LAURA. Yes.
WILL. I didn't think it was possible for me to miss anyone the way I have you. I've been lonely.
LAURA. That's nice in you to say that.
WILL. You'll have to move out of here right away. [Crossing to back of table, surveying room.] This place is enough to give one the colly-wabbles. If you'll be ready to-morrow I'll send my man over to help you take care of the luggage.
LAURA. To-morrow will be all right, thank you.
WILL. And you'll need some money in the meantime. I'll leave this here.
[He takes a roll of bills and places it on the bureau.
LAURA. You seem to have come prepared. Did Elfie and you plan this all out?
WILL. Not planned—just hoped. I think you'd better go to some nice hotel now. Later we can arrange.
[Sits on up-stage side of bed.
LAURA. Will, we'll always be frank. I said I was ready to go. It's up to you—when and where.
WILL. The hotel scheme is the best, but, Laura—
LAURA. Yes?
WILL. You're quite sure this is in earnest. You don't want to change?You've time enough now.
LAURA. I've quite made up my mind. It's final.
WILL. If you want to work, Burgess has a nice part for you. I'll telephone and arrange if you say so.
LAURA. Thanks. Say I'll see him in the morning.
WILL. And, Laura, you know when we were in Denver, and—
LAURA. [Rises hurriedly; crosses right.] Please, please, don't speak of it.
WILL. I'm sorry, but I've got to. I told [Rises, and crosses to left.] Madison [LAURAturns her head.]—pardon me, but I must do this—that if this time ever came I'd have you write him the truth. Before we go any further I'd like you to do that now.
LAURA. Say good-bye? [Turns toWILL.
WILL. Just that.
LAURA. I wouldn't know how to begin. It will hurt him awfully deeply.
WILL. It'll be worse if you don't. He'll like you for telling him. It would be honest, and that is what he expects.
LAURA. Must I—now?
WILL. I think you should.
LAURA. [Goes to table and sits down.] How shall I begin, Will?
WILL. [Standing back of table.] You mean you don't know what to say?
LAURA. Yes.
WILL. Then I'll dictate.
LAURA. I'll do just as you say. You're the one to tell me now.
WILL. Address it the way you want to. [She complies.] I'm going to be pretty brutal. In the long run I think that is best, don't you?
LAURA. It's up to you.
WILL. Ready?
LAURA. Begin.
WILL. [Dictating.] "All I have to say can be expressed in one word, 'good-bye.' I shall not tell you where I've gone, but remind you of what Brockton told you the last time he saw you. He is here now [Pause.], dictating this letter. What I am doing is voluntary—my own suggestion. Don't grieve. Be happy and successful. I do not love you"—
[She puts pen down; looks at him.
LAURA. Will—please.
WILL. It has got to go just that way—"I do not love you." Sign it "Laura." [She does it.] Fold it, put it in an envelope—seal it—address it. Now shall I mail it?
LAURA. No. If you don't mind I'd sooner. It's a sort of a last—last message.
WILL. [Crosses to armchair; gets coat, puts it on.] All right.You're a little upset now, and I'm going. We are all to dine atMartin's to-night at seven-thirty. There'll be a party. Of courseyou'll come. [Gets hat and cane.
LAURA. I don't think I can. You see—
WILL. I know. I guess there's enough there [Indicating money.] for your immediate needs. Later you can straighten things up. Shall I send the car?
LAURA. Yes, please.
WILL. Good. It will be the first happy evening I've had in a long, long time. You'll be ready?
[Approaches and bends over her as if to caress her.
LAURA. [Shrinking away.] Please don't. Remember we don't dine until seven-thirty.
WILL. All right. [Exit.
For a momentLAURAsits silent, and then angrily rises, crosses up to dresser, gets alcohol lamp, crosses to table with lamp, lights same, and starts back to dresser. Knock at door.
LAURA. Come in. [ANNIEenters, and stops.] That you, Annie?
ANNIE. Yassum.
LAURA. Mrs. Farley wants her rent. There is some money. [Tosses money on to table.] Take it to her.
ANNIEgoes to the table, examines the roll of bills and is palpably surprised.
ANNIE. Dey ain't nothin' heah, Miss Laura, but five great big one hunderd dollah bills.
LAURA. Take two. And look in that upper drawer. You'll find some pawn tickets there. [ANNIEcomplies.
ANNIE. Yassum. [Aside.] Dat's real money—dem's yellow-backs sure.
LAURA. Take the two top ones and go get my lace gown and one of the hats. The ticket is for a hundred and ten dollars. Keep ten for yourself, and hurry.
ANNIE. [Aside.] Ten for myself—I never see so much money. [ToLAURA,her astonishment nearly overcoming her.] Yassum, Miss Laura, yassum. [She goes toward door, and then turns toLAURA.] Ah'm so mighty glad yo' out all yo' trouble, Miss Laura. I says to Mis' Farley now—
LAURA. [Snapping her off.] Don't—don't. Go do as I tell you and mind your business. [ANNIEturns sullenly and walks toward the door. At that momentLAURAsees the letter, which she has thrown on the table.] Wait a minute. I want you to mail a letter. [By this time her hair is half down, hanging loosely over her shoulders. Her waist is open at the throat, collar off, and she has the appearance of a woman's untidiness when she is at that particular stage of her toilet. Hands letter toANNIE,but snatches it away asANNIEturns to go. She glances at the letter long and wistfully, and her nerve fails her.] Never mind.
ANNIEexits. SlowlyLAURAputs the letter over the flame of the alcohol lamp and it ignites. As it burns she holds it in her fingers, and when half consumed throws it into waste-jar, sits on side of bed watching letter burn, then lies down across bed on her elbows, her chin in her hands, facing audience. As the last flicker is seen the curtain slowly descends.
At the back of the stage is a large window or alcove. The window is on the ordinary plan, and the view through it shows the back of another building of New York, presumably a hotel of about the same character. Green portières are also hung on the windows. Down left is the entrance to the corridor of the hotel, and this must be so arranged that it works with a latch-key and opens upon a small hallway, which separates the apartment from the main hallway. This is necessary as the action calls for the slamming of a door, and later the opening of the direct and intimate door of the apartment with a latch-key. Left of centre is a sofa, and there is a general arrangement of chairs without over-crowding the apartment. Just below, where the right portière is hung, is a long, full-length mirror, such as women dress by. Against wall is a lady's fancy dresser.
To the immediate left of the sliding-doors, which go into the sleeping-apartment, is a lady's small writing-desk, with a drawer on the right-hand side, in which is a pearl-handled 32-calibre revolver. The front of the desk is open at rise. On top of the desk is a desk lamp and a large box of candy; inside the desk is writing material, &c. In pigeon-hole left there is a small photo and frame, whichANNIEplaces on the table when she removes the breakfast set. In front of centre window in alcove is a small table on which is a parlour lamp, and some newspapers, including the "New York Sun." On the floor running between the desk and table is a large fur rug. In front of the table is a small gilt chair; in front of desk there is also a small gilt chair; there is a pianola piano, on top of which is a bundle of music-rolls. In place, ready to play, is a roll of a negro tune called "Bon-Bon Buddie, My Chocolate Drop." On top of the piano, in addition to the music-rolls, are a fancy lamp, a large basket of chrysanthemums, and two photos in frames, at the upper corner. Standing on the floor is a large piano lamp. On the sofa are cushions, and thrown over its back is a lady's opera-coat. On the sofa are also a fan and some small dinner favours.
On the dresser are a lady's silver toilet set, including powder boxes, rouge boxes, manicuring implements, and a small plush black cat that might have been a favour at some time. Two little dolls hang on the side of the glass of the dresser, which also might have been favours. These are used later in the action, and are necessary.
AT RISE.When the curtain rises on this scene it is noticeable that the occupants of the room must have returned rather late at night, after having dined, not wisely, but too well. In the alcove is a man's dress-coat and vest thrown on the cushions in a most careless manner; a silk hat badly rumpled is near it. Over the top of sofa is an opera-cloak, and hung on the mirror is a huge hat, of the evening type, such as women would pay handsomely for. A pair of gloves is thrown on top of the pier-glass. The curtains in the bay-window are half drawn, and the light shades are half drawn down the windows, so that when the curtain goes up the place is in a rather dim light. On the table are the remains of a breakfast, which is served in a box-like tray such as is used in hotels.LAURAis discovered sitting at right of table, her hair a bit untidy. She has on a very expensive negligée gown.WILL,in a business suit, is at the other side of the table, and both have evidently just about concluded their breakfast and are reading the newspapers while they sip their coffee.LAURAis intent in the scanning of her "Morning Telegraph," whileWILLis deep in the market reports of the "Journal of Commerce," and in each instance these things must be made apparent.WILLthrows down the paper rather impatiently.
WILL. Have you seen theSun, Laura?
LAURA. No.
WILL. Where is it?
LAURA. I don't know.
WILL. [In a loud voice.] Annie, Annie! [A pause.] Annie! [In an undertone, half directed toLAURA.] Where the devil is that nigger?
LAURA. Why, I suppose she's at breakfast.
WILL. Well, she ought to be here.
LAURA. Did it ever occur to you that she has got to eat just the same as you have?
WILL. She's your servant, isn't she?
LAURA. My maid.
WILL. Well, what have you got her for,—to eat or to wait on you?Annie!
LAURA. Don't be so cross. What do you want?
WILL. I want theSun.
[BROCKTONpours out one half glass of water from bottle.
LAURA. I will get it for you.
Rather wearily she gets up and goes to the table, where there are other morning papers; she takes the "Sun," hands it to him, goes back to her seat, re-opens the "Morning Telegraph." There is a pause.ANNIEenters from the sleeping-room.
ANNIE. Do yuh want me, suh?
WILL. Yes, I did want you, but don't now. When I'm at home I have a man to look after me, and I get what I want.
LAURA. For heaven's sake, Will, have a little patience. If you like your man so well, you had better live at home, but don't come around here with a grouch and bulldoze everybody.
WILL. Don't think for a moment that there's much to come around here for. Annie, this room's stuffy.
ANNIE. Yassuh.
WILL. Draw those portières. Let those curtains up. [ANNIElets up curtain.] Let's have a little light. Take away these clothes and hide them. Don't you know that a man doesn't want to see the next morning anything to remind him of the night before. Make the place look a little respectable.
In the meantimeANNIEscurries around, picking up the coat and vest, opera-cloak, &c., as rapidly as possible, and throwing them over her arm without any idea of order. It is very apparent that she is rather fearful of the anger ofWILLwhile he is in this mood.
WILL. [Looking at her.] Be careful. You're not taking the wash off the line.
ANNIE. Yassuh. [Exit in confusion.
LAURA. [Laying down paper and looking atWILL.] Well, I must say you're rather amiable this morning.
WILL. I feel like hell.
LAURA. Market unsatisfactory?
WILL. No; head too big. [He lights a cigar; as he takes a puff he makes an awful face.] Tastes like punk. [Puts cigar into cup.
LAURA. You drank a lot.
WILL. We'll have to cut out those parties. I can't do those things any more. I'm not as young as I was, and in the morning it makes me sick. How do you feel?
LAURA. A little tired, that's all. [Rises, and crosses to bureau.
WILL. You didn't touch anything?
LAURA. No.
WILL. I guess you're on the safe side. It was a great old party, though, wasn't it?
LAURA. Did you think so?
WILL. Oh, for that sort of a blow-out. Not too rough, but just a little easy. I like them at night and I hate them in the morning. [He picks up the paper and commences to glance it over in a casual manner, not interrupting his conversation.] Were you bored?
LAURA. Yes; always at things like that.
WILL. Well, you don't have to go.
LAURA. You asked me.
WILL. Still, you could say no. [LAURApicks up paper, puts it on table and crosses back to bureau.
LAURA. But you asked me.
WILL. What did you go for if you didn't want to?
LAURA.Youwanted me to.
WILL. I don't quite get you.
LAURA. Well, Will, you have all my time when I'm not in the theatre, and you can do with it just what you please. You pay for it. I'm working for you.
WILL. Is that all I've got,—just your time?
LAURA. [Wearily.] That and the rest. [LAURAcrosses up to desk, gets "part," crosses to sofa, turning pages of "part."] I guess you know. [Crosses to sofa and sits.
WILL. [Looking at her curiously.] Down in the mouth, eh? I'm sorry.
LAURA. No, only if you want me to be frank, I'm a little tired. You may not believe it, but I work awfully hard over at the theatre. Burgess will tell you that. I know I'm not so very good as an actress, but I try to be. [LAURAlies down on sofa.] I'd like to succeed, myself. They're very patient with me. Of course they've got to be,—that's another thing you're paying for, but I don't seem to get along except this way.
WILL. Oh, don't get sentimental. If you're going to bring up that sort of talk, Laura, do it sometime when I haven't got a hang-over, and then don't forget talk never does count for much.
LAURAcrosses up to mirror, picks up hat from box, puts it on, looks in mirror. She turns around and looks at him steadfastly for a minute. During this entire scene, from the time the curtain rises, she must in a way indicate a premonition of an approaching catastrophe, a feeling, vague but nevertheless palpable, that something is going to happen. She must hold this before her audience so that she can show to them, without showing to him, the disgust she feels.LAURAhas tasted of the privations of self-sacrifice during her struggle, and she has weakly surrendered and is unable to go back, but that brief period of self-abnegation has shown to her most clearly the rottenness of the other sort of living. There are enough sentimentality and emotion in her character to make it impossible for her to accept this manner of existence asELFIEdoes. Hers is not a nature of careless candour, but of dreamy ideals and better living, warped, handicapped, disillusioned, and destroyed by a weakness that finds its principal force in vanity.WILLresumes his newspaper in a more attentive way. The girl looks at him and expresses in pantomime, by the slightest gesture or shrug of the shoulders, her growing distaste for him and his way of living. In the meantimeWILLis reading the paper rather carefully. He stops suddenly and then looks at his watch.
LAURA. What time is it?
WILL. After ten.
LAURA. Oh.
WILLat this moment particularly reads some part of the paper, turns to her with a keen glance of suspicion and inquiry, and then for a very short moment evidently settles in his mind a cross-examination. He has read in this paper a despatch from Chicago, which speaks ofJOHN MADISONhaving arrived there as a representative of a big Western mining syndicate which is going to open large operations in the Nevada gold-fields, and representingMR. MADISONas being on his way to New York with sufficient capital to enlist more, and showing him to be now a man of means. The attitude ofLAURAand the coincidence of the despatch bring back toWILLthe scene in Denver, and later in New York, and with that subtle intuition of the man of the world he connects the two.
WILL. I don't suppose, Laura, that you'd be interested now in knowing anything about that young fellow out in Colorado? What was his name—Madison?
LAURA. Do you know anything?
WILL. No, nothing particularly. I've been rather curious to know how he came out. He was a pretty fresh young man and did an awful lot of talking. I wonder how he's doing and how he's getting along. I don't suppose by any chance you have ever heard from him?
LAURA. No, no; I've never heard. [Crosses to bureau.
WILL. I presume he never replied to that letter you wrote?
LAURA. No.
WILL. It would be rather queer, eh, if this young fellow should [Looks at paper.] happen to come across a lot of money—not that I think he ever could, but it would be funny, wouldn't it?
LAURA. Yes, yes; it would be unexpected. I hope he does. It might make him happy.
WILL. Think he might take a trip East and see you act. You know you've got quite a part now.
LAURA. [Impatiently.] I wish you wouldn't discuss this. Why do you mention it now? [Crossing to right of table.] Is it because you were drinking last night and lost your sense of delicacy? You once had some consideration for me. What I've done I've done. I'm giving you all that I can. Please, please, don't hurt me any more than you can help. That's all I ask.
[Crossing up to mirror. Crosses back to right of table; sits.
WILL. Well, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that, Laura. I guess I am feeling a little bad to-day. Really, I don't want to hurt your feelings, my dear.
He gets up, goes to her, puts his hands on her shoulders, and his cheek close to the back of her head. She bends forward and shudders a little bit. It is very easy to see that the life she is leading is becoming intolerable to her.
WILL. You know, dearie, I do a lot for you because you've always been on the level with me. I'm sorry I hurt you, but there was too much wine last night and I'm all upset. Forgive me.
LAURA,in order to avoid his caresses, has leaned forward; her hands are clasped between her knees, and she is looking straight outward with a cold, impassive expression.WILLregards her silently for a moment. Really in the man's heart there is an affection, and really he wants to try to comfort her; but he seems to realize that she has slipped away from the old environment and conditions, and that he simply bought her back; that he hasn't any of her affection, even with his money; that she evinces toward him none of the old camaraderie; and it hurts him, as those things always hurt a selfish man, inclining him to be brutal and inconsiderate.WILLcrosses to centre, and stands reading paper; bell rings; a pause and second bell.WILLseizes upon this excuse to go up-stage and over towards the door.
WILL. [After second bell.] Damn that bell.
He continues on his way; he opens the door, leaves it open, and passes on to the outer door, which he opens.LAURAremains immovable and impassive, with the same cold, hard expression on her face. He comes in, slamming the outer door with effect, which one must have at this point of the play, because it is essential to a situation coming later. Enters the room, closes the door, and holds in his hand a telegram. Looks from newspaper to telegram.
WILL. A wire.
LAURA. For me?
WILL. Yes.
LAURA. From whom, I wonder. Perhaps Elfie with a luncheon engagement.
WILL. [Handing telegram to her.] I don't know. Here.
Pause; he faces her, looking at her. She opens it quickly. She reads it and, as she does, gasps quickly with an exclamation of fear and surprise. This is what the despatch says (it is dated at Buffalo and addressed toLAURA):"I will be in New York before noon. I'm coming to marry you and I'm coming with a bank-roll. I wanted to keep it secret and have a big surprise for you, but I can't hold it any longer, because I feel just like a kid with a new top. Don't go out, and be ready for the big matrimonial thing. All my love. John."
WILL. No bad news, I hope?
LAURA. [Walking up stage rather hurriedly.] No, no—not bad news.
WILL. I thought you were startled.
LAURA. No, not at all.
WILL. [Looking at paper about where he had left off.] From Elfie? [Crosses to, and sits in armchair.
LAURA. No, just a friend.
WILL. Oh!
He makes himself rather comfortable in the chair, andLAURAregards him for a moment from up stage as if trying to figure out how to get rid of him.
LAURA. Won't you be rather late getting down town, Will?
WILL. Doesn't make any difference. I don't feel much like the office now. Thought I might order the car and take a spin through the park. The cold air will do me a lot of good. Like to go?
LAURA. No, not to-day. I thought your business was important; you said so last night. [Crosses to sofa, and stands.
WILL. No hurry. Do you—er—want to get rid of me?
LAURA. Why should I?
WILL. Expecting someone?
LAURA. No—not exactly. [Crosses up to window.
WILL. If you don't mind, I'll stay here. [Lets curtain fly up.
LAURA. Just as you please. [A pause. Crosses to piano; plays.] Will?
WILL. Yes.
LAURA. How long does it take to come from Buffalo?
WILL. Depends on the train you take.
LAURA. About how long?
WILL. Between eight and ten hours, I think. Some one coming?
LAURA. Do you know anything about the trains?
WILL. Not much. Why don't you find out for yourself? Have Annie get the time-table?
LAURA. I will. Annie! Annie!
[Rises from piano. ANNIEappears at doorway.
ANNIE. Yassum!
LAURA. Go ask one of the hall-boys to bring me a New York Central time-table.
ANNIE. Yassum!
Crosses the stage and exits through door. LAURAsits on left arm of sofa.
WILL. Then youdoexpect someone, eh?
LAURA. Only one of the girls who used to be in the same company with me. But I'm not sure that she's coming here.
WILL. Then the wire was from her?
LAURA. Yes.
WILL. Did she say what train she was coming on?
LAURA. No.
WILL. Well, there are a lot of trains. About what time did you expect her in?
LAURA. She didn't say.
WILL. Do I know her?
LAURA. I think not. I met her while I worked in 'Frisco.
WILL. Oh! [Resumes his paper.
ANNIEreënters with a time-table and hands it toLAURA.
LAURA. Thanks; take those breakfast things away, Annie.
[Sits on sofa.
ANNIEcomplies; takes them across stage, opens the door leading to the corridor, exits. LAURAin the meantime is studying the time-table.
LAURA. I can't make this out.
WILL. Give it here; maybe I can help you.
LAURAcrosses to right of table, sits oppositeWILL,and hands him the time-table. He takes it and handles it as if he were familiar with it.
WILL. Where is she coming from?
LAURA. The West; the telegram was from Buffalo. I suppose she was on her way when she sent it.
WILL. There's a train comes in here at 9:30—that's the Twentieth Century,—that doesn't carry passengers from Buffalo; then there's one at 11:41; one at 1:49; another at 3:45; another at 5:40; and another at 5:48—that's the Lake Shore Limited, a fast train; and all pass through Buffalo. Did you think of meeting her?
LAURA. No. She'll come here when she arrives.
WILL. Knows where you live?
LAURA. She has the address.
WILL. Ever been to New York before?
LAURA. I think not.
WILL. [Passing her the time-table.] Well, that's the best I can do for you.
LAURA. Thank you. [Crosses and puts time-table in desk.
WILL. [Takes up the paper again. LAURAlooks at clock.] By George, this is funny.
LAURA. What?
WILL. Speak of the devil, you know.
LAURA. Who?
WILL. Your old friend Madison.
LAURA. [Utters a slight exclamation and makes an effort to control herself.] What—what about him?
WILL. He's been in Chicago.
LAURA. How do you know?
WILL. Here's a despatch about him.
LAURA. [Coming quickly over to him, looks over his shoulder.]What—where—what's it about?
WILL. Well, I'm damned if he hasn't done what he said he'd do—see! [Holds the paper so that she can see. LAURAtakes paper.] He's been in Chicago, and is on his way to New York. He's struck it rich in Nevada and is coming with a lot of money. Queer, isn't it? [LAURAputs paper on table.] Did you know anything about it? [Lights cigarette.
LAURA. No, no; nothing at all. [Crosses to bureau.
WILL. Lucky for him, eh?
LAURA. Yes, yes; it's very nice.
WILL. Too bad he couldn't get this a little sooner, eh, Laura?
LAURA. Oh, I don't know—I don't think it's too bad. What makes you ask?
WILL. Oh, nothing. I suppose he ought to be here to-day. Are you going to see him if he looks you up?
LAURA. No, no; I don't want to see him. You know that, don't you, that I don't want to see him? What makes you ask these questions? [Crosses to sofa and sits.
WILL. Just thought you might meet him, that's all. Don't get sore about it.
LAURA. I'm not.
She holds the telegram crumpled in one hand. WILLlays down the paper, and regardsLAURAcuriously. She sees the expression on his face and averts her head in order not to meet his eye.
LAURA. What are you looking at me that way for?
WILL. I wasn't conscious that I was looking at you in any particular way—why?
LAURA. Oh, nothing. I guess I'm nervous, too.
[Lies on sofa.
WILL. I dare say you are. [A pause.
LAURA. Yes, I am. [WILLcrosses toLAURA.
WILL. You know I don't want to delve into a lot of past history at this time, but I've got to talk to you for a moment.
LAURA. Why don't you do it some other time? I don't want to be talked to now. [Rises and crosses a little to left.
WILL. But I've got to do it just the same.
LAURA. [Trying to affect an attitude of resigned patience and resignation.] Well, what is it? [Resuming seat on sofa.
WILL. You've always been on the square with me, Laura. That's why I've liked you a lot better than the other women.
LAURA. Are you going into all that again now, this morning? I thought we understood each other.
WILL. So did I, but somehow I think that maybe wedon'tquite understand each other.
LAURA. In what way? [Turns toWILL.
WILL. [Looking her straight in the eye.] That letter I dictated to you the day that you came back to me, and left it for you to mail—did you mail it?
LAURA. Yes.
WILL. You're quite sure?
LAURA. Yes, I'm quite sure. I wouldn't say so if I wasn't.
WILL. And you didn't know Madison was coming East until you read about it in that newspaper?
LAURA. No—no, I didn't know.
WILL. Have you heard from him?
LAURA. No—no—I haven't heard from him. Don't talk to me about this thing. Why can't you leave me alone? I'm miserable enough as it is. [Crossing to extreme right.
WILL. [Crossing to table.] But I've got to talk to you. Laura, you're lying to me.
LAURA. What! [She makes a valiant effort to become angry.
WILL. You're lying to me, and you've been lying to me, and I've trusted you. Show me that telegram!
LAURA. No.
WILL. [Going over towards her.] Show me that telegram!
[LAURAcrosses up to doors leading into bedroom.
LAURA. [Tears telegram in half.] You've no right to ask me.
WILL. Are you going to make me take it away [LAURAcrosses to window.] from you? I've [Crosses to sofa.] never laid my hands on you yet.
LAURA. It's my business.
[Crossing to left of sofa, around it on down-stage side.
WILL. Yes, and it's mine.
During scene. Backing away fromWILL,who is following her, LAURAbacks against bureau. WILLgrabs her and attempts to take telegram from her. She has put it in the front of her waist. She slowly draws it out.
WILL. That telegram's from Madison. Give it here!
LAURA. No.
WILL. I'm going to find out where I stand. Give me that telegram, orI'll take it away from you.
LAURA. No.
WILL. Come on!
LAURA. I'll give it to you.
[Takes telegram out of waist, and hands it to him.
He takes it slowly, looking her squarely in the eye. WILLcrosses to centre, and does not glance away while he slowly smoothes it out so that it can be read; when he finally takes it in both hands to read it she staggers back a step or two weakly.
WILL. [Reads the telegram aloud.] "I will be in New York before noon. I'm coming to marry you, and I'm coming with a bank-roll. I wanted to keep it a secret and have a big surprise for you, but I can't hold it any longer, because I feel just like a kid with a new top. Don't go out, and be ready for the big matrimonial thing. All my love. John." Then you knew?
LAURA. Yes.
WILL. But you didn't know he was coming until this arrived?
LAURA. No.
WILL. And you didn't mail the letter [Tossing telegram on table], did you?
LAURA. No.
WILL. What did you do with it?
LAURA. I—I burned it.
WILL. Why?
[LAURAis completely overcome and unable to answer.
WILL. Why?
LAURA. I—I couldn't help it—I simply couldn't help it.
WILL. So you've been corresponding all this time.
LAURA. Yes.
WILL. And he doesn't know [With a gesture around the room, indicating the condition in which they live.] about us?
LAURA. No.
WILL. [Taking a step towards her.] By God, I never beat a woman in my life, but I feel as though I could wring your neck.
LAURA. Why don't you? You've done everything else. Why don't you?
WILL. Don't you know that I gave Madison my word that if you came back to me I'd let him know? Don't you know that I like that young fellow, and I wanted to protect him, and did everything I could to help him? And do you know what you've done to me? You've made me out a liar—you've made me lie to a man—a man—you understand. What are you going to do now? Tell me—what are you going to do now? Don't stand there as if you've lost your voice—how are you going to square me?
LAURA. I'm not thinking about squaring you. What am I going to do for him?
WILL. Not whatyouare going to do for him—what amIgoing to do for him. Why, I couldn't have that young fellow think that I tricked him into this thing for you or all the rest of the women of your kind on earth. God! I might have known that you, and the others like you, couldn't be square. [The girl looks at him dumbly. He glances at his watch, walks up stage, looks out of the window, comes down again, goes to the table, and looks at her across it.] You've made a nice mess of it, haven't you?
LAURA. [Weakly.] There isn't any mess. Please go away. He'll be here soon. Please letmesee him—please do that.
WILL. No, I'll wait. This time I'm going to tell him myself, and I don't care how tough it is.
LAURA. [Immediately regaining all her vitality.] No, you mustn't do that. [Crossing back of table to centre.] Oh, Will, I'm not offering any excuse. I'm not saying anything, but I'm telling you the truth. I couldn't give him up—I couldn't do it. I love him.
WILL. Huh. [Grins; crosses to front of sofa.
LAURA. Don't you think so? I know you can't see what I see, but I do. And why can't you go away? Why can't you leave me this? It's all I ever had. He doesn't know. No one will ever tell him. I'll take him away. It's the best for him—it's the best for me. Please go.
WILL. Why—do you think that I'm going to let you trip him the way you tripped me? [Crosses and sits in armchair.] No. I'm going to stay right here until that young man arrives, and I'm going to tell him that it wasn't my fault. You were to blame.
LAURA. Then you are going to let him know. You're not going to give me a single, solitary chance?
WILL. I'll give you every chance that you deserve when he knows. Then he can do as he pleases, but there must be no more deception, that's flat.
[LAURAcrosses and kneels besideWILL'Schair.
LAURA. Then you must let me tell him—[WILLturns away impatiently.]—yes, you must. If I didn't tell him before, I'll do it now. You must go. If you ever had any regard for me—if you ever had any affection—if you ever had any friendship, please let me do this now. I want you to go—you can come back. Then you'll see—you'll know—only I want to try to make him understand that—that maybe if I am weak I'm not vicious. I want to let him know that I didn't want to do it, but I couldn't help it. Just give me the chance to be as good as I can be. [WILLgives her a look.] Oh, I promise you, I will tell him, and then—then I don't care what happens—only he must learn everything from me—please—please—let me do this—it's the last favour I shall ever—ever ask of you. Won't you?
[LAURAbreaks down and weeps.
WILL. [Rising, looks at her a moment as if mentally debating the best thing to do. Crosses in front of table; stands facing her with back to audience.] All right, I won't be unkind. I'll be back early this afternoon, and just remember, this is the time you'll have to go right through to the end. Understand?
LAURA. Yes, I'll do it,—all of it. Won't you please go—now?
[Crosses; sits in armchair.
WILL. All right. [He exits into the bedroom and immediately enters again with overcoat on his arm and hat in hand; he goes centre, and turns.] I am sorry for you, Laura, but remember you've got to tell the truth.
LAURA. [Who is sitting in a chair looking straight in front of her with a set expression.] Please go. [WILLexits.
LAURAsits in a chair in a state of almost stupefaction, holding this attitude as long as possible.ANNIEenters, and in a characteristic manner begins her task of tidying up the room;LAURA,without changing her attitude, and staring straight in front of her, her elbows between her knees and her chin on her hands.
LAURA. Annie!
ANNIE. Yassum.
LAURA. Do you remember in the boarding-house—when we finally packed up—what you did with everything?
ANNIE. Yassum.
LAURA. You remember that I used to keep a pistol?
ANNIE. Yo' all mean dat one yo' say dat gemman out West gave yuh once?
LAURA. Yes.
ANNIE. Yassum, Ah 'membuh it.
LAURA. Where is it now?
ANNIE. [Crosses to writing-desk.] Last Ah saw of it was in dis heah draw' in de writin'-desk. [This speech takes her across to desk; she opens the drawer, fumbles among a lot of old papers, letters, &c., and finally produces a small thirty-two calibre, and gingerly crosses toLAURA.] Is dis it?
LAURA. [Slowly turns around and looks at it.] Yes. Put it back. I thought perhaps it was lost. [ANNIEcomplies, when the bell rings.LAURAstarts suddenly, involuntarily gathering her negligée gown closer to her figure, and at once she is under a great stress of emotion, and sways upon her feet to such an extent that she is obliged to put one hand out on to the table to maintain her balance. When she speaks, it is with a certain difficulty of articulation.] See—who—that is—and let me know.
ANNIE. [Turning.] Yassum. [Crosses, opens the first door, and afterwards opens the second door.
ELFIE'S VOICE. [Off stage.] Hello, Annie,—folks home?
ANNIE. Yassum, she's in.
LAURAimmediately evinces her tremendous relief, andELFIE,without waiting for a reply, has shovedANNIEaside and enters,ANNIEfollowing and closing the door.ELFIEis beautifully gowned in a morning dress with an overabundance of fur trimmings and all the furbelows that would accompany the extravagant raiment generally affected by a woman of that type.ELFIEapproaching effusively.
ELFIE. Hello, dearie.
LAURA. Hello, Elfie.
LAURAcrosses and sits on sofa.ELFIEputs muff, &c., on table.
ELFIE. It's a bully day out. [Crossing to bureau, looking in mirror.] I've been shopping all morning long; just blew myself until I'm broke, that's all. My goodness, don't you ever get dressed? Listen. [Crosses left of table to centre.] Talk about cinches. I copped out a gown, all ready made, and fits me like the paper on the wall, for $37.80. Looks like it might have cost $200. Anyway I had them charge $200 on the bill, and I kept the change. There are two or three more down town there, and I want you to go down and look them over. Models, you know, being sold out. I don't blame you for not getting up earlier. [She sits at the table, not noticingLAURA.] That was some party last night. I know you didn't drink a great deal, but gee! what an awful tide Will had on. How do you feel? [Looks at her critically.] What's the matter, are you sick? You look all in. What you want to do is this—put on your duds and go out for an hour. It's a perfectly grand day out. My Gaud! how the sun does shine! Clear and cold. [A pause.] Well, much obliged for the conversation. Don't I get a "Good-morning," or a "How-dy-do," or a something of that sort?
LAURA. I'm tired, Elfie, and blue—terribly blue.
ELFIE. [Rises; crosses toLAURA.] Well now, you just brace up and cut out all that emotional stuff. I came down to take you for a drive. You'd like it; just through the park. Will you go?
LAURA. [Going up stage.] Not this morning, dear; I'm expecting somebody.
ELFIE. A man?
LAURA. [Finding it almost impossible to suppress a smile.] No, a gentleman.
ELFIE. Same thing. Do I know him?
LAURA. You've heard of him. [At desk, looking at clock.
ELFIE. Well, don't be so mysterious. Who is he?
LAURA. What is your time, Elfie?
ELFIE. [Looks at her watch.] Five minutes past eleven.
LAURA. Oh, I'm slow. I didn't know it was so late. Just excuse me, won't you, while I get some clothes on. He may be here any moment. Annie!
[She goes up stage towards portières.
ELFIE. Who?
LAURA. I'll tell you when I get dressed. Make yourself at home, won't you, dear?
ELFIE. I'd sooner hear. What is the scandal anyway?
LAURA. [As she goes out.] I'll tell you in a moment. Just as soon asAnnie gets through with me. [Exit.
ELFIE. [Gets candy-box off desk, crosses, sits on arm of sofa, selecting candy. In a louder voice.] Do you know, Laura, I think I'll go back on the stage.
LAURA. [Off stage.] Yes?
ELFIE. Yes, I'm afraid I'll have to. I think I need a sort of a boost to my popularity.
LAURA. How a boost, Elfie?
ELFIE. I think Jerry is getting cold feet. He's seeing a little too much of me [Places candy-box on sofa.] nowadays.
LAURA. What makes you think that?
ELFIE. I think he is getting a relapse of that front-row habit. There's no use in talking, Laura, it's a great thing for a girl's credit when a man like Jerry can take two or three friends to the theatre, and when you make your entrance delicately point to you with his forefinger and say, "The third one from the front on the left belongs to muh." The old fool's hanging around some of these musical comedies lately, and I'm getting a little nervous every time rent day comes.
LAURA. Oh, I guess you'll get along all right, Elfie.
ELFIE. [With serene self-satisfaction.] Oh, that's a cinch [Rises; crosses to table, looking in dresser mirror at herself, and giving her hat and hair little touches.], but I like to leave well enough alone, and if I had to make a change right now it would require a whole lot of thought and attention, to say nothing of the inconvenience, and I'm so nicely settled in my flat. [She sees the pianola.] Say, dearie, when did you get the piano-player? I got one of them phonographs [Crosses to pianola, tries the levers, &c.], but this has got that beat a city block. How does it work? What did it cost?
LAURA. I don't know.
ELFIE. Well, Jerry's got to stake me to one of these. [Looks over the rolls on top. Mumbles to herself.] "Tannhauser, William Tell, Chopin." [Then louder.] Listen, dear. Ain't you got anything else except all this high-brow stuff?
LAURA. What do you want?
ELFIE. Oh, something with a regular tune to it [Looks at empty box on pianola.]. Oh, here's one; just watch me tear this off. [The roll is the tune of "Bon-Bon Buddie, My Chocolate Drop." She starts to play and moves the lever marked "Swell" wide open, increases the tempo, and is pumping with all the delight and enthusiasm of a child.] Ain't it grand?
LAURA. Gracious, Elfie, don't play so loud. What's the matter?
ELFIE. I shoved over that thing marked "Swell." [Stops and turns. Rises; crosses to centre and stands.] I sure will have to speak to Jerry about this. I'm stuck on that swell thing. Hurry up. [LAURAappears.] Gee! you look pale. [And then in a tone of sympathy:] I'll just bet you and Will have had a fight, and he always gets the best of you, doesn't he, dearie? [LAURAcrosses to dresser, and busies herself.] Listen. Don't you think you can ever get him trained? I almost threw Jerry down the stairs the other night and he came right back with a lot of American beauties and a check. I told him if he didn't look out I'd throw him down-stairs every night. He's getting too damned independent and it's got me nervous. Oh, dear, I s'pose I will have to go back on the stage. [Sits in armchair.
LAURA. In the chorus?
ELFIE. Well, I should say not. I'm going to give up my musical career. Charlie Burgess is putting on a new play, and he says he has a part in it for me if I want to go back. It isn't much, but very important,—sort of a pantomime part. A lot of people talk about me, and just at the right time I walk across the stage and make an awful hit. I told Jerry that if I went [LAURAcrosses to sofa, picks up candy-box, puts it upon desk, gets telegram from table, crosses to centre.] on he'd have to come across with one of those Irish crochet lace gowns. He fell for it. Do you know, dearie, I think he'd sell out his business just to have me back on the stage for a couple of weeks, just to give box-parties every night for myen-trance andex-its.
LAURA. [Seriously.] Elfie! [LAURAtakesELFIEby the hand, and leads her over to sofa.LAURAsits,ELFIEstanding.
ELFIE. Yes, dear.
LAURA. Come over here and sit down.
ELFIE. What's up?
LAURA. Do you know what I'm going to ask of you?
ELFIE. If it's a touch, you'll have to wait until next week. [Sits oppositeLAURA.
LAURA. No: just a little advice.
ELFIE. [With a smile.] Well, that's cheap, and Lord knows you need it. What's happened?
LAURAtakes the crumpled and torn telegram thatWILLhas left on the table and hands it toELFIE.The latter puts the two pieces together, reads it very carefully, looks up atLAURAabout middle of telegram, and lays it down.
ELFIE. Well?
LAURA. Will suspected. There was something in the paper about Mr.Madison—the telegram came—then we had a row.
ELFIE. Serious?
LAURA. Yes. Do you remember what I told you about that letter—the oneWill made me write—I mean to John—telling him what I had done?
ELFIE. Yes, you burned it.
LAURA. I tried to lie to Will—he wouldn't have it that way. He seemed to know. He was furious.
ELFIE. Did he hit you?
LAURA. No; he made me admit that John didn't know, and then he said he'd stay here and tell himself that I'd made him lie, and then he said something about liking the other man and wanting to save him.
ELFIE. Save—shucks! He's jealous.
LAURA. I told him if he'd only go I'd—tell John myself when he came, and now you see I'm waiting—and I've got to tell—and—and I don't know how to begin—and—and I thought you could help me—you seem so sort of resourceful, and it means—it means so much to me. If John turned on me now I couldn't go back to Will, and, Elfie,—I don't think I'd care to—stay here any more.
ELFIE. What! [In an awestruck tone, takingLAURAin her arms impulsively.] Dearie, get that nonsense out of your head and be sensible. I'd just like to see any two men who could make me think about—well—what you seem to have in your mind.
LAURA. But I don't know; don't you see, Elfie, I don't know. If I don't tell him, Will will come back and he'll tell him, and I know John and maybe—Elfie, do you know, I think John would kill him.
ELFIE. Well, don't you think anything about that. Now let's get [Rises, crosses to armchair, draws it over a little, sits on left arm.] down to cases, and we haven't much time. Business is business, and love is love. You're long on love and I'm long on business, and between the two of us we ought to straighten this thing out. Now, evidently John is coming on here to marry you.
LAURA. Yes.
ELFIE. And you love him?
LAURA. Yes.
ELFIE. And as far as you know the moment that he comes in here it's quick to the Justice and a big matrimonial thing.
LAURA. Yes, but you see how impossible it is—
ELFIE. I don't see anything impossible. From all you've said to me about this fellow there is only one thing to do.
LAURA. One thing?
ELFIE. Yes—get married quick. You say he has the money and you have the love, and you're sick of Brockton, and you want to switch and do it in the decent, respectable, conventional way, and he's going to take you away. Haven't you got sense enough to know that, once you're married to Mr. Madison, Will Brockton wouldn't dare go to him, and if he did Madison wouldn't believe him? A man will believe a whole lot about his girl, but nothing about his wife.
LAURA. [Turns and looks at her. There is a long pause.] Elfie [Rises; crosses to right of table.]—I—I don't think I could do like that to John. I don't think—I could deceive him.
ELFIE. You make me sick. The thing to do is to lie to all men. [Rises; pushes chair to table.]—they all lie to you. Protect yourself. You seem to think that your happiness depends on this. Now do it. Listen. [TouchesLAURAto make her sit down;LAURAsits right of table;ELFIEsits on right arm of chair left of table, with elbows on table.] Don't you realize that you and me, and all the girls that are shoved into this life, are practically the common prey of any man who happens to come along? Don't you know that they've got about as much consideration for us as they have for any pet animal around the house, and the only way that we've got it on the animal is that we've got brains? This is a game, Laura,not a sentiment. Do you suppose this Madison [LAURAturns toELFIE.]—now don't get sore—hasn't turned these tricks himself before he met you, and I'll gamble he's done it since! A man's natural trade is a heartbreaking business. Don't tell me about women breaking men's hearts. The only thing they can ever break is their bank roll. And besides, this is not Will's business; he has no right to interfere. You've been with him—yes, and he's been nice to you; but I don't think that he's given you any the best of it. Now if you want to leave and go your own way and marry any Tom, Dick, or Harry that you want, it's nobody's affair but yours.
LAURA. But you don't understand—it's John. I can't lie to him.
ELFIE. Well, that's too bad about you. I used to have that truthful habit myself, and the best I ever got was the worst of it. All this talk about love and loyalty and constancy is fine and dandy in a book, but when a girl has to look out for herself, take it from me, whenever you've got that trump card up your sleeve just play it and rake in the pot. [TakesLAURA'Shand affectionately.] You know, dearie, you're just about the only one in the world I love.
LAURA. Elfie!
ELFIE. Since I broke away from the folks up state and they've heard things, there ain't any more letters coming to me with an Oswego postmark. Ma's gone, and the rest don't care. You're all I've got in the world, Laura, and what I'm asking you to do is because I want to see you happy. I was afraid this thing was coming off, and the thing to do now is to grab your happiness, no matter how you get it nor where it comes from. There ain't a whole lot of joy in this world for you and me and the others we know, and what little you get you've got to take when you're young, because, when those gray hairs begin to come, and the make-up isn't going to hide the wrinkles, unless you're well fixed, it's going to be hell. You know what a fellow doesn't know doesn't hurt him, and he'll love you just the same and you'll love him. As for Brockton, let him get another girl; there're plenty 'round. Why, if this chance came to me I'd tie a can to Jerry so quick that you could hear it rattle all the way down Broadway. [Rises, crosses back of table toLAURA,leans over back of chair, and puts arms around her neck very tenderly.] Dearie, promise me that you won't be a damn fool.
[The bell rings; both start.
LAURA. [Rises.] Maybe that's John.
[ELFIEbrushes a tear quickly from her eye.
ELFIE. Oh! And you'll promise me, Laura?
LAURA. I'll try. [ANNIEenters up stage from the adjoining room and crosses to the door.] If that's Mr. Madison, Annie, tell him to come in.
LAURAstands near the table, almost rigid. InstinctivelyELFIEgoes to the mirror and re-arranges her gown and hair asANNIEexits.ELFIEturns toLAURA.
ELFIE. If I think he's the fellow when I see him, watch me and I'll tip you the wink.
[KissesLAURA;up stage puts on coat.
She goes up stage to centre;LAURAremains in her position. The doors are heard to open, and in a momentJOHNenters. He is dressed very neatly in a business suit, and his face is tanned and weather-beaten. After he enters, he stands still for a moment. The emotion that both he andLAURAgo through is such that each is trying to control it,LAURAfrom the agony of her position, andJOHNfrom the mere hurt of his affection. He seesELFIEand forces a smile.
JOHN. [Quietly.] Hello, Laura! I'm on time.
LAURAsmiles, quickly crosses the stage, and holds out her hand.
LAURA. Oh, John, I'm so glad—so glad to see you. [They hold this position for a moment, looking into each other's eyes.ELFIEmoves so as to takeJOHNin from head to toe and is obviously very much pleased with his appearance. She coughs slightly.LAURAtakes a step back with a smile.] Oh, pardon me, John—one of my dearest friends, Miss Sinclair; she's heard a lot about you.
ELFIE,with a slight gush, in her most captivating manner, goes over and holds out her gloved hand laden with bracelets, and with her sweetest smile crosses to centre.
ELFIE. How do you do?
MADISON. I'm glad to meet you, I'm sure.
ELFIE. [Still holdingJOHN'Shand.] Yes, I'm sure you are—particularly just at this time. [ToLAURA.] You know that old stuff about two's company and three [LAURAsmiles.] is a crowd. Here's where I vamoose. [Crosses to door.
LAURA. [AsELFIEgoes toward door.] Don't hurry, dear.
ELFIE. [With a grin.] No, I suppose not; just fall down stairs and get out of the way, that's all. [Crosses toJOHN.] Anyway, Mr. Madison, I'm awfully glad to have met you, and I want to congratulate you. They tell me you're rich.
JOHN. Oh, no; not rich.
ELFIE. Well, I don't believe you—anyway I'm going. Ta-ta, dearie.Good-bye, Mr. Madison.
JOHN. Good-bye.
[JOHNcrosses up to back of sofa; removes coat, puts it on sofa.
ELFIE. [Goes to the door, opens it and turns.JOHN'Sback is partly toward her and she gives a long wink atLAURA,snapping fingers to attractLAURA'Sattention.] I must say, Laura, that when it comes to picking live ones, you certainly can go some.
[After this remark both turn toward her and both smile.
[Exit.
AfterELFIEexits,JOHNturns toLAURAwith a pleasant smile, and jerks his head towards the door whereELFIEhas gone out.
JOHN. I bet she's a character.
LAURA. She's a dear.
JOHN. I can see that all right. [Crossing to centre.
LAURA. She's been a very great friend to me.
JOHN. That's good, but don't I get a "how-dy-do," or a handshake, or a little kiss? You know I've come a long way.
LAURAgoes to him and places herself in his arms; he kisses her affectionately. During all this scene between them the tenderness of the man is very apparent. As she releases herself from his embrace he takes her face in his hands and holds it up towards his.
JOHN. I'm not much on the love-making business, Laura, but I never thought I'd be as happy as I am now. [JOHNandLAURAcross to centre.LAURAkneels in armchair with back to audience,JOHNstands left of her.] I've been counting mile-posts ever since I left Chicago, and it seemed like as if I had to go 'round the world before I got here.
LAURA. You never told me about your good fortune. If you hadn't telegraphed I wouldn't even have known you were coming.
JOHN. I didn't want you to. I'd made up my mind to sort of drop in here and give you a great big surprise,—a happy one, I knew,—but the papers made such a fuss in Chicago that I thought you might have read about it—did you?
LAURA. No.
JOHN. Gee! fixed up kind o' scrumptious, ain't you? [Crosses in front of sofa, around behind it, surveying rooms.] Maybe you've been almost as prosperous as I have.
LAURA. You can get a lot of gilt and cushions in New York at half price, and besides, I've got a pretty good part now.
JOHN. Of course I know that, but I didn't think it would make you quite so comfortable. Great, ain't it?
LAURA. Yes.
JOHN. [Standing beside her chair, with a smile.] Well, are you ready?
LAURA. For what, dear? [Looking up at him.
JOHN. You know what I said in the telegram?
LAURA. Yes. [Leans her head affectionately on his shoulder.
JOHN. Well, I meant it.
LAURA. I know.
JOHN. I've got to get back [JOHNlooks around; crosses behind table to chair right of table, and sits facing her across it.], Laura, just as soon as ever I can. There's a lot of work to be done out in Nevada and I stole away to come to New York. I want to take you back. Can you go?