[She turns toErnest, gives him a look of complete love and trust, then bursts into tears upon his shoulder, his arms enfolding her protectingly.
[She turns toErnest, gives him a look of complete love and trust, then bursts into tears upon his shoulder, his arms enfolding her protectingly.
It is well along in the afternoon of the same busy day of rest. Most unaccountably—until theJudgeaccounts for it later—the terrace has been decked out with festoons and flowers since the excitement of the morning. Japanese lanterns have been hung, though it is not yet time to light them and though it is Sunday in a pious household.Most incongruously and lugubriously,Lucyis pacing to and fro in silent concern.Theodorenow comes out of the house, also looking harassed. Lucy turns to him inquiringly. He shakes his head sadly.
It is well along in the afternoon of the same busy day of rest. Most unaccountably—until theJudgeaccounts for it later—the terrace has been decked out with festoons and flowers since the excitement of the morning. Japanese lanterns have been hung, though it is not yet time to light them and though it is Sunday in a pious household.
Most incongruously and lugubriously,Lucyis pacing to and fro in silent concern.
Theodorenow comes out of the house, also looking harassed. Lucy turns to him inquiringly. He shakes his head sadly.
Lucy
No word from Uncle Everett?
Theodore
No word. He must have reached town long ago, unless he had tire trouble.... It's a bad sign, Lucy, a bad sign. He would surely telephone us.
Lucy
Oh, if heonlyhadn't missed their train!
Theodore
[hopelessly]
Uncle Everett is the only one who could have brought them to their senses.
Lucy
It may not be too late. He took our fastest car, our best chauffeur.
Theodore
Detectives are to watch all the steamers to-morrow. John telephoned at once.
Lucy
But to-morrow will be too late! And, oh! when it all comes out in the newspapers! The ghastly head-lines—"well-known scientist, beautiful daughter of a prominent family!" Oh! What will people say?
[John, hurried and worried, rushes out shouting forLucy.
John
Any news? Any news? [TheodoreandLucygive him gestures of despair.] Then it's too late. [He, too, paces to and fro in fury. Then bracing up.] Well, I found Rex, over at the Golf Club. Terribly cut up. But listen; not a drink, not one!... Where's Jean? Got to see her at once.
Theodore
Locked herself up in her room, John, crying her little heart out!
John
Rex is a changed man, I tell you. We've got to patch it up, and we've got to do itquick!
Lucy
But, John! When the Bakers hear about Helen ... Rex marry into our family? Never! We're disgraced, John, disgraced!
John
[impatiently]
But they're notgoingto hear about Helen. No one knows, and no onewill. Helen has simply returned to Paris to complete her scientific research. My press-agent—he's attending to all that.
Theodore
But questions, gossip, rumor—it's bound to come out in time!
John
In time; but meanwhile, if Jean marries Rex, the Bakers willhaveto stand for it. What's more, they'll makeotherpeople stand for it. Backed by the Bakers, no one willdareturn us down.... Our position in the world, my business relations with the old man—everything hangs on little Jeannow. Tell her I've simply got to see her. [Lucyhesitates.] Hurry! Rex is coming over later. [He catches sight of the table, festoons, etc.] Heavens! What's all this tomfoolery?
Lucy
[going]
Uncle Everett's orders—he wouldn't stop to explain. He left word to summon the whole family for dinner.
[Lucygoes.
John
[shrilly]
The whole family!... To-day of all days!
Theodore
John! You must not, shall not, force Jean to marry this man.
John
[unappreciated]
Haven't I done everything for my sisters? Can't they evenmarryforme?
Theodore
The man she loves or none at all.
John
That cub at the law school? No money to keep a wife, no prospects of any. His father's a college professor.
Theodore
[shaking head sadly]
"No love without marriage, no marriage without—money!" Ernest Hamilton's words this morning, when we walked to church.
John
[watching house expectantly]
Survival of the fittest, Theodore, survival of the fittest.
Theodore
The fittest for what?—for making money! the only kind of fitness encouraged to survive, to reproduce its species.
John
If the ability to make money is not the test of fitness, what is?
Theodore
Then you are more fit than a hundred Hamiltons, are you? And Rex? How fit is he? Rex never made a cent in his life.
John
He's got it, all the same.... See here! Haven't I enough to worry me without your butting in? Jean's got to marrysomebody,sometime, hasn't she?
Theodore
But not Rex, not if I can prevent it.
John
But you can't—you have nothing to do with it ... except to perform the ceremony and get a big, fat fee for it.
Theodore
I—marry Jean and Rex? Never!
[Jeancomes out. She is frightened and turns timidly toTheodorefor protection.
[Jeancomes out. She is frightened and turns timidly toTheodorefor protection.
John
Jean, don't detain Theodore. He has an important business letter to write. [Theodoreturns toJohnindignantly.] Your wife's sanatorium bills—better settle up before they dun you again.
Theodore
With your money?
[TakesJohn'scheck out of pocket, about to tear it.
John
[catchingTheodore'shand]
For Mary's sake, for the children's—don't give way to selfish pride.... Want to kill your wife? Then take her out of the sanatorium. Want to ruin your children? Then take them out of school!... Cash your check, I tell you, and pay your debts!
[Theodoreglances atJean, at check. A struggle. At bay, he finally pockets check and dejectedly goes into the house.
[Theodoreglances atJean, at check. A struggle. At bay, he finally pockets check and dejectedly goes into the house.
Jean
[with a wet handkerchief in hand]
Well? If I refuse to marry Rex?... Cut off my allowance or merely bully me to death?
John
[kindly]
Oh, come! You've filled your romantic little head full of novels. I never forceanybody to doanything. [Suddenly breaks out.] My heavens! what's the matter with all of you? I only want to give you and Lucy and Helen and Theodore and the whole family the best of everything in life! And what do I get for it? I'm a brutal husband, a bullying brother, and a malefactor of wealth. Lord! I guess I have some rights, even if I have got money!
Jean
Rex has money, too. Should that give him the right to women? I, too, have some rights—even though Iama woman.
John
Any woman who can't care enough for a Baker to marry him—Rex is the sort whowould do everything in the world for the woman he loves, everything. All the Bakers are like that.
Jean
But what would he do for the woman he no longer loves?
John
He wasn't fool enough to tell you about that?
Jean
About what?
John
[halting]
Nothing—I thought—I tell you, Rex has reformed.
Jean
You thought I meant his "past." I meant his future ... and my own.
John
Well, if you expect to find a saint, you'll never get married at all.
Jean
And if I never married at all?
John
Thenwhat will you do?
Jean
[with a wail of despair]
That's it—then whatshouldI do—whatcouldI do? Oh, it's so unfair, so unfair to train girls only for this! What chance, what choice have I? To live on the bounty of a disapproving brother or a man I do not love! Oh, how I envy Helen! If I only had a chance, a decent chance!
John
Any sensible girl would envy your chance. You'll never have another like it. You'll never have another at all! Grab it, I tell you, grab it. [Rexcomes quietly, a determined look on his face,Johnsees him.] Now, think, before too late, think hard. Think what it means to be an old maid.
[And leaves them abruptly.
[Jeanstands alone, looking very pretty in girlish distress.Rexgazes at her a moment and then with sudden passion he silently rushes over, seizes her in his arms, kisses her furiously.
[Jeanstands alone, looking very pretty in girlish distress.Rexgazes at her a moment and then with sudden passion he silently rushes over, seizes her in his arms, kisses her furiously.
Jean
[indignant, struggles, frees herself, and rubs her cheek]
Ugh! How could you!
Rex
Because I love you!
Jean
Love! It isn't even respect now.
Rex
Has that fellow ever kissed you?
Jean
I have begged you never to refer to him again.
Rex
He has! He has held you in his arms. He has kissed your lips, your cheeks, your eyes!
Jean
How many women have you held in your arms? Have I ever tried to find out?
Rex
Ah! You don't deny it, you can't.
Jean
I can!Herespects me. I don't deserve it, but he does.
Rex
Thank heavens! Oh, you don't know how this has tormented me, little Jean. The thought of any other man's coming near you—why, I couldn't have felt the same toward you again, I just couldn't.
Jean
[bites her lips—then deliberately]
Well, then ... other men have come near me ... other men have kissed me, Rex.
Rex
[getting wild again]
What! When? Where?
Jean
[laughing cynically]
Oh, in conservatories in town, John's camp in the North Woods, motor rides in the country—once or twice out here on this very terrace, when I've felt sentimental in the moonlight.
Rex
[recoiling]
Oh! Jean! I never supposedyouwere that sort!
Jean
[with distaste]
Oh, I don't make a habit of it! I'm notthatsort. But ... well, this isn't all I could tell you about myself, Rex.
Rex
Don't!... Oh, what do you mean—quick.
Jean
Oh, I've merely been handled, not hurt. Slightly shop-worn but as good as new.
Rex
[after a pause, quietly]
Jean, what makes you say such horribly honest things to me?
Jean
Yesterday I did you a great unkindness, Rex. I deserve to suffer for it.... You don't suppose I enjoy talking this way about myself?
Rex
I never heard a girl—a nice girl—talk like this before.
Jean
Naturally not. Usually "nice" girls hide it. It's an instinct in women—to keep up their value.... Often I've had thoughts and feelings which "nice" girls of your artificial ideal are supposed never to have at all. Perfectly natural, too, especially girls of my sort. We have so little to occupy our minds, except men! To have a useful, absorbing occupation—it rubs off the bloom, lowers our price in the market, you see.
Rex
Oh, stop!... If you're not going to marry me, say so, but——
Jean
But I am!... I am not going to be a dependent old maid. [Rex, bewildered, only gazes at her.] But, first, I want you to know exactly what you're getting for your money. That seems only businesslike.
Rex
[recoils]
Would you only marry me for that?
Jean
I told you I loved another man. Do you want me?
Rex
[with jealousy returning]
Do I want you! He shan't have you.
[He comes close.
Jean
Then take me.
Rex
[seizes her passionately]
I'll make you loveme! [Kisses her triumphantly.] I'll bring a different light into those cold eyes of yours. Wait until you're married! Wait until you're awakened. I'll make you forget that man, all other men. You are to be mine—all mine, all mine! [During this embraceJeanis quite passive, holds up her cheek to be kissed, and when he seeks her lips she shuts her eyes and gives him her lips. He suddenly stops, chilled; holding her at arms length.] But I don't care to marry an iceberg. Can't you love me a little? Haven't you any sentiment in your cynical little soul ... you irresistible darling!
Jean
In my soul? Yes! It's only my body I'm selling, you know.
[Then deliberately—clearly without passion—throws her arms about his neck, clinging close and kissing him repeatedly untilRexresponds.
[Then deliberately—clearly without passion—throws her arms about his neck, clinging close and kissing him repeatedly untilRexresponds.
Rex
Look out, here comes the parson.
[Theodorecomes out of the house.
Jean
Oh, Theodore! Rex and I have come to an understanding.... Will you solemnize our blessed union?
Theodore
Not unless you truly love each other. Marriage is sacred.
Jean
[rapidly]
A large church wedding—that will make it sacred. A full choral service—many expensive flowers—all the smartest people invited—that always makes the union of two souls sacred.
Theodore
Those who truly love—their friends should witness the solemn rite, but——
Jean
[interrupts. ToRex]
And my wedding gown will be white satin with a point-lace veil caught up with orange-blossoms and a diamond tiara—"the gift of the groom"—that ought to make it solemn.
Theodore
The white veil is the symbol of purity, Jean.
Jean
[rattling on wildly]
Of purity, Rex, do you hear? Whenever you see a bride in the white symbol of purity she is pure—that proves it. That makes it all so beautiful! so sacred! so holy! holy! holy!
[Hysterically turns and runs into the house asJohncomes out.
Theodore
[following]
Jean, you must not, you shall not—[JohnblocksTheodore.Rexruns in afterJean. ToJohn.] John, I warn you! I'll prevent this marriage. I'll tell every clergyman in the diocese. I'll inform the bishop himself. This marriage would be a sacrilege.
John
You dare threaten me—after all I've done for you!
Theodore
Your five thousand was a loan—not a bribe—every cent of it will be returned.
John
You can't return it. I wouldn't let you if you could. Come, it's all in the family. [Theodoreshakes his head.] You know that beautiful Gothic chapel old man Baker is building on his estate? He likes you. I'll tell him you're just the man he's looking for—safe and sane—no socialistic tendencies.
Theodore
Don't trouble yourself—he offered me the place this morning.
John
You didn't refuse it!
Theodore
I did—this morning. But since my last talk with you I've reconsidered, I've telephoned my acceptance.
John
[genuinely glad]
Bully! Great! Why, now you're fixed for life. "Only one kind of fitness encouraged," eh?... Right always triumphs in the end. Never lose your faith again, Theodore.
Theodore
Right? That whited sepulchre! his mill hands dying like flies, his private life a public scandal!
John
[with a cynical grin]
Then why accept his tainted money?
Theodore
[from his soul]
To keep my wife alive. To keep my children out of the streets. To keep myself out of deeper debt to you. That's why I accept it—that's why many a man sells his soul to the devil.... If I had only myself to consider—why, to me alittle thing like death would be a blessed luxury. But I, why, John, I cannot afford—even to die. I must compromise and live—live for those dependent on me.... Your five thousand will be returned with interest, but your little sister will not be married to a man she does not want.
John
But Rex wantsherand money talks in this world, louder than the Church. Refuse to marry Baker's son and how long will you keep Baker's chapel?... Think it over, Theodore, think it over.
[Suddenly theJudgein motor garments covered with dust comes out panting, followed byLucycalling.
[Suddenly theJudgein motor garments covered with dust comes out panting, followed byLucycalling.
Lucy
Uncle Everett! Uncle Everett!
Judge
John! Oh, John!
John
Where is she!
Theodore
You were too late!
Judge
Wait! Give me time to get my breath.
[Fans himself with his cap and mops brow.
John
My detective—didn't he meet their train?
[Judgenods yes.
Lucy
But they saw him first?
[Judgeshakes head no.
Theodore
Didn't he follow them?
[Judgenods yes.
John
Where'd they go? Where are they? Speak, man, speak!
Judge
[raises cap and handkerchief]
Now, just give me a chance and I'll tell the whole story.... The detective was waitingat the station. He saw them step out of the train. He followed them to the cab-stand. He watched them get into a taxi—jumped into another himself—and away they went, pursued by the detective and blissfully ignorant of his existence.... Even now they don't know they were being watched—or else ... well, they might have taken another course.
Lucy
Quick! Tell us the worst.
Judge
[hesitates]
Well ... they drove straight to Helen's apartment.
Lucy
And you were too late. I thought so.
John
But my detective?
Judge
He followed and reported to me when I reached town.
Lucy
Reported what? Tell us all.
Judge
First he saw Ernest help Helen out of the taxi—very tenderly, like this. Little they realized then how every detail was to be reported to you now!
John
Go on! Go on!
Judge
Then the detective saw Ernest deliberately——
Lucy
Yes, go on.
Judge
Deliberately lift his hat like this, say "good afternoon" just like that, and drive on to his own apartment a mile away.
[There is a sudden silence; the others waiting theJudgenow sits down.
Lucy
Oh, is that all?
Theodore
Why, it's exactly as if they were engaged!
Judge
No, Theodore, notexactlyas if engaged.
John
You're keeping something back from us! Speak!
Judge
[gets up from chair]
Must I tell you? It's rather delicate.... Well, he didn't even step into the vestibule to kiss her good-by.
[All look at each other.
John
But where are they now? Quick!
Lucy
They met later! I knew it.
Judge
Yes, it's true. They are alone together at this very moment.
All
Where! Where?
Judge
[pointing to house]
There.
John
What! What are they doing here?
Judge
[resumes fanning]
Discussing the marriage problem. [General rejoicing and relief.] Sssh! Not so loud, you might interrupt them.
John
[nodding knowingly]
Cold feet! Knew he'd lose his job.
Lucy
The disgrace. She couldn't face it.
Theodore
No, conscience. A deep religious nature.
[They all think it over a moment, each sure of his own diagnosis.
John
[turning toJudgewith amusement]
So! Decided the soul-mate theory wouldn't work in practice, eh?
TheodoreandLucy
And they agree to marry?
Judge
[stops fanning]
Marry? My, no! Nothing like that. They think less of marriage than ever now! Helen is using woman's sweet indirect influence on Ernest in there at this moment!
[All start toward the house impulsively, but on second thoughts they all stop.
[All start toward the house impulsively, but on second thoughts they all stop.
John
Then how on earth did you get them back!
Judge
[lighting cigar]
Oh, perfectly simple, I promised Helen you'd apologize to Ernest; promised Ernest you'd apologize to Helen. [ToLucy.] Promised both you'd arrange a nice little family party for 'em. They bear no grudge. They're too happy.
Lucy
[horrified. Indicates table]
The family party—forthem? Horrors!
Judge
[tossing away match]
Yes, here in your happy home. [The others turn on theJudgeindignantly.] Well, don't jump onme. I tell you they positively decline to elope until after they tell the whole damn family. Considerate of them, I say. You don't deserve it, if you ask me.
John
[incredulous]
Tell the whole ... see here, are they crazy? Areyoucrazy? Do you thinkI'mcrazy?
[Impetuously turns toward the house, a man of action.
Judge
[stoppingJohn]
Wait!... You've already done your best to destroy your sister—but you've utterly failed. They have done nothing wrong—as yet. Why, they are the finest, truest, noblest pair of lovers I ever met! Now, aren't they, Theodore?
Theodore
I can't say that I call Helen's ideas of marriage "noble," exactly!
Judge
[grandiloquent]
She is willing to sacrifice even marriage for his career. Isn't that noble? And he! willing to sacrifice even his career for marriage. Both noble, if you ask me.
John
[loud]
Noble tommy-rot!—a pair of pig-headed, highbrow fools! They don't have to sacrifice anything for anybody. Can't they work together just as well married as unmarried?
Judge
[slyly]
That's what I said to her, but you had already convinced her that it was impractical. Work and marriage—"combine the two, and you'll fail at both"—your own warning, John.
John
[angry]
B'r'r—you think you're very funny, don'tyou! But that's my sister in there, planning to be that fellow's mistress—right here in my own house! Anything funny about that!
Judge
[stepping aside]
All right, go put a stop to it then! [Johnstarts toward house.] It's your own house—turn her out again. [Johnstops short.] What are you going to do about it, John? [Johnhas no answer.] Drive little Jean into marriage with a man she does not love—she is an old-fashioned girl. But your other sister—you can't make her marry even the man she does love, unless she sees fit. She is the New Woman! Society can no longer force females into wedlock—so it is forcing them out ... by the thousands! Approve of it? Of course not. But what good will our disapproval do? They will only laugh at you. The strike is on. Few of the strikers will let you see it. Few of the strikers have Helen's courage. But, believe it or not, the strike will spread. It cannot be crushed by law or force. Unless society wakes up and reforms its rules and regulations of marriage, marriage is doomed.... What are you going to do about it? [Silence.] I thought so—nothing. Call them badwomen and let it go at that. Blame it all on human nature, made by God, and leave untouched our human institutions, made by man. You poor little pessimists! human nature to-day is better than it ever was, but our most important institution is worse—the most sacred relationship in life has become a jest in the market-place.... You funny little cowards, you're afraid of life, afraid of love, afraid of truth. You worship lies, and call it God!
John
[interrupts]
All right, all right—but we can't change marriage overnight just to suit Helen. What areyougoing to do about it?
Judge
There's just one thing to do. Will you back me up in everything I say?
John
[acknowledging his own defeat]
Anything—everything.
Judge
Then tell Helen she doesn't have to marry,that, with the best intentions, the Church has made a muddle of monogamy.
From a photograph by White Studio.Judge: You poor little pessimists! Human nature to-day is better than it ever was, but our most important institution is worse—the most sacred relationship in life has become a jest in the market-place.
From a photograph by White Studio.
Judge: You poor little pessimists! Human nature to-day is better than it ever was, but our most important institution is worse—the most sacred relationship in life has become a jest in the market-place.
Theodore
Uncle Everett, I protest.
Judge
That we all admire their consecrated courage and advise their trying this conscientious experiment.
John
Not if I have anything to say about it!
Judge
But you haven't. Do please get that through your head.... Theodore, they've talked enough, ask them to step out here and receive John's blessing. [Impatiently.] Go on—I'll fix John. [Theodoregoes.] [ToJohn, who is about to burst forth.] Oh, see here, did you ever pull a dog into the house against his will?... Let him alone and he'll follow you in, wag his tail, and lick your hand.
John
You mean, they'll come in, be respectable?
Judge
Admit that marriage has numerous drawbacks—and they'll see its advantages. Deny it—and they'll see nothing but each other. Marriageisin a bad way, but it's the less of two evils. Marriagemustadjust itself to the New Woman—butthe New Woman must meanwhile adjust herself to marriage. [Briskly toLucy.] Now, then, did you send out that hurry call for the family this evening?
Lucy
Yes, they're on their way here now, but Uncle Everett, Doctor Hamilton said, next week.
Judge
Yes, I know—it'll be a little surprise party for Helen.... Did you order some music?
Lucy
Yes, the musicians are to be stationed in the library.
Judge
Excellent, excellent. [Indicates tables and festoons.] All that junk will help, too. A good Sunday supper this evening, Lucy; your best champagne, John—gay spirits, family affection, warm approval, toasts to the future. Why, all we'll have to do is—[Breaks off.] Here they come. Now follow my lead. They've done a lot of thinking since you saw them last, but—make one misstep and it's all off.
Lucy
Be nice to her, John. It was just a girlish impulse.
[Johnopens arms to receiveHelen.
John
My sister! All is forgiven.
Helen
[stops short, her lip curls]
Youforgiveme?
[BeforeJohncan reply,TheodoreandErnestfollow, talking.
Ernest
But I tell you he had a perfect right to put me off his property. The thing I can't overlook—[SeesJohnandLucy. Points finger at themaccusingly.] Theodore has told me what you thought.... Please don't judge us by yourselves again—you licentious-minded married people!