[_A private parlor in the Hotel Royal, Interlaken. The room is
handsomely furnished in dark red. There are wide double doors in the
centre with elaborate panels on either side. On the left side there is
an exit and a fireplace in which a fire is burning. On the right there
is a window overlooking the street below. There is also an exit further
front. The furniture is appropriate for a business meeting. A large
central table is flanked by five armchairs. There is a large armchair,
left; also a small table with an adjacent chair, right. As the curtain
rises one central door opens slowly and_ CLAIRE LASALLE _peers in
nervously. Seeing no one, she enters and closes the door softly behind
her. She is dressed in black, with a white collar, and carries a small
leather writing pad. Her demeanor is that of a person undertaking a
delicate and difficult mission. She goes to the door, right, and knocks
cautiously. Receiving no answer, she stands for a moment, centre, in
evident indecision, then advances to the door, left, and knocks. The
door is opened and_ M. D’OR _steps in. He wears black satin
knee-breeches and a fancy house-jacket, heavily trimmed with gold
braid._ CLAIRE _hurriedly draws a card from her pad and hands it to_
D’OR.]
CLAIRE. M. D’Or?
D’OR. Yes. [_Reads the card._] ‘Mlle. Claire Lasalle, stenographer.’
[_He looks at her curiously, then at the card._] Ah! the Blausteins! I
must confess I hardly expected them to send a lady! [_He bows._]
CLAIRE. The Blausteins desire a verbatim report of the meeting.
D’OR. Are you familiar with such commissions as this?
CLAIRE. [_Smiling._] Yes. [_She looks about._] You must place me where I
can write unmolested. It is not necessary that I should see them. My
hearing is acute. [_She indicates the door, right._] Is that room
available?
D’OR. Yes.
CLAIRE. They are likely to insist on locked doors. You might let me lock
myself in. I can open the door slightly after the conference has begun.
D’OR. Very well. I shall turn the knob as a signal to you that we are
about to begin. Be very careful, mademoiselle!
CLAIRE. Have no fear. Such experience is not new to me.
D’OR. Do you know them—Muirhead, Graefflingen, and the rest?
CLAIRE. All but Andriev. He is a stranger to me. You expect them at
three? We have little time to spare.
D’OR. You’re right. I shall make you comfortable before they arrive.
[_He crosses to the right._] You will pardon my appearance, Mlle.
Lasalle—I was dressing for this conference when you knocked.
CLAIRE. Certainly. Do not let me detain you. [_He goes off, right,
meanwhile she opens her leather pad and gets her pencils ready. In a
moment_ D’OR _returns_.]
D’OR. I have placed a chair for you just beside the door. [_After a
pause._] Really, I cannot quite grasp the idea that a woman should be
entrusted with diplomatic work of this character.
CLAIRE. [_Facetiously._] There are women and women.
D’OR. And, moreover, a few rarely endowed young ladies who can keep
secrets—important secrets of state. Mademoiselle, I congratulate you! I
hope the Blausteins pay you adequately for such unusual services.
CLAIRE. [_Simply._] A thousand francs a session.
D’OR. Will you permit me to double it this time?
CLAIRE. [_Surprised, but on her guard._] Why should you?
D’OR. [_Ingenuously._] Why shouldn’t I?
CLAIRE. [_Sharply._] M. D’Or, the thousand francs that the Blausteins
pay me are sufficiently tainted. I’ve sunk about as low as I care to.
Does that answer your question?
D’OR. Your cleverness assures me that the Blausteins do not appreciate
you at your real worth.
CLAIRE. Perhaps you’re right—but I had the privilege of naming the
degree and the price of my corruption, so I have no cause for complaint.
May I take my place in the next room?
D’OR. Certainly. [_He throws open the door, right, for her._] Make
yourself comfortable, while I hurry into the rest of my official dress.
[_She passes out._] But let me first test our arrangement. [_He adjusts
the door to a very slight aperture._] There! How is that? [_He crosses
to the left side and faces the door, right._] Now, mademoiselle, can you
hear me distinctly at this distance?
CLAIRE. [_Within._] Yes, quite plainly.
D’OR. Can you hear me when I say that my offer of that extra thousand
francs will hold good after the conference if you should see fit to take
it? [_No answer. He draws a little nearer._] Perhaps you would hear
better if I said two thousand francs!
CLAIRE. [_Throwing the door wide open and stepping into the room._] M.
D’Or, we two—you and I—are about to engage in a very contemptible
business here. I am being paid my price; I trust you are getting yours.
There should be some show of mutual respect even among the corrupt. If
you annoy me further, I may be tempted to step out during your little
conference to expose you for the despicable creature that you are!
D’OR. [_With a deprecatory gesture._] Pray retire, mademoiselle, to your
post of vantage. I shall risk no further verbal fusillade from that
accomplished tongue of yours.
CLAIRE. [_With a sneer._] Where did the Blausteins find you? They have
the reputation of employing agents who attend strictly to the business
at hand. Let us see if you can live up to that standard! [_She goes off,
right, and closes the door with a bang. The lock clicks audibly._ D’OR
_shrugs his shoulders and goes off, left, shaking his head. For a few
moments the stage is empty. A knock is heard at the centre door. It is
repeated, then the door opens and_ HERR LOBEN _steps in. He draws out
his watch._]
LOBEN. None here yet! I have the honor to be the first. [_He crosses to
the table, right, and puts down a red portfolio. A moment later_ MR.
GILBERT _enters, carrying a similar black portfolio_. LOBEN’S _back is
turned_.]
GILBERT. Herr Loben, I believe?
LOBEN. [_Turning._] Ah—you are the secretary of Sir Mortimer
Muirhead—let me see—Mr.—
GILBERT. Mr. Gilbert.
LOBEN. Yes! Good afternoon, Mr. Gilbert. I infer that Sir Mortimer is to
be at this mysterious conference?
GILBERT. [_He places his portfolio on the centre table and examines his
papers._] Yes. Is Baron Graefflingen also to be here?
LOBEN. I expect him every moment. [_He goes to the window and looks out.
Comes back and watches_ GILBERT _with his papers, then, after a pause,
speaks as if in confidence_.] I say, Mr. Gilbert, do you know what it’s
all about?
GILBERT. [_Carelessly._] What? This meeting with M. D’Or?
LOBEN. Yes. Do you know him?
GILBERT. I have seen him once or twice at the consulate. He is
enormously rich—one of the Blaustein coterie.
LOBEN. Ah! so this is a Blaustein affair! I thought as much. Marquis
Pallot and Count Andriev are also to be here. Quite an international
gathering, eh?
GILBERT. [_Absently, busy with his papers._] Yes, quite so.
[_Suddenly._] What’s that you’re saying? Pallot and Andriev?
LOBEN. I thought you took it rather mildly. Yes, both of them. [_A
pause._] Do you suspect anything?
GILBERT. What do you mean?
LOBEN. Don’t you imagine that something is on foot when such a
distinguished array of diplomatic talent gathers to receive orders from
the Blausteins—
GILBERT. [_Springing up._] To receive orders—from the Blausteins? Herr
Loben, that is too absurd—
LOBEN. [_With a shrug._] How long have you been Sir Mortimer’s
secretary?
GILBERT. Six months.
LOBEN. Still a youngster in diplomacy, eh? I have been with Baron
Graefflingen for—let me see—seven years this winter.
GILBERT. Well?
LOBEN. Only this, Mr. Gilbert. To-day is not the first time that I hear
the name of the Blausteins.
GILBERT. Possibly not! But you spoke of their giving orders—
LOBEN. I hate to disillusion you—there was a time when I felt about
things as you do now—those were the days of my diplomatic innocence.
[_Motor-horn is heard outside._ LOBEN _goes to the window_.] It’s your
principal, Sir Mortimer.
GILBERT. [_Looks at his watch._] He’s on time. It lacks a minute or two
of three.
LOBEN. [_Coming forward._] He evidently doesn’t believe in keeping an
emissary of the Blausteins waiting. [GILBERT _is annoyed_.] No offense,
Mr. Gilbert—the others won’t be long in following him. [_Enter_ SIR
MORTIMER MUIRHEAD _at the centre_.]
MUIRHEAD. [_Nods to_ GILBERT, _then turns to_ LOBEN.] Good afternoon,
Herr Loben. Graefflingen’s coming?
LOBEN. [_Politely._] Yes, Sir Mortimer. He should be here now.
MUIRHEAD. [_To_ GILBERT.] You have sent off the dispatches?
GILBERT. Yes; they went this morning. I have received a wire confirming
your reservations at Geneva for next week.
MUIRHEAD. Very good. [_To_ LOBEN.] I believe Baron Graefflingen is one
of your delegates to the Geneva Conference?
LOBEN. Yes, he heads the delegation; our government is sending six
representatives. [_Motor-horn is heard_; LOBEN _goes to the window as
before_.] Here comes the Baron! [_He looks out._] I’m wrong! It’s
Marquis Pallot and Count Andriev!
MUIRHEAD. Count Andriev!
LOBEN. Yes, Sir Mortimer. They are both expected.
MUIRHEAD. [_To_ GILBERT.] Have you seen nothing of M. D’Or?
GILBERT. I asked before I came up. The attendants informed me that he
had taken a suite here at the hotel. [_Enter_ PALLOT _and_ ANDRIEV.]
PALLOT. Good afternoon, Sir Mortimer. [_He nods slightly to the
others._] You know Count Andriev?
MUIRHEAD. I have the honor. [ANDRIEV _bows_.] My secretary, Mr.
Gilbert—Herr Loben, secretary to Baron Graefflingen.
PALLOT. Are you familiar with the circumstances that bring us together
to-day, Sir Mortimer?
MUIRHEAD. I know absolutely nothing except that the note from Paris asks
me to meet M. D’Or at three this afternoon.
ANDRIEV. My note read, ‘M. D’Or of the house of Blaustein.’
MUIRHEAD. Of course—mine also! [_Laughing._] Otherwise what claim would
the gentleman have upon our attention? [GILBERT _starts and avoids the
grinning glance of_ LOBEN.]
PALLOT. I must say that I resent such a peremptory summons, coming from
such a source; but there is no alternative, I understand—we must simply
comply with the request. [LOBEN _coughs, and watches_ GILBERT’S _tense
face_.]
ANDRIEV. We may as well be prepared for the Blaustein message—it
undoubtedly concerns the Geneva Conference of next week. [_Motor-horn is
heard again_; LOBEN _goes to the window_.]
LOBEN. It is the Baron!
MUIRHEAD. Graefflingen may be better informed than the rest of us.
Perhaps he may be able to throw some light upon the very unusual
procedure that brings us together.
PALLOT. I doubt it. The Blausteins rarely take any one into their
confidence. They say nothing till they are ready to talk, but
then—[_Enter_ GRAEFFLINGEN.]
GRAEFFLINGEN. Good afternoon, gentlemen. Am I late? [_He shakes hands
with the diplomats and nods to_ GILBERT.] M. D’Or has not yet appeared?
MUIRHEAD. No. We’ve been counting on you, Baron, to tell us what it’s
all about.
GRAEFFLINGEN. I cannot speak with any authority, but from a dispatch
received this morning I infer that the Blausteins are not pleased with
certain details of the international agreement that will probably be
adopted at Geneva next week.
PALLOT. [_Looking at his watch._] I do not know how soon M. D’Or is
likely to join us—but I believe it would be advisable among ourselves to
oppose any material alteration in the Geneva agreement.
MUIRHEAD. A united front might strengthen our position very much, if we
only knew what particular part of the agreement the Blausteins are
likely to assail.
ANDRIEV. I propose, gentlemen, that when M. D’Or arrives and explains
the Blaustein views, we shall take the cue from one of our own number. I
suggest Sir Mortimer as the leader of our united forces.
PALLOT. That seems to be most desirable. If we do not stand together
there is not the least likelihood of our accomplishing much with M.
D’Or.
GRAEFFLINGEN. I heartily concur in Count Andriev’s proposal. We must
keep the Blaustein emissary within bounds.
MUIRHEAD. Gentlemen, I appreciate the honor that you are showing me. At
present we are groping in the dark—we do not as yet know the intentions
of M. D’Or.
LOBEN. [_Warningly._] Sh—h!! [_A pause._ D’OR _enters at the left,
wearing an elaborate diplomatic uniform of black satin, with a broad
gold band across his bosom_.]
D’OR. Good afternoon, gentlemen. [_Looking about._] One hardly needs
introduction to such a distinguished group. [_He shakes hands._] Sir
Mortimer, you are looking well—Baron Graefflingen—Marquis Pallot—Count
Andriev. [_He stops at the secretaries._]
MUIRHEAD. Our secretaries, Mr. Gilbert and Herr Loben.
D’OR. [_Shaking their hands._] It gives me pleasure to welcome the
future lights of diplomacy.
GRAEFFLINGEN. Perhaps you prefer that our secretaries retire during our
conference?
D’OR. Not at all, Baron—not at all. It will do the young men good to be
present.
ANDRIEV. Are we safe from possible eavesdroppers?
D’OR. [_Remembering_ CLAIRE.] Certainly, but we can assure ourselves by
locking the doors. [_He locks the door, left, and the central doors._]
This door is always kept locked, I believe. [_He goes to the door,
right, and very deliberately turns the knob several times. The others
present seem satisfied._] Shall we be seated? [_They take seats at the
central table_, D’OR _at the right end, then_ MUIRHEAD, PALLOT, ANDRIEV,
_and_ GRAEFFLINGEN. GILBERT _sits at the small table, right_; LOBEN _in
the armchair, left_.] Of course, we shall take no minutes of our
deliberation—everything is informal and secret.
GRAEFFLINGEN. That is wise. This meeting must be regarded as absolutely
confidential among ourselves.
ANDRIEV. I presume that it is agreed that no notes shall be taken by any
one present—
THE OTHERS. Certainly—assuredly. [GILBERT _starts from his seat and
stares ahead of him_.]
MUIRHEAD. What is the matter, Mr. Gilbert?
GILBERT. Nothing, Sir Mortimer. Pardon me, I thought I heard a slight
creaking noise. I was mistaken! [_He resumes his seat. Throughout the
scene_ GILBERT _pays close attention, Loben twiddles his thumbs and
yawns_.]
MUIRHEAD. [_To_ D’OR.] Have any others been invited, or is the group now
complete?
D’OR. Quite complete, I assure you, Sir Mortimer. I dislike dealing with
a large group of men. A few sensible minds gathered around a table can
best transact important business. You have not been chosen at random,
gentlemen. The Blausteins desired the leading figure in each delegation
to be present to-day and I am happy to say that the choice has fallen
upon you.
GRAEFFLINGEN. You are very complimentary, M. D’Or.
D’OR. Not at all, my dear Baron. Men like yourself who are leaders in
shaping the destinies of their country are entitled to recognition and
honor—but to come down to the immediate business of our meeting. You are
all delegates to the Geneva Conference which assembles next week. Can
you tell me, Sir Mortimer, what the convention is expected to
accomplish?
MUIRHEAD. From the program, of which you may have seen a copy, it is
evident that the principal purpose is to consider questions concerning
international arbitration and to effect by general agreement a reduction
of the active military forces maintained by our respective governments.
D’OR. The first is a laudable object and I believe the Blausteins are in
hearty accord with the project. As for the second—is such a reduction
possible?
MUIRHEAD. Not only possible, but very desirable; the military and naval
budgets are the most serious problems that concern our treasury
ministers.
GRAEFFLINGEN. There is widespread dissatisfaction throughout Europe at
the enormous appropriation of funds for military purposes. It is our
thought that if the Geneva Conference cannot effect total disarmament,
it can at least bring about a material reduction in equipment for war.
D’OR. It is proper that you should not misunderstand the attitude of the
Blausteins toward this great question. They do not desire to foment
strife among nations. As a matter of fact, they would not permit a
European war at this time.
ANDRIEV. Would not _permit_ a war! Those are strong words, M. D’Or.
D’OR. [_Smoothly._] None the less, the older diplomats present will
assure Count Andriev that my words are not stronger than the case
warrants. [_He looks about. There is an awkward pause._] I am sure the
general silence is the best proof of my assertion.
PALLOT. Pardon my remark, M. D’Or, but I cannot understand why the
Blausteins should deprecate warfare, yet at the same time insist that
the nations maintain the highest military efficiency.
D’OR. It was to explain just such matters as you have mentioned that our
little meeting of this afternoon was arranged. There are certain things
that cannot be openly discussed—
MUIRHEAD. One moment, M. D’Or. Are you certain that you do not wish our
secretaries to retire before you go into details?
D’OR. Assuredly not, Sir Mortimer. I particularly desire the young men
to remain. Diplomacy has many valuable lessons to teach. Here they can
learn some of them.
GILBERT. [_Rising._] I should much prefer to retire if—
D’OR. Nonsense! I want you to remain—I insist on it! [GILBERT _resumes
his seat_.] You are aware, gentlemen, of the extent to which the
Blausteins hold the bonds of your respective governments, but there is
another side to the story. A government does not borrow money except to
spend it. Now, while it undoubtedly pays the Blausteins to lend you
their gold, it pays them still better to become national contractors and
purveyors, thus getting back much of the actual money with an added
profit in the second transaction.
PALLOT. By which you mean—
D’OR. Simply this, gentlemen. The Blausteins have secured control of
your most important gun factories, your powder works, your saltpeter and
sulphur deposits, your mines. They control the firms that get most of
the contracts for the erection of fortifications and for furnishing the
munitions of war. In fact, they feed and clothe your soldiers, they
supply the horses—
MUIRHEAD. Can this be possible?
D’OR. Why should it surprise you? Is it not the most natural thing in
the world? The vast Blaustein millions cannot lie idle in the vaults. Is
there any wonder that with the accumulated surplus of three generations
of shrewd financiering, this insuperable power reaches out into new
fields to secure a firmer grasp upon the forces of civilization?
MUIRHEAD. M. D’Or, may I ask you to state precisely what the Blausteins
desire of us, as far as the Geneva Conference is concerned?
D’OR. Assuredly, Sir Mortimer. The Blausteins are aware that the Geneva
Conference will be watched with interest throughout the civilized world;
the press will report its proceedings in detail—
ANDRIEV. [_Drily._] But not these proceedings—here, to-day!
D’OR. No, that would never do. We must not give the rabble an
opportunity to peer behind the scenes; it might interfere with the
public performance. The Geneva Conference is presumably a gathering to
foster universal peace.
GRAEFFLINGEN. Presumably!
D’OR. Certainly, my dear Baron! Can anyone predict what such a gathering
will accomplish until the powers have sat in judgment upon it?
PALLOT. And we are here to get the verdict of the _real_ powers and to
settle the fate of the Geneva Conference a full week before it begins!
D’OR. You are unnecessarily bitter, gentlemen. I am surprised to find
such strange ideals in a group of experienced diplomats. This is no
fairy-tale world in which we are living—it is still the same old,
wicked, scandalous and hopeless Europe that it has always been.
MUIRHEAD. I am afraid, M. D’Or, that you are being drawn away from the
answer to my question—
D’OR. Thank you, Sir Mortimer—these idealists always make trouble. Now,
to the point. What the Blausteins particularly desire is that the Geneva
Conference shall not give the journalists a chance to become rampant.
Most of those vexatious pests are subsidized, but there are always
reckless fellows who have nothing to lose and who are ready to court
notoriety upon the slightest pretext. The Blausteins therefore want a
triumphant victory of the peace party at Geneva.
THE OTHERS. [_Astounded._] The peace party!
D’OR. You misunderstand me. They want you to talk peace, to sing peace,
to shout peace till you are exhausted. They want you to recommend
measures advising partial reduction of military equipment and eventual
disarmament in all countries, but at the same time they want it
distinctly understood by all that not one of those recommendations is to
be carried out at present. Just give each journalistic dog his bone to
gnaw, and when all is over, things will go on as they are.
MUIRHEAD. [_Seriously._] Then what you suggest, M. D’Or, is that we
should go through the farce of gathering at Geneva next week as the
ostensible delegates of our respective governments, that we should adopt
those splendid measures that appeal to all of us, and then, to please
the Blausteins, we should nullify the work of the Conference by
permitting its recommendations to become a dead letter! It is no trifle
that you ask of us!
ANDRIEV. [_Warmly._] Trifle! He is asking us to become the Blaustein
puppets! Are we here to take his orders?
D’OR. [_Smoothly._] No, no, Count Andriev—not orders. I am not here to
issue any orders, least of all to such eminent diplomats as you. I am
simply telling you what the Blausteins desire; the rest I leave in your
hands. Perhaps some day you will better understand the significance of
the name of Blaustein! [GILBERT _springs up with a cry and with clenched
fists stands quivering before_ D’OR, _who has also risen_. MUIRHEAD
_quickly steps between them._]
MUIRHEAD. Mr. Gilbert, you forget your place! You owe M. D’Or an
apology. [_The others have risen._]
GILBERT. [_Tensely._] I—I could not control myself, Sir Mortimer—
D’OR. [_Suavely._] Pray do not take this seriously, Sir Mortimer. Your
secretary owes me no apology. He did a very natural thing—I respect him
for it. [GILBERT _drops heavily into his chair holding his head in his
hands_. D’OR _watches him curiously. The rest resume their seats._ LOBEN
_twiddles his thumbs_.] Of course, it is very unpleasant—this mission of
mine. You can readily see that the Blausteins must protect their
interests. We are showing you how you can satisfy the clamors of your
people and silence the criticism of your newspapers by ostensibly
complying with the popular demand. After all, the execution of your
recommendations rests with others; you will do your duty at the
conference.
ANDRIEV. Do you imagine that the people will tolerate this sort of
trickery forever?
D’OR. Why not? The government that cannot control its masses by throwing
them an occasional sop is a confessed failure—it deserves to fall. Count
Andriev, your civic authorities have a most efficient ally in that
universal force known as human nature. When your aristocrats engage
against the rabble in that great game of skill popularly known as
maintaining the government it is your own fault if you do not win; the
dice are always loaded in your favor.
ANDRIEV. Suppose we should refuse to be parties to your plan?
D’OR. [_Looking around._] If you personally are eager to defy the
Blausteins, you will probably find that the rest of the gentlemen
present are not similarly inclined. [_An uneasy silence._]
ANDRIEV. [_Bitterly._] Evidently, you are right! Heaven help the nations
that have to take orders from the Blausteins! Is there anything further,
M. D’Or?
D’OR. Nothing except that I wish to express my thanks to all of you for
meeting me here this afternoon. I hope that we part as friends?
PALLOT. Assuredly, M. D’Or. We must remember that you are merely the
representative of the Blausteins and in no sense personally responsible
for the policy which they have adopted. It would be absurd to harbor any
personal resentment against you. [_Offers his hand._] I wish you good
afternoon!
ANDRIEV. [_Likewise shakes hands._] I have used hard words here this
afternoon—they were intended for the Blausteins, not for M. D’Or. Good
day! [D’OR _unlocks the central doors, and Pallot and Andriev go off
together_.]
D’OR. [_To_ GRAEFFLINGEN.] Well, Baron, are you as kindly disposed as
these others? [_They shake hands. He turns to_ LOBEN.] I suppose you
have learned a new lesson in the science of diplomacy?
LOBEN. [_Wearily._] Bless you, no indeed! I have been in diplomacy for
seventeen years; I have become hardened to such incidents as this. It’s
getting a bit monotonous. I wish there were some new forms of political
corruption—they might prove interesting!
D’OR. I congratulate you, Baron, on your very blasé secretary. Such a
man must be a treasure in your profession.
GRAEFFLINGEN. Good afternoon, M. D’Or. [_To_ MUIRHEAD.] Sir Mortimer, do
you remain at Interlaken?
MUIRHEAD. No, I leave for Lucerne this evening. I shall spend a few days
at the _Kaiserhof_ before going to Geneva.
GRAEFFLINGEN. I was about to ask you to dine with me. I am sorry you are
leaving so soon. Good afternoon! [LOBEN _has meanwhile shaken hands
with_ GILBERT _and clapped him on the shoulder as a sign of approval_.
GILBERT _stands in dejection_. GRAEFFLINGEN _and_ LOBEN _pass out
together_.]
MUIRHEAD. In taking leave, M. D’Or, I still feel that Mr. Gilbert owes
you an explanation for his very remarkable conduct. I am sorry the
incident happened.
D’OR. [_After a pause._] Perhaps you are right, Sir Mortimer. Won’t you
permit Mr. Gilbert to remain for a few moments when you go? We can talk
the matter over between ourselves.
MUIRHEAD. Mr. Gilbert, you hear what M. D’Or has said. You may rejoin me
later at the hotel. Good day. [_They shake hands and_ MUIRHEAD _goes
off_.]
D’OR. [_Very pleasantly._] Mr. Gilbert, Sir Mortimer has made it easy
for me to have a confidential chat with you. I am indebted to him for
it. I had no idea when I entered this room that I should meet such an
interesting personality as yourself.
GILBERT. Sir Mortimer is right. I owe you an apology and I make it
freely. I should have known my place.
D’OR. That is not the point. I want to know why you made that outcry?
GILBERT. I would rather not answer that question.
D’OR. I feel as if I have a right to insist upon an answer, Mr. Gilbert.
GILBERT. Perhaps you have. May I give the explanation in my own way?
D’OR. By all means! Let us sit down. [_They take seats, centre._] Do you
smoke? [_He offers a cigar._]
GILBERT. No, thank you. [D’OR _lights his own cigar_.] M. D’Or, I sought
the appointment as Sir Mortimer’s secretary because I believed it would
prove an opening to a diplomatic career.
D’OR. Quite right—a very good opening!
GILBERT. At that time I regarded diplomacy as my life-work. I dreamed of
participating in the great affairs of state, of helping in my own small
way to mould the history of our own day and generation. The diplomat
seemed to be so important a figure, so essentially a servant of the
state that I was dazzled at the thought of serving my country in that
way. And now—[_He pauses._]
D’OR. Now you think otherwise?
GILBERT. Until to-day I regarded Sir Mortimer Muirhead as one of the
most enviable of men. Now I pity him—from the bottom of my heart. Kindly
stop me if I offend—
D’OR. Go on. I want to hear all you have to say.
GILBERT. I learned this afternoon how hopelessly a man may be fettered
in his efforts to serve his fellow men. To an experienced man like
yourself it must be apparent how unfit I am for the profession I have
chosen.
D’OR. Why were you so distressed to-day?
GILBERT. Picture a group of distinguished diplomats, representing the
leading nations of Europe, gathered in secret conclave to hear the
commands of a coterie of money-barons, and, what is worse, yielding to
those commands in spite of their own convictions! It is enough to make
one’s blood boil!
D’OR. You forget, Mr. Gilbert, that they are practical men of affairs.
They know the power of the money-barons, as you choose to call them, and
they act accordingly. A modern nation cannot afford to entrust its
affairs to idealists and dreamers.
GILBERT. Apparently not; but what of the national honor? Do these secret
compromises never become public? What can the reputable people of a
great nation think when its rulers stoop to curry favor with the rich
and powerful?
D’OR. My young friend, you have a distorted image in your mind; I advise
you to set it right. Who are your reputable people who are to cavil at
those who seek wealth or the influence that wealth affords? How many of
your apparently reputable people are not themselves engaged in the
pursuit of wealth by every method, direct or devious, that lies within
their power? Look about you, Mr. Gilbert, and examine your fellow man a
little more closely. Don’t place him on a pedestal. He’s a corrupt
specimen of creation when you get to know him thoroughly.
GILBERT. [_Hotly._] What makes him corrupt but the fact that there are
forces of evil abroad to tempt him—
D’OR. [_Smiling._] Like myself, for example?
GILBERT. Some men are not strong enough to resist temptation. You know
that, M. D’Or. The shame of it is that men like you take advantage of
it.
D’OR. Nonsense, Mr. Gilbert. We corrupt none of them. If need be we
ascertain the price of their corruption, but there our responsibility
ends. The work of the world must be accomplished. We cannot have men
pulling in all directions at once. There must be some harmony of action
to achieve results. If any one impedes the progress of a great plan, it
is policy to buy him off; if he refuses to yield he must be swept out of
the way. Usually he is too wise to resist—he takes his price and
withdraws gracefully. The world is waiting to be bought.
GILBERT. There is one thing I cannot understand, M. D’Or—why do you tell
me these things?
D’OR. Because I take an interest in you. I should like to see you make
something of your career. A few moments ago there were four prominent
diplomats in this room who did me the honor to confer upon the important
question that you heard discussed, yet for this quartette of notables I
have infinitely less respect than I have for you. I took real pleasure
in your outburst of disapproval.
GILBERT. But they all opposed you, particularly Count Andriev.
D’OR. Yes, but they all yielded at last—that is the fact that makes them
contemptible in my eyes. Mr. Gilbert, may I ask what salary Sir Mortimer
pays you for acting as his secretary?
GILBERT. Five hundred pounds.
D’OR. If I were to offer you a thousand pounds to become my secretary,
would you accept?
GILBERT. No!
D’OR. If I were to make it five thousand pounds, would you listen to the
offer?
GILBERT. No, M. D’Or!
D’OR. If I were to discover that the Blausteins needed an eminently
trustworthy agent and that you fulfilled the requirements exactly, would
you consider a salary of ten thousand pounds?
GILBERT. Never!
D’OR. [_Puffing his cigar, coolly._] I knew it! That’s why you interest
me—you are a human curiosity. A few, years ago I was ready to declare
there were no such men in existence. Remember, I have not insulted you
by really making the offer that I put just now. I pride myself that I
read your character aright and knew the offer would be rejected.
GILBERT. Are such offers ever made seriously?
D’OR. Certainly, if the man is worth it. Such matters are always subject
to the dictates of reason.
GILBERT. I now realize the source of your overwhelming power. I have
learned something from this interview—I shall not give up diplomacy.
D’OR. Will you remain Sir Mortimer’s secretary?
GILBERT. Yes, for the present. If I am one of the few of whom you speak
so highly, my country needs me and I intend to remain in her service.
D’OR. [_Smiling._] There speaks the patriot! Be careful, my friend, to
avoid tight places, so that you may not have to yield to the tempter one
of these days. [_They rise._] May I wish you success in your career?
[_He extends his hand._]
GILBERT. [_Painfully._] M. D’Or, I don’t want to insult you
again—but—I’d rather not shake your hand.
D’OR. [_With assumed indifference._] Just as you wish—it is better that
we should understand each other exactly. Perhaps I should feel offended,
but I don’t—I’m not going to quarrel with you. I wish you success just
the same. You may be right, after all—you young fellows have a great
deal of enthusiasm. There ought to be more like you.
GILBERT. [_Eagerly._] M. D’Or, there’s a real strain of good in you—why
don’t you give it a chance?
D’OR. [_Uneasily._] I may change my mind some day. If I do, I shall
remember you, Mr. Gilbert—
GILBERT. [_Seizes_ D’OR’S _hand and looks squarely in his eyes_.] I hope
so, M. D’Or—I hope so! Good-bye! [_He goes out._]
D’OR. [_Places his cigar on the table and looks toward the central
door._] I’d give my fortune for that man’s outlook on life! [CLAIRE
_enters silently at the right, holding her notes in her hand. She looks
curiously at_ D’OR.]
CLAIRE. Well—there are some honorable people, after all!
D’OR. [_Turning quickly._] What! I must confess I had quite forgotten
that you were in the next room. You heard everything?
CLAIRE. [_Drily._] Yes—and profited by it, too!
D’OR. You have a verbatim report?
CLAIRE. Everything; even your interesting little chat with Mr. Gilbert.
D’OR. See here, mademoiselle—that has no place in the report. Kindly let
me have those sheets.
CLAIRE. Never fear, M. D’Or—the Blausteins will never see any part of
this report!
D’OR. What do you mean?
CLAIRE. I intend to destroy every line that I wrote in that room. I
heard what Mr. Gilbert said. I will no longer be the servile spy of the
Blausteins!
D’OR. [_With a sneer._] Ah! Virtue seems to be contagious.
CLAIRE. There are always immunes.
D’OR. Your tongue has not lost its cunning, in spite of your moral
awakening. So you won’t let me have the notes?
CLAIRE. Not unless you take them by force. [_With determination._] I
warn you, I shall not give them up tamely.
D’OR. Calm yourself. You forget the Blaustein maxim, ‘Above all things,
no public scandal.’ I shall not make the least effort to obtain those
notes without your consent.
CLAIRE. Thank you. May I go?
D’OR. [_Earnestly._] Mlle. Lasalle, I will give you five thousand francs
for those notes.
CLAIRE. [_Frightened._] Please let me pass!
D’OR. Ten thousand francs—for the notes.
CLAIRE. How dare you! [_A pause._] Remember Mr. Gilbert!
D’OR. [_With a start, then quietly._] Mademoiselle, will you give me
those notes at your own price if I promise to destroy them—now, here,
before your eyes?
CLAIRE. [_After a pause._] I shall give them to you on one condition.
D’OR. Name it.
CLAIRE. [_Slowly._] That you don’t ask me to touch any more Blaustein
money. I’m trying to do a decent thing this time.
D’OR. [_With admiration._] I understand. You have my promise. [CLAIRE
_fixes her gaze on_ D’OR, _and hands over the sheets. He keeps his eyes
on her as he tears the notes into tiny scraps which fall on the table.
He gathers up the scraps and throws them into the fire._]
CLAIRE. [_Earnestly._] We two are not entirely hopeless.
D’OR. [_Still gazing at her._] Not after this!
CLAIRE. We are not likely to meet again. I am going to some remote
corner of the earth—to try to forget the past. The Blausteins shall
never hear of me again. Let us make one good resolution before we part.
D’OR. What shall it be?
CLAIRE. Let us both try to remember Mr. Gilbert!
D’OR. I shall never forget Mr. Gilbert—[_Extending his hand._] nor Mlle.
Claire Lasalle, stenographer!
CLAIRE. [_Taking his hand._] Good-bye, M. D’Or! [_She hurries out at the
centre._ D’OR _looks after her for a moment, then snatches the gold band
from across his bosom and dashes it on the table with a gesture of
disgust. He drops into a chair as the curtain falls._]