Warden. You don't mean to say you weren't straight with me?
Sterling. Oh, I only didn't want to frighten you till I'd got the money; if you had made me the loan, I'd have owned up afterwards all right enough.
Warden. Owned up what?
Sterling. That I told you a pack of lies—that I haven't any security!—that I haven't anything butdebts.
Warden. [Strongly.] Good things to borrow on! Look here, Dick, how long have we been friends?
Sterling. Since that day at boarding school when you took a licking for something I did.
Warden. What I mean is we were pals at school, chums at college, stanch friends for twenty years.
Sterling. Hell! Are we as old as all that?
Warden. Inseparable friends till the last two years.
[Sterling'seyes shift.
Sterling. I've been overworked lately, and everything has gone wrong!
Warden. [Comes up to him, and speaks firmly but still friendly.] Youyourselfhavegone wrong!
Sterling. [On the defensive.] What do you mean?
Warden. Why did you take your business out of my hands?
Sterling. The law didn't pay me enough. I thought I'd try a little amateur stockbroking.
[Smiling insincerely.
Warden. You didn't wantme to knowwhat you were doing!
Sterling. Rats!
Warden. You didn't want me to know what funds—whosefunds—you were using—misusing.
Sterling. [Ugly.] What!
Warden. Whose money you were gambling with!
Sterling. Have you been spying on me?
Warden. Yourwife'smoney!
Sterling. Well, she'smywife, and you don't know what you're talking about!
[He turns from him and picks up a book from the table upside down and pretends to read it.
Warden. You stole from me once when you were a boy!
Sterling. No! I didn't!
[Throwing the book down.
Warden. You lie! Do you hear me?You lie![He waits a second.Sterlingdoes nothing.] I was never sure till to-day! I fought against ever thinking it, believing my suspicions were an injustice to you, but little things were always disappearing out of my rooms—finally, even money. Lately, that old suspicion has come back with a fuller force, and to-day it became a certainty.
Sterling. How to-day?
Warden. Because if it weren't true, you'd have knocked me down just now when I called you first a thief andtwicea liar!
[He stands squarely facing him.Sterlingstands facing him also, surprised, taken off his guard.
Sterling. Oh, come, you're joking! [Wardenmakes an angry exclamation.] Why're you telling me all this now?
Warden. Because I want you to be careful. I want you to know some one is watching you! Some one who knows what you've come to! Some one who knows you can't resist temptation! Some one who knows money not yourshasstuck to your fingers!
Sterling. You mind your own business.
Warden. I'll mindyoursif it's necessary to protect people who are dear to me!
[Sterlinglooks at him with a sudden suspicion.
Sterling. [Insinuatingly.] I didn't know you were particularly attached to Mrs. Hunter.
Warden. I'm not.
Sterling. Or to her two unmarried daughters!
Warden. Nor am I!
Sterling. [With whispered intensity.] By God, if you are in love with my wife!
Warden. If you thought that out loud, I'd knock you down!
Sterling. Huh! you talk as if you thought I were a coward!
Warden. No, not aphysicalcoward—I've seen you do too many plucky things—but amoralcoward—yes, you are one!
[Straight to him, standing close and looking him squarely in the eyes.
Sterling. [Wavering.] Oh, you're too damned preachy!
[Mrs. Hunterenters Right withClara.Mrs. Huntershakes hands withWardensilently, happy in the feeling that she is in great affliction, and satisfied with the appearance and impression she is making. She carries her handkerchief, with its black border, ready in her hand.Clarahas silently shaken hands withWarden,after her mother. She afterwards goes toSterlingand hands him several of the letters of condolence. She then goes to the window at Left, pulling aside the curtain, and stands looking out, rather bored, wishing she could go out and take a walk.
Mrs. Hunter. We will never forget your kindness. Will the evening papers have anything in, do you think?
Warden. No, not before morning.
Mrs. Hunter. [Sighs.] Every one was there.
Sterling. Where's Blanche?
Mrs. Hunter. Upstairs. She said she was going after Aunt Ruth.
Sterling. [Frightened.] After Aunt Ruth? [Strongly.] What for?
Mrs. Hunter. I don't know. [Whimpering.] I'm not considered in the family any longer!
Sterling. I shall stop and take her home.
[Jordanenters.
Jordan. Will you see visitors, madam?
Sterling. No.
[He goes out Right.
Mrs. Hunter. "No"? Yes, we will! I need to see some one, or I shall break down. Go upstairs, Clara!
Clara. No,whyneed I?
Mrs. Hunter. You're not out yet.
Clara. I don't care! At this rate I'll never get "out." Who are they, Jordan?
Jordan. Miss Sillerton, Miss Godesby, and Mr. Trotter, miss.
Warden. I must go, Mrs. Hunter.
Mrs. Hunter. [Relieved.] So sorry. Could you go straight to Mr. Mason? He wishes to see you?
[Shaking hands.
Warden. Certainly.
Mrs. Hunter. Thank you.
[Wardeninclines his head toClara.
Clara. [Lightly.] Good-by!
[Wardengoes out Left.
Mrs. Hunter.I don't think we ought to receive Mr. Trotter.
Clara. Pshaw! why not? If there's really any idea of my mar—
[She stops short, silenced by a look from her mother and an indication towardJordan.
Mrs. Hunter. Show them up, Jordan. [Jordanbows and goes out.] How do I look, dear?
[Arranges her handkerchief.
Clara. [Looking in the mirror.] How do I?
Mrs. Hunter. [With her back toClara.] I asked you first howIlooked!
Clara. [Not observing.] Oh, you're all right, how am I?
Mrs. Hunter. [Not looking atClara.] Charming! We'll go upstairs and come down again; I don't think it nice to be found here as if we were expecting visitors.
[They go out Right.
[Jordansteps into the room to announce the visitors, and seeing no one there, bows as the three pass him.
Jordan. The ladies will be down at once.
[He goes out Right.
[The three turn, looking about the room with curiosity, as if the funeral might have made some difference in the house.
[Miss Sillertonis a handsome, attractive woman, most fashionably dressed and perfectly conventional in character and intelligence.Miss Godesbyis a little slow, more assertive, sharper of tongue, more acutely intelligent, and equally smartly dressed. She has still a remnant of real, sincere feeling buried under a cynical mask which her life in a fast set has developed for her self-preservation.Trotteris a foolish young person, meaning well enough according to his lights, which are not of the biggest and brightest.
Trotter. Classy house altogether!
Miss Sillerton. Mrs. Hunter went to the most expensive decorator in town, and told him, no matter what it cost, to go ahead and do hisworst!
[They all laugh and seat themselves comfortably.
Trotter. Say! The youngest daughter is a good looker—very classy.
Miss Sillerton. That's the one we told you about, the one we want you to marry.
Miss Godesby. Yes, with your money and her cleverness, she'll rubber neck you into the smartest push in town!
Trotter. You've promised I shall know the whole classy lot before spring.
Miss Godesby. So you will if you do as we tell you. But you mustn't let society see that youknowyou're getting in; nothing pleases society so much as to think you're a blatant idiot. It makes everybody feel you're their equal—that's why you get in.
Trotter. I've got a coach and can drive four-in-hand. I've an automobile drag, and the biggest private yacht in the world building. I'm going to have the most expensive house in Long Island, where the oysters come from, and I've bought a lot in Newport twice as big as the swellest fellow's there. I've got a house in London and a flat in Paris, and I make money fly. I think I ought to be a cinch as a classy success.
Miss Godesby. Don't be a yap; flag Clara Hunter and you're all right!
Miss Sillerton. Her father's position was the best in this country!
Trotter. But he's dead.
[Sitting.
Miss Godesby. A good thing for you, for he would never have stood for you!
Trotter. He'd have had to—or do without me as a son-in-law—I wouldn't marry the Venus of Milo if her father didn't think I was good enough. I'm no Dodo bird!
Miss Godesby. It's up to you now, Trotter! Go in and win.
[EnterTompsonRight; a decided change takes place in all their manners.
Tompson. Madam will be down at once, miss.
Miss Sillerton. Thank you.
[Tompsongoes out Right.
Miss Godesby. Only stay a minute or two, Trotty—we're doing our best for you, but we must look out for ourselves, too, and we've come here to-day on business.
Miss Sillerton. How'll we ever get the subject on to clothes?
Miss Godesby. Humph! Do you think you can talk five minutes with Mrs. Hunter and not hit that topic? It's a bull's eye!
Trotter. I don't see where I'm going to come into this classy conversation.
Miss Godesby. You see, Trotty, they brought over piles of clothes from Europe this year, and we want to get hold of them before any one else has a chance—get 'em cheap before they have an idea anybody else'll buy them.
Trotter. Who buy what?
Miss Sillerton.We—buy their winter clothes.
Trotter. For Heaven's sake!
Miss Godesby. Laugh, you silly! I heard the Reed girls planning to come to-morrow. They didn't dare come to-day. Those girls haven't any sand! They're always getting left.
Trotter. You twoareDodo birds!
Miss Godesby. I say, Eleanor, you're such a lobster about prices and Mrs. Hunter's no idiot, we'd better agree on some sort of a signal! Listen! if you like a gown very much, ask the price, then say to me, "My dear, your hat pin is coming out." And if I think it's a bargain, I'll say, "So it is, thank you; won't you put it in for me?" And if I think Mrs. Hunter's trying to stick you, I'll say "No, it isn't; it's always like that."
Miss Sillerton. All right.
[Mrs. HunterandClaraenter Right. The manner ofMiss SillertonandMiss Godesbychanges immediately. They speak with rather subdued voices, in the tone of conventional sympathy which is usually adopted on such occasions.Mrs. Hunteralso assumes the manner of a martyr to grief.Clarais casual and hard.
Miss Sillerton. [Shakes hands withMrs. Hunter.] Dear Mrs. Hunter.
[She kisses her.
Clara, dear.
[She kisses her.
[Miss Godesbygoes toMrs. Hunterand shakes hands whileMiss Sillertoncrosses toClara;Trotter shakes hands withMrs. HunterasMiss Godesbygoes toClara.
Trotter. I hope you don't think my coming an intrusion.
Mrs. Hunter. Not at all.
Miss Godesby. I felt we must stop in for a few minutes to give you our love and sympathy and find out how you are.
Mrs. Hunter. I've been through a terrible strain. My loss is even greater than I could ever possibly imagine.
Clara. [Who misinterprets her mother's remark.] Yes, indeed, I should say it was!
[Mrs. Hunterstops her with a warning look.
Mrs. Hunter. But every one has been most kind.Lady Hopetonsent me a beautiful long letter to-day.
Miss Godesby. And I'm glad to find you looking so well. Blacksuitsyou!
[She exchanges a knowing glance withMiss Sillerton.
Mrs. Hunter. Oh, I don't know, Julia; I've always thought black verytryingfor me.
Miss Godesby. Oh,no! every one'ssayingjustthe reverse!
Mrs. Hunter. But—I suppose clothes don't interest you, Mr. Trotter?
Trotter. Oh, yes, they do, out of sight!
Clara. Well, I wish you could have seen the beautiful things we brought over with us!
Miss Sillerton. Julia and I were just speaking about it, and pitying you from the bottom of our hearts.
[Miss SillertonandMiss Godesbyagain exchange surreptitious glances.
Mrs. Hunter. Every one's been most kind.
[There is an awkward pause for a moment, no one knowing quite what to say. BothMiss GodesbyandMiss Sillertonhave started the conversation in the direction of clothing and are fearful of the topic being changed. As the pause becomes embarrassing, they look helplessly from one to the other, and all five, suddenly and at once, make an ineffectual effort to say something—or nothing. Out of the general confusionMrs. Huntercomes to the front, mistress of the situation.] Are you going to stay in New York this winter, Mr. Trotter?
Trotter. Yes, I'm negotiating for one of the biggest classy building plots on upper Fifth Avenue.
Clara. [ToMiss Godesby.] I saw in the papers you were at the dance last night.
[Miss Godesbynods and motions surreptitiously toTrotterto go. He, however, doesn't understand.
Mrs. Hunter. [With interest again in life.] Oh,were you?What did you wear?
Miss Godesby. Oh, dowdy old things. I haven't bought my winter frocks yet.
[She repeats this casually as if to herself.
[Miss Sillertonmotions toTrotterto go, but he has forgotten and still doesn't understand.
Trotter. What?
Miss Godesby. You warned us not to let you forget your engagement!
Trotter. What engagement?
Miss Sillerton. How do we know! we only know you said youhadto go!
Trotter. Never said so! Oh! [As it dawns upon him.] Oh, yes! of course. [He rises.] Very sorry—must be off. Only dropped in—er—that is, came in to express my respectful sympathy.
[Shaking hands withMrs. Hunter.
Mrs. Hunter. [Who rises.] I hope you will come and see us again.
Clara. Do! It'll be a godsend! We'll be dull as ditchwater here this winter!
Trotter. I shall be delighted to call again. Good-by. [He bows to Clara. In his embarrassment he starts to shake hands all over again, but, realizing his mistake, laughs nervously.] Oh, I have already.
Miss Sillerton. Good-by, Trotter.
Miss Godesby. Don't forget we're booked with you at Sherry's.
Trotter. Whose treat?
Miss Godesby. Oh!Yours, of course—
Trotter. I say, why can't I stay? I won't interfere.
Mrs. Hunter. Oh, do stay, Mr. Trotter!
Miss Godesby. Oh, do stay!
[Suggesting by her tone that he mustn't dare to remain.
Clara. Good!
[Trotterremains, and they all settle themselves again for a long stay.
Mrs. Hunter. By the way, you were speaking just now of your winter frocks. It occurs to me—of course I don't know as I really want to dispose of them, but—er—
[She hesitates purposely.
Miss Godesby. Oh,wouldyou? [Rising, she takes a chair nearer toMrs. Hunter.] Youdearthing!
Mrs. Hunter. The dresses are no use to us now, and whenwe'reout of mourning—they'llbe out of style. You could wear Jess' things perfectly, Julia.
Miss Sillerton. And even something of yours could be made over for us.
Mrs. Hunter. But I'm so much older than you!
Miss Sillerton. [Thoughtlessly.] Yes, but you never dress appropriately to your age.
Clara. [Laughing delightedly.] That's pretty good!
Miss Sillerton. [Saves herself.] You know what I mean, you alwayslooksoyouthful, youcan'tdress any older.
Mrs. Hunter. [Rising.] Clara, dear, go upstairs and have Tompson bring down my Worth dress and Jess' Doucet and your Paquin. [She goes withClarato the door, Right, and then whispers to her.] If you remember, don't tell what we paid—we ought to get nearly double out of these girls—and warn Tompson not to be surprised at anything she hears.
[Miss GodesbyandMiss Sillertonexchange glances.Claragoes out Right.
Mrs. Hunter. It seems as if I had no further interest in clothes, anyway.
Miss Godesby. Don't say that. Every one I've seen this afternoon is wildly enthusiastic over your mourning.
Mrs. Hunter. Well, I went straight to Madame O'Hoolihan and gave her carte blank!
Miss Godesby. I wouldn't like to be the ice man when your bill comes in!—and clothes abroad are so much cheaper.
Mrs. Hunter. [Thoughtlessly.] Oh,half!
Miss Godesby. [Quickly.] You see you'll be doing us a really great favor letting us have some of your things!
Mrs. Hunter. [Realizing her nearly fatal error.] Oh! Oh, yes—but—er—I must say thatwefound prices while in Paristhis yearratheratrocious!
[Clarareënters Right.
Clara. [Sighs.] O dear! It breaks my heart not to wear my ball dress, my dear Julia; it was designed specially for me. I told Marie to put it on, mama; my clothes fit her perfectly, and I thought it would show so much better what it is.
Mrs. Hunter. Here they are.
[Rises asTompsonenters Right.
Tompson. Mrs. Hunter's reception gown.
[Displaying it.
Clara. Oh, thisisa beauty!
[She takes the costume and drapes it over a chair.Miss GodesbyandMiss Sillertoncome closer to examine.
Mrs. Hunter. Tompson.—[Taking her to one side, whispers.]—I forget; do you remember what I paid for this dress?
Tompson. [Whispers back.] One hundred and sixty dollars, madam.
Mrs. Hunter. Oh, yes. Don't say anything. [Returning to the others.] Do you like it?
Mrs. Hunter. [Hesitates.] I forget just what I paid for it, but I believe it was two hundred dollars.
[Clarahalf exclaims in astonishment, but on being pinched surreptitiously on the arm byMrs. Huntershe grasps the situation and starts in to do her share.
Clara. Oh, no, mama! I'm sure it was more than that!
Mrs. Hunter. Well, perhaps it was two—twenty or two—twenty-five.
Trotter. That's cheap, isn't it?
Miss Godesby. Shut up.
[Tompson'sface is always a perfect blank, showing no expression or surprise; she has lived withMrs. Hunterfor many years and "knows her business."
Miss Godesby. [In a very different tone of voice, influenced by the big price.] Of course, I see it's made of the best material. But it isn't my color.
Mrs. Hunter. It's the very latest shade.
Miss Godesby. Yes, I know; but I think as you said a little while ago, perhaps it is a trifle too old for me.
Mrs. Hunter. I might let you have it for a little less; say one hundred and eighty.
Miss Godesby. Thank you very much. I'll think it over.
Miss Sillerton. What's the other?
Clara. This is a dinner dress of Jess'.
[Holding it up to her own waist.
Miss Sillerton. [Carried away by the dress.] Oh, lovely,—perfectly charming,—an adorable gown!
[Miss Godesbypulls her arm and tries to make her less enthusiastic.
Miss Godesby. [ToClaraandMrs. Hunter.] Excuse me.
[She takesMiss Sillertonto one side and whispers in her ear.
Miss Sillerton. [Aloud.] I can't help it. I'm crazy about the dress!
[MeanwhileMrs. HunterandTompsonhave whispered together.
Mrs. Hunter. They said themselves this was the most successful frock they turned out this autumn.
Miss Sillerton. And how much isthisone?
Mrs. Hunter. [Very quickly, trying not to speak consciously.] This was two hundred and seventy-five.
[Clarabites her lips in surprise and winks visibly toTompson,who gives no sign and is otherwise imperturbable.
Miss Sillerton. [ToMiss Godesby,looking hard at her.] My dear, your hat pin is coming out!
Miss Godesby. [Looking hard at her.] No, it isn't; it's always like that.
Miss Sillerton. [Going closer to her, whispers.] Which does that mean? I forget!
Miss Godesby. It's agouge!
Miss Sillerton. I can't help it; I can't resist.
Miss Hunter. [Whispers toClara.] She's going to take it; I wish I'd asked more.
Miss Sillerton. Mrs. Hunter, I'lltakethe dinner dress! I'm crazy about it!
Mrs. Hunter. I'm glad to have you have it; I'm glad to be able to do you, in a way, a favor.
[Marieat this moment enters dressed in the most exquisite ball dress of the very latest fashion and looks extremely lovely.
Clara. Here's mine! I could cry to think I'll never wear it!
Marie.Voila, madame!
[A short silence, while the women sit down and drink in the gown.
Miss Sillerton. [In a subdued voice of awed admiration.] Beautiful!
Miss Godesby. Great!
Trotter. [ToMiss Godesby.]I'mstuck on thegirl; introduce me. She's out of sight!
[Mrs. Huntersighs long and loud,—a sigh of appreciation and admiration.Mariestands in the centre of the stage facing the audience.
Miss Godesby. May we see her back?
Clara. Herentireback, if she turns around!
Mrs. Hunter. Turn around, Marie.
Marie.Oui, madame.
[She turns her back—the dress is cut extremely in the back.
Miss Sillerton. Oh!
Miss Godesby. Rather!
Mrs. Hunter. The way everything is made this year.
Miss Godesby. I'm afraid my back is rather full of bones.
Clara. They told us in Paris, bones were coming in! [She takes a large American beauty rose from a vase on the piano and slips it downMarie'sback so that the dress seems much less décolleté.] There, never too late to mend!
Miss Godesby. How much is this one?
[Miss GodesbyandMiss Sillertonexamine the dress.
Clara. [Whispers toMrs. Hunter.] You paid two hundred for it!
Mrs. Hunter. Three hundred dollars. It is really superb.
Miss Sillerton. [PullingMiss Godesbyaround quickly.] My dear, your hat pin is coming out!
Miss Godesby. Don't be absurd!
Miss Sillerton. What?
Miss Godesby. It's my turn, sit down; you got the last! You won't mind my being frank, Mrs. Hunter?
Mrs. Hunter. [On the defensive.] Certainly not.
Miss Godesby. I think the price is too much.
Trotter. Oh, go on, pay it!
Miss Godesby. Will you sign the check?
Trotter.Excuse me!
Clara. I'd give twice that if only I could wear it to one ball this winter!
Mrs. Hunter. I wouldn't part with it for a penny less. I couldn't afford to.
[The manners and voices of all become a little strained.
Miss Godesby. That is of course your affair.
Mrs. Hunter. [Politely.] We needn't keep Marie any longer, at any rate, need we? You can go, Marie, and you too, Tompson.
[ClaraandMrs. Hunterhelp place the other dresses onTompson'sarms.
Miss Sillerton. [ToMiss Godesby,on the opposite side of the room, in a lowered voice.] I'll take it; I'm willing to pay that.
Miss Godesby. Don't you dare interfere! I want the gown, but I know she'll come down,—if she doesn't, I'll make a bluff at going. Then if she sticks to her price, I'll come back and pay it.
[They turn toMrs. Hunter.
Miss Sillerton. Oh, Mrs. Hunter, may I see my dress just one more minute?
Mrs. Hunter. Certainly.
[She andClaracome back with the dress.
Marie. [ToTompsonby the door at Right.]
Vite!Come! Come! Jordan 'ave stole ze photograph machine of Mees Clara, and he make now one pigsher of me in ze dress!
[Smiling mischievously, delighted, she goes out Right.
Miss Sillerton. Thank you.
[She leaves her dress.
Mrs. Hunter. Take this too, Tompson.
Tompson. Yes, madam.
[Mrs. Hunterspeaks toTompson,aside, andClara,near them, watches the two visitors out of the corner of her eye.
Miss Godesby. [Aside toMiss Sillerton.] I'll leave my muff; that'll be a good excuse to come back.
Trotter. [Also in a lowered voice toMiss Godesby.] Dodo!
[Tompsongoes out Right.
[Mrs. HunterandClaracome back.
Miss Godesby. You really couldn't take less than three hundred?
Mrs. Hunter. I wish I could if only for your own sake; but I really couldn't in justice to myself.
Miss Godesby. I'm very sorry—and I'm afraid we must be going now.
Mrs. Hunter. [Not believing they will go.] Oh, must you? Well, it was very kind of you to come.
[Miss Godesbyleaves her muff upon the table at the Left.
Miss Sillerton. [Shakes hands withMrs. Hunter.] Good-by.
[She goes on toClara.
[Miss Godesbycomes to shake hands withMrs. Hunter.
Mrs. Hunter. I think you're making a mistake not to take the dress, Julia dear.
Miss Godesby. Perhaps, but I really can't go more than two hundred and fifty.
[Mrs. Hunterlooks surreptitiously atClara,who slyly shakes her head to her mother.
Mrs. Hunter. Oh, quite impossible!
Miss Godesby. Good-by.
Mrs. Hunter. Good-by.
Miss Godesby. Good-by, Clara.
Mrs. Hunter. [Frightened.] Would you like to see the dress off?
Miss Godesby. Oh, my dear, it was asoffas I would ever like to see it. Good-by.
Mrs. Hunter. Good-by. [Miss SillertonandMiss Godesbyget to doorway Left.] Youwon'ttake it?
Miss Godesby.Can't!Good-by.
Clara. [Dryly.] You're forgetting your muff!
Trotter. Rubber!
Miss Godesby. [Coming back for it.] How stupid!
[She goes away to the door again in silence, which is full of suspense for all of them. As she reaches the doorMrs. Hunterspeaks.
Mrs. Hunter. Look here, Julia, don't say another word; you shall have the dress for two hundred and fifty.
Miss Godesby. [Rushing back, followed by all the others.] You dear! I'm afraid you think I've been rather nasty!
Mrs. Hunter. Oh, no, of course business is business, and I'drather youhad it than see it wasted on some of our other friends who'd be sights in it!
Miss Sillerton. Good-by. [Kisses her this time.] I haven't said half I feel; you've been in my thoughts all these last few days.
Mrs. Hunter. Thank you, dear.
[Kisses her.
Miss Godesby. Shall we send around for the dresses in the morning?
Mrs. Hunter. Or I'll send them.
Miss Godesby. No, we won't trouble you.
Miss Sillerton. Good-by!
Mrs. Hunter and Clara. Good-by!
[Miss SillertonandMiss Godesbygo out Left, followed byTrotter,who has joined in all the good-bys, and upon whomClarahas more or less continuously kept her "weather eye."
Mrs. Hunter. I'm perfectly sure if I'd stuck to three hundred, Julia Godesby would have sent around when she got home and paid it!
Clara. I'm glad you didn't run the risk though, for we'll need every cent we can get now.
[She runs her fingers rapidly over the piano keys.
[Blanchereënters Right.
Mrs. Hunter. Why, I thought you'd gone long ago.
Blanche. Jess begged me to stay with her. Try to understand her, mother; I think she will miss father more than any of us.
[Jordanenters Left.
Jordan. Mr. Warden has come back, madam.
[Wardenenters Left.
Warden. Forgive my intruding so soon again, but did Mr. Mason leave a letter case of Mr. Hunter's here?
[Blanchebegins looking for the case.
Mrs. Hunter. I haven't seen it; I'll ask the servants to look. Excuse me, I'm quite tired out; we've been receiving a long visit of condolence.
[She goes out, Right, withClara,who links her arm in her mother's.
Blanche. [Finding the case, which has fallen beneath the table.] Here it is. Dear old pocket-book—
[Her voice breaks on the last word, and turning her face away to hide her tears, she hands him the well-worn letter case.
Warden. Mrs. Sterling, I'm glad they left us alone, because Mr. Mason said he hadn't been able to manage it—to see you alone—and yet he wantedyou onlyto examine these. They are private papers of Mr. Hunter; he thought they ought not to be destroyed without being read, and yethehesitated to read them. We thought that duty devolved best uponyou. [He hands back the letter case.] Shall I wait and take back the case to Mr. Mason with the papers you wish him to have?
Blanche. Oh, no, I will send them; I mustn't keep you while I read them. I'm always taking more of your time than I ought.
Warden. [Speaks with sincerity, but without any suggestion of love-making.] But never as much as I want to give you! Don't forget, Mrs. Sterling, what you promised me at your wedding,—that your husband's best man should be your best friend.
Blanche. And nobody knows what it means to a woman, even a happily married woman like me—[This is spoken with a slight effort, as if she is persuading herself that she is a happily married woman.]—to have an honest friend like you. It's those people who have failed that say there is no such thing as a platonic friendship.
Warden. We'll prove them wrong.
Blanche. We will. Good-by, and thank you.
Warden. And thankyou! [Starting to go, he turns.] Shall I bring that Russian pianist around to play for you some day next week?
Blanche. Do—I want some music.
Warden. Only let me know what day. [He goes out Left.Blanchesits by the table and opens the case. She looks first at a memoranda and reads what is on the outside.] A business memoranda. Lists of bonds. [She opens and looks at the next paper only a second, and then closes it.] This, Mr. Mason will understand better than I. [She puts it back in the pocket case. She finds a photograph in the case.] My picture!—[She looks for others, but finds none.]—andonlymine! Oh, father!... [She wipes away tears from her eyes so as to see the picture, which is an old one.] Father, I returnedyourlove. [She reads on the back of photograph.] "Blanche, my darling daughter, at fourteen years of age!" That's mine! that's my own! [And she puts the picture away separately. She takes up a small packet of very old love-letters tied with faded old pink tape.] Old letters from mother; they must be her love-letters. She shall have them,—they may soften her. [She takes up a slip of paper and reads on the outside.] This is something for Mason, too. [She puts it back in the case. She takes up a sealed envelope, blank.] Nothing on it, and sealed. [She looks at it a moment, thinking.] Father, did you want this opened? If you didn't, why not have destroyed it? Ah! I needn't be afraid;youhad nothing to hide from the world. [Tearing it open, she reads.] "I have discovered my son-in-law, Richard Sterling, in irregular business dealing. He is not honest. I will watch him as long as I live; but when you read this, Mason, keep your eye upon him for my daughter's sake. He has been warned by me—he may never trip again, and her happiness lies in ignorance." [She starts, and looks about her to make sure she is alone. She then sits staring ahead for a few seconds; then she speaks.] My boy's father dishonest! Disgrace—he owned it—threateningmyboy! It mustn't come! It mustn't!I'llwatch now. [She goes to the fireplace, tearing the paper as she crosses the room, she burns the letter; then she gathers up the other letters and the pocket case.] He must give me his word of honor over Richard's little bed to-night that he will do nothing to ever make the boy ashamed of bearing his father's name!
[She watches to see that every piece of the paper burns, as
THE CURTAIN FALLS
Christmas Eve; fourteen months later; the dining room of the Hunters' house, which is now lived in jointly by theSterlingsandMrs. Hunterand her daughters. It is a dark wainscoted room, with curtains of crimson brocade. It is decorated with laurel roping, mistletoe, and holly, for Christmas. It is the end of a successful dinner party, fourteen happy and more or less congenial persons being seated at a table, as follows:Warden, Ruth, Mason, Clara, Trotter, Mrs. Hunter, Blanche, Sterling, Miss Sillerton, Mr. Godesby, Jessica, Doctor Steinhart,andMiss Godesby.The room is dark on all sides, only a subdued light being shed on the table by two large, full candelabra with red shaded candles. As the curtain rises the bare backs of the three women nearest the footlights gleam out white. Candied fruit and other sweetmeats are being passed by four men servants, includingJordanandLeonard.
Ruth. My dear Blanche, what delicious candy!
Miss Sillerton. Isn't it!
Miss Godesby. Half of the candy offered one nowadays seems made ofpapier-mâché.
Mrs. Hunter. [ToMiss Godesby.] Julia, do tell me how Mr. Tomlins takes his wife's divorce?
Miss Godesby. He takes it with a grain of salt!
Mrs. Hunter. But isn't he going to bring a counter suit?
Sterling. No.
Ruth. I hope not. I am an old-fashioned woman and don't believe in divorce!
Miss Godesby. Really! But then you're not married!
Miss Sillerton. What is the reason for so much divorce nowadays?
Ruth. Marriage is the principal one.
Blanche.Idon't believe in divorce, either.
Miss Sillerton. My dear, no woman married to as handsome a man as Mr. Sterling would.
Trotter. You people are all out of date! More people get divorced nowadays than get married.
Blanche. Too many people do—that's the trouble. I meant what I said when I was married—"for better, for worse, till death us do part."—What is the opera Monday?
Trotter. Something of Wagner's. He's a Dodo bird! Bores me to death! Not catchy enough music for me.
Mrs. Hunter. You'd adore him if you went to Bayreuth. Which was that opera, Clara, we heard at Bayreuth last summer? Was itFaustorLohengrin! They play those two so much here I'm always getting them mixed!
Miss Sillerton. Wagner didn't writeFaust!
Mrs. Hunter. Didn't he? I thought he had; he's written so many operas the last few seasons!
Clara. I likeTannhäuser, because as soon as you hear the "twinkle, twinkle, little stars" song, you can cheer up and think of your wraps and fur boots.
Trotter. My favorite operas areSan Toyand theRoger Brothers, though I sawFlorodorathirty-six times!
Blanche. Mother would have gone with you every one of those thirty-sixFlorodoratimes. She's not really fond of music.
Mrs. Hunter. Not fond of music! Didn't I have an opera box for four years?
Trotter. Why doesn't Conried make some arrangement with Weber and Fields and introduce their chorus intoFaustandCarmen?
Dr. Steinhart. Great idea! [ToMiss Godesby.] Did you get a lot of jolly presents?
Miss Godesby. Not half bad, especially two fine French bulls!
[All are laughing and talking together.
Blanche. What did you get, Mr. Warden?
Warden. Three copies of "David Harum," two umbrellas, and a cigar case too short for my cigars.
Miss Godesby.Give it to me for cigarettes.
Warden.It's too long for cigarettes. Then I had something that's either a mouchoir or a handkerchief case, or for neckties, or shaving papers, or something or other.
Trotter.Yes, I know, I got one of those, too.
Dr. Steinhart.So did I!
Blanche.I must start the women; we are coming back here to arrange a surprise for you men.
[She nods her head in signal toSterling,and rises. All rise.
Sterling.One moment please. One toast on Christmas night! Ned, give us a toast.
All the Women.[But not in unison.] Oh, yes! A toast! [Ad lib.]
Warden.[Holding up his glass.]