_Enter_ ANGELINA _and her people_.
_Paterfamilias._ Well, now that we are here, I hope you are satisfied.
As for myself, I hate these problem plays.
_Materfamilias._ They are entirely the vogue just now, and we must see
them. What everybody does we must do.
_Angelina._ So I told EDWIN--I should say, Mr. DOMUM--when he
complained of our going.
_Mater._ Of course. We have to follow the fashion.
_Pater._ Hush! You must not talk any more, see the curtain has risen.
(_Five minutes pass._)
_First Heroine_ (_on the stage_). And so, my dear, my marriage was
an utter failure. The monotony of the life was terrible. My husband
anticipated my every wish. The tameness was too awful for words, and
so I left him.
[_Loud applause._
_Mater._ (_to her husband_). Ah, I never left you, RICHARD!
_Pater._ (_to his wife_). Nor I you, BRIDGET!
_Angelina_ (_aside_). I suppose married life must be very wearisome.
(_Ten minutes pass._)
_Second Heroine_ (_on the stage_). And now I will tell you the secret
of my life. I never loved my husband. He gave me all I required--fine
clothes, sparkling jewels, an opera box. But his presents were insults
in disguise, and I left him.
[_Loud applause._
_Pater._ I did not insult you by handing you too many gifts, BRIDGET?
_Mater._ Indeed you did not, RICHARD. In fact, I think you carried
your abstention too far.
_Pater._ Not at all. See, after these many years, we are devoted to
one another!
_Angelina_ (_aside_). Failure of Marriage Number Two! Weddings seem to
be mistake!
(_Two hours pass._)
_Third Heroine._ I tell you, my Lord Bishop, that I have never
regretted leaving you. Twenty years ago you were a young curate,
and you spoilt our married life by your indulgence. You let me have
everything I wanted. No, my Lord, I will hear no more.
_Angelina_ (_aside_). Another matrimonial failure! I really must have
a good think over it.
_Pater._ (_to_ Mater.). Well, I hope you are satisfied!
_Mater._ (_to_ Pater.). Awfully depressing, but I don't see what harm
it can do to anyone.
(_An hour passes._)
_Angelina_ (_writing in her own room_). "Dear EDWIN, I call you by
your christian name, for the last time. I can never be yours. I am
convinced from all I have heard that marriage is a failure. Sincerely
yours, ANGELINA."
[_Scene closes in upon a flood of tears._
* * * * *