SCENE. _The library at the_ WOLTONS. _A handsomely and
luxuriously furnished room, somewhat disarranged by the
preparations for the wedding. It is here that the wedding
presents are displayed; along the two sides and partly across
the end are placed long and narrow improvised tables,
covered with all sorts of gifts--silver, glass, &c. &c. There
are five piano lamps grouped together at the upper corner of
table. There are faded flowers about._
TIME. _The following day._
DISCOVERED. MRS. LORRIMER _at left of table, a maid and man
servant are busy wrapping up and addressing some of the
wedding presents._
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Who has just finished writing an address on a
parcel._] This is one to go by express, Howes.
SERVANT. [_Taking it._] Yes, m'm. [_Placing it to one side where are
others tied up and addressed._] Beg pardon, m'm, but it's a great pity
Miss Marion should lose a husband and all the wedding presents as
well.
MRS. LORRIMER. Oh, it isn't always a pity, Howes, to lose a
husband--it's very often a very good thing. [MAID _gives_ MRS.
LORRIMER _another parcel to address, which she does--copying from a
card which the maid gives her with the parcel. Maid exits._
SERVANT. [_Giving_ MRS. LORRIMER _a visiting card._] This is the
address, m'm--still, if you'll excuse me for saying so, Mrs.
Lorrimer--if it was me, I'd keep the presents just by way of a kind of
consolation. [_She and the_ SERVANT _tie up another box._
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Addressing._] Ah, but you see their associations
would be painful. I have had two husbands and I have each time moved
out of the house I occupied with each on the day after losing him.
SERVANT. You know what trouble is, m'm, to have lost two husbands.
Grippe, m'm? [_Giving her another parcel._ HOWES _to table up stage._
MRS. LORRIMER. Not exactly. Another kind of epidemic. The law, Howes.
[HOWES _gives parcel._ MRS. LORRIMER _addresses it from a visiting
card. Enter_ MAID _with_ ETHEL _and_ FANSHAW.
MAID. I will tell Miss Wolton. [_Exit._ FANSHAW, ETHEL _and_ MRS.
LORRIMER _greet each other._
FANSHAW. How do you do? [_Shakes hands._ MRS. LORRIMER _motions with
her head a dismissal to the_ SERVANT, _and he gets boxes and goes
out._
ETHEL. [_Goes to sofa and sits._] Do you think Marion will see us?
MRS. LORRIMER. I don't know, I'm sure. She is with her mother.
ETHEL. You don't mean--
MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, but she isn't a bit like she was yesterday. She's
crying like a child, poor thing,--what she's gone through!
FANSHAW. Have you seen the papers? [_Has large bundle of them._
MRS. LORRIMER. No.
FANSHAW. It's in all of them, and some have big pictures.
ETHEL. Yes, my dear, with all of us in. Marion in a low-necked dress.
You're a sight, but my picture's rather good.
FANSHAW. [_Who has gotten papers from coat-tail pocket._] Perhaps
you'd like to see them.
MRS. LORRIMER. No, no; put them away quick. I'll see them home. I take
every blessed paper. [FANSHAW _up to table where he puts hat and
papers_.
ETHEL. What are you doing--sending back wedding presents? [_Crosses._
FANSHAW. Oh, I say, is that necessary?
ETHEL. I don't believe I would; there are lots of things she's been
dying to have.
MRS. LORRIMER. My dear Ethel!
FANSHAW. Yes, why couldn't she--er--forget--er--overlook--er--any old
thing with some of them--I mean those she wants? [_Turns up, looking
at presents on table._
MRS. LORRIMER. Well, there are some things I should think she'd be
glad to send back. After all, twelve dozen oyster forks are too many
for a small family like a newly married couple.
ETHEL. How many sugar spoons did she get?
MRS. LORRIMER. Thirteen, which to say the least, is an unlucky
number ... [_Rises, puts arm about_ ETHEL _and comes left._] and
there's that bankrupt stock of piano lamps. [_Crosses to sofa; sits on
sofa with_ ETHEL. FANSHAW _comes down._
ETHEL. [_Half laughing._] That's true! By the way, have you sent back
Mrs. Bayley's presents yet?
MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, why?
ETHEL. Go on, tell her, Fanshaw. [_Rises and goes to centre._ MRS.
LORRIMER _and_ FANSHAW _sit on sofa._
FANSHAW. [_Laughing._] Oh, it's nothing, only I sent it to Mrs. Bayley
myself three Christmases ago as a philopene. I suppose she thought I
wouldn't remember, but she forgot both our initials are marked on the
bottom.
ETHEL. [_At table, examining presents. Laughing._] Yes, my dear, and
Marion found them. People really ought to be more careful.
MRS. LORRIMER. Think of a woman with all Mrs. Bayley's
money-- [_Interrupted._
ETHEL. My dear, it is the rich who do these sort of things. Every year
all my second-hand Christmas cards and calendars come from my
wealthiest friends! And there's that thing-- [_Lifting a vase._] Isn't
it hideous? I don't know who sent it but-- [_Interrupted._
MRS. LORRIMER. _I_ do.
ETHEL. [_Innocently._] Who?
MRS. LORRIMER. I did.
ETHEL. Good gracious. [_Laughs._] I assure you I haven't any taste.
[ETHEL _down centre._ FANSHAW _rises_.
FANSHAW. No, not a bit. [_Goes back of sofa and up to table._ ETHEL
_up stage by table._
ETHEL. How many presents did Marion get, anyway? [_Looking among the
things on the table._
MRS. LORRIMER. I don't know. [_Satirically._] I didn't count them.
ETHEL. I don't believe she got very many--Marion has always taken up
so many poor people. I'm sure I never can tell what she sees in them!
[ETHEL _crosses right of table_.
MRS. LORRIMER. Oh, yes, Ethel, I know how you choose your friends. The
other day I heard you were running after the Lloyds--that settles it,
I said--they are either going to have a box at the Opera this year, or
give a series of dinners, or a big ball. Ethel knows what she's about.
FANSHAW. Exactly--Ethel knows her business, but you left out one
thing--they have the best cook in town, too.
ETHEL. [_Taking up a box with a large silver fish knife in it._] Who
gave her this fish knife?
MRS. LORRIMER. The Conrads, didn't they.... [ETHEL _bursts out
laughing_.
ETHEL. Ha! ha! ha! If that isn't appropriate! You know the old man
Conrad made all his money out of imitation sardines!
FANSHAW. And very bad imitations, too.
MRS. LORRIMER. Well, if I could make as much as Conrad, I'd be willing
to imitate codfish!
ETHEL. [_Takes up a small box at which she has been looking._] Here's
my present. I might as well take it home with me and save you the
trouble. [_Puts it in her pocket. She looks at silver hand-glass._
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Dryly._] Thank you! Was that your present in a
Tiffany box--a small diamond pin?
ETHEL. Yes, wasn't it sweet?
MRS. LORRIMER. Rather. I saw those pins marked down at Wanamaker's
Christmas time.
ETHEL. For heaven's sake, don't tell Marion. [_Re-enter_ MAID.
MAID. Mrs. Wolton will be down at once, madam-- [MAID _exits at back._
FANSHAW _crosses to table_.
ETHEL. [_Who goes back to_ MRS. LORRIMER.] Wasn't it awful
yesterday--in the church! [_Crosses._
MRS. LORRIMER. [_With a sigh._] Awful. [_Rises and crosses to centre._
ETHEL. [_Kneeling, with one knee on the sofa._] Still, I will say one
thing, I've always been dying to have it happen.
MRS. LORRIMER. Ethel! What a little beast you are.
FANSHAW. Oh, she didn't mean to Marion particularly. Did you, Ethel?
ETHEL. No; if I had my choice I'd rather see it happen to Kitty; she's
always pretending she's so sincere and all that.
MRS. LORRIMER. Marion is well rid of a man like Fletcher.
ETHEL. Oh, I don't know--I believe I'd take him to-morrow if he asked
me.
MRS. LORRIMER. Well, I wish he would--it would serve you just right.
FANSHAW. Oh, but you couldn't, to-morrow, even if he did ask you--you
forget.
ETHEL. Oh, of course I did. My dear, I meant to tell you when I came
in that I'm announcing my engagement to-day.
MRS. LORRIMER. Good gracious, to whom?
ETHEL. To Mr. Fanshaw.
MRS. LORRIMER. Good heavens. Allow me to condole-- [_Crosses to_
FANSHAW.] I mean congratulate you. And so you're going to be married!
[ETHEL _crosses. They shake hands._
ETHEL. Oh, no, only engaged for a little while,--just for fun. [MRS.
WOLTON _enters_.
MRS. WOLTON. Good morning, Ethel. I'm going to ask you to excuse
Marion. She isn't seeing _any_ one this morning.
ETHEL. I understand--of course--give her my love and tell her not to
mind--every one's on her side and,--she looked perfectly lovely. Tell
her she had the prettiest wedding dress anyway of the season. [_She
goes to kiss_ MRS. WOLTON, _who draws back. Both_ MRS. WOLTON _and_
MRS. LORRIMER _are aghast at the flippant manner of_ ETHEL. ETHEL
_raises her eyebrows, shrugs her shoulders._] Good-bye, good-bye. Come
along, Fanshaw. [_Exit._
FANSHAW. [_Crossing to_ MRS. WOLTON.] Oh, Mrs. Wolton, don't mind
Ethel. She doesn't mean what she sounds like. She never does mean what
she sounds like. Besides, she's a little rattled this morning. You see
she's engaged again.
MRS. WOLTON. Engaged?
FANSHAW. Yes, not to Johnny. I'm it. [ETHEL _re-enters_.
ETHEL. Come along, Fanshaw.
FANSHAW. All right, I'm coming. [_Takes up hat and papers._ ETHEL
_motions for him to leave papers--he does so and exits with_ ETHEL.
MRS. LORRIMER. How is Marion?
MRS. WOLTON. In the same extraordinary frame of mind--I'm afraid
she'll be ill.
MRS. LORRIMER. You mean, so composed?
MRS. WOLTON. Yes, so hard--she hasn't shed a tear--the only person
she's at all human with is that poor creature upstairs. And you know
she's sent for _him_.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Surprised._] She's going to see him?
MRS. WOLTON. She insists upon doing so.
MRS. LORRIMER. I wonder why? I never want to see any of my husbands
again-- [_Crosses to_ MRS. WOLTON.] after they've once disappointed
me.
MRS. WOLTON. I suspect--I don't know--Marion refuses to talk about it,
but her sending for this Mrs.--er--Miss--er--dear me, I don't know
what to call her--but you know who I mean--I think Marion has an idea
she can help her to--er-- [_She hesitates._
MRS. LORRIMER. You don't mean to marry Fletcher? [MRS. WOLTON _nods
her head. Incredulously._] She still wants to?
MRS. WOLTON. Anything for her child's future.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Very seriously reflecting._] Well, I can understand
that. [_She rouses herself and finishes in her old manner._] But, my
dear, I can sympathize with her, too, poor thing. I know what's before
her--you see, both mine were brutes.
MRS. WOLTON. [_Rises and crosses to_ MRS. LORRIMER.] Will you mind if
I say something very frank to you?
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Tentatively._] Well--frank things are always
disagreeable.
MRS. WOLTON. Anyway, I am going to run the risk. You know you are
considered--rather--er--
MRS. LORRIMER. I suppose you want to say heartless?
MRS. WOLTON. Oh, no!
MRS. LORRIMER. Well--then frivolous--
MRS. WOLTON. Yes--perhaps--and--a few other things--but you aren't.
MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, I am.
MRS. WOLTON. No, you're not.--These qualities are all only on the
surface. [_Both sit on sofa._] They are the rouge and powder of your
character--underneath, I believe you are plain and sincere.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Laughing._] I'm not so mad about being plain, but
sincere I would like to be.
MRS. WOLTON. It's your wretched luck in your married life that has
made you what you are!
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Sincerely, with much feeling, and almost breaking
down._] You're right. It was a case of hardening my heart and laughing
in the world's face, or--or having it laugh in mine perhaps.
MRS. WOLTON. What you need now as you did in the beginning is a good
husband--like mine was.
MRS. LORRIMER. Good men don't grow on bushes, and besides, good men
don't seem to care about me.
MRS. WOLTON. I know just the man, and I believe he's been in love with
you for years, though he may not know it himself! [MRS. LORRIMER
_looks at her questioningly._ MRS. WOLTON _goes to her and, putting
her arm around her neck, whispers in her ear._] I want you for a
_sister_-in-law.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Embarrassed, pleased._] Mrs. Wolton!
MRS. WOLTON. Call me "Laura," and I shall feel as if matters had
progressed a little. [_Enter_ DAWSON--_suddenly and unceremoniously.
Both women start slightly and exchange a quick, covert, meaning
glance. Rise._
DAWSON. Ah, Laura--I attended to that for you at once. Has she come?
MRS. WOLTON. Yes, she's upstairs.
DAWSON. Good. [MRS. LORRIMER _coughs_.] Mrs. Lorrimer-- [_Shaking her
hand._] I have followed you here--they told me at your house.
MRS. WOLTON. [_Rather hopefully._] You want to see Mrs. Lorrimer?
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Very quickly, aside to_ MRS. WOLTON _with humour._]
Say "Emily"--that may help a little, too!
MRS. WOLTON. You want to see Emily?
DAWSON. [_A momentary surprise at the name._] Emily, sweet
name--er--yes, if you will allow me, alone. [_Goes right, takes out
handkerchief, and mops brow._
MRS. WOLTON. Alone!--very well! [_Aside to_ MRS. LORRIMER.] I'd no
idea it would come so soon. It must be _that_.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Blushing._] No, no, it's something else-- [_Believing
though that it is._
MRS. WOLTON. [_Still aside._] One thing delights me, you're as much in
love as he is-- [_Aloud._] Good-bye, _Emily_.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Aloud, with emphasis._] Good-by, _Laura_! [MRS.
WOLTON _exits_.
DAWSON. Mrs. Lorrimer-- [_Crosses centre._] I want to speak to you on
a matter of the greatest privacy.
MRS. LORRIMER. Yes. [_Very quietly._
DAWSON. You are the only woman in the world who can help me.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Seriously._] I consider that a true compliment, Mr.
Dawson.
DAWSON. I hesitate because I do not know if I have the right to ask
you to share my secret with me.
MRS. LORRIMER. As far as I am concerned, I _give_ you that right.
DAWSON. You will help me at no matter what inconvenience to yourself?
MRS. LORRIMER. Yes--but I may not--er--consider it an "inconvenience"
to myself. [_Smiling._
DAWSON. Very well then--the terrible trouble of yesterday is not the
only calamity that may happen to my sister and her daughter.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Rising--surprised, disappointed, but still affected
seriously by his serious manner._] It is of them you wish to speak to
me?
DAWSON. Yes.
MRS. LORRIMER. It is for them you wish my help?
DAWSON. Yes.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_With one sigh, dismisses her disappointment and holds
out her hand--crosses to right of table._] It is yours for the asking.
DAWSON. Thank you! [_Presses her hand._] Mr. Wolton killed himself to
escape being convicted of a crime. [_Sits left of table._
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Withdraws her hand slowly from his, and whispers in
tremulous surprise and horror._] What!!!
DAWSON. He had misappropriated funds entrusted to his care,--exposure
became inevitable--you know the rest.
MRS. LORRIMER. But Marion, Mrs. Wolton?
DAWSON. They know nothing!
MRS. LORRIMER. Nothing! [_Looks puzzled._] But how--
DAWSON. The night of the catastrophe, Fletcher announced his
engagement to Marion, and claimed his right to bear a share of the
family's trouble. I took him at his word by asking him to come to the
rescue of his future wife's name and honour with--money!
MRS. LORRIMER. And he did!
DAWSON. Yes--willingly! He was splendid that night.
MRS. LORRIMER. That's why you suddenly became his champion!
DAWSON. Yes, I couldn't believe the tales against him, when he had
proved his love for Marion by such a big act of generosity.
MRS. LORRIMER. He knows everything?
DAWSON. Everything, that same night.
MRS. LORRIMER. And he has never breathed a word?
DAWSON. That was only natural up to yesterday, but
now-- [_Interrupted._
MRS. LORRIMER. He doesn't threaten to tell?
DAWSON. He does, unless Marion marries him. He's mad about her. The
good in him has loved her up to now; now it's the devil in him. He's
not the same man!
MRS. LORRIMER. And what do you want me to do?
DAWSON. Advise me.
MRS. LORRIMER. _I._ Advise _you_?
DAWSON. Yes. Shall we tell Marion?
MRS. LORRIMER. About her father?
DAWSON. Yes.
MRS. LORRIMER. No, no! Not if we can help it!
DAWSON. But-- [_Interrupted._
MRS. LORRIMER. And Fletcher must be paid every cent he gave.
DAWSON. Not easily done. Of course you will understand I have nothing;
what I had went at the first, and I shall need all my income now for
Laura and Marion.
MRS. LORRIMER. You will borrow this money in your name.
DAWSON. I have no security. [_A moment's pause; both think--rise._
MRS. LORRIMER. Do you carry a life insurance? [_Crosses left._
DAWSON. Yes, quite a heavy one.
MRS. LORRIMER. Why not borrow on your life insurance this sum?
DAWSON. [_Pleased._] Of course, of course! What a fool I've been not
to think of that! How clever you are! But again, it must be borrowed
privately for many reasons. [_Again a moment's pause, while both
think._
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Showing decision and determination._] I think I know
some one.
DAWSON. Who?
MRS. LORRIMER. Don't ask me till I've seen him and found out--I will
go now-- [_Crossing up centre._]--at once, and make a beginning, and
you must go to Fletcher and keep him from coming here.
DAWSON. That won't be necessary, for surely Marion wouldn't see him.
MRS. LORRIMER. On the contrary she has _sent_ for him!
DAWSON. [_Astonished._] She isn't still in love with him! I'll go to
him and say I've come to talk business; I think that's the best way to
put it.
MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, and now, go right away!
DAWSON. [_With a world of appreciation and sentiment in his voice and
manner._] _Without thanking you?_
MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, please, because I don't want you to thank me in a
hurry--I want you to take a good long time over it. [_A moment's
pause; they look at each other._ DAWSON _seizes her hand, half
shamefacedly, and kisses it. He starts for hat, which he placed on
table as he entered._
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Drawing him back--half shyly._] Oh--answer me just
one question....
DAWSON. A dozen.
MRS. LORRIMER. What have you--a nice man--I mean--a man like you....
[_Interrupted._
DAWSON. [_Interrupting._] What kind of a man?
MRS. LORRIMER. A "nice" man--you _are_ a nice man, aren't you?
[_Smiling sweetly and rather archly at him._
DAWSON. [_Embarrassed._] Well--I--I'm afraid I shall have to leave the
answer with you--am I?
MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, I think you are--and why have you never married?
DAWSON. Well, you see, _some_ people marry so often, some others of us
don't marry at all, just to strike a sort of balance!
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Laughing._] That's mean of you to say to me! Come,
answer my question honestly.
DAWSON. Well, I've only known one woman in the world who wouldn't bore
me.
MRS. LORRIMER. There are such things as happy marriages, aren't there?
DAWSON. I should like to risk one, only-- [_He hesitates and stops._
MRS. LORRIMER. This "one woman in the world?"
DAWSON. Oh, she's absurd, impossible!
MRS. LORRIMER. Why?...
DAWSON. She wants to divorce all her husbands.
MRS. LORRIMER. Well, but don't give her a chance!
DAWSON. Eh, what?
MRS. LORRIMER. Don't give her a chance--any reason.
DAWSON. By George! I never thought of that.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Delighted._] You stupid!
DAWSON. [_Delighted._] Don't you know who I mean?
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Very self-consciously._] No--how should I?
DAWSON. Can't you guess?
MRS. LORRIMER. I don't want to guess, I want to know for _certain_.
DAWSON. You are "the only woman in the world!" [_He bows low before
her, his right arm bent, his hand on his chest._
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Takes his arm._] Well, I am ready to run the risk if
you are. [MRS. LORRIMER _and_ DAWSON _cross right._] But now we
mustn't lose any more time--take a cable-car; I will, it'll be quicker
than a cab. Perhaps you won't approve of cable-cars for me, though.
They are the most emotional mode of convenience I've ever tried.--This
morning, in two curves I sat in three men's laps!
DAWSON. _Ah._ [_Laughing._] Don't let those curves get to be a habit,
or I'll sue the company for alienating your affections.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Laughing._] Come! [_Takes his arm again and they
meet_ MARION, _who enters._
MARION. [_As she comes._] Tired out, Emily? [DAWSON _goes up stage to
door_.
MRS. LORRIMER. Tired! I never felt so rested in all my life! I haven't
tied up very many. [_With a look and gesture toward the table of
presents._] I've been interrupted--and now you must excuse me for a
little while, but I'll come back and do some more.
DAWSON. I'll go at once-- [_To_ MARION.] --an errand for Emily--Mrs.
Lorrimer. [_Emphasis on the name and a meaning look._] Good-bye--
[_Going. Both women say_ "Good-bye," _but_ MRS. LORRIMER _follows
him._ MARION'S _back is turned._ MRS. LORRIMER _quickly gives_ DAWSON
_a large bunch of violets she carries in exchange for a small rose-bud
he wears in his buttonhole. He cannot get it into his coat. There is
amused confusion._ MARION _turns and_ DAWSON _quickly exits._ MRS.
LORRIMER _down left of table._
MARION. [_Right of table._] It's like the death of someone, isn't it?
This is the death of my marriage, and these gifts are its clothes.
MRS. LORRIMER. Has--er--she gone?
MARION. No--she's waiting up in my room.
MRS. LORRIMER. What for?
MARION. [_Quietly._] I mean to make him marry her if I can, here,
to-day.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Doubtfully._] Do you think you can?
MARION. If he loves me, I think so. I shall ask him to prove his love
by doing the one honourable, honest thing there is for him to do. [_To
sofa._
MRS. LORRIMER. You believe in this woman?
MARION. He has practically acknowledged that what she says is true.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Tenderly._] And _you_, dear, and your love--
[_Crosses to_ MARION. _Interrupted._
MARION. _My_ love--for _him_. [_Sits on sofa_.] The blow he struck
Jeannette fell on my heart and killed my love. A man who would strike
a woman will do most anything,--and think where he did it, and _why_?
Because she was pleading and fighting for the rights of his child!
MRS. LORRIMER. I am glad, dear, you can take it so calmly.
MARION. [_Calmly._] Oh, no, it isn't exactly that--I am reasonable; I
see I've escaped a great misery and I'm grateful-- [_Enter_ SERVANT.]
But I suffer terribly, for the moment I close my eyes, I see only the
dreadful scene of yesterday.
SERVANT. Mr. Fletcher, ma'am.
MRS. LORRIMER. Oh! He's missed him!
MARION. What? [_Rises._] Who's missed who?
MRS. LORRIMER. Nothing. Nobody!
MARION. [_To_ SERVANT.] Show him in, Howes. [SERVANT _bows slightly
and exits_.
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Quickly._] Let me go the other way. [_Reaches door._
MARION. You're coming back?
MRS. LORRIMER. Yes. [_Kisses_ MARION.
MARION. What a sweet rose that is. [_Touching_ DAWSON'S _rose in_ MRS.
LORRIMER'S _dress._
MRS. LORRIMER. Yes, it's the loveliest rose I've ever seen. [_Exit
quickly as_ FLETCHER _enters._
FLETCHER. [_Speaking seriously but pleasantly, evidently expecting
that everything is to be made all right between them._] Thank you for
sending for me, but I would have come without your message!
MARION. [_Looks at him, surprised at his tone. Speaks quietly._]
Jeannette is upstairs waiting.
FLETCHER. [_Starts; his whole manner changes; he realizes now that he
has to fight for what he wants and against what he doesn't want._]
Why?
MARION. I've promised her you shall marry her, if I can make you.
FLETCHER. You can't. No, no, Marion. [_Pleading._] You won't throw me
over for yesterday. I lost my temper, I know, and I'm sorry for it,
but I love you-- [_Interrupted._
MARION. [_Interrupting._] Prove it by doing what I ask.
FLETCHER. [_Angry._] Never! [_Goes right._
MARION. [_Follows him._] If you make the reparation there is in your
power, it would save you from being utterly contemptible in my eyes!
FLETCHER. _You_ say that!!!
MARION. Yes,--will you do what I ask?
FLETCHER. [_Angry._] No!
MARION. [_Angry._] Then I do _right_ to despise you!
FLETCHER. No, because it is _my love_ for _you_ that keeps me back.
[MARION _laughs a bitter, satirical laugh_.] I will marry only _you_.
MARION. Me! Ha! [_Laughs again._
FLETCHER. [_Angrily--close to her._] And I _will_ marry you.
MARION. No, you'll not! [_Faces him._
FLETCHER. I will _force_ you to marry me.
MARION. How dare you to take that tone with me.
FLETCHER. I dare more than that.
MARION. [_Goes to bell._] Take care, or I'll have the servants turn
you out of the house! [FLETCHER _laughs an ironical laugh._] _Will_
you marry Jeannette Gros!
FLETCHER. [_More angry._] No! [_He follows her._] And I won't leave
this house, either. [_Takes her hand._
MARION. Don't touch me!
FLETCHER. I won't leave the house because it's _mine_. And so will
_you_ be!
MARION. No!
FLETCHER. Yes, you will, because I'll buy you with your father's
reputation!
MARION. With what!
FLETCHER. With your father's good name.
MARION. You--scoundrel.
FLETCHER. We are well mated, for you are the daughter of one! [MARION
_immediately touches the bell, which is heard ringing in the
distance_.] You had better dismiss the servant when he comes; I am
sure you would rather he didn't hear all I have to say.
MARION. [_Almost under her breath._] _You_ cannot injure my father!
FLETCHER. Ask your uncle, Mr. Dawson! [MARION _looks up questioningly,
as if she suddenly remembered something._ SERVANT _enters_.
MARION. Ask Mrs. Wolton to please come here at once.
SERVANT. Yes, m'm. [_Crosses room and exits._
FLETCHER. You remember the night of your fancy-dress ball and your
father's--death-- [_He pauses_--MARION _doesn't answer, but looks
troubled._] He took his life to save it from being--disgraced, because
he was a _thief_!
MARION. Stop! [_She draws herself up and looks_ FLETCHER _in the face.
He stops. She goes to door left and opens it. He goes right. Enter_
MRS. WOLTON, _a little frightened._ MARION _takes her hand and leads
her down stage._ MRS. WOLTON _sees_ FLETCHER, _but does not bow._
FLETCHER _bows._ MARION _takes_ MRS. WOLTON'S _hand and the two women
stand, facing_ FLETCHER _who stands._
MARION. You repeat, if you dare, the vile slander of my father!
MRS. WOLTON. Your father?
FLETCHER. All that I said is true, and more!
MRS. WOLTON. What is true? What did he say? [_A pause._ FLETCHER
_remains doggedly silent._
MARION. Ah! You daren't repeat it before my mother! [FLETCHER
_sneers_.] You know she would prove the lie in your face! Did you
think you would frighten me into marrying you! Do you think a man with
a reputation like yours, could injure the reputation of a man like my
father, loved by everyone!
FLETCHER. And who cheated those very people who loved him--that's only
what _I_ did. He was no better than I-- [MRS. WOLTON _makes a movement
and an effort to interrupt him_.
MARION. [_To_ MRS. WOLTON.] Let him finish, mother. [_Holding her
back._
FLETCHER. He left you both beggars, and robbed his own sister besides.
MRS. WOLTON. _It is not true!_
MARION. [_Not believing him._] How is it, then, that we have
everything, everything we could wish for! How is it we have lived in
our old home, lived our old life, if we were beggars!
FLETCHER. How?--thanks to _my_ money, _I've_ paid for it all! [MARION
_opens her lips to speak, but cannot; a short pause_.
MRS. WOLTON. You! [MARION _stops her with her hand on her arm._ MARION
_and_ MRS. WOLTON _cross to sofa._
FLETCHER. [_Quietly._] It is true! This is _my_ house you're in! [_A
pause--the two women are stunned, speechless, unable to comprehend and
believe, yet unable to contradict. Re-enter_ DAWSON.
FLETCHER. Ah! [_Relieved, as_ DAWSON _is his proof._ DAWSON, _looking
from one person to the other, realizes the situation. He looks a
little frightened at the two women. An awkward moment's pause._]
Question _him_ if you doubt my word.
MARION. My father! Is what he says true? [_The women are afraid to
question._
DAWSON. [_To_ FLETCHER.] Have you told them?
FLETCHER. The truth? _Yes!_
DAWSON. [_To_ FLETCHER.] Your reason?
FLETCHER. I didn't come here to do it; she made me angry. She drove me
to it.
MARION. [_In a hard, tuneless voice._] He says my father was not
honest--is that _true_?
DAWSON. [_Answers with difficulty._] Yes. [_A sob comes into_ MARION'S
_throat and she almost breaks down, but she at once controls herself._
MARION. He says _his_ money has been supporting us since--since--
DAWSON. [_To_ FLETCHER.] A _manly_ way to put it!
FLETCHER. [_Crosses left. Bursting out again._] I wanted you to feel
an obligation to me--I don't want to lose you.--You loved me
yesterday; if you were once bound to me, you'd love me again--you
can't change like that over night.
MARION. If yesterday had left any love in my heart for you, you would
have destroyed it by what you have done to-day.
MRS. WOLTON. [_Who has gained control of herself._] But I don't
understand how it was his money--
DAWSON. [_Interrupts._] At the time of your husband's death a large
sum of money was needed to keep his wrong-doing from being made
public. I took Fletcher into my confidence, and he lent us this sum.
MARION. You should have _told_ me.
DAWSON. I wanted to save you.
MARION. No! no! It was placing me in a terribly false position. It was
placing all of us! Well, _I_ take the debt now on _my_ shoulders!
Between us three we will manage to pay it up in time--I am ready to
give up the rest of my life to it. [_Crosses to_ FLETCHER.] Don't be
afraid, you will be paid!
FLETCHER. And you still persist in your refusal to marry me?
MARION. Yes! Yes! Yes!! A thousand times now more than ever.
FLETCHER. And do you think all those years you are trying to scrape up
the money, I'll hold my tongue? I don't care about the money, I only
care about you.--If I can't have you, do you think I'm going to accept
the disgrace you helped heap upon me yesterday? Not I, if I know it!
Throw me over, and I'll make public your father's record--every
dishonest bit of it! [_Strikes table._
MRS. WOLTON. [_Cries out._] No! No! [_Crosses to_ DAWSON.
DAWSON. You dare threaten?
MARION. No, no! He can't mean it.
MRS. WOLTON. [_Taking_ DAWSON'S _arm._] No, no! He wouldn't bring this
disgrace upon us! What good would it do him?
FLETCHER. Then persuade her to marry me.
DAWSON. No. Rather the disgrace!
MARION. [_To_ FLETCHER.] I never thought I would humble myself before
you, but I do, now, and I beg you, for the love you say you have for
me, spare the name of a man, who at least never harmed you! Don't
dishonour my father's memory. Isn't it enough revenge for you that my
mother and I know it! [_With tears._ FLETCHER _is a little affected,
but_ DAWSON _does not see this, and interrupts. He pulls_ MARION _away
from before_ FLETCHER.
DAWSON. No--I won't have you pleading to him! [_Places her to left
and_ Marion _puts arms about her mother._
FLETCHER. I know who I have to thank for all this--Rhodes!
MARION. There is no need to mention his name. [_Arms about her
mother._
FLETCHER. Isn't there! It was he who brought Jeannette here--it was he
we both have to thank for yesterday's ordeal.
MARION. [_To_ DAWSON, _half-heartedly._] What? [_She places_ MRS.
WOLTON _on sofa._
FLETCHER. You didn't believe me when I told you of your father! But
this is as true as that was. And the night you promised to marry me,
Rhodes threatened to do this very thing.
MARION. It isn't possible! He wouldn't have submitted me to
yesterday's humiliation!
FLETCHER. How else could she--living quietly in a little town in
Switzerland--know of our affairs here?
DAWSON. I confess Rhodes tried to prejudice me, but I was too much
impressed with Fletcher's generosity.
FLETCHER. That money was nothing. I'd do it all over again to-morrow
if Marion would only marry me.
MARION. Douglas tried to influence me, too.
FLETCHER. He wants you himself, that's why!
MARION. [_In despair._] Then I have no one--no friend to believe in!
Not even you, Uncle Fred, for you should have told me about my father
in the beginning.
FLETCHER. [_To_ MARION.] You have me!
MARION. Oh! Can't I make you understand, _you_ least of all! [SERVANT
_enters and announces_--"Mrs. Lorrimer--Mr. Rhodes." _Those on the
stage look up surprised._
MRS. WOLTON. Oh! this is more than I will bear! Mr. Rhodes, I must beg
you to excuse us.
DOUGLAS. To excuse you?
MRS. LORRIMER. I have brought Mr. Rhodes-- [_Interrupted._
MRS. WOLTON. Then, I must ask you to take him away if he is unwilling
to leave without you!
DAWSON. No, Laura, wait-- [_Interrupted._
MARION. Mother is right. It should have been enough for Mr. Rhodes to
have witnessed our humiliation yesterday. It is adding another insult
for him to come here to-day.
MRS. LORRIMER. Marion, you don't know what you're saying--
DOUGLAS. [_Stops_ MRS. LORRIMER.] No! Miss Wolton is doubtless
right-- [_Movement from_ MARION.] You did not tell me Mr. Fletcher was
here, or I shouldn't have been persuaded to come. I prefer to go--
MRS. LORRIMER. No, not without my telling why you came.
DOUGLAS. No, I must ask you to keep the reason entirely to
yourself--and Mr. Dawson. [_Starts to go._
DAWSON. [_Stops him._] Not yet. I understand now why you have come
with Mrs. Lorrimer. It is not fair that your reason for coming should
not be known.
FLETCHER. We know it; Miss Wolton has sufficiently explained. His
presence here at this moment is only another insult.
DOUGLAS. Oh, you wish me to go? [MRS. LORRIMER _begins to cross back
of_ DOUGLAS _to right of table._] That puts another colour on the
matter. I am at a loss to imagine how Mrs. Wolton could accuse me of
the sentiments she did. I will stay and wait for an explanation from
her.
MARION. I will give it to you if you will excuse me for a moment.
[_Going._
DAWSON. [_Meeting her._] What are you going to do?
MARION. Bring her here--she is in my room----
FLETCHER. [_Uneasy._] Jeannette!
MARION. [_Ignoring_ FLETCHER, _speaks to_ DAWSON _in reply to_
FLETCHER'S _question._] She will tell us who brought her to New York,
and that will answer--Mr. Rhodes. [_She exits._
FLETCHER. [_To_ DAWSON.] I refuse to remain to see this woman. [_Takes
his hat._
DAWSON. I have no wish to detain you--but kindly give your address
that I may communicate with you.
FLETCHER. My bankers you know,--that is all that is necessary, as I
shall very likely sail--what day is this?
DAWSON. Friday.
FLETCHER. [_Bitterly._] Oh, yes, of course, my wedding-day was on
Thursday! I think I shall sail in to-morrow's steamer. [MARION
_re-enters. Sees_ FLETCHER _going, her voice stops him_.
MARION. You are going--wait. This gentleman has asked me a question,
which I think you can answer for me, by answering a question of mine
to you. How did you know of my marriage to--of my marriage of
yesterday?
JEANNETTE. From a friend who wrote me and sent me the newspapers.
MARION. [_Meaningly._] A man or woman friend?
JEANNETTE. A woman!
MARION. [_Starts--it is the first shock of doubt she has had._]
Douglas Rhodes had nothing to do with your appearance yesterday in the
church?
DOUGLAS. [_Astonished--hurt._] _You thought that?_
JEANNETTE. Oh, no, Miss Wolton, he had nothing in the world to do with
it.
MARION. [_Stands up as if shot, her face full of shame and
grief--turns slowly toward_ DOUGLAS, _bows her head, half whispers._]
I beg your pardon.
DAWSON. [_To_ FLETCHER.] You see you were wrong, Mr. Fletcher.
FLETCHER. Possibly. Good-bye.
MRS. WOLTON. And our secret, my husband's-- [_Hesitates, searching for
a word--does not finish._
FLETCHER. Oh, I was only trying to bully your daughter into marrying
me--a drowning man, you know--I thought I could make her love me again
if I once had a good chance--that's all. Well--I've bought lots of
pleasure at the cost of other people's; now I'm going to pay my debt,
I suppose, with some misery on my own account, but--well,--I sha'n't
disturb Wolton's memory. [MRS. WOLTON _whispers aloud to herself
involuntarily--_ "Thank God!" FLETCHER _continues speech._] Because,
because-- [_A sob comes in his throat._] I can't help it, I still love
his daughter. [_After a long look at_ MARION, _exits._ MARION _has
turned from_ DOUGLAS _and listened to the end of_ FLETCHER'S _speech.
As he goes_, JEANNETTE _involuntarily seizes_ MARION'S _hand._ MARION
_frees herself from_ JEANNETTE _with an encouraging look at her, and
follows_ FLETCHER _out._
MRS. LORRIMER. Well, bad as he is, there is something about that man
that takes right hold of me. [_To_ DAWSON.] It's lucky I've fallen in
love with you, or I might have had one more inning in the divorce
club.
DAWSON. I'm only afraid there's a little danger of you trying it
again, anyway.
MRS. LORRIMER. With _you_? Oh, no! The day we are married I'm going to
begin writing letters to the newspapers in favour of abolishing the
institution.
MARION. [_Enters._ JEANNETTE _goes to her quickly, calm and
hopefully._] Go to him, he is waiting. [JEANNETTE _gives an
exclamation of emotional relief and joy._] Be tactful; he wants to
sail on to-morrow's steamer--don't ... [_Interrupted._
JEANNETTE. I understand--he shall sail alone, if he will only leave
his name behind for my boy.
MARION. That he will do--he said so. [_As_ MARION _turns_, JEANNETTE
_takes her hand and leaves the room._
MRS. LORRIMER. [_Crosses to_ MARION.] Now, Marion, I want you to know
why Douglas came.
DOUGLAS. [_Rises, comes center._] Please-- [_He shakes his head._
DAWSON. But she _must_ know some time.
DOUGLAS. Not before me.
DAWSON. Have you forgotten, Marion, our debt to Fletcher?
MARION. [_Realizes what it is. To_ DOUGLAS.] _You_ would--Oh no,
rather leave the debt with him to repay.
DOUGLAS. Why?
MARION. Because I owe you now more than I can ever repay, for the
wonderful friendship you have given me all my life! I haven't the
right to accept anything more from you.
DOUGLAS. Let me be the judge of that--
MARION. Still, after all that's gone by, you don't hate me?
DOUGLAS. [_Forgetting himself._] Hate you? No. I-- [MARION _crosses to
sofa, sits._ MRS. LORRIMER, _as he begins to speak, has touched_
DAWSON'S _arm meaningly._ DAWSON _moves quickly and softly to_
DOUGLAS, _and, with a quiet, soft, firm touch on his arm, stops him
before he can say "I love you."_
DAWSON. [_Aside to_ DOUGLAS.] Wait--trust to me who love you both, and
wait.
DOUGLAS. [_To_ MARION.] You'll leave the debt with me?
MARION. Yes! [MRS. LORRIMER, MRS. WOLTON _and_ DAWSON _all exchange
happy, hopeful glances._ DOUGLAS _and_ MARION _look at each other._
CURTAIN.
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes
Pages 533, 536: Variations in spelling Jeannette Gros (Jeannette
Gross and Jeanette Gross) in the Cast of Characters lists have been
retained to match the original book.
Page 540: speakes changed to speaks. (She speakes aside to one)
Page 548: Punctuation missing in original. Added ! after "something."
(MR. WOLTON. Give me a word of hope, Fred!--something What are you
going to do?)
Page 549: Period added to end of sentence after "corner." (and placing
them down left corner)