(Lady Trenchardshakes hands gushingly, crosses toSmithand sitsR.of tableL.,drawing on her gloves.Madgemerely bows as she crosses and joinsEvelyn.Phylliscrosses, and joins them.SmithgoesR.C.Faradayhas goneL.at back and comes down stageL.of tableL.Tarvergoes directly and sits on fender.)
Faraday. (Continuing) Sorry we can't keep you to dinner.
Celia. (Sits on lower end of sofa) That's quite all right, Father. Colonel Vavasour is obliged to return to London to-night. There is an excellent train at eight-thirty.
Smith. (Takes up railway guide whichCeliahas left open on table and reads) "Stops at every station, has a two hours' wait at Bletchley, and arrives in London at three-thirty in the morning." (Looks atCelia) An excellent train. The express goes at ten.
Faraday. Then of course you'll stay and dine here first. Martin shall look after you.
Smith. I shall be most happy. (AtCelia) I have brought a message for Miss Faraday and I shall be unable to deliver it if she goes out to dinner.
Celia. (Speaking over her shoulder) Father, you know I promised you this afternoon that I should not let this news interfere----
Faraday. But, my dear child, thinking it over, we can't expect such a sacrifice.
Phyllis. (In a whisper toMadge) But she must go. There's only dinner for two.
Faraday. Dinner for two! What two?
Tarver. (Coming downR.to door) Well, you see, I am worn to a shadow, and Phyllis and I thought----
Faraday. (ComingC.) Oh, you did! Did you? You get elected first, my lad, and think afterwards.
Tarver. Oh, I say!
Faraday. Phyllis and Tarver shall dine with Admiral Grice.
Phyllis. But, Father----
Faraday. Celia and Colonel Vavasour shall stay behind and eattheirdinner.
Tarver. You don't know how I need a rest.
Celia. Yes, Father, Bobby is very tired.
Smith. As for myself, and I know a great deal about elections, I think it would be extremely prejudical if Mr. Tarver didn't go.
Faraday. Then that settles it.
(TarverexitsR.IE.,looking back belligerently atColonel Vavasour.Evelynin dumb show tellsPhyllisto get her wraps, andPhyllisflounces out through morning room.)
Martin. (EnteringL.Iand announcing) Mr. Steele and Mr. Raleigh.
(RaleighcomesC.quickly toFaraday.Steele,shaking hands first withEvelyn,then stepping back and shaking hands withMadge,speaks fromL.ofMadgenear door.)
Steele. How do you do, Mr. Faraday?
Faraday. Good evening, boys.
Steele. We have both, I believed, arrived with the same idea. We are all going to the dinner party, aren't we? I have my mother's brougham and, since you are rather a large party--(Looking across atCelia)--I thought I might be allowed to givesome onea lift.
Raleigh.Ihave come inmy own motor car, and since you are rather a large party--(Also looking pointedly atCelia)--I thought I might be allowed to give some one a lift.
Faraday. It is very kind of you boys to think of us. We shall be a little bit squeezed. Wearerather a large party, though Celia is not going.
SteeleandRaleigh. (Disappointedly) Not going?
Faraday. No. Colonel Smith is dead. (SteeleandRaleighturn away and a slow smile breaks over their faces.) This is Colonel Vavasour. (SteeleandRaleigheyeSmithwith interest.) He knew Colonel Smith.
Smith. (L.of tableR.) His dearest friend. I bring his last dying message. (Celiarises from sofa, glances atSmithand goes up to doorwayR.) He used to lie on his sickbed, gazing across the thatched roofs of Berbera to the Arab dhows riding at their anchors in the sea.
(Celiacomes downR.of sofa.)
Steele. I am sure that must be very affecting, but it will be extremely bad for the cause if Miss Faraday stays at home to-night, and this is a time when it doesn't do for any of us to be selfish. You'll come, won't you, Miss Faraday?
Faraday, (C.) Certainly not.
Smith. (R.C.) It would really be almost indecent to press Miss Faraday to go. (SmithandFaradayturn up stage.)
Steele. (Slightly piqued) Oh, very well. Then as I can't do anything for anyone, I suppose I had better be getting along. (ExitsL.IE.and leaves door open.)
Raleigh. How that fellow Steele does give himself away. Silly ass! (GoesR.toCelia.) I must say, Miss Faraday, that I think you are absolutely right to stay away from the Admiral's. The way that old man dogs your footsteps is positively revolting, but--(With insinuating smile, kneeling on stool below sofa. Fatuously)--but you might come on to the Philharmonic Concert afterwards. Don't you think so? (Laughs idiotically.) Don't you think so?
Celia. (Shaking her head sadly) Not to-night, Mr. Raleigh. Not to-night. (ExitsR.IE.)
Raleigh. Oh, very well. It's about time for me to be getting along. (Crosses quickly to doorL.) I shall see you all at the Admiral's, (Exits quickly, closing door.)
Faraday. God bless my soul! I thought he came to give some of us a lift.MadgeandEvelyn. Why, yes.
(Aunt Idaenters quickly through morning room and comes downR.C.,looking about her.)
Aunt Ida. (Gayly) Hope I am not last.
Faraday. Well, you are.
(PhyllisandTarverenter,Tarverin evening dress with his hat and overcoat and atlas.Phylliswith her wraps.Tarvergoes to head of tableR.and studies his atlas.Phyllissits on fender.)
Aunt Ida. (Looking about and fastening her gloves) Well, Celia is not down yet.
Madge. Celia isn't coming.
Aunt Ida. What!
(Smithcomes down stage toL.ofAunt Ida.)
Faraday. (Coming downL.C.withSmith) Ida, this is Colonel Vavasour. My sister-in-law, Mrs. Chisholm Faraday. (ToSmith) Who has been, I may say, more than a mother to our poor Celia through all this, more than a mother.
Smith. I am delighted to make your acquaintance. (Shakes her warmly by the hand.) Friends of Miss Faraday have a claim upon me which can never be obliterated from my mind.
Aunt Ida. (Briskly) I am sure it is very pleasant to know that. But why?
(SmithC.,Aunt Idato his right.)
Faraday. Colonel Vavasour has just returned from Somaliland.
Aunt Ida. (In horror) What!!
Madge. From Somaliland.
Aunt Ida. (Involuntarily) But why did he do that?
(Smithlooks atFaraday.)
Faraday. Eh?--I don't think you understand, Ida. Colonel Vavasour is here--I may say--on an errand of mercy. He brings us news of our poor--gallant--lost friend--Smith.
Aunt Ida. S-S-Smith--?
Faraday. Colonel Smith.
Madge. Celia's Colonel Smith.
Tarver. (ComingC.at back with atlas, beckoning toFaraday,who joins him, and together they look over the atlas,Faradayexplaining something toTarver) Colonel Vavasour knew him quite well.
Aunt Ida. (In awestruck voice) You--knew--the--Co--Co--Colonel?
Smith. My dearest friend. I bring to Miss Faraday a few trinkets he habitually wore and his last dying message.
Aunt Ida. (Wildly. Stands rigidly, staring atSmith) Trinkets!! A message!! (During the following speech,Aunt Idagradually becomes more and more hysterical, culminating in a series of wild shrieks of hysterical laughter and grotesque movements of her arms and body.)
Smith. A long message. He used to lie in his sickbed, gazing across the thatched roofs of Berbera to the Arab dhows, riding at their anchors in the sea, and----
(Aunt Ida,by now, is shrieking wildly and waving her arms above.Madgeruns frightened across theL.ofAunt IdaandPhyllisruns down from fender toR.ofAunt Ida,and together they help her into chair toL.of tableR.TarverandFaradaylook up suddenly, startled.Smithgoes upL.C.,concealing laughter.PhyllisstandsR.of chair below sofa, trying to holdAunt Ida'shand.Evelynruns excitedly and aimlessly about, looking for smelling salts.Faradayruns up and down extremeL.,waving his arms.Madgeabove chair, fanningAunt Ida.TarverC.,fanningAunt Idawith atlas. He kneels and fans her more vigorously. They all talk excitedly to each other, such as, "What has happened to your Aunt Ida?" "God bless my soul, can't you do something for your aunt?" "She is having a fit," "Go for a doctor," "Fan her, fan her," "Get some water," etc., etc. During all this,Aunt Idais still shrieking.)
Phyllis. (At a signal fromAunt Ida) The shock has been too much for her.
Madge. She's so devoted to Celia.
(Aunt Idawhoops.)
Faraday. Get some vinegar.
(Aunt Idawhoops.)
Evelyn. No, smelling salts.
(Aunt Idawhoops.)
Tarver. (Rising) Oh, hold it upside down!
Faraday. Nonsense, that's for drowning.
Tarver. Here, I know a remedy.
(MadgetakesTarver'splace atL.of choir andTarvergoes up above chair, gets spray from table, leans overAunt Ida'sshoulder and sprays her forehead.)
Smith. (Comes downC.) Slap her hands hard. That always brings them to.
(PhyllisandMadgeslapAunt Ida'shands vigorously.)
Aunt Ida. (Pushing them away) It doesn't do anything of the kind.
(MadgegoesL.C.and helpsEvelynon with evening wraps.)
Smith. There, what did I tell you? (Goes up stage and to tableL.)
(TarvergoesR.above sofa.PhyllisgoesR.between sofa and fender.)
Aunt Ida. (Rises weakly) Oh--oh--oh--oh--oh--oh! This must be broken to Celia.
Faraday. (Going up and getting his coat and hat from piano stool) Celia already knows.
Phyllis. (Pouting) She and Colonel Vavasour are going to stay home and dine together. (Goes up toTarverand talks.)
Aunt Ida. (Gasping) Dine together!! And discuss S-S-Smith!! (Celiaenters in mourning--black shawl and dress--doorR.I.She closes door, comes a few steps on stage and stands with folded hands and downcast eyes.Aunt Idais now thoroughly bewildered.) Celia, you're in black! (Waves her hand up and down weakly.)
Celia. Yes, dear. I made a mistake when I said I shouldn't allow this news to interfere. I was wrong. Colonel Vavasour has shown me how deeply he was grieved by my neglect of the trappings of distress.
(Note:The bodice of the black dressCeliawears, which is completely hidden by the black shawl, should be of some bright color, to be disclosed in Act III.)
Aunt Ida. (With a long wail) Will somebody pinch me, please? (Sits.)
Tarver. (Coming to foot of sofa and kneeling) Let me do it for you, won't you?
(Martinenters throughL.Iwith army list on tray. Comes toFaraday.)
Aunt Ida. Certainly not.
Tarver. (Rising and going back to head of sofa) So sorry.
Martin. The wagonette is at the door, sir.
(EvelynandMadgecross to doorL.,bidding goodnight toColonel Smith,and exit.)
Faraday. Very well, what have you got there, Martin?
Martin. Another army list, sir.
Smith. (Above tableL.C.Seeing army list) Oh, damn!
Faraday. All right. Put it on the table. (Martinputs army list on table, crossesR.and exits through morning room, turning on lights in morning room.) Now then, off we go. (Counting) One, two, three, four. (ToPhyllisandTarver) No hanging behind, you two. (TarverandPhylliscross quicklyL.to door.) Got your atlas, Tarver?
Tarver. Yes, sir.
(PhyllisandTarverexit, nodding good-night toColonel Smith.)
Faraday. Then off we go. (Coming down toAunt Ida'schair, helping her up and supporting her.Aunt Ida,who is now in a thoroughly demoralised condition, weakly and brokenly emits little gasps. The feathers in her hair have fallen over one eye. She also shows other traces of her recent fit.Faradaylifts her up, puts his arm around her waist and leads her across the stage,Faradayabove her.Celiafollows her as far as chairR.of tableL.,where she remains.) Come along, Ida. This has been a little too much for you. Nothing like fresh air for an attack like yours. You will be all right when you get out in the fresh air. (Aunt Idacrosses with him quickly, but haltingly, still emitting little gasps. When she gets almost to the door, she looks back atCelia'sdress, and with a final burst, exits.Faradayat door) My daughter will appreciate these quiet, I may say, these holy hours--with you, Colonel Vavasour.
Smith. (Comes downL.C.) I appreciate them, sir.
(FaradayexitsL.IE.,closing door after him.Martinenters through morning room.)
Martin. Dinner is served. Miss. (Exits through morning room.)
(Clock offL.,upper, chimes eight.)
Smith. Eight!
Celia. And your train goes at ten.
Smith. Yes. We shall have two long hours to talk of Smith. (OffersCeliahis arm.Celiatakes it and they go slowly up to morning room.)
Scene:It is two hours later in the morning room. At center back are large recess double doors with muslin curtains on lower half and chintz curtains on upper half. When the doors are opened, a portion of the room of the preceding acts can be seen. Directly at back is seen the table, on which stands the book slide containing the army list. The table runs across stage. Behind and to theR.of this and against the back drop is seen the cabinet of the preceding act. Directly behind table is a chair. The fire glow comes from theR.The back drop should be that portion of theL.wall of the preceding set, showing large picture hung as before. At the left of the set proper, reaching from the floor almost to the ceiling, a semicircular conservatory window, curves out into the room. In this are palms and flowers, with a greenery backing. Recessed intoL.first flat is a china closet, containing china and bric-a-brac. Balancing this inR.Iis a door leading to the hall. Balancing the conseCrvatory is a large recessed window, muslin curtains on the lower sash and chintz curtains on the upper. Damask hangings over window and also over doorsC.All of these hangings are looped back. In the window is set a window box containing flowers. In the center of the window is a small sewing table. Below it and facing it, a winged armchair; above it and facing it, another small armchair. On the table are a lamp and some flowers. Against back flat and to left of window is a small serving table, on which are an empty silver serving tray, a small tray and a small decanter of brandy and two liquor glasses on it. To left of double doors is a chair. R.of conservatory, a chintz-covered stool. Below conservatory, a three-winged, chintz-covered screen. Below this and about three feet fromL.flat is a desk, running up and down stage; the lower end being slightly more on stage. On this, on the extreme upper end, is a telephone. Also on the desk are inkwell, pens, paper and envelopes. On the elevated portion of the upper end is a lamp. Below desk, a waste paper basket. In the center of the stage and well down is a small, round dinner table, with cloth. On the table are a cigarette box, a cigarette lighter (burning), two ashtrays, plates, doilies and finger-bowls containing water, fruit knives and forks, a nut-cracker, and an almond dish. Directly in the center of the table is a fruit basket, containing apples, grapes and peaches. One peach should be easily accessible, it being used byColonel Smith.At the upper end of table are two shaded, lighted candles, between these a vase with flowers. AtCelia'splace to theR.is a claret glass, stained at the bottom to represent a residue of wine. AtSmith'splace are a clean claret glass and a high-ball glass, containing a small quantity of whiskey and soda. On either side of the table are chairs. On the back flat, to each side of the doors, are candle brackets. Before curtain rises, the clock off stage (same as used in previous act) chimes ten. Curtain rises on the first stroke, after the usual Westminster prelude. Dinner is over. The lamps are lit and doors at back closed.Celiasits toR.of table, dipping her fingers in finger-bowl. She is in the black dress and shawl of the preceding act.Smithis to the left. He is intent upon explaining something toCelia,and she is listening with most apparent interest. At rise of curtain.
Smith. (Continuing his description) It was the usual sort of formation when a small force gets caught in the open--a square with the maxims at the corners. We had only two,--one--here--at the tip of the nut-crackers, and the other here--at the end of the knife-handle. (He has made a square with dessert knives and nut-crackers on the tablecloth. To illustrate the position of the maxims he uses nuts.)
Celia. Only two!
Smith. We should have liked some more, of course. But we'd have gotten along all right if this fellow here--(Touching one of the nuts)--hadn't jammed.
Celia. Oh! What happened then?
Smith. The Somalis at the corner charged. From here, from here, from here, others swept round and flung themselves upon the back of their companions. Imagine a huge wedge and an enormous hammer pounding behind it. They split our ranks in a second. It was a surprise that took you by the throat. You heard the maxim talking to 'em like a father, and, by George, there they were in the hollow of the square, stabbing at our backs.
Celia. (With much admiration) Oh--and where wereyou?
Smith. (In square) Here.
Celia. There?
Smith. Yes. (He takes a peach.) That's me. (Places it in the square.)
Celia. Ah! There!Youwere there?
Smith. Oh, I was all right. We faced the rear ranks about and drove 'em out of it. It was messy. You see, we could only use the bayonet inside the square. In a little while we got the maxim going again and made 'em respectful. However, they hung around us and we couldn't move along very fast. That was our trouble. For we had to move along, we were short of water and a day's march from the wells.
Celia. Oh!
Smith. So, you see, it was necessary that as soon as night came, someone should get through and bring relief.
Celia. (With much appreciation) I know what happened. I know!--You volunteered----
Smith. (Looks at her; his eyes accept her homage and thank her. He laughs happily) Yes. Between you and me--it was safer outside the square.
Celia. (Reproachfully) Oh--!
Smith. Well--I wasn't in command. So I could volunteer.
Celia. And got the D. S. O. in consequence.
Smith. And a drink a day before the others. I'll get a step, too, I think.
Celia. Then you'll be general, won't you?
Smith. Brigadier----
Celia. (Smiling at him admiringly) You can't know what it means to a woman who has lived always in a little out-of-the-way place like this, where only the same ordinary things happen day after day, to hear of wonderful deeds like these--from a man who's done them! (Speaks earnestly, without gushing.)
(Smithbeams; moves his chair slightly towards her.)
Smith. Oh, yes. We are getting along together capitally, aren't we? And you can't know how all this--(Moves his hand to include the room)--appeals to a man who finds the skirmish and the camp a bit of an old story, and realizes that this--the quiet, well-ordered household--the home--and the home-maker--is after all what is really worth fighting for.
Celia. (Leans forward, listening) But--surely you have a home?
Smith. I have a house---- By Jove!NowI havetwohouses!
Celia. (Interested) You have just bought another place?
Smith. Inherited it. An old Abbey about the size of Trafalgar Square on a wet day--and not as cheerful.
Celia. But you mustn't let yourself be lonely. You ought to marry.
Smith. (Moves his chair closer toCelia) That's what I begin to think.
(MartinentersR.with tray. On it, two small cups, small sugar bowl and a coffee pot, also one cigarette forCelia.)
Celia. (SeeingMartin) Won't you have a cigarette? (OfferingSmithcigarette box.)
Smith. (Takes cigarette and moves back) Thank you.
Martin. (Placing coffee on the table) Coffee, Miss.
Celia. Sugar?
Smith. Thanks, yes.
Martin. (Has taken upCelia'splate and finger-bowl in right hand and now takesSmith'splate and finger-bow.) Old brandy, sir?
Smith. Old brandy! By George, yes! (Lights cigarette.)
(Martingoes up to small serving tableR.of door and puts plates and finger-bowls on tray and gets brandy tray which he brings down to table and pours out one glass, leaving brandy on table. He takes the napkins, goes up, puts them on tray with other things and exits with trayR.I.)
Celia. (WhileMartinis serving) I asked Martin to serve coffee here, because I thought it would be cosier, you know. (Having pouredSmith'scoffee, she passes cup to him.)
Smith. (Taking cup slowly from her) Much--much cosier; though, for both of us to-night--(Celiafills her cup)--our one idea of cosiness must be the grave.
(Celiadrops pot on tray.)
Celia. (Leans forward, takes cigarette from coffee tray and lights it) The grave! Then, tell me of it, won't you? Where does it lie?
Smith. (Openly perplexed, seesCeliasmoking and attempts to use this as a means of extricating himself. Pretending to be shocked) Oh! the grave! oh----
Celia. What's the matter? (Puffs her cigarette.)
Smith. (Shrugging his shoulders) Oh, nothing, nothing.
Celia. Do you object to women smoking?
Smith. I? Not at all. It's companionable, but Smith--(Celiachokes on cigarette)--would Smith have liked to see you smoking a cigarette?
Celia. (Annoyed, pauses) Perhaps not--to-night.
Smith. Not to-night and not any night. (Celiaviciously presses cigarette down on ashtray and puts it out. Reprovingly) We both know how strongly he disapproved of the modern latitude of women's manners. (She turns away.) You know I'd fancy the man who could make you care for him would be quite different from Smith. You haven't his little shut-in way of looking at life. You have such a splendid imagination.
Celia. (Nervously) Yes, and I'm beginning to think I need one.
Smith. Did you really love each other?
Celia. (Takes up her coffee cup) I can't answer for Colonel Smith--who was a man you know. But for myself, I can truthfully say that I have thought of him every day for eight months. Thought of him---- Yes! Andwrittento him too.
Smith. (Startled) Written to him! By Jove, then! Whereare thoseletters? You can't let things like that go astray. Letters fromyou--knocking loose about a camp! (He is upset and disturbed.)
Celia. (Smiling to herself) Why should you imagine--my letters never reached him?
Smith. (Smiling reminiscently) Because I was with him--when he got the first one.
Celia. (Very agitated. Puts her cup sharply on saucer) You--you--you don't mean to say a Colonel Smith ever received---- Oh--no gentlemancouldhaveshownmy letter.
Smith. (Sincerely)Shownit? Oh, Miss Faraday, you can't know what that letter ofyoursmeant to----
Celia. (Turning on him quickly) I beg your pardon.
Smith. I meandid meant--I meandid mean--to good old Smith. (Leaning forward with a smile. Moves his chair below table a little closer to hers.) I say, I've an idea. Let's forget Smith for five minutes and talk of something else.
Celia. (Forgetting herself) Oh, yes! Do let's.
Smith. What shall we talk about?
Celia. (Very engagingly) You. You have hardly said a word yet about yourself--and--naturally I am interested. (Speaks with a smile. Face onL.hand.)
(Smithedges toward her, delightedR.elbow on table, face on hand.)
Smith. I was born--guess when?
Celia. Thirty years ago.
Smith. (Holding out box) Have a cigarette?
Celia. No, thank you. I'd rather not. Do you think Smith would have liked me to smoke?
Smith. Ah, you see, we can't get away from him. He dominates us. Living or dead, his imperious nature will not be neglected. He sits at the table here between you and me. (Designates a spot between them on table.) To satisfy him, we've got to talk about him.
Celia. What is there to say?
Smith. What is there to say! And you've told me nothing about the Smith you knew.
Celia. (Surprised) The Smith I knew? (Recovering herself) Oh, yes, of course.
Smith. Yes--you see I know him only as the soldier--the man of action--the fighting man--but you----
Celia. But there is nothing to tell.
Smith. (Strongly) You mean there is nothing you wish to tell.
Celia. (Defiantly) Certainly not. What is it you wish to know?
Smith. Let us compare our pictures--mental, of course--of the man. (With solicitude.)
Celia. Oh, no--not at all. Not at all.
Smith. Then you describe Smith as you saw him, and I'll tell you if I agree with you.
Celia. Of course, you know our descriptions won't be alike. No two people's description of anyone ever would be.
Smith. Of course not--except in the definite facts.--His eyes, for instance----
Celia. His eyes--his eyes were not definite.
Smith. Not definite?
Celia. Their color. I mean it varied. Emotion kindled them--apathy dulled them. Sometimes they were light and again they were very, very dark.
Smith. That's funny. I never saw them dark. To me they always were light, like bottle glass.
Celia. Really? Possibly you were not very observing.
Smith. (Acknowledges the point with a touch of impatience) Possibly not. But his hair? Surely we can't differ as to that?
Celia. His hair--you mean did it curl or was it straight?
Smith. Yes--and its color.
Celia. His hair--I hardly know how to describe his hair, because his hair was---- It was like no hair that I ever saw.
Smith. (Laughs) That's a splendid description of a bald man. That always was a great grief to Smith, his baldness; his head was so very bald and bumpy.
Celia. Oh, yes.
Smith. (Puts his hand to his head) What! (Recovering himself) Oh, yes, yes. (Growing more and more determined to trip her and more and more interested in and appreciative of her attractiveness) Now his mouth----
Celia. Well. His mouth was peculiar----
Smith. Peculiar?
Celia. Yes, you see it broadened when he smiled.
Smith. (Laughing) Oh--did he smile for you?
Celia. Oh, often, very often.
Smith. Yes, we all do--don't we? What would you say of his voice?
Celia. It was kind, always kind.
Smith. (Shakes head) Gruff and commanding.
Celia. (Insinuatingly) Naturally--not to me. (Her hand rests on the table.)
Smith. (Slowly covering her hand with his) No, no-how could it be?
Celia. (Looking over their hands to the spot thatSmithhad indicated earlier) Do you feel he's sitting there still?
Smith. (Leaning toward her) You're surely not afraid of--Wobbles?
Celia. (Pushes chair back, sliding with it as far up stage as possible. Faintly) Did you say--Wobbles?
Smith. (Briskly) You surely knew his nickname?
Celia. (Openly perplexed) But I--I called him--Wobbles. (Stares atSmith.)
Smith. Why! All the Army called him--Wobbles.
Celia. (In dry, queer voice) I didn't know that.
(READY Third Border.)
Smith. He was the most popular fellow--! You won't go to a dance or a garden party for the rest of your life--there won't be a town in the United Kingdom, Miss Faraday, where you won't meet somebody, some old school-fellow, some brother-officer, who knew him:--who will understand your loss and tell you new details of Wobbles. (Rises.)
Celia. (Rises and comes down stage) Not if I know it! (Smithstares at her. Returning, getting her chair and replacing it at table) Colonel Vavasour--I mean it will be quite impossible for me--to indulge myself in any such fashion. Because just as soon as possible, I'm sailing for America.
Smith. (Dropping below table) America? Why, Smith has--four brothersranchingthere. And five--I meanthree--sisters-in-law. I congratulate you, Miss Faraday. (OffersCeliahis hand.Celiatakes it limply and he shakes it.) You are going to the very heart of poor Wobbles' family. Shan't I cable them to meet you at the dock? (They are both now in front of table.)
Celia. (Withdrawing her hand) No--no--no--no, please don't do anything like that.
Smith. Why not?
Celia. Well, I don't know, but I--I might get off the shipbefore it reachesNew York. At all events I am going whereno onecaneverfind me.
Smith. (Quickly, but quite seriously) Then--by Jove--I'm going there too. (Takes her left hand tenderly and leans forward. They look straight into each other's eyes for a moment.)
Celia. (Draws herself up) Aren't you forgetting yourself, Colonel Vavasour? (With an irresistible impulse of mischief) Or are you only forgetting Wobbles? (CrossesC.to table. Looking back at spot on table.)
(THIRD Border Full Up.)
(A gay chatter is heard offL.of party returning from concert.)
Smith. (Not hearing it) Oh, damn Wobbles. (CrossesL.) I'm going because---- (The center doors open quickly.Grice,Steele,Faraday,TarverandPhyllis,Evelyn,RaleighandAunt Idaare in the doorway, having come from the left. Conscious of the presence of returning party,Smithreverts to his tone of solemnity andCeliabows her head with grief.Faraday,in doorway, hearingSmith,turns and raises his hands to quiet the party.GriceandAunt Idahave drifted downL.ahead of the others.Aunt Idasinks wearily into chair by desk.) Hour by hour, he lay on his sick bed, looking out across the--thatched roofs of Berbera to the Arab---- (Gricesneezes loudly. Turning) Good Lord, what's that! (The others come down in the following order:Steele,RaleighandEvelyncome downR.;PhyllisandTarverupC.;FaradaytoR.ofCelia;MadgebyAunt Ida'schair.Gricehas gone downL.C.Some of the party are carrying programs. The doors are left open.) In the midst of our sad communings, how strangely out of place are these revelers.
Omnes. Revelers?
Smith. They come flushed with new wine.
Grice. New wine? They dined with me, sir.
Celia. (Turning toFaraday) Was the concert a success?
Faraday. Of course it was.Wewere there. (Goes up stage.)
Grice. (Plaintively) We missed you, Celia.
Smith. Miss Faraday couldn't go without hearing Colonel Smith's last message.
(Aunt Idalaughs hysterically.)
Faraday. (Crossing toAunt Ida.Sternly) Not again, Ida, not again.
(Aunt Idarelapses into a state of semi-oblivion.)
Smith. It's not nearly ended yet.
Steele. Well, she has had over two hours to hear it in.
Smith. (Scornfully) Two hours? It was a long message. He lay forweekson his sickbed gazing across the thatched roofs of Berbera to--watching----
Raleigh. Oh, yes, watching the Arab cows feeding at their anchors.
Smith. Dhows, man, dhows!
Raleigh. Well, dhows or cows, I don't care. And as for Smith, I tell you, I am fed with the fellow.
(Celiaexplodes into laughter, covers her face with handkerchief, and sitsR.of table.)
Steele. (ThinkingCeliais crying) You brute! You--you blundering idiot!
Tarver. (Coming downR.ofCelia) Even now he's dead, he's kept you from the concert to-night. My agent told me that we just shouldn't do it. He expects I will lose by a hundred votes.
Faraday. How's that?
Celia. (Looking up quickly) Oh, no, Bobby, it's not too late. We'll help you. (Rises and crosses toSmith,who isR.)
Smith. I am at your service, Miss Faraday.
Tarver. (ToSmith,eagerly) And you're some good--aren't you? (Goes up toPhyllis,backC.)
Faraday. We may call on you later, Vavasour.
Smith. Do. Do.
Faraday. (TakingAdmiralby the arm and going) Come along, Admiral. Come and have a cigar and we'll talk it over. (Spoken off stageR.) Smith or no Smith, we must win this seat.
Tarver. (TakingPhyllis'arm) Madge--Evelyn. Let's go and count the names of the hundred beasts who won't vote for me.
(PhyllisandTarverandMadgemove to doorC.and exitR.)
Evelyn. (Who has moved up to door, turns in door. Coquettishly toSteeleandRaleigh) I'm afraid I can't count--without some big, strong man to help me.
Raleigh. (Looking round) Ask Steele. He took all the 'rithmetic prizes at his kindergarten.
Steele. (Looking round) I'll come in one minute, Lady Trenchard. There's something on my program Imustshow to Miss Faraday. (Indicating program.)
Evelyn. (At door) Well--! When Celia has quite done withallof you---- (Exit rapidly.)