[Ernest Hamilton, discoverer of the Hamilton antitoxin, is a fine-looking fellow of about thirty-five, without the spectacles or absent-mindedness somehow expected of scientific genius. He talks little but very rapidly and sees everything. It does not occur to him to be shy or embarrassed "in these surroundings"—not because he is habituated to so much luxury, on three thousand a year, nor because he despises it; he likes it; but he likes other things even more. That is why he works for two thousand a year, instead of working for fat, fashionable fees in private practice.Johnmeets his distinguished guest at the door—effusively, yet with that smiling condescension which wealthy trustees sometimes show to "scientists, college professors, and that sort of thing."
[Ernest Hamilton, discoverer of the Hamilton antitoxin, is a fine-looking fellow of about thirty-five, without the spectacles or absent-mindedness somehow expected of scientific genius. He talks little but very rapidly and sees everything. It does not occur to him to be shy or embarrassed "in these surroundings"—not because he is habituated to so much luxury, on three thousand a year, nor because he despises it; he likes it; but he likes other things even more. That is why he works for two thousand a year, instead of working for fat, fashionable fees in private practice.
Johnmeets his distinguished guest at the door—effusively, yet with that smiling condescension which wealthy trustees sometimes show to "scientists, college professors, and that sort of thing."
John
Ah, Doctor Hamilton! Delighted to see you on my little farm at last. Out here I'm just a plain, old-fashioned farmer.
[Ernestglances about at the magnificence and smiles imperceptibly. He makes no audible replies to the glad welcome, but bows urbanely, master of himself and the situation.
[Ernestglances about at the magnificence and smiles imperceptibly. He makes no audible replies to the glad welcome, but bows urbanely, master of himself and the situation.
Lucy
Doctor Hamilton! So good of you to come.
Theodore
How are you, Ernest? Glad to see you.
Lucy
I don't think you've met our uncle, Judge Grey.
Judge
[humorously adopting their manner]
Charmed! I've heard so much about you!—from my niece.
Lucy
[toErnest'srescue, like a tactful hostess]
A cup of tea, Doctor Hamilton?
Ernest
[unperturbed by the reference toHelen]
Thanks.
John
[whileLucymakes tea. Trustee manner]
I have often desired to express my admiration of your heroism in the war against yellow fever in er—ah—Cuba, when you let an innocent-looking mosquito bite you——
Lucy
[nodding and poising sugar-tongs]
And then took notes on your symptoms till you became delirious!
Ernest
No sugar, thanks.
[He looks from one to another with considerable interest.
Judge
No drums to make you famous, no war correspondents to make you brave—I mean the other way round.
Ernest
[toLucypoising cream pitcher]
No cream, please.
John
Senator Root says this one triumph alonesavestwenty million dollars a yearto the business interests of the United States! I call that true patriotism.
Ernest
[with a nod of assent toLucy]
Lemon.
Theodore
[with sincerity]
General Wood says it saves morehuman livesa year than were lost in the whole Spanish War! I call it service.
Judge
Colonel Goethals says the Panama Canal could not have been built if it hadn't been for you self-sacrificing scientists. Not only that, but you have abolished forever from the United States a scourge which for more than a century had through periodic outbreaks spread terror, devastation, and death.
[A pause.
Ernest
[bored, but trying to hide it]
The ones who deserve your praise are the four who died to prove that theory.... [He smiles.] Of course, you all know their names.... [Helooks atJohn, who looks atJudge, who looks atLucy, who looks atTheodore. He takes up his cup.] Delicious tea.
Theodore
Ah, but they didn't do it for fame, for money—that's the beauty of the sacrifice.
Ernest
[with a smile]
Quite so.... That's what Congress told us when we suggested a pension for the widow of the first victim.
All
What! Did Congress refuse the pension?
Ernest
[finishes his tea]
They finally voted the sum of seventeen dollars a month for the widow and no less than two dollars a month extra for each of his children....
Lucy
Is that all?
Ernest
No.... We pestered Congress to death until, a few years ago, they replaced the pension with an annuity of one hundred and twenty-five dollars a month—though some of them said it was a very bad precedent to establish. [Returns cup toLucy.] No more, thanks, delicious.
[And turns to admire the wide-sweeping view of the farm, hands in pockets.
John
[after a pause]
Well, I think our scientists might well be called philanthropists.
Ernest
Hardly! You see, every oneknowsthe names of philanthropists.... Better let it go at "scientists."
Judge
He's right. Philanthropists don't give their lives, they give their names—have 'em carved in stone over their institutes and libraries.
[Johnapproaches and joins his guest.
Ernest
Charming little farm you have here.
John
Doctor Hamilton, America kills its big men with routine. You are too valuable to the nation to lose—the trustees think you need a year abroad.
Ernest
That's strange, I came out here to suggest that very thing.... Somebody has been saying kind things about me in Paris. Just had a letter from the great Metchnikoff—wants me to come over and work in the Pasteur! Chance of a lifetime!... You didn't have to jolly me up to consent to that!
John
[pacing terrace with his guest, arm in arm]
By the by, my sister is rather keen on science.
Ernest
Best assistant I ever had. You can pile an awful lot of routine on a woman. The female of the species is more faithful than the male.... She's over there already. We can get right to work.
John
She'll be back before you start.
Ernest
[stops short]
I didn't know that.... Well, what is it?
[Johnhesitates, turns to the family, all watching with breathless interest.
Theodore
Don't you see, old chap, under the circumstances it would hardly do for her to go back to Paris with you.
Ernest
Why not?
Lucy
You're a man.
Ernest
[smiling]
You mean I'm dangerous?
Lucy
But she's a woman.
Judge
They meanshe'sdangerous.
John
My dear fellow, we are going to ask you quite frankly to decline to take her.
Ernest
[looks about at the circle of anxious faces. He wont let them read him]
So that's it, eh?... But it's the chance of a lifetime for her, too. She needs it more than I do. She's had so little chance to do original work.
John
But she's a woman.
Ernest
Just what has that to do with it?
John
Everything. We have the highest respect for you, Doctor Hamilton, but also ... one must respect the opinions of the world, you know.
Ernest
[thinks it over]
That's right. One must. I forgot to think of that.... It's curious, but when working withwomen of ability one learns to respect them so much that one quite loses the habit of insulting them. Too bad how new conditions spoil fine old customs.... Suppose you let her go and let me stay. I can find plenty to do here, I fancy.
John
I fear it would offend our generous benefactor, Mr. Baker. He has set his heart on your going abroad, meeting other big men, getting new ideas for our great humanitarian work. [The family exchange glances whileJohnlies on.] Besides, my sister would only go to accommodate you. She particularly desires to stay here this winter. That's why she is returning so soon, you see.
Ernest
[believes it]
Oh, I see.... I'm sure I have no desire todragher over with me.... [Smiles at himself.] I rather thought the opportunity to continue our experiments together ... but that's all right.
John
Then it's all settled—you agree to go alone?
Ernest
[a slight pause]
Yes, alone. It's quite settled.
John
How soon could you start?
Ernest
[absently]
How soon? Why, just as soon as I get some one to run my department.
John
Could my sister run it?
Ernest
[smiles]
Could she run it? It can't run without her! She's as systematic as [toLucy]—as a good housekeeper.
John
[with a satisfied look at the others]
Thenthat'sall fixed! She'll stay when I tell her that you want her to. Could you arrange to start at once?
Ernest
[hesitates]
By leaving here to-night, I could.
John
[with a triumphant look at the family]
Then I'll telephone for your passage—I have a pull with all the steamship lines. [Going.] Of course I hate to cut short your week-end, but I don't want to spoil any scientific careers.
[Johnhurries in to telephone.Erneststarts too, as if to stop him but restrains the impulse. He stands alone by the door gazing out over the landscape whileLucy,Theodore, and theJudgediscuss him in low tones by the tea-table.
[Johnhurries in to telephone.Erneststarts too, as if to stop him but restrains the impulse. He stands alone by the door gazing out over the landscape whileLucy,Theodore, and theJudgediscuss him in low tones by the tea-table.
Lucy
Can't you see, you stupid men! He's crazy about her—but thinks there's no hope.
Theodore
When she finds he's leaving for a year ... she'll change her mind about marriage!
[Ernestcomes back to earth and to the house-party.
Judge
[toErnest, joining them]
Ahem! We were just discussing the marriage danger—I mean the marriage problem.
Ernest
[with a smile]
Go right on—don't mind me.
Theodore
[old-friend manner]
See here! When areyouever going to marry?
Ernest
[modern bachelor's laugh]
When am I ever going to get more than two thousand a year?
Theodore
Bah! what has money got to do with it! Just you wait till the right one comes along.
[Helencomes along, stealing up the steps from the garden on tiptoe with the grave, absorbed look of a hunter stalking game. She catches sight of the man she wants and stops short, as motionless as if frozen. But not so! Her lovely hands were poised;one of them now goes to her bosom and presses there. There is nothing icy about this New Woman now.
[Helencomes along, stealing up the steps from the garden on tiptoe with the grave, absorbed look of a hunter stalking game. She catches sight of the man she wants and stops short, as motionless as if frozen. But not so! Her lovely hands were poised;one of them now goes to her bosom and presses there. There is nothing icy about this New Woman now.
Ernest
[as unconscious of danger as a mountain-lion on an inaccessible height, smiles easily at his sentimental old friendTheodore]
How do you know "the right one" hasn't come already?
[Theodorecatches sight ofHelen. She shakes her head in silent pleading, taps a finger on her lips, and in a panic flees noiselessly across toward the door.
[Theodorecatches sight ofHelen. She shakes her head in silent pleading, taps a finger on her lips, and in a panic flees noiselessly across toward the door.
Theodore
[suppressing a laugh]
Then don't let her go by!
[Helenstops at the door and makes a face atTheodore.
Ernest
[affecting indifference]
Oh, I couldn't stop her, even if I wanted to.
Theodore
[turning to wink atHelen]
How do you know? Did you ever ask her?
Ernest
To marry me? Oh, no! She hasn't any money.
Theodore
[Helenis dumfounded]
Money! You wouldn't marry for money!
[Helendraws near to hear the answer.
Ernest
You don't suppose I'd marry a woman who hadn't any? Most selfish thing a poor man can do.
[Helenis interested.
Theodore
Oh, fiddlesticks! You modern young people—
Ernest
[interrupts]
Make her a sort of superior servant in an inferior home—not that girl!
[Helenis pleased.
Theodore
Feministic nonsense! The old-fashioned womanly woman——
Ernest
Sentimental twaddle! What makes it more "womanly" to do menial workformen than intellectual work with them?
[Helendelighted, applauds noiselessly.
Theodore
All the same, I'll bet you wouldn't let a little thing like that stand in your way if you really cared for a woman enough to marry her.
Ernest
[benign and secure]
But, as it happens, I don't. Nothing could induce me to marry.
[Helenraises her chin, her eyes glitter dangerously.
Theodore
So you are going to run away to Europe like a coward?
Ernest
[smiles patronizingly]
Theodore, you are such an incorrigible idealist! I have nothing to be afraid of—I simply do not care tomarry!
Helen
That's just whatIsaid!
[All turn and beholdHelen.
Ernest
My heavens!
[He steps back like a coward.
Helen
But I agree with you perfectly. [She holds out her hand to him.] I was so afraid you believed in marriage.
[He rushes to her eagerly.
Judge
[as the lovers shake hands]
You wronged him. Apologize.
Ernest
Why—why—all this time, I thoughtyouhad the usual attitude.
Judge
Wrongedher. Both apologize.
Helen
Why didn't you ever tell me you had such enlightened views?
Ernest
Why didn't you ever tell me?
Judge
Each understands the other now. Everything lovely!
Helen
Think of the discussions we might have had!
Judge
Not too late yet. Julia and I had discussions for a quarter of a century.
Helen
Don't think I had any hand in this. [Laughs.] I was going to warn you, but now—it is unnecessary now.
Ernest
Warn me? What do you mean?
Helen
Can't you see? It was all a plot! [Lucydraws near noiselessly.] A plot to entrap you in marriage! They had about given me up as a badjob.Youwere my last hope. They were going to throw me at your head. [Louder but without turning.] Weren't you, Lucy dear?
Lucy
[caught listening, turns abruptly to the others]
These New Women are utterly shameless.
Helen
[toErnest]
These old-fashioned women are utterly shameless. After a decent interval, they will all with one accord make excuses to leave us here alone, so that I can—[she comes nearer] ensnare you! [Ernestlaughs nervously.] Lucy is going to say—[imitatesLucy'ssweet tones]: "If you'll excuse me, I always take forty winks before dressing." Dressing is the hardest work Lucy has to do. Cousin Theodore will find that hemustwrite to his wife, and Uncle Everett will feel a yearning for the billiard room. [Ernestis nodding and chuckling.] They're hanging on longer than usual to-day, and I simply must have a talk with you.
Ernest
Our shop-talk would scandalize 'em!
Helen
Wait, I'll get rid of them!
[She sits and begins to make tea.
Ernest
I've had my tea, thanks.
Helen
Stupid! Sit down. [Indicates a chair close to hers. He takes it cautiously.] We'll have a little fun with them in a minute.
[She is busy now making tea.
Theodore
[toLucyand theJudgeapart]
You may be right, Uncle Everett, but upon my word it is the strangest courtship I ever witnessed.
Lucy
They ought to be spanked.
Judge
Don't worry, old Mother Nature will attend to that.
Lucy
Well, I may be old-fashioned, but——
Judge
[interrupting]
But this is merely a new fashion, my dear Lucy. Nature her ancient custom holds, let science say what it will.
Helen
[handing cup toErnestwith a glance at the others]
Now, then, be attentive to me. [He leans toward her rather shyly, abashed by her nearness. She makes eyes at him reproachfully.] Oh, can't you be more attentive than that? [She acts like a coquette and he looks into her beautiful eyes and while he is doing so she says with a fascinating drawl] Now tell me a-all about anterior poliomyelitis!
Ernest
[suddenly taken aback, he laughs]
Nothing doing since you left.
[And bends close to explain.
Lucy
If you'll excuse me, Doctor Hamilton, Ialways take forty winks before dressing. We dine at eight.
[Going, she signals to the others.ErnestandHelenexchange smiles.
Theodore
[laughing, toLucy]
Ss't! Don't tell John what's going on! Keep him busy telephoning. [Lucynods excitedly and almost runs to obey the Church.] Helen, if you and Ernest will excuse me, I really must write to Mary.
[Their shoulders are close together and they seem too absorbed to reply.Theodoresmiles down upon them and signals theJudgeto come along. TheJudge, however, shakes his head but wavesTheodoreinto the house. Uncle Everett looks at the lovers with quizzical interest. He draws near and eavesdrops shamelessly.
[Their shoulders are close together and they seem too absorbed to reply.Theodoresmiles down upon them and signals theJudgeto come along. TheJudge, however, shakes his head but wavesTheodoreinto the house. Uncle Everett looks at the lovers with quizzical interest. He draws near and eavesdrops shamelessly.
Helen
You oughtn't to have dropped the polio experiments.
Ernest
You oughtn't to have dropped me—right in themidstof the experiments. Those agarplates you were incubating dried up and spoiled. You played the very devil with my data.
Judge
God bless my soul! what are we coming to?
Helen
[without turning]
It's perfectly proper for your little ears, uncle, only you can't understand a word of it. Won'tanyone play billiards with you?
Judge
But I'm fascinated. It's so idyllic. Makes me feel young again.
Helen
[toErnest]
Oh, you have plenty of men assistants who can estimate antitoxin units.
Ernest
Men assistants lose interest. They are all so confoundedly ambitious to do original work. Why is it women can stand day after day of monotonous detail better than men?
Helen
Because men always made them tend the home!
Judge
Ah, nothing like a good old-fashioned love scene—in the scientific spirit.
Helen
Uncle, dear!Can'tyou see that he is paying me wonderful compliments? Haven't you any tact? Go and play Canfield in the library.
Judge
[lighting cigar]
Very well, I'll leave you to your own devices—and may God,yourGod, have mercy on your scientific souls.
Helen
[with sudden animation and camaraderie, thinking they are alone]
Now I must tell you what Doctor Metchnikoff said about you and your future!
Judge
Sst! [HelenandErnestturn.] My children—[Pause—raises his hand.] Don't forget the scientific spirit!
[TheJudgesaunters off into the garden, smoking.
Ernest
How did you ever meet Metchnikoff?
Helen
[chaffing]
I had worked under Hamilton! Theyallwanted to meet me.
Ernest
[with an unmistakable look]
U'm ... was that why? [Fleeing danger.] Didn't you let them know your part in that discovery? Why, if it hadn't been for you, I should never have stumbled upon the thing at all.
Helen
Oh, I know my place too well for that! Talk aboutartistictemperament, you scientists are worse than prima donnas.
Ernest
[takes printers' proofs out of pocket, hands them to her in silence]
Some proofs of a monograph I was correctingon the train. Mind hammering those loose sentences of mine into decent English? You can write—I can't.
Helen
[reading innocently]
"Recent Experiments in Anterior Poliomyelitis by Ernest Hamilton, M.D., Ph.D., and Helen"—what! why, you've putmyname with yours!
[Much excited and delighted.
Ernest
Well, if you object—like a prima donna——
[Takes out pencil to mark on proof.
Helen
[snatching proofs away]
Object? Why, this makes my reputation in the scientific world.
Ernest
Well, didn't you make mine?
Helen
[still glowing with pride, but touched by his unexpected generosity]
You can't imagine what this means to me. It's so hard for a woman to get any recognition.Most men have but one use for us. If we get interested in anything butthemit is "unwomanly"—they call it "a fad." But they'vegotto take me seriously now. My name with Ernest Hamilton's!
[Points to her name and swaggers back and forth.
Ernest
[bantering]
But then, you see, you are a very exceptional woman. Why, you have a mind like a man.
Helen
Like a man? [Coming close to him, tempting him.] If you had a mind like a woman you would know better than to say that to me!
[Re-enterJudgefrom garden. He smiles and glances at them. The lovers keep quiet as he crosses to the door. Then they look at each other and smile.Judgehas gone into the house. It is nearly dark. The moon is rising.
[Re-enterJudgefrom garden. He smiles and glances at them. The lovers keep quiet as he crosses to the door. Then they look at each other and smile.Judgehas gone into the house. It is nearly dark. The moon is rising.
Ernest
[raises eyebrows]
They all take for granted that I want to make love to you.
[Smiles but avoids her eyes.
Helen
[avoids his]
Well, you took for granted that I wanted you to!... You are about the most conceited man I ever knew.
Ernest
How can I help it when you admire me so?
Helen
I? Admire you?
Ernest
You're always telling me what great things I'm going to do—stimulating me, pushing me along. Why, after you left, everything went slump. Tell me, why did you leave? Was I rude to you? Did I hurt your feelings?
Helen
Not in the least. It was entirely out of respect foryourfeelings.
Ernest
Myfeelings? [Laughing.] Oh, I see. You got it into your head thatIwanted to marryyou!
Helen
Men sometimes do.
Ernest
[looks away]
I suppose they do.
Helen
It's been known to happen.
Ernest
Talk about conceit! Well, you needn't be afraid! I'll never ask you to marryme.
Helen
[turns and looks at him a moment]
You can't imagine what a weight this takes off my mind.
[She looks away and sighs.
Ernest
[enthusiastically]
Yes! I feel as if a veil between us had been lifted.
[He looks away and sighs too. Some one begins "Tristan and Isolde" on the piano within. The moon is up.
[He looks away and sighs too. Some one begins "Tristan and Isolde" on the piano within. The moon is up.
Helen
[after a pause]
Suppose we talk about—our work.
Ernest
Yes! Our work. Let's drop the other subject. Look at the moon!
[Music and the moonlight flooding them.
Helen
Seriously, you promise never tomentionthe subject again?
[She keeps her eyes averted.
Ernest
I promise.
[He keeps his eyes averted.
Helen
[turning to him with a sudden change to girlish enthusiasm]
Then I'll go to Paris with you!
Ernest
[recoils]
What's that?
Helen
Why, Doctor Metchnikoff—he promised me he would invite you.
Ernest
Yes, but—
Helen
Don't miss the chance of a lifetime!
Ernest
No, but you—youcan't come!
Helen
[simply]
If you need me I can, and you just said——
Ernest
But you mustn't come to Paris with me!
Helen
Don't you want me with you?
Ernest
You are to stay at home and run the department for me.
Helen
[stepping back]
Don't you want me with you?
Ernest
[stepping forward, with his heart in voice]
Do Iwantyou! [Stops.] But I am a man—you are a woman.
Helen
What of it? Are you one of those small men who care what people say? No! That's not your reason! [She sees that it is not.] What is it? You must tell me.
Ernest
[hesitates]
It's only for your sake.
Helen
[with feeling]
Think of all I've done foryoursake. You wouldn't be going yourself but for me! I was the one to see you needed it, I proposed it to Metchnikoff—I urged him—madehim ask you—foryour sake! And now am I to be left at home like a child because you don't care to be embarrassed with me?
Ernest
Oh, please! This is so unfair. But I simply can't take you now.
Helen
[with growing scorn]
Oh! You are all alike. You pile work upon me until I nearly drop, you play upon my interest, my sympathy—you get all you can out of me—my youth, my strength, my best! And then, just as I, too, have a chance to arrive in my profession, you, of all men, throw me over! I hate men. I hate you!
Ernest
And I love you!