_It is the next morning, Sunday._
_It appears that at JOHN'S country place they have breakfast at
small tables out upon the broad, shaded terrace overlooking the
glorious view of his little farm._
_ERNEST and THEODORE, the scientist and the clergyman, are
breakfasting together. The others are either breakfasting in their
rooms or are not yet down, it being Sunday._
_The man of God is enjoying his material blessings heartily. Also
he seems to be enjoying his view of the man of science, who eats
little and says less._
THEODORE
[_with coffee-cup poised_]
What's the matter with your appetite this morning, Ernest? [_ERNEST,
gazing up at one of the second-story windows, does not hear. The door
opens. He starts. Then, seeing it's only a servant with food, he
sighs._] Expecting something? The codfish balls? Well, here they are.
[_ERNEST refuses the proffered codfish balls, scowls, brings out cigar
case, lights cigar, looks at watch, and fidgets._] Oh, I know--you're
crazy to go with me--to church! [_ERNEST doesn't hear. Creates a cloud
of smoke._] Their regular rector is ill. So I agreed to take the service
this morning.... Always the way when off for a rest ... isn't it? [_No
answer. THEODORE gets up, walks around the table, and shouts in ERNEST'S
face._] Isn't it?
ERNEST
[_startled_]
I beg your pardon?
THEODORE
[_laughs, ERNEST wondering what's the joke_]
Oh, you're hopeless! [_Going._] I can't stand people who talk so much at
breakfast.
ERNEST
[_suddenly wakes up_]
Wait a minute. Sit down. Have a cigar. Let's talk about God. [_THEODORE
stops smiling._] But I mean it. I'd like to have a religion myself.
THEODORE
I had an idea you took no stock in religion.
[_Takes the cigar. ERNEST holds a match for him._
ERNEST
[_enthusiastically_]
Just what I thought, until ... well, I've made a discovery, a great
discovery!
THEODORE
A scientific discovery?
ERNEST
[_with a wave of the hand_]
It makes all science look like a ... mere machine.
THEODORE
Well, if you feel so strongly about it ... better come to church after
all!
ERNEST
I'm not talking about the Church--I'm talking about _religion_.
THEODORE
You're not talking about religion; you're talking about--love.
ERNEST
[_quietly_]
Certainly; the same thing, isn't it? I'm talking about the divine fire
that glorifies life and perpetuates it--the one eternal thing we mortals
share with God.... If _that_ isn't religious, what is? [_THEODORE smiles
indulgently._] Tell me, Theodore--you know I wasn't allowed to go to
church when young, and since then I've always worked on the holy Sabbath
day, like yourself--does the Church still let innocent human beings
think there's something inherently wrong about sex? [_THEODORE drops his
eyes. ERNEST disgusted with him._] I see! Good people should drop their
eyes even at the mention of the word.
THEODORE
Sex is a necessary evil, I admit, but----
ERNEST
[_laughs_]
Evil! The God-given impulse which accounts for you sitting there, for me
sitting here? The splendid instinct which writes our poetry, builds our
civilizations, founds our churches--the very heart and soul of life is
evil. Really, Theodore, I don't know much about religion, but that
strikes me as blasphemy against the Creator.
THEODORE
Very scientific, my boy, very modern; but the Church believed in
marriage before Science was born.
ERNEST
As a compromise with evil?
THEODORE
As a sacrament of religion--and so do you!
ERNEST
Good! Then why practise and preach marriage as a sacrament of property?
"Who giveth this woman to be married to this man--" Women are still
goods and chattels to be given or sold, are they?
THEODORE
Oh, nonsense!
ERNEST
Then why keep on making them promise to "serve and obey"? Why marry them
with a ring--the link of the ancient chain? [_He smiles._] In the days
of physical force it was made of iron--now of gold. But it's still a
chain, isn't it?
THEODORE
Symbols, my dear fellow, not to be taken in a literal
sense--time-honored and beautiful symbols.
ERNEST
But why insult a woman you respect--even symbolically?
THEODORE
[_with a laugh_]
Oh, you scientists!
ERNEST
[_joining in the laugh_]
We try to find the truth--and you try to hide it, eh? Well, there's one
thing we have in common, anyway--one faith I'll never doubt again; I
believe in Heaven now. I always shall.
THEODORE
Do you mind telling me why, my boy?
ERNEST
Not in the least. I've been there. [_JOHN comes out to breakfast. He is
scowling._] Good morning; could you spare me five minutes?
JOHN
[_ringing bell_]
Haven't had breakfast yet.
ERNEST
After breakfast?
JOHN
I've an appointment with young Baker.
ERNEST
[_smiles_]
I'll wait my turn.
JOHN
Going to be pretty busy to-day--you, too, I suppose, if you're sailing
to-morrow.
ERNEST
I can postpone sailing. This is more important.
JOHN
I should hate to see _anything_ interfere with your career.
[_LUCY also arrives for breakfast. She "always pours her husband's
coffee."_
ERNEST
I appreciate your interest, but I'll look out for my "career." [_To
LUCY._] Could you tell me when your sister will be down?
JOHN
[_overriding LUCY_]
My sister is ill and won't be down at all ... until _after_ you _leave_.
[_LUCY pretends not to hear. THEODORE walks away._
ERNEST
[_aroused, but calm_]
I don't believe you quite understand. It is a matter of indifference to
me whether we have a talk or not. Entirely out of courtesy to you that I
suggest it.
JOHN
Don't inconvenience yourself on my account.
ERNEST
[_shrugs shoulders and turns to THEODORE_]
Wait, I think I'll sit in church till train time.
THEODORE
[_smoothing it over_]
Come along. I'm going to preach about marriage!
[_THEODORE starts off._
ERNEST
[_going, turns to LUCY_]
Thanks for your kindness. Will you ask the valet to pack my things,
please? I'll call for them on the way to the station. [_To JOHN._] Do
you understand? I have no favors to ask of you. You don't own your
sister--she owns herself.
[_The scientist goes to church._
JOHN
[_with a loud laugh, turns to LUCY_]
Rather impertinent for a two-thousand-dollar man, I think. [_Resumes
breakfast, picks up newspaper. LUCY says nothing, attending to his
wants solicitously._] Bah! what does this highbrow know about the power
men of my sort can use ... when we have to? [_LUCY cringes dutifully in
silence. JOHN, paper in one hand, brusquely passes cup to LUCY with
other._] Helen got her own way about college, about work, about living
in her own apartment--but if she thinks she can put _this_ across!
Humph! These modern women must learn their place. [_LUCY, smiling
timidly, returns cup. JOHN takes it without thanks, busied in
newspapers. A look of resentment creeps over LUCY'S pretty face, now
that he can't see her._] Ah! I've got something up my sleeve for that
young woman. [_LUCY says nothing, looks of contempt while he reads._]
Well, why don't you say something?
LUCY
[_startled_]
I thought you didn't like me to talk at breakfast, dear.
JOHN
Think I like you to sit there like a mummy? [_No reply._] Haven't you
_any_thing to say? [_Apparently not._] You never have any more, nothing
interesting.... Does it ever occur to you that I'd like to be
diverted?... No!
LUCY
Yes.... Would you mind very much if ... if I left you, John?
JOHN
Left me? When--where--how long?
LUCY
[_gathering courage_]
Now--any place--entirely.
JOHN
[_bursts out laughing_]
What suddenly put _this_ notion in your head?
LUCY
I'm sorry--John, but I've had it--oh, for years. I never dared ask you
till now.
JOHN
[_still glancing over paper_]
Like to leave me, would you?... You have no grounds for divorce, my
dear.
LUCY
But _you_ will have--after I leave you.
JOHN
[_yawns_]
You have no lover to leave with.
LUCY
[_daintily_]
But couldn't I just desert you--without anything horrid?
JOHN
[_reads_]
No money to desert with.
LUCY
[_springs up_--_at bay_]
You won't let me escape decently when I tell you I don't want to stay?
When I tell you I can't stand being under your roof any longer? When I
tell you I'm sick of this life?
JOHN
[_gets up calmly_]
But, you see, I can stand it. I want you to stay. I'm not sick of it.
You belong to me.
LUCY
[_shrinking away as he approaches_]
Don't touch me! Every time you come near me I have to nerve myself to
stand it.
JOHN
What's got into you? Don't I give you everything money can buy? My God,
if I only gave you something to worry about; if I ran after other women
like old man Baker----
LUCY
If you only would!--Then you'd let _me_ alone. To me you are repulsive.
JOHN
[_taking hold of her_]
Lucy! You are my wife.
LUCY
[_looking him straight in the eye_]
But you don't respect me, and I--I hate you--oh, how I hate you!
JOHN
[_holds her fast_]
I am your husband, your lawful husband.
LUCY
[_stops struggling_]
Yes, this is lawful--but, oh, what laws you men have made for women!
[_The JUDGE comes out, carrying a telegram._
JUDGE
Rather early in the day for conjugal embraces, if you should ask me.
[_JOHN and LUCY separate._] Makes me quite sentimental and homesick.
[_JUDGE raises telegram and kisses it._
LUCY
[_calming herself_]
From Aunt Julia again? Do you get telegrams every day from Reno?
JUDGE
No, but she caught cold. Went to the theatre last night and caught a
cold. So she wired me--naturally; got the habit of telling me her
troubles, can't break it, even in Reno.
JOHN
I thought she hated the theatre!
JUDGE
So she does, but I'm fond of it; she went for my sake. She's got the
habit of sacrificing herself for me. Just as hard to break good habits
as bad.
JOHN
True women enjoy sacrificing themselves.
JUDGE
Yes, that's what we tell them. Well, we ought to know. We make 'em do
it. [_Brings out a fountain pen and sits abruptly._] That's what I'll
tell her. I can hear her laugh. You know her laugh.
LUCY
[_rings for a servant_]
A telegraph blank?
JUDGE
[_with a humorous expression he brings a whole pad of telegraph blanks
out of another pocket_]
Carry them with me nowadays. [_Begins to write._] Wish I hadn't sold my
Western Union, John.
JOHN
I don't believe you want that divorce very much.
JUDGE
It doesn't matter what _I_ want--what she wants is the point. You must
give the woman you marry tutti-frutti, divorces--everything.... Why,
I've got the habit myself, and God knows I don't enjoy sacrifice--I'm a
man! The superior sex!
JOHN
I don't believe you appreciate that wife of yours.
JUDGE
[_between the words he's writing_]
Don't I? It isn't every wife that'd travel away out to Reno--you know
how she hates travelling--and go to a theatre--and catch a cold--and get
a divorce--all for the sake of an uncongenial husband. [_Suddenly
getting an idea, strikes table._] I know what gave her a cold. She
raised all the windows in her bedroom--for _my_ sake!--I always kept
them down for _her_ sake. I'll have to scold her. [_Bends to his writing
again._] Poor little thing! She doesn't know how to take care of herself
without me. I doubt if she ever will.
[_Looks over telegram. A SERVANT comes, takes telegram, and goes._
JOHN
Uncle Everett, I want your advice.
JUDGE
John! do _you_ want a divorce?
JOHN
No, we are not that sort, are we, Lucy? [_No answer._] Are we, dear?
LUCY
[_after a pause_]
No, we are not that sort!
JOHN
We believe in the sanctity of the home, the holiness of marriage.
LUCY
Yes, we believe in--"the holiness of marriage!"
[_Turns away, covering her face with her hands and shuddering._
JOHN
Lucy, tell Helen and Jean to come here. [_LUCY goes._] Well, young Baker
spoke to me about Jean last night. I told him I'd think it over and give
him my decision this morning.
JUDGE
That's right. Mustn't seem too anxious, John. When the properly
qualified male offers one of our dependent females a chance at woman's
only true career, of course it's up to us to look disappointed.
JOHN
But I didn't bring up the little matter you spoke of.
JUDGE
About that chorus girl?... Afraid of scaring him off?
JOHN
Not at all, but--well, it's all over and it's all fixed. No scandal, no
blackmail.
JUDGE
Hum! By the way, got anything on Hamilton?
JOHN
I don't believe in saints myself.
JUDGE
I see.... Good thing, for Jean Rex isn't a saint. I suppose you'd break
off the match.
[_REX, in riding clothes, comes out. JOHN salutes him warmly. The
JUDGE is reading the paper._
REX
[_not eagerly_]
Well?
JOHN
Well, of course, you realize that you're asking a great deal of me, Rex,
but--[_Offers hand to REX warmly._] Be good to her, my boy, be good to
her.
REX
[_shaking hands, forced warmth_]
Thanks awfully. See-what-I-mean? [_To JUDGE._] Congratulate me, Judge;
I'm the happiest of men.
JUDGE
[_looking up from newspaper_]
So I see. Don't let it worry you.
[_JEAN, in riding costume, comes from the house._
JOHN
[_signalling JUDGE to leave_]
If Helen asks for me, I'm in the garden.
JUDGE
If any telegrams come for me, I'm writing to _my wife_!
[_JEAN and REX alone, they look at each other, not very loverlike._
JEAN
[_impulsively_]
You weren't in love with me yesterday. You aren't now. You would get out
of it if you honorably could. But you honorably _can't_! So you have
spoken to John; you are going to see it through, because you're a good
sport.... I admire you for that, Rex, too much to hold you to it. You
are released.
REX
[_amazed_]
Why--why--you--you don't suppose I want to be released?
JEAN
Well, I do!... Yesterday I let you propose to me when I cared for some
one else. That's not fair to you, to me, to him!
REX
[_in a sudden fury_]
Who is he? What do you mean by this? Why didn't you tell me?
JEAN
I am telling you now. What have you ever told me about yourself?
REX
[_blinking_]
You had no right to play fast and loose with me.
JEAN
I'm making the only amends I can. You are free, I tell you.
REX
I don't want to be free! He can't have you! You are mine! If you think
you can make me stop loving you----
JEAN
[_interrupting_]
Love, Rex? Only jealousy. You've never been in love with me--you've
always been in love with Helen. But you couldn't get her, so you took
me. Isn't that true, Rex?
REX
[_after an uncomfortable pause_]
I'll be honest with you, too. Yesterday I wasn't really very serious. I
felt like a brute afterward. You tried your best to prevent what
happened and ran away from me. But now----
JEAN
Don't you know why I ran away? To make you follow. I made you catch me.
I made you kiss me. Then you realized that we had been thrown together
constantly--deliberately thrown together, if you care to know it--and,
well, that's how many marriages are made. But I shan't marry on such
terms. It's indecent!
REX
[_another pause_]
I never thought a _woman_ could be capable of such honesty!... Oh, what
a bully sport you are! You aren't like the rest that have been shoved at
me. Why, I can respect you. You are the one for me.
[_He tries to take her._
JEAN
[_restraining him with dignity_]
I am sorry, Rex, but I am not for you.
REX
Jean! without you ... don't you see--I'll go straight to the devil!
JEAN
That old, cowardly dodge? Any man who has no more backbone than
that--why, I wouldn't marry you if you were the last man in the world.
REX
[_frantic to possess what he cannot have_]
You won't, eh? We'll see about that. I want you now as I never wanted
anything in my life, and I'll win you from him yet. You'll see!
[_HELEN now appears._
HELEN
Oh, I beg your pardon. Lucy said John was out here.
JEAN
I'll call him.
[_She runs down into the garden._
REX
I'll call him.
[_He runs after JEAN. HELEN helplessly watches them go, sighs,
standing by the garden steps until JOHN ascends. He looks at HELEN
a moment, wondering how to begin. She looks so capable and
unafraid of him._
JOHN
If you hadn't gone to college, you could have done what Jean is doing.
HELEN
[_with a shrug and a smile_]
But how proud you must be, John, to have a sister who isn't compelled to
marry one man while in love with another. _Now_, aren't you glad I went
to college?
[_She laughs good-naturedly at him._
JOHN
Humph! If you think I'd let a sister of mine marry one of old man
Baker's two-thousand-dollar employees----
HELEN
Why, John, didn't Ernest tell you? Doctor Hawksbee has offered him a
partnership. Just think of that!
JOHN
What! Going back into private practice?
HELEN
But it's such a fashionable practice. Hawksbee's made a million at it.
JOHN
But the institute needs Hamilton.
HELEN
Ah, but we need the money!
JOHN
[_disconcerted_]
So you are going to spoil a noble career, are you? That's selfish. I
didn't think it of you. There are thousands of successful physicians,
but there is only one Ernest Hamilton.
HELEN
[_laughs_]
Oh, don't worry, John, he has promised me to keep his
two-thousand-dollar job.
JOHN
Ah, I'm glad. You must let nothing interfere with his great humanitarian
work. Think what it means to the lives of little children! Think what it
means to the future of the race! Why, every one says his greatest
usefulness has hardly begun!
HELEN
Oh, I know all that, I've thought of all that.
JOHN
Now, such men should be kept free from cares and anxiety. What was it
you said yesterday? "He needs every cent of his salary for books,
travel, all the advantages he simply must have for efficiency." To marry
a poor man--most selfish thing a girl could do!
HELEN
Yes, John, that's what I said yesterday.
JOHN
[_scoring_]
But that was before he asked you! [_HELEN smiles. He sneers._] Rather
pleased with yourself now, aren't you? "Just a woman after
all"--heroine of cheap magazine story! Sacrifices career for love!...
All very pretty and romantic, my dear--but how about the man you love!
Want to sacrifice his career, too?
HELEN
But I'm not going to sacrifice what you are pleased to call my
career.... Therefore he won't have to sacrifice his.
JOHN
What! going to keep on working? Will he let the woman he loves work!
HELEN
[_demure_]
Well, you see, he says I'm "too good" to loaf.
JOHN
Humph! who'll take care of your home when you're at work? Who'll take
care of your work when you're at home. Look at it practically. To
maintain such a home as he needs on such a salary as he has--why, it
would take all your time, all your energy. To keep him in his class
you'll have to drop out of your own, become a household drudge, a
servant.
HELEN
And if I am willing?
JOHN
Then where's your intellectual companionship? How'll you help his work?
Expense for him, disillusionment for both. If you're the woman you
pretend to be, you won't marry that man!
HELEN
[_strong_]
The world needs his work, but he needs mine, and we both need each
other.
JOHN
[_stronger_]
And marriage would only handicap his work, ruin yours, and put you
apart. You know that's true. You've seen it happen with others. You have
told me so yourself!
HELEN
Then that settles it! We must not, cannot, shall not marry. We have no
right to marry. I agree with all you say--it would not join us together;
it would put us asunder.
JOHN
And you'll give him up? Good! Good!
HELEN
Give him up? Never! The right to work, the right to love--those rights
are inalienable. No, we'll give up marriage but not each other.
JOHN
But--but--I don't understand.
HELEN
[_straight in his eyes_]
We need each other--in our work and in our life--and we're to have each
other--until life is ended and our work is done. Now, do you understand?
JOHN
[_recoiling_]
Are you in your right mind? Think what you're saying.
HELEN
I have thought all night, John. You have shown me how to say it.
JOHN
But, but--why, this is utterly unbelievable! Why I'm not even shocked.
Do you notice? I'm not even shocked? Because everything you have said,
everything you have done--it all proves that you are a good woman.
HELEN
If I were a bad woman, I'd inveigle him into marriage, John.
JOHN
Inveigle! Marriage! Are you crazy? ... Oh, this is all one of your
highbrow jokes!
HELEN
John, weren't you serious when you said marriage would destroy him?
JOHN
But this would destroy _you_!
HELEN
Well, even if that were so, which is more important to the world? Which
is more important to your "great humanitarian work"?
JOHN
Ah, very clever! A bluff to gain my consent to marrying him--a trick to
get his salary raised.
HELEN
[_with force_]
John, nothing you can do, nothing you can say, will ever gain my consent
to marrying him. I've not told you half my reasons.
JOHN
My God! my own sister! And did you, for one moment, dream that I would
consent to that!
HELEN
Not for one moment. I'm not asking your consent. I'm just telling you.
JOHN
[_after scrutinizing her_]
Ridiculous! If you really meant to run away with this fellow, would you
come and tell _me_, your own brother?
HELEN
Do you suppose I'd _run_ away without telling, even my own brother?
JOHN
[_looks at her a moment; she returns his gaze_]
Bah!--all pose and poppycock! [_He abruptly touches bell._] I'll soon
put a stop to this nonsense. [_Muttering._] Damnedest thing I ever heard
of.
HELEN
John, I understand exactly what I'm doing. You never will. But nothing
you can do can stop me now.
JOHN
We'll see about that. [_The BUTLER appears._] Ask the others to step out
here at once; all except Miss Jean and Mr. Baker, I don't want them. Is
Doctor Hamilton about?
BUTLER
No, sir, he went to church.
JOHN
All right. [_The BUTLER disappears._] To church! My God!
[_HELEN pays no attention. She gazes straight out into the future,
head high, eyes clear and wide open._
JOHN
First of all, when the others come out, I'm going to ask them to look
you in the face. Then you can make this statement to them, if you wish,
and--look them in the face.
HELEN
[_with quiet scorn_]
If I were being forced into such a marriage as poor little Jean's, I
would kill myself. But in the eyes of God, who made love, no matter how
I may appear in the eyes of man, who made marriage, I know that I am
doing right.
[_LUCY comes out, followed by the JUDGE._
JOHN
[_not seeing them. He is loud_]
Say that to Uncle Everett and Cousin Theodore! Say that to my wife,
stand up and say that to the world, if you dare.
LUCY
[_to JUDGE_]
She has told him!
JOHN
[_wheeling about_]
What! did she tell you? Why didn't you come to me at once?
LUCY
[_tremulous_]
She said she wanted to tell you herself. I didn't think she'd dare!
[_They all turn to look at HELEN. THEODORE comes back from church
alone._
HELEN
It had to be announced, of course.
THEODORE
[_advancing, beaming_]
Announced? What is announced?
[_All turn to him in a panic._
LUCY
[_hurriedly_]
Their engagement, Theodore!
JUDGE
[_overriding HELEN_]
Yes, John has given his consent at last--example to society.
[_Prods JOHN._
JOHN
[_also overrides HELEN_]
Of course! One of the finest fellows in the world.
THEODORE
[_delighted_]
And withal he has a deep religious nature. Congratulations. My dear,
he'll make an ideal husband.
[_Takes both HELEN'S hands, about to kiss her._
HELEN
[_can't help smiling_]
Thank you, cousin, but I don't want a husband.
[_A sudden silence._
THEODORE
[_looks from one to the other_]
A lover's quarrel?--already!
JUDGE
[_enjoying it_]
No, Theodore, these lovers are in perfect accord. They both have
conscientious scruples against marriage.
JOHN
Conscientious!
JUDGE
So they are simply going to set up housekeeping without the mere
formality of a wedding ceremony.
[_THEODORE drops HELEN'S hands._
HELEN
[_quietly_]
We are going to do nothing of the sort.
THEODORE
Uncle Everett!
[_Takes her hands again._
HELEN
We are not going to set up housekeeping at all. He will keep his present
quarters and I mine.
JOHN
But they are going to belong to each other.
THEODORE
[_drops HELEN'S hands--aghast_]
I don't believe it.
JUDGE
[_apart to THEODORE_]
The strike against marriage. It was bound to come.
THEODORE
[_to JUDGE_]
But Church and State--[_indicates self and JUDGE_] must break this
strike.
HELEN
John is a practical man. He will prove to you that such a home as we
could afford would only be a stumbling-block to Ernest's usefulness, a
hollow sphere for mine. You can't fill it with mere happiness, Lucy, not
for long, not for long.
JUDGE
[_restrains THEODORE about to reply_]
Oh, let her get it all nicely talked out, then she'll take a nap and
wake up feeling better. [_Whispering._] We've driven her to this
ourselves, but she really doesn't mean a word of it. Come, dear child,
tell us all about this nightmare.
HELEN
[_smiles at the JUDGE_]
Why, think what would happen to an eager intellect like Ernest
Hamilton's if he had to come back to a narrow-minded apartment or a
dreary suburb every evening and eat morbid meals opposite a housewife
regaling him with the social ambitions of the other commuters. Ugh! It
has ruined enough brilliant men already. [_JUDGE restrains THEODORE and
others who want to interrupt._] Now at the University Club he dines, at
slight expense compared with keeping up a home, upon the best food in
the city with some of the best scientists in the country.... Marriage
would divorce him from all that, would transplant him from an atmosphere
of ideas into an atmosphere of worries. We should be forced into the
same deadly ruts as the rest of you, uncle. Do you want me to destroy a
great career, Theodore?
THEODORE
Do you want to be a blot upon that career?
HELEN
[_lightly_]
I'd rather be a blot than a blight, and that's what I'd be if I became
his bride. Ask John.
LUCY
Do you want to be disgraced, despised, ostracized!
HELEN
[_smiles at LUCY_]
A choice of evils, dear; of course, none of those costly well-kept wives
on your visiting list will call upon me. But instead of one day at home,
instead of making a tired husband work for me, I'll have all my days
free to work with him, like the old-fashioned woman you admire! Instead
of being an expense, I'll be a help to him; instead of being separated
by marriage and divergent interests, we'll be united by love and common
peril.... Isn't that the orthodox way to gain character, Theodore?
JOHN
Oh, this is all damned nonsense! Look here, you've either got to marry
this fellow now or else go away and never see him again; never, never!
HELEN
Just what I thought, John. I intended never to see him again. That was
why I let you send me abroad. But I'll never, never do it again.
[_Smiling like an engaged girl._] It was perfectly dreadful! Ernest
couldn't get along without me at all, poor old thing. And I, why, I
nearly died.
JOHN
Then you'll have to be married, that's all.
THE OTHERS
Why, of course you'll have to, that's all.
HELEN
[_nodding_]
Oh, I know just how you feel about it. I thought so, too, at first, but
I can't marry Ernest Hamilton. I love him.
THEODORE
But if you love him truly--marriage, my dear, brings together those who
love each other truly.
HELEN
But those who love each other truly don't need anything to bring them
together. The difficulty is to keep apart.
[_A reminiscent shudder._
JOHN
That's all romantic rot! Every one feels that way at first.
HELEN
At first! Then the practical object of marriage is not to bring together
those who love each other, but to keep together those who do not? [_To
LUCY._] What a dreadful thing marriage must be!
[_JUDGE chokes down a chuckle._
JUDGE
Ah, so you wish to be free to separate. Now we have it.
HELEN
To separate? What an idea! On the contrary, we wish to be free to keep
together! In the old days when they had interests in common marriage
used to make man and woman one, but now it puts them apart. Can't you
see it all about you? He goes down-town and works; she stays up-town and
plays. He belongs to the laboring class; she belongs to the leisure
class. At best, they seldom work at the same or similar trades. Legally
it may be a union, but socially it's a mesalliance--in the eyes of God
it's often worse.... No wonder that one in eleven ends in divorce. The
only way to avoid spiritual separation is to shun legal union like a
contagious disease. Modern marriage _is_ divorce. [_She turns to go,
defiantly._] I've found my work, I've found my mate, and so has he! What
more can any human being ask?
[_The BUTLER appears._
BUTLER
[_to JOHN_]
Doctor Hamilton is outside in a taxicab, sir.
JOHN
Show him here at once!
BUTLER
He says he does not care to come in, sir, unless you are ready to talk
to him now.
JOHN
Well, of all the nerve! You bet I'm ready!
[_Starts off. HELEN starts, too._
JUDGE
[_intercepting them calmly_]
Wait a minute--wait a minute. [_To SERVANT._] Ask Doctor Hamilton kindly
to wait in the library. [_The BUTLER goes._] Now, we're all a bit
overwrought. [_Soothes HELEN, pats her hand, puts arm about her,
gradually leads her back._] I still believe in you, Helen, I still
believe in him. [_To all._] It's simply that he's so deeply absorbed in
his great work for mankind that he doesn't realize what he is asking
Helen to do.
HELEN
[_quietly_]
So I told him ... when he asked me to marry him.
ALL
What! He _asked_ you to _marry_ him?
HELEN
Of course! _Implored_ me to marry him. [_She adds, smiling._] So
absorbed--not in mankind, but in me--that he "didn't realize what he
was asking me to do."
LUCY
[_utterly amazed_]
And you refused him! The man who loves you honorably?
HELEN
[_demurely_]
Of course! You don't suppose I'd take advantage of the poor fellow's
weakness. Women often do, I admit--even when not in love, sometimes....
Not because they're depraved but dependent.
JOHN
[_to all_]
And then he proposed this wicked substitute! Poisoned her innocent
mind--the bounder!
HELEN
But he did nothing of the sort.
JOHN
Oh, your own idea, was it?
HELEN
Of course!
JOHN
[_to all_]
And he is willing to take advantage of the poor child's ignorance--the
cad! [_To THEODORE._] "Deep religious nature," eh?
THEODORE
I can't believe it of him.
HELEN
He knows nothing about it yet. I haven't even seen him since I made my
decision.
[_All exchange bewildered glances._
JOHN
[_apart to JUDGE_]
We've got to get him off to Paris. It's our only hope.
JUDGE
[_apart to JOHN_]
You can't stop her following. She's on the edge of the precipice--do you
want to shove her over? You are dealing with big people here and a big
passion.
[_The BUTLER returns._
BUTLER
Doctor Hamilton asks to see Miss Helen while waiting.
JUDGE
[_calmly to BUTLER_]
Tell Doctor Hamilton that Miss Helen will see him here.
[_The BUTLER leaves._
JOHN
Are you crazy! We've got to keep 'em apart--our one chance to save her.
JUDGE
No, bring them together. _That_ is our one chance. Come, we'll go down
into the garden and they'll have a nice little talk. Nothing like talk,
John, honest talk, to clear these marriage problems.
[_Going._
JOHN
And let them elope? In that taxicab?--not on your life!
[_Runs to and fro._
JUDGE
Come, John, girls never notify the family in advance when they plan
elopements. It's not done.
THEODORE
[_going_]
Uncle Everett is right. Ernest will bring her to her senses. He _has_ a
deep religious nature.
[_JUDGE leads JOHN away to the garden._
LUCY
[_lingering--to HELEN_]
If you offer yourself on such terms to the man who loves you honorably,
he'll never look at you again.
THEODORE
[_leading LUCY off to garden_]
Don't worry! She won't.
[_ERNEST rushes out to HELEN._
HELEN
Ernest!
ERNEST
At last! [_He takes her in his arms; she clings to him and gazes into
his eyes; a long embrace._] Tell me that you're all right again.
HELEN
[_smiling with love and trust_]
Except that you deserted me, dear, just when I needed you most. Ernest,
Ernest! never leave me again.
ERNEST
Deserted you? Why, your brother said you were ill.
HELEN
Ah, I see ... he was mistaken.
ERNEST
[_jubilant and boyish_]
But never mind now, I've got you at last, and I'll never, never let you
go. You've got to sail with me to-morrow. Together! Oh, think! Together.
[_Another embrace._
HELEN
Are you _sure_ you love me?
ERNEST
[_laughs from sheer joy of her nearness_]
Am I sure? Ten million times more to-day than yesterday.
HELEN
Even so ... it is not, and can never be, as I love you.
ERNEST
[_with her hands in his, gayly_]
Then you can apologize.
HELEN
Apologize?
ERNEST
For saying, years and years ago--in other words, last night--that you
didn't think you'd marry me after all. [_She starts._] Why, what's the
matter? You're trembling like a leaf. You _are_ ill!
HELEN
No; oh, no.
ERNEST
[_tenderly_]
Still a few lingering doubts? I had hoped a good night's rest would put
those little prejudices to sleep forever.
HELEN
Sleep?
[_She shakes her head, gazing at him soberly._
ERNEST
So you could not sleep? Neither could I; I was too happy to sleep. I was
afraid I'd miss some wondrous throbbing thought of your loveliness.
[_Takes her passive hand, puts a kiss in it, and closes it reverently
while she looks into his eyes without moving._] Do you know, I'm
disappointed in love. I always thought it meant soft sighs and pretty
speeches. It means an agony of longing, delicious agony, but, oh,
terrific. [_She says nothing._] Dear, dear girl, it may be easy for you,
but I can't stand much more of this.
HELEN
Nor I.
ERNEST
You must come to Paris with me or I'll stay home. All through the night
I had waking visions of our being parted. Just when we had found each
other at last. Some terrible impersonal monster stepped in between us
and said: "No. Now that you have had your glimpse of heaven--away! Ye
twain shall not enter here...." Silly, wasn't it? But I couldn't get the
horror of it out of my head.
HELEN
[_nodding_]
Do you know why, Ernest? Because it was in mine. It came from my thought
to yours. You and I are attuned like wireless instruments. Even in the
old blind days, there in the laboratory I used to read your mind. Shall
I tell you the name of the monster that would put us asunder?... Its
name is Marriage.
ERNEST
But I need you. You know that. And you need me. It's too late. We are
helpless now--in the clutch of forces more potent than our little
selves--forces that brought us into the world--forces that have made the
world. Whether you will or no, this beautiful binding power is sweeping
you and me together. And you must yield.
HELEN
[_reaching for his hand_]
Ah, my dear, could anything make it more beautiful, more binding than it
is now?
ERNEST
It is perfect. The one divine thing we share with God. The Church is
right in that respect. I used to look upon marriage as a mere contract.
It's a religious sacrament.
HELEN
Does the wedding ceremony make it sacred?
ERNEST
That mediaeval incantation! No, love, which is given by God, not the
artificial form made by man.
HELEN
I knew it! I knew you'd see it--the mistake of all the ages. They've
tried to make love fit marriage. It can't be done. Marriage must be
changed to fit love. [_Impulsively._] Yes, I'll go to Paris with you.
ERNEST
[_about to take her in his arms_]
You darling!
HELEN
[_steps back_]
But not as your wife.
ERNEST
[_stops--perplexed_]
You mean ... without marriage?
HELEN
I mean without marriage.
[_They look into each other's eyes._
ERNEST
A moment ago I thought I loved you as much as man could love woman. I
was mistaken in you--I was mistaken in myself. For now I love you as man
never loved before. You superb, you wonderful woman!
HELEN
[_holds out her hand to be shaken, not caressed_]
Then you agree?
ERNEST
[_kneels, kisses her hand, and arises_]
Of course not! You blessed girl, don't you suppose I understand? It's
all for my sake. Therefore for your sake--no.
HELEN
Then for my sake--for the sake of everything our love stands for!
ERNEST
[_laughing fondly_]
Do you think I'd let you do anything for anybody's sake you're sure,
later, to regret?
HELEN
Then don't ask me to marry you, Ernest. We'd both regret that later. It
would destroy the two things that have brought us together, love and
work.
ERNEST
Nonsense. Nothing could do that.... And besides, think of our poor
horrified families! Think of the world's view!
HELEN
Aren't we sacrificing enough for the world--money, comforts, even
children? Must we also sacrifice each other to the world? Must we be
hypocrites because others are? Must we, too, be cowards and take on the
protective coloring of our species?
ERNEST
Our ideas may be higher than society's, but society rewards and punishes
its members according to its own ideas, not ours.
HELEN
Do you want society's rewards? Do you fear society's punishment?
ERNEST
[_jubilantly enfolding her_]
With you in my arms, I want nothing from heaven, I fear nothing from
hell; but, my dear [_shrugs and comes down to earth with a smile and
releases her_], consider the price, consider the price.
HELEN
Aren't you willing to pay the price?
ERNEST
I? Yes! But it's the woman, always the woman, who pays.
HELEN
I am willing to pay.
ERNEST
I am not willing to let you.
HELEN
You'll have to be, dear. I shall go with you on my terms or not at all.
ERNEST
[_with decision_]
You will come with me as my wife or stay at home.
HELEN
[_gasping_]
Now? After all I've said, all I've done? Ernest: I've told the family! I
relied upon you. I took for granted--Ernest, you wouldn't--you couldn't
leave me behind now.
ERNEST
Thanks to you and what you've made of me, I must and will.
HELEN
Ernest!
[_Opens her arms to him to take her._
ERNEST
[_about to enfold her--resists_]
No! If you love me enough for that [_points to her pleading hands_]--I
love you enough for this. [_He turns to go._] Come when you're ready to
marry me.
HELEN
[_shrill, excited, angered_]
Do you think this has been easy for me? Do you think I'll offer myself
again on any terms? Never!
ERNEST
You must marry me--and you will.
HELEN
You don't know me. Good-by!
ERNEST
Very well!
[_ERNEST, afraid to stay, goes at once. She waits motionless until
she hears the automobile carrying him away. She immediately turns
from stone to tears, with a low wail. In utter despair, hands
outstretched she sinks down upon a bench and buries her face in
her hands._
HELEN
Oh, Ernest!... How could you?
[_LUCY, THEODORE, JUDGE and JOHN all hurry back, all excited._
THEODORE
Did you see his horrified look?
LUCY
Fairly running away--revolted. Ah!
[_Points at HELEN. HELEN arises, defiant, confident, calm._
JOHN
[_to HELEN_]
What did I tell you!
LUCY
You have thrown away the love of an honorable man.
THEODORE
Trampled upon the finest feelings of a deep nature.
JOHN
Let this be a lesson to you. You've lost your chance to marry, your
chance to work, and now, by heavens! you will cut out "independence" and
stay at home, _where women belong_, and live down this disgrace ... if
you can.
LUCY
With one excuse or another--he'll stay away. He'll never come back.
HELEN
[_clear and confident as if clairvoyant_]
He will! He is coming now.... He is crossing the hall.... He is passing
through the library.... He's here!
[_But she doesn't turn. ERNEST reappears at the door and takes in
the situation at a glance._
JOHN
[_still turned toward HELEN_]
He'll never look at you again, and I don't blame him! I'm a man; I know.
We don't respect women who sell out so cheap.
ERNEST
You lie! [_All turn, astounded. HELEN runs toward ERNEST with a cry of
joy. JOHN starts to block her. To JOHN._] Stop! You're not fit to touch
her. No man is.
JOHN
[_with a sarcastic laugh_]
Humph! I suppose that's why you ran away.
ERNEST
Yes. To protect her from myself.
JOHN
Then why come back?
ERNEST
To protect her from you! You cowards, you hypocrites! [_He rushes down
to HELEN, puts his strong arm about shoulder and whispers rapidly._]
Just as I started, something stopped me. In a flash I saw ... all this.
HELEN
[_clasping his arm with both hands_]
I made you come! I made you see!
JOHN
[_advances menacingly_]
By what right are you here in my home? By what right do you take my
sister in your arms?
ERNEST
By a right more ancient than man-made law! I have come to the cry of my
mate. I'm here to fight for the woman I love! [_Arm about HELEN, defies
the world. To all._] My trip to Paris is postponed. One week from to-day
gather all your family here, and in your home we'll make our declaration
to the world.
JOHN
In my home! Ha! Not if I know it.
JUDGE
[_restraining JOHN_]
Play for time, John--he'll bring her around.
JOHN
[_to ERNEST_]
Do you mean to marry her or not? Speak my language!
[_ERNEST releases HELEN and steps across to JOHN._
ERNEST
_She_ decides that--not you.
[_All turn to HELEN._
HELEN
Never!
JOHN
[_shaking off JUDGE. To HELEN._]
You'll go with this damned fanatic only over my dead body.
HELEN
[_high_]
And that will only cry aloud the thing you wish to hide from the world
you fear.
[_Just now JEAN is seen slowly returning from the garden without
REX. Her pretty head is bent and, busy with her own sad thoughts,
she is startled by the following:_
ERNEST
There are laws to prevent marriage in some cases but none to enforce
marriage on women--unless they will it.
JOHN
[_beside himself with rage_]
Enforce! Do you think I'll ever _allow_ a sister of mine to marry a
libertine?
JEAN
[_thinks they are discussing her, and is outraged_]
But I'm not going to marry him! My engagement is broken.
[_General consternation. Sobbing, JEAN runs into house._
JOHN
My God, what next? Lucy, don't let Rex get away! You know what he'll
do--and when he sobers up, it may be too late. [_To ERNEST._] As for
you, you snake, you get right out of here.
JUDGE
[_in the sudden silence_]
Now you've done it, John.
ERNEST
Oh, very well, this is your property.
HELEN
But _I_ am not! I go, too!
[_She runs to ERNEST._
THEODORE
Don't commit this sin!
JOHN
Let her go! She's no sister of mine.
JUDGE
[_the only calm one_]
If she leaves this house now, it's all up.
JOHN
A woman who will give herself to a man without marriage is no sister of
mine.
HELEN
[_about to go, turns, leaning on ERNEST. To all_]
Give!... But if I _sold_ myself, as you are forcing poor little Jean to
do, to a libertine she does not love, who does not love her--that is not
sin! That is respectability! To urge and aid her to entrap a man into
marriage by playing the shameless tricks of the only trade men want
women to learn--that is holy matrimony. But to give yourself of your own
free will to the man you love and trust and can help, the man who loves
and needs and has won the right to have you--oh, if this is sin, then
let me live and die a sinner!
[_She turns to ERNEST, gives him a look of complete love and
trust, then bursts into tears upon his shoulder, his arms
enfolding her protectingly._