THE NEXT MORNING.
_SCENE.--DUNN'S drawing-room, the opposite end to Act I. Conservatory
with steps at back C. Bay window R. Plain window or blank piece
above. Blank piece or Alcove L. Door above to Library. Table R. C.
with chairs. Couch L. Footstool L. C. Screen is not on; is supposed
to be at audience side of room. Piano against flat. Paper on table._
_HELEN up C. and CARRIE at window R. dressed for walking;
discovered interviewing MARY, up L. C._
HEL. Can you not tell us Mary, at what hour she came?
MARY. I don't know, ma'am--I didn't hear her come and I didn't let her
in.
HEL. You hear Carrie, _he let her in himself_.
CAR. (R. C.) I don't see why we should attach any importance to that!
MARY. No Ma'am, for she might have got in by herself; she is the
strangest person I ever met, Ma'am.
HEL. In what way?
_HATTIE enters L., goes to couch, playing with mechanical toy._
MARY. Why, the name she gives things. She asked me at breakfast to hand
her the Mazas, and when I didn't understand her, she called me _Helot_,
and pointed to the muffins.
HAT. If you're talking about Miss Mifton, she _is_ a treat. She's got a
new name for sausages.
CAR. If she will only be good to the children.
HAT. You needn't worry about that. If you'd seen the way she wept over
them, and kissed and fondled them. And called them _Hippicus_ and
_Alophagos_.
HEL. (_sternly_) Who are they?
HAT. Oh, I didn't like to ask--some connections of her own, perhaps.
HEL. No doubt! They are sufficiently outlandish; the idea of a
Governess, wandering about the house in an extravagant tea gown;
impertinence I call it.
MARY. I suppose we're to take our orders from _you_ as usual, Mum?
HEL. Yes! Certainly!
MARY. Thank ye! I don't want to have _that_ person lording it _over me_.
_MARY exits L. D. with an indignant toss of her head._
CAR. (R.) She's no doubt one of those highly emotional creatures, who
grow hysterical at almost anything.
HEL. (_coming slightly forward_) Carrie, you're _so confiding_; such
affectation wouldn't suit _me_.
CAR. But you always were superior to _ordinary_ woman's weakness.
HAT. Weakness! Oh, there's no flipperty flop about Helen.
HEL. (_advances towards HATTIE_) Hattie! When you are more like me, you
will have more cause for self-respect.
HAT. Oh! I've nothing against myself as I am.
CAR. When we return you must examine her Helen, and find out if she is
competent to teach the children.
HEL. I will, but take my word for it, the Woman is a fraud. She knows
nothing _that is desirable_. In knowledge and learning she is little
better than an idiot; I could see that in her face last night.
HAT. Helen's a judge of idiots.
HEL. Hattie! You're growing more impudent every day.
HAT. Well, if I keep on, I'll grow out of it.
CAR. I wonder when Peter saw her at Chester that he wasn't impressed
with her appearance.
HEL. (_with malicious meaning_) Perhaps he was!
CAR. She might be the advanced guard of a gang of thieves, and Peter
has some such thought, perhaps, as he has not gone to the office.
HEL. Your confiding nature does you credit, Carrie, but you are too
ingenuous. He may be actuated by motives _far less praiseworthy_.
CAR. What do you mean, Helen?
HEL. I would not say Carrie, for I make it a rule never to stir up ill
feeling between man and wife. (_going up C._)
_Enter INNINGS._
INN. (_on steps_) Good morning, Ladies! Corney gone out yet?
CAR. He is still engaged with his breakfast. He is always late after a
Theatre night.
_CARRIE exits C. and R._
HEL. (_severely and pointedly_) His indolence is a source of great
inconvenience to us all.
_HELEN exits C. and R. INNINGS looking at HATTIE on sofa--crosses
to window, putting hat on chair R. of table in recess of window,
produces box of chocolates which he places ready for business
later; then, half frightened, gets extreme R. at window._
INN. (R.) They're gone!
HAT. (_on sofa_) Yes! I see they are! You didn't intend that
for information did you? It was only--only just a something to
say--to--fill up a page kind of remark, wasn't it?
INN. (_at window_) That's all--simply to call your attention to the
fact that we are alone.
HAT. Oh, you needn't have called; my attention was rivetted;--but I
don't feel in the least embarrassed; do you?
INN. No!
HAT. Well--why aren't you embarrassed? (_rises, coming to C._)
INN. Don't see what there is about _you_ to frighten a fellow.
HAT. I don't believe you're so bold as you pretend; judging from the
respectful distance you keep.
INN. Don't you _want_ me to be respectful?
HAT. Why of course, but you needn't be distant.
INN. (_crosses slowly to her_) If I thought by coming nearer, I should
be getting dearer----
HAT. Wouldn't you be getting costly? You're pretty near now!
INN. (_R. C.--getting closer to HATTIE; HAT. bus._) So are you, Hattie.
You're pretty near and pretty far, but the nearer I am the sweeter you
are. Ha! Ha!
HAT. Oh! You don't flatter yourself much to think that your proximity
makes _me_ sweeter.
_Sarcastically; turning from him._
INN. To me! I mean in my opinion! Oh, Hattie!
HAT. (_quickly_) What is it, Philip? (_whisking round_)
INN. (_turning away_) I wonder how long Corney _usually_ takes over his
breakfast.
HAT. Oh, I can go and ask him, if _that's all_ you want to know.
_HATTIE going up L._
INN. (_pulling her back by her dress; she in mischief runs for chair,
trying to sit upon his hat, which he saves_) Oh, Hattie! oh my! oh I--I
don't want to know particularly.
_CORNEY enters quietly from Library up L., sees them and goes out
again._
It's good enough to stay here and go on wondering--_with you_. Of
course--I don't want to wonder by myself. Oh, Hattie!
HAT. Oh, Mr. Innings. (_gushingly_)
_INNINGS, kneeling beside HATTIE, embraces her; CORNEY sings
outside; HATTIE and INNINGS hurriedly get away from each other;
HATTIE goes and sits on couch L.; INNINGS goes extreme R. to window
recess._
CORN. (_entering L. and down C.; sings_)
"When the heart in palpitating is impressed with fear,
You're pleased to find a being where there's no one near
And whisper foolish nothings no one else may hear,
That is love! That is love!"
Do you know, Phil, I've been haunted by that song ever since you
started me at it; Hattie's crazed on it too.
HAT. Oh, Corney! Why I'm only learning it.
CORN. Yes, but you've nearly mastered it I can see. (_looks at
INNINGS_) I interrupted your practice, didn't I?
HAT. (_impertinently up in his face_) I don't understand.
CORN. (_pushing her up C._) Oh, yes you do! See if you can find my
cigar case in the Conservatory; I rather fancy I left it there last
night.
_CORNEY turns down stage L.; INNINGS gives HATTIE box of chocolates
quickly; as CORNEY turns on exclamation they separate._
HAT. Oh chocks! (_to INNINGS_) We can resume our conversation some
other time, Mr. Innings.
INN. I was going to ask you if we couldn't, and will you please make a
note of where we left off?
HAT. (_sings_) "And whisper foolish nothings no one else may hear. That
is love! That is----" Ugh! (_at CORNEY_)
_INNINGS stands up C. looking after HATTIE, throwing kisses to
her--echoes "That is love--That is----"_
CORN. (_after watching INNINGS, swings down stage near couch_) Come
here Phil! Never mind Hattie, she'll keep. Anything fresh? Have you
learnt anything new?
INN. There's nothing new to learn that I can see. Madeline Mifton's
here, and you've got to prepare for the worst. (_lies on couch putting
his legs up_)
CORN. (C.) It is the most striking coincidence I ever heard of; that
the sister of the girl I jilted should take the place of Governess, and
come here, by the merest accident.
INN. Do you _suppose it was accident_?
CORN. Oh, come Phil--you don't think it was design?
INN. I do! Didn't I tell you last evening that she was coming to London
to hunt you down!
CORN. Yes! But who could realize such persistency outside a Gaboriau
Novel.
INN. Have you seen her yet?
CORN. Not this morning--she's in the nursery with the children. _She's
very like her sister._ There's something weird about her, but the exact
type of features. (_crosses R. C._)
INN. What do you intend to do? Have you made up your mind?
CORN. Yes! (_crossing back to him_) I've decided to get _you_ to talk
to her, Phil----
INN. (_sits up_) Me?
CORN. You can give it her straight--show her clearly that I was cajoled
into proposing to her sister, that it was really Ethel's fault, and
that she's entirely to blame for the whole business, and there you are!
INN. I couldn't do it; it doesn't seem nice to throw all the blame on
to the girl.
CORN. It belongs to her, Phil--besides, my boy, you know that the least
thing upsets me. I cannot stand worry; now you can; (_INNINGS rises_)
you have one of those oxydised-zinc constitutions.
INN. No, I haven't! I'm just as susceptible to worry as you.
CORN. You mean to say you won't do it?
INN. No! I can't!
CORN. You can't?
INN. (_emphatically_) No! Damn! there! I don't see why I should.
(_crosses R. and round table_)
CORN. Oh, well, then, Peter will have to do it. I'll get Peter to talk
to her. (_goes L._)
INN. (_up R._) That's the best way. He won't mind.
_Enter DUNN from Library L. D. with scent bottle, pale and
careworn, crosses and sits on chair L. of table._
CORN. I'd rather you did it; because I shall have to disclose the whole
escapade to Peter. And he hasn't a particularly good opinion of me as
it is.
INN. I doubt if he could have a worse, so it can't make much difference.
CORN. (_seeing DUNN_) Good morning, Peter--(_DUNN scowls at him_) Seen
you before though, haven't I? (_to INNINGS_) Peter looks jolly, doesn't
he? Innings, you'll find Hattie in the Conservatory looking for my
cigar case, which I have in my pocket.
INN. All right! I'll see if we can't resume that conversation where you
broke in on it; (_sings_) "And whisper foolish nothings, no one else
may hear, That is love! That is----" (_voice cracks_)
_INNINGS exits C. and R._
CORN. (_after slight pause--looks at DUNN_) Peter, old man! You don't
look well.
DUNN. I don't feel well; I've been walking my room the whole of the
night. I haven't slept a wink.
CORN. Neither have I; but sleeplessness doesn't break me up nearly so
quickly as worry. _I cannot stand worry_; and that is why I want to
speak with you about this new Governess.
DUNN. (_startled_) What! Why should there be any worry about the new
Governess? (_aside_) Can he suspect----
CORN. It's no use trying to disguise it, Peter, she is not what she
seems.
DUNN. (_amazed and frightened_) Not what she----
CORN. She hasn't come here to teach the children at all.
DUNN. (_rising_) Great goodness, how did he learn this! (_aside_)
CORN. It was hard to believe, but a good look at her face settled it;
she's the very _image_----
DUNN. Image! (_aside_) He knows all. (_crosses L._)
CORN. I'm pretty shrewd Peter, and I suspect I've summed up the whole
business.
DUNN. (_aside_) Oh! He's not sure, then I won't betray myself. I'll
brazen it out. (_sits on couch_)
CORN. (_aside, down R. C._) If I could only induce him to get rid of
her, without disclosing anything.
DUNN. (_on sofa_) I've told you before Corney, how wrong it is to jump
to these conclusions; you may misjudge this woman and her purpose and
object entirely, and, right or wrong, Corney, _I'm_ blameless.
CORN. (_aside_) Ah! Peter knows she's unpopular with the women and that
the blame of engaging her will fall upon him. (_fetching chair from
table_) That's all very well with me, Peter! (_puts chair near couch
and sits astride it, facing audience._)
DUNN. (_aside_) With _him_! That means, at the worst I can buy him off!
CORN. But Helen and Carrie are prejudiced, and naturally perhaps. You
can't deny there is something _uncanny_ about the woman.
DUNN. There _is_ perhaps--a _stony_ look about the eyes; but that will
wear off.
CORN. It's hard to believe that she is of the same _clay_ as ourselves.
DUNN. Clay! She was never clay.
CORN. She might have been _cast in a different mould_.
DUNN. She's not a casting at all--so----
CORN. Of course there's no denying she's beautiful. But I've a
prejudice against _these classic expressionless women; these cold
blocks of marble_.
DUNN. (_as if paralyzed_) Marble--you do know then----
CORN. (_looks at DUNN quickly_) I know what _you_ ought to have
known the moment you saw her, that she was not the sort of thing,
that--that--it wouldn't do to have her about the house.
DUNN. I did know it, Corney, and I have tried. I _have_ tried to get
her away, but I can't.
CORN. Obdurate and unforgiving, eh? As I suspected; she has a _heart of
stone_.
DUNN. Well, she _had_; of course that was changed with the other
alterations.
CORN. (_rises and puts chair back by table_) What? She relents? She
wavers in her purpose? Then let her go. The matter's simple enough:
pack her off!
DUNN. (_rises_) But I can't! It's all so brutal.
CORN. (_with foot on stool_) Oh, she's told you the whole story, eh?
but remember my version will put an entirely different light on it. And
yet out of cold-blooded vindictiveness she comes here to ruin me with
Bea and Sillocks.
DUNN. (_putting foot on stool; looks puzzled at CORNEY--pause_) Have
you met her before? Have you got that former existence theory?
CORN. If you call a year ago a former existence! (_CORNEY turns going
R._)
DUNN. A year ago! (_stumbles over stool_)
CORN. Yes! When I _broke off_ with her.
DUNN. Broke off! (_aside_) I didn't notice she had anything missing.
CORN. Broke off my engagement with her sister.
DUNN. (_perplexed_) Whose sister?
CORN. Mifton's sister, whom I met at Cambridge. (_goes R._)
DUNN. (_aside_) He's on the wrong tack; Heavens! What a pitfall I
nearly fell into! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
_DUNN goes up C., laughing heartily._
CORN. (_meeting DUNN up C._) Don't laugh! Don't laugh! I tell you----
DUNN. It's too bad Corney, to let you indulge in all this unnecessary
worry, but your fears are quite groundless. The new Governess, Madeline
Mifton, never heard of you till last evening.
CORN. I know better, Peter! She came here in her sister's interest, to
hunt me down.
DUNN. Nothing of the kind.
CORN. I tell you I learnt, on the best of authority, that Madeline
Mifton would certainly come here for the purpose of going for me.
(_crosses L._)
DUNN. (_dropping into chair R. E._) Great goodness! I'm forgetting she
_will_ be here. The new Governess, and what will happen then? What will
happen then?
MARY. (_enters from Library L. U. E._) The Locksmith is in the Library
Sir, to know what is to be done.
DUNN. (_looking at audience as if for screen_) Oh, the lock and staple
for the screen; I'll explain it to him, myself. Tell the Governess I
wish to speak to her.
_MARY exits C. and R. up steps._
CORN. (_going up C._) No! Never mind, Peter--I'll tackle her myself.
DUNN. (_stopping him C._) What for? when I tell you there's no occasion.
CORN. Well, I'm not so sure of that; and I'll satisfy myself. There's
some mystery connected with her. And I'll find out _why_ and _how_ she
came; and all about her. (_crosses R._)
DUNN. No! No! Don't you meddle or you'll ruin everything! (_aside_)
He must not see Niobe till I have warned her. I'll run and see that
locksmith and hurry back. You remain quiet and I'll find out if you
have any cause for fear. Don't interfere, or you'll spoil everything.
Leave her to me. She's a peculiar woman, but I think I understand her.
_She's a woman of the world undoubtedly, but a little after date._
Leave her to me. Leave her to me!
_Exit DUNN to Library L. D._
CORN. He seems so particularly anxious I should leave it to him, I
don't think it good enough; I would always rather that somebody else
should manage any little unpleasantness for me, but I like to feel sure
that they're not working some little purpose of their own.
_Enter NIOBE C. and L. as if looking for some one; comes R._
Ah! Here she is--good morning, Miss Mifton!
NIO. (_on steps, waving her hands_) Hail to you! (_comes down_) Where
is he whom they call master? The lord of this house?
CORN. (_aside_) Umph! A poetic blank verse kind of character--(_aloud_)
Oh, Peter!
NIO. (_fondly_) Ah! Petramos!
_Goes down L. in front of couch._
CORN. Yes, if you put it that way; he'll be here in a moment, Miss
Mifton. Make yourself at home; take a chair, be seated.
_He goes to L. of table; his back to her as if to offer chair._
NIO. Nay, I am easier thus.
_Flops on floor with head supported on footstool; CORNEY turns and
sees her on floor; staggered! he puts up eye glass._
CORN. (_aside_) She's a decidedly eccentric creature--I hardly know how
to begin with her; (_aloud--stooping down_) I hope you find no trouble
with the children.
NIO. To _love_ is not a trouble, and they are _so like_ Petramos.
CORN. (_slight pause, he turns away slightly_) She seems partial enough
to Peter--(_aloud--stooping down to her_) Ahem! How--how did you come
to hear of this place? Was it by accident--quite by chance you came
here?
NIO. (_looks round_) By chance? Ah, yes!
CORN. Ah yes! You had no--(_bends down--hurts back--gets chair
from table, sits R., and stoops_) You had no purpose beyond
the _ostensible_--one--of _occupying_--the _situation_--you
had--_accepted_. (_speech disjointed and jerky_)
NIO. Your speech is meaningless; to me but the empty rattle of a
falling can.
_Posing face in hands, elbows on stool._
CORN. (_after regarding her suspiciously, turns to R._) She's frank
to a degree--(_aloud--stooping_) Ahem! You did not expect--you had no
thought of finding _me_ here?
_Spoken in a conciliatory tone, trying to be agreeable._
NIO. (_after regarding CORNEY disdainfully--perplexed_) I'd rather
Petramos should tell me what to say.
CORN. (_rises and goes step to R.; aside_) Can she have confided the
affair to Peter, and is this just simplicity, or only cunning?
NIO. If you like best conversing with yourself, I shall not miss your
chatter.
CORN. (_quickly recovering himself_) I beg your pardon! She isn't
such a fool; (_sits again, crosses legs_) Excuse me. You find a great
change, I suppose?
NIO. Ah yes! All things are changed, even men are not as they were. Why
do you hide your legs in those loose sleeves?
CORN. (_looks at his trousers, tries to hide his legs--aside_) She must
have lived among the savages, she's a Highlander perhaps! I thought you
belonged to Cambridge.
NIO. I was born in Athens, but I left it when I married.
CORN. (R. C.) You are married then?
NIO. (_beginning to cry_) I was! Oh--Amphion! (_cries on footstool_)
CORN. Oh! I beg your pardon--your husband is dead? (_stooping to speak
to her_)
NIO. More years than I can count. (_sobbing_)
CORN. Ah! You don't look your age. She's trying the idiotic dodge
again. (_stooping_) Ahem! When did you--(_gets twinge again with
bending, puts away chair and fetches low occasional chair from back
of stage, sits close to her and stoops_) When did you see your sister
last?
NIO. (_sits up_) At the Feast of Demeter, on the Temple steps.
CORN. Temple steps! Taking the Battersea boat perhaps! How did you
leave her?
NIO. In sorrow. She had been early plighted to a young _hoplite_ of
Ithaca, named Aulakes.
CORN. _Hoplite!_ A dancing master I suppose. It's the first I've
heard of this; she may betray more of Ethel's secrets! (_aloud_) And
what--(_trying to get lower, and sees stool, NIOBE sitting up, has left
room for him, he steps over stool and sits_) What became of the young
fellow?
NIO. He fought throughout the war and fell in the last battle.
CORN. (_aside--surprised_) Ethel can't be the Spring chicken I believed
her. (_aloud_) You were younger than your sister?
NIO. Ah yes!
CORN. Ah yes--I can see a resemblance, but a difference; she might be
called handsome--you're pretty.
NIO. Why not? Mother was as fair as _Helen_.
CORN. _Our_ Helen! Oh! I don't think much of her as a beauty.
_Enter DUNN hurriedly--he sees them, when he reaches C., falls into
low chair._
NIO. (_rises on one knee as she sees PETER_) Ah! Here is Petramos! And
I no longer wish to talk with you.
_NIOBE rises and goes L.; PETER affects indifference._
CORN. (_rises_) That's straight, anyway, but what she can see in Peter
beats me.
DUNN. (_to CORNEY_) You didn't say anything to her?
CORN. No, no! I've left it to you! (_goes up, putting back chair_)
NIO. (_coming towards DUNN C._) He has perplexed and frightened me with
questions.
DUNN. (_C., turning to CORNEY R._) Now I thought----
CORN. (_replacing other chair_) No, no! Merely ordinary courtesies.
NIO. (_very affectionately_) I have no fear of him now you are here.
_Putting her arms round DUNN'S neck as he turns; CORNEY, coming
forward, sees them and affects to be greatly shocked, hiding face
with newspaper._
DUNN. (_perplexed and affecting light indifference, trying to get
away from her_) Of course not, there is nothing to be afraid of. (_to
CORNEY_) She's so timid, you see Corney, she--she--seems to think
everyone is against her.
_NIOBE looks up, their faces close together._
CORN. (_down C._) She doesn't seem to mind _you_, Peter!
DUNN. No, she's quite taken to me, and if there _is_ anything, Corney,
I'll find out for you. She'll tell me!
_As DUNN turns from NIOBE going towards CORNEY, she keeps him back
with her arms still round his neck. He breaks away and she goes
L.--DUNN R._
CORN. Well, I'll leave her to you--(_goes up L. C._) I confess I don't
know what to make of her; she doesn't seem the kind of person to
undertake such a mission; a resuscitated mummy couldn't appear more
ignorant of the world's ways. (_aloud_) Peter! Peter! Hail to you!
_CORNEY exits centre to R._
NIO. (_following him up, looks off L., then turns to DUNN_) Have you
resolved truth shall be told, and all disclosed, Petramos?
DUNN. Truth! no! I took a feeler at that; it isn't to be thought of.
NIO. (_going R. C. towards DUNN_) As my lord says--it would be well,
then, to hire some slave to murder him that's gone! (_mysteriously
pointing off L._)
DUNN. Murder Corney! What for?
NIO. He will betray.
DUNN. He can't--he doesn't know!
NIO. But he suspects!
DUNN. Suspects the truth! Ridiculous! There may be, well there
are--suspicions--but they'll never take that form; and the only
difficulty is to keep up something that's possible of belief till we
can provide for you, or hear from your friends. (_R. of table_)
NIO. (_on steps C._) Alas! have I in all the world a friend?
DUNN. (L. H.) I suppose not! We might go round electrifying all the Art
museums; on the off chance; there may be friends of yours in Greece, if
you could only go back to Greece, and burrow for them. (_sits R._)
NIO. (_coming back of table_) Zeus! How desolate I am--(_to DUNN_) Your
only thought is to be rid of me. (_weeps on table_)
DUNN. (_R. of table_) She's at it again! No, I don't wish to be rid of
you; if I could only see some way to manage it--I should be _glad_ for
you to remain.
NIO. (_raising her head_) Could I not stay then, as your wife?
DUNN. Umph! If I wasn't already suited. I've told you I have a wife?
NIO. But one! The law of Thebes allows _two_ wives.
DUNN. But the law of England doesn't; and I should consider it a
dangerous experiment if _it did_; besides there are other interests in
the concern. My wife would be sure to object; and her sister would howl
with indignation. (_crosses L., up stage in fear of interruption._)
NIO. The sour face! (R. C.) We could invoke the gods to strike _her
dumb_.
DUNN. The gods don't amount to a row of pins, or I should have put
'em on to Helen long ago! (_DUNN sits on footstool C._) You're the
Governess, that's what they've been told and that's what we have to
keep up; till we can make other arrangements.
NIO. Say clearly then, what is a Governess?
DUNN. Oh! a Governess; a Governess, is one who governs, according
to the orders of those who govern her; you must try to keep up an
appearance of meekness and servility.
NIO. For what?
DUNN. Because you won't be allowed to govern unless you do.
NIO. (_with dignity_) I am a Queen.
DUNN. Yes, but you got lost in the shuffle!
NIO. And my duties?
DUNN. To trot out the children, and pretend to teach, but above all
cringe to Helen--say "yes Ma'am"--always--"Yes Ma'am."
NIO. (_proudly_) "Yes Ma'am," only that, "yes Ma'am?"
DUNN. (_rising_) Yes--but not in that way, mind the tone, humbly; "Yes
Ma'am." (_in a nasal tone and with a bob curtsey_)
NIO. (_after wonderingly regarding DUNN, imitates DUNN'S manner_) "Yes
Ma'am!"
DUNN. That's better, and don't call _me_ Petramos, but, _Master_, "the
Master," and above all, don't forget to be obsequious to Helen. Agree
with the old cat in all things, that's very important. (_DUNN goes up
L., watching_)
NIO. I shall remember--(_goes to window R., looks out and appears
delighted_) Ah see! See! The crowd! The populace are out! Why do they
hurry so? There is no dignity in all this haste.
DUNN. (_sitting on couch L._) They're not out for dignity, there's no
money in it; we haven't time for dignity now-a-days.
NIO. (_goes back to window_) Look! See! What are those strange chariots?
DUNN. Chariots? (_crossing to look out_) Oh! cabs! Growlers! Growlers!
They are called _Growlers_!
NIO. (_following DUNN to C._) Growlers! Growlers!! Oh, could they not
be changed?
DUNN. I'll see what can be done in the matter--(_NIOBE goes back to
window_) Go up to the nursery now, the children will be getting anxious
about you.
NIO. (_at window R._) Look! Look Ixion; the man upon the wheel.
DUNN. Where! Oh, a boy on a bicycle! Do go!
_Postman's knock is heard thrice._
NIO. (_coming out again_) Why does he do that, is the man a Herald?
DUNN. No, a letter carrier--the postman! Postman!
NIO. Postman! (_pleased_) Ah! The Postman! (_amused at the sound,
repeats "Postman" as she goes to window_)
DUNN. If she's so struck on the postman, what will it be when she sees
a policeman!
NIO. Oh, how they sway! Could not someone teach them how to walk? The
Maidens waddle, like web-footed cranes.
_Imitating a modern walk to L. corner._
DUNN. Yes! You've got it, that's it (_NIOBE hurrying back to window,
DUNN stops her_) Look at 'em another time--go to the nursery now, and
if the ladies, my wife or her sister, send for you, do be careful.
(_putting her up L. C._)
NIO. (_returns_) I will bring the children and show how much they love
me.
DUNN. (R. C.) No, no! They're not allowed in here.
NIO. (L. C.) Why, are they not yours?
DUNN. Yes, but I never attempt to prejudice them in my favour, I'll
explain to you another time, when I'm not so busy; I have to telegraph
the real governess, to stop away, or we are ruined.
NIO. I don't know Telegraph--what is it, Petramos?
DUNN. Why--oh--it's a machine--er--on which you tick, tick, tick, tick
at one end, and the same tick ticks are heard at the other end, and the
tick ticks tell whatever you are thinking, to the party you're tick,
tick, ticking to.
NIO. Oh Petramos! you treat me like a child. Am I so foolish that you
mock my ignorance?
_Weeps and falls on DUNN'S shoulder, embracing him; CARRIE and
HELEN enter at back C._
DUNN. She's at it again. Don't cry--there's no money in it. I wasn't
fooling you. Cheer up! there's a darling. (_stroking her hair_) Poor
little woman! (_CARRIE down R.; DUNN sees her, pretends not to see
her_) My dear young lady, you shall be treated with every kindness, my
wife is gentleness itself. I'm sure if my wife were here--oh, you _are_
there, Caroline.
CAR. (_R., indignantly_) Yes, I am here!
DUNN. Come to this poor girl, she's homesick.
HEL. (_coming down L._) And needs consolation, I observe.
_At the sound of HELEN'S voice NIOBE recoils, back centre._
Miss Mifton, will you leave us?
NIO. Not at _your_ bidding! If he, the _Master_, bids me go, I go--not
else. I wait his orders.
HEL. (_crossing R. C. to CARRIE_) You'll find _mine_ are the orders
that are observed in this household, and you must obey them if you wish
to stay with us.
NIO. You can't suppose I wish to stay with _you._ (_DUNN has gone up
and is now L.--to DUNN_) You Pet--the Master--is the ruler here.
CAR. (_in great tribulation; to HELEN_) She called him pet.
DUNN. (_crossing back of NIOBE R. C._) Yes! yes! but I never interfere
in domestic matters. Mrs. Dunn's sister manages everything. (_aside as
he goes back L._) Don't forget what I told you; be obsequious.
NIO. Ah, that's well remembered. (_to HELEN_) I had forgotten; I am to
be obsequious to you; Yes Ma'am--and cringe to you--"Yes Ma'am!" It was
the master's wish--agree with the old cat in all things, yes Ma'am!
_NIOBE backing up stage with speech, turns and exits C. and R._
CAR. (_goes up C., looks after NIOBE--then down C.--to DUNN, who in
desperation is strumming on the piano_) So Peter! you are prompting her
to deceit.
DUNN. (L.) Deceit, my dear! _What!_ Where's the deceit? (_CARRIE
indignant, crosses R._)
HEL. (_coming C._) It's true there was little show of confusion, in
spite of the indelicacy of the situation.
DUNN. _What_ indelicacy? The poor girl required soothing, and no
wonder; you'd make a china dog homesick.
HEL. It did not take you long to _acquire an interest_ in this person.
DUNN. What d'ye mean by _acquiring_ an interest? She's not a joint
stock company!
CAR. (R.) Oh, Peter, and we thought it was illness kept you at home.
DUNN. (_crossing to CARRIE_) Carrie! My dear!
HEL. But it's obvious now why you stayed away from the office.
CAR. And she is no prettier than I.
HEL. Some men are captivated by impudence.
DUNN. (_between them_) It's a _wonder you've_ remained single, so long.
HEL. I have too constant a reminder before me of the mistake of married
life, ever to venture.
DUNN. Oh! The _venture_ would be--on the _other_ side: you run no risk!
CAR. You must admit, Peter, that this woman, the new governess----
_DUNN impatient, with an exclamation, crosses R. to window._
HEL. Carrie, don't make foolish remarks you may be sorry for; to say
too much is to put him on his guard. Come--(_puts CARRIE over_) to
your room--not a word--you're excited. _I'll keep an eye on this Miss
Mifton._
_Exits, following CARRIE L. D._
DUNN. (_taking stage R. to L.; kicking stool away_) Where will it end?
What am I to do? (_sitting on couch_) Send off that infernal Telegram
to the real governess. She must be detained where she is for the
present, and bought off; I shall have to go to Leamington, see her,
and bribe her to take some other engagement, and I don't know how I am
to do it!
_Enter INNINGS C. R._
INN. (_coming down_) If I can find Corney----
DUNN. (_aside_) Ah! Innings! Here's the very man! (_DUNN shakes
INNING'S hand bringing him down on his R._) Innings, how are you--glad
to see you! I don't know that I ever met a man that I took to more
readily than I did to you.
INN. (R. C.) Ha! Ha! Well! What favour do you want me to do for you?
DUNN. Favour! Oh! I wanted you to travel.
INN. Travel?
DUNN. Yes! It isn't far! You have lots of time on your hands.
INN. (R. C.) I don't travel on my hands! I couldn't go to-day.
To-morrow early, if you like?
DUNN. (L. C.) It would be better to-day, but to-morrow will do.
INN. Have I nothing to do but travel? Isn't there an object?
DUNN. Oh yes! I can trust you I know. I want you to go to Leamington
for me, to see a Miss Mifton, who is coming here as governess.
INN. Coming! I thought she _was_ here!
DUNN. Eh! Oh no! This is another one, she's not the same--that is a
different one to the other. There are _lots of them_ at this time of
year; the woods are full of 'em.
INN. Of what?
DUNN. Miftons! (_going across R._) I'm getting so muddled, I have to
send a telegram--I'll explain as we go. Give me your arm. (_going up
C. arm in arm_) I'm bilious--I mean I'm weak this morning. I--oh this
deception--there's no money in it.
_Enter BEATRICE C. from R., as DUNN and INNINGS are going up._
INN. Good morning, Miss Sillocks!
DUNN. Good morning, Bea. Have you stepped in to see Hattie? (_calls_)
Hattie! Hattie! (_turning round with INNINGS on his arm_) You'll find
her in the Telegraph office--back in a jiffey! Where are you Innings?
(_turning_) Oh, there you are. Come along!
_DUNN exits with INNINGS C. and R._
BEA. (_down R._) Something has excited him.
_HATTIE enters L. D._
HAT. Good morning, Bea!
BEA. (_kissing her_) Good morning, dear. How are the babies?
HAT. Flourishing! You look quite serious this morning! What's the
matter, Bea?
BEA. (R. C.) I have had a shock.
HAT. (C.) Galvanic?
BEA. No, no! Well, an unpleasantness--a letter.
HAT. It wasn't from Corney then?
BEA. No! From a Miss Mifton!
HAT. Madeline Mifton? Why it's our new governess!
BEA. (_goes C._) But she writes from Chester. See! there's the postmark.
HAT. (_looking_) Why, it's three weeks old; been all over the country,
misdirected! What's in it?
BEA. She has seen something of my intended marriage with Corney in some
of the Society papers, and asks for his address.
HAT. That is suspicious, isn't it? But I dare say Corney can explain.
(_aside_) He's good at explaining--(_aloud_) I wouldn't let it worry me.
BEA. I will not, if Corney assures me I've no reason to mistrust.
HAT. Oh, _he'll do that_! Did you find out if it's true that Peter had
a sister?
BEA. Oh yes! Papa says Mr. Dunn's sister is a most charming person.
HAT. Fancy that! and I never even heard of her; that's Helen's
doings--(_HELEN speaks off_) Mum! She's here.
_HATTIE and BEATRICE go L. to couch, as HELEN and CARRIE enter L.
D._
HEL. (C.) Good morning, Miss Sillocks! How is your Papa?
HAT. Do tell, Bea. Helen has great interest in your papa, he's a
widower;--and Helen is "_nuts_" on widowers.
HEL. Hattie! Tell the new Governess we wish to see her.
HAT. (L.) Don't get excited Bea. She _is_ pretty, but I don't believe
she's Corney's kind.
_HATTIE exits up steps C. and R._
CAR. (_crossing R._) We have engaged a Miss Mifton to superintend the
children's education; but Helen has doubts as to her competency.
HEL. It will not take five minutes to _satisfy ourselves_; I'll put
a few questions to her, and if she cannot answer them satisfactorily
a fortnight's wages, in lieu of notice, will have to satisfy _her_.
(_sitting R. C., front of table; CARRIE sits R. of HELEN_)
_Enter HATTIE C. from R., NIOBE following; HATTIE goes down L. to
BEA.; NIOBE C., top of steps._
BEA. What a lovely woman! Oh, Hattie! I believe Corney _has_ been in
love with her.
HAT. Oh, nonsense!
NIO. (_on steps_) Hail to you!
_HATTIE and BEA. on couch; all surprised; NIOBE advances._
CAR. Sit down, Miss Mifton!
NIO. Thank you! I am not tired, and stand to take mine ease.
HEL. I wish to ask you a few questions, Miss Mifton, to see if you are
capable of the training and instruction of the young. You _write_ and
_cypher_, of course? I need not ask?
NIO. (_standing C._) I would not then. Why speak of what is needless!
HEL. (_after business of looking at NIOBE_) What is your definition of
Geography?
NIO. It matters not since I am authorized--to bow my will to yours;
_what_ you would have it--say--and that it is.
_HELEN turns and looks at CARRIE._
HAT. (_laughing_) Just the thing for _you_ Helen; you can have it all
your own way, (an educational Phonograph). You breathe in what is to be
learned, and she'll breathe it out again.
HEL. (_R. C.--to CARRIE_) This sounds like prevarication. (_to NIOBE_)
You would not have _me_ describe the divisions of the land and sea;
tell _you_ the names of the Continents.
NIO. Oh, yes, I would; that is, _if_ you know them.
HEL. Know them----
_HELEN rising--CARRIE calms and soothes HELEN, who again sits._
HAT. Ha! Ha! She doesn't! She doesn't!
CAR. Hattie! Do not interrupt the examination.
HEL. (_re-seated_) It's not a question of what _I_ know, Miss Mifton,
I'll undertake to say, _you_ don't know what a Continent _is_?
(_pause_) You don't!
NIO. (C.) I don't! I was to agree with you in all things.
HEL. If I asked you to name the Capital of Norway or the location of
the Red Sea, what would you say?
NIO. (_at a loss--pauses--then in imitation of DUNN'S voice,
curtseying_) Yes Ma'am!
HEL. Do you call _that_ an answer? (_rises angrily--CARRIE soothes her_)
NIO. Yes Ma'am! (_HELEN sits again_)
BEA. She looks intelligent; this must be all pretence.
CAR. She has better knowledge, perhaps, of home affairs.
Hel. (_seated_) What was the cause of the last War?
NIO. (_C., confidently_) A quarrel which broke out, upon the rights of
which I would not speak, for it was ended nearly when I was born.
HEL. (_turns slightly from NIOBE_) We don't want to know your age.
HAT. How many years did it last?
NIO. Ten!
HAT. Oh, she is a treat!
HEL. Be quiet, Hattie! Can you play the Piano?
NIO. I cannot tell you _that_, for I have never tried.
HEL. _That's meant_ for impudence, I suppose.
NIO. (_confused--curtseying_) Yes Ma'am!
HEL. (_rising_) You must be an idiot, or it is possible, you believe
_me_ one?
NIO. (_curtseying_) Yes Ma'am!
_HATTIE laughing; HELEN frowns, falls into seat; CARRIE rises;
enter DUNN C., endeavours to get off L., meets CORNEY from L. D.;
DUNN comes down L. of NIOBE; CORNEY down L. to BEA. and HATTIE;
BEATRICE afterwards shows CORNEY letter, CORNEY protesting in
pantomime._
CAR. Peter! Peter! this girl appears to be ignorant on every subject!
DUNN. (L. C.) Why, of course, if you've been asking her things she
doesn't know!
HEL. (_seated_) She won't do, Peter. Her mind is a complete blank.
DUNN. (_crossing to HELEN_) Yes! On trivial _modern_ accomplishments,
perhaps, but--have you asked her anything about Ancient history?
HEL. No!
DUNN. Have you spoken Greek to her?
HEL. No!
DUNN. I thought not! Even you don't know everything. (_as DUNN turns
to NIOBE, she tries to embrace him; he avoids her, and crosses quickly
to CORNEY_) Corney, ask her something about Ancient history; the more
Ancient the better.
CORN. (L.) I've forgotten all I ever knew.
DUNN. That doesn't matter, she'll answer you all right!
CORN. Where was Homer born?
NIO. In Scios!
DUNN. There you see! First go!
CORN. (L. H.) What were the--er--names of the nine Muses?
NIO. (C.) Clio, Calliope, Euterpe, Erato, Melpomene, Polyhymnia,
Terpsichore, Thalia, Urania.
DUNN. (_crossing to HELEN_) Cyclopædias! What _more_ do you want?
HEL. (_facing audience_) What good will it do the children to know the
names of the Muses?
DUNN. (R. C.) Oh, I beg your pardon! We don't pay enough attention
to Ancient history now-a-days. (_DUNN crosses again to CORNEY, L._)
Corney, speak Greek to her.
_HATTIE and BEATRICE have gone up C._
CORN. Can't! "Hoi polloi" is the only expression I remember.
DUNN. Well, go on, give her that!
CORN. Hoi polloi!
DUNN. Hoi polly! Give her time--now--give her time----
HEL. She is no use whatever! She can't even play the Piano.
HAT. (L. C.) How do you know! She has never tried.
_HATTIE exits laughing, with BEATRICE C. and R._
DUNN. (_comes down L. C._) Well, if she can't, the Piano is not so very
desirable for young children; and she may be great on the Triangle or
the Jew's harp.
CORN. And no doubt Miss Mifton will soon learn if you insist on it.
(_aside_) I must keep the right side of her.
HEL. (_rises_) Absurd! She has not the intelligence of an insect.
NIO. (C.) It is not a necessity, for I am beautiful. It is such as you
who need intelligence.
CORN. Phew! That's a facer!
HEL. (_rises fiercely_) Minx! How dare you!
NIO. (_clinging to DUNN as she recoils from HELEN, to L. of DUNN_)
Petramos! I ask protection from this Medusa!
DUNN. Of course! Yes! Helen, you're _too_ severe.
NIO. (_L. C., rising_) Helen! Ah! Like her of Troy, at whom the finger
of scandal pointed. (_pose, as if denouncing HELEN_)
HEL. It is false! The story is untrue!
CAR. Be calm, Helen!
_DUNN turns up C., back to audience, shaking with laughter._
HEL. (R. C.) How dare you hint at scandal against me; but such
innuendos will not deter me. Peter! This woman leaves this house, or
_I_ do!
NIO. (L. C.) Then there is little doubt which of us two will go. He'd
sooner _fifty_ fold, that I should stay.
DUNN. (_turning round C._) I must endorse that truism, if it ruins me.
_I would!_ Damme! there! (_turns again up stage_)
HEL. Caroline, you hear!
CAR. (R. C.) Peter, after this you must see that it is absolutely
necessary for this person to depart.
_CARRIE sobs in HELEN'S arms._
CORN. Confound Helen! Mifton will be on to _me_ next.
_Enter INNINGS from L. D., drops down L._
HEL. (R. C.) Carrie, you have been patient and long suffering, but
there is a limit.
DUNN. (C.) Yes! There is a limit. And you've gone it. It's _my_ say
now, and I am reckless, and may raise the devil!
NIO. (_kneeling and clinging to him_) Petramos, restrain! Be merciful!
Invoke not now the curses of the gods!
DUNN. Oh, hang the gods! Be quiet, you only make things worse!
NIO. (_bursting into tears, rising and falling on DUNN'S neck_) Oh,
Petramos!
_CARRIE sees the situation, and sobs loudly._
DUNN. (C.) She's at it again!
CORN. It's a shame--poor girl--why----
INN. (_aside to CORNEY_) Don't waste your superfluous sympathies, that
is not Miss Mifton at all.
CORN. What! Can it be the women are right in their suspicions? What a
blackguard Peter is!
HEL. (_embracing CARRIE_) When you have finished comforting that
shameless creature, you may observe your wife needs consolation.
DUNN. Certainly! Corney! comfort my wife, can't you?
CORN. (_L. of NIOBE_) Don't try to make me a party to your vile
intrigues! (_goes to L. corner_)
DUNN. What's come to you? (_DUNN tries to get at CORNEY, but turns back
to CARRIE_) Listen to me, Carrie! I admit circumstances are----
CAR. Go away! I never wish to speak to you again!
_They go up C.; DUNN going L.; CARRIE R._
HEL. (_R., to NIOBE_) Begone, Hussy! Leave the House!
NIO. (C.) Not at your _bidding_. Petramos is lord, and Petramos decrees
that I abide with him! (_as if going to DUNN_)
OMNES. (_strong_) Oh, Peter!!! (_NIOBE gets over R., up stage_)
DUNN. (_wildly excited, coming down R. C._) In a sense, Miss Mifton is
right. She came here with an irreproachable character and the highest
references, and as the Master of the house, knowing nothing to her
discredit, I am responsible for her. Miss Mifton is here and for the
present must remain. (_goes to R. of CORNEY_)
HAT. (_who has entered C. and has tried to get a word with DUNN, taking
up DUNN'S tone_) That's what I tell her, but she insists it can't be.
HEL. Of whom are you speaking?
HAT. The lady here, who is asking for Mr. Dunn.
DUNN. (_L. C.; facing audience_) What lady? What's her business? Who is
she?
_Turns and confronts MISS MIFTON, who has entered C. and just
reached L. C._
MIFT. The new Governess, Miss Mifton!
_NIOBE advances R. C. close to MISS MIFTON, who turns and
recognises her dress._
DUNN. (L. C.) The other Mifton!
CORN. (L.) Another Mifton!
LADIES. Two Miftons! What infamy! (_together_)
_NIOBE and MISS MIFTON stand looking at each other; NIOBE doing
her usual action of "Hail to you!" Picture of consternation and
surprise, by other characters as curtain falls._
QUICK CURTAIN.
N. B.--_No Second Picture. Company Call._