(Baldwin, with his shears and saws, crosses to the right and examines the sunset.)
(Baldwin, with his shears and saws, crosses to the right and examines the sunset.)
Clare.
Don’t you remember he was keeping a h’eye on the sun?
Lady Patricia.
But, Clare! What a dreadful state you’re in!
Clare.
I know. Your trees are shockingly dirty. You really ought to get Baldwin to scrub them with soap and water!... Lady Patricia, I hope you won’t think me very rude if I run away. I had quite forgotten it was father’s sermon night when I accepted Mr. Cosway’s invitation to dinner. I always help him with his sermons.
Lady Patricia.
You, my dear child!
Clare.
I verify the quotations and prune the adjectives.... Then you’ll forgive me?
Lady Patricia.
Sweet girl! (She strokesClare’sunwilling face.) I’m very sorry, because I’m going to do such a wicked and decadent thing at dinner. Yousee this lily? So virginal and nun-like! I am going to put her into a glassful of wine and make her tipsy.
Clare.
Oh!...
Lady Patricia.
You must come some other evening. We are both so very fond of you.
Clare.
Good-bye. Good-bye, Mr. Cosway.
Michael.
Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?
Clare.
Quite, thanks. Good-bye.
(She goes out.)
(She goes out.)
Lady Patricia.
She seems to be in a chastened frame of mind.
Michael.
Perhaps she’s not quite well.
Lady Patricia.
(Holding out her hands to him.) Michael....
Michael.
(Taking her hands.) Dearest!
Lady Patricia.
It will be just—just you and I!
Michael.
You and I, Patricia!
Lady Patricia.
You needn’t stay, Baldwin.
Baldwin.
(Who is still staring into the sunset.) Beg pardon, mum?
Lady Patricia.
You needn’t stay.
Baldwin.
But if you’ll excuse my sayin’ so, mum, the sun——
Lady Patricia.
Another time, Baldwin.
Baldwin.
Yes, ’m.
(He goes out slowly.)
(He goes out slowly.)
Lady Patricia.
Just you and I, Michael.... Kiss me.
Michael.
(Kissing her.) Just you and I.
Lady Patricia.
You and I and the sunset....
(End of the First Act.)
Scene:—The same, except for an extra ladder whichLady Patriciahas had built up to the platform on the left. It is a beautiful night in early June. The full moon spreads a network of shadows on the platform, and a few large stars twinkle through the leaves. Suspended from the branches by pieces of silken string attached to nails driven into the trunk of the tree are several elaborate Chinese lanterns. Empty coffee-cups and liqueur glasses stand on two small tables in the background. There are one or two chairs about in addition toLady Patricia’sdeck-chair.
(When the curtain rises,Baldwinis seen slowly entering on the left. He has a bundle of small candles in his hand. He looks anxiously from lantern to lantern. Suddenly one of them goes out.)
(When the curtain rises,Baldwinis seen slowly entering on the left. He has a bundle of small candles in his hand. He looks anxiously from lantern to lantern. Suddenly one of them goes out.)
Baldwin.
Ho! (He unfastens the string from the nail and lowers the lantern with deliberation, muttering.) Them little lanterns do burn uncommon quick.... Whoa! (Fixes fresh candle in thelantern.) Uncommon quick ... drat ’em.... (Pulls up the lantern.) Whoa!
(While he fastens the string on to the nailLady Patricia’svoice is heard singing divinely in the distance.Baldwinlistens for a moment. The singing ceases. He shakes his head gloomily, glances into the tree, and another lantern goes out.)
(While he fastens the string on to the nailLady Patricia’svoice is heard singing divinely in the distance.Baldwinlistens for a moment. The singing ceases. He shakes his head gloomily, glances into the tree, and another lantern goes out.)
Ho!... (He lowers the lantern.) Whoa.... (Fixing the fresh candle.) They do burn oncommon quick—drat ’em.... (Pulls up the lantern.) Whoa....
(After fixing the string, he retires slowly into the shadowy background and stands motionless, staring from lantern to lantern. SuddenlyBill O’Farrelenters hurriedly by the ladder in the centre. He is in evening dress. He does not seeBaldwin, who merely glances at him and then resumes his upward scrutiny.Billthrows himself intoLady Patricia’sdeck-chair.)
(After fixing the string, he retires slowly into the shadowy background and stands motionless, staring from lantern to lantern. SuddenlyBill O’Farrelenters hurriedly by the ladder in the centre. He is in evening dress. He does not seeBaldwin, who merely glances at him and then resumes his upward scrutiny.Billthrows himself intoLady Patricia’sdeck-chair.)
Bill.
Whew.... safe! (He lights a cigarette.)
(Suddenly close beneathLady Patricia’svoice is heard singing with desultory beauty.Billsprings to his feet.)
(Suddenly close beneathLady Patricia’svoice is heard singing with desultory beauty.Billsprings to his feet.)
Damn!
(He tiptoes cautiously to the edge of the platform and peeps over. The bird-like snatches of song grow nearer.)
(He tiptoes cautiously to the edge of the platform and peeps over. The bird-like snatches of song grow nearer.)
Damn!
(He crosses softly and quickly to the ladder on the left, and with a scared look over his shoulder, disappears just asLady Patricia, in a gown of shimmering wonder, emerges by the ladder in the centre. She stops singing and looks around.)
(He crosses softly and quickly to the ladder on the left, and with a scared look over his shoulder, disappears just asLady Patricia, in a gown of shimmering wonder, emerges by the ladder in the centre. She stops singing and looks around.)
Lady Patricia.
(Flutingly.) Bill.... Bill.... (She perceives the shadowy figure ofBaldwinand makes a quick movement with outstretched arms towards it.) Ah, my dear!
Baldwin.
Beg pardon, m’lady?
Lady Patricia.
Oh!... Baldwin! How amusing!... I was looking for—Mr. Cosway. Has he been here?
Baldwin.
Yes’m.
Lady Patricia.
Oh, when?
Baldwin.
’E took corfee ’ere with your ladyship, mum, and ’is Very Reverence, and the young lady and Mrs. O’Farrel and Mr. O’Farrel.
Lady Patricia.
Sometimes, Baldwin, I wonder whether your amazing futility may not be a conscious pose.
Baldwin.
Beg pardon, mum?
Lady Patricia.
Oh, never mind....
(She goes out on the left, humming sweetly.Baldwinretires to the background and resumes his lantern watch.Clareenters by the central ladder quickly in breathless condition and drops into the deck-chair.Baldwin, unperceived, glances at her, then looks up at the lanterns again.)
(She goes out on the left, humming sweetly.Baldwinretires to the background and resumes his lantern watch.Clareenters by the central ladder quickly in breathless condition and drops into the deck-chair.Baldwin, unperceived, glances at her, then looks up at the lanterns again.)
Clare.
Safe! (With a sigh of relief she lights a cigarette.)
(SuddenlyMichael’svoice is heard beneath calling softly.)
(SuddenlyMichael’svoice is heard beneath calling softly.)
Michael.
Clare—Clare....
Clare.
Damn! (She springs to her feet, crosses quickly to the left, and descends asMichael’shead emerges up the central ladder.)
Michael.
Clare.... (Looks around and perceives the vague form ofBaldwin.) Clare, my—— Oh! I was looking for Lady Patricia. Have you seen her, Baldwin?
Baldwin.
Yessir.
Michael.
Oh.... Has she been here?
Baldwin.
Yessir.
Michael.
When?
Baldwin.
Beg pardon, sir?
Michael.
(Impatiently.) When was Lady Patricia here?
Baldwin.
Well, sir, it may ’a been two minutes ago, sir, or it may ’a been——
Michael.
Thank you.
(He goes out on the left, whileBaldwincontinues:)
(He goes out on the left, whileBaldwincontinues:)
Baldwin.
Or it may ’a been three. ’Er ladyship were looking for you, sir. She arst me, sir—— (Perceiving the vanity of continuing his reminiscences he looks up and a lantern goes out.) Ho! (Lowers the lantern.) Whoa!...
(EnterEllisup the central ladder, carrying a tray with whisky-and-soda.)
(EnterEllisup the central ladder, carrying a tray with whisky-and-soda.)
Ellis.
Good evening, Mr. Baldwin.
Baldwin.
Them candles do burn oncommon quick.... You was sayin’, Mr. Ellis?
Ellis.
I said good evening.
Baldwin.
Whoa!... (Fixes the string.) Good evening to you.
Ellis.
(Clearing coffee-cups, &c., and setting the whisky-and-soda.) It beats me what the company are up to to-night. After dinner they all went for a stroll down to the pond. ’Er ladyship wanted to see—(imitatesPatricia)—“the great moon-flower’s reflection among the lilies.” Then they seem to ’ave separated. The old people are behaving themselves quite rational—playing bézique in the drawing-room. The others are playing the tomfool or ’ide-and-seek or something o’ the sort.
Baldwin.
’Iding-seek? Are they now! That minds me as ’ow I onct played ’iding-seek with Mrs. Baldwin as was my first wife—she weren’t my wife then—an’ found ’er—(he chuckles)—and found ’er—(chuckles)—in the middle of the bed!...
(Ellisguffaws.)
(Ellisguffaws.)
A rose bed it wer’. “Maidens’ blush” they was, jest fur all the world same as ’er purty face. So I gives her sutting wot to blush for. That I did. Dang it! Yus, I did.
Ellis.
You seem to ’ave lived your life, Mr. Baldwin.
Baldwin.
I ’ave that. I’ve ’ad thirteen, an’ two of ’em by me first wife. Thirteen’s an onlucky number I’ve ’eard tell. But I ain’t suspicious.
Ellis.
Su-per-stitious is what you mean, I take it?
Baldwin.
If I says suspicious I means it.
Ellis.
Well, please yourself, Mr. Baldwin, please yourself. My motter’s “Live an’ let live.” Yes, as I was saying, it’s a queer game of ’ide-and-seek they’re playing at. I saw young O’Farrel just now by the yew-trees. ’E caught sight of ’er ladyship comin’ up the path, and dived into theshadder like a frightened rabbit. Bit queer considering ’ow thick they are. I just stood aside to see if anything was going to ’appen. Then ’oo should come along but the master! They must have caught sight of each other at the same time. She gave a sorter jump an’ stood still. ’E cut and ’urried into the bushes. Then she turned and ’urried back the way she’d come. What d’yer say to that?
Baldwin.
What do I say?
Ellis.
Bit queer, ain’t it?
Baldwin.
Chronic! Why, a minute or two back ’er ladyship was up ’ere an’ says, “I’m looking for Mr. Cosway.” And arfter she’s gorne, ’e comes up ’ere an’ says, “I’m lookin’ for ’er ladyship,” ’e says.
Ellis.
Well, I give it up!
(Lady Patriciais heard singing in the distance.)
(Lady Patriciais heard singing in the distance.)
There, she’s at it again!
(Billenters up the central ladder unperceived by the others. He stands in the background. They all listen to the singing in silence until it ceases.)
(Billenters up the central ladder unperceived by the others. He stands in the background. They all listen to the singing in silence until it ceases.)
She can sing, an’ no error!
Baldwin.
Minds me of an ole cat as used to yeowl night after night in the rubub beds.
Ellis.
Good Lord, Mr. Baldwin, ’ow d’you make that out?
Baldwin.
Course it ain’t the same. ’Er ladyship’s voice is a rare treat to ’ear, an’ a cat’s ain’t. But there’s somethin’ in ’em both as seems to be callin’ for somethin’ else. ’Twas jest afore Mrs. Baldwin ’ad ’er seventh. An’ yer’d ’ardly b’lieve me, Mr. Ellis, that cat ’ad kittens same day as Mrs. Baldwin.
(With a smothered laughBillcomes forward.Ellishastily picks up the tray with the cups, &c.)
(With a smothered laughBillcomes forward.Ellishastily picks up the tray with the cups, &c.)
Bill.
Ah, whisky-and-soda, Ellis. That’s good!
Ellis.
Yes, sir.
(He goes out by the centre.)
(He goes out by the centre.)
Bill.
(Helping himself to whisky-and-soda.) Well, Baldwin, what are you up to? Keeping an eye on the sun so as to lop off the branches?
Baldwin.
No, sir.... I was jest watching them lanterns.
Bill.
Yes. They’re very pretty.
Baldwin.
They do burn uncommon quick.
Bill.
Well, they’re made of paper, you know.
Baldwin.
Yessir.... It was the candles I was alludin’ of, sir. They do burn—— (A lantern goes out.) Ho!
(He fiddles about with the string,Billwatching him with a smile. Suddenly halfway up the central ladder you hear the voice ofLady Patriciasweetly humming.Billthrows a wild glance around him.)
(He fiddles about with the string,Billwatching him with a smile. Suddenly halfway up the central ladder you hear the voice ofLady Patriciasweetly humming.Billthrows a wild glance around him.)
Bill.
Don’t give me away, Baldwin.
(He darts into the summer-house at the back and locks the door.)
(He darts into the summer-house at the back and locks the door.)
Baldwin.
’Iding-seek!... (Lowering the lantern.) Whoa!...
(Lady Patriciaenters.)
(Lady Patriciaenters.)
Lady Patricia.
Bill?... (Looks around.) Who were you talking to just now, Baldwin?
Baldwin.
Mr. O’Farrel, mum.
Lady Patricia.
Yes; I thought so—but I don’t see him.
Baldwin.
No, mum.
Lady Patricia.
Where is he?
Baldwin.
’E’s gorne, m’lady.
Lady Patricia.
Gone?
Baldwin.
Yes’m. You gave yerself away, mum, you did. D’rectly ’e ’eard your ladyship’s voice ’e was gorne, mum.
Lady Patricia.
(Amazed.) I gave myself away? Directly he heard my voice he was gone?
Baldwin.
’Twas like as when you come up ’ere before a-lookin’ for the master. Mr. O’Farrel, ’e was ’ere then, mum. ’E ’eard you, an’ ’e jest ran.
Lady Patricia.
Mr. O’Farrel heard me and he ran?
Baldwin.
Yes’m. An’ if you’ll h’excuse my sayin’ so, mum, it ain’t gumptious to sing when playin’ ’iding-seek.
Lady Patricia.
Playing hide-and-seek?...
Baldwin.
Yes’m.
Lady Patricia.
Hide-and-seek! What on earth are you talking about? I really am afraid, Baldwin, the full moon must have deprived you of your few remaining wits. Do you seriously mean to tell me that Mr. O’Farrel ran away twice because he heard me coming?
Baldwin.
Yes’m.
Lady Patricia.
(After a dumbfounded pause) Where did he go to?
Baldwin.
(Knowingly.) Beggin’ yer pardon, mum, I really couldn’t tell yer that.
Lady Patricia.
You——
(Clareenters on the left unperceived, and slips cautiously behind the trunk.)
(Clareenters on the left unperceived, and slips cautiously behind the trunk.)
Baldwin.
I arst you, mum, would it be playin’ fair on the young gentleman?
Lady Patricia.
(Edging rather nervously away from him.) I think you had better go home now, Baldwin. I am afraid you are not quite well. Tell Mrs. Baldwin to come and see me to-morrow.
Baldwin.
Yes’m.
(Lady Patriciagoes out on the left, throwing a nervous look back atBaldwin, who nods his head triumphantly and pulls up the lantern.Clareemerges from behind the trunk and tiptoes towards him.)
(Lady Patriciagoes out on the left, throwing a nervous look back atBaldwin, who nods his head triumphantly and pulls up the lantern.Clareemerges from behind the trunk and tiptoes towards him.)
Baldwin.
Whoa!
Clare.
S-sh!
Baldwin.
Lord-a-mercy!
Clare.
Language, Baldwin!
Baldwin.
Yer did give me a turn, miss.
Clare.
Sorry! Hullo, drinks! (Goes to the edge of the platform and looks cautiously over.) The coast’s clear. I’ll have some soda-water.
Baldwin.
’Iding-seek do give you a bit of a thirst, miss.
Clare.
(Astonished.) Hide-and-seek?
Baldwin.
Yes, miss.
Clare.
Why, have you been playing hide-and-seek?
Baldwin.
Me, miss?
Clare.
Didn’t you say so just now? Really, Baldwin, for a person of your age! And now you want a drink? Well, I’ve no objection, though it looks uncommonly as if you had helped yourself already.
(She points toBill’shalf-filled glass.)
(She points toBill’shalf-filled glass.)
Baldwin.
(Excitedly.) Me, miss? I give you my word, miss. Why, that’s—that’s——
Michael.
(His voice is heard calling softly beneath.) Clare....
Clare.
(ToBaldwin, in a fierce whisper.) Hush! Don’t say where I am!
(She runs to the summer-house and gains the door just asMichaelemerges up the central ladder. She finds the door locked. The key turns in the lock audibly, the door opens, andBill’shand seizes her arm and pulls her inside.)
(She runs to the summer-house and gains the door just asMichaelemerges up the central ladder. She finds the door locked. The key turns in the lock audibly, the door opens, andBill’shand seizes her arm and pulls her inside.)
Clare.
Oh!...
Bill.
Hush!
(Draws her into the summer-house, closes and locks the door.)
(Draws her into the summer-house, closes and locks the door.)
Baldwin.
(In unrestrained delight.) Haw! Haw! Haw! Haw!
Michael.
(Looking around him.) Wasn’t Miss Lesley speaking to you a second ago, Baldwin?
Baldwin.
She were, sir. Haw! Haw!
Michael.
(Regarding the amusedBaldwinwith severity.) Where did she go to?
Baldwin.
She’s gorne, sir.
Michael.
I asked youwhereshe had gone to.
Baldwin.
No, sir; I couldn’t tell yer that, sir. I reely couldn’t.
(He guffaws again.)
(He guffaws again.)
Michael.
Have you been drinking, Baldwin?
Baldwin.
Me, sir? Drinking? ’Pon me honour, sir, I ain’t touched a drop o’ that whisky. It’s mortal ’ard, sir, that a man o’ my years should be tole ’e’s in liquor twice in one evenin’! An’ me teetotal ’cept for me pint o’ four-’arf at dinner an’ supper and a drop o’ somethin’ on Saturday night.
Michael.
Do you know the day of the week, Baldwin?
Baldwin.
(After a pause.) Lor’, sir, if it ain’t Sat’day.... But I give you me word, sir, I ain’t——
Michael.
Very well, Baldwin. But you must admit that your conduct was peculiar. Perhaps now you will be so good as to tell me where Miss Lesley went to.
Baldwin.
She—she——
(He starts laughing again.)
(He starts laughing again.)
Michael.
Do you mean to tell me she has climbed up the tree again?
Baldwin.
Maybe she ’as, sir, an’ maybe she ’asn’t. Haw! Haw!
Michael.
(Angrily.) Fool! (Goes to the trunk, and, standing in the shadow, looks up into the branches.) Clare.... Clare.... I see you, you naughty little girl.... You’ve led me a pretty dance to-night.... Clare.... If you don’t come down I’ll climb up and fetch you....
(Lady Patriciaenters quickly on the left.)
(Lady Patriciaenters quickly on the left.)
Lady Patricia.
(ToBaldwin, her finger on her lip.) Hush!
(She tiptoes quickly across the stage and seizesMichaelby the shoulders.)
(She tiptoes quickly across the stage and seizesMichaelby the shoulders.)
Michael.
Oh! (He faces her and falls back.) Patricia!
Lady Patricia.
(Falling back an amazed step.) Michael!
Baldwin.
(In an ecstasy of glee.) The wrong man! Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord!
(He doubles up with laughter.Lady PatriciaandMichaelregard him in silent amazement and consternation.)
(He doubles up with laughter.Lady PatriciaandMichaelregard him in silent amazement and consternation.)
Lady Patricia.
(ToMichael.) I’m afraid he’s——
(Touches her forehead.)
(Touches her forehead.)
Michael.
Good God!...
Lady Patricia.
(Gently.) Don’t you think it’s better you went now, Baldwin?
Baldwin.
Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord!
Michael.
You ought to stay in bed to-morrow.
Baldwin.
Bed, sir?...
Lady Patricia.
Or sit quietly in the sweet sunshine at your cottage door.
Baldwin.
Yes’m....
Lady Patricia.
Good-night, Baldwin.
Baldwin.
Good-night, mum. Good-night, sir.
(He walks stolidly to the ladder on the left; then, just before descending, starts once more guffawing and continues as he descends.Lady PatriciaandMichaellook at each other in pitying astonishment.)
(He walks stolidly to the ladder on the left; then, just before descending, starts once more guffawing and continues as he descends.Lady PatriciaandMichaellook at each other in pitying astonishment.)
Lady Patricia.
Poor old man! I fear he is breaking up at last!
Michael.
God forgive me, dearest; I thought he had been drinking.
Lady Patricia.
Let us make the twilight of his long day full of peace and fragrance.
Michael.
He shall never want.
(A nightingale begins its song in the distance.)
(A nightingale begins its song in the distance.)
Lady Patricia.
Ah, listen! Ah, listen, dear heart!
Michael.
The nightingale.
Lady Patricia.
We have not far to go, you and I, to reach that land where music and moonlight and feeling are one!
Michael.
Music and moonlight and feeling——
Lady Patricia.
Are one....
Michael.
Sweet bird!
(A pause. They listen “emparadised in one another’s arms.”)
(A pause. They listen “emparadised in one another’s arms.”)
Lady Patricia.
But where have you been, dearest? For the last half-hour I have been looking for you down shadowy paths and by moonlit waters.
Michael.
And I for you.
Lady Patricia.
Cousin Bill went indoors as he had something he wished to say to his mother. So I seized the opportunity to findyou.
Michael.
Miss Lesley left me to speak to her father—and I thought I would snatch a beautiful moment with my wife.
Lady Patricia.
Cousin Bill said he would come back to me in a moment.
Michael.
Miss Lesley too. I’m afraid they may be hunting for us.
Lady Patricia.
Poor children! But they will forgive us when they know we have been together—and so happy. Tell me, dear, why were you looking so fixedly up the tree when I came just now?
(Michaellooks apprehensively towards the tree.)
(Michaellooks apprehensively towards the tree.)
Michael.
I—I was looking for a nightingale.
Lady Patricia.
A nightingale?...
Michael.
Yes.
Lady Patricia.
I thought for a moment some one had climbed the tree, as you seemed to be speaking up into it.
Michael.
I was making fluting sounds so as to encourage the bird to sing.
Lady Patricia.
How clever of you, dear! And now it’s singing in the bushes near the pond.
Michael.
Perhaps I frightened it out of the tree.
Lady Patricia.
Perhaps you did.... Darling.
Michael.
Yes?
Lady Patricia.
Has it ever occurred to you that child may misconstrue your beautiful friendship for her?
Michael.
(Startled.) Clare!
Lady Patricia.
(Coldly.) Clare?
Michael.
Er—Miss Lesley?
Lady Patricia.
Yes.
Michael.
Oh, Patricia, how can you think such a thing! Our friendship is like the friendship of two men or two women, the elder tenderly guiding the younger towards a higher, saner, nobler, largerview of life. (He glances apprehensively at the tree.)
Lady Patricia.
Exquisite! Ideal! But haven’t you noticed, Michael, that the child no longer accepts your companionship with the same frank pleasure as before? I have watched her lately. It seems to me as though she were always trying to avoid you.
Michael.
(Roused.) Avoidme! Clare!
Lady Patricia.
Do you call her by her Christian name?
Michael.
Only in moments of excitement. Avoid me! Impossible!
Lady Patricia.
No, dear, not impossible. And when a girl pointedly avoids a man, it too often means—pursue me.
Michael.
(Distinctly relieved.) Ah!... Ah! yes. But I think you must be mistaken.
Lady Patricia.
Indeed, I hope so. But you must be careful. You are so attractive, Michael.
Michael.
Oh, nonsense, darling!... Strangely enough, a week or two ago I was on the point of warning you in just the same way.
Lady Patricia.
Warning me?
Michael.
I used to watch that boy’s eyes when he looked at you. They were the eyes of a loving spaniel.
Lady Patricia.
Cousin Bill’s?
Michael.
Yes; and I felt sorry for him. But I think his infatuation was only temporary.
Lady Patricia.
(Sharply.) Temporary? What do you mean?
Michael.
He no longer sits at your feet and follows you about as much as he used to.
Lady Patricia.
You are quite wrong. His cousinly affection is the same now as it ever was. He was never in any way infatuated.
Michael.
How could he help it, dearest? You are so wonderful!
Lady Patricia.
Am I? I wonder! (A pause.) I think we really ought to join the others now, dearest.
Michael.
(With a glance into the tree.) Very well.