[Without answering,Lydiaplaces both herself and him in position for the minuet. Then, with low conviction.
[Without answering,Lydiaplaces both herself and him in position for the minuet. Then, with low conviction.
Lydia.
There will be music, dear Richard! Don’t you remember—it used to go—— [Humming the minuet under her breath.] this way——? [And presently, as if encouraged by her voice, the garden becomes full of throbbing fiddles and horns, as, with stately courtesy, she andRicharddance in and out among the flower-beds. A few moments pass; then, at a sound within the cottage, they stop dancing, and asGeorge Sanford,this time in dressing-gown and slippers, slowly descends the staircase, the music quivers away, though still heard now and again, as at greater distance.Lydiasoftly drawsRichardaside.] Sh—this must be he!
Richard.
[In a slightly nervous whisper.] After all, Lydia, this is my house! Had I not better call him out and have done with it?
Lydia.
[Watching Sanford.] Sh——!
[For a momentSanfordpauses at the table, outside, bright in the moonlight; picks up the ear-trumpet; with it, he heavily proceeds into the garden; then looking at the moon.
[For a momentSanfordpauses at the table, outside, bright in the moonlight; picks up the ear-trumpet; with it, he heavily proceeds into the garden; then looking at the moon.
Sanford.
[With his fat chuckle.] Ah, romance! All very well for young folks. But [Tapping the ear-trumpet.] she’ll hear my vows all right with this! And romance comes easy at $100,000!
Richard.
[Indignantly.] Lydia! It’s desecration. Let me challenge him and end it!
Lydia.
[A restraining hand on his arm.] Hush! Leave it to me—— And that—— [Pointing to the ear-trumpet.] He said that was to hear his vows with. How very strange!
Sanford.
[Plumping down on the bench near him.] ’Might as well stay here. ’Can’t sleep a wink.
Richard.
[Tears in his voice, as he feels the hour going.] Lydia! It’s our one night! Make him go away!
Lydia.
[Softly.] Ah, if he’d go away! [Louder.] If he’d burn that picture, and pack right up, and go away from Bird’s Nest, and never come back!
Sanford.
Damned pretty little house for Evelina and me! Damned lucky to get it, and so cheap, too! [With another chuckle.] Some clever Johnny must’ve made up that yarn about the ghosts to pull the prices down! Ghosts! Ha-ha-ha! When I sell, I’ll sell high! I can swear I’ve never seen ’em!
Lydia.
[Distinctly, as she emerges from the shadows, and sweeping him a mocking courtesy.] I suppose you don’t seeme, sir?
Richard.
[In a frightened whisper.] Dearest Lydia, pray be careful!
[Lydiasteals behindSanford,jerks up the trumpet, and, holding it to his ear.
[Lydiasteals behindSanford,jerks up the trumpet, and, holding it to his ear.
Lydia.
[Mischievously.] There, sir! Is it only your bride who can’t hear?
[With a sleepy gesture,Sanfordbrushes away the trumpet, which falls to the ground.
[With a sleepy gesture,Sanfordbrushes away the trumpet, which falls to the ground.
Sanford.
[With a yawn.] Ah, never mind. Too much work—pick it up.
Lydia.
[Slipping around in front of him.] Come, Richard!
Richard.
[Joining her somewhat hesitantly and taking her outstretched hands.] Is it quite safe, do you think?
Lydia.
[ToSanford,dosing on the bench.] We don’t want to hurt you, sir. Say it with me, Richard——
LydiaandRichard.
[Repeating together.] But Bird’s Nest is our very own! Will you go away? You don’t love your bride! And you know—— [With low intensity.]Bird’s Nest was built for lovers!
Sanford.
[Sleepily.] $100,000, by George! That’s enough to make up for a whole lot! And Bird’s Nest——
[His head drops forward with a jerk. For an instant,Lydiabends and peers close into his face. Then, with a quick sigh of relief.
[His head drops forward with a jerk. For an instant,Lydiabends and peers close into his face. Then, with a quick sigh of relief.
Lydia.
Come, Richard! Let us finish our dance.
[Again, invisible violins take up the tune for the minuetting lovers, and it is perhaps guided by this thatMartin,a moment later, wistfully reënters the garden. But once there, he goes swiftly toSanfordand bends over him.
[Again, invisible violins take up the tune for the minuetting lovers, and it is perhaps guided by this thatMartin,a moment later, wistfully reënters the garden. But once there, he goes swiftly toSanfordand bends over him.
Martin.
[After a quick glance.] Dead! Oh, my God! [For a moment, with incredulous eyes, he watchesthe delicate, rhythmic bending and swaying of the young forms; then, with a smothered cry, he rushes forward and raises indignant hands to stop them. And as, in their grave and gay abandon they dance on,Martin,seeming to derive fresh support from the backward glance he flings the body, tries to catchLydiaby her curls.Martinindignantly.] How dare you, you little—little——
[But, untouched,Lydiaglides past him, her light laughter mingling with the wind. Then, asMartinslinks back, beaten, his eyes full of wonder, an impalpable tremor passes over the garden. The violins fade; the moonlight shivers blue and chill, andLydiaruns with a cry toRichard.
[But, untouched,Lydiaglides past him, her light laughter mingling with the wind. Then, asMartinslinks back, beaten, his eyes full of wonder, an impalpable tremor passes over the garden. The violins fade; the moonlight shivers blue and chill, andLydiaruns with a cry toRichard.
Lydia.
Oh, my dearest—not yet! Not yet!
Richard.
[Tremulously, holding her fast.] We had just begun! We had waited a whole year!
Lydia.
[In a panic of longing.] Oh, Richard! Richard! The church clock has struck! In a moment—— [Pointing a trembling finger within.] our clock!
Richard.
[As the whirring noise begins that precedes the stroke.] My darling—next year——
Lydia.
[As before.] Oh, stop it! Stop it! [Her head against his breast.] Oh, Richard, I—I haven’t seen the nursery yet!
[Then, as the clock strikes ONE, her features change. She gathers up her little prayer-book, slips a decorous, mitted hand within the arm he gravely offers her, and together, passingSanford’sbody without a glance, they turn away down the little path.
[Then, as the clock strikes ONE, her features change. She gathers up her little prayer-book, slips a decorous, mitted hand within the arm he gravely offers her, and together, passingSanford’sbody without a glance, they turn away down the little path.
Martin.
[Stepping forward and leaning over the body.] Too bad! [Then, his eyes young and wistful as they follow the retreating figures.] But Bird’s Nest was built for lovers!
CURTAIN