[She hesitates a moment, looks at him, then gets it.]
[She hesitates a moment, looks at him, then gets it.]
Norah.
Here you are.
Taylor.
[With his tongue in his cheek.] I thought you was going to tell me I could darned well get it myself.
Norah.
I don’t very much like being ordered about.
Taylor.
You never paid much attention to me till to-day, I reckon.
Norah.
I was always polite to you.
Taylor.
Very. But I was the hired man, and you never let me forget it. You thought yourself a darned sight better than me because you could play the piano and speak French. But we ain’t got a piano, and there ain’t anyone as speaks French nearer than Winnipeg.
Norah.
What are you driving at?
Taylor.
Parlour tricks ain’t much good on the prairie. They’re like dollar bills up in Hudson Bay. Tobacco’s the only thing you can trade with an Esquimaux. You can’t cook very well, you don’t know how to milk a cow—why, you can’t even harness a horse.
Norah.
Are you regretting your bargain already?
Taylor.
No, I guess I can teach you. But if I was you I wouldn’t put on any frills. We shall get along O.K., I guess, when we’ve shaken down.
Norah.
You’ll find I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.
Taylor.
[Ignoring the remark.] When two people live together in a shack there’s got to be a deal of give and take on both sides. As long as you do what I tell you you’ll be all right.
Norah.
[With a smile.] It’s unfortunate that when anyone tells me to do a thing I have an irresistible desire not to do it.
Taylor.
I guess I tumbled to that. You must get over it.
Norah.
You’ve talked to me once or twice in a way I don’t like. I think we shall get on better if youaskme to do things.
Taylor.
Don’t forget that I canmakeyou do them.
Norah.
[Amused.] How?
Taylor.
Well, I’m stronger than you are.
Norah.
A man can hardly use force in his dealings with a woman.
Taylor.
Oh?
Norah.
You seem surprised.
Taylor.
What’s going to prevent him?
Norah.
[With a little laugh.] Don’t be so silly.
[He gives her a look and then smiles quietly to himself.]
[He gives her a look and then smiles quietly to himself.]
Taylor.
Well, I’m going to unpack my grip. [Pointing to the tea-things.] Wash up them things.
Norah.
[With a slight shrug of the shoulders.] I’ll wash them up in the morning.
Taylor.
Wash ’em up now, my girl. You’ll find the only way to keep things clean is to wash ’em the moment you’ve done with them.
[Norahlooks at him with a slight smile on her face, but does not move.]
[Norahlooks at him with a slight smile on her face, but does not move.]
Taylor.
Did you hear what I said?
Norah.
I did.
Taylor.
Why don’t you do as I tell you?
Norah.
[Smiling.] Because I don’t choose.
Taylor.
You ain’t taken long to try it out.
Norah.
They say there’s no time like the present.
Taylor.
Are you going to wash up them things?
Norah.
No.
[He looks at her for a moment, then gets up, pours water into a pail and puts a ragged dishcloth on the table.]
[He looks at her for a moment, then gets up, pours water into a pail and puts a ragged dishcloth on the table.]
Taylor.
Are you going to wash up them things?
Norah.
No.
Taylor.
D’you want me to make you?
Norah.
How can you do that?
Taylor.
I’ll show you.
Norah.
I’ll just get out these rugs, shall I? I expect it gets very cold towards morning.
[She gets up and goes over to a holdall and begins unstrapping it.]
[She gets up and goes over to a holdall and begins unstrapping it.]
Taylor.
Norah.
Norah.
Yes.
Taylor.
Come here.
Norah.
Why?
Taylor.
Because I tell you.
[She looks at him, but does not move. He goes over to her and is about to seize her wrist.]
[She looks at him, but does not move. He goes over to her and is about to seize her wrist.]
Norah.
You daren’t touch me.
Taylor.
Who told you that?
Norah.
Have you forgotten that I’m a woman?
Taylor.
No, I haven’t. That’s why I’m going to make you do as I tell you. If you was a man I mightn’t be able to. Come now.
[He makes a movement to take her by the arm, but she slips away from him and quickly boxes his ears. He stops.]
[He makes a movement to take her by the arm, but she slips away from him and quickly boxes his ears. He stops.]
Taylor.
That was a darned silly thing to do.
Norah.
What did you expect?
Taylor.
I expected you was cleverer than to hit me. You see, when it comes to—to muscle, I guess I’ve got the bulge on you.
Norah.
I’m not frightened of you.
Taylor.
Now come and wash up these things.
Norah.
I won’t.
Taylor.
Come on.
[He takes her wrists and tries to drag her to the table. She struggles with him, but cannot release herself. She kicks him as he drags her to the table.]
[He takes her wrists and tries to drag her to the table. She struggles with him, but cannot release herself. She kicks him as he drags her to the table.]
Norah.
Let me go.
Taylor.
Come on now, my girl. What’s the good of making a darned fuss about it?
Norah.
You brute, how dare you touch me! You’ll never force me to do anything. Let go! Let go! Let go!
[As they reach the table she bends down and bites him. Instinctively he releases her.]
[As they reach the table she bends down and bites him. Instinctively he releases her.]
Taylor.
Gee, what sharp teeth you’ve got.
Norah.
You cad! You cad!
Taylor.
[Looking at his hand.] I never thought you’d bite. That ain’t much like a lady.
Norah.
You filthy cad to hit a woman.
Taylor.
Gee, I didn’t hit you. You smacked my face and kicked my shins, and you bit my hand. And then you sayIhit you.
Norah.
[With all her passion.] You beast! I hate you.
Taylor.
I don’t care about that so long as you wash them cups.
Norah.
Look.
[With a sudden sweep of the arm she brushes them off the table, and they fall on the floor and break.]
[With a sudden sweep of the arm she brushes them off the table, and they fall on the floor and break.]
Taylor.
That’s a pity. We’re terribly short of crockery. We shall have to drink our tea out of tins now.
Norah.
I said I wouldn’t wash them and I haven’t washed them.
Taylor.
They don’t need it now, I guess.
Norah.
I think I’ve won.
Taylor.
[With a smile.] Sure. Now take the broom and sweep up all the darned mess you’ve made.
Norah.
I won’t.
Taylor.
Look here, my girl, I guess I’ve had about enough of your nonsense. You do as you’re told and look sharp about it.
Norah.
You can kill me if you like.
Taylor.
What’s the good of that? Women are scarce in Manitoba.... Here’s the broom.
Norah.
If you want that mess swept up you can sweep it up yourself.
Taylor.
You make me tired. [He puts the broom into her hands, but she flings it violently away.] Look here, if you don’t clean up that mess at once, I’ll give you the biggest hiding you’ve ever had in your life.
Norah.
[Scornfully.] You?
Taylor.
[Nodding his head.] Yours truly. I’ve done with larking now.
[He turns up the sleeves of his sweater. Suddenly she bursts into loud cries.]
[He turns up the sleeves of his sweater. Suddenly she bursts into loud cries.]
Norah.
Help! Help! Help!
Taylor.
What’s the good of that? There ain’t no one within a mile of us. Listen.
[For a moment they are both silent as they listen to the silence of the prairie.]
[For a moment they are both silent as they listen to the silence of the prairie.]
Norah.
If you touch me I’ll have you up for cruelty. There are laws to protect me.
Taylor.
I don’t care a curse for the laws. I know I’m going to be master here. And if I tell you to do athing you’ve darned well got to do it because I can make you. Now stop fooling. Pick up that crockery and get the broom.
Norah.
I won’t.
[He strides up and is just about to catch hold of her when she shrinks back. She sees he is in earnest. She is terrified by his look.]
[He strides up and is just about to catch hold of her when she shrinks back. She sees he is in earnest. She is terrified by his look.]
Norah.
No, don’t. Don’t hurt me.
Taylor.
[He stops and looks at her.] I guess there’s only one law here, and that’s the law of the strongest. I don’t know nothing about cities. Perhaps men and women are equal there. But on the prairie a man’s master because he’s bigger and stronger than a woman.
Norah.
Frank.
Taylor.
Blast you, don’t talk!
[Norahpauses, struggling between her pride and her fear. She will not look at her husband. She feels that he is getting impatient. At last, slowly, she bends down and picks up the teapot, the cups and saucers, and puts them on the table. Then she sinks into the chair and bursts into tears. He watches her with a slight smile on his face, but not unkindly.]
[Norahpauses, struggling between her pride and her fear. She will not look at her husband. She feels that he is getting impatient. At last, slowly, she bends down and picks up the teapot, the cups and saucers, and puts them on the table. Then she sinks into the chair and bursts into tears. He watches her with a slight smile on his face, but not unkindly.]
Norah.
Oh, I’m so unhappy.
Taylor.
[Without any anger in his voice.] Come on, my girl, don’t shirk the rest of it.
[She looks up and sees the mess of spilt tea on the floor. She gets up slowly, keeping her face away from him, and picks up the broom. She sweeps up. When she has finished she puts the broom in the corner. He watches her all the time. Then she takes up her hat and coat and starts to put them on.]
[She looks up and sees the mess of spilt tea on the floor. She gets up slowly, keeping her face away from him, and picks up the broom. She sweeps up. When she has finished she puts the broom in the corner. He watches her all the time. Then she takes up her hat and coat and starts to put them on.]
Taylor.
What are you doing?
Norah.
I’ve done what you made me do. Now I’m going.
Taylor.
Where?
Norah.
What do I care so long as I get away?
Taylor.
You ain’t under the impression that there’s a first-class hotel round the corner, are you? because there ain’t.
Norah.
I’ll go to the Sharps.
Taylor.
I guess they’re in bed and asleep by now.
Norah.
I can wake them.
Taylor.
You’d never find your way. It’s pitch dark.
Norah.
I’ll sleep out of doors, then.
Taylor.
On the prairie? Why, you’d freeze to death.
Norah.
What does it matter to you whether I live or die?
Taylor.
It matters a great deal. Women are scarce in Manitoba.
Norah.
Are you going to prevent me from going?
Taylor.
Sure.
[He stands in front of the door and faces her.]
[He stands in front of the door and faces her.]
Norah.
You can’t keep me here against my will. If I don’t go to-night, I can go to-morrow.
Taylor.
To-morrow’s a long way off.
[She gives a start and looks at him with staring, terrified eyes, her throat is dry with terror.]
[She gives a start and looks at him with staring, terrified eyes, her throat is dry with terror.]
Norah.
Frank. What d’you mean?
Taylor.
I don’t know what silly fancies you had in your head. When I married you I intended that you should be a proper wife to me.
Norah.
But ... but.... [She can hardly speak.] But you understood. [He does not answer. At last she collects herself. She tries to talk calmly and reasonably.] I’m sorry for the way I behaved, Frank. It was childish of me to struggle with you. You irritated me by the way you spoke.
Taylor.
Oh, I don’t mind. I don’t know much about women and I guess they’re queer. We had to fix things up sometime and I guess there was no harm in getting it over right now.
Norah.
You’ve beaten me all along the line and I’m in your power. Have mercy on me.
Taylor.
I guess you won’t have much cause to complain.
Norah.
I married you in a fit of temper. It was very stupid of me. I’m very sorry that I—that I’ve been all this trouble to you. Won’t you let me go?
Taylor.
No, I can’t do that.
Norah.
I’m no good to you. You’ve told me that I’m useless. I can’t do any of the things that you want a wife to do. You can’t be so hard-hearted as to make me pay with all my life for one moment’s madness.
Taylor.
What good would it do if I let you go? Will you go to Gertie and ask her to take you back again? You’ve got too much pride for that.
Norah.
I don’t think I’ve got much pride left.
Taylor.
Don’t you think you’d better give it a try?
Norah.
All the life was so strange to me. In England they think it’s so different from what it really is. I thought I should have a horse to ride. I expected dances and tennis parties. And when I came out I was so out of it. I felt in the way. And yesterday they drove me frantic so that I felt I couldn’t stay another moment in that house. It was only an impulse. I made a mistake. I didn’t know what I was doing. You can’t have the heart to take advantage of it.
Taylor.
I knew you was making a mistake, but that was your look out. When I sell a man a horse he can look it over for himself, but I ain’t obliged to tell him its faults.
Norah.
D’you mean to say that after I’ve begged you almost on my knees to let me go you’ll force me to stay?
Taylor.
Sure.
Norah.
Oh, I’m so unhappy.
Taylor.
Perhaps you won’t be when you get used to it.
Norah.
[Desperately.] Oh, why did I ever walk into this trap?
Taylor.
Come, my girl, let us let bygones be bygones and give me a kiss.
[She looks at him for a moment.]
[She looks at him for a moment.]
Norah.
I’m not in love with you.
Taylor.
I guessed that.
Norah.
And you’re not in love with me.
Taylor.
You’re a woman and I’m a man.
Norah.
D’you want me to tell you in so many words that you’re physically repellent to me? The thought of letting you kiss me horrifies and disgusts me.
Taylor.
[Good-humouredly.] Thank you.
Norah.
Look at your hands. It gives me goose-flesh when you touch me.
Taylor.
Cutting down trees, diggin’, looking after horses, don’t leave them very white and smooth.
Norah.
Let me go. Let me go.
[Taylorchanges his manner, which has been quite good-humoured, and speaks more sharply and with a certain stern force.]
[Taylorchanges his manner, which has been quite good-humoured, and speaks more sharply and with a certain stern force.]
Taylor.
See here, my girl—you was educated like a lady and spent your life doing nothing—a lady’s companion, wasn’t you—taking a little dawg out for a walk of a morning and combing out his pretty little coat? And you look upon yourself as a darned sight better than me. I never had no schooling, and it’s a hell of a job for me to write a letter, but since I was so high I’ve earned my living. I guess I’ve been all over this country. I’ve been a trapper and I’ve worked on the railroad, and for two years I’ve been a freighter. I guess I’ve done pretty near everything but serve in a store. Now you just get busy and forget all the nonsense you’ve got in your head. You’re nothing but an ignorant woman and I’m your master. I’m going to do what I like with you, and if you don’t submit willingly, by God I’ll take you as the trappers in the old days used to take the squaws.
[He steps towards her, and she, escaping from him, seizes his gun, which is lying against the wall. She lifts it and aims at him.]
[He steps towards her, and she, escaping from him, seizes his gun, which is lying against the wall. She lifts it and aims at him.]
Norah.
If you move I’ll kill you.
Taylor.
[Stopping suddenly.] You daren’t.
Norah.
Unless you open the door and let me go I’ll shoot you. I’ll shoot you.
Taylor.
[Advancing one step.] Shoot, then.
[She pulls the trigger. A click is heard, but nothing more.]
[She pulls the trigger. A click is heard, but nothing more.]
Taylor.
Gee whiz, you meant it.
Norah.
[Aghast.] It wasn’t loaded.
Taylor.
Of course it wasn’t loaded. D’you think I’d have stood there and told you to shoot if it had been? I guess I ain’t thinking of committing suicide.
Norah.
And I almost admired you.
Taylor.
You hadn’t got no reason to. There’s nothing to admire about a man who stands five feet off a loaded gun that’s being aimed at him. He’s a darned fool, that’s all.
Norah.
[Throwing the gun aside angrily.] You were laughing at me. Now I’ll never forgive you.
Taylor.
You’d have had me dead as mutton if that gun had been loaded. You’re a sport. I never thought you had it in you.
Norah.
I’ll never forgive you.
Taylor.
You’re the girl for me, I guess.
[Before she is prepared he flings his arms round her and tries to kiss her. She struggles desperately, turning her face away from him.]
[Before she is prepared he flings his arms round her and tries to kiss her. She struggles desperately, turning her face away from him.]
Norah.
Let me alone. I’ll kill myself if you touch me.
Taylor.
I guess you won’t.
[He gives her a resounding kiss on the cheek and lets her go. Sinking into a chair, she puts her hands up to her flaming cheeks.]
[He gives her a resounding kiss on the cheek and lets her go. Sinking into a chair, she puts her hands up to her flaming cheeks.]
Norah.
Oh, how shameful, how shameful.
[She sobs in helpless, angry despair. He puts his hand gently on her shoulder.]
[She sobs in helpless, angry despair. He puts his hand gently on her shoulder.]
Taylor.
Hadn’t you better cave in, my girl? You’ve tried your strength against mine and it didn’t amount to much. You tried to shoot me and I only made you look a darned fool. I guess you’re beat, my girl. There’s only one law here, and that’s the law of the strongest. You’ve got to do what I want because I can make you.
Norah.
Haven’t you any generosity?
Taylor.
Not the kind you want, I guess.
Norah.
Oh, I’m so unhappy.
Taylor.
Listen. [He puts up his finger and seems to listen intently. She looks at him, but does not speak.] Listen to the silence. Can’t you hear it, the silence of the prairie? Why, we might be the only two people in the world, you and me, here in this shack right out in the prairie. Listen. There ain’t a sound. It might be the garden of Eden. What’s that about male and female created He them? I guess you’re my wife, my girl, and I want you. [She gives him a sidelong look of terror, but still does not speak. He takes the lamp and goes to the bedroom door. He opens it and, holding the lamp up high, looks at her. Just to do something she takes the dishcloth and rubs the table with it. She wants to gain time.] I guess it’s getting late. You’ll be able to have a good clean out to-morrow.
Norah.
To-morrow.
[A look of shame, fear, anguish, passes over her face, and then, violently, a convulsive shudder runs through her whole body. She puts her hands to her eyes and walks slowly to the door.]
[A look of shame, fear, anguish, passes over her face, and then, violently, a convulsive shudder runs through her whole body. She puts her hands to her eyes and walks slowly to the door.]
END OF THE THIRD ACT
Scene:The same as in the previous act,Frank Taylor’sshack at Prentice, but there are signs about it of a woman’s presence. There is a cloth on the table, and a cushion on the rocking-chair, there are muslin curtains on the window tied back with ribband, and there are geraniums growing in maple-syrup tins. There is a rough bookshelf against the wall, on which isNorah’ssmall stock of books. Coloured supplements from the Christmas numbers of illustrated papers are pinned neatly on the walls. The packing-cases which had been used as stools have been replaced by rough chairs whichTaylorhas made with his own hands during the winter. When the door of the shack is opened the blue sky is seen and the prairie.Norahis arranging mustard flowers in a pudding basin on the table. She wears a serge skirt and a neat shirt-waist: she has a healthier look than before, her face is tanned and she has a higher colour. She hears a sound and looks up.Taylorenters.
Scene:The same as in the previous act,Frank Taylor’sshack at Prentice, but there are signs about it of a woman’s presence. There is a cloth on the table, and a cushion on the rocking-chair, there are muslin curtains on the window tied back with ribband, and there are geraniums growing in maple-syrup tins. There is a rough bookshelf against the wall, on which isNorah’ssmall stock of books. Coloured supplements from the Christmas numbers of illustrated papers are pinned neatly on the walls. The packing-cases which had been used as stools have been replaced by rough chairs whichTaylorhas made with his own hands during the winter. When the door of the shack is opened the blue sky is seen and the prairie.Norahis arranging mustard flowers in a pudding basin on the table. She wears a serge skirt and a neat shirt-waist: she has a healthier look than before, her face is tanned and she has a higher colour. She hears a sound and looks up.Taylorenters.
Norah.
I didn’t know you were about.
Taylor.
I ain’t got much to do to-day. I’ve been out with Sid Sharp and a man come over from Prentice.
Norah.
Oh!
Taylor.
[Noticing the flowers.] Say, what have you got there?
Norah.
Aren’t they pretty? I picked them just now. They’re so cheerful.
Taylor.
[Drily.] Very.
Norah.
A few flowers make the shack look so much more bright and cosy.
Taylor.
[Looking round him.] You’ve made it a real home, Norah. Mrs. Sharp never stops wondering how you done it. Sid was saying only the other day it was because you was a lady. It does make a difference, I guess.
Norah.
[With a little smile.] I’m glad you haven’t found me quite a hopeless failure.
Taylor.
I guess I’ve never been so comfortable in all my life. It’s what I always said—when English girls do take to the life they make a better job of it than anybody.
Norah.
What’s the man come out from Prentice for?
Taylor.
[After a moment’s pause.] I guess you ain’t been terribly happy here, my girl.
Norah.
What on earth makes you say that?
Taylor.
You’ve got a good memory, I guess, and you ain’t ever forgiven me for that first night.
Norah.
[Looking down.] I made up my mind very soon that I must accept the consequences of what I’d done. I tried to fall in with your ways.
Taylor.
You was clever enough to see that I meant to be master in my own house, and I had the strength to do it.
Norah.
[With a faint smile.] I’ve cooked for you and mended your clothes, and I’ve kept the shack clean. I’ve been obedient and obliging.
Taylor.
[With a little chuckle.] I guess you hated me sometimes.
Norah.
No one likes being humiliated as you humiliated me.
Taylor.
Ed’s coming out here presently, my girl.
Norah.
Ed who?
Taylor.
Your brother.
Norah.
[Astounded.] Eddie? When?
Taylor.
Why, right now, I guess. He was in Prentice this morning.
Norah.
How d’you know?
Taylor.
He phoned over to Sharp’s to say he was riding out.
Norah.
Oh, how ripping! Why didn’t you tell me before?
Taylor.
I didn’t know.
Norah.
Is that why you asked me if I was happy? I couldn’t make out what was the matter with you.
Taylor.
Well, I guess I thought if you still wanted to quit, Ed’s coming would be kind of useful.
Norah.
Why d’you think I want to?
Taylor.
You ain’t been very talkative these months, but I guess it wasn’t hard to see you’d have given pretty near anything in the world to quit.
Norah.
I’m not going back to Eddie’s farm, if that’s what you mean.
Taylor.
If he comes before I get back, tell him I won’t be long. I guess you won’t be sorry to do a bit of yarning with him by yourself.
Norah.
You’re not under the impression I’m going to say beastly things about you to him?
Taylor.
No, I guess not. That ain’t your sort. P’raps we don’t know the best of one another yet, but I reckon we know the worst by now.
Norah.
[Looking at him sharply.] Frank, is anything the matter?
Taylor.
Why, no. Why?
Norah.
You’ve seemed different the last few days.
Taylor.
I guess that’s only your fancy. I’d better be getting along. Sid and the other fellow are waiting for me.
[He goes out.Norahlooks at him with a puzzled air, then she gives a touch to the flowers, and gets her work. She sits down at the table and begins to mend a thick woollen sock. Suddenly there is a loud knock at the door. She starts up and runs to open it.Edward Marshis seen standing outside. She gives a cry of delight and flings her arms round his neck. He comes in.]
[He goes out.Norahlooks at him with a puzzled air, then she gives a touch to the flowers, and gets her work. She sits down at the table and begins to mend a thick woollen sock. Suddenly there is a loud knock at the door. She starts up and runs to open it.Edward Marshis seen standing outside. She gives a cry of delight and flings her arms round his neck. He comes in.]
Norah.
Eddie! Oh, my dear, I’m so glad to see you.
Marsh.
Hulloa there!
Norah.
But how did you come? I never heard a rig.
Marsh.
Look.
[She goes to the door and looks out.]
[She goes to the door and looks out.]
Norah.
Why, it’s Reggie Hornby. [Calling.] Reggie.
Hornby.
[Outside.] Hulloa!
Norah.
He can put the horse in the lean-to.
Marsh.
Yes. [Calling.] Reg, give the old lady a feed and put her in the lean-to.
Hornby.
Right-o.
Norah.
Didn’t you see Frank? He’s only just this moment gone out.
Marsh.
No.
Norah.
He’ll be in presently. Now, come in. Oh, my dear, it is splendid to see you.
Marsh.
You’re looking fine, Norah.
Norah.
Have you had dinner?
Marsh.
Sure. We got something to eat before we left Prentice.
Norah.
Well, I’ll make you a cup of tea.
Marsh.
No, I won’t have anything, thanks.
Norah.
You’re not a real Canadian yet if you refuse a cup of tea when it’s offered you. Well, sit down and make yourself comfortable.
Marsh.
How are you getting on, Norah?
Norah.
Oh, never mind about me. Tell me about yourself. How’s Gertie? And what brought you to this part of the world? And what’s Reggie Hornby doing? And is thingamygig still with you? You know, the hired man. What was his name? Trotter, wasn’t it? Oh, my dear, don’t sit there like a stuffed pig, but speak to me, or I shall shake you.
Marsh.
My dear, I can’t answer fifteen questions all at once.
Norah.
Oh, Eddie, I’m so glad to see you. You are a duck to come and see me.
Marsh.
Let me get a word in edgeways.
Norah.
I won’t say another syllable. But for goodness’ sake, hurry up. I want to know all sorts of things.
Marsh.
Well, the first thing is that I’m expecting to be a happy father in three or four months.
Norah.
Oh, Eddie, I’m so glad. How happy Gertie must be!
Marsh.
She doesn’t know what to make of it. But I guess she’s pleased right enough. She sends you her love and says she hopes you’ll follow her example soon.
Norah.
I? But you’ve not told me what you’re doing in this part of the world, anyway.
Marsh.
[Smiling.] Anyway?
Norah.
[With a laugh.] I’ve practically spoken to no one but Frank for months. I get into his ways of speaking.
Marsh.
Well, when I got Frank’s letter about the clearing machine....
Norah.
[Interrupting him.] Has Frank written to you?
Marsh.
Why, yes. Didn’t you know? He said there was a clearing machine going cheap at Prentice. I’ve always thought I could make money down our way if I had one. They say you can clear from three tofour acres a day with it. Frank said it was worth my while coming to have a look at it, and he guessed you’d be glad to see me.
Norah.
How funny of him not to say anything to me about it.
Marsh.
I expect he wanted to surprise you. Now, how d’you like being a married woman?
Norah.
Oh, all right. Why has Reggie Hornby come with you?
Marsh.
D’you know, I’ve not seen you since you were married.
Norah.
You haven’t, have you?
Marsh.
I’ve been a bit anxious about you. That’s why, when Frank wrote about the clearing machine, I didn’t stop to think about it, but just came.
Norah.
It was very nice of you. But why has Reggie Hornby come?
Marsh.
Oh, he’s going back to England.
Norah.
Is he?
Marsh.
Yes, he got them to send him his passage at last. His ship doesn’t sail till next week, and he said he might just as well stop off here and say good-bye to you.
Norah.
How has he been getting on?
Marsh.
What do you expect? He looks upon work as something that only damned fools do. Where’s Frank?
Norah.
Oh, he’s out with Sid Sharp. That’s our neighbour. He has the farm you passed on your way here.
Marsh.
Getting on all right with him, Norah?
Norah.
Of course. What’s that boy doing all this time? Heisslow, isn’t he?
Marsh.
It’s a great change for you, this, after the sort of life you’ve been used to.
Norah.
[To change the topic.] I was rather hoping you’d have some letters for me. I haven’t had any for a long time.
Marsh.
There now, I’ve got a head like a sieve. Two came by the last mail and I didn’t send them on because I was coming myself.
Norah.
You haven’t forgotten them?
Marsh.
No, here they are.
Norah.
[Reading the addresses.] They don’t look very exciting. One’s from Agnes Pringle. She was a lady’s companion that I used to know in Tunbridge Wells. And the other’s from Mr. Wynne.
Marsh.
Who’s he?
Norah.
Oh, he was Miss Wickham’s solicitor. He wrote to me once before to say he hoped I was getting on all right. [Putting the letters on the table.] I don’t think I want to hear from people in England any more.
Marsh.
My dear, why d’you say that?
Norah.
It’s no good thinking of the past, is it?
Marsh.
Aren’t you going to read your letters?
Norah.
Not now. I’ll read them when I’m alone.
Marsh.
Don’t mind me.
Norah.
It’s so silly of me, but letters from England always make me cry.
Marsh.
[Looking at her sharply.] Norah, aren’t you happy here?
Norah.
Yes, why shouldn’t I be?
Marsh.
Why haven’t you written to me once since you were married?
Norah.
I hadn’t got much to say. [With a smile.] And after all, I’d been practically turned out of your house.
Marsh.
[Puzzled.] I don’t know what to make of you.
Norah.
[Nervous and almost exasperated.] Oh, don’t cross-examine me, there’s a dear.
Marsh.
Frank Taylor’s kind to you and all that sort of thing, isn’t he?
Norah.
Quite.
Marsh.
When I asked you to come and stay on the farm I thought it wouldn’t be long before you married, but I didn’t expect you’d marry one of the hired men.
Norah.
Oh, my dear, don’t worry about me.
Marsh.
It’s all very fine to say that. You’ve got no one in the world belonging to you but me, and when—when our mother died, she said: “You’ll take care of Norah, won’t you, Eddie?”
Norah.
[With a sob in her voice.] Oh, don’t, don’t.
Marsh.
Norah.
Norah.
[With an effort at self-possession.] We’ve never quarrelled since the first day I came here. Here’s Reggie.