[He exits L.Claregoes C. She puts the box, with its contents, on the table, dries her eyes, and is powdering her nose whenDaniel Gilchristopens the door R. He is in business clothes, and starts to retire when he seesClare.He would a little rather avoid the interview.]
[He exits L.Claregoes C. She puts the box, with its contents, on the table, dries her eyes, and is powdering her nose whenDaniel Gilchristopens the door R. He is in business clothes, and starts to retire when he seesClare.He would a little rather avoid the interview.]
Clare
Come in! I'm just powdering my nose. Does that offend your reverence?
Daniel
On the contrary; I agree with the man who said, "Put your trust in God, and keep your powder dry." [They laugh.]
Clare
When did you get in?
Daniel
Half an hour ago.
Clare
Had dinner?
Daniel
On the train. I was starved. Thank goodness, they don't charge for dinner by the mile!... Riggs said your father-in-law was in here.
Clare
He'll be up in a moment ... won't you sit down? We haven't had five minutes together since——
Daniel
[Hesitates about remaining.]
Clare
I understand you're very happy in your new ... profession.
Daniel
[Sits.] Yes.
Clare
You've got ... everything ... you want?
Daniel
No, I haven't everything I want, but I'm happy.
Clare
My father-in-law says if you settle this strike you're to be—but that's a business secret. [A pause] I suppose I might tell you. [A pause] He says it'll make you a big man in the company ... with a tremendous salary.... You mustn't give it away!
Daniel
The secret?
Clare
The salary ... I suppose you've got over that.... So ... you don't really seem to have lost anything by giving up your church.
Daniel
No. Queer as it seems, sometimes I think I've gained ... in opportunity.
Clare
[Chiefly to herself]: Perhaps onemighthave eaten one's cake and had it, too.
Daniel
Clare!
Clare
You frightened me so that night, with the bugaboo of poverty. Don't you think there might have been a compromise? Something half way?
Daniel
Why open wounds that are beginning to heal?
Clare
Yours seem quite healed.
Daniel
And you have everythingyouwant?
Clare
Yes.
Daniel
You see ... Iwasselfish ... to ask you to giveup the things that count so much with you for those that count with me.... Afterward, when I knew you were to be married ... I was afraid for you ... and I was wrong again. [He rises] You're happy ... and I'm honestly glad!
Clare
Are you ... honestly ... happy?
Daniel
Honestly.
Clare
In just helping others?
Daniel
In just helping others.
Clare
I don't understand that.
Daniel
You will ... some day.
[Jerryenters R. He has added two or three brandies to a generous allowance at dinner, and though not drunk, is sullen and quarrelsome. The more so at findingDanielwithClare].
[Jerryenters R. He has added two or three brandies to a generous allowance at dinner, and though not drunk, is sullen and quarrelsome. The more so at findingDanielwithClare].
Jerry
Hello, Gilchrist! In early, aren't you? [Crosses.] I didn't mean to interrupt a tête-à-tête!
Clare
You're not interrupting.
Jerry
Where's father?
Clare
I thought he was with you.
Jerry
I stopped for refreshments.
Clare
I see you did.
Jerry
[Laughs and turns toDaniel]: We've been having a genial evening with your delegation. That's why my wife's sore.
Clare
I'm not "sore." I've been a little lonely.
Jerry
You don't look it!... I couldn't help going to Black River! I didn't go for pleasure ... did I, Gilchrist?
Daniel
No. There was work, and plenty of it. I was sorry you had to leave when you did.
Clare
Why, Jerry didn't leave much before you, did he?
Jerry
Just a few——
Daniel
[At the same time]: Only twenty-four hours.... He wanted to get back to you.
Clare
But ... he's justgotback.... Where have you been, Jerry?
Jerry
Attending to business ...of course!
Clare
Of course. [She takes the scarf from the box on the table] Good night, Dan.
Daniel
[Cheerily]: Good night! [She starts to door L.].
Jerry
Oh ... yougotthe furs!
Clare
Yes ... thank you.
Jerry
Don't mention it!
Clare
I'm very grateful ... but ...
Jerry
But what?
Clare
Never mind. We'll talk about it some other time.
Jerry
We'll talk about itnow!
Daniel
I'll go. [Starts R.].
Jerry
No, you won't! You made a crack about my leaving twenty-four hours before you did! How do you know when I left? [ToClare] If that's what you're sore about, for heaven's sake, drop it! I'm sorry you've been alone, and I've sent you a handsome gift as an apology!
Clare
I don't want it. [She lays down the scarf.] I don't want to be paid for shutting my eyes to any insulting thing you choose to do!
Jerry
And I don't propose to be made a blackguard before strangers!
Clare
Dan isn't a stranger. And I don't want to make you a blackguard. Only ... since you've insisted on the truth.... Dan, whendidmy husband leave Black River?
Daniel
I haven't seen him since Thursday.
Jerry
Thereyou have it! He hasn'tseenme since Thursday! Does it occur to you that may have been becausehewasn't in Black River?
Clare
No.
Daniel
As a matter of fact, I wasn't.
Jerry
Oh!... Where were you?
Daniel
At the mines.
Clare
Is that the truth?
Jerry
Of course it's the truth! And, if it wasn't, I don't see that you've any right to ask questions! I haven't done anything that wasn't in the bargain! I haven't done anything every man doesn't do!
Clare
Every man ... perhaps ... but one!
Jerry
Gilchrist! My God! Now we've got it! If you'd only married him! He's good, because he says so! You ought to've been here a minute ago ... when the company detective warned us not to mention Gilchrist to Joe Hennig!
Daniel
You mean——
Jerry
I mean Pearl Hennig!
Daniel
Pearl Hennig? Why,you—youknowthat's not true!
Clare
Iknow it's not true!
Jerry
Do you?
Stedtman
[Off R.]: Say ... now ... listen ... you behave yourself!
Joe
[Off R.]: Behave ... hell!
Jerry
[Continuing above these voices]: Ask Stedtman! Ask Hennig! And before you make up your mind whereIwas yesterday, ask wherehewas——
[EnterStedtmanandHennig,followed by theServant.There is no dead cue for this entrance. They come on—Stedtmantrying to hold backHennig—flinging open the door asHennigsays"Hell!"HennigconfrontsGilchrist.]
[EnterStedtmanandHennig,followed by theServant.There is no dead cue for this entrance. They come on—Stedtmantrying to hold backHennig—flinging open the door asHennigsays"Hell!"HennigconfrontsGilchrist.]
Joe
You—Gilchrist! Where've you got my wife?
Daniel
I haven't got your wife, Hennig.
Joe
The hell you haven't!
Daniel
You'd better go, Clare.
Jerry
I want her to stay. [To theServant] All right! [TheServantexits] What's it all about, Stedtman?
Stedtman
You can search me! Umanski stuck to us all the way home. When he left, I went in to have a little talk with Joe ... alone.... See? There was a telegram, and he read it, and——
Joe
And came here to ask Gilchrist: Where's my wife?
Daniel
She told me she was going to her sister's.
Joe
She ain't never beennearher sister, and you know it! I just got this from her sister! [Holds out wire.Jerrysnatches it.] Read it!
Jerry
[Reading]: Pearl ain't here. We ain't seen her. Ain't she home?
Daniel
Maybe she is.
Joe
You know she ain't! And what if she is ... now? I don't want your leavings!
Daniel
Why do you say that, Hennig?
Joe
Why do I say it? Ain't I seen you down town with her? Ain't I found you with her when I came home unexpected? I knew you was stuck on her, and I warned you to stay away ... didn't I?
Daniel
You were mistaken.
Joe
Didn't I warn you?
Daniel
Yes.
Joe
And you came again ... didn't you?
Daniel
Yes.
Jerry
Every man but one!
Daniel
I went first on your account ... because they told me you were in debt ... and why. I "came again" because she asked me to. This disappearance looks queer, I admit, but peopledoget lost, or hurt, and taken to hospitals, and aren't identified.
Joe
[Half convinced]: You think——
Daniel
I think your wife's all right, Joe. I don't think you ought to accuse her publicly until you're sure she's not.
Joe
[Cries]: How'm I gonna be sure?
Daniel
Suppose we ask the police to look for her?
Jerry
[Turning quickly]: What's the use of starting a hulla-ba-loo? You don't want the woman accused publicly, but you're willing to spread the news so this man'll be ashamed to go back home. We all know the facts in the case, and the least said about it now the better. [ToJoe] You've found her out. Let her go ... and forget it!
Clare
I don't think he ought to forget it.
Jerry
No?
Clare
No. I don't think he ought to drop it now ... until we all know the truth.
Daniel
Right!
Joe
I want to know the truth! I got to! I been crazy about her! Maybe that's a good idea ... the police. Igotto know the truth!
Jerry
[At bay]: All right! Stedtman! Where were you yesterday?
Stedtman
At the mines.
Jerry
What part of the mines?
Stedtman
All over.
Jerry
Did you see Gilchrist?
Stedtman
No.
[Danielnever takes his eyes offClare.He watches her, as the net tightens around him, observing, with ever-increasing agony, that he is convicted in her eyes.]
[Danielnever takes his eyes offClare.He watches her, as the net tightens around him, observing, with ever-increasing agony, that he is convicted in her eyes.]
Jerry
Whendidyou see him last?
Stedtman
Thursday——Yes, it was Thursday.
Jerry
Where?
Stedtman
In Black River.
Jerry
Alone?
Stedtman
No.
Jerry
With whom?
Stedtman
With Mrs. Hennig.
Joe
I knew it! I'm gonna kill you!
Jerry
No, you're not. You're going to keep quiet. But you wanted the truth, and you've got it. I've known it all along. [ToClare] Now do you think I was lying?
Clare
I don't know. I don't understand.
Jerry
Oh, yes, you do ... only you won't admit it!
Clare
I suppose that's it.
[She takes her scarf and starts wearily to exit L.]
Daniel
Clare! [She stops] I don't care what anyone believes but you!
Clare
[Turns]: I'll believe you, Dan, if you'll only explain.
Daniel
I——
Jerry
I forbid you to speak to my wife!
Clare
Go on, Dan.
Jerry
I forbid you to speak to my wife!
Daniel
[Exploding ... toJerry]: If I hadn't anybody to think about butyou!
[They stare at each other ... close together. Suddenly,Jerrylifts his open hand, and strikesDanacross the mouth.Danstarts to retaliate, but controls himself, opens his clinched hands, and lowers his head.]
[They stare at each other ... close together. Suddenly,Jerrylifts his open hand, and strikesDanacross the mouth.Danstarts to retaliate, but controls himself, opens his clinched hands, and lowers his head.]
Clare
[In almost speechless amazement]: Dan; you're not going to take that?
Daniel
I have nothing to say.
Clare
I didn't think you were a coward. You see, I was wrong about everything.
[The scarf in her hand, she exits L. A short pause. Suddenly,Joe,emboldened by what he has witnessed, certain ofDan'scowardice, breaks fromStedtmanand rushes atGilchrist.]
[The scarf in her hand, she exits L. A short pause. Suddenly,Joe,emboldened by what he has witnessed, certain ofDan'scowardice, breaks fromStedtmanand rushes atGilchrist.]
Joe
You'll play aroundmywife, will you? [Danielmerely looks at him.] You will ... will you?... Take that! [He strikes out.Danielseizes his wrist, and, with one powerful, dexterous movement, hurls him to the floor].
Daniel
[AsHennigstruggles to his feet]: I hope I didn't hurt you, Joe.
Stedtman
[Looks fromDanieltoJerry]: My God!
Joe
[Retreating]: Don't worry! I'll getyou! It may be a long time, but I'll getyou! [He exits.]
Daniel
[With great kindness]: Take him home, Stedtman. [Stedtmanlooks toJerry,who jerks his head toward the door.]
Stedtman
Good-night, Mr. Jerry. Tell your father we'll be around ... [Danielturns and looks at him. He backs toward the door.] ... in ... the ... morning!
[Quick exit. He closes the door, which has been left open byHennig.The two men look at each other.Jerrygoes to upper left of table, and pours himself a drink.]
[Quick exit. He closes the door, which has been left open byHennig.The two men look at each other.Jerrygoes to upper left of table, and pours himself a drink.]
Jerry
Well, you've made a nice mess of it! Why can't you keep your nose out of other people's business? Why did you have to date my leaving Black River?
Daniel
Why did you have to get mixed up with Pearl Hennig?
Jerry
I can take what I want out of life!
Daniel
You can. God says: "Here is the world. Take what you want ... AND PAY FOR IT!"
Jerry
Rubbish! [Drinks] Save your preaching for those that like it! [Comes down] And keep away from my wife!
Daniel
Why?
Jerry
Because you're in love with her! Aren't you?
Daniel
Yes.
Jerry
Well, you've a hell of a nerve to preach to me about Hennig's wife while you're making a play for mine.
Daniel
I'm not making a play for yours.
Jerry
No? You expect me to believe that when you admit—— Why did you pull that hero stuff? Why did you keep your mouth shut when I lost my temper? Why did you turn the other cheek?
Daniel
You wouldn't understand, Jerry.
Jerry
Wouldn't I? Well,youunderstand that I've forbidden you to speak to her and that goes. If you come here again, I'll have the servants throw you out, and I'll tell my father why. [Goodkindenters L.]
Daniel
Here's your father now.
Jerry
And that's not all I'll do!
[Lowering his voice]: Not by a damned sight! [He wheels about and exits.]
Goodkind
[Taking cigars from humidor]: Smoke?
Daniel
Thanks.
Goodkind
[Looking off after his son]: Jerry don't like you much, does he?
Daniel
Not much.
Goodkind
[Lights his cigar]: Well ... how are things in Black River?
Daniel
I think we've got everything settled.
Goodkind
Fine! Benfield'll be up in a minute, and we'll hear the conditions! [He sits in an easy chair L.] Somehow, I knew you'd do it! Jerry says you're a philanthropist, but I knew he was wrong!
Daniel
Thanks.
Goodkind
If you've really settled this strike ... our way ... your salary from today is thirty thousand a year!
Daniel
Thanks ... again.
Goodkind
I'm dog-sick of rowing with labor! It's such utter damned waste!...Excuseme!
Daniel
I agree with you!
Goodkind
I'd hate to figure what walk-outs have cost this country!
Daniel
Yes. I often wonder why it wouldn't be cheaper to keep the men contented.
Goodkind
How're you going to do it? Don't forget there are as many people paid for stirring up strikes as for crushing 'em! Paid well, too! What the laboring manneedsis a real interest in his job!
Daniel
Why don't you give it to him?
Goodkind
How? By doubling his wages? The more most of 'em get the less they want to do for it! You know that!
Daniel
Yes.
Goodkind
They've got a notion that you get rich by riding around in a limousine!
Daniel
Don't you?
Goodkind
Not often! Not unless you think while you ride ... or your father thought for you! Even then, money doesn't stay long in bad company! To hear those fellows you'd think therewasn'tany work, except what's done with a pick! The man that really produces is the man with the idea!
Daniel
The man that produces most.
Goodkind
Yes, and he ought togetmost!
Daniel
He does!
Goodkind
He always will! Show me a big man and I'll show you somebody who's done a big job! It's the little man with no capacity and no chin that cries about a conspiracy to keep him from being President!
Daniel
There've got to be little men, too, Mr. Goodkind.
Goodkind
And they've got to be satisfied with little rewards! We can't all have the same bank-roll any more than we can all have the same health! That's where unions go wrong! When you tell a man he's going to have the same reward, whatever he does—not because he's got ability, but because he's got a union card—down goes the standard, out goes incentive, and to hell goes the whole social structure!
Daniel
Right!
Goodkind
That's why I'm fighting the unions! Not because I want to starve the man who works, but because I want to fire the man who doesn't ...andreward the man who does! I want to give every man a good reason for doing his best! You can talk equality and democracy all you like, Dan, but the minute the average man isn't afraid of being fired he isn't afraid of being worthless! The minute you take away incentive—the chance to getthis—that minute you reduce the world to a common level of common indifference and common futility!
Daniel
Right!
Goodkind
[Rising]. Have another cigar! [Danielshows the one he has just lighted, and shakes his head.] Where the hell's——[He turns, and seesBenfieldstanding in the door L.] Oh, Benfield! Come in! Gilchrist has settled the strike!
Benfield
Good!
Daniel
[Giving a folded document toGoodkind]: There are the terms. [Goodkindsits L.] They may seem a little radical, but I think I can show you they'll save money in the end!
Goodkind
That's the idea!
[With the paper in his hands, being opened, he feels confident and cocky. ToBenfield]: I told you I knew my man! The Lord knows he's full of theories, but sometimes they—[His eye falls upon a disturbing line] Wait a minute! What's this?
Benfield
What's what?
Goodkind
[Reading]: "Hereby agreed ... the men are to be represented ... on the board of directors...."
Benfield
[Stunned]: No!!
Goodkind
Yes! And ... look here! [Reading] "All disputes ... referred ... to a committee of arbitration...."
Benfield
The man's gone crazy!
Daniel
When you're through....
Goodkind
[Reading]: "One-half of all profits, over and above a fair dividend, to be divided pro rata, according to wage and length of service." [He rises] Why.... [Words fail] What is this?
Benfield
Jerry told you; it's surrender!
Daniel
No! No! It's justice!
Goodkind
It's nothing! It's a scrap of paper until I sign it, and I wouldn't sign it if I had to shut up every mine in West Virginia! Why should I? We've got 'em licked!
Daniel
If you'll only let me explain....
Goodkind
Explainwhat? They're licked! They sent a delegation up here, and we've won over the delegation!
Daniel
You mean you'veboughtthe delegation!
Goodkind
Who said so?
Daniel
Jerry.... Not ten minutes ago he referred to Stedtman as the company detective. We both know Hennig's for sale. Buy him, and I'll go back and tell them he's bought, and prove it!
Benfield
You're working for us!
Daniel
I'm working for——
Goodkind
Wait a minute, Benfield! We've all lost our heads! Daniel and I have just been over all this, and he admitted I was right!
Daniel
Right as far as you went, but you only went part way! You have a right to a profit on your idea, and your investment, and the labor you put back of it! The public has a right to coal, and transportation, and all it needs and pays for! But, above everything else, the workman who works honestly has a right to something more than the barest kind of a bare living ... and it can all be done if you don't sink everybody's rights to accumulate a fortune you don't need and can't use!... All the argument on earth can't make youallright so long as there's a Umanski in the World!
Goodkind
If these people succeed there's no limit to what they'll do!
Daniel
If they fail there's no limit to what you'll do!
Goodkind
There's no good transferring control from the intelligent few to the ignorant mob!
Daniel
There's no good in anything so long as we fight each other like beasts, instead of helping each other like brothers! There's no hope anywhere except in The Great Teacher, and the understanding that what He taught was not only good morals, but good sense and good business!
Benfield
Highfalutin nonsense!
Goodkind
Daniel doesn't realize what he's costing us!
Daniel
What?
Goodkind
Millions!
Daniel
Oh, is that all?
Benfield
All?
Daniel
Am I costing you one cigar? Am I costing you one blanket from your warm beds, or one stick of furniture from your comfortable homes, or anything else you'll ever miss? I'm taking nothing from you, and I'm giving thousands of men like you a chance to live!
Goodkind
You're costing yourself your last chance of success!
Daniel
I don't want your kind of success! I'm through! I give you back your job, as I gave you back your church, and I give you twenty-four hours to sign that paper!
Goodkind
If I do, you're finished!
Daniel
I am when you've signed! [He goes R.]
Goodkind
If you walk out of that door you're throwing away the chance of your life!
Daniel
I'm keeping my soul! [He opens the door.]
Benfield
You Judas!
Goodkind
You damned fool!
Daniel
Good-night!
[Danielcloses the door behind him.]
the curtain falls.
Scene: "Overcoat Hall." New York.