Austin.I'll celebrateyourbirthday to-morrow and takeyou.
Jinny.[Quickly.]Whydid you go to Brooklyn?
Austin.On the private business of some one else.
Jinny.[With all her nerves tied tight.] That's the best answer you will give me?
Austin.My dear girl, it's the only answer Icangive you.
Jinny.When you are through I have something for you!
Austin.What?
Jinny.I'll give it to you when you have finished.
Austin.I'm ready. [He rises.Jinnyrises too, and gives him the telegram with the torn tickets on top, and then rings the bell, at Right.] What are these torn papers?
Jinny.Our theatre tickets!
[He looks at her.
Austin.And when did this telegram come?
Jinny.This afternoon.
Austin.Why didn't I get it when I came in?
Jinny.[Bitingly.] I kept it to have thepleasureof giving it to you myself; it's from Ruth Chester.
Austin.How do you know?
Jinny.Oh, I haven't opened it! But I know! When I held it in my hand it burnt my fingers! [Maggieenters Right.] Take away the tray, please, Maggie.
Maggie.Yes'm.
[She leaves the room with the tray.
[Jinnyreplaces the small table carelessly, almost roughly.
[Austinopens and reads the telegram; there is a second's pause.
Jinny.May I read it?
Austin.[After a moment's hesitation.] Yes, if you wish.
[Not handing it to her.
Jinny.Ido!
Austin.[Reaches over and hands her the telegram; he speaks quietly.] When you behave like this it's impossible for me to feel the same toward you.
Jinny.And how do you think I feel when I read this?
[Reads it, satirically, bitterly.
"Arrived safely; please let me see you before the day goes. Ruth." "Ruth" if you please!
Austin.[Standing overJinny.] I want you to be careful to-night. I want you to control yourself. I've been through a great deal to-day, and if you make me angry God knows what I mightn't say anddo!
Jinny.AndI'vebeen through a great dealfor many a day now, and I want the truth about this at last! It's all very well for you to spare her by not telling me what thismysterioustrouble is about which you've been hoodwinking me ever since we were married, butnowyou've got to choose between sparingherand sparingme!
[She sits determinedly.
Austin.Is this your answer to me when I beg you to be very careful to-night to control yourself?
Jinny.It's your turn to be careful! What did you marry me for if you were in love with Ruth?
Austin.Jinny!
Jinny.[A little frightened, to excuse herself.] You gave me your word of honor she would stay abroad indefinitely.
Austin.Nonsense! I said I understood she was going to stay some time—indefinitely.
Jinny.It's the same thing, and here she is back practically the moment we are!
Austin.I can't control Miss Chester's movements—I couldn't foresee when she would come back. In Rome she told me she would stay on.
Jinny.[Rising and facing him.] Ah! that's what I wanted to see, if you reallywould lieto me!
Austin.What do you mean?
Jinny.[Beside herself.] Liar! [He only looks at her, with his face hard and set; she is insane with jealousy for the moment.]You sentfor Ruth to come back.
Austin.AndifI did?
Jinny.You tried to deceive me about it. And if you'll tell me a lie about one thing, you'll tell me a lie about another, and I don't believe one word of all your explanations about the intrigue between you and Ruth Chester!
Austin.[Taking her two hands.] Sit down!
[She sits in the arm-chair, half forced by him.
Jinny.Whydid you send for Ruth Chester to come back?
Austin.I have told you before, I am trying to help Miss Chester.
Jinny."Ruth!"
Austin.I am trying to help her in a great and serious trouble.
Jinny.Why did you send for her to come back? What's the trouble?
Austin.I've told you before I can't tell you.
Jinny.You daren't tell me, and you haven't even the face to tell another lie about it!
Austin.If you say another word, I shallhateyou! If youwon'tcontrolyourself, I must make you, as well as keep my own sane balance. You have insulted my love for you to-night as you've never done before; you've struck at my own ideal ofyou; you've almost done, in a word, what I warned you you might do—killthe love I have for you!
Jinny.[Frightened.] Jack!
Austin.I mean what I say!
Jinny.[In tears.] That—that you—you don't love me?
Austin.That is not what I said, but I tell you now that since I first began to care for you, never have I loved you so little as I do to-night.
Jinny.[With an effort at angry justification.] And suppose I tell you it is your own fault, because you haven't treated me—
Austin.[Interrupting her.] Like achild, instead of awoman!
Jinny.No, because you've kept part of yourself from me, and that part you've given—
Austin.For God's sake, stop! [A pause—Jinnyis now thoroughly frightened; slowly she comes to her senses.] Do youwanta rupture forgood between us? [No answer.] Can't you see what I tell you is true? That I can't bear any more to-night? That if you keep on you will robmeof every bit of love I have for you, just as you've already robbed me of the woman I thought you were?
Jinny."Already!" No, no, Jack, don't say that. Oh, what have I done!
[She cries.
Austin.You've done something very serious, and before you do more— [Speaking hardly.] —I think we'd better not stay in this evening; it would be wiser for both of us if we went out somewhere.
Jinny.No, I couldn't go out feeling this way! I've hurt you, hurt you terribly! Oh, why do I do it? Why can't I help myself?
Austin.I think one more scene to-nightwould finish things for us. Iwarnyou of that, Jinny—
[He goes to the desk and sits at it, looking blankly before him. She comes slowly, almost timidly, behind his chair.
Jinny.No, don't say it! don't say it! Try to forgive me—oh, Jack, I hate myself, and I'm so ashamed of myself! I know I've disappointed you awfully, awfully! Youdididealize me; I knew it when you married me, but I told you then I wasn't worth your loving me, didn't I? I never pretended to be worthy of you. I always knew I wasn't.
Austin.Hush!
Jinny.It's true! it's only too awfully true. But do you remember how you answered me then when I told you I wasn't worth your loving me?
Austin.[Coldly and without looking at her.] No.
Jinny.You took me in your arms and held me so I couldn't have got away if I'd wanted to—which I didn't—and stopped the words on my lips with yourkisses. [Her throat fills. He makes no reply. She goes on very pathetically.]How I wishyou'd answer me that way now!
Austin.Whose fault is it?
Jinny.Oh, mine!mine! I know it.Youdon't know it one-half so well as I! I love you better than anything in the world, love everything of you—the turn of your head, the blessed touch of your hand, the smallest word that comes from your dear lips—the thoughts that your forehead hides, but which my heart guesses when I'm sane! And yet, try as hard as I can, these mad fits take hold of me, and although I'd willinglydieto save youpain, stillI,Imyself, hurt and wound youpast all bearing! It doesn't make any difference thatIsuffer too!I oughtto! I deserve to—youdon't! Oh, no! I know I'm a disappointment and a failure!
[Her eyes fill up with tears and her voice breaks.
Austin.[He turns to her.] No, Jinny, not so bad as that, only I thought you werebig—and you'reso little, oh,so small!
Jinny.Yes, it's true; I'm small—I'msmall! Oh, I'd like to be big, too! I want to be noble and strong, but I'm not—I'm as weak as water—only it'sboilingwater! I want to be Brunhilde, and I'm only Frou Frou! Yes, I'm little; but Iloveyou—I love you!
[She sinks on to a stool beside him. A moment's pause.
[With a trembling voice.
You don't mind my sitting here?
Austin.No—
[Very quietly, he places his arm about her neck, his hand on her shoulder. She quickly steals up her hand to take his, and leaning her head over it, kisses his hand. He draws it away and kisses her hair.
Jinny.[Timidly, very softly.] You forgive me?
Austin.[With a long sigh.] Yes.
Jinny.[Bursting into tears and burying her face upon his knees.] Thank you—thank you—I know I don't deserve it—I don't deserve it—I don't deserve it!
Austin.[Softly.] Sh!—
[Jinnyhalf turns and looks up at him.
Jinny.[Very, very quietly.] You forgive me—but still—yes, I see it in your face, you don't love me the same. You look so tired, dear.
Austin.[Also very quietly.] I am, Jinny.
Jinny.And—happy?
Austin.I'mnotquite happy.
Jinny.I wish I could make you so—make you love me the old way. You used to smile a little when you looked at me—Jack, you don't any more. But I mean to make you to-night, if I can, and to make you love me as much as ever you did.
Austin.Good luck, dear.
Jinny.[Brightening.] What time is it?
Austin.[Looking at his watch.] Nearly nine.
Jinny.I suppose it is too late for me to dress and for us to go to the theatre?
Austin.Oh, yes,—and I'm too tired.
Jinny.[Triumphantly.] Well, then, you shall have your theatre at home! If Mahomet won't go to the mountain, the mountain must go to your lordship!
Austin.I don't understand!
Jinny.Well, just wait— [She blows her nose.] —till I bathe my face and eyes a little; I feel rather bleary! [Starting to go, she stops and turns.] Good-by?
[Questioningly.
Austin.[Quietly.] Good-by.
Jinny.[Who wanted him to call her to him and kiss her.] Oh, very well! but I'llmakeyou smile yet andkissme of your own accord to-night—you'll see!
[She goes out Left.
[
She is heard singing in her room.Austingoes to the desk and after a long sigh he begins to write.
]
Austin.[Writing.] Dear Ruth. The satisfaction of the visit to Brooklyn prevents me from being disappointed at having missed your telegram tilltoo late to go to your house to-night. My heart aches for the blow you must have this evening, but please God you will bear it bravely. The man who loves you is not bad, but he has been weak. However, I feel once he can shake off the burden of his present marriage, you will never have cause to complain of him again. And if your future happiness lies truly in his hands, it will be safe there.
Jinny.[Calls from her room.] Are you ready?
Austin.Yes.
[He stops writing.
Jinny.In your orchestra chair?
Austin.Yes.
Jinny.What will you have, tragedy or comedy?
Austin.[Smiling.] Shall we begin with tragedy?
Jinny.All right.
Austin.[Continues to write.] So far I have been able to keep Jinny in absolute ignorance, but I fear the blow must fall upon her soon, and I dread to think of what she, too, will suffer. Help me to keep it from her as long as we can, won't you?
[Jinnycomes back; she has changed her dress to a loose negligée gown, with a red turban on her head; she brings two sheets with her.
Jinny.Excuse me one minute while I set the stage! [Moving toward each other the big arm-chair and the sofa, she covers them with the sheets.Austinturns from his letter on the desk, to watch.] Uncle Tom's Cabin, Act Four! [She goes out only for a moment, and reënters, wearing a man's overcoat, with a pillow tied in the middle with a silk scarf, eyes, nose, and mouth made on it with a burntmatch.] Eliza crossing the ice! Come, honey darling! [To the pillow.] Mammy'll save you from de wicked white man! [Jumping up on the sofa, and moving with the springs.]Youought to do the bloodhounds for me, Jack! Excuse me, but you look the part! [Austinwatches her, not unamused, but without smiling.] Hold tight to Lize, honey, and don't be afeerd o' dat big black man over dah—dat's Uncle Tom. [Crossing to the arm-chair.] Don't be afeerd, honey; it's Lize dat's cuttin' de ice this time. [She throws the pillow away and drags off the two sheets.] Oh, I can see this is too serious for you!
[She starts singing a cakewalk and dances across the room until she reaches him, where she finishes.
Austin.Very good, Jinny! I'm sure we couldn't have seen better at the theatre.
Jinny.Ah! You're getting yourself again!—Darling! Come!—Come!—come to the pianola and you shall have the sextette! It's in there ready; I heard mother struggling with it. You don't suppose she has designs upon the Casino, do you? Now—ready?
[He goes to the pianola and starts to play the sextette from"Florodora."She runs to the opposite side of the room and begins to sing and dance, crossing toAustinas he plays.
Austin.[After a few moments.] But I can't see you and play at the same time; I don't like it!
Jinny.[Delighted.] Youwant to see me, do you?
Austin.Of course I do!
Jinny.Jack! [Delighted.] Well, then, turn round!
[Jinny, hurrying the time of the song, turns it into a regular skirt dance. She dances delightfully andAustincannot resist her charm. His face lightens, he smiles, and love comes into his eyes.Jinnysees and dances and sings all the better till she reaches him.
Austin.[Rising, he takes her into his arms.] You adorable Jinny!
Jinny.Ah, Jack! You're smiling again and—you love me!
[Clasping her arms about his neck.
Austin.Yes! Is the theatre finished?
Jinny.No, only the first act. [He sits in the big arm-chair,Jinnyon his knee.] I'mtired! [He kisses her. There is a pause. There is a knock on the door at Right.] Oh, hang it! [Knock repeated.]Don'tanswer it! We haven't half made up yet!
Austin.But we must answer it, dear.
Jinny.[As she rises unwillingly.] I don't see why—I should have let her knock till she went away.
Austin.Come in!
[Maggieenters with a letter.
Jinny.What is it, Maggie?
Maggie.A note from Miss Chester, m'm, and she's downstairs herself waiting for an answer.
Jinny.Forme?
[Taking the letter.
Maggie.No, m'm; I think she said it was forMr.Austin.
Jinny.Oh!—You may wait outside for the answer, Maggie.
Maggie.Yes, m'm.
[She goes out.
Jinny.[Slowly goes toAustinand gives himthe letter, lightly.] I see now why you were so anxious to let Maggie in. Perhaps you were expecting this.
Austin.Jinny! [Holding her by the hand and trying to pull her over to him.] Come, I'll give you a kiss for the letter.
Jinny.No, thank you, I don't want kisses that are given by you for letters from Ruth Chester. Yes! do kiss me! [He kisses her.] Iwon'tbe jealous!I won't be![Clinching her teeth.] See, I'm not jealous a bit! Read your old letter!
[Austinopens the note and reads it. As he does soJinnyhas passed on to the desk and seesAustin'sunfinished letter toRuth, which after a little hesitation she picks up and reads.Austin, having readRuth'snote, looks up thoughtfully a second, and then re-reads it.Jinnyis furious over what shereads. As she finishes she gives a little cry from the very depths of her heart.
Jinny.Oh,Jack!
Austin.What is it?
Jinny.Nothing!
[She sinks by the desk, crushing the letter in her hand. She looks over at him, and then down at the letter, and then back at him.
Austin.Maggie!
Jinny.[Rising suddenly. She speaks with a voice trembling with only half-contained emotion and passion.] I told her to wait in the hall; may I read it?
[Holding out her hand for the letter.
Austin.Now look here, Jinny,—I always let you read everything, don't I?
Jinny.[Hiding his letter behind her back.] Yes. [Holding out her other hand.] Give it to me!
Austin.Now begin to show that you really are going to turn over a new leaf, and that your love is going to have perfect confidence, and don't ask to see this letter.
Jinny.But Idoask to see it!
Austin.Then this time I must refuse you!
Jinny.What! is it even more compromising thanyourletter to her?
Austin.What letter? [Looking first on the desk, he looks across at her and sees it in her hand. He is angry, but also frightened for fear it has told her her brother's secret.] And you've read it?
Jinny.It lay open on the desk there, and anyway the end justifies me!
Austin.[In an agony.] What does it tell you? I forget what I wrote!
Jinny.It tells me that my jealousy all alonghas been right, that I've been a fool to let you blind me!
Austin.[With a great sigh of relief.] Is that all?
Jinny.[Beside herself.] "Is that all!" Isn't that enough? Dear God, isn't that enough? That there's an understanding between you and Ruth to get rid ofme!
Austin.If it tells you that, the letter lies! Give it to me!
Jinny.No!I'llread it to you! [Reads with bitter emphasis.] "The satisfaction of the visit to Brooklyn prevents me from being disappointed at having missed your telegram till too late to go to your house to-night!" So—you and she went to Brooklyn, did you, and that's why you came back too late to go to the theatre with me? Youcheat! [She screams in her madness.A pause.] Why don't you answer—why don't you say something?
Austin.Because if I speak as I feel, I'm afraid of saying something I'll regret all my life!
Jinny.You don't deny, then?
Austin.Yes! that is due to Ruth. Whatever you may feel aboutme, you have norighttoinsulther!
Jinny.Oh,there's more tothe letter!
Austin.Jinny, don't you see what you're doing?
Jinny.Yes, I'm getting at the truth at last! [Reads.] "My heart aches for the blow you must have this evening! The man who loves you—"
Austin.You shan't read any more; you're mad now!
[Tearing the letter away from her.
Jinny.I don't need the letter, the words are burning in here! [Pressing her hands to her forehead.] "The man who loves you isn't bad, only weak. However, I feel once we can shake off the burden ofthis present marriage"—oh! you—youbruteto say that!—"you will never have cause to complain of him again! So far I have been able to keep Jinny in perfect ignorance, but I feel the blow must fall upon her now—"
[Interrupted.
Austin.Shall I tell youthe truth?
Jinny.You don't have to; I've found it out for myself!
Austin.[In weariness, in disgust, in utter hopelessness.] No! what's the use. You've done it now—let it go! Let it all go—the whole thing! What's the use!—it's finished!— [A knock on the door at Right.] Come in!
[Maggie enters and closes the door behind her.
Maggie.Please, sir, Miss Chester came upstairs and made me knock again to see if there was an answer and if you will see her now or not.
Jinny.[Suddenly—aflame with her idea.] Yes! Maggie, show her in!
Austin.No, no! What do you want to do! I'll see Miss Chester to-morrow, Maggie.
[Jinnyhas crossed to the door, Right.
Jinny.Ruth! Ruth!
Ruth.[Off stage.] Yes? May I come?
Jinny.Docome in!
[She recrossesroom; she andAustinface each other for a second.
Austin.[In a lowered voice.] For God's sake, be careful!
[Ruthenters Right.
Ruth.Jinny!
[Going to her quickly to embrace her.
[Jinny, without speaking, draws away and stares at her with a look of hatred.Ruth, seeing it, stops short, and looks fromJinnytoAustinfor explanation—she turns toAustinand gives him her hand, which he takes, presses, and drops;Jinny'sshoulders contract at this moment;Ruthimmediately turns again toJinny.
Ruth.What is it, Jinny? [ToAustin.] Surely she doesn't blamemein any way.
Jinny.Blame you!
Austin.She doesn'tknow.
Jinny.That's a lie! I know everything, Ruth! I know why you followed my husband to Rome, and why he sent for you to come back here. I know that you and he were in Brooklynthis afternoon, and that you only plan to get rid of me by some divorce, and by hook or crook to marry each other!
Ruth.No!—No!—
Jinny.Oh, you can lie, too, can you? I won't keep you waiting long! You've stolen my husband from me—take him. I won'tsharehim with any woman! He's yours now, and I'll soon be out of your way!
Austin.Jinny!
Ruth.[To Austin.] She must be told the truth.
[Austinbows his head.
Jinny.Now you'll make up your story, will you? I tell you it's useless. If he wouldn't let me see your compromising letter, I've seen a letter fromhimtoyouto-night that gives the whole thing away.
Ruth.[Very quietly.] Your husband went to Brooklynwithout me, as yourbrotherwill tell you, to see the clergyman who married me, orthoughthemarriedme toGeoffrey Tillmanthree months ago! [Jinnylooks up with a start.] That marriage wasillegalbecause your brother was already married, and Mr. Austin tried and did get the promise of silence this afternoon about the Brooklyn service, to prevent a charge of bigamy against your brother. The first marriage, which still holds good, was with—Maggie, your present servant—
[Jinnystands immovable. There is a silence.
Austin.Geoffrey is not at your house?
Ruth.No, he left when I came on here. As I wrote you in the note I sent upstairs, I was too stunned by what he told me to answer then, and I wanted a word of advice with you. [She turnstoJinny.]Iknew what I thought was mymarriageto your brother must be kept secret, but I could not learn why. This was my trouble, which, after your marriage, I selfishly laid on your husband's shoulders, thinking he might help me! [No answer fromJinny, who stands as if struck dumb and into stone.] Mr. Austin only learned the whole truth when we met that day in Rome.Idid not learn till to-day that I was not honestly your brother's wife. I had to be told, because divorce proceedings are to be started at once to break—the other—marriage. [No answer fromJinny.] To spare me, and above all to spare you the knowledge of your brother's sin, your husband has kept Geoffrey's secret from you. You havewellrepaid him! [She turns again toAustin.] Good-by—I feel to-night I couldn't marry Geoffrey again. He's tumbled so far off hispedestal he has fallen out of my heart. But still—we'll see; I've told him to come to-morrow.Thank youfrom the bottom of my heart—it's full of gratitude, even if it is broken!
[She goes out Right.
[Jinnyslowly turns, almost afraid to look atAustin. He stands stern, with set face.
Jinny.[In a low voice, ashamed to go near him.] Can you forgive me? Can you—
Austin.Ugh!
[Crossing room for his coat.
Jinny.I'm mad! You know I don't know what I do. But Ilove you—I love you! Forgive me!
Austin.Never!
[Taking up his coat.
Jinny.Where are you going?
Austin.Out of this house.
Jinny.If you leave me, I'll not bear it! I'll kill myself! I warn you!
Austin.Bah!—Good-by!
[Going to the door Right.
Jinny.No! Where are you going?
Austin.Out of this housefor good!
[At the door he turns and looks at her.
Jinny.[Echoes.] For good?
Austin.For good!
[He goes out, slamming the door behind him.
[Jinnystands a moment motionless. She then cries faintly—"Jack!" She goes to the door and pushes it open, crying out again in loud, strong despair, "Jack!" There is a moment's pause. She cries out again weakly, heartbrokenly, "Jack!"—comes back into the room, and throwing herself down on the floor, her head resting on her arms in thearm-chair, she sobs hysterically, wildly, "What have I done! Dear God, what have I done!" as
THE CURTAIN FALLS
ACT IV
Scene I
Dawn of the next day. At the rise of the curtainJinnyis by the open window, whose curtains she has thrown aside. The sky is blood-red and streaked with gold the moment before sunrise.Jinnyis worn and haggard, with hair dishevelled.
Jinny.[Turning and leaning against the window.] Day at last! What a night—what a night—but now it's morning and he hasn't come back! He means it! And it's my own fault—it's my own fault! [She shivers. She closes the window and comes away. After a moment's pause she goes deliberately and looks at the several gasfixtures in the room. She then closes all the doors and locks them. She carefully draws down the shade and closes in the curtains of the window. She hesitates, then pulls aside the curtains and the shade, and takes a long, last look at the dawn. She closes it all in again. She gets Austin's picture from the desk and places it on the table near the centre of the room. She then goes to the gas bracket at the Right and turns on the gas. She lights it to see if the gas is all right; then blows it out. She then crosses to the other bracket and turns that on; she goes to the chandelier at centre, and, mounting a chair, turns on its three jets. She then sits down by the table withAustin'spicture before her, and looking into its eyes, her elbows on the table, her head in her hands, she waits.] Oh, Jack, my beloved! I couldn't help it—I never for one minute stopped lovingyou better than everything else in my life, but no more than I could stop loving you could I stop or help being jealous! Once the cruel idea has got hold of me it seems tohaveto work its way out! Everything gets red before me and I don't seem to know what I say or do! It's no excuse, I know. I've got no excuse, only Iloveyou! You'll forgive me when I'm gone, won't you, Jack? You'll know Ilovedyou!—loved you so I couldn'tlivewithout you!—loved you!—lovedyou! [She kisses the photograph tenderly, adoringly, slowly, in tears.] Loved—you—loved you!—loved—
[Her head drops forward, as
THE CURTAIN FALLS
Scene II
The same morning, three hours later. The curtain rises on the same scene in a dull, cold, early morning light. The lamp has burnt itself out.A tiny ray of sunlight steals through a slip between the curtains.Jinnysits by the table, her arms spread over it and her head on her arms—she is perfectly still.Austin'spicture is before her. There is a moment's silence. Voices are heard outside, approaching door, at Right. Gradually what they say is distinguished.
Maggie.No, sir. She hasn't been to bed; I've been to her bedroom—that door's not unlocked.
Tillman.She's been here all night?
Maggie.Yes, sir. But twice in the night, sir, I came to the door and spoke to her and shewouldn't answer me—but I could hear her walking up and down and sometimes talking to herself.
Tillman.[Calls softly.] Jinny! [Knocks softly.] It's father! [No answer.] It looks as if she were asleep now.
Austin.[At a little distance.] Father!
Tillman.I'm outside the library door.
Austin.[Nearer.] I can't wait—have you seen her? Will she see me?
Tillman.She's locked herself in here. She's not been to her own room.
Austin.Not been to bed at all! Poor Jinny—God forgive me.
Tillman.Maggie says she's walked the floor all night.
[He knocks on the door Right.
Austin.[Outside the door, Right, rather softly.] Jinny! I'm so sorry! I can't say how sorry!I've thought it out through the night, and I think I understand things better. [He waits a moment for an answer.] Jinny, answer me! you shall be as jealous as you like, and I'll always explain and kiss away those doubts of yours, and I'll have no more secrets from you, dear. Not one! Jinny! [As he calls there is a slight movement of one ofJinny'sarms. With a note of alarm.] Father! I can't hear a sound of breathing! [A moment's pause as they listen.] She threatened it—she threatened it several times! [With great determination.] We must get into this room—do you hear me—we must get in if we have to break the door down! [They shake the door. He calls a little louder.] Jinny, Jinny darling—do you hear me? [Jinnymakes a sort of feeble effort to lift her head, but fails.] Jinny, for God's sake, answer me! I love you Jinny—Jinny![Very slowlyJinnylifts herhead and, with difficulty, she hears as if in a dream; she is dazed, barely alive.] She doesn't answer!
Tillman.See if the key is in the lock.
Austin.No.
Tillman.Get the other keys, Maggie.
Austin.Father!Gas! Don't you smell it?
Tillman.What!
Austin.Gas, I tell you! O God! she's killed herself! Jinny! Jinny!
[Beating the door.
[Jinnystaggers up, she tries to call "Jack"—but the word only comes out in a half-articulate whisper! She tries again, but fails.
Maggie.Here's a key, sir.
[Jinnytries to go to the door; she staggers a few steps and then falls.
[They try one key—it does not unlock the door; they try another.
[Jinnyhalf raises herself and makes an effort to crawl, but is unable and sinks back upon the floor.
Austin.Break the door in, father! We daren't waste any more time!
Tillman.No, this has done it!
[They open the door and rush in. They stop aghast atJinnyand the oppressiveness of the gas in the room.
Tillman.Jinny!
Austin.Quick—the window! [Tillmantears aside the curtains and throws open the window. The sunshine of full morning pours in. He then rushes to the opposite gas burners and turns them off. Kneeling quickly beside her.]Jinny! My wife!My beloved!
[He takes her up in his arms and hurries to the window.
Tillman.Are we too late?
Austin.I don't know. No! she's breathing—and see—see!—she knows me!—she knows me! [Jinnysmiles at him pathetically.] Send Maggie for the doctor!
[Tillmangoes out Right.
Austin.Jinny, forgive me! Forgive me! Forgive me! [She slips her two arms up and joins them about his neck.Austinkisses her.] Father! We've saved her! Oh, thank God, we've saved her!
[Bringing her to big chair and putting her in it, he kneels at her feet.
Jinny.[Whispers faintly.]Dear Jack!You forgiveme—all my beastly jealousy?
Austin.There's one thing stronger even thanjealousy, my Jinny. And that'slove! That'sLOVE!
[He kisses her hands, and
THE CURTAIN FALLS