Dick.
[Impatiently.] Surely, that's absolutely quixotic.
Alec.
No, it isn't. I tell you I can't do anything else. I'm bound hand and foot. Lucy has talked to me of George's death, and the only thing that has consoled her is the idea that in a manner he had redeemed his father's good name. How can I rob her of that? She placed all her hopes in George. How could she face the world with the knowledge that her brother was rotten to the core, as rotten as her father.
Dick.
It seems awfully hard.
Alec.
Besides, when all is said and done, the boy did die game. Don't you think that should count for something? No, I tell you I can't give him away now. I should never cease to reproach myself. I love Lucy far too much to cause her such bitter pain.
Dick.
And if it loses you her love?
Alec.
I think she can do without love better than without self-respect.
[Lucycomes in withMrs. Crowley.
Lucy.
I've sent my partner away. I felt I must have a few words alone with you.
Dick.
Shall I take Mrs. Crowley into a retired corner?
Lucy.
No, we have nothing to say that you can't hear. You and Nellie know that we're engaged to be married. [ToAlec.] I want you to dance with me.
Alec.
It's very good of you.
Mrs. Crowley.
Don't you think that's rather foolish, Lucy?
Lucy.
[ToAlec.] I want to show them all that I don't believe that you're guilty of an odious crime.
Alec.
They've said horrible things about me?
Lucy.
Not to me. They wanted to hide it from me, but I knew they were talking.
Alec.
You'll grow used to hearing shameful things said of me. I suppose I shall grow used to it, too.
Lucy.
Oh, I hate them.
Alec.
Ah, it's not that I mind. What torments me is that it was so easy to despise their praise, and now I can't despise their blame.
Mrs. Crowley.
[Smiling.] I believe you have some glimmerings of human nature in you after all.
Lucy.
When you came to-night, so calm and self-possessed, I admired you as I'd never admired you before.
Alec.
It's easy enough to command one's face. I learnt to do that in Africa when often my life depended on my seeming to have no fear. But in my heart ... I never knew that I could feel so bitter. And yet, after all, it's only your good opinion that I care for.
Lucy.
I've trusted you implicitly from the first day I saw you.
Alec.
Thank God for that! To-day is the first time I've wanted to be assured that I was trusted. And yet I'm ashamed to want it.
Lucy.
Ah, don't be too hard upon yourself. You're so afraid of letting your tenderness appear.
Alec.
The only way to be strong is never to surrender to one's weakness. Strength is merely a habit like everything else. I want you to be strong, too. I want you never to doubt me whatever you may hear said.
Lucy.
I gave my brother into your hands, and told you that if he died a brave man's death I could ask for no more.
Alec.
I should tell you that I've made up my mind to make no answer to the charges that are made against me.
[There is a very short pause, while he looks at her steadily.
Mrs. Crowley.
But why?
Alec.
[ToLucy.] I can give you my word of honour that I've done nothing which I regret. I know that what I did was right with regard to George, and if it were all to come again I would do exactly as I did before.
Lucy.
I think I can trust you.
Alec.
I thought of you always, and everything I did was for your sake. Every single act of mine during these four years in Africa has been done because I loved you.
Lucy.
You must love me always, Alec, for now I have only you. [He bends down and kisses her hand.] Come!
[He gives her his arm and they walk out.
Mrs. Crowley.
I feel as if I should rather like to cry.
Dick.
Do you really? So do I.
Mrs. Crowley.
Don't be so silly.
Dick.
By the way, you don't want to dance with me, do you?
Mrs. Crowley.
Certainly not. You dance abominably.
Dick.
It's charming of you to say so. It puts me at my ease at once.
Mrs. Crowley.
Come and sit on the sofa and talk seriously.
Dick.
Ah, you want to flirt with me, Mrs. Crowley.
Mrs. Crowley.
Good heavens, what on earth makes you think that?
Dick.
It's what a woman always means when she asks you to talk sensibly.
Mrs. Crowley.
I can't bear a man who thinks women are in love with him.
Dick.
Bless you, I don't think that. I only think they want to marry me.
Mrs. Crowley.
That's equally detestable.
Dick.
Not at all. However old, ugly, and generally undesirable a man is, he'll find a heap of charming girls who are willing to marry him. Marriage is still the only decent means of livelihood for a really nice girl.
Mrs. Crowley.
But, my dear friend, if a woman really makes up her mind to marry a man, nothing on earth can save him.
Dick.
Don't say that, you terrify me.
Mrs. Crowley.
You need not be in the least alarmed, because I shall refuse you.
Dick.
Thanks, awfully. But all the same I don't think I'll risk a proposal.
Mrs. Crowley.
My dear Mr. Lomas, your only safety is in immediate flight.
Dick.
Why?
Mrs. Crowley.
It must be obvious to the meanest intelligence that you've been on the verge of proposing to me for the last month.
Dick.
Oh, I assure you, you're quite mistaken.
Mrs. Crowley.
Then I shan't come to the play with you to-morrow?
Dick.
But I've taken the seats, and I've ordered an exquisite dinner at the Carlton.
Mrs. Crowley.
What have you ordered?
Dick.
Potage Bisque... [She makes a little face.]Sole Normande... [She shrugs her shoulders.]Wild Duck.
Mrs. Crowley.
With an orange salad?
Dick.
Yes.
Mrs. Crowley.
I don't positively dislike that.
Dick.
And I've ordered a soufflé with an ice in the middle of it.
Mrs. Crowley.
I shan't come.
Dick.
I shouldn't have thought you kept very well abreast of dramatic art if you insist on marrying every man who takes you to a theatre.
Mrs. Crowley.
[Demurely.] I was very nicely brought up.
Dick.
Of course, if you're going to make yourself systematically disagreeable unless I marry you, I suppose I shall have to do it in self-defence.
Mrs. Crowley.
I don't know if you have the least idea what you're talking about. I'm sure I haven't!
Dick.
I was merely asking you in a rather well-turned phrase to name the day. The lamb shall be ready for the slaughter!
Mrs. Crowley.
Couldn't you infuse a little romance into it? You might begin by going down on your bended knees.
Dick.
I assure you that's quite out of fashion. Lovers, nowadays, are much too middle-aged, and their joints are creaky. Besides, it ruins the trousers.
Mrs. Crowley.
At all events, there can be no excuse for your not saying that you know you're utterly unworthy of me.
Dick.
Wild horses wouldn't induce me to make a statement which is so remote from the truth.
Mrs. Crowley.
And, of course, you must threaten to commit suicide if I don't consent.
Dick.
Women are such sticklers for routine. They have no originality.
Mrs. Crowley.
Very well, have it your own way. But I must have a proposal in due form.
Dick.
Only four words are needed. [Counting them on his fingers.] Will you marry me?
Mrs. Crowley.
That is both clear and simple. I reply in one: No!
Dick.
[As though he were not sure that he had heard correctly.] I beg your pardon?
Mrs. Crowley.
The answer is in the negative.
Dick.
You're joking. You're certainly joking.
Mrs. Crowley.
I will be a sister to you.
Dick.
Do you mean to say you deliberately refuse me?
Mrs. Crowley.
[Smiling.] I promised you I would.
Dick.
[With much seriousness.] I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Mrs. Crowley.
[Puzzled.] The man's mad. The man's nothing short of a raving lunatic.
Dick.
I wanted to see if you were really attached to me. You have given me a proof of esteem which I promise you I will never forget.
Mrs. Crowley.
[Laughing.] You're a perfect idiot, Mr. Lomas!
Dick.
It's one of my cherished convictions that a really nice woman is never so cruel as to marry a man she cares for.
Mrs. Crowley.
You're much too flippant to marry anybody, and you're perfectly odious into the bargain.
[She goes out.Dick,chuckling, lights a cigarette.Aleccomes in and lies down lazily on the sofa.
Alec.
Why, Dick, what's the matter? You look as pleased as Punch.
Dick.
My dear fellow, I feel like the Terrible Turk. I've been wrestling, and I thought I was going to have a fall. But by the display of considerable agility I've managed to keep my legs.
Alec.
Whatdoyou mean?
Dick.
Nothing. It's merely the gaiety of forty-two.
[Boulgercomes into the room, followed immediately byMallinsandCarbery.He starts slightly when he seesAlec,but then goes over to the table on which is the whiskey.
Mallins.
May we smoke here, Bobby?
Boulger.
Certainly. Dick insisted that this room should be particularly reserved for that purpose.
[TheButlercomes in with a small silver salver, and takes up one or two dirty glasses.
Dick.
Lady Kelsey is the most admirable of all hostesses.
Alec.
[Taking a cigarette from his case.] Give me a match, Bobby, there's a good boy. [Boulger,with his back turned toAlec,takes no notice. He pours himself out some whiskey.Alecsmiles slightly.] Bobby, throw me over the matches!
Boulger.
[With his back still turned.] Miller!
Butler.
Yes, sir?
Boulger.
Mr. Mackenzie is asking for something.
Butler.
Yes, sir!
Alec.
You might give me a light, will you?
Butler.
Yes, sir!
[TheButlertakes the matches toAlec,who lights his cigarette.
Alec.
Thank you. [Complete silence is preserved till theButlerleaves the room.] I perceive, Bobbie, that during my absence you have not added good manners to your other accomplishments.
Boulger.
If you want things, you can ask the servants for them.
Alec.
[Good-humouredly.] Don't be foolish, Bobbie!
Boulger.
Would you be so kind as to remember that my name is Boulger?
Alec.
[Smiling.] Perhaps you would like me to call you Sir Robert?
Boulger.
I should prefer that you would call me nothing at all. I have absolutely no wish to know you.
Alec.
Which shows that your taste is as bad as your breeding.
Boulger.
[Angrily, walking up to him.] By God, I'll knock you down!
Alec.
You could hardly do that when I'm already lying on my back.
Boulger.
Look here, Mackenzie, I'm not going to let you play the fool with me. I want to know what answer you have to make to all these charges that have been brought against you.
Alec.
Might I suggest that only Miss Allerton has the least right to receive answers to her questions? And she hasn't questioned me.
Boulger.
I've given up trying to understand her attitude. If I were she, it would make me sick with horror to look at you. Since this morning you've rested under a direct accusation of causing George's death, and you've said nothing in self-defence.
Alec.
Nothing.
Boulger.
You've been given an opportunity to explain yourself, and you haven't taken it.
Alec.
Quite true.
Boulger.
Are you not going to deny the charge?
Alec.
I'm not.
Boulger.
Then I can only draw one conclusion. There appears to be no means of bringing you to justice, but at least I can refuse to know you.
Alec.
All is over between us. And shall I return your letters and your photograph?
Boulger.
I'm not joking.
Alec.
It's singular that though I'm Scotch and you are English I should be able to see how ridiculous you are, while you're quite blind to your own absurdity.
Dick.
Come, Alec! Remember he's only a boy.
Boulger.
[ToDick Lomas.] I'm perfectly able to look after myself, and I'll thank you not to interfere. [ToAlec.] If Lucy's so indifferent to her brother's death that she's willing to keep up with you, that's her own affair ...
Dick.
[Interrupting.] Come, Bobbie, don't make a scene.
Boulger.
[Furiously.] Leave me alone, confound you!
Alec.
Do you think this is quite the place for an altercation? Wouldn't you gain more notoriety if you attacked me in my club or at Church parade on Sunday?
Boulger.
It's mere shameless impudence that you should come here to-night. You're using these wretched women as a shield, because you know that as long as Lucy sticks to you there are people who won't believe the story.
Alec.
I came for the same reason as yourself, dear boy. Because I was invited.
Dick.
Now then, Bobbie, shut up!
Boulger.
I shan't shut up. The man's got no right to force himself here.
Dick.
Remember that you're Lady Kelsey's nephew.
Boulger.
I didn't ask him. D'you think I'd have come if I knew he was going to be here? He's acknowledged that he has no defence.
Alec.
Pardon me, I acknowledge nothing and deny nothing.
Boulger.
That won't do for me. I want the truth, and I'm going to get it. I've got a right to know.
Alec.
[Beginning to lose his temper.] Don't make an ass of yourself, Bobby.
Boulger.
By God, I'll make you answer!
[As he says this he goes up toAlecfuriously, butAlec.with a twist of his arm, hurls him back.
Alec.
I could break your back, you silly boy.
[With a cry of angerBoulgeris about to spring atAlecwhenDickgets in the way.
Dick.
Now then, no scenes. And you'll only get the worst of it, Bobby. Alec could just crumple you up. Take him away, Mallins. Don't stand there like a stuffed owl, Carbery.
Boulger.
Let me alone, you fool!
Mallins.
Come along, old chap.
Boulger.
[ToAlec.] You damned skunk!
Dick.
Now then, be off with you. Don't make a silly ass of yourself.
[Boulger,MallinsandCarberygo out.
Dick.
Poor Lady Kelsey! To-morrow half London will be saying that you and Bobby had a stand-up fight in her drawing-room.
Alec.
[Furiously.] The damned cubs!
Dick.
The position is growing confoundedly awkward!
Alec.
They lick my boots till I loathe them, and then they turn against me like a pack of curs. Oh, I despise them—these silly boys who stay at home wallowing in their ease while men work. Thank God, I've done with them all now. They think one can fight one's way through Africa as easily as one walks down Piccadilly. They think one goes through hardships and dangers, illness and starvation, to be the lion of a dinner-party in Mayfair.
Dick.
My dear Alec, keep calm.
Alec.
[With a visible effort containing himself completely, with studied nonchalance.] D'you think that I look wildly excited?
Dick.
[Ironically.] I don't think butter would melt in your mouth.
[DickandAlecgo out into the garden. In a momentBoulgercomes in withLady Kelsey.
Boulger.
Thank heaven, there's nobody here.
Lady Kelsey.
I think you're dreadfully foolish, Bobby. You know how Lucy resents any interference with her actions.
Boulger.
Won't you sit down? You must be dreadfully tired.
Lady Kelsey.
Why won't you wait till to-morrow?
Boulger.
I feel that it ought to be settled at once.
[Lucyappears.
Lucy.
Did you send for me, my aunt? Mr. Carbery said you wanted to speak to me here.
Lady Kelsey.
Yes, I gave him that message.
Boulger.
I asked Aunt Alice to beg you to come here. I was afraid you wouldn't if I asked you.
Lucy.
[Lightly.] What nonsense! I'm always delighted to see you.
Boulger.
I wanted to speak to you about something, and I thought Aunt Alice should be present.
Lucy.
Is it so important that it can't wait till to-morrow?
Boulger.
I venture to think it's very important.
Lucy.
[Smiling.] I'm all attention.
[He hesitates for a moment, then braces himself to the ordeal.
Boulger.
I've told you often, Lucy, that I've been in love with you for as many years as I can remember.
Lucy.
Surely you've not snatched me from the unwilling arm of my partner in order to make me a proposal of marriage?
Boulger.
I'm perfectly serious, Lucy.
Lucy.
[Smiling.] I assure you it doesn't suit you at all.
Boulger.
The other day I asked you again to marry me, just before Alec Mackenzie came back.
Lucy.
It was very charming of you. You mustn't think that because I laugh at you a little I'm not grateful for your affection.
Boulger.
Except for that letter in this morning'sTimes, I should never have dared to say anything to you again. But that changes everything.
Lucy.
I don't understand what you mean.
Boulger.
[After a little pause.] I ask you again if you'll be my wife? When Alec Mackenzie came back I understood why you were so indifferent to me, but you can't marry him now.
Lucy.
You have no right to talk to me like this.
Boulger.
I'm the only man who's related to you at all, and I love you with my whole soul.
Lady Kelsey.
I think you should listen to him, Lucy. I'm growing old, and soon you'll be quite alone in the world.
Boulger.
I don't ask you to care for me. I only want to serve you.
Lucy.
I can only repeat that I'm very grateful to you. I can never marry you.
Boulger.
[Beginning to lose his temper again.] Are you going to continue to know Mackenzie? If you'll take the advice of any unprejudiced person about that letter, you'll find that he'll say the same as I. There can be no shadow of doubt that Mackenzie is guilty of a monstrous crime.
Lucy.
I don't care what the evidence is. I know he can't have done a shameful thing.
Boulger.
But have you forgotten that it's your own brother he killed? The whole country is up in arms against him, and you are quite indifferent.
Lucy.
[Much moved.] Oh, Bobbie, how can you be so cruel?
Boulger.
If you ever really cared for George at all, you must wish to punish the man who caused his death.
Lucy.
Oh, why d'you torment me? I tell you that he isn't guilty. It's because I'm convinced of that ...
Boulger.
[Interrupting.] But have you asked him?
Lucy.
No.
Boulger.
He might give you the truth.
Lucy.
I couldn't do that.
Boulger.
Why not?
Lady Kelsey.
It's very strange that he should insist on this silence.
Lucy.
Do you believe that story too?
Lady Kelsey.
I don't know what to believe. It's so extraordinary. If the man's innocent, why doesn't he speak?
Lucy.
He knows I trust him. I couldn't cause him the great pain of asking him questions.
Boulger.
Are you afraid he couldn't answer them?
Lucy.
No, no, no!
Boulger.
Well, just try. After all, you owe as much as that to the memory of George.
Lady Kelsey.
I think it's very unreasonable, Lucy. He knows we're his friends. He can count on our discretion.
Lucy.
I believe in him implicitly. I believe in him with all the strength I've got.
Boulger.
Then, surely it can make no difference if you ask him. There can be no reason for him not to trust you.
Lucy.
Oh, why don't you leave me alone?
Boulger.
Ask him point blank. If he refuses to answer you ...
Lucy.
[Hastily.] It would mean nothing. Why should he answer? I believe in him absolutely. I think he's the greatest and most honourable man I've ever known. I care more for his little finger than for the whole world. I love him with all my heart. And that's why he can't be guilty of this horrible crime. Because I've loved him for years, and he's known it. And he loves me. And he's loved me always.
[AlecandDickstroll in from the garden.
Lucy.
Alec, Alec, I want you! Thank God, you've come!
Alec.
[Going to her quickly.] What is it?
Lucy.
Alec, you must tell them now about you and me.
[Aleclooks atLucyfor a moment,and then turns toLady Kelsey.
Alec.
I think perhaps we ought to have told you before, Lady Kelsey. But we wanted to enjoy our little secret by ourselves.
Lady Kelsey.
I'm afraid to understand.
Alec.
I have asked Lucy to be my wife, and she....
Lucy.
[Interrupting him.] She said she would be honoured and deeply grateful.
Lady Kelsey.
[Greatly embarrassed.] I hardly know what to say.... How long have you been engaged?
Lucy.
Won't you tell me you're pleased, my aunt? I know you want me to be happy.
Lady Kelsey.
Of course, I want you to be happy. But I—I....
[Boulgerturns on his heel and walks out.
Dick.
[Offering his arm toLady Kelsey.] Wouldn't you like to go back to the drawing-room?
[She allows herself to be led away, helplessly.AlecandLucyare left alone.
Alec.
[With a smile.] I don't think our announcement has been received with enthusiasm.
Lucy.
You're not angry with me,Alec?
Alec.
Of course not. Everything you do is right and charming.
Lucy.
I shall really think I'm a wonderful person if I've taught you to pay compliments.
Alec.
I'm so glad to be alone with you. Now, at all events, people will have the sense to leave us by ourselves.
Lucy.
[Passionately.] I want your love. I want your love so badly.
Alec.
[Taking her in his arms.] My darling!
Lucy.
[Clinging to him.] The moment I'm with you I feel so confident and happy.
Alec.
Only when you're with me? [Lucylooks at him for an instant. He repeats the question in a caressing voice.] Only when you're with me, darling?
Lucy.
Why d'you think I made you tell them we were engaged?
Alec.
You took me by surprise.
Lucy.
I had to tell them. I couldn't keep it back. They made me suffer so dreadfully.
Alec.
The brutes! Tell me what they did.
Lucy.
Oh, they said horrible things about you.
Alec.
No more than that?
Lucy.
It's nothing to you. But to me.... Oh, you don't know what agony I endure. I'm such a coward! I thought I was so much braver.
Alec.
I don't understand you.
Lucy.
I wanted to burn my ships behind me. I wanted to reassure myself. [Alecmakes a slight movement away from her, but she holds him back anxiously.] Forgive me, dear. You don't know how terrible it is. I stand so dreadfully alone. Every one is convinced that you caused poor George's death—every one but me. [Aleclooks at her gravely, without speaking.] I try to put the thoughts out of my head, but I can't—I can't. That letter in theTimeslooks so dreadfully true. Don't you see what I mean? The uncertainty is more than I can bear. At the first moment I felt so absolutely sure of you.
Alec.
And now you don't?
Lucy.
I trust you just as much as ever. I know it's impossible that you should have done a shameful thing. But there it stands in black and white, and you have nothing to say in answer.
Alec.
I know it's very difficult. That is why I asked you to believe in me.
Lucy.
I do, Alec—with all my soul. But have mercy on me. I'm not so strong as I thought. It's easy for you to stand alone. You're iron, but I'm a weak woman.
Alec.
Oh, no, you're not like other women. I was proud of your unconquerable spirit.
Lucy.
It was easy to be brave where my father was concerned, and George, but you're the man I love, and it's so different. I don't know any more how to stand alone.
[Aleclooks at her, thinking, but does not replyfor a moment.
Alec.
Do you remember that only an hour ago I told you that I'd done nothing which I wouldn't do again? I gave you my word of honour that I could reproach myself for nothing.
Lucy.
Oh, I know. I'm so utterly ashamed of myself. But I can't bear the doubt.
Alec.
Doubt! You've said the word at last.
Lucy.
I tell every one that I don't believe a word of these horrible charges, and I repeat to myself: I'm certain, I'm certain that he's innocent. And yet at the bottom of my heart there's a doubt, and I can't crush it.
Alec.
Is that why you told them we were engaged to be married?
Lucy.
I wanted to kill that gnawing pain of suspicion. I thought if I stood up before them and cried out that my trust in you was so great, I was willing to marry you notwithstanding everything, I should at least have peace in my own heart.
[Alecwalks up and down. Then he stops infront ofLucy.
Alec.
What is it precisely you want me to do?
Lucy.
I want you to have mercy on me because I love you. Don't tell the world if you choose not to, but tell me the truth. I know you're incapable of lying. If I only have it from your own lips I shall believe, I want to be certain, certain!
Alec.
Don't you realise that I would never have asked you to marry me if my conscience hadn't been quite clear? Don't you realise that the reasons I have for holding my tongue must be of overwhelming strength?
Lucy.
But I am going to be your wife, and I love you, and you love me.
Alec.
I implore you not to insist, Lucy. Let us remember only that the past is gone and we love one another. It's impossible for me to tell you anything.
Lucy.
Oh, but you must now. If any part of the story is true, you must give me a chance of judging for myself.
Alec.
I'm very sorry, I can't.
Lucy.
But you'll kill my love for you. The doubt which lurked at the bottom of my soul now fills me. How can you let me suffer such maddening torture?
Alec.
I thought you trusted me.
Lucy.
I'll be satisfied if you'll only tell me one thing: only tell me that when you sent George on that expedition you didn't know that he'd be killed. [Aleclooks at her steadily.] Only say that, Alec. Say that's not true, and I'll believe you.
Alec.
[Very quietly.] But it is true.
[Lucydoes not answer, but stares at him withterrified eyes.
Lucy.
Oh, I don't understand. Oh, my dearest, don't treat me as a child. Have mercy on me! You must be serious now. It's a matter of life and death to both of us.
Alec.
I'm perfectly serious.
Lucy.
You knew that you were sending George into a death-trap? You knew he couldn't escape alive?
Alec.
Except by a miracle.
Lucy.
And you don't believe in miracles?
Alec.
No.
Lucy.
Oh, it can't be true. Oh, Alec, Alec, Alec! Oh, what shall I do?
Alec.
I tell you that whatever I did was inevitable.
Lucy.
Then if that's true, the rest must be true also. Oh, it's awful. I can't realise it. Haven't you anything to say at all?
Alec.
[In a low voice.] Only that I've loved you always with all my soul.
Lucy.
You knew how much I loved my brother. You knew how much it meant to me that he should live to wipe out my father's dishonour. All the future was centred on him, and you sacrificed him.
Alec.
[Hesitatingly.] I think I might tell you this. He had committed a grave error of judgment. We were entrapped by the Arabs, and our only chance of escape entailed the almost certain death of one of us.
[An inkling of the truth seizesLucy,and herface is suddenly distorted with horror. Shegoes up to him impulsively. Her voicetrembles with emotion.
Lucy.
Alec, Alec, he didn't do something—unworthy? You're not trying to shield him?
Alec.
[Hoarsely.] No, no, no!
Lucy.
[With a gasp of relief, almost to herself.] Thank God! I couldn't have borne that. [ToAlec,hopelessly.] Then I don't understand.
Alec.
It was not unjust that he should suffer for the catastrophe which he had brought about.
Lucy.
At those times one doesn't think of justice. He was so young, so frank. Wouldn't it have been nobler to give your life for his?
Alec.
Oh, my dear, you don't know how easy it is to give one's life. How little you know me! Do you think I should have hesitated if my death had been sufficient to solve the difficulty? I had my work to do. I was bound by solemn treaties to the surrounding tribes. It would have been cowardly for me to die. I tell you, my death would have meant the awful death of every man in my party.
Lucy.
I can only see one thing, that you took George, George of all others.
Alec.
I knew at the time that what I did might cost me your love, and though you won't believe this, I did it for your sake.
[At this momentMrs. Crowleyenters withSir Robert Boulger.She has a cloak on.
Mrs. Crowley.
I was just coming to say good-night. Bobby is going to drive me home. [She suddenly noticesLucy'sagitation.] What on earth's the matter?
[Lady KelseyandDick Lomascome in.LadyKelseylooks atLucyand then goes up toher impulsively.
Lady Kelsey.
Lucy, Lucy!
Lucy.
[Brokenly.] I'm no longer engaged to Mr. Mackenzie. He can't deny that what is said about him is true.
[They look at him in astonishment, but he makesno movement.
Mrs. Crowley.
[ToAlec.] Haven't you anything to say at all? You must have some explanation to offer?
Alec.
No, I have none whatever.
Dick.
Alec, old man, have you realised all that this means?
Alec.
Quite. I see now that it was inevitable.
Lucy.
[With a sudden burst of furious anger.] You killed him! You killed him as surely as if you'd strangled him with your own hands.
[Robert Boulgergoes to the door and flingsit open.AlecgivesLucya look, thenslightly shrugs his shoulders. He walksout without a word. The moment he hasgoneLucysinks down and bursts intopassionate tears.
END OF THE THIRD ACT.
Scene.—A library in the house ofDick Lomasin Portman Square.
Dickand hisValet.Dickis putting flowers into a vase.
Dick.
Has Mr. Mackenzie come in?
Charles.
Yes, sir. He's gone to his room.
Dick.
I expect Mrs. Crowley and Miss Allerton to tea. If any one else comes I'm not at home.
Charles.
Very well, sir.
Dick.
And if a caller should ask at what time I'm expected back, you haven't the least idea.
Charles.
Very well, sir.
Dick.
We shall want breakfast at eight to-morrow. I'm going down to Southampton to see Mr. Mackenzie off. But I shall be home to dinner. How about those cases in the hall?
Charles.
Mr. Mackenzie said they were to be sent for this afternoon. They're only labelled Zanzibar. Is that sufficient, sir?
Dick.
Oh, I suppose so. Mr. Mackenzie will have given the shippers all directions. You'd better bring the tea at once. Mrs. Crowley is coming at four.
Charles.
Very well, sir.
[He goes out.Dickcontinues to arrange theflowers, than goes to the window and looksout. He comes back. The door is opened byCharles,who announcesMrs. Crowley.
Charles.
Mrs. Crowley.
Dick.
[Going towards her eagerly and taking both her hands.] Best of women!
Mrs. Crowley.
You seem quite glad to see me?
Dick.
I am. But where is Lucy?
Mrs. Crowley.
She's coming later.... I don't know why you should squeeze my hands in this pointed manner.
Dick.
What an age it is since I saw you!
Mrs. Crowley.
If you bury yourself in Scotland all the summer, you can't expect to see people who go to Homburg and the Italian lakes.
Dick.
Heavens, how you cultivate respectability!
Mrs. Crowley.
It's a sensitive plant whose vagaries one has to humour.
Dick.
Aren't you delighted to be back in town?
Mrs. Crowley.
London's the most charming place in the world to get away from and to come back to. Now tell me all you've been doing, if I can hear it without blushing too furiously.
Dick.
My behaviour would have done credit to a clergyman's only daughter. I dragged Alec off to Scotland after that horrible scene at Lady Kelsey's, and we played golf.
Mrs. Crowley.
Was he very wretched, poor thing?
Dick.
He didn't say a word. I wanted to comfort him, but he never gave me a chance. He never mentioned Lucy's name.
Mrs. Crowley.
Did he seem unhappy?
Dick.
No. He was just the same as ever, impassive and collected.
Mrs. Crowley.
Really he's inhuman.
Dick.
He's an anomaly in this juvenile century. He's an ancient Roman who buys his clothes in Savile Row. An eagle caged with a colony of canaries.
Mrs. Crowley.
Then he's very much in the way in England, and it's much better for him that he should go back to Africa.
Dick.
This time to-morrow he'll be half-way down the channel.
Mrs. Crowley.
I'm really beginning to think you're a perfect angel, Mr. Lomas.
Dick.
Don't say that, it makes me feel so middle-aged. I'd much sooner be a young sinner than an elderly cherub.
Mrs. Crowley.
It was sweet of you to look after him through the summer and then insist on his staying here till he went away. How long is he going for this time?
Dick.
Heaven knows! Perhaps for ever.
Mrs. Crowley.
Have you told him that Lucy is coming?
Dick.
No. I thought that was a pleasing piece of information which I'd leave you to impart.
Mrs. Crowley.
Thanks!
Dick.
She's only coming to indulge a truly feminine passion for making scenes, and she's made Alec quite wretched enough already. Why doesn't she marry Robert Boulger?
Mrs. Crowley.
Why should she?
Dick.
Half the women I know merely married their husbands to spite somebody else. It appears to be one of the commonest causes of matrimony.
Mrs. Crowley.
[With a quizzical look at him.] Talking of which, what are you going to do when Mr. Mackenzie is gone?
Dick.
Talking of the weather and the crops, I propose to go to Spain.
Mrs. Crowley.
[Opening her eyes wide.] How very extraordinary! I thought of going there, too.
Dick.
Then, without a moment's hesitation, I shall go to Norway.
Mrs. Crowley.
It'll be dreadfully cold.
Dick.
Dreadfully. But I shall be supported by the consciousness of having done my duty.
Mrs. Crowley.
You don't think there would be room for both of us in Spain?
Dick.
I'm convinced there wouldn't. We should always be running against one another, and you'd insist on my looking out all your trains in Bradshaw.
Mrs. Crowley.
I hope you remember that you asked me to tea to-day?
Dick.
Pardon me, you asked yourself. I keep the letter next to my heart and put it under my pillow every night.
Mrs. Crowley.
You fibber! Besides, if I did, it was only on Lucy's account.
Dick.
That, I venture to think, is neither polite nor accurate.
Mrs. Crowley.
I don't think I should so utterly detest you, if you hadn't such a good opinion of yourself.
Dick.
You forget that I vowed on the head of my maternal grandmother never to speak to you again.
Mrs. Crowley.
Oh, I'm always doing that. I tell my maid that time she does my hair badly.
Dick.
You trifled with the tenderest affection of an innocent and unsophisticated old bachelor.
Mrs. Crowley.
Is that you by any chance?
Dick.
Of course, it's me. D'you think I was talking of the man in the moon?
Mrs. Crowley.
[Looking at him critically.] With the light behind, you might still pass for thirty-five.
Dick.
I've given up youth and its vanities. I no longer pluck out my white hairs.