Tom.(throwing his hat onR.table) Lunch, at last! Aren’t I ready for it? (runs off,R.D.)Mil.(throwing hers on the table) Tom! Wait for me. (runs offR.D.)Katelooks fromMildredtoSir Peterpathetically. ExitPrice,R.D.Philipappears on staircase, slowly coming down.Bea.(coming downC.) You must be hungry after your journey. (R.ofLord Normantower)Nor.(coming downC.) Yes, thank heaven, my appetite is as redoubtable as ever. Miss Derwent may—(about to offer arm)Bea.(cutting in) Sir Peter, will you bring Miss Derwent?Lord Normantoweris obliged to offer his arm toBeatrice. ExitLord NormantowerandBeatrice,R.Sir Peteroffers his arm toKatewhom he takesR.C.Phil.(on stairs) Stop, doctor, stop. (comes down toR.ofKate) Don’t monopolise all the good things. Suppose we go shares. (offers his arm toKate)Kate.(between the two) Don’t be scandalised. (toSir Peter) Mr. Selwyn often gives me his arm. Here—(looking atPhilip) I am more like a friend than a dependant.Phil.(looking atKate) More like a sister than a friend. (exeunt,R.D.)SWELL MUSIC.Quick Act Drop.Time: Thirty Minutes. Wait: Thirteen Minutes.ACT II.Scene.—A Boudoir, opening through a conservatory on to a terrace. Doors,R.andL.A water jug and goblet on table. A week has elapsed. Morning. Lights full up. Music for Act Drop.Beatriceenters,L., as curtain rises.Katediscovered watering plants in conservatory, up in opening,R.C.Bea.Good morning, Miss Derwent.Kate.Good morning, Mrs. Selwyn.Bea.At work, as usual. How industrious you are! (comes downC., to sofa)Kate.Yes—I’ve been saying good-bye to all my favourites. (pause—Beatricetakes up a book—Kategoes on watering the plants) How is Mr. Selwyn this morning?Bea.He is not so well. (her back is towardsKate)Kate.I’m sorry to hear that. I hope he will be well enough to shake hands with me before I go.Bea.Then you are determined to leave us?Kate.(leaves can upR.C., and comes downC.) I can’t tell you how sorry I am, but I mustn’t stop here for ever. Mildred learnt all that I can teach her long ago; and if I stay much longer, I shall be the pupil. Since Mr. Verinder’s arrival I have had several lessons in the English language as it is spoken at Eton, and I flatter myself I shall soon be able to “cackle” as well as if I wore a remarkably short jacket and remarkably tight inexpressibles.Bea.You under-rate your accomplishments.Idon’t think there ismuchthat Mildred could teach you.Kate.(grimaces behind her back) Don’t make me blush, my dear.Bea.You makemeblush sometimes.Kate.Then you ought to be extremely obliged to me, for nothing becomes you better. (grimaces as before) Mrs. Selwyn, we are now quite old friends. I cannot leave Ravenhurst without some little memento of our companionship—There are no horrid men about to hear us—Before I go, tell me (dropping down nearBeatriceinto an attitude of mock earnestness) oh, tell me—— (behind sofaR.ofBeatrice)Bea.Well?Kate.The secret of your complexion.Bea.(smiling) It’s a very simple one—Arsenic.Kate.(rises) Arsenic! But that’s a poison.Bea.Yes, if you take too much of it; but if you take a little, it——Kate.It what!Bea.Improves the complexion.Kate.Does it? Where do you get it?Bea.From the chemist’s, of course.Kate.But will they sell it you?Bea.Yes, if you’re candid and confide in them. My love, if you want to look better than Nature intended you——Kate.As, of course, I do——Bea.Confide in your chemist. Make some ridiculous excuse—say that the family cat is in convulsions—and they will sell you nothing. They know it’s absurd. Say that you want to improve your complexion, and they will sell you anything; they know it’s the truth.Kate.My dear Mrs. Selwyn—for this information much thanks. (moves towards door,R.U.E.)Bea.Where are you going?Kate.To the chemist’s.EnterLord Normantower,R.U.D.Nor.May I come in? (comes well on stage,R.C.)Kate.(upC.) It seems to me you’ve come. (betweenNormantowerandBeatrice)Nor.Yes; when I want to do anything particularly, I do it first and ask permission afterwards. It prevents disappointment, and it’s so very easy to apologise.Bea.In this case no apology is needed.Nor.(starting) Mrs. Selwyn! excuse me for not seeing you. (crosses down toBeatrice, standingR.of sofa.Kateturns up and resumes watering plants,R.C.) How is Philip to-day?Bea.I’m sorry to say my husband is not at all well this morning.Nor.Old Lund seems to be making him worse instead of better.Bea.Sir Peter has now been here a week, and Philip has grown worse every day.Nor.I’m sureIoughtn’t to find fault with Lund; he’s polished off nearly all my relations for me; but I’m not certain that I quite believe in the old boy. There’s too much M.D.F.S.A. about him. I never knew a fool who hadn’t half the alphabet at the end of his name. (turns away a few steps)Kate.(demurely) Atwhichend my Lord Edward, Arthur, Henry, Earl of Normantower? (coming down toR.ofNormantower,R.C., can in hand.Beatricerises and goes to fireL., taking book with her)Nor.Now, that’s too bad of you, Miss Derwent. It’snot my fault that I’ve enough names to christen the family of a curate.Kate.Let this be a lesson to you. Don’t throw stones at a friend of mine! (goes up to openingR.C.)Nor.Mine was a very little stone; yours was half a brick. (Katecontinues watering the plants)Phil.(off,L.) Beatrice!Bea.My husband! I must leave Miss Derwent to console you. She won’t have many more opportunities. (goes upL.)Phil.Beatrice!Bea.Yes, dear! I’m coming! (exitL.D.)Nor.Not many more opportunities? What does she mean? (standing puzzledC.—turning his head toKate)Kate.(in conservatory) Mrs. Selwyn means that I am leaving Ravenhurst.Nor.You’re going away! (goes up toKate)Kate.This afternoon. (R.)}}of opening,R.C.)Nor.For good? (L.) }Kate.For Mrs. Selwyn’s good.Nor.You don’t mean to say she’s given you notice.Kate.(comes downR.C., as far as piano) Mrs. Selwyn is too amiable to give anybody notice; but when she wants to get rid of them, in the most charming manner in the world, she makes them so exceedingly uncomfortable that they give notice themselves.Nor.(comes downL.of her) But she can’t possibly want to get rid ofyou?Kate.Why not?Nor.We’re all in love withyou.Kate.Are you? Perhaps that’s the reason. Do you like plants? (turns suddenly, can in hand, so that the water is supposed to splashNormantower)Nor.Blow plants! (drawing back)Kate.(stopping)Whatplants? (in openingR.C.)Nor.(goes to fire,L., wiping his coat) Any plants—all plants—I hate ’em.Kate.(crosses in conservatory toL.C.) I love them. I have been watering my pets for the last time.Nor.(L.) I see. You’ve been standing them a parting drink.Kate.My lord! (in openingL.C.)Nor.By the way, isn’t tobacco very good for plants? (crossing up toC.)Kate.Excellent. Why do you ask?Nor.I was just thinking, while you are watering the plants in the conservatory, it might be doing them a serviceif I were to smoke a cigarette in the conservatory. (producing case)Kate.(puts can down,L.C., behind flat, and comes down toNormantower,C.) Not for the world! Lord Normantower, let me tell you a shocking fact. The very odour of tobacco has such an effect upon me, that if you were to light a cigarette——Nor.(putting case back) It would make you uncomfortable?Kate.No! I should want to join you.Nor.No!Kate.There! you’re shocked. (goes down to sofa)Nor.Not a bit of it. I like you, Miss Derwent, because you say what you mean.Kate.Sometimes I say a great deal more than I mean. (sits on sofa)Nor.And sometimes I mean a great deal more than I can say. Miss Derwent—— (behind sofa,R.ofKate)Kate.(sitting) Lord Normantower?Nor.What a strange thing it is that you have grown this old—— (Katelooks at him) I mean, this young, without being married.Kate.I shall never marry.Nor.That’s exactly my case. I’ve had one disappointment, and I don’t mean to have another. Once bit, twice shy, they say.Kate.Youhave been bitten?Nor.(goes toR.C.) Badly. But it’s all for the best. It’s made me distrustful of women and a confirmed bachelor. (returns to back of sofa) Why do people want to get married?Kate.I’ve often wondered.Nor.(about to take her hand) Miss Derwent, I’ve been so awfully glad I’m a confirmed bachelor, ever since I metyou.Kate.(removing her hand, which his hand follows) What difference can that make?Nor.Well, you see, if I wasn’t a confirmed bachelor, I might have been married.Kate.Well?Nor.(hand business repeated) And if I was married, I couldn’t marry again.Kate.Of course not.Nor.And if I couldn’t marry again, I couldn’t marry——Kate.Go on. Finish your sentence.Nor.(seizing her hand) You!EnterSir Peter,through conservatory, suddenly,R.U.E.They take opposite sides of the stage;Kate,L.C.,Normantower,R.Sir P.Ah! I saw you! (comes downC.)Kate.Sir Peter, I believe you have eyes in the small of your back.Sir P.Yes—and ears too. I heard you.Nor.Then, why did you interrupt us?Sir P.I thought it was time. You forget, that I am in the next room—that the rooms communicate through the terrace—and that you had not taken the precaution of shutting the outer door of the conservatory. (KateandNormantowerlook at one another)Re-enterBeatriceL.D.,she goes downL.toKate.Bea.Ah, doctor! Philip was asking for you. He has just got up. What time’s your train, Miss Derwent?Kate.Half-past two. I must be getting ready. (Normantowerturns up and opensR.U.D.,standing above it)Sir P.Then, it’s decided, you are going?Kate.Quite. But I shall see you again. (crosses in front ofSir Peterup toR.U.D.)Bea.(comes to front of sofa) The brougham is quite at your service. (Katebows and exitR.U.D.Normantowerspeaks through open door to her for a few moments)Sir P.(C.) So Miss Derwent is leaving you?Bea.She wished to go. She has always been allowed to do as she pleased here, and she has availed herself of the privilege.Sir P.(looking atBeatrice) I see. (enterPhilipL.D.)Bea.Ah, here is Philip! (goes to him, affectionately)Phil.Good morning, doctor. (coming down with his arm roundBeatrice) Morning, Normantower. (goes to sofa and sits.Beatricegoes to back of tableL.C.and sits)Nor.Sorry to hear you’re not so well this morning. (comes downR.and sits at piano, facingPhilip)Phil.I ought to get better, if the best of doctors and the most devoted of nurses are of any use; but somehow I don’t.Sir P.You get worse. (R.of sofa)Phil.I shouldn’t mind so much, if I didn’t find my temper giving way—just now, I spoke quite crossly to poor little Mousey here (takes her hand)—and she was only carrying out your instructions. (toSir Peter)Bea.The fact is, doctor, he’s a very naughty boy, and won’t take his medicine, though I always give it him with my own hands. He hasn’t taken any to-day.Sir P.Oh, you won’t take your medicine?Phil.It’s such horrid stuff; and somehow, I always feel worse after taking it.Sir P.So much the better. Shows it’s doing you good.Nor.(smiling) That’s all my eye, doctor. (Beatricerisesand goes towardsR.U.D.)Sir P.No, sir, it’s all his liver. Oblige me by not interrupting.Bea.(upR.C.) Come, Lord Normantower. (Normantowerrises, turns up and opensR.U.D.forBeatrice, who crosses in front of him.Philiprises and goes toL.) Sir Peter would like to be alone with Philip. (exitBeatriceR.U.D.)Nor.(following—aside) And I’d like to be alone with Miss Derwent. (exitNormantower)Phil.Now I am at your service. (arranges easy chair and sits)Sir P.(goes toR.of table,L.C.) Have you made your will?Phil.(starts) Well, you’re a lively doctor!Sir P.Have you made your will? (with emphasis)Phil.Am I so ill as that? (aghast)Sir P.Yes, sir—you are.Phil.But if it’s only my liver.Sir P.It isnotyour liver.Phil.Is it my heart? Is anything wrong there?Sir P.Nothing of any consequence. It’s rather too large, and rather too soft—that’s all that’s wrong with your heart.Phil.What is it then?Sir P.(sits on sofa) I can account for your condition, only on one hypothesis, and that one is out of the question.Phil.Mayn’t I know what it is?Sir P.Since it’s out of the question, it’s no use discussing it. You haven’t answered me. Have you made your will?Phil.Yes—long ago. It was a very simple matter. Mildred is provided for; so I have left everything to my wife, absolutely. (Sir Peterrises and rings the bell, below fire, crossing in front)Phil.Do you want anything?Sir P.Yes. The name and address of your solicitor.Phil.Old Merivale, of High Street! why? (enterJohnson,R.U.D.,she comes on toR.C.)Sir P.(crosses toC.) Mr. Selwyn’s compliments to Mr. Merivale, Solicitor, High Street, and will he kindly come here at once? (exitJohnsonR.U.D.Sir Peterreturns toR.of table)Phil.What for?Sir P.To draw your will.Phil.But I tell you, I’ve made it.Sir P.You must make another. (sits, produces documents, and puts on pince-nez)Phil.Sir Peter, you are incomprehensible!Sir P.Let me make myself clear. Your father, Philip Selwyn, was married to your mother, Mildred Kent, in July, 1865. I need not show you the certificate.Phil.Of course not.Sir P.Two years before, in March, 1863, one Philip Derwent was married to one Kate Graham.Phil.Derwent? Kate? Miss Derwent’s father, I presume?Sir P.Yes. There is the certificate.Phil.I don’t want to see it.Sir P.But I want you to see it. (gives it toPhilip)Phil.(glances at it and returns it) How does it concern me?Sir P.It concernsher, doesn’t it?Phil.Of course.Sir P.And she being your half-sister, it concernsyou.Phil.Miss Derwent, my half-sister! What do you mean?Sir P.That Philip Selwyn and Philip Derwent were one and the same person.Phil.Sir Peter!Sir P.Of that I have no proof, except your father’s word.Phil.My father’s word?Sir P.Given to me on his death-bed. Do youdoubthis word? Do you doubt mine?Phil.No—but I cannot grasp it! Am I awake, or am I dreaming? I have such strange dreams.Sir P.You are awake—and for the first time in your life. Till to-day, you have been living in a dream.Phil.My father was a widower, when he married my mother? Why did he not say so? Why did he change his name?Sir P.Because he wasnota widower.Phil.Not a widower!Sir P.Because his first wife was alive——Phil.Alive! (leaning well forward)Sir P.There is the certificate of her death—twenty years later.(Philiptakes it, looks at it blankly, drops back into seat.)Phil.(after a short pause) Incredible!Sir P.I haven’t half done yet.Phil.Go on—go on. (leaning forward again to table and placing certificate on it)Sir P.You inherited from your father everything you possess?Phil.Everything!Sir P.He bequeathed to you, and your sister Mildred, all his fortune?Phil.All.Sir P.Where did he get that fortune?Phil.Well?Sir P.From his first wife.Phil.(springing up) It’s false! itmustbe false!Sir P.(rises) I have his word for it, and it can be proved. He left her penniless; and left his child to struggle with the world as best they could—and nobly they did it. Yes, sir, it is too true. The father you have loved and honouredwas——Phil.(extending his arms, as if to stopSir Peter) My father! (Sir Peterstands for a moment, nonplussed)Sir P.Was your father—just so. (turns off.Sir Peterpicks up certificate from table and goes toR.C.down stage, folding papers which he returns to his pocket,Philipleans on mantel-piece—aside, looking atPhilip) Takes it very well.Phil.(goes toL.C., helping himself by table) I want to ask you one question. Dare I? (they stand looking at one another for an instant)Sir P.You mean, your mother.Phil.Yes.Sir P.She knew nothing of this.Phil.Thank heaven for that—thank heaven! (falls heavily into sofa, and sobs upon the table)Re-enterBeatrice, followed byKate,in travelling dress,R.U.D.Sir PeterdownR.Philipsits up.Bea.(upC.) Philip dear, Miss Derwent has come to say good-bye to you. She is going. (crosses behind and goes downL.of table)Phil.(rising) She isnotgoing. (Sir Peterturns up to piano)Kate.(crosses down toPhilip) The brougham is at the door, Mr. Selwyn, and I have left myself barely time to catch the train; but I could not go without shaking hands with you, and thanking you for all your kindness. I came here a stranger, and I have found almost a brother. (offers her two hands)Phil.(taking and holding them) Yes, youhavefound a brother; andIhave found a sister.Kate.Mr. Selwyn!Phil.Whom I have wronged without knowing it—of whose very existence I was unaware till this moment; but whom I know at last, and to whom I will make restitution.Bea.Philip? (advances a step;Philipturns toBeatrice)Kate.(turning toSir Peter) You have broken your promise!Sir P.I made no promise. (sitsR.by piano, interested in scene)Phil.Yes, Beatrice, this is my sister——Kate.(C.,breaking out) But you need not acknowledge me. I ask for nothing but to go away. Let the past be forgotten. Of what use is it to revive a sorrow that is dead, and to publish a sin that is unknown? (toSir Peter) It cannot be right to make three beings unhappy, to do justice to one, when all that one asks is to go away.Phil.You know, then?Kate.Everything!Phil.And you have said nothing!Kate.(toR.of sofa) Because you have taught me to love you! (Philipsinks on sofa) I want you to be happy—I want to be happy myself—and if I wreck your happiness, I shall destroy my own. All I ask is to go—let me go! let me go! (goes toSir Peterwho rises and checks her, and then sits again)Phil.It is for me to go. This place belongs to you.Bea.(L.C.) To her? (front of table)Phil.Yes, all I have is hers. (turning toBeatrice) Beatrice, my father was not married to my mother legally—he was married before—Kate is his lawful child—the money he left me was her mother’s—and to her it must be restored, to the last shilling.Sir P.(rises) Nonsense! this is quixotic!Phil.(peremptorily) I know what my duty is, and it shall be done. (toBeatrice) Am I not right?Bea.(humbly) Yes, Philip.Phil.(goes toKate,C., takes her hand and puts arm round her; toKate) You have battled with the world long enough. Now it ismyturn. Till to-day I have been living in a fool’s paradise, but now I have awaken from my dream. I am not afraid, because I am not alone. (goes slowly toBeatriceand takes her hand) Many things have been taken from me. My fortune, my good name, my father’s memory—all these are gone! but you are left to me. I have a wife to work for, whose love will sustain me; who will share my trials as she has shared my prosperity. (goes towardsKate) Don’t fear for me. I will fight and I will conquer. (dropping exhausted) Ah, if I were only stronger! (on sofa;Beatricegoes to fire,L.)Sir P.(goes toKatewho isR.of sofa; toKatewho is about to speak) You have said enough. Remember, your brother is an invalid. (goes toR.C.)Phil.But Iwon’tbe an invalid—I’ll make my will to-day.Bea.Anotherwill? (at fire)Phil.Leaving Kate everything.Kate.(to back of sofa,R.ofPhilip) Philip! Imustspeak, for our sister’s sake. If you have no thought for yourself, have some for her.Phil.Mildred is provided for already. I cannot deal withhermoney; but I can with my own.Kate.It is not a question of money. Remember, if this secret is made known——Phil.Ah!Kate.What will be said of her?Phil.That never crossed my thoughts.Kate.(goes down a few steps,C.) Think of it now. It is not too late.Phil.Oh! (pressing his hands to his temples) What am I to do?Kate.(toR.of sofa, below it and kneels) Do what is best for everyone. Accept a favour from a sister who asks you—on her knees! Keep our secret! Remain here—the master of Ravenhurst. Philip! For Mildred’s sake.Phil.(opening his arms) Kate! may God bless you!Kate.Brother! (falling into his arms.Beatricestands with her head bowed submissively)Sir P.(comes toKatewho rises, he takes her awayR.C.a few steps) There, that’s settled. Now, let my patient have a little rest.Phil.(toKate,who moves away) You won’t go far? You won’t leave Ravenhurst?Sir P.(promptingKate) No.Kate.No.Phil.You will stay here—under this roof?Sir P.(prompting) Yes.Kate.If I am welcome—for the present—yes.Phil.And for the future?Bea.(crosses toC.) Yes. Your sister will be always welcome here. (takesKate’shand.Katebows to her and exitR.I.D.Beatriceturns toPhilipcaressingly)Sir P.(following—aside) Damn’d good actress, that woman! (exitR.)Phil.How can I thank you, Beatrice? How can I tell you bow proud I am of you, and how I love you? (holding both her hands, draws her down by his side) Oh, my darling wife, how can I soften this blow which has fallen upon you? (embracing her)Bea.Philip, don’t think ofme.Phil.(R.arm round her) But Imustthink of you, who never think of yourself. If I were to die? (L.hand holding hers)Bea.Dearest, don’t talk of death. (withdraws hand)Phil.(takes his arm from her, and leans forward) I am more ill than I seem—more ill than anybody knows. I can’t help thinking of death, for every day it seems to draw nearer and nearer. I can feel it coming—slowly, mysteriously, weirdly—gathering about me—wrapping me round and round. (almost to himself)Bea.(rises) Hush, Philip, hush! You are tired. (goes away two steps toC.) Shall I leave you for a while?Phil.No, no! Don’t go away. (holding out his hands as she moves up to back of sofa,R.of him) You are all I have left, mousey. I am not tired; but oh, I feel so drowsy! I seem to get worse every day.Bea.And why, my dear? Because you won’t take your medicine. Come. Let me bring it you now. (goes towardsL.D.)Phil.That beastly medicine! Perhaps I’d better take it; but I shall have no head to talk to old Merivale, when he comes.Bea.You’ve sent for him? (behind chair back of table)Phil.I expect him every minute.Bea.Then, there’s no time to be lost. I’ll bring it you at once. (goesL.)Phil.I’m doing right, aren’t I, mousey? (R.end of sofa facing her)Bea.In what way? (at doorL.)Phil.In making this new will.Bea.You always do right, Philip.Phil.I have your acquiescence?Bea.Certainly.Phil.Then, I will lose no time. It shall be made to-day.ExitBeatrice,L.D.Phil.(knock at door,R.) Who is it?EnterTomR.U.D.,followed closely byMildred,arm in arm.Tom.(upR.C.) Only me, Mr. Selwyn.Mil.(upR.C.) OnlyI,Tom.Tom.Oh, bother grammar! (releases her arm, they come down toC.)Phil.Well, children? How areyouto-day?Tom.(L.ofMildred) Oh, we’re all right; but, I say, Mr. Selwyn, I wish everybody wouldn’t call us “children.” I don’t like it.Mil.And it’s not true.Tom.I’m turned sixteen.Mil.And I’m fifteen next birthday!Phil.Well, then, my man and woman, what do you want?Tom.You tell him, Mildred! }} (half whispered)Mil.No—youtell him, Tom! }Tom.Are you quite well enough to stand a shock?Phil.What, are you studying electricity? Or is it some toy?Tom.Electricity! (with contempt—turns upC., and down again)Mil.A toy!Tom.Mr. Selwyn, you make it jolly hard for a fellow to say what he wants to say—just when he wants a leg up.Mil.Tom! “A leg up?”Tom.Oh, bother style! Let me say what I mean.Phil.And what do you mean, my lad? (smiling)Tom.If you please—we want to get married. (rather frightened, takingMildred’shand, and retreating with her up toR.C., facingPhilip)Phil.(suddenly serious) Want to get married?Mil.That’s the shock!Tom.(aside to her) Now for it. (holding her tight) Don’t run away—Iwon’t!Phil.You are both too young to think about such things!Tom.(sturdily) I’m sure we’re not too young—(down toC.)Mil.Tothinkabout such things.Phil.Well, to talk about them.Mil.(crossesTomtoPhilip, back of sofa. Imploringly) Philip!Tom.Mildred, this is no place for you. (hands her across toR.U.D.) Leave me alone with Mr. Selwyn.Mil.(aside toTom) Tom! You won’t come to blows? (atR.U.D.)Tom.(L.of her, aside to her) I will control myself. I will not forget the respect that is due to the brother of my affianced wife.Mil.That’s right, Tom.Tom.Wait for me—on the mat. (exitMildred,R.U.D.Tomcomes boldly down toC.) Now, Mr. Selwyn, we are alone. We can discuss this matter as men of the world.Phil.My dear Tom— (Tomdraws himself up) Mr. Verinder—Such a thing as marriage at your early age is, of course, preposterous; but I wish you distinctly to understand that the remotest idea of an engagement between you and Mildred is equally out of the question.Tom.May I ask why, sir?Phil.You belong to a very proud family; and there are reasons which you would scarcely understand——Tom.Mr. Selwyn!Phil.Which, at any rate, I can’t enter into—that make it impossible you should ever marry my sister.Tom.That is your ultimatum? (a step towardsPhilip)Phil.Yes. (sighing)Tom.Good day, sir. (walks to the door,R.,with importance, suddenly breaks down—exit blubbering,R.U.D.)Phil.(rises) Poor Tom! He’s only a boy, but he’s a gentleman! (goes to fire,L., and leans on mantle)Re-enterBeatrice,L.D.,pouring medicine out of a medicine bottle into a medicine glass, in which she has already put the poison. She comes downC.toR.of table.Bea.Here it is, Philip. (hands glass to him)Phil.Oh dear me, how tired I am of the horrid stuff! (takes glass, and sits wearilyL.of table) Surely you have given me too much?Bea.No—just the right measure. See! (between table and sofa, holding up bottle)Phil.How many doses are there left?Bea.(with bottle) Only three more. (puts bottle onR.of table, and goes round behind to back ofPhilip) Now, drink it up without thinking about it; and if, like a good boy, you don’t leave a drop, you shall have a kiss afterwards, to take the taste away.Phil.Well, I suppose I must. (raises glass to his lips—about to drink,Beatricewatches him eagerly)EnterJohnson,R.U.D.,quickly.John.(upR.C.) Oh, if you please’m! (pants)(Philipputs glass down onL.side of table)Bea.(annoyed) What’s the matter, Johnson? (moves a little towardsJohnson)John.Miss Mildred—— (out of breath)Phil.What of Miss Mildred?John.She is in hysterics.Phil.Mildred ill! (rises and goes quickly acrossR.ExeuntJohnsonandPhilipR.U.D.)Bea.(follows across toR.C.up stage) Never mind Mildred! Philip dear! (stamps her foot) Only another second and—— (moves downC.looking at glass)Phil.(off) Beatrice!Re-enterTombreathless,R.Tom.Oh, Mrs. Selwyn, please do come to Mildred! She’s in a fit, or something. (R.ofBeatrice)Bea.Nonsense!Tom.Do come, please! (passes behind toL.of her) The shock has been too much for her.Re-enterPhilipquickly.Phil.Beatrice! Quick! (Tomhas herL.hand,Philipher right; they force her to the door between them; asBeatriceexits she looks back at glass on table)Bea.In a moment! (glancing at glass)Tom.Come along!Phil.Beatrice! do come! (exeuntR.upper door. The door shuts with a bang. Music in orchestra)Sir Peterappears in the conservatory, and enters fromR.Sir P.Nobody here. Perhaps he’s lying down. (taps at door,L.) Nobody there. They’ve gone downstairs. (comes down toC.passing behind sofa) He must be better, then. (music stops, pause, lost in thought) Peter, my boy, if anyone had told you, you could study a case as you have studied this, for a week, and not be able to make head or tail of it, you would have kicked—pulled his nose for him. (goes toR.of table.) Whatisthe matter with this man? Of course itmightbe—but that’s out of the question. (sits on sofa) Ah, there’s his medicine. What did he say? He always felt worse after taking it. I don’t know why he should. Only a tonic, with a nasty flavour. People like nasty medicine. Think it does ’em good. (rises, tastes it) Well—it isnasty. (starts slightly as he tastes it on his tongue—lifts glass to light, examines it, then smells it, smells it again, tastes again cautiously by his finger, sets the glass down, and stands looking at it) Nothing’s out of the question! I ought to have known it. (pours dose into the goblet, smells and tastes the bottle) That’s all right. (music in orchestra. Pours out another dose into the glass, which he replaces exactly where he found it, recorks the bottle and exit slowly with goblet through conservatory,R.,pausing inC.a moment to examine medicine.)Re-enterBeatrice,R.,quickly, sees the medicine, stops short and resumes her wonted manner; downC.Re-enterPhilip,R.;music stops.Phil.She’s better now; but I was rather alarmed. (down toC.)Bea.Poor child! (goes to fireL.)Phil.She’ll soon get over it. Only a girlish fancy. Where did I put that medicine? (looking about)Bea.Here it is, dear. (gives him the glass—advancing to him)Phil.(grimacing) You can’t think how I hate it.Bea.Don’t be so absurd. I declare, you’re as great a baby assheis. (backs up stage, watching him)Phil.One—two—three! (drinks it off.Beatricegives a sigh of satisfaction) Ugh! Give me some water. (goes to piano and puts glass down)Bea.(passes behind table down toL.of it) Why, the tumbler is gone! Who can have taken it? (looking about)Phil.Johnson, I daresay. (sitsR.by piano) All right; I’m better now. That’s one dose less to take. (Re-enterSir Peterthrough conservatory, with the goblet empty) Three more, I think you said.Bea.(holds up bottle) But there are onlytwo!(alarmed) Someone’s been here!Sir P.Yes,Ihave. (comes downC.toR.of sofa)Bea.(terrified)You!Sir P.Your husband complained of his medicine. I thought I’d test it; so I took a dose.Bea.(dismayed)Youtook it? (puts bottle on table)Sir P.Yes. (looking at her)Phil.A doctor take a dose of his own medicine!Sir P.Only to my room. (advances toR.of table) Allow me to return you the glass. (gives goblet toBeatrice)Phil.And you have tested it?Sir P.Yes.Bea.(prepared for the worst) With what result?Sir P.With none. As I expected, just what I prescribed. (sits on sofa.Beatrice, intensely relieved, turns aside to hide her emotion, as if to put goblet on mantel-piece,L.)Phil.And what did you prescribe, Sir Peter? What is this stuff you’re giving me?Sir P.A very common medicine. (crossing his legs)Phil.But what is it?Sir P.(With his eyes fixed onBeatrice) Arsenic. (Philip’sface falls.Beatriceturns quickly, dropping the goblet, which is shivered to fragments)Quick Act Drop.Time: Thirty minutes. Wait: Eleven minutes.
Tom.(throwing his hat onR.table) Lunch, at last! Aren’t I ready for it? (runs off,R.D.)
Mil.(throwing hers on the table) Tom! Wait for me. (runs offR.D.)
Katelooks fromMildredtoSir Peterpathetically. ExitPrice,R.D.Philipappears on staircase, slowly coming down.
Bea.(coming downC.) You must be hungry after your journey. (R.ofLord Normantower)
Nor.(coming downC.) Yes, thank heaven, my appetite is as redoubtable as ever. Miss Derwent may—(about to offer arm)
Bea.(cutting in) Sir Peter, will you bring Miss Derwent?
Lord Normantoweris obliged to offer his arm toBeatrice. ExitLord NormantowerandBeatrice,R.Sir Peteroffers his arm toKatewhom he takesR.C.
Phil.(on stairs) Stop, doctor, stop. (comes down toR.ofKate) Don’t monopolise all the good things. Suppose we go shares. (offers his arm toKate)
Kate.(between the two) Don’t be scandalised. (toSir Peter) Mr. Selwyn often gives me his arm. Here—(looking atPhilip) I am more like a friend than a dependant.
Phil.(looking atKate) More like a sister than a friend. (exeunt,R.D.)
SWELL MUSIC.
Quick Act Drop.
Time: Thirty Minutes. Wait: Thirteen Minutes.
Scene.—A Boudoir, opening through a conservatory on to a terrace. Doors,R.andL.A water jug and goblet on table. A week has elapsed. Morning. Lights full up. Music for Act Drop.
Beatriceenters,L., as curtain rises.Katediscovered watering plants in conservatory, up in opening,R.C.
Bea.Good morning, Miss Derwent.
Kate.Good morning, Mrs. Selwyn.
Bea.At work, as usual. How industrious you are! (comes downC., to sofa)
Kate.Yes—I’ve been saying good-bye to all my favourites. (pause—Beatricetakes up a book—Kategoes on watering the plants) How is Mr. Selwyn this morning?
Bea.He is not so well. (her back is towardsKate)
Kate.I’m sorry to hear that. I hope he will be well enough to shake hands with me before I go.
Bea.Then you are determined to leave us?
Kate.(leaves can upR.C., and comes downC.) I can’t tell you how sorry I am, but I mustn’t stop here for ever. Mildred learnt all that I can teach her long ago; and if I stay much longer, I shall be the pupil. Since Mr. Verinder’s arrival I have had several lessons in the English language as it is spoken at Eton, and I flatter myself I shall soon be able to “cackle” as well as if I wore a remarkably short jacket and remarkably tight inexpressibles.
Bea.You under-rate your accomplishments.Idon’t think there ismuchthat Mildred could teach you.
Kate.(grimaces behind her back) Don’t make me blush, my dear.
Bea.You makemeblush sometimes.
Kate.Then you ought to be extremely obliged to me, for nothing becomes you better. (grimaces as before) Mrs. Selwyn, we are now quite old friends. I cannot leave Ravenhurst without some little memento of our companionship—There are no horrid men about to hear us—Before I go, tell me (dropping down nearBeatriceinto an attitude of mock earnestness) oh, tell me—— (behind sofaR.ofBeatrice)
Bea.Well?
Kate.The secret of your complexion.
Bea.(smiling) It’s a very simple one—Arsenic.
Kate.(rises) Arsenic! But that’s a poison.
Bea.Yes, if you take too much of it; but if you take a little, it——
Kate.It what!
Bea.Improves the complexion.
Kate.Does it? Where do you get it?
Bea.From the chemist’s, of course.
Kate.But will they sell it you?
Bea.Yes, if you’re candid and confide in them. My love, if you want to look better than Nature intended you——
Kate.As, of course, I do——
Bea.Confide in your chemist. Make some ridiculous excuse—say that the family cat is in convulsions—and they will sell you nothing. They know it’s absurd. Say that you want to improve your complexion, and they will sell you anything; they know it’s the truth.
Kate.My dear Mrs. Selwyn—for this information much thanks. (moves towards door,R.U.E.)
Bea.Where are you going?
Kate.To the chemist’s.
EnterLord Normantower,R.U.D.
Nor.May I come in? (comes well on stage,R.C.)
Kate.(upC.) It seems to me you’ve come. (betweenNormantowerandBeatrice)
Nor.Yes; when I want to do anything particularly, I do it first and ask permission afterwards. It prevents disappointment, and it’s so very easy to apologise.
Bea.In this case no apology is needed.
Nor.(starting) Mrs. Selwyn! excuse me for not seeing you. (crosses down toBeatrice, standingR.of sofa.Kateturns up and resumes watering plants,R.C.) How is Philip to-day?
Bea.I’m sorry to say my husband is not at all well this morning.
Nor.Old Lund seems to be making him worse instead of better.
Bea.Sir Peter has now been here a week, and Philip has grown worse every day.
Nor.I’m sureIoughtn’t to find fault with Lund; he’s polished off nearly all my relations for me; but I’m not certain that I quite believe in the old boy. There’s too much M.D.F.S.A. about him. I never knew a fool who hadn’t half the alphabet at the end of his name. (turns away a few steps)
Kate.(demurely) Atwhichend my Lord Edward, Arthur, Henry, Earl of Normantower? (coming down toR.ofNormantower,R.C., can in hand.Beatricerises and goes to fireL., taking book with her)
Nor.Now, that’s too bad of you, Miss Derwent. It’snot my fault that I’ve enough names to christen the family of a curate.
Kate.Let this be a lesson to you. Don’t throw stones at a friend of mine! (goes up to openingR.C.)
Nor.Mine was a very little stone; yours was half a brick. (Katecontinues watering the plants)
Phil.(off,L.) Beatrice!
Bea.My husband! I must leave Miss Derwent to console you. She won’t have many more opportunities. (goes upL.)
Phil.Beatrice!
Bea.Yes, dear! I’m coming! (exitL.D.)
Nor.Not many more opportunities? What does she mean? (standing puzzledC.—turning his head toKate)
Kate.(in conservatory) Mrs. Selwyn means that I am leaving Ravenhurst.
Nor.You’re going away! (goes up toKate)
Kate.This afternoon. (R.)}
}of opening,R.C.)
Nor.For good? (L.) }
Kate.For Mrs. Selwyn’s good.
Nor.You don’t mean to say she’s given you notice.
Kate.(comes downR.C., as far as piano) Mrs. Selwyn is too amiable to give anybody notice; but when she wants to get rid of them, in the most charming manner in the world, she makes them so exceedingly uncomfortable that they give notice themselves.
Nor.(comes downL.of her) But she can’t possibly want to get rid ofyou?
Kate.Why not?
Nor.We’re all in love withyou.
Kate.Are you? Perhaps that’s the reason. Do you like plants? (turns suddenly, can in hand, so that the water is supposed to splashNormantower)
Nor.Blow plants! (drawing back)
Kate.(stopping)Whatplants? (in openingR.C.)
Nor.(goes to fire,L., wiping his coat) Any plants—all plants—I hate ’em.
Kate.(crosses in conservatory toL.C.) I love them. I have been watering my pets for the last time.
Nor.(L.) I see. You’ve been standing them a parting drink.
Kate.My lord! (in openingL.C.)
Nor.By the way, isn’t tobacco very good for plants? (crossing up toC.)
Kate.Excellent. Why do you ask?
Nor.I was just thinking, while you are watering the plants in the conservatory, it might be doing them a serviceif I were to smoke a cigarette in the conservatory. (producing case)
Kate.(puts can down,L.C., behind flat, and comes down toNormantower,C.) Not for the world! Lord Normantower, let me tell you a shocking fact. The very odour of tobacco has such an effect upon me, that if you were to light a cigarette——
Nor.(putting case back) It would make you uncomfortable?
Kate.No! I should want to join you.
Nor.No!
Kate.There! you’re shocked. (goes down to sofa)
Nor.Not a bit of it. I like you, Miss Derwent, because you say what you mean.
Kate.Sometimes I say a great deal more than I mean. (sits on sofa)
Nor.And sometimes I mean a great deal more than I can say. Miss Derwent—— (behind sofa,R.ofKate)
Kate.(sitting) Lord Normantower?
Nor.What a strange thing it is that you have grown this old—— (Katelooks at him) I mean, this young, without being married.
Kate.I shall never marry.
Nor.That’s exactly my case. I’ve had one disappointment, and I don’t mean to have another. Once bit, twice shy, they say.
Kate.Youhave been bitten?
Nor.(goes toR.C.) Badly. But it’s all for the best. It’s made me distrustful of women and a confirmed bachelor. (returns to back of sofa) Why do people want to get married?
Kate.I’ve often wondered.
Nor.(about to take her hand) Miss Derwent, I’ve been so awfully glad I’m a confirmed bachelor, ever since I metyou.
Kate.(removing her hand, which his hand follows) What difference can that make?
Nor.Well, you see, if I wasn’t a confirmed bachelor, I might have been married.
Kate.Well?
Nor.(hand business repeated) And if I was married, I couldn’t marry again.
Kate.Of course not.
Nor.And if I couldn’t marry again, I couldn’t marry——
Kate.Go on. Finish your sentence.
Nor.(seizing her hand) You!
EnterSir Peter,through conservatory, suddenly,R.U.E.They take opposite sides of the stage;Kate,L.C.,Normantower,R.
Sir P.Ah! I saw you! (comes downC.)
Kate.Sir Peter, I believe you have eyes in the small of your back.
Sir P.Yes—and ears too. I heard you.
Nor.Then, why did you interrupt us?
Sir P.I thought it was time. You forget, that I am in the next room—that the rooms communicate through the terrace—and that you had not taken the precaution of shutting the outer door of the conservatory. (KateandNormantowerlook at one another)
Re-enterBeatriceL.D.,she goes downL.toKate.
Bea.Ah, doctor! Philip was asking for you. He has just got up. What time’s your train, Miss Derwent?
Kate.Half-past two. I must be getting ready. (Normantowerturns up and opensR.U.D.,standing above it)
Sir P.Then, it’s decided, you are going?
Kate.Quite. But I shall see you again. (crosses in front ofSir Peterup toR.U.D.)
Bea.(comes to front of sofa) The brougham is quite at your service. (Katebows and exitR.U.D.Normantowerspeaks through open door to her for a few moments)
Sir P.(C.) So Miss Derwent is leaving you?
Bea.She wished to go. She has always been allowed to do as she pleased here, and she has availed herself of the privilege.
Sir P.(looking atBeatrice) I see. (enterPhilipL.D.)
Bea.Ah, here is Philip! (goes to him, affectionately)
Phil.Good morning, doctor. (coming down with his arm roundBeatrice) Morning, Normantower. (goes to sofa and sits.Beatricegoes to back of tableL.C.and sits)
Nor.Sorry to hear you’re not so well this morning. (comes downR.and sits at piano, facingPhilip)
Phil.I ought to get better, if the best of doctors and the most devoted of nurses are of any use; but somehow I don’t.
Sir P.You get worse. (R.of sofa)
Phil.I shouldn’t mind so much, if I didn’t find my temper giving way—just now, I spoke quite crossly to poor little Mousey here (takes her hand)—and she was only carrying out your instructions. (toSir Peter)
Bea.The fact is, doctor, he’s a very naughty boy, and won’t take his medicine, though I always give it him with my own hands. He hasn’t taken any to-day.
Sir P.Oh, you won’t take your medicine?
Phil.It’s such horrid stuff; and somehow, I always feel worse after taking it.
Sir P.So much the better. Shows it’s doing you good.
Nor.(smiling) That’s all my eye, doctor. (Beatricerisesand goes towardsR.U.D.)
Sir P.No, sir, it’s all his liver. Oblige me by not interrupting.
Bea.(upR.C.) Come, Lord Normantower. (Normantowerrises, turns up and opensR.U.D.forBeatrice, who crosses in front of him.Philiprises and goes toL.) Sir Peter would like to be alone with Philip. (exitBeatriceR.U.D.)
Nor.(following—aside) And I’d like to be alone with Miss Derwent. (exitNormantower)
Phil.Now I am at your service. (arranges easy chair and sits)
Sir P.(goes toR.of table,L.C.) Have you made your will?
Phil.(starts) Well, you’re a lively doctor!
Sir P.Have you made your will? (with emphasis)
Phil.Am I so ill as that? (aghast)
Sir P.Yes, sir—you are.
Phil.But if it’s only my liver.
Sir P.It isnotyour liver.
Phil.Is it my heart? Is anything wrong there?
Sir P.Nothing of any consequence. It’s rather too large, and rather too soft—that’s all that’s wrong with your heart.
Phil.What is it then?
Sir P.(sits on sofa) I can account for your condition, only on one hypothesis, and that one is out of the question.
Phil.Mayn’t I know what it is?
Sir P.Since it’s out of the question, it’s no use discussing it. You haven’t answered me. Have you made your will?
Phil.Yes—long ago. It was a very simple matter. Mildred is provided for; so I have left everything to my wife, absolutely. (Sir Peterrises and rings the bell, below fire, crossing in front)
Phil.Do you want anything?
Sir P.Yes. The name and address of your solicitor.
Phil.Old Merivale, of High Street! why? (enterJohnson,R.U.D.,she comes on toR.C.)
Sir P.(crosses toC.) Mr. Selwyn’s compliments to Mr. Merivale, Solicitor, High Street, and will he kindly come here at once? (exitJohnsonR.U.D.Sir Peterreturns toR.of table)
Phil.What for?
Sir P.To draw your will.
Phil.But I tell you, I’ve made it.
Sir P.You must make another. (sits, produces documents, and puts on pince-nez)
Phil.Sir Peter, you are incomprehensible!
Sir P.Let me make myself clear. Your father, Philip Selwyn, was married to your mother, Mildred Kent, in July, 1865. I need not show you the certificate.
Phil.Of course not.
Sir P.Two years before, in March, 1863, one Philip Derwent was married to one Kate Graham.
Phil.Derwent? Kate? Miss Derwent’s father, I presume?
Sir P.Yes. There is the certificate.
Phil.I don’t want to see it.
Sir P.But I want you to see it. (gives it toPhilip)
Phil.(glances at it and returns it) How does it concern me?
Sir P.It concernsher, doesn’t it?
Phil.Of course.
Sir P.And she being your half-sister, it concernsyou.
Phil.Miss Derwent, my half-sister! What do you mean?
Sir P.That Philip Selwyn and Philip Derwent were one and the same person.
Phil.Sir Peter!
Sir P.Of that I have no proof, except your father’s word.
Phil.My father’s word?
Sir P.Given to me on his death-bed. Do youdoubthis word? Do you doubt mine?
Phil.No—but I cannot grasp it! Am I awake, or am I dreaming? I have such strange dreams.
Sir P.You are awake—and for the first time in your life. Till to-day, you have been living in a dream.
Phil.My father was a widower, when he married my mother? Why did he not say so? Why did he change his name?
Sir P.Because he wasnota widower.
Phil.Not a widower!
Sir P.Because his first wife was alive——
Phil.Alive! (leaning well forward)
Sir P.There is the certificate of her death—twenty years later.
(Philiptakes it, looks at it blankly, drops back into seat.)
Phil.(after a short pause) Incredible!
Sir P.I haven’t half done yet.
Phil.Go on—go on. (leaning forward again to table and placing certificate on it)
Sir P.You inherited from your father everything you possess?
Phil.Everything!
Sir P.He bequeathed to you, and your sister Mildred, all his fortune?
Phil.All.
Sir P.Where did he get that fortune?
Phil.Well?
Sir P.From his first wife.
Phil.(springing up) It’s false! itmustbe false!
Sir P.(rises) I have his word for it, and it can be proved. He left her penniless; and left his child to struggle with the world as best they could—and nobly they did it. Yes, sir, it is too true. The father you have loved and honouredwas——
Phil.(extending his arms, as if to stopSir Peter) My father! (Sir Peterstands for a moment, nonplussed)
Sir P.Was your father—just so. (turns off.Sir Peterpicks up certificate from table and goes toR.C.down stage, folding papers which he returns to his pocket,Philipleans on mantel-piece—aside, looking atPhilip) Takes it very well.
Phil.(goes toL.C., helping himself by table) I want to ask you one question. Dare I? (they stand looking at one another for an instant)
Sir P.You mean, your mother.
Phil.Yes.
Sir P.She knew nothing of this.
Phil.Thank heaven for that—thank heaven! (falls heavily into sofa, and sobs upon the table)
Re-enterBeatrice, followed byKate,in travelling dress,R.U.D.Sir PeterdownR.Philipsits up.
Bea.(upC.) Philip dear, Miss Derwent has come to say good-bye to you. She is going. (crosses behind and goes downL.of table)
Phil.(rising) She isnotgoing. (Sir Peterturns up to piano)
Kate.(crosses down toPhilip) The brougham is at the door, Mr. Selwyn, and I have left myself barely time to catch the train; but I could not go without shaking hands with you, and thanking you for all your kindness. I came here a stranger, and I have found almost a brother. (offers her two hands)
Phil.(taking and holding them) Yes, youhavefound a brother; andIhave found a sister.
Kate.Mr. Selwyn!
Phil.Whom I have wronged without knowing it—of whose very existence I was unaware till this moment; but whom I know at last, and to whom I will make restitution.
Bea.Philip? (advances a step;Philipturns toBeatrice)
Kate.(turning toSir Peter) You have broken your promise!
Sir P.I made no promise. (sitsR.by piano, interested in scene)
Phil.Yes, Beatrice, this is my sister——
Kate.(C.,breaking out) But you need not acknowledge me. I ask for nothing but to go away. Let the past be forgotten. Of what use is it to revive a sorrow that is dead, and to publish a sin that is unknown? (toSir Peter) It cannot be right to make three beings unhappy, to do justice to one, when all that one asks is to go away.
Phil.You know, then?
Kate.Everything!
Phil.And you have said nothing!
Kate.(toR.of sofa) Because you have taught me to love you! (Philipsinks on sofa) I want you to be happy—I want to be happy myself—and if I wreck your happiness, I shall destroy my own. All I ask is to go—let me go! let me go! (goes toSir Peterwho rises and checks her, and then sits again)
Phil.It is for me to go. This place belongs to you.
Bea.(L.C.) To her? (front of table)
Phil.Yes, all I have is hers. (turning toBeatrice) Beatrice, my father was not married to my mother legally—he was married before—Kate is his lawful child—the money he left me was her mother’s—and to her it must be restored, to the last shilling.
Sir P.(rises) Nonsense! this is quixotic!
Phil.(peremptorily) I know what my duty is, and it shall be done. (toBeatrice) Am I not right?
Bea.(humbly) Yes, Philip.
Phil.(goes toKate,C., takes her hand and puts arm round her; toKate) You have battled with the world long enough. Now it ismyturn. Till to-day I have been living in a fool’s paradise, but now I have awaken from my dream. I am not afraid, because I am not alone. (goes slowly toBeatriceand takes her hand) Many things have been taken from me. My fortune, my good name, my father’s memory—all these are gone! but you are left to me. I have a wife to work for, whose love will sustain me; who will share my trials as she has shared my prosperity. (goes towardsKate) Don’t fear for me. I will fight and I will conquer. (dropping exhausted) Ah, if I were only stronger! (on sofa;Beatricegoes to fire,L.)
Sir P.(goes toKatewho isR.of sofa; toKatewho is about to speak) You have said enough. Remember, your brother is an invalid. (goes toR.C.)
Phil.But Iwon’tbe an invalid—I’ll make my will to-day.
Bea.Anotherwill? (at fire)
Phil.Leaving Kate everything.
Kate.(to back of sofa,R.ofPhilip) Philip! Imustspeak, for our sister’s sake. If you have no thought for yourself, have some for her.
Phil.Mildred is provided for already. I cannot deal withhermoney; but I can with my own.
Kate.It is not a question of money. Remember, if this secret is made known——
Phil.Ah!
Kate.What will be said of her?
Phil.That never crossed my thoughts.
Kate.(goes down a few steps,C.) Think of it now. It is not too late.
Phil.Oh! (pressing his hands to his temples) What am I to do?
Kate.(toR.of sofa, below it and kneels) Do what is best for everyone. Accept a favour from a sister who asks you—on her knees! Keep our secret! Remain here—the master of Ravenhurst. Philip! For Mildred’s sake.
Phil.(opening his arms) Kate! may God bless you!
Kate.Brother! (falling into his arms.Beatricestands with her head bowed submissively)
Sir P.(comes toKatewho rises, he takes her awayR.C.a few steps) There, that’s settled. Now, let my patient have a little rest.
Phil.(toKate,who moves away) You won’t go far? You won’t leave Ravenhurst?
Sir P.(promptingKate) No.
Kate.No.
Phil.You will stay here—under this roof?
Sir P.(prompting) Yes.
Kate.If I am welcome—for the present—yes.
Phil.And for the future?
Bea.(crosses toC.) Yes. Your sister will be always welcome here. (takesKate’shand.Katebows to her and exitR.I.D.Beatriceturns toPhilipcaressingly)
Sir P.(following—aside) Damn’d good actress, that woman! (exitR.)
Phil.How can I thank you, Beatrice? How can I tell you bow proud I am of you, and how I love you? (holding both her hands, draws her down by his side) Oh, my darling wife, how can I soften this blow which has fallen upon you? (embracing her)
Bea.Philip, don’t think ofme.
Phil.(R.arm round her) But Imustthink of you, who never think of yourself. If I were to die? (L.hand holding hers)
Bea.Dearest, don’t talk of death. (withdraws hand)
Phil.(takes his arm from her, and leans forward) I am more ill than I seem—more ill than anybody knows. I can’t help thinking of death, for every day it seems to draw nearer and nearer. I can feel it coming—slowly, mysteriously, weirdly—gathering about me—wrapping me round and round. (almost to himself)
Bea.(rises) Hush, Philip, hush! You are tired. (goes away two steps toC.) Shall I leave you for a while?
Phil.No, no! Don’t go away. (holding out his hands as she moves up to back of sofa,R.of him) You are all I have left, mousey. I am not tired; but oh, I feel so drowsy! I seem to get worse every day.
Bea.And why, my dear? Because you won’t take your medicine. Come. Let me bring it you now. (goes towardsL.D.)
Phil.That beastly medicine! Perhaps I’d better take it; but I shall have no head to talk to old Merivale, when he comes.
Bea.You’ve sent for him? (behind chair back of table)
Phil.I expect him every minute.
Bea.Then, there’s no time to be lost. I’ll bring it you at once. (goesL.)
Phil.I’m doing right, aren’t I, mousey? (R.end of sofa facing her)
Bea.In what way? (at doorL.)
Phil.In making this new will.
Bea.You always do right, Philip.
Phil.I have your acquiescence?
Bea.Certainly.
Phil.Then, I will lose no time. It shall be made to-day.
ExitBeatrice,L.D.
Phil.(knock at door,R.) Who is it?
EnterTomR.U.D.,followed closely byMildred,arm in arm.
Tom.(upR.C.) Only me, Mr. Selwyn.
Mil.(upR.C.) OnlyI,Tom.
Tom.Oh, bother grammar! (releases her arm, they come down toC.)
Phil.Well, children? How areyouto-day?
Tom.(L.ofMildred) Oh, we’re all right; but, I say, Mr. Selwyn, I wish everybody wouldn’t call us “children.” I don’t like it.
Mil.And it’s not true.
Tom.I’m turned sixteen.
Mil.And I’m fifteen next birthday!
Phil.Well, then, my man and woman, what do you want?
Tom.You tell him, Mildred! }
} (half whispered)
Mil.No—youtell him, Tom! }
Tom.Are you quite well enough to stand a shock?
Phil.What, are you studying electricity? Or is it some toy?
Tom.Electricity! (with contempt—turns upC., and down again)
Mil.A toy!
Tom.Mr. Selwyn, you make it jolly hard for a fellow to say what he wants to say—just when he wants a leg up.
Mil.Tom! “A leg up?”
Tom.Oh, bother style! Let me say what I mean.
Phil.And what do you mean, my lad? (smiling)
Tom.If you please—we want to get married. (rather frightened, takingMildred’shand, and retreating with her up toR.C., facingPhilip)
Phil.(suddenly serious) Want to get married?
Mil.That’s the shock!
Tom.(aside to her) Now for it. (holding her tight) Don’t run away—Iwon’t!
Phil.You are both too young to think about such things!
Tom.(sturdily) I’m sure we’re not too young—(down toC.)
Mil.Tothinkabout such things.
Phil.Well, to talk about them.
Mil.(crossesTomtoPhilip, back of sofa. Imploringly) Philip!
Tom.Mildred, this is no place for you. (hands her across toR.U.D.) Leave me alone with Mr. Selwyn.
Mil.(aside toTom) Tom! You won’t come to blows? (atR.U.D.)
Tom.(L.of her, aside to her) I will control myself. I will not forget the respect that is due to the brother of my affianced wife.
Mil.That’s right, Tom.
Tom.Wait for me—on the mat. (exitMildred,R.U.D.Tomcomes boldly down toC.) Now, Mr. Selwyn, we are alone. We can discuss this matter as men of the world.
Phil.My dear Tom— (Tomdraws himself up) Mr. Verinder—Such a thing as marriage at your early age is, of course, preposterous; but I wish you distinctly to understand that the remotest idea of an engagement between you and Mildred is equally out of the question.
Tom.May I ask why, sir?
Phil.You belong to a very proud family; and there are reasons which you would scarcely understand——
Tom.Mr. Selwyn!
Phil.Which, at any rate, I can’t enter into—that make it impossible you should ever marry my sister.
Tom.That is your ultimatum? (a step towardsPhilip)
Phil.Yes. (sighing)
Tom.Good day, sir. (walks to the door,R.,with importance, suddenly breaks down—exit blubbering,R.U.D.)
Phil.(rises) Poor Tom! He’s only a boy, but he’s a gentleman! (goes to fire,L., and leans on mantle)
Re-enterBeatrice,L.D.,pouring medicine out of a medicine bottle into a medicine glass, in which she has already put the poison. She comes downC.toR.of table.
Bea.Here it is, Philip. (hands glass to him)
Phil.Oh dear me, how tired I am of the horrid stuff! (takes glass, and sits wearilyL.of table) Surely you have given me too much?
Bea.No—just the right measure. See! (between table and sofa, holding up bottle)
Phil.How many doses are there left?
Bea.(with bottle) Only three more. (puts bottle onR.of table, and goes round behind to back ofPhilip) Now, drink it up without thinking about it; and if, like a good boy, you don’t leave a drop, you shall have a kiss afterwards, to take the taste away.
Phil.Well, I suppose I must. (raises glass to his lips—about to drink,Beatricewatches him eagerly)
EnterJohnson,R.U.D.,quickly.
John.(upR.C.) Oh, if you please’m! (pants)
(Philipputs glass down onL.side of table)
Bea.(annoyed) What’s the matter, Johnson? (moves a little towardsJohnson)
John.Miss Mildred—— (out of breath)
Phil.What of Miss Mildred?
John.She is in hysterics.
Phil.Mildred ill! (rises and goes quickly acrossR.ExeuntJohnsonandPhilipR.U.D.)
Bea.(follows across toR.C.up stage) Never mind Mildred! Philip dear! (stamps her foot) Only another second and—— (moves downC.looking at glass)
Phil.(off) Beatrice!
Re-enterTombreathless,R.
Tom.Oh, Mrs. Selwyn, please do come to Mildred! She’s in a fit, or something. (R.ofBeatrice)
Bea.Nonsense!
Tom.Do come, please! (passes behind toL.of her) The shock has been too much for her.
Re-enterPhilipquickly.
Phil.Beatrice! Quick! (Tomhas herL.hand,Philipher right; they force her to the door between them; asBeatriceexits she looks back at glass on table)
Bea.In a moment! (glancing at glass)
Tom.Come along!
Phil.Beatrice! do come! (exeuntR.upper door. The door shuts with a bang. Music in orchestra)
Sir Peterappears in the conservatory, and enters fromR.
Sir P.Nobody here. Perhaps he’s lying down. (taps at door,L.) Nobody there. They’ve gone downstairs. (comes down toC.passing behind sofa) He must be better, then. (music stops, pause, lost in thought) Peter, my boy, if anyone had told you, you could study a case as you have studied this, for a week, and not be able to make head or tail of it, you would have kicked—pulled his nose for him. (goes toR.of table.) Whatisthe matter with this man? Of course itmightbe—but that’s out of the question. (sits on sofa) Ah, there’s his medicine. What did he say? He always felt worse after taking it. I don’t know why he should. Only a tonic, with a nasty flavour. People like nasty medicine. Think it does ’em good. (rises, tastes it) Well—it isnasty. (starts slightly as he tastes it on his tongue—lifts glass to light, examines it, then smells it, smells it again, tastes again cautiously by his finger, sets the glass down, and stands looking at it) Nothing’s out of the question! I ought to have known it. (pours dose into the goblet, smells and tastes the bottle) That’s all right. (music in orchestra. Pours out another dose into the glass, which he replaces exactly where he found it, recorks the bottle and exit slowly with goblet through conservatory,R.,pausing inC.a moment to examine medicine.)
Re-enterBeatrice,R.,quickly, sees the medicine, stops short and resumes her wonted manner; downC.Re-enterPhilip,R.;music stops.
Phil.She’s better now; but I was rather alarmed. (down toC.)
Bea.Poor child! (goes to fireL.)
Phil.She’ll soon get over it. Only a girlish fancy. Where did I put that medicine? (looking about)
Bea.Here it is, dear. (gives him the glass—advancing to him)
Phil.(grimacing) You can’t think how I hate it.
Bea.Don’t be so absurd. I declare, you’re as great a baby assheis. (backs up stage, watching him)
Phil.One—two—three! (drinks it off.Beatricegives a sigh of satisfaction) Ugh! Give me some water. (goes to piano and puts glass down)
Bea.(passes behind table down toL.of it) Why, the tumbler is gone! Who can have taken it? (looking about)
Phil.Johnson, I daresay. (sitsR.by piano) All right; I’m better now. That’s one dose less to take. (Re-enterSir Peterthrough conservatory, with the goblet empty) Three more, I think you said.
Bea.(holds up bottle) But there are onlytwo!(alarmed) Someone’s been here!
Sir P.Yes,Ihave. (comes downC.toR.of sofa)
Bea.(terrified)You!
Sir P.Your husband complained of his medicine. I thought I’d test it; so I took a dose.
Bea.(dismayed)Youtook it? (puts bottle on table)
Sir P.Yes. (looking at her)
Phil.A doctor take a dose of his own medicine!
Sir P.Only to my room. (advances toR.of table) Allow me to return you the glass. (gives goblet toBeatrice)
Phil.And you have tested it?
Sir P.Yes.
Bea.(prepared for the worst) With what result?
Sir P.With none. As I expected, just what I prescribed. (sits on sofa.Beatrice, intensely relieved, turns aside to hide her emotion, as if to put goblet on mantel-piece,L.)
Phil.And what did you prescribe, Sir Peter? What is this stuff you’re giving me?
Sir P.A very common medicine. (crossing his legs)
Phil.But what is it?
Sir P.(With his eyes fixed onBeatrice) Arsenic. (Philip’sface falls.Beatriceturns quickly, dropping the goblet, which is shivered to fragments)
Quick Act Drop.
Time: Thirty minutes. Wait: Eleven minutes.