Here's to those whom we love!And to those who love us!And to those who love those whom we loveAnd to those who love those who love us!
Here's to those whom we love!And to those who love us!And to those who love those whom we loveAnd to those who love those who love us!
All the Men.[Not in unison.] Good! Bravo! Bully toast! [Ad lib.]
[Every one drinks.
Blanche.One more toast, Dick. [To the others.] Christmas Day is our boy's birthday.
Ruth.Surely! a toast to Richard!
Sterling.Long life to Master Sterling, the best boy in the world, and to all his good friends at this table.
The Men.Hear! Hear!
[All the women speak their next speeches at the same time.
Blanche. [Laughing.] Of course! I've dropped my handkerchief.
[Neddives under the table for it.
Miss Sillerton. O dear, my fan!
Miss Godesby. What a bore! I've dropped a glove!
[Steinhartgoes under the table for it.
Clara.Both my gloves gone—I'm so sorry!
[Godesbygoes under the table for them.
Mrs. Hunter.Dick, please, I've dropped my smelling bottle.
[TrotterandSterlinggo under the table for it.
Ruth.My gloves, please, I'm so sorry!
[Masongoes under the table for them.
[The speeches of the women are simultaneous, followedby the movements of the men also, all at the same time.
Blanche.Please don't bother; the servants—
Leonard, Jordanand, two extra men start to hunt under the table, too.
Miss Godesby.Women ought to have everything they own fastened to them with rubberneck elastics.
[The men, somewhat flustered, all rise with the various articles, and offer them to their respective owners.
[All the women thank the men profusely, and apologize at the same time.SterlingtakesMrs. Hunterout at back, followed by all the other couples, all talking.RuthandMasonlag behind.
Ruth. [ToBlanche,who withWardenwaits forRuthandMasonto pass.] I want just a minute with Mr. Mason, Blanche. [BlancheandWardenpass out before her.Ruthis alone withMason.She speaks as if she were carrying on a conversation that had been interrupted. She speaks in a lowered voice, indicating the private nature of what she has to say.] I sent him imperative word yesterday I must have the bonds. I told him I wanted one to give to his wife for Christmas. He pretends to-day he didn't receive this letter, but he must have.
Mason.This makes the third time there has been some excuse for not giving you the bonds?
Ruth.Yes, and this letter he says he didn't get was sent to his office by hand.
Mason.I'll speak to him before I leave.
[They go out at back.
[As they pass out,Jordanstands by the doorway holding the curtains back. The other three men stand stiffly at the Right. AsMasonandRuthgo out, theServantsrelax and exchange glances, each giving a little laugh out loud, exceptJordan.During the following dialogue they empty the table preparatory to arranging the room for the Christmas tree.
Jordan.Sh! A very dull dinner, not an interesting word spoke.
First Footman.The widder seemed chipper like!
Leonard.And did you get on to the old lady's rig-out; mourning don't hang very heavy on her shoulders.
[One chair is moved back.
Jordan.[ToFirst Footman.] Get the coffee. [He goes out Right. ToLeonard.] Get the smoking lay-out!
[Leonardgoes out Right and brings back a silver tray laden with cigarettes, cigar boxes, and a burning alcohol lamp.
Leonard.If you ask me, I think she's going to put a bit more on the matrimonial mare if she gets the chance.
Jordan.It's none of your business. You'reMrs. Sterling'sservant now.
Leonard.Good thing, too; it was a happy day for us whentheymoved in.
First Footman.[Reënters with the coffee.] Say, did you see how that young feller over there [Motioning to the lower right-hand corner of the table.] shovelled the food in?
Leonard.And the way he poured down the liquid—regular hog! My arm's tired a-filling of his glass.
[And he drinks a glass of champagne which has been left untouched by a guest.
Jordan.He ain't nobody; he hasn't any money; he was just asked to fill up. He's one of these yere singing chaps what's asked to pass the time after dinner with a song or twogratis. This dinner'll last him for food for a week!
Their manners suddenly change as the men reënter and take seats about the two ends of the table.Sterling,Mason,andDoctordown Left form one group. The other men are in a group between the window and the other end. On enteringSterlingspeaks.
Sterling.Jordan, for heaven's sake, give us something to see by! You can't tell which end of your cigar to light in this confounded woman's candle-light. If I had my way, I'd have candelabras made of Welsbachs!
Trotter.Bright idea, Sterling.
[Sterling,laughing, joins his group, who laugh gently with him.Jordanturns on the electric light. The servants pass the coffee, liqueurs, and the cigars and cigarettes. Meanwhile the following dialogue takes place, the men beginning to talk at once on their entrance.
Sterling.Mr. Mason, I'd like to ask your honest opinion on something if you'll give it me.
Mason.Certainly.
Sterling.This Hudson Electric Company.
Dr. Steinhart.Oh! Dropped fearfully to-day.
Sterling.But that can happen easily with the best thing. To-morrow—
Mason.[Interrupting.] To-morrow it will drop to itsvery bottom!
Sterling.I don't believe it.
Dr. Steinhart.Surely, Mr. Mason, the men who floated that are too clever to ruinthemselves?
Mason.They're out of it.
Sterling. Out of it!
Mason. They got out last week quietly.
Sterling. But—
Mason. Mark my words, the day after to-morrow there'll be several foolish people ruined, andnot one of the promoters of that company will lose a penny!
Sterling. I don't believe it!
[The crowd at the other end of the table, who have been listening to a tale fromTrotter,laugh heartily.
Trotter. [Delighted with his success.] I'm no Dodo bird!
[Wardenleaves this group casually and joins the other.
Mason. [ToSterling.] Don't tell meyou'rein it?
Sterling. [Ugly.] Yes, I am in it!
Mason. Notmuch?
Sterling. Yes,much!
Warden. Much what?
Sterling. Oh, nothing; we were just discussing stocks.
Warden. And up there they're discussing Jeffreys and Fitzsimmons.
Mason. Listen, Dick, after a lifelong experience in Wall Street, I defy any broker to produce one customer who can show a profit after three consecutive years of speculation.
Sterling. Oh, you're too conservative; nothing venture, nothing have. Excuse me, I think Jeffreys and Fitzsimmons more amusing topics. Come along.
[SterlingandDr. Steinhartjoin the other group Right.
Mason. [ToWarden.] You're Sterling's broker.
Warden. No, not for over a year.
Mason. Then you can't tell me how deep he is in this Hudson Electric swindle?
Warden. Is he in it at all?
Mason. Yes, he says, deep.
Warden. I suspected it yesterday.
Mason. But what with—his wife's money?
Warden. That went fourteen months ago. I put him on his feet then, gave him some tips that enabled him to take this house with her mother, so that with his regular law business he ought to have done very well, but his living could not leave one cent over to speculate with.
Mason. [To himself.] Good God!
Warden. I know what you're afraid of.
Mason. No!
Warden. Yes. The reason I'm no longer his broker is he was ashamed to let me know about his dealings.
Mason. But you don't mean you think he'd actuallysteal!
Warden. Hisaunt'smoney? Why not?He did his wife's!
Mason. Does he handle any one else's affairs?
Warden. I know he takes care of that Godesby woman's property.
Mason. And she wouldn't hold her tongue if a crash came!
Warden. Not for a minute! Is Miss Hunter suspicious?
Mason. Yes. Does Sterling realize that to-morrow he will most probably be a ruined cheat?
Warden. Very likely.
Mason. If he made up his mind to-night it was all up with him, he might do—what?
Warden. Run away with whatever money he has left, or kill himself. I don't know if he's enough of a coward for that or not. There'sonehold on him—he loves his wife.
Mason. Which will make him all the more ashamed of discovery. Do you believe she suspects?
Warden. Not a bit. She loves him too dearly.
Mason. Canwedo anything?
Warden. Nothing but watch him closely till the people go. Then force him to make a clean breast of it, so we can all know where we stand; how we can best protect his aunt from ruin and his wife and boy from public disgrace.
Mason. He is watching us.
Warden. He knows I know him; we must be careful. He's coming toward us. [He then speaks in a different tone, but no louder.] You're certain of the trustworthiness of your information?
Mason. Absolutely. Every man left in that concern will be ruined before the 'Change closes after to-morrow. [Sterlinghas joined them in time to hear the end ofMason'sspeech.Masoncontinues.] I am telling Warden what I told you about the Hudson Electric Company.
Sterling. Can't you talk of something pleasanter?
[Blanchereënters at back. On her entrance all the men rise. The servants finish preparing the room for the tree.
Blanche. I'm very sorry—I really can't let you men stay here any longer.
All the Men. Why not? How's that? [Ad lib.]
Blanche. You know we want to get this room ready for Santa Claus! Dick! [She goes to her husband. All the men go out at back in a group led byWardenandMason.They are all talking and laughing.Blancheis left alone with her husband.] What is this Aunt Ruth has been telling me about not being able to get some bonds from you?
Sterling. Oh, nothing. I forgot to send them up to her, that's all.
Blanche. But she says she sent three times.
Sterling. One time too late to get into the vault; and the other, her letter was mislaid—I mean not given to me.
Blanche. You haven't broken your word to me?
Sterling. What if I had?
Blanche. I would let the law take its course.
Sterling. You must love me very little.
Blanche. Ilivewith you. First you robbed me of my respect for you; then you dried up my heart with neglect.
Sterling. And our boy?
Blanche. Your blood runs in his veins; your shame and disgrace would be a fearful warning to him. It might killme; but never mind, if itsaved him.
Sterling. Oh, well, I haven't broken my word! So you needn't worry. I've been honest enough.
Blanche. [With a long sigh of relief.] Oh! I hope so!
Mrs. Hunter. [Appearing in doorway at back.] The men are in the drawing-room—shall we comehere?
Blanche. Yes, we'll bring the others, mother. Come, Dick.
[She goes out withMrs. Hunterat back.
Sterling. [Goes to door Right, opens it, and calls.] Leonard!
[Leonardenters Right
Leonard. Yes, sir?
Sterling. Go up to my library at the top of the house, get a railroad guide you will find there, and bring it down and put it on the table in the hall just outside the drawing-room door.
Leonard. Yes, sir.
Sterling. Then go to my room and pack my bag and dressing case. Do you understand?
Leonard. Yes, sir.
[The women are heard singing "Follow the Man from Cook's," and gradually coming nearer.
Sterling. Be quick, and say nothing to any one.
Leonard. Yes, sir.
[He goes out quickly Right.Sterlinggoes up stage and stands beside the door at back as the women dance in, singing "Follow the Man from Cook's." They are led byClara,withMrs. Hunteron the end.BlancheandRuthfollow alone, not dancing. The others dance around the chairs andClarajumps on and off one of them; this stops the rest, who balk at it.Sterlinggoes out at back. TheServantsenter Right.
Clara. I don't care for this dinner party at all. The women are all the time being chased away from the men! I prefer being with Mr. Trotter. Don't you, mama?
Miss Sillerton. He doesn't seem able to give a dinner party any more without you to chaperone, Mrs. Hunter.
Blanche. Mother, how can you?
Mrs. Hunter. Oh, I don't know as it'schaperoning! I like Mr. Trotter very much.
Miss Sillerton. But he's such a little cad. I tried to give him a lift, but he was too heavy for me.
Clara. Oh, well, you ought just to pretend it's the money in his pocket makes him so heavy; then you'd find him dead easy.
[Meanwhile theServantshave arranged the table, taken out the extra leaves and made it square, and left the room. They now reënter, bringing in a gorgeously decorated and lighted Christmas tree. There is at once a loud chorus of delighted approval from the women. TheServantsplace the tree in the centre of the table. The women who are sitting rise and come near to examine the tree.
Ruth. What a beautiful tree, Blanche!
Blanche. The boy is to have it to-morrow morning—it's reallyhistree! [Tompsonbrings in a large basket containing seven small stockings and six small boys' socks—very small stockings and very small socks. They are made of bright and different colors and are stuffed into absurd, bulgy shapes.] There's a name on each one. Come along now!
[Taking out a little sock. The women crowd around the basket and each hangs a sock on the tree,Miss GodesbyandClarastanding on chairs.
Clara. [Reading the name on her sock.] Oh! mine's for Mr. Mason. What's in it, Blanche?
Blanche. I really can't tell you. I asked the clerk where I bought it what it was for, and he said he didn't know; it was a "Christmas present."
Miss Godesby. [Laughing.] Oh, I know the kind! Mine's for Howard Godesby. What's his present?
Blanche. A silver golf marker.
Miss Godesby. But he doesn't play golf!
Blanche. Well, he ought to; it'll keep him young.
Clara. It will be all right, anyway, Julia!Youcan give it away to some one next Christmas.
Miss Sillerton. What's in Mr. Trotter's?
Blanche. Oh, that present has almost been my death! Men are so hard to find things for! I had put in a gold pencil for his key chain, but to-night while we were eating our oysters, I saw him show a beauty that his mother had given him this morning! So I whispered to Jordan between the soup and fish to change Mr. Ryder's name to Mr. Trotter's stocking, and put Mr. Trotter's name on the one that had a cigarette case in it. I sneaked a message down to Dick on my dinner card—was it all right?—and he sent back word during the game that Trotter only smoked cigars; so before the ices were passed I shuffled Mr. Trotter's and Mr. Mason's names,—I'd given Mason the cigar case,—and just as Jordan signalled to me the transfer had been successfully effected, I heard Trotter casually observe he'd been obliged to give up smoking entirely—doctor's orders!
[They laugh punctiliously, rather bored byBlanche'slong account.
Mrs. Hunter. Isn't the tree stunning?
Clara. [Getting down from her chair.] It makes the table look like one of Mr. Trotter's "informal little dinners."
Miss Godesby. They say he has one of those men who arrange shop windows decorate his dinner table for him!
Blanche. The only time I ever dined with him I was really ashamed to go home with my dinner favor—it was so gorgeous! And there were such big bunches of violets in the finger bowls there wasn't room for your little finger.
Miss Godesby. You never saw such a lot of decoration! The game have ribbon garters on their legs, and even the raw oysters wear corsage bouquets! [ToMrs. Hunter.] I hope you don't mind what we're saying, Mrs. Hunter?
Mrs. Hunter. [Offended.] I must say I do mind very much.—[A pause.]—because—[A second pause.]—well, I am going to marry Mr. Trotter—[All, not believing her, laugh merrily.] You are all very rude!
Miss Godesby. Not on the level! NotTrotter!
Miss Sillerton. Notreally!
Blanche. No, no, of course not!
[She rings bell.
Mrs. Hunter. But Iam! And I thought here at my daughter's table, among my own friends (I was allowed to name the guests to-night), I could count on good wishes and congratulations.
[There is a dead silence.
[The musicians, a band of Neapolitan players, enter and take their places in a recess at Left.
Blanche. [To the musicians.] You may play. [ToJordan,who has brought in the Neapolitans.] We are ready, Jordan.
[Jordangoes out at back.
[Ruthgoes toBlanche.
[The guitars and mandolins begin a popular song.
Miss Godesby. [ToMrs. Hunter.] Oh, well, Mrs. Hunter, we were only codding! There's lots of good in Trotter, and I'm sure you'll bring it out. Good luck!
[Shaking her hand.
Ruth. [ToBlanche,aside.] You won't allow this!
Blanche. Certainly not. [Blanchecrosses to her mother and they go to one side together;Blanchespeaks in a lowered voice.] You've amazed and shocked me! I will not tolerate such a thing; we'll talk it over to-night.
[She leaves her and returns to her guests,Mrs. Hunterstanding where she is left, biting her lips and almost crying with rage and mortification.
Miss Godesby. [Before the musicians, toBlancheas she joins her.] I'm crazy about these men, Mrs. Sterling; they play so awfully well—especially that one with the lovely legs!
[Jordanpulls aside the curtains at back and all the men reënter exceptWarden.They all join hands and dance around the tree, singing with the musicians; they break, and go up to a side table, where everything to drink is displayed.Wardenenters at this moment and motions toMasonand leads him down stage.
Warden. There was a railway guide in the hall—that's what he went there for; he'sgoing to run away to-night.
Mason. How'll we prevent it?
Warden. First, we must break up this party!
Mason. How?
Warden. I haven't quite thought yet. Go back to the others; send Jordan to me; don't lose sight of Dick. Jordan! [He takes him aside.] I want you to go out of this room for a minute, pretend to go upstairs, then come back and tell Mrs. Sterling, loud enough for the others to hear you, that Master Richard is very ill, and say the maid is frightened.
Jordan. [Hesitating.] But—
Warden. [Quickly and firmly.] Do as I tell you. I am responsible for whatever happens.
[Jordangoes out at back. The men and women are laughing and talking about the sideboard.
Blanche. Come now, everybody! Let's have the presents. Dick, you know you are to be Santa Claus.
[Sterlinglooks nervously at his watch.
Sterling. Just a minute, dear! Ned! [TakesWardento one side. The women move about the tree, hunting for their own names on the stockings on the table at the foot of the tree.] Ned, I've been suddenly called out of town on business—must catch the eleven-twenty train. I don't want to break up the party, so you empty the tree, and when the time comes for me to go, I'll slip out.
Warden. And when your guests go?
Sterling. Oh, then you can explain for me.
[Jordanenters at back.
Jordan. [ToBlanche.] Beg pardon, madam, but Master Richard is very ill.
Blanche. [Alarmed.] Richard!
Jordan. Yes, ma'am, and Droves is very frightened, ma'am.
Ruth. Richard ill?
[All give exclamations of surprise and regret and sympathy.
Blanche. My little boy ill? Excuse me, I must go to him.
[She hurries out at back.Ruthspeaks to the musicians, who stop playing.
Sterling. [Moved.] My boy ill—why, I can't—I can't—
Warden. "Can't" what?
Sterling. How can I go away?
Warden. Surely you won't let business take you away from your boy who may be dying.
Sterling. No! I won't go! I'll face it out! I can't leave my boy like this—
Ruth. [Coming toSterling.] I'm going to take these women away; tell Blanche not to give them a thought. Their evening up to now has been charming.
[DuringRuth'sspeech,Wardenhas spoken aside withMason.
Warden. [Aside toMason.] Don't let Miss Hunter go.
Ruth. [To the other guests.] Come to the drawing-room.
Mrs. Hunter. I was crazy to see what was in my stocking.
[All pass out talking, expressing conventional sympathy on account ofRichard,but evidently resenting the breaking up of the party.SterlingandWardenare left alone in the room.Sterlingmoves to go up to back;Wardeninterrupts him.
Warden. [ToSterling.] Where are you going?
Sterling. To my boy and my wife.
Warden. Wait a minute; I want to speak to you.
Sterling. Speak to me later; I can't wait now.
Blanche. [Off stage, at back, excitedly.] Jordan! [She enters, excited, half hysterical.] Jordan! Where is Jordan? It was a lie! What did he mean? Richard is sleeping sweetly. The maid knows nothing of being alarmed! Where is Jordan?
[She starts to go toward the door Right.
Warden. [Stops her.] Mrs. Sterling, he had nothing to do with it!Itold Jordan to say what he said.
[Blancheturns and looks atWardenin astonishment.
Sterling. [Stunned and at once suspicious.] What?
Blanche. But—
Warden. Forgive me for so cruelly alarming you; it was the only way I could think of for getting rid at once of your guests!
Sterling. [Angry.] You'll interfere once too often in the affairs of this house.
Blanche. [Indignant.] But what excuse can you make, Mr. Warden?
Warden. Will you be so good as to ask Miss Hunter and Mr. Mason to come here? They will explain what I have done, partly, and your husband will tell you the rest when you come back.
[Sterlingsneers aloud.
Blanche. I don't understand, I don't understand.
[She goes out at back.
Sterling. Well, Idounderstand, at least enough.
Warden. Good! That spares me a very disagreeable speech.
Sterling. No, it doesn't! Come out with it! What is it you want? What is it you've found out?
Warden. From betraying a trust, you've come, in less than two years, to an outright embezzlement.
Sterling. Speak out—give us facts!
Warden. You've stolen your aunt's fortune.
Sterling.Prove that!
Warden. It'sher moneythat's lost in the Hudson Electric Company!
Sterling. Prove it!
Warden. Easy enough, to-morrow.
Sterling. You've got to excuse your actionto-nightorbe kickedout of my house!
Warden. [Strong.] Isn't what I say the truth?
Sterling. [Equally strong.] No! And now get out!
Warden. [Looks at his watch.] I'll not leave this house till it's too late for you to take that eleven-twenty.
Sterling. [More ugly.] Yes, you will and mighty—
Warden.No, I'll not!
[He is interrupted by the entrance ofBlanche, Ruth,andMason.
Warden. [ToBlanche.] Ihopeyou forgive me now—
Blanche. [Pathetically.] You did right; I thank you.
Sterling. [Heartbroken.] Blanche—without hearing a word from me!
Blanche. No, I've come now to hear whatyouhave to say.
[A deep-toned clock strikes eleven.Sterling,at the second stroke, takes out his watch with a hurried movement.
Warden. [Quickly.] Eleven o'clock.
Sterling. I wish Warden to leave the room.
Blanche. [Firmly.] And I wish him to stay.
[A short pause.
Sterling. Well, of what am I accused?
Warden. Nobody wants to accuse you. We want you to make a clean breast of it.
Sterling. Don't you talk to me; let my wife do the talking if you want me to answer.
Blanche. Sit down, Aunt Ruth. [Ruthsits by the table,Wardenstands at back.Sterlingstands at Right andBlancheandMasonsit near the centre.] Aunt Ruth asks you to give her a true account of her trust in you. Mr. Mason is here as her friend and my father's.
Sterling. I haven't said I betrayed her trust. I told her she shouldhavethe bonds she wants to-morrow.
Blanche. Butwillshe? That's what I want to know. I ask you if you haven't her bonds, to tell us here now,—tellus, who have been and must be still the best friends, perhaps the only friends, you can have. Tell us where we all stand—are we the only ones to suffer or are there others who will perhaps be less generous in their treatment of you? Tell us now while there is time perhaps to save us from public scandal, from the disgrace which would stamp your wife as the wife of a thief, and send your boy out into the world the son of a convict cheat. [She breaks down, but in a moment controls herself. There is no answer.Sterlingsinks into a chair, his arms on the table, his head on his arms. A moment's silence.] Youloveme—I know that. I appeal to your love; let your love of me persuade you to do what I ask. I ask it for your sake and formine! Tell us here the truth now—it will spare me much to-morrow, perhaps—me whom you love—for love of me—
Sterling. [In an agony.] I'm afraid I'll lose you—
Blanche. No, I'll promise to stand by you if you'll only tellus allthe truth.
Sterling. [In a low, shamed voice.] I'll tellyou, but notnow—not before all these others.
[Blanchelooks up questioningly toMason.Masonshakes his head.
Blanche. Itmustbenow, Dick.
Sterling. No! no! I can't look you in the face and tell it! Let me tell it to youalone, later, in the dark.
[Blanchelooks up questioningly toMason.He shakes his head.
Blanche. It must be now.
Sterling. No, no, I'm too ashamed, I can't face you; in the dark I'll make a clean breast of it—let me tell you in the dark.
[Wardenmoves and puts his hand on the electric-light button beside the doorway at back.
Warden. In the DARK, then,tell it!
[He presses the button and all the lights go out. The stage is in complete darkness; only the voices are heard from the different places in which the actors are last seen.
Blanche. [Quickly.] Remember, to help you to help ourselves, we must know everything. Go on.
Sterling. It began fourteen months ago, after Ned Warden put me on my feet; I got a little ahead—why not get way ahead? There were plenty of men around me making their fortunes! I wanted to equal them—climb as high as they; it seemed easy enough for them, and luck had begun to come my way. We're all climbers of some sort in this world. I was a climber after wealth and everything it brings—
[He stops a moment.
Blanche. [Her voice comes throbbing with pathetic emotion through the darkness.] AndIafterhappinessand all it brings.
Sterling. [Deeply moved, his voice trembles for a moment, but only for a moment.] Don't, Blanche, or I can't finish. Well, I borrowed on some of Aunt Ruth's bonds and speculated—I made a hundred thousand in a week! I put back the bonds. But it had been so easy! I could see those bonds grinning at me through the iron side of the vault box. They seemed to smile and beckon, tobegme to take them out into the air again! They grew to be like living things to me, servants of mine to get me gold—and finally I determined to make one bigger coup than ever! I took Aunt Ruth's bonds out and all the money available in my trust, and put itallinto this new company! It seemed so safe. I stood to be a prince among the richest! And, for a day or so, I've known nothing short of a miracle could save me from being wanted by the police! To-night I gave up even the miracle. That's all. It's no use saying I'm sorry.
[A moment's pause.
Mason. Have others suffered besides Miss Hunter?
Sterling. There is some money of Aunt Ruth's left—stock I couldn't transfer. But I used the money of others—Miss Godesby and Ryder's.
Mason. Miss Ruth, a large part of your fortune is gone, used unlawfully by this man. Will you resort to the law?
Ruth. [Very quietly.] No!
Blanche. [In a voice broken with emotion and gratitude.] Aunt Ruth!
Mason. We can't hope Miss Godesby and Ryder will be as lenient! You must go to them in the morning—tell them everything, put yourself at their mercy, ask for time and their silence.
Sterling.Never!I couldn't do it.
Mason. It is the only honorable way out of your dishonorable action—the least you can do!
Sterling. Confess to their faces, and probably to no good? Eat the dust at their feet, and most likely be clapped into prison for it?No, thank you!
Blanche. SupposeIwent to them?
Sterling. You?
Ruth. No! Why shouldyou!
Sterling. Yes! Why not? They might keep silent forher!
Blanche. I would do it for my boy's sake. Yes,I'llgo.
Sterling.Yes!Yougo, Blanche.
Ruth. No, youshan'tgo—you shan't humiliate yourself in his place!
Mason. Certainly not; and if your husband is willing, we are not willing!Hemust go.
Blanche. But if hewon't?
Mason. Hemust!
Ruth. You must demand his going, Blanche, and I demand it, too, as something due to me.
Blanche. Very well. I demand it. Will you go?
[A moment's silence.
Warden. Why don't you speak? [He presses the electric button and all the lights come on.Sterlingis at the doorway at back, about to steal out. There is an exclamation aloud from all of surprise and disgust. The clock strikes the quarter;Wardencatches hold ofSterling'sarm.] What's your hurry, Dick? There goes the quarter hour; you could never catch the eleven-twenty.
Sterling. Damn you!
[FacingWardensquarely, as
THE CURTAIN FALLS QUICKLY
At "The Hermitage," on the Bronx River, the next afternoon. The house is on the Left, and on the Right and at the back are the green lattice arches. Snow lies thick everywhere, on the benches at the Right and on the little iron table beside it, on the swing between two trees at the Right, in the red boxes of dead shrubs, on the rocks and dried grass of a "rookery" in the centre, and on the branches of the trees.Claracomes out from the house, followed byTrotter.
Clara. Come on and let mama rest awhile—naturally she's excited and tired out, being married so suddenly and away from home. [She stops beside the swing, taking hold of its side rope with her hand.] It isn't every mother who can elope without her oldest child's consent and have her youngest daughter for a bridesmaid.
[Laughing.
Trotter. I hope Mrs. Sterling will forgive me. Perhaps she will when she sees how my money can help your mother and me to get right in with all the smarties!
Clara. Oh, don't you be too sure about your getting in; it isn't as easy as the papers say! But, anyway, that wouldn't make any difference to Blanche. She was never a climber like mama and me. I suppose that's why she is asked to all sorts of houses through Aunt Ruth that wouldn't let mama and me even leave our cards on the butler!
Trotter. I thought your mother could go anywhere she liked.
Clara. Oh, no, she couldn't! if she made you think that, it was only a jolly! Blanche is the only one of us who really went everywhere. Come along, "Poppa," give me a swing! I haven't had one for years!
[She sweeps off the snow from the seat of the swing with her hand.
Trotter. Your mother certainly did represent—
Clara. [Sitting in the swing.] Oh, well, now don't blame mama! She couldn't help herself; she always thought youdreadfully handsome! Swing me!
Trotter. I don't care, anyway. I'm deucedly proud of your mother,—I mean ofmy wife,—and I'd just as lief throw up the whole society business and go off and live happily by ourselves.
Clara. O dear! I think mama would find that awfully dull. Go on, swing me! [Trotterswings her.] Of course, you'll find mama a little different when you see her all the time. You really won't see much more of her, though, than you do now. She doesn't get up till noon, and has her masseuse for an hour every morning, her manicure and her mental science visitor every other day, and her face steamed three times a week! She has to lie down a lot, too, but you mustn't mind that; you must remember she isn't our age!
Trotter. [Swings her.] Shesuitsme!
Clara. That's just whatI feel! You'll take care of her, and me, too, all our lives, and that's what makes me so happy. I'm full of plans! We'll go abroad soon and stay two years. [He has stopped swinging her.] Go on, swing me!
Trotter. [Holding the swing still.] Say! if you think you are going to run me and the whole family, you're a Dodo bird! Remember that you're my daughter; you must wait a little if you want to be a mother-in-law.
[Sleigh-bells are heard in the distance, coming nearer.
Clara. Good gracious! If you askme, I think mama has got her hands full. What's become of Miss Godesby and her brother?
Trotter. When you went upstairs with your mother, they went down the road.
Clara. You know originally the idea wasIwas to marry you.
Trotter. Really—
Clara. [Laughingly.] Yes, and mama cut me out.
Trotter. Oh, well, it can't be helped; we can't marry everybody.
Clara. [Noticing the bells.]Somebody else arriving!That's queer—nobody comes here in the winter; that's why we chose it, because it would be quiet! Let's play this game.
[Going to an iron frog on a box which stands near the house.
Trotter. Perhaps it's Mrs. Sterling.
Clara. No; if she was coming at all, she'd have come in time for the wedding. [She takes up the disks which lie beside the frog.] I should hate to get married like you and mama—no splurge and no presents! Why, the presents'd be half the fun! And think of all those you and she've given in your life, and have lost now a good chance of getting back.
[Throws a disk into the frog's open mouth.
Trotter.I'llgive your mother all the presents she wants. I can afford it; I don't want anybody to give us anything!
Clara. You talk like Jess! [Throws another disk.] You know Jess earns her own living. She goes around to smart women's houses answering their invitations and letters for 'em. She calls it being a visiting secretary, but I tell her she's aco-respon-dent!
[Throws a disk.
[WardenandMasonenter from behind the house quickly, with a manner of suppressed excitement. They are surprised to findClaraandTrotter.
Warden. Why, here they are!
Mason. No, only Miss Clara and Trotter.
Warden. Lucky I met you—you must take me back in your sleigh.
Mason. Yes, the riding's beastly.
Trotter. Hello! I say, were you invited?
Clara. Merry Christmas!
Warden. We came to see the Godesbys.
Clara. They've gone down the road.
Mason. Sterling isn't here, is he?
Trotter. No, haven't seen him.
Clara. Do you knowwhywe're here?
[MasonandWardenare embarrassed.
Mason. Yes—er—er—a—many happy returns, Mr. Trotter.
Trotter. It's a great day for me, Mr. Mason!
Warden. Wish you joy, Trotter!
[Embarrassed and not going near him.Trotterrushes eagerly to him and grasps his hand warmly.
Trotter. Thank you, old man! I say!Thank you!
Mason. Miss Clara, would you do me the great favor of going down the road and hurrying the Godesbys back if you see them?
Clara. Yes, I don't mind; come along, Trotty!
Warden. You must excuse Trotter. I want a talk with him if he will give me five minutes.
Clara. Oh, certainly.
[She goes out Left behind the house.
Warden. [ToMason.] Will you see Mrs. Hunter?
Trotter. I beg your pardon, Mrs.Trotter!
Warden. [Politely.] I beg yours. [ToMason.] See Mrs. Trotter.
Mason. [Aside toWarden.] You're going to askhimto go on Dick's note for Ryder?
Warden. [In a low voice.] Yes.
Mason. You're a wonder! As ifhewould!
Warden.Somebody must, and there's nobody else. That boy and that mother have got to be saved!
Mason. I'm sorry my name's no good for us.
Warden. And mine mustn't be used.
Mason. No, indeed! The minute that was done, there'd be a new complication, and more trouble would tumble down on Mrs. Sterling's head. Good luck.
[Shakes his hand and enters the house.
Trotter. What's up?Youhaven't come to kick about my wedding, have you? I wouldn't stand for that, you know!
Warden. It's not that, Mr. Trotter. Your wife's son-in-law, Sterling, has turned out a blackguard; he has had intrusted to him Miss Ruth Hunter's money and several other people's, and he's used it all for speculation of his own.
Trotter. Then he's a damned thief!
[He sits on the bench with the manner that he has settled the subject.
Warden. So he is, and he's ruined.
Trotter. Well, prison is the place forhim.
Warden. We won't argue that, but how about his family—they get punished for what he has done; they must share his disgrace.
Trotter. Oh, well, my wife is out of all that now—she's Mrs. Trotter.
Warden. Yes, buther own daughtersuffers.
Trotter. [On the defensive.] She isn't very chummy with her classy eldest daughter.
Warden. Never mind that; you know without my telling you that Mrs. Sterling is a fine woman.
Trotter. She's always snubbed me right and left, but, by George, I must own she is a fine woman.
Warden. That's right! [Clapping him on the back and putting his arm around his shoulder.] Look here—help us save her!
Trotter. How?
Warden. Indorse a note of Sterling's to give Ryder to keep him quiet.
Trotter. I'd have to ask my wife.
Warden. No! Don't start off like that! Keep the reins in your own hands at the very beginning,—make her realize from this very day that you're raised up on the cushion beside her; that she's sitting lower down admiring the scenery, while you do the driving through life!
Trotter. [Half laughing.] Ha! I guess you're right. Box seat and reins are good enough for me!
Warden. Good boy! Then we can count on you to sign this note?
Trotter. Where'smysecurity?
Warden. I can get you security if you want it.
Trotter. Of course I want it! And I say, where areyou? Why aren'tyouin it?
Warden. There are reasons why my name had better not appear; you are in the family. But I'll tell you what I'll do, Trotter; I'll secureyouwith a note of my own—only you must keep it dark; you mustn't even let Mason know.
Trotter. All right, perhaps I'm a Dodo bird, but I'll do it. Say, I seem to have married a good many of this classy family!
Warden. Trotter, no one's done you justice! And, by George! you deserve a better fate—er—I mean—my best wishes on your wedding day.
[Trottershakes his hand delightedly.
Trotter. Great day for me! What I wanted was style and position, and some one classy who would know how to spend my money for me!
Warden. Well, you've gotthat, surely!
[Claracomes back from the house.
Clara. The Godesbys are coming. Trotter, there's skating on the river near here, and they've skates in the house—don't you want a spin?
Trotter. Yes, I don't mind—if my wife doesn't need me! [Claralaughs asGodesbyandMiss Godesbyenter from behind the house.Trottermeets them, withClaraon his arm.] Excuse us for a little while!
Clara.Poppaand I're going skating!
[They go out Left.
Godesby. Hello, Warden.
Warden. Good morning, Miss Godesby.
Miss Godesby. Good morning.
Warden. How are you, Godesby? I've come on a matter most serious, most urgent—something very painful.
Godesby. What is it?
[Comes forward.
Warden. Both of you trusted Dick Sterling.
Miss Godesby. What's he done?
Warden. Misused your funds.
Godesby. How d'you mean?
Warden. I mean that the money you intrusted to him is gone, and I've come to make a proposition to you.
Miss Godesby. Gone?
[GodesbyandMiss Godesbyare aghast. A second's silence, during whichGodesbyandMiss Godesbylook at each other, then back atWarden.
Godesby. Do you mean to say—
Warden. The money isgone, every penny of it, and I want you to accept a note from Sterling to cover the amount.
Miss Godesby. I can'tgraspit!
Godesby. Where is Sterling? Why didn'thecome?
Warden. He was ashamed.
Godesby. I should hope so!
Warden. Several of us are going to stick by him; we'll manage to put him on his feet again, and we want you to accept his note.
Godesby. [Incredulous.] Accept his note?
Miss Godesby. [Also incredulous.] Onwhat security?
Godesby. [Quickly.] You'll do nothing of the sort, Julia!
Miss Godesby. I'll see him where he belongs, in State's Prison, first!
Warden. That wouldn't bring you back your money.
Miss Godesby. Neither will his note!
Warden. If I get it indorsed?
Godesby. Likely!
Miss Godesby. Rather!
Warden. I want your silence to keep it from the public for the family's sake. I've secured a satisfactory indorser for a note to satisfy Ryder's claim.
Miss Godesby. Why didn't you give him tomeinstead of Ryder?
Warden. I felt you would be willing, out of friendship—
[There are sleigh-bells in the distance, coming nearer.
Miss Godesby. Huh! you must take me for an idiot!
Warden. Out of friendship for his wife.
Miss Godesby. Blanche Sterling! I never could bear her! She's always treated me like the dirt under her feet!
Warden. You dined with her last night.
Miss Godesby. That was to please her mother. No, if my money's gone, Sterling's got to suffer, and the one slight consolation I shall have will be that Blanche Sterling will have to come off her high horse.
[The sleigh-bells stop.
Godesby. [ToMiss Godesby.] Ten to one if you agree to sign this note—
Warden. And keep silent.
Miss Godesby. [Satirically.] Oh, yes, of course, the next morning when I wake up Sterling will be gone! Nobody knows where!
Warden. I've had it out with Sterling! I am here as his representative. I give you my word of honor Sterling will not run away. It is under such an understanding with him that I am pleading his case in his stead. He will stay here and work till he has paid you back, every cent.
[Jessicaenters hurriedly from the house.
Jessica. [In great excitement.] Mr. Warden, Mr. Warden, Dick has gone!
Warden.Sterling? Gone?
Miss Godesby.Gone?
Godesby. That'sgood!
Warden. Don't be a fool, Godesby. How do you mean "gone," Miss Hunter?
Jessica. I don't altogether know. While I was out this morning, Blanche received a message from mother saying she'd been—
[She hesitates, looking towardGodesbyandMiss Godesby.
Warden. They know. They're your mother's guests here.
Jessica. She told Blanche they would be glad to have her here at one o'clock for breakfast. Blanche ordered the sleigh at once and went away, leaving word for me I was to open any message which might come for her.
Warden. [ToGodesby.] Has she been here?
Godesby. Not that I know of.
Miss Godesby. [Eager to hear more.] No, no!
Jessica. No, they say not. She probably went first to Aunt Ruth's. Before I got back, Dick, who'd been out—
Warden. He was at my house.
Jessica. Yes. He came back, questioned Jordan as to where Blanche was, went upstairs, and then went away again, leaving a note for Blanche, which I found when I came home—
Warden. [Eagerly.] Yes?
Jessica. It simply said, "Good-by. Dick."
Miss Godesby. [Very angry.] Oh!
Godesby. [Quickly.] He's taken a train! He's cleared out!
Warden. Do you know if he took a bag or anything with him?
Jessica. No, he took nothing of that sort. Jordan went into his room and found a drawer open and empty, a drawer in which Dick kept—apistol!—
[She drops her voice almost to a whisper.
Warden. Good God, he's shot himself!
Jessica. Perhaps not—he left the house.
Warden. Yes, if he were really determined to shoot himself, why wouldn't he have done it there in his own room?
Jessica. What can we do? What can we do?
Warden. I'll get Mr. Mason; he's with your mother; he must go back to town at once.
[Going to the house.
Jessica. He can go with me; I'd better be at the house. Some one must be there.
Warden. Good!
[He goes into the house.
[Miss Godesbyand her brother ignore and apparently forget the presence ofJessicain their excitement. They both speak and move excitedly.