Miss Godesby. I ought to have suspected something when Sterling told me he was getting ten per cent for my money,—the blackguard!
Godesby. I always told you you were a fool not to take care of your money yourself! You know more about business than most men.
Miss Godesby. I didn't want to be bothered; besides, there was always something very attractive about Sterling. I don't mind telling you that if he had fallen in love with me instead of the stiff-necked woman he married, I'd have tumbled over myself to get him.
Godesby. How do you feel about him now?
Miss Godesby. Now! Thank God, I'm saved such a waking up! It's going to make a big difference with my income, Howard! I wonder if his wife knew he was crooked! I'll bet you she's got a pot of money stowed away all right in her own name.
Jessica. [Who can bear no more, interrupts.]
Please—please! Remember that you're speaking of my sister and that every word you are saying cuts through me like a knife.
Miss Godesby. I beg your pardon; I ought to have thought. I like and respect you, Jess, and I've been very rude.
Jessica. You've been more than that; you've been cruelly unjust to Blanche in all that you've said!
Miss Godesby. Perhaps I have, but I don't feel in a very generous mood; I've some excuse—so please forgive me.
[Wardenreënters Left.
Warden. [ToJessica.] Mason is waiting for you with the sleigh. He's going first to my house. Dick may have gone back there to hear the result of my interview with Ryder,—then Mason'll try his own house and Sterling's club.
Godesby. Thepoliceare the best men to find Sterling, whatever's happened.
Warden. [ToGodesby.] You wait a minute with me; I haven't finished with you yet. [ToJessica.] I'll stay here for your sister, in case she comes.
[Jessicagoes out Left.
Godesby. [ToMiss Godesby.] Don't you give in!
Miss Godesby. Not for a minute! [ToWarden.] Don't you think, under the circumstances, the wedding breakfast had better be called off, and my brother and I go back to town?
Warden. Not till you've given me your promise, both of you, that you will keep silent about the embezzlement of your bonds for the sake of Mrs. Sterling and her son.
Miss Godesby. [Half laughs.] Huh!
Warden. For the sake of her mother, who is your friend.
[Sleigh-bells start up loud and die off quickly;Jessicahas gone.
Miss Godesby. Oh, come, you know what sort of friends we are,—for the amusement we can get out of each other. This is the case,—I trusted this man with my affairs. He was very attractive—I don't deny that; business with Dick Sterling became more or less of a pleasure—but that doesn't cut any ice with me; he's stolen my money. To put it plainly, he's a common thief, and he ought to be punished; why should he go scot free and a lot of others not? You know perfectly well his note wouldn't be worth the paper it was written on; and, anyway, if he hasn't gone and sneaked out of the world, I won't lift my little finger to keep him from the punishment he deserves!
Godesby. Good for you, Julia!
Warden. Don't you put your oar in, Godesby; just let this matter rest between your sister and me! She's always been known as the best man in your family.
Godesby. You don't choose a very conciliatory way of bringing us around!
Warden. I'm not choosing any way at all; I'm striking right out from the shoulder. There isn't time for beating round the bush! I'm pleading for the good name and honorable position of a perfectly innocent, a fine, woman, and for the reputation and unimpeded career of her son! And I make that appeal as man to man and woman!
Miss Godesby. I have nothing to do with any one in this matter but Sterling himself, who has robbed me, and I'll gladly see him suffer for it!
Warden. Now look here, Miss Godesby, you belong to a pretty tough crowd in society, but I know at heart you're not a bad sort! What good will it do you? Granted even that you don't care for Mrs. Sterling, still don't tell me you're the kind of woman to take a cruel pleasure in seeing another woman suffer! I wouldn't believe it! You're not one of those catty creatures! You're a clever woman, and I don't doubt you can be a pretty hard one, too, at times; but you'rejust—that's the point now—you'rejust—
Miss Godesby. [Interrupting.] Exactly! I'm just, an eye for an eye! Sterling is a thief, let him get the deserts of one!
[She sits on the bench determinedly.
Warden. But you can't look at only one side! You can't shut your eyes to his wife's suffering, too, and she doesn't deserve it! Neither does her boy deserve to share his disgrace. [He sits beside her.] Why, you have it in your power to handicap that boy through his whole life by publishing his father a criminal; or you can give that boy a fair show to prove himself more hismother's sonthan his father's, and to live an honest—who knows—perhaps a noble life!
Miss Godesby. I refuse to accept such a responsibility. Ryder—
Warden. [Rises, interrupting her.] Ryder's word is given to be silent.
Miss Godesby. Well, that'shislookout.
Warden. You'll have many a heart wrench, I'll bet you! You'll have to run across the results of the harm you do to Mrs. Sterling and Richard day in and day out, year after year! I don't believe you realize what it means! Why, I knowyoucan't bear to see adogsuffer! I met you last week on the street carrying a mangy, crippled brute of a little dog in your arms, afraid lest he'd get into the hands of the vivisectionists, and yet here you'll let a boy and his mother—
Miss Godesby. [Interrupts him, struggling against a tiny emotion which he has stirred.] Stop Stop! I don't want you working on my feelings that way.
[She rises and turns from him
Warden. [Follows her.] I'm only knocking at the door of your heart. And now because it's opened just a tiny way, you want to shut it in my face again. Will you leave this woman's name fit for her to use?Won'tyou make that boy's life worth living to him?
Miss Godesby. [After a moment's pause, looks straight intoWarden'sface.] I'll tell you what I'll do. Get me some security, some sort of indorsement of Sterling's note—
Warden. If the man's only alive!
Miss Godesby. And I'll hold my tongue.
Warden. How long will you give me?
Miss Godesby. Oh, come, I can't have any monkey business! You must get me my security to-day.
Warden. To-day?
Miss Godesby. Yes.
Warden. But—
Miss Godesby. That's my last word.
Godesby. Stick to that, Julia!
Warden. I shan't try to persuade her against that. Will you leave your sister alone with me a moment. Perhaps you'll see about your sleigh being ready to return to town.
Godesby. I've no objection—if Julia wishes it.
Miss Godesby. Yes, go on, Howard!
[Godesbygoes out back of house.
Warden. [Left alone withMiss Godesby,goes nearer to her.] Look, here! Will you acceptmyindorsement? WillIbe all right?
Miss Godesby. [Incredulously.] Certainly.
Warden. Then it's settled?
Miss Godesby. You don't mean it!
Warden. I do.
Miss Godesby. You'd be willing to lose—[A revelation comes to her.] Oh—forMrs. Sterling! I see!
Warden. [Very seriously.] Iwouldn't. I wouldn't see.
Miss Godesby. And she's always been blackguarding me for my affairs with men! And all the time—
Warden. [Interrupts strongly.] Don't say any more, please,Miss Godesby! I only wish your brother had said that much instead of you.
Miss Godesby. [Disagreeably.] So you're in love with Blanche Sterling?
Warden. No!
Miss Godesby. Oh, come, don't tell a lie about it; that will only make it seem worse.
Warden. Well, suppose I were in love with her—what of it?
Miss Godesby. Nothing; only, my dear Warden, that woman—
Warden. [Interrupts.] Wait a minute! You've got me in a corner, but knowing half the truth, you mustn'tguessthe whole. She is even more ignorant of my love for her than you were ten minutes ago! [Miss Godesbysmiles and makes a little satirical exclamation.] You don't believe that, but I'llmakeyou. I'm going to tellyousomething I've never even told myself. I'm going to put you to a big test, because I've got to. Apparently, I can't help myself; but after all, somehow I believe in the human nature in you, and you've got it in your power to help or hurt the woman I love—I say those words aloud for the first time—the woman I love!
[He has finished his speech in a lowered tone throbbing with controlled feeling.
Miss Godesby.[Incredulously.] You've never told her?
Warden.Never; and you show how little you really know her when you ask that question! She loves her husband.
Miss Godesby.I'm not so sure about that!
Warden.I am, and Ilove her. But surely the silent love of a man, like mine, is no insult to a good woman—cannot harm her! A love that is never spoken, not even whispered, can't hurt any one, except, perhaps, the one who loves. You must acknowledge evenyouhave never heard a hint; youshowedjust now your real surprise at what circumstances revealed to you! I'd die sooner than bring the slightest shadow of a scandal on her, and I've hugged my secret tight. Have you any idea what such a love means? How it grows and grows, its strength shut in, held back, doubling and redoubling its powers!—its ideality increasing, the passionsuppressed, locked up! Good God! I tremble sometimes when I think—suppose some day it should burst out,breakmy control,master me! [A pause.] And here, now, I've toldyou; I'm sorry, but I had to forhersake again. Will you help me keep my secret?
Miss Godesby.[After a second's pause.] Yes, because I believe you.
Warden.And Mrs. Sterling?
Miss Godesby.[Slowly, with sincere meaning.] I envy her!
[Her voice breaks and she turns away from him.
Warden.No one is to know I indorse Sterling's note?
Miss Godesby.You needn't sign the note; my brother'd have to see it. I'll take your word for the indorsement.
[She offers him her hand. They shake hands.
Warden. What a brick you are! You know you don't do yourself anything like justice in the world!
[Godesbyreënters Left and after him aMan Servantin ordinary clothes, who passes through the archway at back Centre.
Godesby. Ready!
Warden. [Aside to her.] You can promise his silence about Sterling?
Miss Godesby. Oh, yes, he's absolutely dependent upon me.
Warden. Thank you.
Miss Godesby. [ToNedwith a forced gaiety.] Good-by!
Warden. [Again shaking her hand] Good-by.
[He looks his thanks at her.
Godesby. Well? What did you do?
Miss Godesby. [As they go.] Don't worry; I've taken care of myself for many years, and I still feel up to it!
[They go out Left and at the same time theServantenters from the archway at back Centre carrying some fire logs in his arms. ThisServantspeaks with a slight French accent. As he reaches the house,Wardenstops him with a question, and theGodesbys'sleigh-bells start up and quickly die away. The sun begins to set.
WardenHave you an empty sitting room?
Servant. Yes, sair.
WardenWarm?
Servant. I will soon arrange a fire.
WardenI wish you would, please.
Servant. Ze big room for ze breakfast is altogether ready and warm; you will be able to go in there now.
Warden. No, that wouldn't do. It's all right out here forme, only I am expecting a lady.
[Sleigh-bells are heard in the distance, coming quickly nearer.
Servant. Yes, sair.
Warden. I hear a sleigh coming. If a lady is in it, ask if her name is Mrs. Sterling, and if she says yes, tell her Mr. Warden is here and would like to speak with her a moment before she goes in to Mrs.—
[He hesitates a second.
Servant. Trottair?
Warden. Yes.
Servant. Yes, sair.
[He goes into the house.
[The sun grows red, and the colors of sunset creep over the sky during the scene which follows. After a moment theServantshowsBlancheout from the house.
Blanche. [Surprised and depressed.] Good morning, Mr. Warden, have you been asked to these funeral baked meats?
Warden. No, I'll explain why I am here in a few minutes. Only let me ask you first when you last saw your husband?
Blanche. Early this morning.
Warden. And you have come just now from where?
Blanche. Aunt Ruth's. Of course you know about my mother? When I heard it I started to come here, but my heart failed me and I turned back to my aunt's. She has persuaded me that I ought to come and put the best face on the matter possible, but it seems as if I'd had now a little more than Icanbear!
[Her voice breaks and her eyes fill with tears.
Warden. [Almost tenderly.] Shall we go inside?
Blanche. No, no! Let us stay out in the air; my head would burst in one of these close little rooms. Have you seen mother?
Warden. No, not yet.
Blanche. Where is Dick? Did he go to Ryder's?
Warden. No, but I have some good news to tell you all the same—Ryder has promised silence.
Blanche. [With tremendous relief.] Oh! that's too good, too good to be true! To whom did he promise?
Warden. I want you not to ask me that.
Blanche. I can guess, it was—
Warden. [Lying.] No, it was—Mason.
Blanche. [Doubting him.] Mr. Mason?
Warden. And I've more good news for you, Mrs. Sterling—theGodesbys, too;theywill be silent.
Blanche. You're sure?
Warden. We have their word!
Blanche. [Pointedly.] Mr. Mason again?—
[Wardenbows his head in assent.] He washere?
Warden. Some time ago, but only for a minute. He didn't stay; he went to find your husband.
Blanche. But theGodesbys? I just met them now on the road going back. How could Mr. Mason, if he didn't stay—[Wardenis embarrassed, and is silent, searching a way out of it.] Oh, no! no! it wasn't Mr. Mason! I see the whole thing clearly. Dick was too great a coward, andyoudid it! It wasyouwho won over Ryder! It wasyouwho persuaded the Godesbys!—
[Wardenshakes his head and makes a movement to deny it.Blanchecontinues speaking, the words rushing to her lips, as her pent-up heart opens and lets all her emotions suddenly free.] Don't try to deny it; you can't make me believe you! It's toyouI owe whatever promise the future has for me! It isyouwho have given me all the happiness I've had for years. It isyouwho have watched over, taken care of, me—you, the best friend any woman in this world ever had. It isyounow who have saved my boy's honor. It isyouwho lift the weight off my shoulders, the weight off my heart! You!—you!—you!
[She sinks sobbing on the bench. It begins to snow very quietly and slowly.
Warden. [All his love bursting out into his face and into his voice, cries.] Blanche! Blanche!
[Leaning over her as if to protect her from her trouble and take her to his breast.
Blanche. [Rising and looking straight into his eyes with a suddenly revealed great love in her own.] Ned!—
[They hold this position some moments, gazing into each other's eyes; then finallyWardenmakes a movement towards her, crying out more triumphantly, having read and realized her love for him.
Warden. Blanche!
Blanche. [Moving a half step back from him.] No—
Warden. No?
Blanche. Look—look, it's beginning to snow!
Warden. [Very softly.] What do you mean?
Blanche. [Desperately.] I mean to speak of anything except what is in your thoughts at this moment! Help me not to forget that no matter what he has done, Dick is still my husband.
Warden. You don't know all he has done!
Blanche. How not "all"? What else? Where is he?
[With a sudden new alarm.
Warden. He has left you.
Blanche. [Echoes.] Left me?—
Warden. Mason is searching for him. He left a note at your house which Jess read; it was only one word "Good-by."
Blanche. [Echoes again.] Good-by! [Sleigh-bells are heard in the distance, coming quickly nearer.] What does it mean? You're hiding something from me! Tell me what else you know?
Warden. He left the house, but took something with him—something from a drawer in his room.
Blanche. [After a second's pause she whispers.] His pistol?
Warden. Yes.
Blanche. [Aghast, still whispers.] Has he done it?
Warden. I don't know; I'm waiting word from Mason.
[The sleigh-bells stop.
Blanche. [Excited.] But we can't wait here doing nothing; we must go, too!
Warden. Mason is doing all that can be done; we'd better wait here.
[He takes her hand in sympathy, but without suggesting the passion of a few moments before.Sterlingenters hurriedly Left. He is wild with drink and jealousy.
Sterling. Drop my wife's hand!
[They turn in great surprise.
Blanche. Dick!
[Fright at his appearance is mingled with her surprise.
Warden. [At the same time asBlanche.] Sterling!
[They do not drop hands.
Sterling. [Coming nearer, very strong.] Drop my wife's hand! [They do so quickly, not understanding yet.] So I'vecaughtyou!
Warden. [Angry.] Caught us!
Sterling. Yes, I had my suspicions roused some time ago!
Blanche. Of what?
Sterling.Icould go to the devil—what didyou twocare! I could go to State's Prison! All the better—out of your way!
Warden. You're speaking like a madman!
Sterling. I went back to my house this morning; my wife was gone—no message left where to! But I questioned the servant. She'd driven here! Why? Ha! [A bitter half laugh; he turns toBlanche.]You've come here once too often!
Warden. [Very strong.] Sterling!
Sterling. [ToWarden,but ignoring his exclamation.] Then I went toyourhouse.They knewwhereyou'dgone! You ought to train your servants better!Both here!
Warden. If you're not careful, I'll ram your insinuations down your throat.
Sterling. [Jeers.] "Insinuations?" I've caught you! I make no "insinuations." I tell youboth you're caught!You're my wife's lover, and she's your damned mis—
[Interrupted.
Warden. [SeizingSterlingby the throat.] Don't you finish!
Blanche. Sh!—for Heaven's sake! [ToWarden.] Let him alone; I'm not afraid of what he says.
[WardenleavesSterling.
Sterling. No, you never were a liar, I'll give you credit for that,—so confess the truth—you're his—
[Interrupted.
Blanche. [Excited beyond her control.] Listen! And you shall have the truth if you want it! These years that he's been befriending me I never dreamed of loving him nor thought of his loving me. [Dicksneers.]Wait!No, not even the day my father was buried, when I learned outright you weredishonest!
Sterling. [Surprised.] What do you mean?
Blanche. What I say—I learned it then from a paper of my father's. I shouldn't have kept my knowledge to myself—I see that now; but I did, for your sake, not for love of you—the love went for good that day. But here, a moment ago, I realized for the first time that my old frienddidlove me, love me with an ideal devotion the noblest woman in the world might be proud of! I didn't tell him then I loved him, but now I take this chance, Itake itGladlybefore you!—forced by you!I tell him now, what perhaps he has already guessed, I love him with all my heart—Ilove him!I love him!
Sterling. Damn you both! then it's theendofme!
[He pulls out a pistol and tries to put it to his temple.
Blanche. [Cries out.] Ned!
Warden. [SeizesSterling,catches his arm, and wrenches the pistol from him.] So that's what you planned to do, is it—make a wretched scene like that?
[It begins to snow more heavily.
Sterling.[In utter collapse and shame.] Why did you stop me? I'm better out of the world. I'm crazy with shame. First I disgraced and now I've insulted—degraded—the only living thing I care for,—that's my wife.
[A moment's pause.
Blanche.[Speaks quietly.] Come back to the house. Mr. Mason is looking for you; he has something to tell you.
Sterling.I know—more bad news.
Blanche.No, good.
Sterling.[Echoes.] Good! [Starting to go, he turns at the porch.] I wantyouto know thatIknow I'm a rotten beast.
[He goes out Left.
Warden.You're going backhome?
Blanche."Home!" [With a faint smile.] I should hardly call it that.
Warden.[Aside to her.] You're not afraid?
Blanche.[Half smiling.] Oh, no! And my boy's there.
[The thick falling snow almost hides them, but they are unconscious of it.
Warden.What's to be done?
Blanche.Wait; we'll see—we'll see—let it be something we could never regret. Good-by, Ned.
[Giving him her hand.
Warden.Good-by, Blanche.
[Kissing her hand very tenderly and almost with a certain kind of awe, as
THE CURTAIN SLOWLY FALLS
The following morning; at theSterlings';the library; a warm, livable, and lovable room, full of pictures, photographs, and books; mistletoe and holly decorate everywhere. In the bow-window at back there is a large bird-cage with half a dozen birds in it. The furniture is comfortable and heavily upholstered. At Left there is a fireplace with logs ready, but the fire is not lit. There a big table near the centre, full of magazines, illustrated papers, and books. A big arm-chair is beside the table, and other chairs conversationally close. There is a table near the door at Right, piled with Christmas gifts, still wrapped in white paper; they are tied with many colored ribbons and bunches of holly. There are doors Right and Left. After the curtain rises on an empty stage,Ruthenters quickly; while she has her buoyant manner, she is, of course, more serious than usual. She carries a bunch of fresh violets in her hand. She looks about the room with a sort of curiosity. She is waiting for some one to appear. She takes up a silver-framed photograph of her brother which stands on a table and speaks aloud to it.
Ruth.I'm glad you're spared this. [With a long-drawn breath she places the photograph back upon the table and turns to greetBlanche,who comes in Right.] Good morning, my dear.
[She kisses her.
Blanche.Good morning. You've had my note? [Ruthnods.] Thank you. I wanted to see you before I saw any one else. You must help me decide, onlyyoucan.
Ruth.Have you seen your husband this morning?
Blanche.No. He sent word he was feeling ill, but would like to see me when I was willing.
Ruth.And you?
[They sit near each other.
Blanche.I don't want to talk with him till I see more clearly what I am going to do.
Ruth.Mr. Warden told me last night all that happened at "The Hermitage." But on your ride home with Dick?
Blanche.We never spoke. [She rises.] Aunt Ruth, I am going to leave him.
Ruth.[Rising.] No!
Blanche.[Walking up and down.] Why not?Everybodydoes.
Ruth.[Going to her.] That's just it.Be somebody!Don't do the easy, weak thing. Be strong; be an example to other women. Heaven knows it's time they had one!
[Mrs. Hunterenters Right.Blanchemeets her.
Mrs. Hunter.Good morning, my poor dear.
[Going to kissBlanche.
Blanche.[TakingMrs. Hunter'shand and not kissing her.] Good morning.
Mrs. Hunter.Clara's gone upstairs to see little Richard. Good morning, Ruth.
[She adds this with a manner of being on the defensive.
Ruth.[Dryly.] Good morning.
Mrs. Hunter.[Sitting by the table and looking at the picture papers.] Isn't it awful! What are you going to do?
Blanche.I don't know yet, mother.
Mrs. Hunter.Don't know?Absolute divorce—no legal separation! [ToRuth.] We're staying at the Waldorf.
[Blanchesits discouragedly on the sofa.
Ruth.[Sitting beside her.] I shall advise against, and do everything in my power to prevent, Blanche's getting a divorce!
Mrs. Hunter.You don't mean to say you'll carry those ridiculous notions of yours into practice?—now that a scandal has come into our very family?
Ruth.Oh, I know selfish, cynical, and worldly people won't agree with me, and I pity and sympathize with Blanche from the bottom of my heart. [Taking and holdingBlanche'shand.] But I want her not to decide anything now; wait till the first blows over, and then—well, then I feel sure she will do the strong, noble thing—the difficult thing—not the easy.
Blanche.[Withdraws her hand fromRuth's.]No, you ask too much of me, Aunt Ruth; I can't do it.
Ruth.I say don't decide now—wait.
Blanche.I don't want to wait. I want to decide now and to cut my life free, entirely, from Dick's.
Ruth.You used to agree with me. I've heard you decry these snapshot, rapid-transit, tunnel divorces many a time. I've heard you say when a woman has made her bed, she must lie in it—make the best of her bad bargain.
Blanche.I always sympathized with a woman who sought a divorce in this state.
Ruth.Oh, yes, butyou can't, can you?
Blanche.No, but I'm not strong enough to fight out an unhappy life for the sake of setting an example to other women—women whodon't wantthe example set!
Ruth.Blanche, I counted on you to be strong, to be big—
Blanche.[With a voice full of emotion.] But I love Ned Warden. He loves me—life stretches out long before us. Dick has disgraced us all. I don't love him—should I givemyhappiness and Mr. Warden's happiness forhim?
Mrs. Hunter.Absurd! We all have a right to happiness if we can get it. I have chosen; let Blanche follow my example.
Blanche.[Disgusted.]Yours?[Rises.] Oh!
Ruth.[Following up the advantage.] Yes, Blanche, do you want to follow your mother's example?
Blanche.No! But the cases are not analogous!
Mrs. Hunter.Not what? You needn't fling any innuendoes at Mr. Trotter; it's he who said it was my duty to stand by you, advise you, and all that sort of thing. I'm not here to please myself! Goodness knows, a divorce court isn't a very pleasant place to spend your honeymoon!
Blanche.Thank both you and Mr. Trotter, mother; but I ask you to allow Aunt Ruth and me to decide this matter between us.
Mrs. Hunter.Trotter saysdivorcewasmadefor woman!
Ruth.And what was made for man, please? Polygamy?
Mrs. Hunter.I don't know anything about politics! But I could count a dozen women in a breath, all divorced, or trying to be, oroughtto be!
Ruth.And each one of them getting a cold shoulder.
Blanche.What of it if their hearts are warm—poor climbers after happiness!
Ruth.Believe me, dear, the chill spreads. You're going to be selfish?
Mrs. Hunter.She's going to be sensible.
[Claraenters Right.
Clara.Hello, everybody! I just saw Dick coming out of his room and I cut him dead.
Blanche.Clara!
Ruth.[ToBlanche.] You've taken a certain responsibility upon yourself, and you can't shirk it.
Blanche.He isn't what I thought him!
Ruth.The day the sun shone on you as a bride, in God's presence, you said you took him for better for worse—
Clara.Dear me, is that in it? The marriage service ought to be expurgated!
Ruth.[ToClara.] I'm ashamed of you.
Clara.That's nothing new!
Blanche.Aunt Ruth, let us talk some other time.
Mrs. Hunter.Oh, if we are in the way, we'll go!
[Rises.
Clara.Yes, come on, let's go to Atlantic City.
Mrs. Hunter.No, I'd rather go to Lakewood.
Clara.Oh, pshaw, Lakewood's no fun! I'm surprised you don't say go to Aiken, North Carolina.
Mrs. Hunter.Mr. Trotter says we can't leave town anyway while Blanche is in this trouble.
Blanche.Mother, please discuss your affairs somewhere else.
Ruth.And if I may be permitted to suggest, you will find Mr. Trotter's advice always pretty good to follow. That young man has better qualities than we have suspected. I have some thing to thank him for; will you be good enough to ask him to come and see me?
Mrs. Hunter.He will not go to your house with my permission. I shall tell him you have never asked me inside your door.
Clara.Mother, if you askme—[Mrs. Hunterinterjects"Which I don't,"butClaracontinues without paying any attention to the interruption.]—I don't think Mr. Trotter is going to cry himself to sleep for your permission about anything!
Mrs. Hunter.[ToBlanche.] Good-by, my dear; if you want me, let me know; I'll be glad to do anything I can. I'm staying at the Waldorf.
Clara.It's full of people from Kansas and Wyoming Territory come to hear the Opera!
Ruth.A little western blood wouldn't hurt our New York life a bit!
Clara.Ah! Got you there! The west is the place where the divorces come from!
Mrs. Hunter.[Laughs.] What's the matter with Providence? I think Rhode Island tips the scales pretty even for the east!
Blanche.Please go, mother; please leave me for a little while.
Mrs. Hunter.Oh, very well, good-by! [Leonardenters Right with a Christmas parcel, which he places on the table Right.] Dear me, have you had all these Christmas presents and not opened them?
Blanche.It is only little Richard in this house who is celebrating Christmas to-day.
Mrs. Hunter.It's a terrible affair; I only hope the newspapers won't get hold of it. [ToLeonard.] If any women come here asking formewho look like ladies, don't let 'em in! They ain't my friends; they're reporters.
[Leonardbows and goes out.
Clara.I'm awfully sorry, Blanche, I honestly am; but I think you'll have only yourself to blame if you don't strike out now and throw Dick over. Good-by!
[Mrs. HunterandClarago out Right.
Blanche.I wishtheywouldn't advise me to do what Iwantto.
Ruth.Ah!
Blanche.But who do I harm by it? Surely, it wouldn't be forhisgood to be brought up under the influence of his father!
Ruth.If he saw you patiently bearing a cross for the sake of duty, can you imagine a stronger force for good on the boy's character? What an exampleyouwill set him! What a chance for a mother!
Blanche.But my own life, my own happiness?
Ruth.Ah, my dear, that's just it! The watchword of our age is self! We are all for ourselves; the twentieth century is to be a glorification of selfishness, the Era of Egotism! Forget yourself, and what would you do? The dignified thing. You would live quietlybesideyour husband if notwithhim. And your son would be worthy of such a mother!
Blanche.And I?
Ruth.You would begladin the end.
Blanche.Perhaps—
Ruth. Surely! Blanche, for twenty years Mr. Mason and I have loved each other.
[Blancheis astonished. There is a pause.
[Ruthsmiles while she speaks, though her voice breaks.]
You never guessed! Ah, well, your father knew.
Blanche.But Mrs. Mason is hopelessly insane; surely—
Ruth.A principle is a principle; I took my stand against divorce. What can you do for a principle if you don't give up everything for it? Nothing! And that is what I mean. To-day I am not sorry—I am happy.
[There is another slight pause.Richardis heard upstairs singing a Christmas carol, "Once in Royal David's City," etc.
Blanche.[With great emotion.] But if it breaks my heart—if it breaks my heart?
Ruth.Hearts don't break from the pain that comes of doing right, but from the sorrow of doing wrong! [Neither woman speaks for a minute; in the silenceRuthhearsRichard.] What's that?
Blanche.[Hearing now for the first time.] Richard singing one of his carols.
Ruth.I'd forgotten itwasChristmas.
[Leonardenters Left.
Leonard.Doctor Steinhart is here to see Mr. Sterling. Where shall I show him, madame?
Blanche.Here; we'll go—
[Rising.
Leonard.Yes, madame.
[He goes out.
Rut.Well? What are you going to do?
Blanche.I'mthinking—
Ruth.May I come with you, or shall I—
Blanche.No, come.
[The two women start to leave the room together Right, with their arms around each other. They meetSterling,who enters; he starts, they stop.
Sterling.I beg your pardon, I didn't know you were here.
Blanche.We are going to my room; I am sorry you are not well.
Sterling.Oh, it's nothing, thank you.
Ruth.If we can do anything, let us know.
Sterling.[Overwhelmed with shame, bows his head.] Thank you.
[The women go out Right. At the same momentDr. Steinhartis shown in byLeonardLeft.
Dr. Steinhart.Good morning, Sterling.
Sterling.Good morning, doctor; sit down.
Dr. Steinhart.No, thanks, I'm very rushed this morning. What can I do for you?
Sterling.I've been drinking too much for some time; I can't eat—my nerves are all gone to pieces. I've some—some business troubles, and I haven't slept for a week.
Dr. Steinhart.Is that all! Brace up, help yourself a little, and we can soon make a man of you.
Sterling.I'm afraid it would take more than a doctor to do that.
Dr. Steinhart.Oh, come, we must get rid of melancholy. Come and drive with me to 79th Street.
Sterling.No, I'm too worn out. Look at my hand! [Holds out a trembling hand.] I tell you literally I haven't slept for weeks—I thought you'd give me some chloral or something.
Dr. Steinhart.What? Now?
Sterling.Yes; I've tried sulphonal and all that rot; if doesn't have any effect on me. Give me a hypodermic—
Dr. Steinhart.Nonsense! Come out into the air!
Sterling.I'vebeenout.
Dr. Steinhart.Good! Then try lying down again, and perhaps you'll go to sleepnow.
Sterling.Very well, but give me something to take to-night in case I can't sleep then.
Dr. Steinhart.[Takes out a note-book and writes with a stylographic pen.] Be careful what you eat to-day. How about this drinking—did your business trouble come after it began, or did the whiskey come after the business trouble?
Sterling.That's it.
Dr. Steinhart.Um—[GivingSterlingthe paper which he tears out of his note-book.] Look here, I've a busy day before me; but I'll look in to-morrow, and we'll have a good talk.
Sterling.Thank you. I say, whatisthis?
Dr. Steinhart.It's all right. Sulphate of morphia—one-quarter-grain tablets.
Sterling.Isn't that very little?
Dr. Steinhart.Oh, no; you try one, and repeat in an hour if it hasn't done its work.
Sterling.But you've only given me two tablets, and I tell you I'm awfully hard to influence!
Dr. Steinhart.Two's enough; we don't give a lot of drugs to a man in a nervous condition like yours. Don't let them wake you for luncheon if you're asleep. Sleep's best for you. Good-by—pleasant dreams.
[He goes out Left.
Sterling.[Reads off the prescription.] "Two one-quarter-grain tablets sulphate of morphia, Wm. B. Steinhart—" And inink!Why didn't he write it with a lead-pencil? How can I make it more? Two—wait a minute! Two! [Taking out his own stylographic pen.] What's his ink? [Makes a mark with his pen on his cuff.] Good! the same! Why not make it twelve? [Marking a one before the two.] Just in case—I might as well be on the safe side!
[He rings an electric bell beside the mantel, and waves the paper in the air to dry it.Blancheenters Right.
Blanche.I heard the doctor go. Is anything serious the matter?
Sterling.Ifit were mybodyonly that had gone wrong, Blanche!
[Leonardenters Left.
[ToLeonard.] Take this prescription round the corner and have it put up.
Leonard.Yes, sir.
Sterling.And bring it to me with a glass of water.
Leonard.Yes, sir.
[He goes out Left.
[Blancheis still standing.Sterlingsinks into a chair, and puts his head in his hands, his elbows on the table. He lifts his head and looks at her.
Sterling.I know what you're going to do; you don't have to tell me; of course you're going to divorce me.
Blanche.No.
Sterling.What!
[His hands drop to the table; he looks her straight in the face, doubting what he hears.
Blanche.[Looking back into his eyes.] No.
Sterling.[Cries.] Blanche!
[In a tone of amazement and joy.
Blanche.I give you one more chance, for your sakeonly as my boy's father. But—don't make it impossible for me—do you understand?
Sterling.Yes! I must take the true advantage of this chance your goodness gives me. I must right myself, so that people need not hesitate to speak of his father in Richard's presence.And this I will do.[With great conviction he rises.] I know I am at the cross-roads, and I know the way;butI don't choose it foryourreasons; I choose for my own reason—which is that, unfit asI am, I love you.
[He speaks deliberately and with real feeling, bending over her.
Blanche.I tell you truly my love for you is gone for good.
Sterling.I'll win it back—youdidlove me, youdid, didn't you, Blanche?
Blanche.. I loved the man I thought you were. Do you remember that day in the mountains when we first really came to know each other, when we walked many, many miles without dreaming of being tired?
Sterling.And found ourselves at sunset at the top instead of below, by our hotel! Oh, yes, I remember! The world changed for me that day.
[He sinks back into the arm-chair, overcome, in his weakened state, by his memories and his realization of what he has made of the present.
Blanche.And for me! I knew then for the first time you loved me, and that I loved you. Oh! how short life of a sudden seemed! Not half long enough for the happiness it held for me! [She turns upon him with a vivid change of feeling.] Has it turned out so?
Sterling.How different! Oh, what a beast! what a fool!
Blanche.[Speaking with pathetic emotion, tears in her throat and in her eyes.] And that early summer's day you asked me to be your wife! [She gives a little exclamation, half a sob, half a laugh.] It was in the corner of the garden; I can smell the lilacs now! And the raindrops fell from the branches as my happy tears did on father's shoulder that night, when I said, "Father, he will make me the happiest woman in the world!"
Sterling.O God! to have your love back!
Blanche.You can't breathe life back into a dead thing; how different the world would be if one could!
Sterling.You can bring back life to the drowned; perhaps your love is only drowned in the sorrow I've caused.
Blanche.[Smiles sadly and shakes her head; the smile dies away.] Life to me then was like a glorious staircase, and I mounted happy step after step led by your hand till everythingseemedto culminate on the day of our wedding. You men don't,can'trealize, what that service means to a girl. In those few moments she parts from all that have cherished her, made her life, and gives her whole self, her love, her body, and even her soul sometimes—for love often overwhelms us women—totheman who, she believes, wants,starves, for her gifts. All that a woman who marries for love feels at the altar I tell you amancan't understand! You treated this gift of mine, Dick, like a child does a Santa Claus plaything—for a while you were never happy away from it, then you grew accustomed to it, then you broke it, and now you have even lost the broken pieces!
Sterling. [Comes to her, growing more and more determined.] I willfindthem, and put them together again.
Blanche. [Again smiles sadly and shakes her head.] First we made ofevery Tuesdaya festival—our wedding anniversary. After a while we kept the twenty-eighth ofevery month! The second year you were satisfied with the twenty-eighth of April only, and last year you forgot the day altogether. And yet what a happy first year it was!
Sterling. Ah, you see Ididmake you happy once!
Blanche. Blessedly happy! Our long silences in those days were not broken by an oath and a fling out of the room. Oh, the happiness it means to a wife to see it is hard for her husband to leave her in the morning, and to be taken so quickly—even roughly—into his arms at night that she knows he has been longing to come back to her. Nothing grew tame that first year. And at its end I climbed to the highest step I had reached yet, when you leaned over my bed and cried big man's tears, the first I'd ever seen you cry, and kissed me first, and then little Richard lying on my warm arm, and said, "God bless you, little mother." [There is a pause.Blanchecries softly a moment.Sterlingis silent, ashamed. Again she turns upon him, rousing herself, but with a voice broken with emotion.] And what abadfather you've been to that boy!
Sterling. I didn't mean to! That's done, that's past, but Richard's my boy. I'll make him proud of me, somehow! I'll win your love back—you'll see!
[Blancheis about to speak in remonstrance, but stops because of the entrance ofLeonard.He brings a small chemist's box of tablets in an envelope and a glass of water on a small silver tray.
Leonard. Your medicine, sir.
[He puts it on the table and goes out Right.
Sterling. Thank you, thank you!
[He takes the box of tablets out of the envelope.
Blanche. [Going to him.]You don't realizewhy I've told you all this!
Sterling. [Counting out the tablets.] One, two. To give me hope! To give me hope!
[He empties the other ten tablets into the envelope, twists it up, and throws it in the fireplace.
Blanche. No, no, just the opposite!
Sterling. Then you've defeated your end, dear; you will stay here with me.
Blanche. [Trying to make him realize the exact position.] Opposite you at the table, receiving our friends, keeping up appearances, yes—but nearer to you than that? No! Never!
Sterling. But youwillstay?
[Leonardenters from Left.
Leonard. Miss Godesby, Mr. Warden.
[They enter.
[All greet each other.Wardennods stiffly toSterling,barely acknowledging his greeting.
Miss Godesby. [ToSterling,purposely speaking with good-humored raillery to relieve the tension of the situation.] Well, you're a nice lot, aren't you?
Sterling. I'm so ashamed! I'm so ashamed!
Miss Godesby. Oh, never mind that now.
Blanche. I have no words to thank you with.
Miss Godesby. Oh, that's all right. The truth is, I've made Warden bring me here, Sterling, for a bit of business. I had an emotional moment yesterday and went off my head a bit. I stand by what I said as to keeping quiet, but—well, I'm like any other old maid who hates dust on her mantelpiece—I'm fidgety not to make some sort of a bluff at putting this thing on a business basis.
Warden. Excuse me, Miss Godesby, I think Sterling ought to know the truth.
Sterling.Nowwhat?
Miss Godesby. Well, the truth is, my fool of a brother has kicked up an infernal row, and refuses to hold his tongue.
Sterling. Then I'm ruined after all!
Miss Godesby. Wait, I've left him with Mr. Mason. I feel certain I can assure his silence if I can only show him some sort of an agreement to pay, an acknowledgment of the—the—affair, signed and sealed.
Blanche. Signed by whom?
Miss Godesby. Your husband and yourself will do.
Sterling. But both names are worthless.
Miss Godesby. Not as a point of honor.
Sterling. Ah! no, not my wife's.
Miss Godesby. Nor yours to me. Come along!
[She goes to the table withSterling,and unfolding a paper gives it to him. He signs it.
Warden. [Aside toBlanche,apologizing for his presence.] She made me come—she wouldn't come alone; otherwise I should have waited till you sent for me.
Blanche. It's as well—I've decided. Oh, I wonder if I'm doing wrong.
[Looking him straight in the face.
Warden. [Looking back searchingly in hers to read the truth, but believing that she will certainly leave her husband.] No,youcan't do wrong! But I must warn you of one thing—I'm not any longer the controlled man I was.
Miss Godesby. Come along now, Mrs. Sterling, brace up and give me your name, and Warden, witness, please. [They do so.] Of course, my dears, I know perfectly well that legally this isn't worth the paper it's written on. [Exchanging a serious and meaning look withWarden.] But my idiot of a brother won't realize that, which is the point. One thing more—will you both dine with me next week, Thursday? [There is an embarrassed pause, which, with quick intuition, she understands.] Yes, youwill—forsilencegives consent! [Laughing.] Now, that's settled!
Sterling. What an awfully good sort you are!
Miss Godesby. Thanks, not always—I've been a mucker more than once in my life! I must go [Shaking hands withBlanche.] and relieve Mr. Mason of my brother, or he'll be accusing me of inhuman treatment; more than one consecutive hour of my brother ought to be prevented by the police.
Blanche. You are very,verygood.
Miss Godesby. I think if you and I can get well over this, we'll be real friends, and I haven't many, have you?
Blanche. [Takes her hand.] You can count upon me and my boy so long as we live.
[She impulsively but tenderly kisses her.
[Miss Godesbyis very much surprised, but moved.
Miss Godesby. [Half laughing, half crying, and pulling her veil down to hide her emotion.] By George! I haven't been kissed by a woman for years! Good-by.
[Wardenstarts to go out withMiss Godesby.Blanchestops him.
Blanche. Wait one moment—I want to speak alone to Miss Godesby.
[Miss Godesbygoes out Left.
Blanche. [Aside toSterling.] You tell him; I cannot. Tell him thetruth.
[She goes out afterMiss Godesby.
Warden. Dick.
Sterling. Ned?
Warden. I have nothing to say to you, Sterling.
[Wardenlooks away and whistles a tune to show his unwillingness to listen.Sterlingspeaks clearly soWardenshall hear.
Sterling. I have a message for you from my wife. [There is a second's pause.Wardenstops whistling and turns and looks atSterling.] She asks me to explain—to tell—to tell you a decision she has come to.
[There is another pause.
Warden. Yes?
[Anxious, at a supreme tension, and now a little alarmed as to the decision.
Sterling. She has decided not to leave my house.
Warden. [Adds.]Yet!
Sterling.Ever!
Warden. [Losing his control.] That's a lie!
Sterling. I couldn't believe it, either, when she told me. It was her first word to me to-day. I said, "You are going to divorce me," and she answered, "No."
Warden. She's sacrificing herself for some reason—her boy!
Sterling. Never mind, she won't leave me; I have her promise, and I'll win back her love!
Warden. You fool! You can't win her back! She would never have loved me if you hadn't disillusioned,dishonoredher! I'm not worthy of her, but I'll never dishonor her, and, please God, never disappoint her, and so I'll keep her love.