[They stare at each other in silence, the moonlight floodingHelen'sface, the music coming clear.
[They stare at each other in silence, the moonlight floodingHelen'sface, the music coming clear.
Helen
[in an awed whisper, stepping back slowly]
I've done it! I've done it! IknewI'd do it!
Ernest
No. I did it. Forgive me. I had to do it.
Helen
Oh, and this spoils everything!
Ernest
[comes closer]
No! It glorifies everything! [He breaks loose.] I have loved you from the first day you came and looked up at me for orders. I didn't want you there; I didn't want any woman there. I tried to tire you out with overwork but couldn't. I tried to drive you out by rudeness, but you stayed. And that made me love you more. Oh, I love you! I love you! I love you!
Helen
Don't; oh, don't love me!
Ernest
[still closer]
Why, I never knew there could be women like you. I thought women were merely something to be wanted and worshipped, petted and patronized. But now—why, I love everything about you: your wonderful, brave eyes that face the naked facts of life and are not ashamed; those beautiful hands that toiled so long, so well, so close to mine and not afraid, not afraid!
Helen
You mustn't! Iamafraid now! I made yousay it. [Smiling and crying.] I have always wanted to make you say it. I have always sworn you shouldn't.
Ernest
[pained]
Because you cannot care enough?
Helen
Enough?... Too much.
Ernest
[overwhelmed]
You—love—me!
[He takes her in his arms, a silent embrace with only the bland blasé moon looking on.
[He takes her in his arms, a silent embrace with only the bland blasé moon looking on.
Helen
It is because I love you that I didn't want you to say it—only I did. It is because I love you that I went abroad—to stay, only I couldn't! I couldn't stay away! [She holds his face in her hands.] Oh, do you know how I love you? No!... you're only aman!
Ernest
[kissing her rapturously]
Every day there in the laboratory, when youin your apron—that dear apron which I stole from your locker when you left me—when you asked for orders—did you know that I wanted to say: "Love me"! Every day when you took up your work, did you never guess that I wanted to take you up in my arms?
Helen
[smiling up into his face]
Why didn't you?
Ernest
Thank God I didn't! For while we worked there together I came to know you as few men ever know the women they desire. Woman can be more than sex, as man is more than sex. And all this makes man and woman not less but moreoverwhelminglydesirable and necessary to each other, and makes both things last—not for a few years, but forever!
[Sound of voices approaching from the garden. The lovers separate. It isJeanandRex,Rexlaughing,Jeandodging until caught and kissed.
[Sound of voices approaching from the garden. The lovers separate. It isJeanandRex,Rexlaughing,Jeandodging until caught and kissed.
Jean
No, no—it's time to dress.... Be good, Rex—don't!
[Without seeingHelenandErnest, they disappear into the house.Helenis suddenly changed, as if awakened from a spell of enchantment.
[Without seeingHelenandErnest, they disappear into the house.Helenis suddenly changed, as if awakened from a spell of enchantment.
Helen
What have we done! This is all moonlight and madness. To-morrow comes the clear light of day.
Ernest
Ah, but we'll love each other to-morrow!
Helen
But we cannot marry—then or any other to-morrow.
Ernest
Can't? What nonsense!
Helen
[shaking her head and restraining him]
I have slaved for you all these months—not because I wanted to win you from your work but to help you in it. And now—after all—shall I destroy you? No! No!
Ernest
Iloveyou—you loveme—nothing else matters.
Helen
Everything else matters. I'm not a little débutante to be persuaded that I am needed because I am wanted! I haven'tplayedwith you; I haveworkedwith you, and Iknow! Think of Theodore! Think of Lucy! And now poor little Jean. Marry you? Never!
Ernest
You mean your career?
Helen
[with supreme scorn]
Mycareer? No! yours—always yours!
Ernest
[with the same scorn and a snap of the fingers]
Thenthatfor my career. I'll go back into private practice and make a million.
Helen
That's just what I said you'd do. Just what you must not do! Your work is needed by the world.
Ernest
[wooing]
You are my world and I need you.... But there is no love without marriage, no marriage without money.... We can take it or leave it. Can we leave it? No! I can't—you can't! Come! [She steps back slowly.] Why should we sacrifice the best! Come!
Helen
Sothisis what marriage means! Then Icannotmarry you, Ernest!
Ernest
You cannot do without me, Helen! [Holds out his arms.] Come! You have been in my arms once. You and I can never forget that now. We can never go back now. It's all—or nothing now. Come! [She is struggling against her passion. He stands still, with arms held out.] I shall not woo you against your will, but you are coming to me! Because, by all the powers of earth and heaven, you are mine and I am yours! Come!
[Like a homing pigeon she darts into his arms with a gasp of joy. A rapturous embrace insilence with the moonlight streaming down upon them. The music has stopped.John, dressed for dinner, strolls out upon the terrace. He stops abruptly upon discovering them. The lovers are too absorbed to be aware of his presence.
[Like a homing pigeon she darts into his arms with a gasp of joy. A rapturous embrace insilence with the moonlight streaming down upon them. The music has stopped.
John, dressed for dinner, strolls out upon the terrace. He stops abruptly upon discovering them. The lovers are too absorbed to be aware of his presence.
It is the next morning, Sunday.It appears that atJohn'scountry place they have breakfast at small tables out upon the broad, shaded terrace overlooking the glorious view of his little farm.ErnestandTheodore, the scientist and the clergyman, are breakfasting together. The others are either breakfasting in their rooms or are not yet down, it being Sunday.The man of God is enjoying his material blessings heartily. Also he seems to be enjoying his view of the man of science, who eats little and says less.
It is the next morning, Sunday.
It appears that atJohn'scountry place they have breakfast at small tables out upon the broad, shaded terrace overlooking the glorious view of his little farm.
ErnestandTheodore, the scientist and the clergyman, are breakfasting together. The others are either breakfasting in their rooms or are not yet down, it being Sunday.
The man of God is enjoying his material blessings heartily. Also he seems to be enjoying his view of the man of science, who eats little and says less.
Theodore
[with coffee-cup poised]
What's the matter with your appetite this morning, Ernest? [Ernest, gazing up at one of the second-story windows, does not hear. The door opens. He starts. Then, seeing it's only a servant with food, hesighs.] Expecting something? The codfish balls? Well, here they are. [Ernestrefuses the proffered codfish balls, scowls, brings out cigar case, lights cigar, looks at watch, and fidgets.] Oh, I know—you're crazy to go with me—to church! [Ernestdoesn't hear. Creates a cloud of smoke.] Their regular rector is ill. So I agreed to take the service this morning.... Always the way when off for a rest ... isn't it? [No answer.Theodoregets up, walks around the table, and shouts inErnest'sface.] Isn't it?
Ernest
[startled]
I beg your pardon?
Theodore
[laughs,Ernestwondering what's the joke]
Oh, you're hopeless! [Going.] I can't stand people who talk so much at breakfast.
Ernest
[suddenly wakes up]
Wait a minute. Sit down. Have a cigar. Let's talk about God. [Theodorestops smiling.] But I mean it. I'd like to have a religion myself.
Theodore
I had an idea you took no stock in religion.
[Takes the cigar.Ernestholds a match for him.
Ernest
[enthusiastically]
Just what I thought, until ... well, I've made a discovery, a great discovery!
Theodore
A scientific discovery?
Ernest
[with a wave of the hand]
It makes all science look like a ... mere machine.
Theodore
Well, if you feel so strongly about it ... better come to church after all!
Ernest
I'm not talking about the Church—I'm talking aboutreligion.
Theodore
You're not talking about religion; you're talking about—love.
Ernest
[quietly]
Certainly; the same thing, isn't it? I'm talking about the divine fire that glorifies life and perpetuates it—the one eternal thing we mortals share with God.... Ifthatisn't religious, what is? [Theodoresmiles indulgently.] Tell me, Theodore—you know I wasn't allowed to go to church when young, and since then I've always worked on the holy Sabbath day, like yourself—does the Church still let innocent human beings think there's something inherently wrong about sex? [Theodoredrops his eyes.Ernestdisgusted with him.] I see! Good people should drop their eyes even at the mention of the word.
Theodore
Sex is a necessary evil, I admit, but——
Ernest
[laughs]
Evil! The God-given impulse which accounts for you sitting there, for me sitting here? Thesplendid instinct which writes our poetry, builds our civilizations, founds our churches—the very heart and soul of life is evil. Really, Theodore, I don't know much about religion, but that strikes me as blasphemy against the Creator.
Theodore
Very scientific, my boy, very modern; but the Church believed in marriage before Science was born.
Ernest
As a compromise with evil?
Theodore
As a sacrament of religion—and so do you!
Ernest
Good! Then why practise and preach marriage as a sacrament of property? "Who giveth this woman to be married to this man—" Women are still goods and chattels to be given or sold, are they?
Theodore
Oh, nonsense!
Ernest
Then why keep on making them promise to "serve and obey"? Why marry them with a ring—the link of the ancient chain? [He smiles.] In the days of physical force it was made of iron—now of gold. But it's still a chain, isn't it?
Theodore
Symbols, my dear fellow, not to be taken in a literal sense—time-honored and beautiful symbols.
Ernest
But why insult a woman you respect—even symbolically?
Theodore
[with a laugh]
Oh, you scientists!
Ernest
[joining in the laugh]
We try to find the truth—and you try to hide it, eh? Well, there's one thing we have in common, anyway—one faith I'll never doubt again; I believe in Heaven now. I always shall.
Theodore
Do you mind telling me why, my boy?
Ernest
Not in the least. I've been there. [Johncomes out to breakfast. He is scowling.] Good morning; could you spare me five minutes?
John
[ringing bell]
Haven't had breakfast yet.
Ernest
After breakfast?
John
I've an appointment with young Baker.
Ernest
[smiles]
I'll wait my turn.
John
Going to be pretty busy to-day—you, too, I suppose, if you're sailing to-morrow.
Ernest
I can postpone sailing. This is more important.
John
I should hate to seeanythinginterfere with your career.
[Lucyalso arrives for breakfast. She "always pours her husband's coffee."
Ernest
I appreciate your interest, but I'll look out for my "career." [ToLucy.] Could you tell me when your sister will be down?
John
[overridingLucy]
My sister is ill and won't be down at all ... untilafteryouleave.
[Lucypretends not to hear. Theodore walks away.
Ernest
[aroused, but calm]
I don't believe you quite understand. It is a matter of indifference to me whether we have a talk or not. Entirely out of courtesy to you that I suggest it.
John
Don't inconvenience yourself on my account.
Ernest
[shrugs shoulders and turns toTheodore]
Wait, I think I'll sit in church till train time.
Theodore
[smoothing it over]
Come along. I'm going to preach about marriage!
[Theodorestarts off.
Ernest
[going, turns toLucy]
Thanks for your kindness. Will you ask the valet to pack my things, please? I'll call for them on the way to the station. [ToJohn.] Do you understand? I have no favors to ask of you. You don't own your sister—she owns herself.
[The scientist goes to church.
John
[with a loud laugh, turns toLucy]
Rather impertinent for a two-thousand-dollar man, I think. [Resumes breakfast, picks up newspaper.Lucysays nothing, attending to hiswants solicitously.] Bah! what does this highbrow know about the power men of my sort can use ... when we have to? [Lucycringes dutifully in silence.John, paper in one hand, brusquely passes cup toLucywith other.] Helen got her own way about college, about work, about living in her own apartment—but if she thinks she can putthisacross! Humph! These modern women must learn their place. [Lucy, smiling timidly, returns cup.Johntakes it without thanks, busied in newspapers. A look of resentment creeps overLucy'spretty face, now that he can't see her.] Ah! I've got something up my sleeve for that young woman. [Lucysays nothing, looks of contempt while he reads.] Well, why don't you say something?
Lucy
[startled]
I thought you didn't like me to talk at breakfast, dear.
John
Think I like you to sit there like a mummy? [No reply.] Haven't youanything to say? [Apparently not.] You never have any more, nothing interesting.... Does it ever occur to you that I'd like to be diverted?... No!
Lucy
Yes.... Would you mind very much if ... if I left you, John?
John
Left me? When—where—how long?
Lucy
[gathering courage]
Now—any place—entirely.
John
[bursts out laughing]
What suddenly putthisnotion in your head?
Lucy
I'm sorry—John, but I've had it—oh, for years. I never dared ask you till now.
John
[still glancing over paper]
Like to leave me, would you?... You have no grounds for divorce, my dear.
Lucy
Butyouwill have—after I leave you.
John
[yawns]
You have no lover to leave with.
Lucy
[daintily]
But couldn't I just desert you—without anything horrid?
John
[reads]
No money to desert with.
Lucy
[springs up—at bay]
You won't let me escape decently when I tell you I don't want to stay? When I tell you I can't stand being under your roof any longer? When I tell you I'm sick of this life?
John
[gets up calmly]
But, you see, I can stand it. I want you to stay. I'm not sick of it. You belong to me.
Lucy
[shrinking away as he approaches]
Don't touch me! Every time you come near me I have to nerve myself to stand it.
John
What's got into you? Don't I give you everything money can buy? My God, if I only gave you something to worry about; if I ran after other women like old man Baker——
Lucy
If you only would!—Then you'd letmealone. To me you are repulsive.
John
[taking hold of her]
Lucy! You are my wife.
Lucy
[looking him straight in the eye]
But you don't respect me, and I—I hate you—oh, how I hate you!
John
[holds her fast]
I am your husband, your lawful husband.
Lucy
[stops struggling]
Yes, this is lawful—but, oh, what laws you men have made for women!
[TheJudgecomes out, carrying a telegram.
Judge
Rather early in the day for conjugal embraces, if you should ask me. [JohnandLucyseparate.] Makes me quite sentimental and homesick.
[Judgeraises telegram and kisses it.
Lucy
[calming herself]
From Aunt Julia again? Do you get telegrams every day from Reno?
Judge
No, but she caught cold. Went to the theatre last night and caught a cold. So she wired me—naturally; got the habit of telling me her troubles, can't break it, even in Reno.
John
I thought she hated the theatre!
Judge
So she does, but I'm fond of it; she went for my sake. She's got the habit of sacrificing herself for me. Just as hard to break good habits as bad.
John
True women enjoy sacrificing themselves.
Judge
Yes, that's what we tell them. Well, we ought to know. We make 'em do it. [Brings out a fountain pen and sits abruptly.] That's what I'll tell her. I can hear her laugh. You know her laugh.
Lucy
[rings for a servant]
A telegraph blank?
Judge
[with a humorous expression he brings a whole pad of telegraph blanks out of another pocket]
Carry them with me nowadays. [Begins to write.] Wish I hadn't sold my Western Union, John.
John
I don't believe you want that divorce very much.
Judge
It doesn't matter whatIwant—what she wants is the point. You must give the woman you marry tutti-frutti, divorces—everything.... Why, I've got the habit myself, and God knows I don't enjoy sacrifice—I'm a man! The superior sex!
John
I don't believe you appreciate that wife of yours.
Judge
[between the words he's writing]
Don't I? It isn't every wife that'd travel away out to Reno—you know how she hates travelling—and go to a theatre—and catch a cold—and get a divorce—all for the sake of an uncongenial husband. [Suddenly getting an idea, strikes table.] I know what gave her a cold. She raised all the windows in her bedroom—formysake!—I always kept them down forhersake. I'll have to scold her. [Bends to his writing again.] Poor little thing! She doesn't know how to take care of herself without me. I doubt if she ever will.
[Looks over telegram. AServantcomes, takes telegram, and goes.
John
Uncle Everett, I want your advice.
Judge
John! doyouwant a divorce?
John
No, we are not that sort, are we, Lucy? [No answer.] Are we, dear?
Lucy
[after a pause]
No, we are not that sort!
John
We believe in the sanctity of the home, the holiness of marriage.
Lucy
Yes, we believe in—"the holiness of marriage!"
[Turns away, covering her face with her hands and shuddering.
John
Lucy, tell Helen and Jean to come here. [Lucygoes.] Well, young Baker spoke to me about Jean last night. I told him I'd think it over and give him my decision this morning.
Judge
That's right. Mustn't seem too anxious, John. When the properly qualified male offers one of our dependent females a chance at woman's only true career, of course it's up to us to look disappointed.
John
But I didn't bring up the little matter you spoke of.
Judge
About that chorus girl?... Afraid of scaring him off?
John
Not at all, but—well, it's all over and it's all fixed. No scandal, no blackmail.
Judge
Hum! By the way, got anything on Hamilton?
John
I don't believe in saints myself.
Judge
I see.... Good thing, for Jean Rex isn't a saint. I suppose you'd break off the match.
[Rex, in riding clothes, comes out.Johnsalutes him warmly. TheJudgeis reading the paper.
[Rex, in riding clothes, comes out.Johnsalutes him warmly. TheJudgeis reading the paper.
Rex
[not eagerly]
Well?
John
Well, of course, you realize that you're asking a great deal of me, Rex, but—[Offers hand toRexwarmly.] Be good to her, my boy, be good to her.
Rex
[shaking hands, forced warmth]
Thanks awfully. See-what-I-mean? [ToJudge.] Congratulate me, Judge; I'm the happiest of men.
Judge
[looking up from newspaper]
So I see. Don't let it worry you.
[Jean, in riding costume, comes from the house.
John
[signallingJudgeto leave]
If Helen asks for me, I'm in the garden.
Judge
If any telegrams come for me, I'm writing tomy wife!
[JeanandRexalone, they look at each other, not very loverlike.
Jean
[impulsively]
You weren't in love with me yesterday. You aren't now. You would get out of it if you honorably could. But you honorablycan't! So you have spoken to John; you are going to see it through, because you're a good sport.... I admire you for that, Rex, too much to hold you to it. You are released.
Rex
[amazed]
Why—why—you—you don't suppose I want to be released?
Jean
Well, I do!... Yesterday I let you propose to me when I cared for some one else. That's not fair to you, to me, to him!
Rex
[in a sudden fury]
Who is he? What do you mean by this? Why didn't you tell me?
Jean
I am telling you now. What have you ever told me about yourself?
Rex
[blinking]
You had no right to play fast and loose with me.
Jean
I'm making the only amends I can. You are free, I tell you.
Rex
I don't want to be free! He can't have you! You are mine! If you think you can make me stop loving you——
Jean
[interrupting]
Love, Rex? Only jealousy. You've never beenin love with me—you've always been in love with Helen. But you couldn't get her, so you took me. Isn't that true, Rex?
Rex
[after an uncomfortable pause]
I'll be honest with you, too. Yesterday I wasn't really very serious. I felt like a brute afterward. You tried your best to prevent what happened and ran away from me. But now——
Jean
Don't you know why I ran away? To make you follow. I made you catch me. I made you kiss me. Then you realized that we had been thrown together constantly—deliberately thrown together, if you care to know it—and, well, that's how many marriages are made. But I shan't marry on such terms. It's indecent!
Rex
[another pause]
I never thought awomancould be capable of such honesty!... Oh, what a bully sport you are! You aren't like the rest that have been shoved at me. Why, I can respect you. You are the one for me.
[He tries to take her.
Jean
[restraining him with dignity]
I am sorry, Rex, but I am not for you.
Rex
Jean! without you ... don't you see—I'll go straight to the devil!
Jean
That old, cowardly dodge? Any man who has no more backbone than that—why, I wouldn't marry you if you were the last man in the world.
Rex
[frantic to possess what he cannot have]
You won't, eh? We'll see about that. I want you now as I never wanted anything in my life, and I'll win you from him yet. You'll see!
[Helennow appears.
Helen
Oh, I beg your pardon. Lucy said John was out here.
Jean
I'll call him.
[She runs down into the garden.
Rex
I'll call him.
[He runs afterJean. Helenhelplessly watches them go, sighs, standing by the garden steps untilJohnascends. He looks atHelena moment, wondering how to begin. She looks so capable and unafraid of him.
[He runs afterJean. Helenhelplessly watches them go, sighs, standing by the garden steps untilJohnascends. He looks atHelena moment, wondering how to begin. She looks so capable and unafraid of him.
John
If you hadn't gone to college, you could have done what Jean is doing.
Helen
[with a shrug and a smile]
But how proud you must be, John, to have a sister who isn't compelled to marry one man while in love with another.Now, aren't you glad I went to college?
[She laughs good-naturedly at him.
John
Humph! If you think I'd let a sister of mine marry one of old man Baker's two-thousand-dollar employees——
Helen
Why, John, didn't Ernest tell you? DoctorHawksbee has offered him a partnership. Just think of that!
John
What! Going back into private practice?
Helen
But it's such a fashionable practice. Hawksbee's made a million at it.
John
But the institute needs Hamilton.
Helen
Ah, but we need the money!
John
[disconcerted]
So you are going to spoil a noble career, are you? That's selfish. I didn't think it of you. There are thousands of successful physicians, but there is only one Ernest Hamilton.
Helen
[laughs]
Oh, don't worry, John, he has promised me to keep his two-thousand-dollar job.
John
Ah, I'm glad. You must let nothing interfere with his great humanitarian work. Think what it means to the lives of little children! Think what it means to the future of the race! Why, every one says his greatest usefulness has hardly begun!
Helen
Oh, I know all that, I've thought of all that.
John
Now, such men should be kept free from cares and anxiety. What was it you said yesterday? "He needs every cent of his salary for books, travel, all the advantages he simply must have for efficiency." To marry a poor man—most selfish thing a girl could do!
Helen
Yes, John, that's what I said yesterday.
John
[scoring]
But that was before he asked you! [Helensmiles. He sneers.] Rather pleased with yourself now, aren't you? "Just a woman after all"—heroine of cheap magazine story! Sacrifices career for love!... All very pretty and romantic, my dear—but how about the man you love! Want to sacrifice his career, too?
Helen
But I'm not going to sacrifice what you are pleased to call my career.... Therefore he won't have to sacrifice his.
John
What! going to keep on working? Will he let the woman he loves work!
Helen
[demure]
Well, you see, he says I'm "too good" to loaf.
John
Humph! who'll take care of your home when you're at work? Who'll take care of your work when you're at home. Look at it practically. To maintain such a home as he needs on such a salary as he has—why, it would take all your time, all your energy. To keep him in his class you'll have to drop out of your own, become a household drudge, a servant.
Helen
And if I am willing?
John
Then where's your intellectual companionship? How'll you help his work? Expense for him, disillusionment for both. If you're the woman you pretend to be, you won't marry that man!
Helen
[strong]
The world needs his work, but he needs mine, and we both need each other.
John
[stronger]
And marriage would only handicap his work, ruin yours, and put you apart. You know that's true. You've seen it happen with others. You have told me so yourself!
Helen
Then that settles it! We must not, cannot, shall not marry. We have no right to marry. I agree with all you say—it would not join us together; it would put us asunder.
John
And you'll give him up? Good! Good!
Helen
Give him up? Never! The right to work, the right to love—those rights are inalienable. No, we'll give up marriage but not each other.
John
But—but—I don't understand.
Helen
[straight in his eyes]
We need each other—in our work and in our life—and we're to have each other—until life is ended and our work is done. Now, do you understand?
John
[recoiling]
Are you in your right mind? Think what you're saying.
Helen
I have thought all night, John. You have shown me how to say it.
John
But, but—why, this is utterly unbelievable! Why I'm not even shocked. Do you notice? I'm not even shocked? Because everything you have said, everything you have done—it all proves that you are a good woman.
Helen
If I were a bad woman, I'd inveigle him into marriage, John.
John
Inveigle! Marriage! Are you crazy? ... Oh, this is all one of your highbrow jokes!
Helen
John, weren't you serious when you said marriage would destroy him?
John
But this would destroyyou!
Helen
Well, even if that were so, which is more important to the world? Which is more important to your "great humanitarian work"?
John
Ah, very clever! A bluff to gain my consent to marrying him—a trick to get his salary raised.
Helen
[with force]
John, nothing you can do, nothing you can say, will ever gain my consent to marrying him. I've not told you half my reasons.
John
My God! my own sister! And did you, for one moment, dream that I would consent to that!
Helen
Not for one moment. I'm not asking your consent. I'm just telling you.
John
[after scrutinizing her]
Ridiculous! If you really meant to run away with this fellow, would you come and tellme, your own brother?
Helen
Do you suppose I'drunaway without telling, even my own brother?
John
[looks at her a moment; she returns his gaze]
Bah!—all pose and poppycock! [He abruptly touches bell.] I'll soon put a stop to this nonsense. [Muttering.] Damnedest thing I ever heard of.
Helen
John, I understand exactly what I'm doing. You never will. But nothing you can do can stop me now.
John
We'll see about that. [TheButlerappears.] Ask the others to step out here at once; all except Miss Jean and Mr. Baker, I don't want them. Is Doctor Hamilton about?
Butler
No, sir, he went to church.
John
All right. [TheButlerdisappears.] To church! My God!