The scene isFlorence’sbedroom the same night. About two hours have elapsed. When the curtain risesFlorenceis lying face downwards on the bed; she is dressed in a very beautiful but slightly exotic négligé.
Helenis standing by the window, fully dressed; she is holding the curtain aside, and a bar of moonlight comes in to mingle with the amber of the dressing-table lights.Florenceis obviously extremely hysterical.
Helen
Florence, whatisthe use of going on like that?
Florence
I wish I were dead!
Helen
It’s so cowardly to give way utterly—as you’re doing.
Florence
I don’t care—I don’t care!
Helen
If you don’t face things in this world, they only hit you much harder in the end.
Florence
He loved me—he adored me!
Helen
Never! He hadn’t got it in him.
Florence
After all I’ve done for him, to go to—to Bunty!
Helen
[Leaving the window]
If it hadn’t been Bunty it would have been some one else—don’t you see how inevitable it was?
Florence
How dared they!—Here!—In this house!
Helen
That’s a little thing; it doesn’t matter at all.
Florence
It does—it does——
Helen
Florence, sit up and pull yourself together.
Florence
[Sitting up slowly]
I think I’m going mad.
Helen
Not a bit of it; you’re just thoroughly hysterical.
Florence
Give me some water.
[Helengoes to the bathroom and returns with a glass of water.]
[Helengoes to the bathroom and returns with a glass of water.]
Florence
[Taking it]
What time is it?
Helen
[Looking at her watch]
Ten past one.
Florence
Don’t go to London by the early train, Helen; stay and come up with me in the car.
Helen
Very well.
Florence
Thank God, you were here!
Helen
I wish I’d known what was happening; I might have done something.
Florence
What can I do to get him back?
Helen
Don’t be silly.
Florence
What can I do—what can I do?——
Helen
Do you mean to say you’dtakehim back after to-night?
Florence
No, never. Not if he crawled to me—never——
Helen
Well, then, make up your mind definitely never to see him again whatever happens.
Florence
Yes—I will.
Helen
Why don’t you go to bed now?
Florence
I couldn’t sleep.
Helen
Put it all out of your mind—make an effort.
Florence
I can’t—I’m too unhappy.
Helen
Think of Nicky.
Florence
Nicky’s young.
Helen
That doesn’t make it any better for him.
Florence
He’ll get over it in the long run.
Helen
The long run never counts at the moment.
Florence
He wasn’t in love—really?
Helen
As much as either you or he are capable of it.
Florence
He’s well rid of her. She’d never have appreciated him properly—she hasn’t the intelligence.
Helen
I don’t agree with you there—she’s got intelligence right enough.
Florence
Treacherous little beast!
Helen
Yes, but far-seeing.
Florence
Are you standing up for her? Do you think it wasrightof her to get Tom away from me?
Helen
Yes, quite right.
Florence
Helen!
Helen
To do her justice, she didn’t deliberately set herself out to get him away from you at all. She discovered that in spite of the somewhat decadent years Tom was still her type, and likely to remain so. Sowith common sense she decided to shelve Nicky forthwith and go for him.
Florence
Her type indeed!
Helen
Yes, she’d have been quite a nice girl really if she’d been left alone and not allowed to go to Paris and get into the wrong set.
Florence
You are extraordinary, Helen. Do you realize that you’re making excuses for the girl who’s betrayed your best friend?
Helen
Don’t be so utterly absurd. I’m not making excuses, and, anyhow, she hasn’t betrayed you. She hardly knows you, in the first place, and she’s just followed her instincts regardless of anyone else’s feelings—as you’ve done thousands of times.
Florence
Helen—you’re being horrible to me!
Helen
I’m not, I’m trying to make you see! You’re battering your head against silly cast-iron delusions, and I want to dislodge them.
Florence
Helen, I’m so unhappy—so desperately unhappy.
Helen
Yes, but not because you’ve lost Tom; it’s something far deeper than that.
Florence
What then?
Helen
You’re on the wrong tack, and have been for years.
Florence
I don’t understand.
Helen
Youwon’tunderstand!
[Florencegets off the bed and goes over to the dressing-table. She sits and stares at herself in the glass for a moment without speaking.]
[Florencegets off the bed and goes over to the dressing-table. She sits and stares at herself in the glass for a moment without speaking.]
Florence
My eyes are sore. [She powders her face and sprays a little scent on her hair.] It’s so lovely this—and so refreshing.
Helen
I think I’ll go to bed now.
Florence
No, wait a little longer with me—please, Helen—just a few minutes.
Helen
It’s so hot in here.
Florence
Open the window then.
Helen
All right.
[She goes to the window and opens it.Florencetakes a cigarette out of a box and then shakes a scent-bottle and rubs the cigarette lightly with the stopper.]
[She goes to the window and opens it.Florencetakes a cigarette out of a box and then shakes a scent-bottle and rubs the cigarette lightly with the stopper.]
Florence
Do you ever do this? It’s divine.
Helen
What a wonderfully clear night. You can see the hills right across the valley—the moon’s quite strong.
[Florencegoes to the window and stands next toHelen,looking out—she is puffing her cigarette.]
[Florencegoes to the window and stands next toHelen,looking out—she is puffing her cigarette.]
Florence
I chose this room in the first place because the view was so lovely.
Helen
Do you ever look at it?
Florence
[Listlessly]
Of course I do, often!
Helen
It’s been raining. I wish you’d throw away that cigarette—it spoils the freshness.
Florence
[Turning away]
It’s soothing me—calming my nerves.
Helen
I do wish I could help you—really!
Florence
You are helping me, darling—you’re being an angel.
Helen
[Suddenly angry]
Don’t talk so emptily, Florence; I’m worth more than that.
Florence
I don’t know what you mean.
Helen
It sickens me to see you getting back so soon.
Florence
Getting back?
Helen
Yes, to your usual worthless attitude of mind.
Florence
Helen!
Helen
A little while ago you were really suffering for once, and in a way I was glad because it showed you were capable of a genuine emotion. Now you’re glossing it over—swarming it down with your returning vanity; soon you won’t be unhappy any more—just vindictive.
Florence
Don’t go on at me like that—I’m too wretched.
Helen
[Going to her]
Florence dear, forgive me, but it’s true—and I don’t want it to be.
[The door opens andNickyenters. He is in dressing-gown and pyjamas. His face looks strained and white.]
[The door opens andNickyenters. He is in dressing-gown and pyjamas. His face looks strained and white.]
Florence
Nicky!
Nicky
Helen, I want to talk to mother, please.
Helen
All right, Nicky.
Florence
What is it?
Nicky
I couldn’t sleep.
Helen
Florence dear—good night.
Florence
No—no, Helen—don’t go yet——
Helen
I must.
Florence
Helen—stay with me.
Nicky
Please go.
Helen
I can’t stay, Florence—it’s quite impossible.
[She goes out.]
[She goes out.]
Florence
I don’t know what you mean—by coming here and ordering Helen out of my room.
Nicky
I’m sorry, mother. I felt I had to talk to you alone.
Florence
At this hour of the night? You’re mad!
Nicky
No, I’m not; I think I’m probably more unhappy than I’ve ever been in my life.
Florence
You’re young—you’ll get over it.
Nicky
I hope so.
Florence
I knew the first moment I saw her—what sort of a girl she was.
Nicky
Oh, mother!
Florence
It’s true. I had aninstinctabout her.
Nicky
It’s all been rather a shock, you know——
Florence
[Becoming motherly]
Yes, dear—I know—I know—but you mustn’t be miserable about her; she isn’t worth it. [She goes to kiss him.]
Nicky
[Gently pushing her away]
Don’t, mother!
Florence
Listen, Nicky. Go back to bed now—there’s a dear; my head’s splitting.
Nicky
I can’t yet.
Florence
Take some aspirin; that’ll calm your nerves.
Nicky
I’m afraid I’m a little beyond aspirin.
Florence
I don’t want you to think I don’t sympathize with you, darling—my heartachesfor you—I know so well what you’re going through.
Nicky
Do you?
Florence
It’s agony—absolute agony—but, you see—it will wear off—it always does in time. [Nickydoesn’t answer.] Nicky, please go now!
Nicky
I want to talk to you.
Florence
To-morrow—we’ll talk to-morrow.
Nicky
No, now—now!
Florence
You’re inconsiderate and cruel—I’ve told you my head’s bursting.
Nicky
I want to sympathize with you, too—and try to understand everything—as well as I can——
Florence
Understand everything?
Nicky
Yes, please.
Florence
I don’t know what you mean——
Nicky
Will you tell me things—as though I were somebody quite different?
Florence
What kind of things?
Nicky
Things about you—your life.
Florence
Really, Nicky—you’re ridiculous—asking me to tell you stories at this hour!
Nicky
[With dead vehemence]
Mother—sit down quietly. I’m not going out of this room until I’ve got everything straight in my mind.
Florence
[Sinking down—almost hypnotized]
Nicky—please—I——
Nicky
Tom Veryan has been your lover, hasn’t he?
Florence
[Almost shrieking]
Nicky—how dare you!
Nicky
Keep calm—it’s our only chance—keep calm.
Florence
[Bursting into tears]
How dare you speak to me like that—suggest such a thing! I——
Nicky
It’s true, isn’t it?
Florence
Go away—go away!
Nicky
It’s true, isn’t it?
Florence
No—no!
Nicky
It’s true, isn’t it?
Florence
No—I tell you—no—no—no!
Nicky
You’re lying to me, mother. What’s the use of that?
Florence
You’re mad—mad——
Nicky
Does father know?
Florence
Go away!
Nicky
Does father know?
Florence
Your father knows nothing—he doesn’t understand me any more than you do.
Nicky
Then it’s between us alone.
Florence
I tell you I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Nicky
Mother—don’t go on like that; it’s useless. We’ve arrived at a crisis; wherever we go—whatever we do we can’t escape from it. I know we’re neither of us very strong-minded or capable, and we haven’t much hope of coming through successfully—but let’s try. It’s no good pretending any more—our lives are built up of pretenses all the time. For years—ever since I began to think at all, I’ve been bolstering up my illusions about you. People have made remarks, not realizing that I was your son, and I’ve pretended that they were inspired by cattiness and jealousy. I’ve noticed things—trivial incriminating little incidents, and I’ve brushed them aside and not thought any more about them because you were my mother—clever and beautiful and successful—and naturally peoplewouldslander youbecauseyouwere so beautiful—and now Iknow—they were right!
Florence
Nicky—I implore you—go away now—leave me alone.
Nicky
No, I can’t.
Florence
You’re cruel—cruel to torment me——
Nicky
I don’t want to be cruel——
Florence
Go to bed then, and we’ll talk everything over quietly another time.
Nicky
It is true about Tom Veryan, isn’t it?
Florence
No. No——
Nicky
We’re on awfully dangerous ground. I’m straining every nerve to keep myself under control. Ifyou lie to me and try to evade me any more—I won’t be answerable for what might happen.
Florence
[Dropping her voice—terrified]
What do you mean?
Nicky
I don’t know—I’m frightened.
Florence
Nicky—darling Nicky—I——
[She approaches him.]
[She approaches him.]
Nicky
Don’t touch me, please.
Florence
Have a little pity for me.
Nicky
Was Tom Veryan your lover?
Florence
[In a whisper]
Yes.
Nicky
I want to understand why——
Florence
He loved me.
Nicky
But you—did you love him?
Florence
Yes.
Nicky
It was something you couldn’t help, wasn’t it—something that’s always been the same in you since you were quite, quite young?——
Florence
Yes, Nicky—yes——
Nicky
And there have been others, too, haven’t there?
Florence
[With her face in her hands]
I won’t be cross-questioned any more—I won’t—I won’t——
Nicky
I wish you’d understand I’m not blaming you—I’m trying to help you—to help us both——
Florence
What good can all this possibly do?
Nicky
Clear things up, of course. I can’t go on any more half knowing——
Florence
Why should that side of my life be any concern of yours?
Nicky
But, mother!
Florence
I’m different from other women—completely different—and you expect me to be the same. Why can’t you realize that with a temperament like mine it’s impossible to live an ordinary humdrum life. You’re not a boy any longer—you’re a man—and——
Nicky
I’m nothing—I’ve grown up all wrong.
Florence
It’s not my fault.
Nicky
Of course it’s your fault, mother—who else’s faultcouldit be?
Florence
Your friends—the people you mix with——
Nicky
It wouldn’t matterwhoI mixed with if only I had a background.
Florence
You’ve got as much money as you want—you’ve got your home——
Nicky
[Bitterly]
Home! That’s almost funny—there’s no peace anywhere—nothing but the ceaseless din of trying to be amused——
Florence
David never complains.
Nicky
I don’t suppose you’ve looked at father during the last few years—or you wouldn’t say that.
Florence
He’s perfectly happy because he’s sensible—he lives his own life and doesn’t try to interfere with mine.
Nicky
It must be your vanity that makes you so dreadfully blind—and foolish.
Florence
Understand once and for all, Iwon’tbe spoken to like this——
Nicky
You’ve had other lovers besides Tom Veryan—haven’t you?
Florence
Yes, I have—I have. Now then!
Nicky
Well, anyhow—that’s the truth—at last——
[He rises, turns his back on her and stands looking out of the window.]
[He rises, turns his back on her and stands looking out of the window.]
Florence
[After a pause—going to him]
Nicky—don’t be angry—please don’t be angry with me.
Nicky
I’m not angry a bit. I realize that I’m living in a world where things like this happen—and they’ve got to be faced and given the right value. If only I’d had the courage to realize everything before—it wouldn’t be so bad now. It’s the sudden shock that’s thrown the whole thing out of focus for me—but I mean to get it right. Please help me!
Florence
[Dully]
I don’t know what to do.
Nicky
It’s your life, and you’ve lived it as you’ve wanted to live it—that’s fair——
Florence
Yes—yes.
Nicky
You’ve wanted love always—passionate love, because you were made like that. It’s not your fault—it’s the fault of circumstances and civilization; civilization makes rottenness so much easier. We’re utterly rotten—both of us——
Florence
Nicky—don’t—don’t——
Nicky
How can we help ourselves? We swirl about in a vortex of beastliness. This is a chance—don’t you see—to realize the truth—our only chance.
Florence
Oh, Nicky, do stop—go away!
Nicky
Don’t keep on telling me to stop when our only hope is to hammer it out.
Florence
You’re overwrought. It isn’t as bad as you think.
Nicky
Isn’t it?
Florence
No, no. Of course it isn’t. To-morrow morning you’ll see things quite differently.
Nicky
You haven’t understood.
Florence
Yes, I have—I have.
Nicky
You haven’t understood. Oh, my God, you haven’t understood! You’re building up silly defenses in your mind. I’m overwrought. To-morrow morning I shall see things quite differently. That’s true—that’s the tragedy of it, and you won’t see. To-morrow morning Ishallsee things quite differently. All this will seem unreal—a nightmare—the machinery of our lives will go on again and gloss over the truth as it always does—and our chance will be gone forever.
Florence
Chance—chance? What are you talking about—what chance?
Nicky
I must make you see, somehow.
Florence
You’re driving me mad.
Nicky
Have patience with me—please—please——
Florence
[Wildly]
How can I have patience with you? You exaggerate everything.
Nicky
No I don’t—I wish I did.
Florence
Listen—let me explain something to you.
Nicky
Very well—go on.
Florence
You’re setting yourself up in judgment on me—your own mother.
Nicky
No, I’m not.
Florence
You are—you are. Let me speak. You don’t understand my temperament in the least—nobody does—I——
Nicky
You’re deceiving yourself—your temperament’s no different from thousands of other women, but you’ve been weak and selfish and given way all along the line——
Florence
Let me speak, I tell you!——
Nicky
What’s the use? You’re still pretending—you’re building up barriers between us instead of helping me to break them down.
Florence
What are you accusing me of having done?
Nicky
Can’t you see yet?
Florence
No, I can’t. If you’re preaching morality, you’ve no right to. That’s my affair—I’ve never done any harm to anyone.
Nicky
Look at me.
Florence
Why—what do you mean?
Nicky
You’ve given menothingall my life—nothing that counts.
Florence
Now you’re pitying yourself.
Nicky
Yes, with every reason.
Florence
You’re neurotic and ridiculous. Just because Bunty broke off your engagement you come and say wicked, cruel things to me——
Nicky
You forget what I’ve seen to-night, mother.
Florence
I don’t care what you’ve seen.
Nicky
I’ve seen you make a vulgar, disgusting scene in your own house, and on top of that humiliate yourself before a boy half your age. The misery of losing Bunty faded away when that happened—everything is comparative, after all.
Florence
I didn’t humiliate myself——
Nicky
You ran after him up the stairs because your vanity wouldn’t let you lose him. It isn’t that you love him—that would be easier—you never love anyone,you only love them loving you—all your so-called passion and temperament is false—your whole existence had degenerated into an endless empty craving for admiration and flattery—and then you say you’ve done no harm to anybody. Father used to be a clever man, with a strong will and a capacity for enjoying everything—I can remember him like that—and now he’s nothing—a complete nonentity because his spirit’s crushed. How could it be otherwise? You’ve let him down consistently for years—and God knows I’m nothing for him to look forward to—but I might have been if it hadn’t been for you——
Florence
Don’t talk like that. Don’t—don’t. It can’t be such a crime being loved—it can’t be such a crime being happy——
Nicky
You’re not happy—you’re never happy—you’re fighting—fighting all the time to keep your youth and your looks—because you can’t bear the thought of living without them—as though they mattered in the end.
Florence
[Hysterically]
What does anything matter—ever?
Nicky
That’s what I’m trying to find out.
Florence
I’m still young inside—I’m still beautiful. Why shouldn’t I live my life as I choose?
Nicky
You’re not young or beautiful; I’m seeing for the first time how old you are. It’s horrible—your silly fair hair—and your face all plastered and painted——
Florence
Nicky—Nicky—stop—stop—stop!