The next day, before lunch. HildegardeandJohnare together.
JOHN (nervously impatient). I wish she'd come.
HILDEGARDE. She'll be here in a moment. She's fussing round dad.
JOHN. Is he really ill?
HILDEGARDE. Well of course. It came on in the night, after he'd had time to think things over. Why?
JOHN. I read in some paper about the Prime Minister having only apoliticalchill. So I thought perhaps the pater—under the circs—
HILDEGARDE (shaking her head). You can't have political dyspepsia. Can't fake the symptoms. Who is to begin this affair, you or me?
JOHN. Depends. What line are you going on with her?
HILDEGARDE. I'm going to treat her exactly as she treats me. I've just thought of it. Only I shan't lose my temper.
JOHN. Sugarsticks?
HILDEGARDE. Yes.
JOHN. You'll never be able to keep it up.
HILDEGARDE. O yes I shall. Somehow I feel much more mature than I did yesterday.
JOHN. More mature? Stay me with flagons! I was always mature. If you knew what rot I think school is...! Well, anyway, you can begin.
HILDEGARDE. You're very polite to-day, Johnnie.
JOHN. Don't mention it. My argument 'll be the best, and I want to keep it for the end, that's all.
HILDEGARDE. Thanks. But I bet you we shall both fail.
JOHN. Well, if we do, I've still got something else waiting for her ladyship. A regular startler, my child.
HILDEGARDE. What is it?
EnterMrs. Culver,back.
JOHN (toHildegarde,asMrs. Culverenters). Wait and see.
MRS. CULVER (cheerful and affectionate, toJohn). So you've come in. (ToHildegarde.) Youareback early to-day! Well, my darlings, what do you want me for?
HILDEGARDE (imitating her mothers manner). Well, mamma darling, we hate bothering you. We know you've got quite enough worries, without having any more. But it's about this baronetcy business. (Mrs. Culverstarts.) Do be an angel and listen to us.
MRS. CULVER (with admirable self-control). Of course, my pet. But you know the matter is quite, quite settled. Your father and I settled it together last night, and the letter of acceptance is in the hands of the Government by this time.
JOHN. It isn't, mater. It's here. (Pulls the letter out of his pocket.)
MRS. CULVER. John! What—
JOHN. Now, now, mater! Keep calm. This is really your own doing. Pater wanted to go tothe post himself, but it was raining a bit, and you're always in such a fidget about his getting his feet wet you wouldn't let him go, and so I went instead.
HILDEGARDE. Yes, mummy darling, you must acknowledge that you were putting temptation in Johnnie's way.
JOHN. Soon as I got outside, I said to myself: 'I think the pater ought to have a night to think over this affair. It's very important. And he can easily send round an answer by hand in the morning.' So I didn't post the letter. I should have told you earlier, but you weren't down for breakfast, and I had to go out afterwards on urgent private business.
MRS. CULVER. But—but—(Controlling herself, grieved, but kind.) Your father will be terribly angry. I daren't face him.
JOHN (only half-suppressing his amusement at the last remark). Don't let that worry you. I'll face him. He'll be delighted. He'll write another letter, and quite a different one.
MRS. CULVER (getting firmer). But don't I tell you, my dearest boy, that the affair is settled, quite settled?
JOHN. It isn't settled so long as I've got this letter, anyway.
HILDEGARDE. Of course it isn't settled. Mother darling, we simply must look the facts in the face. Fact one, the letter is here. Fact two, the whole family is most frightfully upset. Dad's ill—
MRS. CULVER. That was the lobster.
JOHN. It wasn't.
MRS. CULVER. Yes, dear. Lobster always upsets him.
JOHN. It didn't this time.
MRS. CULVER. How do you know?
JOHN. I know, becauseIate all his lobster. He shoved it over to me. You couldn't see for the fruit-bowl.
HILDEGARDE. No, mamma sweetest. It's this baronetcy business that's knocked poor papa over. And it's knocked over Johnnie and me too. I'm perfectly, perfectly sure you acted for the best, but don't you think you persuaded father against his judgment? Not to speak of our judgment!
MRS. CULVER. I've only one thought—
HILDEGARDE (caressing and kissing her mother). I know! I know! Father's happiness. Our happiness. Mamma, please don't imagine for a single instant that we don't realise that. You're the most delicious darling of an old mater—
MRS. CULVER (slightly suspicious). Hildegarde, you're quite a different girl to-day.
HILDEGARDE (nods). I've aged in a single night. I've become ever so serious. This baronetcy business has shown me that I've got convictions—and deep convictions. I admit I'm a different girl to-day. But then everything's different to-day. The whole house is different. Johnnie's different. Papa's missed going to the office for the first time in eight months. (Very sweetly.) Surely you must see, mamma, that something ought to be done, and that you alone can do it.
MRS. CULVER. What? What ought I to do?
HILDEGARDE. Go upstairs and tell dad you've changed your mind about the title, and advise him to write off instantly and refuse it. You know you always twist him round your little finger.
MRS. CULVER (looking at her little finger). I shouldn't dream of trying to influence your father once he had decided. And hehasdecided.
HILDEGARDE (sweetly). Mamma, you're most tremendously clever—far cleverer than any of us—but I'm not sure if you understand the attitude of the modern girl towards things that affect her convictions.
MRS. CULVER (sweetly). Are you the modern girl.
HILDEGARDE. Yes.
MRS. CULVER. Well, I'm the ancient girl. And I can tell you this—you're very like me, and we're both very like somebody else.
HILDEGARDE. Who's that.
MRS. CULVER. Eve.
JOHN. Come, mater. Eve would never have learnt typewriting. She'd have gone on the land.
MRS. CULVER. John, your sister and I are not jesting.
HILDEGARDE. I'm so glad you admit I'm serious, mamma. Because I am—very. I don't want to threaten—
MRS. CULVER. Threaten, darling?
HILDEGARDE (firmly, but quite lightly and sweetly). No, darling.Notto threaten. The mere idea of threatening is absurd. But it would be extremely unfair to you not to tell you that unless you agree to father refusing the title, I shall have to leave the house and live by myself. I really shall. Of course I can easily earn my own living. I quite see that you have principles. But I also have principles. If they clash—naturally it's my place to retire. And I shall, mamma dearest.
MRS. CULVER. Is that final?
HILDEGARDE. Final, mummy darling.
MRS. CULVER. Then, my dearest child, you must go.
HILDEGARDE (still sweetly). Is that final?
MRS. CULVER (still sweetly). Final, my poor pet.
JOHN (firmly). Now letmesay a word.
MRS. CULVER (benignly). And what have you got to say in the matter? You've already been very naughty about that letter. Do try not to be ridiculous. Give me the letter. This affair has nothing to do with you.JOHN (putting the letter in his pocket). Nothing whatever to do with me! Mater, you really are a bit too thick. If it was a knighthood, I wouldn't care. You could have your blooming knighthood. Knighthoods do come to an end. Baronetcies go on for ever. I've told the dad, and I'll tell you, thatI will not havemy political career ruined by any baronetcy. And if you insist—may I respectfully inform you what I shall do? May I respectfully inform you—may I?
MRS. CULVER. John!
JOHN. I shall chuck Siege and go into the Flying Corps. And that's flat. If you really want to shorten my life, all you have to do is to stick to that bally baronetcy.
MRS. CULVER. Your father won't allow you to join the Flying Corps.
JOHN. My father can't stop me. I know the mess is expensive, but the pay's good, and I've got £150 of my own. Not a fortune! Not a fortune! But enough, quite enough.A short life and a merry one. I went to see Captain Skewes at the Automobile this morning. One of our old boys. He's delighted. He gave me Lanchester's 'Aircraft in Warfare' to read. Here it is. (Picking up the book.) Here itis! I shall be sitting upall night to-night reading it.A short life and a merry one.
MRS. CULVER. You don't mean it!
JOHN. I absolutely do.
MRS. CULVER (after a pause). John, you're trying to bully your mother.
JOHN. Not in the least, mater. I'm merely telling you what will happen if father accepts that piffling baronetcy.
MRS. CULVER (checking a tear; very sweetly). Well, my pets, you make life just a little difficult for me. I live only for you and your father. I think first of your father, and then of you two. For myself, I am perfectly indifferent. I consider all politics extremely silly. There never were any in my family, nor in your father's. And to me it's most extraordinary that your father should catch them so late in life. I always supposed that after thirty people were immune. (ToJohn.) You, I suppose, were bound to have them sooner or later, but thatHildashould go out of her way to contract them—well, it passes me. It passes me. However, I've no more to say. Your father had made up his mind to accept the title. You want him to refuse it. I hate to influence him(Hildegardeagain hides a cynical smile) but for your sakes I'll try to persuade him to alter his decision and refuse it.
JOHN (taking her arm). Come along then—now! I'll go with you to see fair play. (He opens the door, L, andMrs. Culverpasses out. Then stopping in the doorway, toHildegarde) Who did the trick? I say—who did the trick?
HILDEGARDE (nicely). Pooh! You may be a prefect at school. But here you're only mamma's wee lamb! (She drops on to the sofa.)
JOHN (singing triumphantly). Stay—me—with fla—gons! (ExitJohn,L.)
EnterTranto,back, shown in by theParlourmaid.
TRANTO. How d'ye do, Miss Hilda. I'm in a high state of nerves.
HILDEGARDE (shaking hands weakly). We all are.
TRANTO (ignoring what she says). I've come specially to see you.
HILDEGARDE. But how did you know I should be here—at this time? I'm supposed to be at the Food Ministry till one o'clock?
TRANTO. I called for you at the Ministry.
HILDEGARDE (leaning forward). That's quite against the rules. The rules are made for the moral protection of the women-clerks.
TRANTO. They told me you'd left early.
HILDEGARDE. Why did you call?
TRANTO. Shall I be frank?
HILDEGARDE. Are you ever?
TRANTO. I wanted to walk home with you.
HILDEGARDE. Are you getting frightened about that next article of mine?
TRANTO. No. I've lost all interest in articles.
HILDEGARDE. Even in my articles?
TRANTO. Even in yours. I'm only interested in the writer of your articles. (Agitated.) Miss Hilda, the hour is about to strike.
HILDEGARDE. What hour?
TRANTO. Listen, please. Let me explain. The situation is this. Instinct has got hold of me. When I woke up this morning something insideme said: 'You must call at the Ministry for that young woman and walk home with her.' This idea seemed marvellously beautiful to me; it seemed one of the most enchanting ideas that had ever entered the heart of man. I thought of nothing else all the morning. When I reached the Ministry and you'd gone, I felt as if I'd been shot. Then I rushed here. If you hadn't been at home I don't know what I should have done. My fever has been growing every moment. Providentially youarehere. I give you fair warning that I'm utterly in the grip of an instinct which is ridiculously unconventional and which will brook no delay. I repeat, the hour is about to strike.
HILDEGARDE (rousing herself). Before it actually strikes, I want to ask a question.
TRANTO. But that's just whatIwant to do.
HILDEGARDE. Please. One moment of your valuable time.
TRANTO. The whole of my life.
HILDEGARDE. Last night, why did you advise papa to give way to mamma and accept the baronetcy?
TRANTO. Did I?
HILDEGARDE. It seems so.
TRANTO. Well—er—
HILDEGARDE. You know it's quite against his principles, and against mine and Johnnie's, not to speak of yours.
TRANTO. The fact is, you yourself had given me such an account of your mother's personality that I felt sure she'd win anyhow; and—and—for reasons of my own, I wished to be on the winning side. No harm in that, surely. And as regards principles, I have a theory about principles. Your father was much struck by it when I told him.
HILDEGARDE. Namely?
TRANTO. There are no principles in married life.
HILDEGARDE. Oh, indeed! Well, there may not be any principles in your married life, but there most positively will be in mine, if I ever have a married life. And let me tell you that you aren't on the winning side after all—you're on the losing side.
TRANTO. How? Has your—
HILDEGARDE. Johnnie and I have had a great interview with mamma, and she's yielded. She'sabandoned the baronetcy. In half an hour from now the baronetcy will have been definitely and finally refused.
TRANTO. Great Scott!
HILDEGARDE. You're startled?
TRANTO. No! After all, I might have foreseen that you'd come out on top. The day before yesterday your modesty was making you say that your mother could eat you. I, on the contrary, insisted that you could eat your mother. Who was right? I ask: who was right? When it really comes to the point—well, you have a serious talk with your mother, and she gives in!
HILDEGARDE (gloomily). No!Ididn't do it. I tried, and failed. Then Johnnie tried, and did it without the slightest trouble. A schoolboy! That's why I'm so upset.
TRANTO (shaking his head). You musn't tell me that, Miss Hilda. Of course it was you that did it.
HILDEGARDE (impatiently; standing up). But Idotell you.
TRANTO. Sorry! Sorry! Do be merciful! My feelings about you at this very moment are so, if I may use the term, unbridled—
HILDEGARDE (with false gentle calm). And that's not all. I suppose you haven't by any chance told father that I'm Sampson Straight?
TRANTO. Certainly not.
HILDEGARDE. You're sure?
TRANTO. Absolutely.
HILDEGARDE. Well, I'm sorry.
TRANTO. Why?
HILDEGARDE (quietly sarcastic). Because papa told me you did tell him. Therefore father is a liar. I don't like being the daughter of a liar. I hate liars.
TRANTO. Aren't you rather cutting yourself off from mankind?
HILDEGARDE (going straight on). For the last day or two father had been giving me such queer little digs every now and then that I began to suspect he knew who Sampson Straight was. So I asked him right out this morning—he was in bed—and he had to acknowledge he did know and that you told him.
TRANTO. Well, I didn't exactly tell him. He sort of guessed, and I—
HILDEGARDE (calmly, relentlessly). You told him.
TRANTO. No. I merely admitted it. You think I ought to have denied it?
HILDEGARDE. Of course you ought to have denied it.
TRANTO. But it was true.
HILDEGARDE. And if it was?
TRANTO. If it was true, how could I deny it? You've just said you hate liars.
HILDEGARDE (losing self-control). Please don't be absurd.
TRANTO (a little nettled). I apologise.
HILDEGARDE. What for?
TRANTO. For having put you in the wrong. It's such shocking bad diplomacy for any man to put any woman in the wrong.
HILDEGARDE (angrily). Man—woman! Man—woman! There you are! It's always the same with you males. Sex! Sex! Sex!
TRANTO (quite conquering his annoyance; persuasively). But I'm fatally in love with you.HILDEGARDE. Well, of course there you have the advantage of me.
TRANTO. Don't you care a little—
HILDEGARDE (letting herself go). Why should I care? What have I done to make you imagine I care? It's quite true that I've saved your newspaper from an early grave. It was suffering from rickets, spinal curvature, and softening of the brain; and I've performed a miraculous cure on it with my articles. I'm Sampson Straight. But that's not enough for you. You can't keep sentiment out of business. No man ever could. You'd like Sampson Straight to wear blouses and bracelets for you, and loll on sofas for you, and generally offer you the glad eye. It's an insult. And then on the top of all, you go and give the whole show away to papa, in spite of our understanding; and if papa hadn't been the greatest dear in the world you might have got me into the most serious difficulties.
TRANTO (equably, after a pause), I don't think I'll ask myself to stay for lunch.
HILDEGARDE. Good morning.
TRANTO (near the door). I suppose I'd better announce that he's died very suddenly under mysterious circumstances?
HILDEGARDE. Who?
TRANTO. Sampson Straight.
HILDEGARDE. And what about my new article, that you've got in hand?
TRANTO. It can be a posthumous article, in a black border.
HILDEGARDE. Indeed! And why shouldn't Sampson Straight transfer his services to another paper? There are several who'd jump at him.
TRANTO. I never thought of that.
HILDEGARDE. Naturally!
TRANTO. He shall live.
(A pause. Trantobows, and exit, back.)
(Hildegardesubsides once more on to the sofa.)
EnterCulver,in his velvet coat, L.
CULVER (softly, with sprightliness). Hello, Sampson!
HILDEGARDE. Dad, please don't call me that.
CULVER. Not when we're alone? Why?
HILDEGARDE. I—I—Dad, I'm in a fearful state of nerves just now. Lost my temper and all sorts of calamities.
CULVER. Really! I'd no idea. I gathered that the interview between you and your mother had passed quite smoothly.
HILDEGARDE. Oh!That!
CULVER. What do you mean—'Oh!That!'?
HILDEGARDE (standing; in a new, less gloomy tone). Papa, what are you doing out of bed? You're very ill.
CULVER. Well, I'd managed to dress before your mother and Johnnie came. As soon as they imparted to me the glad tidings that baronetcies were off I felt so well I decided to come down and thank you for your successful efforts on behalf of the family well-being. I'm no longer your father. I'm your brother.
HILDEGARDE. It was Johnnie did it.
CULVER. It wasn't—Iknow.
HILDEGARDE (exasperated). I say itwas!(Apologetically). So sorry, dad. (Kisses him). Where are they, those two? (Sits).CULVER. Mother and John? Don't know. I fancy somebody called as I came down.
HILDEGARDE. Called! Before lunch! Who was it?
CULVER. Haven't the faintest.
EnterJohn,back.
JOHN (proudly). I say, good people! New acquaintance of mine! Just looked in. Met him at the Automobile this morning with Skewes. I was sure you'd all give your heads to see the old chap, so I asked him to lunch on the chance. Dashed if he didn't accept! You see we'd been talking a bit about politics. He's the most celebrated man in London. I doubt if there's a fellow I admire more in the whole world—or you either. He's knocked the mater flat already. Between ourselves, I really asked him because I thought he might influence her on this baronetcy business. However, that's all off now. What are you staring at?
CULVER. We're only bursting with curiosity to hear the name of this paragon of yours. As a general rule I like to know beforehand whom I'm going to lunch with in my own house.
JOHN. It's Sampson Straight.
HILDEGARDE (springing up).Sampson Str—
CULVER (calmly). Keep your nerve, Hilda. Keep your nerve.
JOHN. I thought I wouldn't say anything till he'd actually arrived. He mightn't have come at all. Then what a fool I should have looked if I'd told you hewascoming! Tranto himself doesn't know him. Tranto pooh-poohed the idea of me ever meeting him, Tranto did. Well, I've met him, and he's here. I haven't let on to him that I know Tranto. I'm going to bring them together and watch them both having the surprise of their lives.
CULVER. John, this is a great score for you. I admit I've never been more interested in meeting anyone. Never!
EnterParlourmaid,back.
PARLOURMAID. Miss Starkey, sir.
CULVER (cheerfully). I'll see her soon. (Pulling himself up suddenly; in an alarmed, gloomy tone.) No, no! I can't possibly see her.
PARLOURMAID. Miss Starkey says there are several important letters, sir.
CULVER. No, no! I'm not equal to it.
HILDEGARDE (confidentially). What's wrong, dad?
CULVER (toHildegarde). She'll give me notice the minute she knows she can't call me Sir Arthur. (Shudders.) I quail.
EnterMrs. CulverandSampson Straight,back.
(TheParlourmaidholds the door for them, and then exit.)
MRS. CULVER. This is my husband. Arthur, dear—Mr. Sampson Straight. And this is my little daughter. (Hildabows, Johnsurveys the scene with satisfaction.)
CULVER (recovering his equipoise; shaking hands heartily). Mr. Straight. Delighted to meet you. I simply cannot tell you how unexpected this pleasure is.
STRAIGHT. You're too kind.
CULVER (gaily). I doubt it. I doubt it.
STRAIGHT. I ought to apologise for coming in like this. But I've been so charmingly received by Mrs. Culver—
MRS. CULVER. You've been so charming about my boy, Mr. Straight.STRAIGHT. I was so very greatly impressed by your son this morning at the Club that I couldn't resist the opportunity he gave me of visiting his home. What I say is: like parents, like child. I'm an old-fashioned man.
MRS. CULVER. No one would guess that from your articles inThe Echo. Of course they're frightfully clever, but you know I don't quite agree with all your opinions.
STRAIGHT. Neither do I. You see—there's always a difference between what one thinks and what one has to write.
MRS. CULVER. I'm so glad. (Culverstarts and looks round.) What is it, Arthur?
CULVER. Nothing! I thought I heard the ice cracking. (Hildegardebegins to smile.)
STRAIGHT (looking at the floor; simply). Ice?
MRS. CULVER. Arthur!
STRAIGHT. It was still thawing when I came in. As I was saying, I'm an old-fashioned man. And I'm a provincial—and proud of it.
MRS. CULVER. But my dear Mr. Straight, really, if you'll excuse me, you look as if you never left the pavement of Piccadilly.CULVER. Say the windows of the Turf club, darling.
STRAIGHT (serenely). No. I live very, very quietly on my little place, and when I feel the need of contact with the great world I run over for the afternoon to—St. Ives.
MRS. CULVER. How remarkable! Then that explains how it is you're so deliciously unspoilt.
STRAIGHT. Do you mean my face?
MRS. CULVER. I meant you don't seem at all to realise that you're a very great celebrity in London; very great indeed. A lion of the first order.
STRAIGHT (simply). Lion?
CULVER. You're expected to roar, Mr. Straight.
STRAIGHT. Roar?
MRS. CULVER. It may interest you to know that my little daughter also writes articles inThe Echo. Yes, about war cookery. But of course you wouldn't notice them. (Hildegardemoves away.) I'm afraid (apologetically) your mere presence is making her just a wee bit nervous.HILDEGARDE (from a distance, striving to control herself). Oh, Mr. Sampson Straight. There's one question I've been longing to ask you. I always ask it of literary lions—and tigers.
STRAIGHT. Tigers?
HILDEGARDE. Do you write best in the morning or do you burn the midnight oil?
STRAIGHT. Oil?
MRS. CULVER. Do sit down, Mr. Straight. (She goes imploringly toHildegarde,who has lost control of herself and is getting a little hysterical with mirth. Aside toHildegarde.) Hilda! (John,puzzled and threatening, also approachesHildegarde.)
CULVER (sitting down byStraight.) And so, although you prefer a country life, the lure of London has been too strong for you in the end.
STRAIGHT. I came to town on business.
CULVER. Ah!
STRAIGHT. The fact is, business of the utmost importance. Perhaps I may be able to interest you in it.
CULVER. Now we're getting hotter.
STRAIGHT. Hotter?
CULVER. Go on, go on, Mr. Straight.
STRAIGHT. To tell you the truth—
CULVER. Always a wise thing to do.
STRAIGHT. One of my reasons for accepting your son's kind invitation was that I thought that conceivably you might be willing to help in a great patriotic scheme of mine. Naturally you show surprise.
CULVER. Do I? Then I'm expressing myself badly. I'm not in the least surprised. It is the contrary that would have surprised me.
STRAIGHT. We may possibly discuss it later.
CULVER. Later? Why later? Why not at once? I'm full of curiosity. I hate to let the grass grow under my feet.
STRAIGHT (looking at the floor). Grass? (With a faint mechanical laugh.) Ah yes, I see. Figure of speech. Well, I'm starting a little limited liability syndicate.
CULVER. Precisely what I thought. Yes?
STRAIGHT. The End-the-war Syndicate.
JOHN (approaching). But surely you aren't one of those pacifists, Mr. Straight! You've always preached fighting it out to a finish.
STRAIGHT. The object of my syndicate is certainly to fight to a finish, but to finish in about a week—by means of my little syndicate.
CULVER. Splendid! But there is one draw-back. New capital issues are forbidden under the Defence of the Realm Act.
STRAIGHT. Even when the object is to win the war?
CULVER. My dear sir, the Treasury would never permit such a thing.
STRAIGHT. Well, we needn't have a limited company. Perhaps after all it would be better to keep it quite private.
CULVER. Oh! It would. And what is the central idea of this charming syndicate?
STRAIGHT. The idea is—(looking round cautiously)—a new explosive.
CULVER. Again, precisely what I thought. Your own invention?
STRAIGHT. No. A friend of mine. It truly is the most marvellous explosive.
CULVER. I suppose it bangs everything.
STRAIGHT (simply). Oh, it does. A development of trinitrotoluol on new lines. I needn't say that my interest in the affair is purely patriotic.
CULVER. Of course. Of course.
STRAIGHT. I can easily get all the capital I need.
CULVER. Of course. Of course.
STRAIGHT. But I'm not in close touch with the official world, and in a matter of this kind official influence is absolutely essential to success. Now youarein touch with the official world. I shouldn't ask you to subscribe, though if you cared to do so there would be no objection. And I may say that the syndicate can't help making a tremendous lot of money. When I tell you that the new explosive is forty-seven times as powerful as trinitrotoluol itself—
CULVER. When you tell me that, Mr. Straight, I can only murmur the hope that you haven't got any of it in your pocket.
STRAIGHT (simply). Oh, no! Please don't be alarmed. But you see the immense possibilities. You see how this explosive would end the war practically at once. And you'll understand, of course, that although my articles inThe Echohave apparently caused considerable commotion in London, and given me a position which I am glad to be able to use for the service of the Empire, my interest in mere journalism as such has almost ceased since my friend asked me to be secretary and treasurer of the syndicate.
CULVER. And so you're the secretaryandtreasurer?
STRAIGHT. Yes. We don't want to have subscribers of less than £100 each. If you cared to look into the matter—I know you're very busy, but a mere glance—
CULVER. Just so—a mere glance.
EnterTrantoexcitedly.
HILDEGARDE (nearer the door than the rest). Again?
TRANTO (rather loudly and not specially toHildegarde). Terrible news! I've just heard and I rushed back to tell you. Sampson Straight has died very suddenly in Cornwall. Bright's disease.He breathed his last in his own potato patch. (Aside toHildegarde,in response to a gesture from her) I'm awfully sorry. The poor fellow simply had to expire.
MRS. CULVER (toTranto). Now this just shows how the most absurd rumoursdoget abroad! HereisMr. Sampson Straight. I'msoglad you've come, because you've always wanted to meet him in the flesh.
TRANTO (toStraight). Are you Sampson Straight?
STRAIGHT. I am, sir.
TRANTO. The Sampson Straight who lives in Cornwall?
STRAIGHT. Just so.
TRANTO. Impossible!
STRAIGHT. Pardon me. One moment. I was told there was a danger of my being inconvenienced in London by one of these military raids for rounding up slackers, and as I happen to have a rather youthful appearance, I took the precaution of bringing with me my birth-certificate and registration card. (Produces them.)
TRANTO (glancing at the card). And it's really you who write those brilliant articles inThe Echo?
STRAIGHT. 'Brilliant'—I won't say. But I do write them.
TRANTO. Well, this is the most remarkable instance of survival after death that I ever came across.
STRAIGHT. I beg your pardon.
TRANTO. You're dead, my fine fellow. Your place isn't here. You ought to be in the next world. You're a humbug.
STRAIGHT (toMrs. Culver). I'm not quite sure that I understand. Will you kindly introduce me?
MRS. CULVER. I'm so sorry. This is Mr. Tranto, proprietor and editor ofThe Echo—(apologetically, with an uneasy smile) a great humourist.
STRAIGHT (thunderstruck; aside). Well, I'm damned! (His whole demeanour changes. Nevertheless, while tacitly admitting that he is found out, he at once resumes his mild calmness. ToCulver.) I've just remembered an appointment of vital importance. I'm afraid our little talk about the syndicate must be adjourned.
CULVER. I feared you might have to hurry away.
(Straightbows as a preliminary to departure.)
(John,deeply humiliated, averts his glance from everybody.)
TRANTO. Here! But you can't go off like this.
STRAIGHT. Why? Have you anything against me?
TRANTO. Nothing (casually) except that you're an impostor.
STRAIGHT. I fail to see it.
TRANTO. But haven't you just said that you write those articles in my paper?
STRAIGHT. Oh!That! Well, of course, if I'd known who you were I shouldn't have dreamed of saying any such thing. I always try to suit my talk to my company.
TRANTO. This time you didn't quite bring it off.
STRAIGHT. Perhaps I owe you some slight explanation (looking round blandly).
CULVER. Do you really think so?
STRAIGHT. The explanation is simplicity itself. (A sudden impulse.) Nothing but that. Put yourselves in my place. I come to London. I hear a vast deal of chatter about some articles in a paper calledThe Echoby some one calling himself 'Sampson Straight.' I also hear that nobody in London knows who Sampson Straight is. As I happen tobeSampson Straight, and as I have need of all possible personal prestige for the success of my purely patriotic mission, it occurs to me—in a flash!—to assert that I am the author of the famous articles.... Well, what more natural?
CULVER. What indeed?
STRAIGHT (toTranto). And may I say that I'm the only genuine Sampson Straight in the United Kingdom, and that in my opinion it was a gross impertinence on the part of your contributor to steal my name? Why did you let him do it?
TRANTO (beginning reflectively). NowIhit on that name—not my contributor. It was when I was down in Cornwall. I caught sight of it in an old yellow newspaper in an old yellow hotel, and it struck me at once what a fine signature it would make at the bottom of a slashing article. By the way, have you ever been in the dock?
STRAIGHT. Dock?
TRANTO. I only ask because I seem to remember I saw your splendid name in a report of the local Assizes.
STRAIGHT. Assizes?
TRANTO. A, double s (pause) i-z-e-s.
STRAIGHT. I can afford to be perfectly open. I was—at one period of my career—in prison, but for a quite respectable crime. Bigamy—with extenuating circumstances.
MRS. CULVER (greatly upset). Dear, dear!
STRAIGHT. It might happen to any man.
CULVER (looking atMrs. Culver). So it might.
STRAIGHT. Do you wish to detain me?
TRANTO. I simply haven't the heart to do it.
STRAIGHT. Then, ladies and gentlemen, I'll say good morning.
HILDEGARDE (stoppingStraightnear the door as he departs with more bows). Good-bye! (She holds out her hand with a smile!) And good luck!
STRAIGHT (taking her hand). Madam, I thank you. You evidently appreciate the fact that when one lives solely on one's wits, little mishaps areboundto occur from time to time, and that too much importance ought not to be attached to them. This is only my third slip, and I am fifty-five.
(Exit, back.)
MRS. CULVER (toHildegarde,gently surprised). Darling, surely you need not have been quite so effusive!
HILDEGARDE. You see, I thought I owed him something, (with meaning and effect) as it was I who stole his name.
MRS. CULVER (utterly puzzled for a moment; then, when she understands, rushing toHildegardeand embracing her). Oh! My wonderful girl!
JOHN (feebly and still humiliated). Stay me with flagons!
HILDEGARDE (to her mother). How nice you are about it, mamma!
MRS. CULVER. But I'm very proud, my pet. Of course I think you might have let me into the secret—
CULVER. None of us were let into the secret, Hermione—I mean until comparatively recent times. It was a matter between Hilda's conscience and her editor.
MRS. CULVER. Oh! I'm not complaining. I'm so relieved she didn't write those dreadful cookery articles.
HILDEGARDE. But do you mean to say you aren't frightfully shocked by my advanced politics, mamma?
MRS. CULVER. My child, how naïve you are, after all! A woman is never shocked, though of course at times it may suit her to pretend to be. Only men are capable of being shocked. As for your advanced politics, as you call them, can't you see that it doesn't matter what you write so long as you are admired by the best people. It isn't views that are disreputable, it's the persons that hold them.
CULVER. I hope that's why you so gracefully gave way over the baronetcy, my dear.
MRS. CULVER (continuing toHildegarde). There's just one thing I should venture to suggest, and that is, that you cease at once to be a typist and employ one yourself instead. It's most essentialthat you should live up to your position. Oh! I'm very proud of you.
HILDEGARDE. I don't quite know what my position is. According to the latest news I'm dead. (Challengingly toTranto.) Mr. Tranto, you're keeping rather quiet, nearly as quiet as John (Johnchanges his seat), but don't you think you owe me some explanation? Not more than a quarter of an hour ago in this very room it was distinctly agreed between us that you would not kill Sampson Straight, and now you rush back in a sort of homicidal mania.
MRS. CULVER. Oh! I'd no idea Mr. Tranto had called already this morning!
HILDEGARDE. Yes. I told him all about everything, and we came to a definite understanding.
MRS. CULVER. Oh!
TRANTO. I'm only too anxious to explain. I killed Sampson for the most urgent of all possible reasons. The Government is thinking of giving him a baronetcy?
CULVER. Notmybaronetcy?
TRANTO. Precisely.
MRS. CULVER. But this is the most terrible thing I ever heard of.
TRANTO. It is. I met one of my chaps in the street. He was coming here to see me. (ToCulver.) Your answer was expected this morning. It didn't arrive. Evidently your notions about titles had got abroad, and the Government has decided to offer a title to Sampson Straight this afternoon if you refuse.
CULVER. But how delightfully stupid of the Government.
TRANTO. On the contrary it was a really brilliant idea. Sampson Straight is a great literary celebrity, and he'd look mighty well in the Honours List. Literature's always a good card to play for Honours. It makes people think that Cabinet Ministers are educated.
HILDEGARDE. But I've spent half my time in attacking the Government!
TRANTO. Do you suppose the Government doesn't know that? In creating you a baronet (gazes at her) it would gain two advantages—it would prove how broad-minded it is, and it would turn an enemy into a friend.
HILDEGARDE. But surely the silly Government would make some enquiries first!
CULVER. Hilda, do remember what your mother said, and try to live up to your position. This isn't the Government that makes enquiries. It's the Government that gets things done.
TRANTO. You perceive the extreme urgency of the crisis. I had to act instantly. I did act. I slew the fellow on the spot, and his obituary will be in my late extra. The danger was awful—greater even than I realised at the moment, because I didn't know till I got back here that there was a genuine and highly unscrupulous Sampson Straight floating about.
MRS. CULVER. Danger? What danger?
TRANTO. Danger of the Government falling, dear lady. You see, it's like this. Assuming that the Government offers a baronetcy to Sampson Straight, and the offer becomes public property, as it infallibly would, then there are three alternatives. Either the Government has singled out for honour a person who doesn't exist at all; or it has sought to turn a woman (glancing atHilda) into a male creature; or it is holding up to public admiration an ex-convict. Choose whichtheory you like. In any case the exposure would mean the immediate ruin of any Government.
HILDEGARDE (toTranto). I always thought youwantedthe Government to fall.
CULVER. Good heavens, my gifted child! No enlightened and patriotic person wants the Government to fall. All enlightened and patriotic persons want the Government to be afraid of falling. There you have the whole of war politics in a nut-shell. If the British Government fell the effect on the Allied cause would be bad, and might be extremely bad. But that's not the real explanation. The real explanation is that no one wants the Government to fall because no one wants to step into the Government's shoes. However, thanks to Tranto's masterly presence of mind in afflicting Sampson with a disease that kills like prussic acid, the Government can no longer give Sampson a title, and the danger to the Government is therefore over.
TRANTO. Over! I wish it was! Supposing the Government doesn't happen to see my late extra in time! Supposing the offer of a baronetcy to Sampson Straight goes forth! The mischief will be done. Worst of all, supposing the only genuine Sampson Straight hears of it and acceptsit! A baronetcy given to a bigamist! No Government could possibly survive the exposure.
MRS. CULVER. Not even if its survival was necessary to the success of the Allied cause?
CULVER (gloomily, shaking his head). My dear, Tranto is right. This great country has always insisted first of all, and before anything else whatever, on the unsullied purity of the domestic life of its public men. Let a baronetcy be given, or even offered, to a bigamist—and this great country would not hesitate for one second, not one second.
TRANTO. The danger still exists. And only one man in this world can avert it.
CULVER. You don't mean me, Tranto?
TRANTO. I understand that you have neither accepted nor refused the offer. You must accept it instantly. Instantly.
(A silence. Johnbegins to creep towards the door, back, andHildegardetowards the door, L.)
MRS. CULVER (firmly). John, where are you going?
JOHN. Anywhere.
MRS. CULVER. Have you still got that letter to Lord Woking in which your father accepts the title?
JOHN. Yes.
MRS. CULVER. Come here. Let me see it. (She inspects the envelope of the letter and returns it toJohn.) Yes, that's right. Now listen to me. Get a taxi at once and drive to Lord Woking's, and insist on seeing Lord Woking, and give him that letter with your own hand. Do you understand? (ExitHildegarde,L.) The stamp will be wasted, but never mind. Fly!
JOHN. It's a damned shame. (Mrs. Culversmiles calmly.)
CULVER (shakingJohn'sflaccid hand). So it is. But let us remember, my boy, that you and I are—are doing our bit. (Pushes him violently towards the door.) Get along. (ExitJohn,back.)
TRANTO (looking round). Where's Hildegarde?
MRS. CULVER. She went in there.
TRANTO. I must just speak to her.
(ExitTranto,L.)
MRS. CULVER (with a gesture towards the door, L). There's something between those two.
CULVER. I doubt it. (With a sigh.)
MRS. CULVER. What do you mean—you doubt it?
CULVER. They're probably too close together for there to be anything between them.
MRS. CULVER (shakes her head, smiling sceptically). The new generation has no romance. (In a new tone.) Arthur, kiss me.
CULVER. I'm dashed if I do!
MRS. CULVER. Then I'll kiss you! (She gives him a long kiss.)
(The lunch gong sounds during the embrace. Startled, they separate.)
CULVER. Food!
MRS. CULVER (with admiring enthusiasm). You've behaved splendidly.
CULVER. Yes, that's what you always say when you've won and I—haven't. (She kisses him again.)
Enter theParlourmaid,back.
PARLOURMAID. Miss Starkey is still waiting, sir.
CULVER. Inexorable creature! I won't—I will not—(suddenly remembering that he has nothing to fear fromMiss Starkey;gaily). Yes, I'll see her. She must lunch with us. May she lunch with us, Hermione?
MRS. CULVER (submissively). Why, Arthur,of course!(ToParlourmaid.) Miss Starkey can have Master John's place. Some lunch must be kept warm for Master John. (As theParlourmaidis leaving.) One moment—bring up some champagne, please.
PARLOURMAID. Yes, Madam.
(ExitParlourmaid.)
CULVER. Come along, I'm hungry. (Leading her towards the door. Then stopping.) I say.... Oh well, never mind.
MRS. CULVER. But what?
CULVER. You're a staggering woman, that's all. (ExitCulverandMrs. Culver,back.)
EnterHildegardeandTranto.
HILDEGARDE (plaintively, as they enter). I told you my nerves were all upset, and yet you ran off before I—before I—and now it's lunch time!
TRANTO (facing her suddenly). Hilda! I now give you my defence. (He kisses her.)
EnterCulver,back, in time to interrupt the embrace.
CULVER. Excuse me. My wife sent me to ask if you'd lunch, Tranto. I gather that youwill.
CURTAIN.