPAN name='corr216.19'></SPAN><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='Allowe'>Allowed</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><SPAN href='#c_216.19'><ins class='correction' title='Allowe'>Allowed</ins></SPAN></span>—what?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking towards the library.</i>] Harriet, you can hear most distinctly, in the library——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Hear——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Overhear—certainly, overhear——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, no! [<i>Going to</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>.] Preposterous! [<i>After a pause.</i>] Mr. Allingham, why should Mrs. Allingham—be there? [<span class='sc'>John</span> <i>is silent</i>.] What has passed between you and——? Your wife has not been—listening?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Desperately.</i>] Mrs. Fraser—has said—nothing to me that a—a just woman can bring up against her——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'><em>Listening!</em></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Almost inaudibly.</i>] Yes. [<i>Passionately.</i>] But you don’t know——! [<i>Calling in a loud voice.]</i> Olive! Olive——!</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>comes out of the library and stands at the top of the steps</i>. <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>regards her for a moment blankly, then goes to the balustrade, and stares up at her. After a brief pause</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>joins</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>, <i>but seeing</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>, <i>she comes unsteadily towards him and looks him in the face. Then as she turns away to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>, <i>she utters a groan, and tumbles to the floor at</i> <span class='sc'>John’s</span> <i>feet</i>.</p> <p class='c001'>END OF THE SECOND ACT.</p> <div class='chapter'> <span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span> <h2 class='c010'>THE THIRD ACT</h2></div> <p class='c011'><i>The Scene is the same as in the previous Act, but a few articles of furniture are differently disposed about the room. There is no fire; and flowers decorate the fireplace. The windows are open and the light is that of a fine afternoon in summer.</i></p> <p class='c012'><span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>is seated upon the settee</i>. <span class='sc'>John Allingham</span> <i>appears in the garden, looks into the room, glares fiercely at</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>, <i>coughs significantly, and walks away. When</i> <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>has gone</i>, <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>, <i>glancing at the window, rises, and, with an angry exclamation, crosses the room</i>. <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>enter</i>; <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>is dressed as in the previous Acts, but without her bonnet and mantle</i>; <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>is in a bright morning-dress</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center c013'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.] She insists upon rising; she will see you in a few minutes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Thank you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>She is excessively weak and shattered; you must remember that.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, yes. I can never adequately express my gratitude——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting upon the settee.</i>] Tsch!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Aunt has been up with her the whole night.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Not alone. Mrs. Allingham——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Allingham——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Allingham begged to be allowed to keep me <span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>company. There was a little scene between us—but the woman is, to some extent, human, I find.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, I’ve no doubt that Mrs. Allingham is ashamed of herself——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I hope we are all ashamed of ourselves. In the end I was far from sorry to have her companionship. Your poor wife didn’t come out of her swoon till nearly one o’clock this morning. Then Dr. Erskine went home and Mrs. Allingham and I took our places by the bedside—[<i>to</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>]—till you arrived at breakfast-time, Justina.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.] And I brought old Sarah, who used to maid us girls when Theo was at home; she’s dressing her now.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Cloys, pray help me with your advice.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Bridling.</i>] Oh—h—h——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, no—about Mr. Allingham. Ha! of course if we were Frenchmen we should fight a duel——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Certainly, my dear Alec, and he would kill you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Perhaps; that doesn’t follow.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It doesn’t follow, because it can’t follow. But he <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>would</em></span> kill you and everybody would say of you, “Serve him right; another unsatisfactory husband disposed of!” And you would be buried, and my sister would be free and would go to Trouville in August in her weeds, and we should all have a splendid time generally.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Dryly.</i>] If we were French.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes. [<i>Going to the window.</i>] Why aren’t we French!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Justina——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Advancing to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>, <i>hesitatingly, uncomfortably—lowering his voice</i>.] I can’t deny that I have behaved in a very poor fashion to Theophila——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking into the garden.</i>] Deny it! no!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning to</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span>.] Please——! [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>.] But you, Mrs. Cloys, have just admitted to me that, up till last night, your feelings towards her were at least as unjust as my own.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah, I hope your contrition, now that the facts are known to us, is as sincere and as deep as mine, Mr. Fraser.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, how miserable he looks!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Who?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Jack Allingham. [<i>She goes out, and disappears.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Walking about angrily.</i>] There he is again!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>He has every right to be here.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It’s in curious taste.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I don’t see that. He feels called upon to remain here to protect his wife. He might say, with equal reason——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Hardly. He can take <em>his</em> wife away, and protect her elsewhere. But I am helpless. You tell me it is a question whether Theophila ought to be moved to-day or not——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Referring to her watch.</i>] Dr. Erskine will decide very shortly.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>So, for how long, in heaven’s name, am I to endure Mr. Allingham? The fellow puts himself in my way. If I walk in the garden, he appears, indoors, at a window, and coughs in a menacing fashion. When I enter the house the proceedings are but slightly varied—I am inside; Allingham and his cough outside.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I find him a simple-minded, boyish young man.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking through the balustrade into the library.</i>] Do you?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>After all, the conspiracy he assisted at—for which I can never forgive him—was carried out, on his part, in perfect good faith to Theophila.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>His share in it is singularly discreditable.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising.</i>] You and I must remember that it is through this discreditable act that we are able to do justice to your wife. [<span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>re-enters, at the window</i>.] Is Mr. Allingham there?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, aunt.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.] I assume you are anxious to avoid any open quarrel with Mr. Allingham?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I simply wish to get my sick wife away as speedily and as peacefully as possible, and then to forget this gentleman—and his cough. [<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>goes out at the window and disappears</i>.] Justina; surely you—<em>you</em>—resent this new attitude of Mrs. Allingham’s? For months and months she is your sister’s bitter, determined enemy; then suddenly she is allowed to sit up all night, nursing her!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You wouldn’t grudge the woman her little bit of <span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>practical repentance? If ever I go in for repentance, let nobody try to do me out of it!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] Repentance——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting on the arm of a chair.</i>] Oh, Olive Allingham didn’t have too gay a time of it last night, take my word for it. When Theo came-to, aunt tells me, her poor, overwrought brain wandered for an hour or so; that wasn’t over-pleasant for Mrs. A. Theo went through the whole business from beginning to end, breaking off occasionally to say her prayers—praying that the case might end in her favour, and that the season’s invitations would flow in as usual. Sometimes she’d stop in the middle of it, and call out that she couldn’t pray well while that creature was in the next room listening. Luckily, she fell into a heavy sleep, at about half-past two, and didn’t wake till just as I turned up in response to aunt’s telegram. But what a bad hour or two it must have been for Mrs. A.! Picture it! The half-darkened room; my little sister tossing about the bed, raving; aunt sitting grimly on one side, with a handkerchief round her head; and <span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>on the other side, hidden behind the bed-curtains, hardly daring to breathe, that woman, with her white face and her eyes almost out of their sockets!</p> <p class='c020'><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>enters, carrying some slips of paper covered with writing</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Allingham has had really a most admirable cold luncheon laid in the dining-room. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.] You haven’t seen the dining-room?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Shortly.</i>] No.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Really a capital lunch. Evidently it is intended that one should wander in and eat a wing of a chicken when one feels inclined.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'><em>You</em> have been wandering, uncle, apparently.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>A glass of sherry, merely. No—it is strange and unreasonable that it should be so, but it <em>is</em> so.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What is so?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why, one has rather a feeling of constraint in sitting down to Allingham’s table—at any rate until matters are in a more settled state. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.] <em>You</em> wouldn’t care to—to make the plunge?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Plunge——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To break the ice?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Eat his lunch!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting on the settee and arranging his papers.</i>] No, no; I can quite understand——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Throwing her head back.</i>] Ha!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To her, angrily.</i>] I believe you would grin by the side of a grave.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Shrugging her shoulders.</i>] <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>Cela dépend.</em></span></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning away in disgust.</i>] Ah!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Jumping up.</i>] Oh, I’ve had my bad days lately—plenty of ’em! This morning the atmosphere’s a bit clearer. [<i>Gaily.</i>] Tra, la, la!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The woman who can laugh under such circumstances——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning upon him.</i>] Laugh! My dear Alec, if you had learnt to laugh when you acquired your other accomplishments, you would have been able perhaps to keep my sister out of the Divorce Court.</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>She goes out.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Fussing with his papers.</i>] Fraser——[<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span><i>comes to him</i>.] When I got to my hotel here last night I jotted down the—the—the leading points—the leading features——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Leading features——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Of this awkward affair between you and the Allinghams——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Impatiently.</i>] There is now no question between me and the Allinghams——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising.</i>] My dear Locheen! A lady deliberately stations herself in that room, with the cognizance and approval of her husband, to listen to——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I wish to forget all that occurred last night. It is done with.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Pardon me; it cannot be done with: it ought not to be done with, without the most complete apology—I <span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>will not, for reasons you will presently appreciate, hint from which side. [<i>Going to</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>, <i>button-holing him</i>.] Do you know what has suggested itself to me, Fraser?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Releasing himself.</i>] No.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why, sir, if ever there was a matter for reference, for arbitration, this is one!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Between his teeth.</i>] Arbitration——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Good heavens, when I open my <cite>Times</cite> in the morning, and glance at the law reports, how often have I occasion to remark, “<em>That</em> scandal might have been averted, and <em>that</em>, and <em>that</em>——” if only the intervention of some cool, level-headed person had been secured, the intervention of some one possessing the rarest of all gifts—the judicial faculty!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The gift is rare enough upon the bench. People <span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>shrink from having their concerns adjudicated by a meddlesome amateur.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I sent Claude to town for his mother at ten o’clock this morning. When <em>they</em> arrive, the family will be complete—with the exception Of my brother, Thomas Osborne Portwood, who is in Australia; a deplorable case. [<i>Looking about him.</i>] Arbitration dispenses with legal paraphernalia. A table, writing materials, a few chairs arranged—[<i>his eye falling upon a table</i>]—a table. [<i>He moves the table and stands, disposing, by gesture, of an imaginary audience.</i>] Seated here, I should command the room. [<i>Pushing the settee a little further towards the left.</i>] This thing must be differently placed. Chairs there—and there—— [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.] Locheen, would this be the better room, I wonder, or the library?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Who has lapsed into thought, rousing himself.</i>] Eh, for what?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>For the arbitration? [<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>impatiently starts to his feet as</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>enters at the window with</i> <span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span><span class='sc'>John</span>.] Oh, Mr. Allingham, if you will give me just a moment or two——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Taking</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher’s</span> <i>arm and drawing him aside</i>.] Not now, Fletcher.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Annoyed.</i>] Harriet——!</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>stand outside the window, talking</i>. <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>comes and faces</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With an effort.</i>] I am sorry to hear, Mr. Fraser, that you have been annoyed, while a visitor at my house, by the persistency of my cough.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>If I could have assured myself, Mr. Allingham, that your cough was a genuine one, it would not, however violent and grave its attacks, have occasioned me the smallest concern.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I admit the cough was not genuine. I employed <span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>it as a sign that I was at hand should you wish to have an explanation with me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The invitation might have been more explicitly phrased.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It was clear enough for most men. At any rate, I hope the invitation is sufficiently plain now.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Quite.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You decline it, or accept it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>If I hesitate, it is because I hardly know in what language you would choose for me to reply.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Language——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Words—or a cough?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, whichever you find most procrastinating and evasive.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Coolly.</i>] I decline your invitation, Mr. Allingham; I have nothing to say to you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With clenched hands.</i>] Nothing!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Nothing.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Glances at</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>, <i>then advances closely to</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>and speaks to him, in a low voice, beside himself with anger, but betraying nothing by gesture</i>.] Fraser, <em>you</em> are actually responsible for the occurrences of last night. You have never understood your unfortunate wife; but yesterday your behaviour to her was cruel, brutal. I charge you with acting towards her like a brute.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking at him immovably.</i>] Well?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I repeat, I have nothing to say to you, Mr. Allingham.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>After a pause</i>, <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>retreats from</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>and sits upon the settee, leaning his head upon his hands and uttering a groan</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Fraser, I promised Mrs. Cloys, out in the garden, just now that I would make an attempt to soften matters between us, and—and—offer you some civility—and so on. I began fairly well—[<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>bows</i>]—and then the conversation took another line. However—[<i>rising, speaking with an effort, not looking at</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>]—let me say that my house is quite at Mrs. Fraser’s disposal—[<i>with a gulp</i>]—and at yours, for as long as she honours me—as you both honour me—by remaining here. [<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>again bows</i>, <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>glares at him</i>.] As for ourselves, whenever we encounter each other I will be careful to look in an opposite direction. Perhaps you will be good enough to follow the same course.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It is one that would have suggested itself to me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>enters</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Alec, Theo is coming in to see you.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>John</span> <i>goes out quickly</i>; <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>speaks to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Entering the room and addressing</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.] Theo is ready.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>goes out as</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>enters the room</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To him, significantly.</i>] <em>Now</em>, perhaps a little lunch, uncle Fletcher——</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>She goes out by the dining-room door.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.] Of course, my sister Harriet throws cold water upon my proposal——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Proposal——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Arbitration. [<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>walks away and eyes the upper door anxiously and expectantly</i>.] But when did Harriet fail to throw cold water? I shall sound Allingham and get his views. After all, Harriet is not essential; Harriet is not——</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>While speaking he goes to the table, takes up the inkstand and blotting-book and carries them to the other table.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span>.] Sir Fletcher, Theophila understands that she is to see me here alone——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Abstractedly.</i>] I am off; I am off. [<i>Stopping at the door, looking at the table, and slowly tapping his forehead.</i>] Pens—paper; two p.’s.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He goes out.</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>comes to the dining-room door, and carefully draws the</i> <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">portière</span>; <i>then he walks away as</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>enters by the upper door with</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>leaning upon her arm</i>. <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>is dressed as in the preceding Acts, but without <span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>bonnet or cape</i>. <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>places</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>upon the settee, then goes out at the window, and disappears</i>. <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>takes a chair and sits</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You—you are very ill, Theophila?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a low, level, weary voice, her eyes turned from him.</i>] No; I have just escaped being ill, they say.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I have been out all night, taking steps to find you; your aunt’s telegram did not reach me till late this morning. I hurried here directly.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Indifferently, her thoughts elsewhere.</i>] Oh?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I hope they told you so.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes—I think they did. [<i>Rousing herself slightly.</i>] When did you receive the news that I’d—I’d——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>That you had——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Run away?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Justina came to Lennox Gardens last night at about half-past six.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It hadn’t struck you as at all likely——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Men <em>don’t</em> think on some points, I suppose. They hit; they never expect to see a bruise.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The two days we passed in Court, Theophila, set me quite beside myself. I am here to express my deep, my unfeigned regret for my treatment of you. I—I humbly beg your pardon.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking at him for the first time, in an expressionless way.</i>] You know what happened last night?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With assumed indifference.</i>] Mrs. Cloys—told me—[<i>with a wave of the hand</i>]—oh, yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I asked her to tell you all. She has told you <em>all</em>?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Nodding agitatedly.</i>] For God’s sake, let us never again refer to the subject. Forget my share of yesterday and I will forget yours. [<i>Moving his chair to the head of the settee, to be nearer to her.</i>] Theophila, everything you planned that we should do to reinstate you shall be done; I am prepared to go in with your schemes, heart and soul; all your suggestions shall be acted upon promptly.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Moving away from him; then, after a brief pause.</i>] No, thank you, <SPAN name='corr242.17'></SPAN><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='Alec'>Alec.</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><SPAN href='#c_242.17'><ins class='correction' title='Alec'>Alec.</ins></SPAN></span></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Staring at her.</i>] No——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’d rather not, now.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why not?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Things are different.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>In what way?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'><em>I</em> feel very different. When I asked you yesterday afternoon to lend me a helping hand I was asking for my right. It’s true we haven’t got on well together; you’ve been in one place, I in another, for more than half our married life. It’s true I’ve been miserable and lonely, and have told my tale often enough to him—Mr. Allingham——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Between his teeth.</i>] Yes, yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>But, throughout everything, I’ve never been disloyal to you; I’ve always been fair to you when speaking of you behind your back; though I’ve hated you sometimes, I wouldn’t have let a living soul say a word against you in my presence. This is <SPAN name='corr243.22'></SPAN><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='truth! truth!'>truth,</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><SPAN href='#c_243.22'><ins class='correction' title='truth! truth!'>truth,</ins></SPAN></span> <span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>Oh, I know I’ve been vilely brought up! ’Tina and I are vulgar and slangy, and generally bad form; and we were once what’s called “fast,” I suppose. But our fastness didn’t amount to much; it was only flirting, and giggling, and dodging mother, and getting lost in conservatories and gardens. Oh, what fools girls are! No, till yesterday I’ve been only silly—silly—nothing but silly—till last night——! till last night——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising and pacing the room.</i>] You were no more yourself last night than I was <em>myself</em> yesterday afternoon!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting upright.</i>] Who says I was not myself? It <em>was</em> myself, the dregs of myself, that came to the top last night!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The—the—circumstances—under which you—you behaved as you did——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Hiding her face in the pillows.</i>] Oh, don’t remind me of it!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I mean, you were weak—ill——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You mean nothing of the sort ... oh-h-h-h, how horrid I must have looked...!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>They were mere words you were speaking——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It was <em>me</em>—<i>me</i>!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Surely, if I see no reason why you should not claim my help——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I see a reason—that’s enough. I repeat, what I asked of you yesterday was my right, my right. But to-day—to-day it would be accepting a favour from you——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Favour!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Favour. A poor, tawdry little thing I’ve always <span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>been; but I’ve been proud—yes, very proud—like every woman who is square and honest. But now——! No, if I could pull myself up again, I’d do it, for mother’s sake and ’Tina’s; but never, never, never, after last night, could I accept a favour from my husband!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I hear from your aunt that Mrs. Allingham—this man Allingham’s wife!—generously offers to take you under her wing. Is it so?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Leaning back, her eyes closed.</i>] Aunt brought me a message to that effect from Mrs. Allingham this morning.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What answer did you send?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>None; I am going to see Mrs. Allingham.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I think I understand.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Understand?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>This lady’s proposal is, after all, one worth considering. It would be a double triumph for you to ride back into the shabby little circle you regard as “society” in her coach. It would be a triumph over <em>me</em> in the first place—over <em>me</em>!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Opening her eyes and speaking calmly in a subdued voice.</i>] Alec [<i>glancing over her shoulder</i>], is aunt out there? [<i>He goes to the window and looks out.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Call her, please.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He disappears. She rises feebly, and, with an effort, pushes away the chair</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>has placed at the head of the settee; then she sinks into it</i>. <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>enters at the window with</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>, <i>and comes to</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>My dear——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Will you ask Mrs. Allingham to be good enough to come to me?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You are equal to seeing her?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes—at once.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Why are you sitting here?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Irritably.</i>] Oh, I am not going to appear quite a wreck before Mrs. Allingham. Find her, aunt.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>goes out.</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>brings a foot-stool to</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>and places it under her feet. She nods in acknowledgment.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sarcastically.</i>] You must not forget to thank Mrs. Allingham for taking her place by your bedside all last night.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Indignantly.</i>] Ah, it was shameful of aunt to have allowed that! She hid herself behind the curtains and peeped at me. She saw how ugly I was! I’ll never forgive aunt for permitting it! Oh——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Glancing at the door.</i>] Sssh——!</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>He walks away as</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>enters, followed by</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>. <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>is dressed as in the previous Act. Upon encountering</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>she slightly inclines her head to him, with eyes averted; he bows stiffly. She then comes and stands before</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.] I—I hope you are better, Mrs. Fraser.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Thank you, yes. [<i>Turning her head.</i>] Don’t go yet, aunt—nor you, Alec. [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>.] Mrs. Allingham, my husband comes to me to-day asking me to go back home with him, in order that, after all, we may commence together to fight the “shabby little circle” to <span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>which I have, I dare say, attached a great deal too much importance. Well, I’ve declined to go back—declined. But Mr. Fraser has an idea that I’m treating him spitefully because I’ve found a powerful friend in you.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Fraser, I—I do beg of you not to act hastily, and without good advice. Of course, you are angry, justifiably angry——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>But pray take time to reflect. Oh, I entreat you to try—in a little while, when you feel less bitter—to try to see your way clear to—to——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To do what?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>To accept both Mr. Fraser’s help—and mine.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>partly rises, as if about to make some indignant response, but restrains herself</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I—I can only make the same reply to you, Mrs. Allingham, as I have just made to my husband—thank you, no.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You cannot right yourself in the eyes of people without Mr. Fraser’s assistance or mine. And especially mine! You couldn’t accomplish it thoroughly with <em>his</em> help alone; it would be impossible.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Very well then, it’s impossible.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.] Mr. Fraser——[<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>advances a few steps</i>.] Perhaps, by-and-bye, you will add your persuasions to mine that your wife will accept me as your ally?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Fraser.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Stiffly.</i>] Mrs. Allingham, I regret that what you suggest is, so far as I am concerned, quite out of the question.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mrs. Cloys—[<span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>retires as</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span><i>approaches</i>]—I am sure <em>you</em> can understand the value of the services I am able to render your niece.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, perfectly.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Then you will try to induce her——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah! you must excuse me, Mrs. Allingham——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You will not?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I may tell you that I anticipated her rejection of your proposal directly you communicated it to me——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Indeed?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And I must say—[<i>looking at</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>]—that I fully sympathise with the—ah—the feelings of——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rigidly.</i>] Of Mrs. Fraser?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Politely.</i>] Of Mrs. Fraser. [<span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>enters, and advances a few steps towards</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>, <i>who speaks to him quickly</i>.] Has——?</p> <div class='c014'>[<i>She breaks off, looking at him significantly.</i></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, ma’am.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>.] Mr. Fraser, may I trouble you to follow me? I have something to say to you. [<span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>withdraws. To</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.] I must run away for a few moments. Shall I send Justina to you?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Quickly.</i>] Oh, Mrs. Fraser, let me speak a few words to you while no one is present——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Certainly.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>passes her hand over</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila’s</span> <i>head caressingly, then hurries to the door</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Mr.Fraser——</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She goes out</i>, <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>accompanying her</i>. <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>looks round the room, then sits, slowly and deliberately upon the settee</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>After a little pause.</i>] Forgive me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Forgive you——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, do make the effort!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I can’t understand your asking for my forgiveness, wanting it.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Endeavour to understand me. I don’t remember that it ever struck me, when you and I were—friends, that your disposition was a jealous one.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It isn’t, is it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I couldn’t go the lengths you’ve gone, from jealousy, if you mean that.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sadly.</i>] Ah——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, don’t you think that enough has been done in the name of jealousy? For months and months it has made a hell of my life, your jealousy. People have seen me walking about looking merry; but what sort of days and nights does a woman really spend with the Divorce Court looming before her? “Allingham <em>versus</em> Allingham, Fraser intervening!” that’s the air you’ve kept me dancing to since—goodness knows when the music first struck up! And now I’m to forgive you, offhand, because—you happen to have a jealous disposition!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Falteringly.</i>] You were sustained all the time by the knowledge that you were an innocent, persecuted woman——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Much good did my innocence do me yesterday when they gave me “the benefit of the doubt,” and sent me out of the Court ruined!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It does you this much good—that now <em>I</em> am satisfied as to your innocence I am prepared to serve you humbly and faithfully. Oh, Mrs. Fraser, I would be a true friend to you this time! [<i>Rising and standing before</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.] Come, forgive me!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a low voice.</i>] Well, for the months of awful trouble you gave me, and for those two days in the Divorce Court—yes, you’re welcome to my forgiveness for all that. [<i>Her voice hardening, her hands clenched.</i>] But not for last night!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You mustn’t make me wholly responsible for what took place last night.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I do hold you responsible. Why—they’ve told me <span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>the story—I know that, when my note to your husband was handed to him, he wanted to send a message to me excusing himself from meeting me. Did you let the message go? There was I waiting out in the lane, my people in this room, all in a fidget to hurry to me and take me away. Did you let them come to me? No, you huddled them out of the way, and then drew your husband into your plot, and trapped me in here. I was the poor rat, half dead, who had been well worried, but who’d a little life still left; so you had me in, panting, and got another few minutes’ sport out of me——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Her hands to her brows.</i>] Oh, don’t, don’t! Mrs. Fraser, at any rate, it was through last night that you cleared yourself——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising, and speaking fiercely.</i>] Cleared myself! Yes, and a pretty price you were the cause of my paying for “clearing myself!” Do you think I’d have willingly cleared myself at that cost? Ah, no decent woman could afford it! Cleared myself!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You were mad when you——. You were mad.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You know better! I was sane enough! But mad, or sane, or—or whatever I was, I shall never think the same of myself again, never feel quite the same again. And to-day I’m to forgive you for it! No, if you came to me and told me that you’d just saved the life of some one dear to me, I couldn’t forgive you for last night. I couldn’t! No woman could!</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>walks away and stands, looking out into the garden</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>After a pause, speaking in a hard voice.</i>] Excuse me for saying so, Mrs. Fraser—but I think you regard your share in the affair of last night more as a schoolgirl would regard it, than as a woman; rather sentimentally, in fact.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Thank God, I’m able to do <em>that</em>! Sentimentally? <span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>Well, ninety-nine women out of a hundred are kept fresh and sweet by nothing better than mere sentiment. [<i>Sitting upon the settee, a little faintly.</i>] Where’s ’Tina?</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>turns and comes to her; she is wiping the tears from her eyes</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You know, if you wished to have your revenge on me, you have it.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Revenge? I?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Turning from</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>, <i>her hand playing with the arm of the chair</i>.] The services I thought you would allow me to render you are the only means by which I could hope to get my husband to overlook my behaviour of last night. He won’t speak to me to-day.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’m sorry.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>After what has happened my one hold on him is <span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>through the reparation I could make you. And now—and now—you—— [<i>Throwing herself into the chair, crying.</i>] Oh, it’s like begging to you!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Notwithstanding—all you’ve done—you’re anxious to make it up with your husband, aren’t you?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a whisper.</i>] You needn’t ask; you’ve heard all about it.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Do you think that, with your nature, you could ever be happy with him, and make him happy?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I—I don’t—think of that.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, I can’t say anything more than—I’m sorry.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>rises, and, with faltering steps, comes to her</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Excuse me being so persistent. [<i>Piteously.</i>] You <span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>won’t accept my help? [<span class='sc'>Theophila</span>, <i>leaning back with closed eyes, shakes her head.</i>] You won’t even—try?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Faintly, almost inaudibly.</i>] It would be of no use; I couldn’t.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Drawing a long breath, her arms falling by her side.</i>] Ah!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’m tired. Tell my sister——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Goes to the upper door, opens it, and looks out.</i>] Oh, Quaife, where is Miss Emptage?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Out of sight.</i>] In the dining-room, ma’am. Shall I——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Closing the door.</i>] No, thank you. [<i>She goes to the dining-room door, and opens it slightly, without withdrawing the</i> portière.] Miss Emptage!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>From the dining-room.</i>] Here!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Your sister wishes to return to her room.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>walks away and stands outside the window, as</i> <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>enters and goes to</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Raising</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span>.] Where’s aunt? Why have they left you alone?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I asked them to.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Lowering her voice.</i>] With <em>her</em>?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Tell me——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>By-and-bye. Take me away. [<span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>disappears</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Walking with</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>towards the upper door</i>.] Oh, we’ve had such a time in there! Uncle Fletcher’s been boring our heads off on the subject of the blessings of Arbitration; and at last, Jack, who is in a vile temper, almost jumped down his throat.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>They go out, whereupon</i> <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>is seen to slightly push aside the portière and peep into the room. Satisfied that the room is empty, he enters quickly, closes the door behind him emphatically, and throws himself on to the settee with a groan of weariness.</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>returns; she is about to pass the window, but seeing</i> <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>she enters quietly, takes a chair and sits. They remain looking at each other for a little while without speaking.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Good morning, John—well, afternoon.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Er—Have you lunched?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking towards the dining-room door.</i>] It’s in there.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Drily.</i>] Thanks.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I—I’m sorry I can’t offer to wait on you——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, pray don’t——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>But Portwood is still eating. I’ve been rude to him.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Indeed?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising and walking about.</i>] I believe all these people will drive me crazy! I don’t know where to get to for them.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You are in your own house. Need you seek to avoid any of them?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, I’m not particularly desirous, for instance, of another encounter with Mr. Fraser.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Another. Have you——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes. I’ve been rude to him.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh! Mrs. Cloys——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>She treats me as a schoolmistress would treat a very small boy in disgrace.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Miss Emptage——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Lectures me and patronises me till my blood curdles. Just now I was almost—well, I hope not——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Rude to her?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes. And then this maddening old man——? I can’t endure it! Even my servants——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Servants?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>A minute or two ago I was trying to escape from the dining-room by passing through the kitchen, and I came upon my cook and Mrs. Fraser’s maid discussing me over a bowl of chicken broth. Mrs. Quaife—my cook——! I heard her distinctly! “I never thought Mr. Allingham was that sort of a gentleman,” she said.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'><em>What</em> sort of a gentleman?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I don’t know. I got away.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>H’m, I think I should have been rude to <em>her</em>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And there are two more relatives of Mrs. Fraser’s to arrive yet. [<i>Throwing himself into a chair.</i>] The boy has gone to town to fetch the mother. The mother!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising and walking towards the door.</i>] At any rate, I can rid you of one unwelcome guest. [<i>He looks up at her.</i>] I am going, John, directly.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Going home?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Going back to my flat.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising.</i>] Then there is no longer any necessity for me to stick in this wretched cottage.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’m sorry to have been the cause——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Of course, I could not leave you here among your—your——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Enemies.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well, hardly friends. Then Mrs. Fraser is well enough to travel?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I don’t know, I’m sure.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You’ve relinquished your intention of devoting yourself to her?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, I haven’t relinquished it. Mrs. Fraser will have nothing to do with me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>She has said so?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting upon the settee.</i>] Oh, yes, she has said so.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What reason does she give?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>She will not receive help from the woman who—who brought that humiliation on her last night. I believe, if she was starving, she wouldn’t take a crust from my hand.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>She returns to her husband, I suppose?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I think not. She is in the mood to accept nothing from anybody.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting with his head bowed.</i>] Wounded—wounded.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With a slight shrug of the shoulders.</i>] She’s a sentimental, romantic little person, I find. Well——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ha, we didn’t calculate for this when we arranged our ingenious little plan last night! We were to restore Mrs. Fraser’s name and position to her untarnished; we were to set poor little Humpty-Dumpty <span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>up again by—when was it?—Goodwood week; all in return for your ten minutes’ fun in there! We were damned generous, you and I—only we reckoned without Mrs. Fraser! [<i>Starting up.</i>] And so, you see, after all, we’ve had our fun, and enjoyed it, and yet pay nothing for it! But, at the same time, we mustn’t forget that in this world everything has to be paid for by somebody. By Jove, there’s no doubt as to who stands treat for last night! Mrs. Fraser pays! that poor little, broken-down woman pays! <em>She</em> pays——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising.</i>] You blame me beyond all reason! I’ll not put up with it! Why didn’t you call her aunt into the room last night when you saw Mrs. Fraser becoming wilder and wilder? [<i>Walking away.</i>] Pah! you appeared moonstruck! moonstruck!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I thought I might save her from meeting her people while she was so unlike herself. You know I was helpless——[<i>She approaches; he seizes her by the shoulders.</i>] You—you reproach me! Why didn’t you strike that bell sooner? why didn’t you strike it sooner? [<i>Leaving her, and throwing himself into a chair.</i>] Ah, you weren’t capable even of that!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Tearfully, rubbing her shoulders.</i>] Oh, John——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I beg your pardon.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going to him slowly, leaning against the balustrade.</i>] John——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Well?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I will confess it to you—I didn’t strike the bell at all.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You—did not?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I was under the impression I had stopped the clock before I sat down to listen, but in my agitation I must have shaken it and started it again. [<i>Kneeling beside</i> <span class='sc'>John’s</span> <i>chair</i>.] The clock struck of its own accord.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And you sat there, drinking in every word; and when the poor creature had cleared herself, and <em>satisfied</em> you, still you made no effort——! [<i>Rising.</i>] Oh!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Seizing his coat.</i>] John, I <em>couldn’t</em> move from that curtain! I was a wretch! Pity me! I <em>couldn’t</em> stir! [<span class='sc'>John</span> <i>walks away. She rises from the ground and sits.</i>] Oh, get me a carriage of some sort to take me to the station.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Going towards the bell.</i>] I’ll tell Quaife. [<i>Pausing, looking at her.</i>] I don’t know—I can’t imagine—how you are going to get through your life——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, please! I’ve been lectured by Mrs. Fraser, Oh, there are heaps of solitary women in the world; some people envy them. [<i>He sits upon the settee.</i>] Now that—now that—the chances of our coming together again have fallen through, I shall be off out of London at once. Where can one go to at this time of the year?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Abstractedly.</i>] Eh? Er—it’s a bit early for most places.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’m going to Aix in August.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking up.</i>] You are?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh! Why, did <em>you</em> think of——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes. But it doesn’t matter.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, I don’t want to interfere with your——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Aix is a pretty big place.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Where will you stay?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I’ve been told, the “Splendide”——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I can easily put up elsewhere.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You needn’t. I dare say the “Splendide” is quite large enough for two people who—who——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Who want to keep far apart. [<i>Rising, and going towards the door, pausing by the head of the settee.</i>] How ridiculous that reconciliation of ours last night! Why, how many weeks should we have been together?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>His head resting upon his hands.</i>] Not many—not many, I’m afraid.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Weeks! Days, I should have said—or hours. “Heaven have mercy upon us! we’re reconciled!” Do you remember—last night——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ha! yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>“Heaven have mercy upon us!” Ha, ha!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Heaven have mercy on us!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Wiping the tears from her eyes.</i>] I—I’ll go and put my bonnet on. [<i>He rises, and she holds out her hand.</i>] Good-bye, John.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Taking her hand, looking away.</i>] Good-bye.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Suddenly drawing back.</i>] Oh——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>What?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Breathlessly.</i>] Oh, yes——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Olive?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah—h—h—h, you’ll find plenty of pretty women at Aix——!</p> <p class='c020'><span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>enters, showing in</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>. <span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>retires</i>. <span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> <i>is in a bright and fashionable morning dress</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>.] Mrs. Allingham——! [<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Claude</span>.] Claude, keep by me. My legs are all of a tremble. Where is my daughter, Mrs. Fraser? Take me to her. I am very ill indeed; I fancy this affair has affected my heart——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Pray sit down for a moment.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Sitting down.</i>] We used to be friends, Mr. Allingham—great friends; now I wonder you can look me in the face. [<i>Panting.</i>] I have heard everything from Claude. I am ashamed—I must say it—I am ashamed of you and your wife.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>makes a movement, as if to go</i>; <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>detains her</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>.] No, no; I don’t think we’ll run away and hide any more. [<i>Turning to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span>.] But I hope that Mrs. Emptage will be kind enough to apply to me, alone, any harsh expressions she may care to make use of——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>enters</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Advancing.</i>] Ah, Muriel——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising, throwing her arms round</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher’s</span> <i>neck</i>.] Oh, Fletcher, Fletcher! I’ve hardly closed my eyes all night!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span><span class='sc'>claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>May I ask what has gone on during my absence?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>During <em>your</em> absence——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Is Alec here?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, the family gathering is complete.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Does Theo return to Lennox Gardens? Has an arrangement of any sort been come to?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>None that I know of. I seem to be powerless.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>enter</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Claude.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Meeting them.</i>] ’Ullo, aunt! ’ullo, Fraser!</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> <i>totters to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>. <span class='sc'>Claude</span> <i>retires</i>. <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>walks away to the fireplace</i>. <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>is now seated upon the settee</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Embracing</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>.] Oh, Harriet, I am very poorly; I don’t think I have had two hours’ rest all night. [<i>Going to</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>and kissing him</i>.] Alec, you will prove a generous, good fellow—of that I am sure. Poor Theo has behaved very indiscreetly. I really believe my heart has been upset by it all——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I have something important to say, Muriel. Pray sit down and be quiet.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a flutter.</i>] I know, I know. Unless I can be kept quiet it will be very serious for me. [<i>In her agitation, she is about to sit upon the settee beside</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>.] Oh, dear, what am I doing! [<i>Moving away, she stops, pointing to the library.</i>] Great heavens! was that the room——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Sssh! [<span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> <i>sits again</i>. <span class='sc'>Fraser</span> <i>goes to the window and stands there, apart, his back turned to those in the room</i>.] What I have to say concerns the future Of Theophila——[<i>There is a movement on the <span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>part of</i> <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>and</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>.] Please, let nobody go. All who are here are interested in the future of Mrs. Fraser—[<i>looking at</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>]—and I believe sympathetically interested. [<i>Sitting.</i>] In fact, I want it to be known that a very happy arrangement has been arrived at.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span>.] Fletcher, you said <em>no</em> arrangement had been arrived at.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I have not been consulted, Harriet.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I did not consider it necessary, Fletcher. There was a question whether the plan I had in view <em>could</em> be carried out.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Then you—you have constituted yourself a—a sort of—arbitrator——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>As you say, a sort of arbitratrix, I suppose.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The cloak of pedantry, Harriet, scarcely conceals your want of respect for your brother.</p> <p class='c001'>[<i>Passing</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>, <i>as if about to quit the room</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Touching his arm.</i>] We’ll all keep our tempers, Fletcher. [<i>He remains.</i>] Yes, the thought came to me during the night—a long, anxious night——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah, indeed!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The thought that I would telegraph to the bishop the very first thing this morning.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The bishop!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Asking, him to come to me at once.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Will he do so?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The bishop is goodness and compliance personified. He left St. Olpherts at ten o’clock this morning; he is here.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Here!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I shall be ashamed to meet him; after my sleepless night my face is so dreadfully lined——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The bishop does not notice the lines in women’s faces. Directly he arrived, I submitted my scheme; in two words, he approved; it will be carried into execution.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I do not ask <em>what</em> scheme.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Theophila returns to St. Olpherts at once with us. She will rest there two or three days, by which time I shall have found a suitable house in town——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>In town——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>The bishop and I have not had a house in town for some years. Mr. Fraser kindly sees house agents this afternoon.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I would willingly have seen house agents, Harriet. A furnished house——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Assenting.</i>] For the season—sufficiently large for the dear bishop, myself, and Theophila. Both in London and at St. Olpherts, Theophila will be my close companion. In our little London gaieties she will figure prominently. At certain formal gatherings she will share the responsibilities of the hostess. If any paragraph concerning our doings should creep into the newspaper, it will concern the Bishop of St. Olpherts, Mrs. Cloys, <em>and</em> Mrs. Fraser of Locheen. Oh, I don’t think there will be many to wag evil tongues against Mrs. Fraser a few months hence!</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>rises, and advances to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>, <i>who stands as she approaches</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a low voice, to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys</span>.] I’m glad; I’m very glad.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>That’s right.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Falteringly.</i>] But your—your scheme owes—just a little to my idea, doesn’t it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I admit it. Mrs. Allingham, I am sure you don’t grudge——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Olive.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, no; indeed I don’t. I—I hope you will succeed—to the utmost——</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>She turns away, and goes out by the dining-room door.</i></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Rising, fretfully.</i>] It seems to me everything is taken out of one’s hands——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>In a most unceremonious way——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Glancing at</i> <span class='sc'>Fraser</span>, <i>who is now out in the garden</i>.] What about Alec—Mr. Fraser——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Of course, any policy that doesn’t tend to bring my niece and her husband together——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah, I haven’t told you. Mr. Fraser is to be a frequent—a fairly frequent visitor in London, and at St. Olpherts.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With a sniff.</i>] Visitor——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And it is further arranged that, in a year’s time, Mr. Fraser comes to us and formally asks Theophila to return to Lennox Gardens.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>And when he does——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Then we shall see what we shall see.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Walking away.</i>] I can’t quite explain my feeling—but I am not sanguine—not at all sanguine.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>At any rate, in less than twelve months, if I know my girl, she will have grown heartily sick of her solemn <SPAN name='corr286.9'></SPAN><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='surroundings'>surroundings.</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><SPAN href='#c_286.9'><ins class='correction' title='surroundings'>surroundings.</ins></SPAN></span></p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Indignantly.</i>] How dare you——! how——! [<i>Checking herself.</i>] Well, suppose she <em>does</em> weary of me, good will result even from <em>that</em> if it sends her back to her husband.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>The door opens, and the</i> <span class='sc'>Bishop of St. Olpherts</span> <i>enters with</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>upon his arm</i>. <span class='sc'>Justina</span> <i>follows them, carrying a shawl. The bishop is a mild-looking, very old man.</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>is dressed in her cape and bonnet, and her face is hidden under her thick veil</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Coming to</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span>, <i>and kissing her</i>.] Mother——</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span> <i>kisses her hastily and, bustles over to the</i> <span class='sc'>Bishop</span>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah, Bishop, I can hardly hope you’ll recollect me.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Bishop.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Vaguely.</i>] Yes, yes, yes.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>With a simper.</i>] Muriel, you know.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Bishop.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Taking her hand.</i>] Mrs. Emptage——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Don’t tell me; I know I’m altered.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Bishop.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah, years pass over us.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>It isn’t that—but I had no sleep last night.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>advances, and grasps the</i> <span class='sc'>Bishop’s</span> <i>hand</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I remember years ago, at the opening of the People’s Library at Stockwell, describing Dr. Cloys as one of the stoutest pillars of our Church——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Bishop.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Uneasily.</i>] The People’s Library at——?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Stockwell. To-day I have only to add—may that pillar never grow faint nor weary; may <SPAN name='corr288.14'></SPAN><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='it’s'>its</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><SPAN href='#c_288.14'><ins class='correction' title='it’s'>its</ins></SPAN></span> back remain equal to the burden imposed upon it; may it continue to plough the stormy seas of scepticism and agnosticism!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Bishop.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Helplessly.</i>] Er-r—who is it?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>My brother Fletcher.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span><span class='sc'>Bishop.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Ah, how do you do?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>appears</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Is the fly here?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Quaife.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, ma’am.</p> <p class='c020'>[<span class='sc'>Quaife</span> <i>withdraws. The</i> <span class='sc'>Bishop</span> <i>moves towards the window</i>, <span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher</span> <i>closely following him</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>To</i> <span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage</span>.] Good-bye, mother dear.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Embracing her.</i>] Oh, good-bye, my darling. I won’t reproach you. If you make a bed you must lie on it. You’ve nearly broken my heart, but I’m only your mother——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Oh, don’t——!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>In a whisper.</i>] Mind you see that we visit you constantly in London and St Olpherts!</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Yes, yes. [<i>As she is walking away, she sees</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>—<i>who has been standing silently behind the settee, his back turned to those in the room—and she says to the others</i>.] One moment. [<i>She comes down, looking at</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>.] Mr. Allingham. [<i>He approaches her slowly. After a pause she says in a low voice.</i>] Oh, Jack, how could you? [<i>He bows his head, making no reply.</i>] Well—for auld lang-syne——[<i>She holds out her hand; he takes it, but releases it quickly. She turns to go, then pauses.</i>] Where’s your wife? [<i>He looks towards the dining-room door. She hesitates for a moment, then, goes out quickly by that door.</i>]</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Looking round.</i>] Theophila—Theophila——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>John.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>Watching the door.</i>] She will be here in a moment; she is with my wife.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>His voice rising.</i>] My dear bishop, it is my view of life, and the observation has some theological bearing, that the devil almost invariably appears to women in the form of Impulse. In saying this, I am perhaps on the verge of a truism——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span><span class='sc'>Bishop of St. Olpherts.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>No, no, no.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>re-enters; her veil is raised</i>.</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Theophila.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>[<i>As she passes</i> <span class='sc'>John</span>, <i>lowering her veil</i>.] It’s all right.</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>There is a hubbub of talk as</i> <span class='sc'>Theophila</span> <i>and her relatives go out at the upper door</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You will need a warm wrap, Theo.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Justina.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I have one here, mother.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Cloys.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Now, Bishop——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Is the carriage closed?</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Bishop of St. Olpherts.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>I hope not.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span><span class='sc'>Sir Fletcher Portwood.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>You shall run no risk, my dear bishop——</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='sc'>Mrs. Emptage.</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Claude, come to the gate. Give me your arm, Alec——</p> <p class='c020'>[<i>The talk ceases.</i> <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>is alone. After a pause he goes out into the garden and stands looking off towards the left, as if watching the departing carriage.</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span> <i>enters slowly and sadly; she sits upon the settee, covering her eyes with her hand</i>. <span class='sc'>John</span> <i>re-enters the room. Seeing</i> <span class='sc'>Olive</span>, <i>he remains where he is for a moment or two irresolutely; then he comes down to her, sits beside her and takes her hand</i>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div>THE END.</div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='small'><i>Printed by</i> <span class='sc'>Ballantyne, Hanson &amp; Co.</span></span></div> <div><span class='small'><i>London and Edinburgh</i></span></div> </div></div> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span><span class='large'><span class="blackletter">A Selection</span></span></div> <div class='c000'><span class='small'>FROM</span></div> <div class='c000'><i>MR. WM. HEINEMANN’S LIST.</i></div> </div></div> <hr class='c025' /> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><i>UNIFORM EDITION OF</i></div> <div>THE NOVELS OF BJÖRNSTJERNE</div> <div>BJÖRNSON.</div> <div class='c000'><span class='small'>Edited by <span class='sc'>Edmund Gosse</span>.</span></div> <div><span class='small'>Fcap. 8vo, cloth, 3s. net each volume.</span></div> <div class='c000'>Vol. I.—SYNNÖVÉ SOLBAKKEN.</div> <div>With Introductory Essay by <span class='sc'>Edmund Gosse</span>, and a Portrait</div> <div>of the Author.</div> <div class='c000'>Vol. II.—ARNE.</div> <div class='c000'>Vol. III.—A HAPPY BOY.</div> <div class='c000'><i>To be followed by</i></div> </div></div> <table class='table1' summary=''> <colgroup> <col width='50%' /> <col width='50%' /> </colgroup> <tr> <td class='brt c026'>THE FISHER MAIDEN.</td> <td class='c026'>MAGNHILD.</td> </tr> <tr> <td class='brt c026'>THE BRIDAL MARCH.</td> <td class='c026'>CAPTAIN MANSANA.</td> </tr> </table> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='small'><span class='sc'>And other Stories.</span></span></div> <div class='c000'><i>UNIFORM EDITION OF</i></div> <div>THE NOVELS OF IVAN TURGENEV.</div> <div><span class='small'>Translated by <span class='sc'>Constance Garnett</span>.</span></div> <div><span class='small'>Fcap. 8vo, cloth, price 3s. net each volume.</span></div> <div class='c000'>Vol. I.—RUDIN.</div> <div><span class='small'>With a Portrait of the Author and an Introduction by</span></div> <div><span class='small'><span class='sc'>Stepniak</span>.</span></div> <div class='c000'>Vol. II.—A HOUSE OF GENTLEFOLK.</div> <div class='c000'>Vol. III.—ON THE EVE.</div> <div class='c000'>Vol. IV.—FATHERS AND CHILDREN.</div> </div></div> <div class='lg-container-b c027'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line in7'><span class='small'><i>To be followed by</i></span></div> <div class='line in4'>Vol. V. SMOKE.</div> <div class='line in5'>”&nbsp;&nbsp;VI., VII. VIRGIN SOIL. (Two Volumes.)</div> <div class='line'>Vols. VIII., IX. A SPORTSMAN’S SKETCHES.</div> <div class='line in20'>(Two Volumes.)</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span><span class='large'><span class="blackletter">The Pioneer Series.</span></span></div> <div class='c000'><span class='small'>12mo, cloth, 3s. net; or, paper covers, 2s. 6d. net.</span></div> <div class='c000'><cite>The Athenæum.</cite>—“If this series keeps up to the present</div> <div>high level of interest, novel readers will have fresh cause for</div> <div>gratitude to Mr. Heinemann.”</div> <div class='c000'><cite>The Daily Telegraph.</cite>—“Mr. Heinemann’s genial nursery</div> <div>of up-to-date to romance.”</div> <div class='c000'><cite>The Observer.</cite>—“The smart Pioneer Series.”</div> <div class='c000'><cite>The Manchester Courier.</cite>—“The Pioneer Series promises</div> <div>to be as original as many other of Mr. Heinemann’s ventures.”</div> </div></div> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>JOANNA TRAILL, SPINSTER.</span> By <span class='sc'>Annie E. Holdsworth</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>GEORGE MANDEVILLE’S HUSBAND.</span> By <span class='sc'>C. E. Raimond</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>THE WINGS OF ICARUS.</span> By <span class='sc'>Laurence Alma Tadema</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>THE GREEN CARNATION.</span> By <span class='sc'>R. S. Hichens</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>AN ALTAR OF EARTH.</span> By <span class='sc'>Thymol Monk</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>A STREET IN SUBURBIA.</span> By <span class='sc'>E. W. Pugh</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>THE NEW MOON.</span> By <span class='sc'>C. E. Raimond</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>MILLY’S STORY.</span> By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Montague Crackanthorpe</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>MRS. MUSGRAVE—AND HER HUSBAND.</span> By <span class='sc'>Richard Marsh</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>THE DEMAGOGUE AND LADY PHAYRE.</span> By <span class='sc'>William J. Locke</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE.</span> By <span class='sc'>Stephen Crane</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>SOME FRIENDS AND A WOMAN.</span> By <span class='sc'>C. G. Compton</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>PAPIER MACHÉE.</span> By <span class='sc'>Charles Allen</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>THE NEW VIRTUE.</span> By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Oscar Beringer</span>.</p> <p class='c018'><span class='large'>ACROSS AN ULSTER BOG.</span> By <span class='sc'>M. Hamilton</span>.</p> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='small'><i>Other Volumes to follow.</i></span></div> </div></div> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center c028'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span><span class='large'><span class="blackletter">Popular 3s. 6d. Novels.</span></span></div> </div></div> <p class='c029'><span class='large'>ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN.</span> By <span class='sc'>Amélie Rives</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>ORIOLE’S DAUGHTER.</span> By <span class='sc'>Jessie Fothergill</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>THE MASTER OF THE MAGICIANS.</span> By <span class='sc'>Elizabeth Stuart Phelps</span> and <span class='sc'>Herbert D. Ward</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>THE HEAD OF THE FIRM.</span> By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Riddell</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>THE STORY OF A PENITENT SOUL.</span> By <span class='sc'>Adeline Sergeant</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>THE SURRENDER OF MARGARET BELLARMINE.</span> By <span class='sc'>Adeline Sergeant</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>NOR WIFE, NOR MAID.</span> By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Hungerford</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>THE HOYDEN.</span> By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Hungerford</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>MAMMON.</span> A Novel. By Mrs. <span class='sc'>Alexander</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>DAUGHTERS OF MEN.</span> By <span class='sc'>Hannah Lynch</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>A LITTLE MINX.</span> By <span class='sc'>Ada Cambridge</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>A MARKED MAN:</span> Some Episodes in his Life. By <span class='sc'>Ada Cambridge</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>THE THREE MISS KINGS.</span> By <span class='sc'>Ada Cambridge</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>NOT ALL IN VAIN.</span> By <span class='sc'>Ada Cambridge</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>A KNIGHT OF THE WHITE FEATHER.</span> By <span class='sc'>Tasma</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>UNCLE PIPER OF PIPER’S HILL.</span> By <span class='sc'>Tasma</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>THE PENANCE OF PORTIA JAMES.</span> By <span class='sc'>Tasma</span>.</p> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center c028'> <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span><span class='large'><span class="blackletter">Heinemann’s International Library.</span></span></div> </div></div> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center c028'> <div>Edited by EDMUND GOSSE. Price 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> paper.</div> <div class='c000'><span class='large'>⁂</span> Each Volume has an Introduction specially written</div> <div>by the Editor.</div> </div></div> <p class='c031'><span class='small'><cite>New Review.</cite>—“If you have any pernicious remnants of literary chauvinism, I hope it will not survive the series of foreign classics of which Mr. William Heinemann, aided by Mr. Edmund Gosse, is publishing translations to the great contentment of all lovers of literature.”</span></p> <p class='c031'><cite>Times.</cite>—“A venture which deserves encouragement.”</p> <p class='c029'><span class='large'>IN GOD’S WAY.</span> From the Norwegian of <span class='sc'>Björnstjerne Björnson</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>PIERRE AND JEAN.</span> From the French of <span class='sc'>Guy de Maupassant</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>THE CHIEF JUSTICE.</span> From the German of <span class='sc'>Karl Emil Franzos</span>, Author of “For the Right,” &amp;c.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>WORK WHILE YE HAVE THE LIGHT.</span> From the Russian of <span class='sc'>Count Tolstoy</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>FANTASY.</span> From the Italian of <span class='sc'>Matilde Serao</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>FROTH.</span> From the Spanish of <span class='sc'>Don Armando Palacio Valdés</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>FOOTSTEPS OF FATE.</span> From the Dutch of <span class='sc'>Louis Couperus</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>PEPITA JIMÉNEZ.</span> From the Spanish of <span class='sc'>Juan Valera</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>THE COMMODORE’S DAUGHTERS.</span> From the Norwegian of <span class='sc'>Jonas Lie</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>THE HERITAGE OF THE KURTS.</span> From the Norwegian of <span class='sc'>Björnstjerne Björnson</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>LOU.</span> From the German of <span class='sc'>Baron Von Roberts</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>DOÑA LUZ.</span> From the Spanish of <span class='sc'>Juan Valera</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>THE JEW.</span> From the Polish of <span class='sc'>Joseph Ignatius Kraszewski</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>UNDER THE YOKE.</span> From the Bulgarian of <span class='sc'>Ivan Vazoff</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>FAREWELL LOVE!</span> From the Italian of <span class='sc'>Matilde Serao</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>THE GRANDEE.</span> From the Spanish of <span class='sc'>Don Armando Palacio Valdés</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>A COMMON STORY.</span> From the Russian of <span class='sc'>Gontcharoff</span>.</p> <p class='c030'><span class='large'>WOMAN’S FOLLY.</span> From the Italian of <span class='sc'>Gemma Ferruggia</span>.</p> <div class='pbb'> <hr class='pb c000' /></div> <p class='c001'><SPAN name='endnote'></SPAN></p> <div class='tnotes'> <div class='nf-center-c0'> <div class='nf-center'> <div><span class='large'>Transcriber’s Note</span></div> </div></div> <p class='c001'>Minor inconsistencies in the punctuation of stage directions have been regularized.</p> <p class='c001'>Errors deemed most likely to be the printer’s have been corrected, and are noted here. The references are to the page and line in the original. The following issues should be noted, along with the resolutions.</p> <table class='table2' summary=''> <colgroup> <col width='12%' /> <col width='69%' /> <col width='18%' /> </colgroup> <tr> <td class='c032'><SPAN name='c_v.5'></SPAN><SPAN href='#corrv.5'>v.5</SPAN></td> <td class='c032'>on the same day[,]</td> <td class='c005'>Added.</td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c032'><SPAN name='c_5.17'></SPAN><SPAN href='#corr5.17'>5.17</SPAN></td> <td class='c032'><i>Taking a screw of paper from her glove[.]</i></td> <td class='c005'>Added.</td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c032'><SPAN name='c_25.2'></SPAN><SPAN href='#corr25.2'>25.2</SPAN></td> <td class='c032'>But I must have[ have] every support</td> <td class='c005'>Redundant.</td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c032'><SPAN name='c_216.19'></SPAN><SPAN href='#corr216.19'>216.19</SPAN></td> <td class='c032'>Allowe[d]—what?</td> <td class='c005'>Added.</td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c032'><SPAN name='c_242.17'></SPAN><SPAN href='#corr242.17'>242.17</SPAN></td> <td class='c032'>No, thank you, Alec[.]</td> <td class='c005'>Added.</td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c032'><SPAN name='c_243.22'></SPAN><SPAN href='#corr243.22'>243.22</SPAN></td> <td class='c032'>This is truth[!/,] truth!]</td> <td class='c005'>Replaced.</td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c032'><SPAN name='c_286.9'></SPAN><SPAN href='#corr286.9'>286.9</SPAN></td> <td class='c032'>grown heartily sick of her solemn surroundings[.]</td> <td class='c005'>Added.</td> </tr> <tr> <td class='c032'><SPAN name='c_288.14'></SPAN><SPAN href='#corr288.14'>288.14</SPAN></td> <td class='c032'>may it[’]s back remain equal to the burden</td> <td class='c005'>Removed.</td> </tr> </table></div> <SPAN name="endofbook"></SPAN> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />