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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: If Only etc. + +Author: Francis Clement Philips and Augustus Harris + +Release Date: March 1, 2005 [EBook #15219] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IF ONLY ETC. *** + + + + +Produced by Martin Agren, Leonard Johnson and the PG Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. + + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1> + IF ONLY + </h1> + <h1> + ETC. + </h1> + <h5> + BY + </h5> + <h2> + F.C. PHILIPS + </h2> + <h5> + AUTHOR OF "AS IN A LOOKING GLASS," ETC. ETC. + </h5> + <h3> + LEIPZIG + <br /> + BERNHARD TAUCHNITZ + <br /> + 1904. + </h3> + <hr /> + <h5> + TO + <br /> + MY OLD FRIEND AND COLLABORATOR, + <br /> + SYDNEY GRUNDY, + <br /> + I DEDICATE THESE PAGES. + <br /> + F.C. PHILIPS. + </h5> + <hr /> + <h2> + CONTENTS. + </h2> + <ul class="TOC"> + <li> + <a href="#if">IF ONLY</a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#one">ONE CAN'T ALWAYS TELL</a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#songs">SONGS.</a> AFTER VICTOR HUGO, ARMAND + SILVESTRE, CHARLES ROUSSEAU AND THE VICOMTE DE BORELLI + </li> + <li> + <a href="#love">LOVE WENT OUT WHEN MONEY WAS INVENTED</a> + </li> + <li> + <a href="#puzzle">A PUZZLED PAINTER.</a> (WRITTEN IN + COLLABORATION WITH THE LATE SIR AUGUSTUS HARRIS) + </li> + </ul> + <hr /> + <h2 class="chp"> + <a id="if" name="if">IF ONLY.</a> + </h2> + <h2 class="chp"> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + There is a vast deal talked in the present day about Freewill. We + like to feel that we are independent agents and are ready to + overlook the fact that our surroundings and circumstances and the + hundred and one subtle and mysterious workings of the fate we can + none of us escape, control our actions and are responsible for + our movements, and make us to a great extent what we are. + </p> + <p> + A man is not even a free agent when he takes the most important + step of his whole life, and marries a wife. He is impelled to it + by considerations outside of himself; it affects not only his own + present and future, but that of others, very often, and he must + be guided accordingly. + </p> + <p> + Emerson says; "The soul has inalienable rights, and the first of + these is love," but he does not say marriage. Love is the + business of the idle and the idleness of the busy, but marriage + is quite another affair—a grave matter, and not to be + undertaken lightly, since it is the one step that can never be + retraced, save through the unsavoury channels of shame and + notoriety, or death itself. + </p> + <p> + But perhaps Jack Chetwynd was hampered with fewer restraining + influences than most men, for he was alone in the world, without + kith or kin, and might be fairly allowed to please himself, and + pleasing himself in this case meant leading to the altar, or + rather to the Registry Office, Miss Bella Blackall, music-hall + singer and step dancer. + </p> + <p> + It was unquestionably a case of love at first sight. The girl was + barely seventeen, and her girlishness attracted him quite as much + as her beauty, which was exceptional. There was nothing + meretricious about it, for as yet she owed nothing to + art—brown hair, warm lips, soft blue eyes, and a complexion + like the leaf of a white rose—a woman blossom. Then, too, + she was a happy creature, full of life and happiness and bubbling + over with childish merriment—no one could help liking her, + he told himself, but it was something warmer than that. What + makes the difference between liking and love? It is so little and + yet so much. There was an air of refinement about her, too, which + to his fancy seemed to protest against the vulgarities of her + surroundings. He thought he could discern the stuff that meant an + actress in her, and prophesied that she would before long be + playing Juliet at the Haymarket. He was still at the age when the + habit is to discover geniuses in unlikely places, especially when + the women are pretty. He raved about her when he adjourned with + his companions to the bar, and they chaffed him a good deal to + his face and sneered at him behind his back. He was there the + next night, and the night, after and by-and-by he managed to get + introduced to her. + </p> + <p> + She was prettier off the stage than on, and her manner was + charming, and her voice delicious with its racy accent. + </p> + <p> + She was an American, and had been in London only a few months; + and he was duly taken to a second-rate lodging in a side street + near the Waterloo Road, and presented to "Ma,"—a black + satined and beaded type of the race. There was also a sister, + whom, truth to tell, he objected to more than her maternal + relative, for she was distinctly professional, not to say loud, + and the little mannerisms which were so taking in his inamorata + were very much the reverse in Miss Saidie Blackall. + </p> + <p> + Still, he told himself, he was not going to marry the whole + family; which might be true in a sense and yet might not mean the + entire independence it implied. Bella's relations must, if he + made her his wife, mean more or less to him. + </p> + <p> + However, youth is sanguine, and Jack Chetwynd did not look too + closely at the thorns which hedged his dainty rose-bud round. She + at least was all he could wish her to be—unsophisticated as + a child, and pure and good at heart. + </p> + <p> + After a month's acquaintance it began to be understood that he + was engaged to her. "Ma" wept copious tears, and reckoned her + Bella was a lucky girl to get such an "elegant" husband; and + Saidie wished him happiness in a voice like a corn-crake, and + declared that her sister was "just the sweetest and best girl out + of N'York," which she was; "and born to lead a private life," + which she wasn't. + </p> + <p> + Bella herself had very little to say. She blushed rosily when + Jack made fervent love to her; acquiesced confusedly when he told + her she must give up the music-hall stage, and seemed to take + happily to the idea of a quiet, uneventful life as Mrs. Jack + Chetwynd. + </p> + <p> + They took a small house in Camberwell New Road. Jack put up a + brass plate with his name on it, and M.D. in imposing letters, + and invested in a telephone for the accommodation of night + callers; and Bella began to busy herself about the furnishing. + </p> + <p> + That was a delightful time. The little bride elect was so excited + and eager, and showed herself wonderfully capable, and with quite + a pretty taste in draping and ornamenting; but there was a + terrible hole in Jack's purse: chairs and tables seemed to cost a + mint of money; and the young man sighed and hoped fervently that + it would not be long before patients appeared, or he would be + obliged to say No to his darling when she turned her appealing + eyes upon him and begged him to give her money for that "duck of + a screen," or something else that was from her point of view the + most extraordinary bargain, but which, Jack reflected, privately, + they could very well have done without. + </p> + <p> + He was giving up a certainty in settling in Camberwell, for as + House Surgeon at St. Mark's his income was assured; but then as a + married man he could no longer have lived at the hospital, and + "one must risk something" said Jack, hopefully. + </p> + <p> + They were married in May, just three months from that eventful + night when our hero first saw pretty Bella Blackall, on the + boards at the "Band Box," and Mrs. John Chetwynd was altogether + so sweet and winsome in her simple white gown, that Saidie was + right when she hilariously remarked that Jack might well be + forgiven for falling in love with her "all over again." + </p> + <p> + The wedding was just as quiet as it could be, for Jack did not + care to invite any of his friends. "Ma" and Saidie were + altogether too impossible; and unfortunately no one seemed to + mind whether he did or not. There was one unpleasantness + connected with the day which Chetwynd felt Bella might have had + tact enough to avoid. Two or three of Saidie's friends, in light + and eminently professional attire, were of the party, the women a + good deal worse than the men; and they all returned together to + Holly Street, where a meal had been prepared in the front + parlours, the landlady having generously placed them at the + disposal of her lodgers for the occasion. There was a good deal + of banter and side jokes were bandied about from one to another; + which was galling to young Chetwynd, and made him devoutly + thankful that none of his own companions and friends were + present. When at last Bella rose from the table to change her + gown for the pale grey he himself had chosen, with the big hat + and nodding plumes in which she had looked such a dainty little + mortal, he pushed his chair back with a look of disgust on his + face and left them to talk amongst themselves. + </p> + <p> + Saidie was distributing small pieces of wedding cake, laughing + and screaming at the top of her voice. + </p> + <p> + "Saikes, man! you are not to eat it. Put it under your pillow and + as sure as I'm a Yank you'll see your intended," she cried. And + then followed an amount of vulgar chaff and coarse pleasantry + which caused the "happy man" to set his teeth hard and register a + vow at the bottom of his heart that this should be the last + occasion on which his wife should associate with her sister's + friends. + </p> + <p> + And then Bella came tripping down the narrow staircase, her + cheeks warm with a pale pink colour that made her inexpressibly + lovely; and the carriage which Mrs. Blackall had insisted upon + ordering to take the young couple to the station was at the door, + and in the bustle that ensued Jack lost sight of all annoyances + and remembered only that he had married the girl he loved and + that he was the happiest fellow in the universe; and amid a + shower of rice and a white satin slipper (one of Saidie's), which + fell right into Bella's lap; the last farewell was spoken, and + they drove away. + </p> + <p> + "Only to Brighton!" cried Nina Nankin, the celebrity famed for + the height to which she could raise one leg while standing upon + the other. "What a mean chap! He might have forked out enough for + a trip to Paris, I should have thought." + </p> + <p> + "It wouldn't satisfy me," returned Saidie, turning up her nose + disdainfully; "but he isn't my style, anyway." + </p> + <p> + "Bit of a prig, eh?" + </p> + <p> + Saidie nodded. + </p> + <p> + "I do detest a man who fancies himself a head and shoulders above + the rest of his kind," said that young lady vehemently; "you'll + generally find out he don't amount to a row of pins. My! ain't I + glad I'm not going to live with him. I would as lief go to + Bible-class every day of the week. I'll bet my bottom dollar + Bella'll see the mistake she's made before she's many weeks + older. There's a chip of the old block about that young woman, + for all her baby ways and her innocent know-nothing. He'll be a + spry man, will Dr. Chetwynd, to come up to her. It'll take him + all he knows to get ahead, you bet". + </p> + <p> + Saidie lay back in the chair and laughed till the tears ran down + her cheeks. + </p> + <h2 class="chp"> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <p> + It was not long before Dr. Chetwynd's eyes were fully open to the + mistake he had made and that he realised the fact that you cannot + fashion a Dresden vase out of earthenware, and though pinchbeck + may pass muster for gold, it does not make it the real article. + </p> + <p> + At first Bella did try her "level best" as Saidie put it, to be + all that Jack required of her. She took his lecturings humbly, + held her peace when he scolded her (and I am afraid he constantly + did), and acknowledged in the depths of her shallow little mind + that she fell far short of what his wife should be. But as time + went on she grew less solicitous about pleasing him. His standard + was an almost impossible one to the very second-rate little + American girl, to whom the atmosphere of the "Halls" was far more + congenial than the humdrum, quiet life she led in the Camberwell + New Road, and she slipped back little by little into the mire out + of which he had raised her. + </p> + <p> + "I can never learn to be what he wants me to," she said a little + pathetically to Saidie—"It is like standing on tiptoe all + the time trying to reach up to his standard. I'm sick of it. If + he loved me well enough to marry me, the same love ought to be + strong enough to make him contented with me. After all, I'm the + same Bella now that I was then." + </p> + <p> + A word of advice at this juncture might have quieted the poor + little wife, and brought her back into safe paths, for she really + loved Jack in her heart; but Saidie was not the person to give + it. Privately she considered her sister a fool to have put up + with this ridiculous nonsense of her husband's as long as she had + done; and the line of argument she took was about the worst she + could have adopted for the happiness and peace of the Camberwell + household. + </p> + <p> + She was a good deal older than Bella, and the girl had been wont + to rely upon her in a great measure, and to look up to her as a + practical, sensible person, which Bella was quite ready to admit + she herself was very far from being; so now, when Saidie spoke in + a resolute, determined way, she listened meekly, if she did not + in so many words acquiesce in the wisdom and justice of what she + said. + </p> + <p> + "As far as I can see, you don't get a bit of fun and happiness + out of your life," remarked Saidie, critically examining her + features in the glass. "What did you marry him for, I should like + to know? You might as well be Bella Blackall, on the boards + again, and free, as the wife of a stingy fellow like that." + </p> + <p> + "Oh! Saidie, he doesn't grudge me anything." The young wife felt + a little compunction in her heart. + </p> + <p> + "Yes he does." Saidie turned round and faced her sister. "He + don't like you to enjoy yourself, not a little bit. He would keep + you wrapped up in cotton wool if he could, and if you don't make + a stand now, once and for all, and let him see you have a mind of + your own and intend to do as you like, you'll regret it to the + last day of your life. Who is he, anyway? I guess our family's as + good, if we knew anything about them, which we don't, worse luck. + Just you give him back his own sauce, Bella, and next time he + finds fault with you, laugh in his face and tell him he has got + to put up with what he finds, for it ain't likely you can alter + your nature to suit his high mightiness. Pitch on a thing or two + he does which you don't like, and give him a sermon as long as + your arm. You see; he will come off his pedestal. Sakes alive! he + ought to have me to deal with; I bet I'd teach him a thing or + two." + </p> + <p> + And then Saidie whipped herself off to the "Rivolette," where she + sang a doubtful song and displayed her finely turned limbs in a + style that would have disgusted her brother-in-law, if he had + been there to see. + </p> + <p> + But music halls were not to his liking under any circumstances. + He had never really cared for them, even in his bachelor days, + and now he would have cut his right hand off rather than be seen + with his young wife beside him, at such resorts. + </p> + <p> + Then, too, Dr. Chetwynd felt that it behoved him to be + circumspect in all his actions, for his practice was steadily + increasing and he was becoming popular, and had serious thoughts + of migrating westward. It was a constant source of vexation to + him that Bella was not liked as much as her handsome, clever + husband, and he began to be painfully alive to the fact that she + could not have been received in certain houses whose doors would + have been gradually opened to him. In a social sense his wife was + a failure, and with a sigh he realised that it was almost an + impossibility to show her where the fault lay; he could not + always be at her elbow to guard against little solecisms of + manner and speech which he knew must jar and grate on others even + more than on himself. + </p> + <p> + It went terribly against the grain, for he loved her none the + less that his eyes were not blinded to her shortcomings. She was + still the same winsome girl he had made his own; large-hearted, + gentle and affectionate, but—and he sighed impatiently, for + that something lacking was for ever pulling him back and standing + in the way of his own social advancement. + </p> + <p> + He became less demonstrative, less congenial, and his practice + made huge demands upon his time, and left but scant opportunity + for pleasure-seeking. Lines traced themselves upon his brow and + lurked at the corners of his mouth; he aged rapidly, and began to + look like an elderly man while Bella was still little more than a + girl. + </p> + <p> + On the night of Mrs. Chetwynd's return from the maternal roof + (for Mrs. Blackall still lived near the Waterloo Road, and her + elder daughter continued to make her home with her), she found + her husband, a good deal to her surprise, seated in the + drawing-room, gay with flowers and crowded with knick-nacks of + every description. He had in his hand a book which he flung down + with an annoyed gesture as his wife opened the door. + </p> + <p> + It was perhaps no worse than others of its type, but it had not + an honest moral tone and was not therefore, John Chetwynd + considered, a desirable work for his young wife's perusal. + </p> + <p> + "Have you read this?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "No; it is one of Saidie's. Is it interesting?" + </p> + <p> + John Chetwynd's answer was to hurl the volume under the grate + with an angry word. + </p> + <p> + Bella flushed. + </p> + <p> + "Why did you do that? I want to read it." + </p> + <p> + "I will not allow you to sully your mind with such filth. It only + goes to prove what I have so often told you, that your sister is + not a proper associate for any young woman. A book of that + description—faugh!" + </p> + <p> + Bella picked up the offending volume and looked ruefully at its + battered condition. "I should have supposed that as a married + woman I might read anything," she said with an assumption of + dignity. + </p> + <p> + "Why should you be less pure because you have a husband, my + child? Don't run away with any such notion." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I will read it and give you my opinion of it." + </p> + <p> + "You will do no such thing. I forbid it, Bella." + </p> + <p> + "In a matter like this I shall judge for myself." Her cheeks were + scarlet, and she kept her eyes downbent. + </p> + <p> + "I will not—" + </p> + <p> + "Bella!" + </p> + <p> + It was the first time in their married life that she had defied + him, and he looked at her in utter astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she cried, turning on him like a small fury, with the book + tightly held in both hands; "I'm not a child to be dictated to + and ordered to do this and that. I'm perfectly well able to act + for myself and I intend to do so now and always. I'm sick of your + eternal fault-finding, and the sooner you know it the better. If + it's not one thing it's another. Nothing I do is right and I'm + about tired of it." + </p> + <p> + John Chetwynd sat perfectly silent under this tirade. He was a + shrewd man, and he knew that Bella had been spending the evening + with her own people, and jumped at once to the conclusion that in + defying him she was acting by their advice, and his brow grew + black and lowering. + </p> + <p> + Then he looked up at Bella, who, a little ashamed of her + vehemence, was slowly unbuttoning her gloves, having laid aside + the unlucky cause of the battle royal. + </p> + <p> + "My wife," he said kindly, "if you will not act on my advice, let + me beg of you to think twice before accepting that of others, + since I at least may be credited with having your real good at + heart." + </p> + <p> + "And you think that—you mean to imply that—" + </p> + <p> + "That your sister has her own ends to serve? Undoubtedly I do." + </p> + <p> + "You are all wrong—all wrong." But the tell-tale blushes on + Bella's face showed him plainly enough that he had been right in + his conjecture, and had to thank his wife's relatives for her + rebellion and newly developed obstinacy and resentment. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Bella, from to-night I cannot allow you to go to Holly + Street: stay," as Bella would have spoken, "you may see your + mother here when you please, but you must let your sister fully + understand that she will not be welcome. Something surely is due + to me as your husband, and that there is no great amount of + sympathy between you and Saidie you have said repeatedly; + therefore I am asking no great sacrifice of you. Do you hear me, + Bella?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I hear." + </p> + <p> + "And you will respect my wishes in the matter?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know," she spoke uncertainly. + </p> + <p> + She was not fond of her sister, as he had said; certainly not + sufficiently fond of her to allow her to come between herself and + Jack; and yet she felt that it would be unwise and undignified if + she were to give in and refuse Saidie admission to their house. + She had just declared that she would stand no coercion; and after + all, what had poor Saidie done? + </p> + <p> + "I don't think you have any right to keep my people away," she + said at last, sullenly. "This is my house as well as yours, + remember." + </p> + <p> + "I am not going to argue over it, my dear girl." Dr. Chetwynd + rose determinedly from his chair with an expression on his face + which his wife had learned to know and dread. "I forbid you to + ask your sister here again. I am sorry to have to speak so + decidedly; but your conduct leaves me no alternative." + </p> + <p> + And he walked quickly across the floor and the next moment the + door closed upon him. + </p> + <p> + "I don't care what he says. I won't be ordered about," flashed + out Bella, all that was worst in her nature roused by Jack's + resolution. "Saidie is quite right; if I don't put my foot down I + shall soon be nothing better than a white slave." + </p> + <p> + "Putting her foot down," certainly had one effect, namely, that + of making life anything but a bed of roses for the unfortunate + doctor. + </p> + <p> + Never had Bella shown herself so unamiable and unloveable as + during the next two days. She hardly addressed her husband and + she flounced about the room and tossed her head and hummed + music-hall ditties (which she had caught from Saidie) under her + breath, and altogether comported herself in the most exasperating + fashion. + </p> + <p> + John Chetwynd hardly knew how to act towards her. If he pretended + to be unconscious of anything unusual, it would probably provoke + her to stronger measures, and yet he was very loth to stir up + strife between them, and leant towards the hope that this spirit + of fractiousness would die out in time and that Bella would + become her loving, tractable self again. But he reckoned without + his host. + </p> + <p> + Saidie, who was duly apprised of the condition of things, urged + upon her sister to stick to her guns and on no account to yield + an inch, and although desperately miserable, Bella took her + advice. + </p> + <p> + Returning from seeing a patient a day or two later, Dr. Chetwynd + ran into the arms of an old friend, a man he had not seen since + his marriage. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Meynell, old chap, where have you dropped from?" he + exclaimed, grasping the outstretched hand. + </p> + <p> + "Where have <i>you</i> hidden yourself? is more to the purpose. + No one ever sees you nowadays." + </p> + <p> + Dr. Chetwynd smiled. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps you do not know I am a married man," he said. "Which + accounts for a good deal of my time, and as a matter of fact I + have but little leisure, for my practice keeps me always at the + grindstone." + </p> + <p> + "Doing pretty well?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I think I may say I am. Uphill work, of course, but + still—" + </p> + <p> + "And where are you living?" + </p> + <p> + Chetwynd hesitated. + </p> + <p> + "Close by here," he replied the next moment. "Come home with me + now, if you have nothing better to do, and allow me to present my + wife to you." + </p> + <p> + And they walked on side by side. + </p> + <p> + "You have dined? I am afraid—" + </p> + <p> + "My dear fellow, I have this moment left the club." + </p> + <p> + Dr. Chetwynd put his latch-key into the lock and ushered his + friend upstairs to his wife's pretty drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + But Bella was not there; and finding that she was not in her + bedroom, or in fact in the house at all, he rang the bell and + questioned the maid as to when her mistress had gone out and if + she knew when she would be likely to return. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, that I'm sure I don't. My mistress never said anything + to me." + </p> + <p> + "Well, she is not likely to be away long," remarked the doctor + philosophically. "Have a cigar, Meynell." + </p> + <p> + "Thanks, no. Your wife spoils you, Jack, if she allows you to + smoke in her pretty little room." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, she will not mind; but we will go down to my den shortly. + You see, Meynell, I'm a bit of a Bohemian, although I like to + preserve the customs of the civilised world all the same, to a + certain extent. But my little + wife—well—she—she—I daresay you may have + heard she was on the stage before I married her." + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed I hadn't." Gus Meynell looked a good deal surprised. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I mention it because perhaps she is not quite like the + ordinary run of women." + </p> + <p> + Meynell could no longer be blind to the want of ease in his + host's manner, and in his turn became proportionately + uncomfortable. + </p> + <p> + "Hang it all! A man marries to please himself," he said + awkwardly. + </p> + <p> + "She is just the dearest girl in the world," continued Jack + Chetwynd, with warmth. "I'm not only fond of her, but proud of + her too, but you know—" + </p> + <p> + "I perfectly understand what you mean. To my idea + unconventionality is the most charming thing a woman can have. I + hate the bride manufactured out of the schoolgirl. The oppressive + resemblance between most of our friends' wives is one of the + safe-guards of society." + </p> + <p> + "What is that?" Chetwynd broke in upon his friend's speech with a + nervous start and exclamation. The hall door opened with a loud + bang and a woman's noisy laugh could be heard as a pelter of + high-heeled shoes came along the tesselated hall and then the + vision of a pretty girl at the doorway, accompanied by a man and + two women. + </p> + <p> + "Hallo, Jack! You are home before me, then." + </p> + <p> + "Bella, my dear, I must introduce you to an old friend of mine: + Meynell, my wife." + </p> + <p> + Bella bowed a little coldly. + </p> + <p> + "My sister, Mr. Meynell," she said, seeing that the doctor was + looking straight over Saidie's head. "My sister, Miss Saidie + Blackall; daresay you have seen her from the front before." Then, + looking towards the open door, "Come in, come in. Jack, I think + you have already met Mr. and Mrs. Doss." + </p> + <p> + Chetwynd looked terribly annoyed; but there was no choice left + for him but to extend his hand and mutter something to the effect + that he had not had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of + his wife's friends before. + </p> + <p> + "Glad to know you, sir—not one of us—not in the + profession, I think?" + </p> + <p> + "No—er—no," responded Chetwynd feebly. + </p> + <p> + "And the 'appier you, take my tip for it. The wear and tear of + the 'alls, sir, no one but a pro can estimate." + </p> + <p> + Here his wife, an over-dressed, showy individual a shade more of + a cockney than himself, interposed with a coarse laugh. + </p> + <p> + "Get along, you jolly old humbug, you! You couldn't live away + from them—could he, dear?" addressing Saidie, who was + maliciously enjoying the effect that their sudden entrance had + produced upon her brother-in-law and his friend. + </p> + <p> + "Ah; you think so, d'ye? that's all you know about it. Give me a + nice quiet 'public' with a hold-established trade and me and the + missis cosy-like in the private bar; that's the life for yours + truly when he can take the farewell ben." + </p> + <p> + "How soon are your friends going to take their leave, Bella?" + asked Chetwynd in an undertone to his wife. + </p> + <p> + But Bella turned her back upon him without deigning to give him + so much as a word. + </p> + <p> + "I think I had the pleasure of seeing you perform the other + night, Mrs. Doss," remarked Mr. Meynell. + </p> + <p> + "Don't she look a figger in tights? now tell the truth and shame + the old gentleman: a female as fat as my wife ought not never to + leave off her petticoats, that's what I says." + </p> + <p> + "Samuel, fie! You make me blush." His wife coughed discreetly + behind her hand. "It's a new departure, I grant; but I've had a + good many compliments paid me since I took to the nautical style, + I can tell you." + </p> + <p> + "Gammon!" grunted Mr. Doss, with a dissatisfied air. "Did you see + her as the 'Rabbit Queen,' sir? My! the patience that woman + displayed in the training of them little furry animals would have + astonished you. Struck the line, sir, out of her own 'ed! 'I'm + going, Samuel,' she said, 'to supply a want.' 'You!' I says. + 'Me!' says she; 'they have got their serpents,' she says, 'and + their ducks, and their pigeons and their kangaroos,' 'What's + their void?' said I. 'Rabbits,' she says, and there you are!" + </p> + <p> + "Saidie, why don't you sit down? We will have some supper + directly," said Bella. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, my dear, I'm dying for a drink!" cried Miss Blackall, + flinging herself in an attitude more easy than graceful into an + armchair. + </p> + <p> + Bella opened the chiffonier and produced glasses and a spirit + stand. + </p> + <p> + "Saves the trouble of ringing for the servant," she said archly + to Meynell. + </p> + <p> + Chetwynd could fairly have groaned; and when his wife put the + climax upon everything by drinking out of her sister's glass he + could contain himself no longer. "I never saw you touch spirits + before," he said, determined that his friend should know that his + wife was an abstemious woman. + </p> + <p> + "Ah," she said lightly, "there are lots of things you never saw + me do, Jack, which I am capable of, all the same." Whereupon + Saidie burst out laughing as at some prodigious joke. + </p> + <p> + "Good for you, Bella! All right, dear! I'm not one to tell tales + out of school." + </p> + <p> + "Are you a married man, sir, may I ask?" + </p> + <p> + Doss put his thumbs under his arm-pits and looked scrutinisingly + into Meynell's face. "I should say not." + </p> + <p> + "No, I'm a bachelor, and likely to continue one." + </p> + <p> + "Well," remarked Mrs. Doss sentimentally, "I don't know nothing + jollier than courting time. Such little ordinary things seem + sweet like, then." + </p> + <p> + "Hark at the old girl," chuckled Doss. + </p> + <p> + "You can't kidd me, Doss. You know it, too. I think of our own + billing and cooing, sir—his and mine. I was not a draw in + those days; the last turn in the bill at the "Middlesex" was + about my mark, and Doss, he hadn't risen, neither. We used to + walk 'ome that lovin' up Drury Lane, and Doss, he would say, + 'fish, Tilda,' and I would say, 'if you could fancy a bit, Sam.' + And in he would pop for two penny slices and chips. And + eat—lor', how we did eat. When I look back on that fish, + sometimes I could cry. Money and fame ain't everythink in the + world, believe me, they ain't. You may be 'appy in your + 'umbleness." + </p> + <p> + All this was gall and wormwood to John Chetwynd, and he + approached his wife again and whispered. + </p> + <p> + "It is getting late—are these people never going?" + </p> + <p> + "Not until they have had supper, most certainly." + </p> + <p> + "And do you expect my friend to join you?" + </p> + <p> + "You can please yourselves. I don't think either of you would be + much acquisition in your present frame of mind. Mrs. Doss, + somebody interrupted you; you were talking about a kindred soul + and an attic. Money and position are not everything you were + saying. I agree with you. Give me an easy life and no stilts." + </p> + <p> + John Chetwynd could stand it no longer. + </p> + <p> + "Madam," he said, addressing Mrs. Doss; "I must really apologise, + but Mr. Meynell and I have important business to discuss, + and—" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Doss might be vulgar, but she was not obtuse. Seeing she and + her husband were not wanted, she sprang to her feet. + </p> + <p> + "Sam—right about face; we must be off 'ome." + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense, you must have some supper before you go," said Bella. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I think we will be toddling, thanks. Are you coming with us, + Saidie?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I'm not," returned that young woman, sturdily. "Since this + house is the joint property of Dr. John Chetwynd and his wife, I + reckon I shall stop awhile. Bella, you are not going to turn me + out, are you?" + </p> + <p> + "Not I. I can't imagine what Jack means by behaving so + inhospitably. I hope you will all stop." + </p> + <p> + But Mr. Doss, exceedingly affronted at the slight offered him, + had tucked his wife's arm under his own and was already at the + door. + </p> + <p> + "Good night, gents. My best respects to you, Mrs. Chetwynd, but + we knows who wants us and who doesn't." + </p> + <p> + Bella turned indignantly to her husband. "And you call yourself a + gentleman!" she cried. + </p> + <p> + "For heaven's sake remember we are not alone!" whispered Chetwynd + in distress, "you have distinguished yourself quite enough." + </p> + <p> + "I don't care—you have insulted my friends." + </p> + <p> + "Friends!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and as good as you or I. What did you marry me for if you + are ashamed of my connections?" + </p> + <p> + "I did not marry the whole variety stage." + </p> + <p> + At this juncture Meynell rose. + </p> + <p> + "Awfully sorry, but I must be going old chap, promised to look in + again at the club." And Chetwynd did not press him to stay. + Humiliated to the last degree, he followed him downstairs. + </p> + <p> + "I have given you a very enjoyable evening, Meynell," he said + bitterly. + </p> + <p> + "My dear fellow, what ought I to say?" + </p> + <p> + "I'm damned if I know; I've never visited a friend who made such + a marriage as mine. I should have pitied the poor devil + profoundly if I had. Good night, old chap." + </p> + <p> + The hall door shut, and Chetwynd went slowly, sorrowfully back to + the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + "I hope you have disgraced me enough to-night," he said stormily. + </p> + <p> + "Where's the disgrace, I should like to know, in inviting a + couple of old friends into one's own house?" demanded Saidie + aggressively. + </p> + <p> + Chetwynd promptly turned his back upon her. "I am addressing my + wife," he said frigidly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; I would like to see you talking to <i>me</i> in that tone + of voice," returned his sister-in-law. + </p> + <p> + "Bella, what have you to say for yourself? Have you no + self-respect whatever, and no consideration for your husband's + position?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I'm sick of hearing about your position," said his wife + pettishly. "In the days when you had not any, we were a lot + happier. You didn't turn up your nose at my associates when I was + on the boards at the Band Box! Everything was charming. You + laughed then at what you now call "vulgar," and you thought it + good fun, and you would have taken the property man to your heart + if I had told you he was my brother. But now I am your wife it is + quite a different tale. My friends are too common for you to mix + with. By the Lord! I'm not at all certain whether you think + <i>me</i> good enough for you, myself." + </p> + <p> + "Bella, Bella!" + </p> + <p> + "Oh! Yes, it is easy enough to look broken-hearted. How dare you + turn my friends out of the place? It is you, not I, who have + brought disgrace upon us by introducing a stranger here and + mortifying and humbling me in front of him. If the Dosses are + good enough for me, they are good enough for my husband." + </p> + <p> + "My dear wife, they are not good enough for you. There is the + whole truth. Why are you so altered? Why will you not listen to + me and take my advice as you used to do? Have you forgotten how + happy we once were with each other?" + </p> + <p> + There was a little break in his voice, but Bella was too incensed + to heed it. + </p> + <p> + "You mean that you did not abuse me when you had it entirely your + own way! Wonderful! Perhaps you did not know that you bored me to + death the whole time. And now you have got it at last. I'm tired + of your cheap gentility and Brummagem pretensions; sick to death + of hearing that nothing I have been used to is "proper." If my + world is a second rate one, show me a better. Why don't you + introduce me to your own, if it is so vastly superior? Have you + done it? Not you! You bury me in this poky little hole and + deliberately insult the only friends I have who take the trouble + to come and look me up." + </p> + <p> + Chetwynd passed his hand over his brow dreamily. The whole thing + was such a shock to him, he could hardly realise it. + </p> + <p> + "I hope you are saying much more than you mean," he said at last. + "God knows if you have been dull I never suspected it." + </p> + <p> + "Because I have not grumbled—because I smiled instead of + yawning, and laughed when I felt like crying, you never suspected + it! Did you ever ask yourself what amusements you were providing + for me while you were out all day? Not for a moment. Men like you + never do, when they marry girls like us. You fancy you have been + very noble and chivalrous and plucky; but what you have really + done is to get what you want and leave me to pay the cost. Once + your wife, there was an end of the matter so far as you were + concerned, and to marry you was to complete my destiny! I was to + sit all day long staring at the four walls, and if I happened to + feel lonely, take a look at my marriage certificate to cheer + myself up! well—" she drew a long breath and suddenly left + her seat and came quite close to him. "Well," she said again, "I + am not satisfied—do you hear? It may be the height of + ingratitude, but it is a fact all the same. I am not content and + I have made up my mind (you may as well know it now as at any + other time) to go back to the stage. The life suits me and I am + going to do it." And then she paused. + </p> + <p> + If she expected her husband to storm and rave, insist and + expostulate, she was disappointed. He sat dumb and voiceless, his + face buried in his hands, and he did not even look up when, with + the air of a victor, Bella marched across the floor, beckoned to + her sister, and went up to her own room. + </p> + <p> + "I never gave you credit for such real grit," began Saidie, + admiringly; but to her surprise Bella flung herself on the bed + and burst into uncontrollable sobs. + </p> + <p> + "I wish I was dead," she cried. "I am a beast—an ungrateful + beast; and I have said what is not true. I have loved him + always—always." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you can't go back from your word now," said Saidie; "You + said you would do it." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and I will." Bella sat up and dried her eyes. "I will go + back to the stage; but I did not say I would stop there, and I + shan't if I'm not happy, and if it makes a break between me and + Jack." + </p> + <p> + "Don't talk like that," cried Saidie disdainfully, "You make me + tired!" + </p> + <h2 class="chp"> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + After this there was a lull; John Chetwynd observed that he had + need of more forbearance towards his wilful wife, and tried to + exercise it. He told himself that there was love enough and to + spare; that with the deep affection he was convinced Bella bore + him there was nothing really to fear. She was young and + ill-advised, and it behoved him to keep a careful watch over her, + and above all things not to draw too tight a rein. As for her + threat of returning to her old life and its meretricious + attractions, after the first shock he dismissed it from his mind. + She had not really intended doing anything of the sort; such a + step was impossible. It was a wild idea, born of the excitement + of the moment, and unworthy of a further thought, and so he put + it aside. Had not the question been argued and threshed out once + and for all soon after marriage? He recalled with a curious lump + in his throat how she had put her hands into his and said; "Your + wishes are my wishes, now and always, Jack." And there had been + an end of the matter. + </p> + <p> + "I will wait until the atmosphere has cleared a little," said + John Chetwynd, reflectively, "and then I'll tell her that at the + end of the year we will leave Camberwell and take a larger house + in a better neighbourhood." + </p> + <p> + Thus, out of his love for his young wife, he made excuses for her + and took her back to his heart again. + </p> + <p> + And Bella? Jack's conduct puzzled her. She had fully expected + that he would be exceedingly angry and displeased, and in her own + mind had prepared certain little set phrases which were to + impress him with the fact that she intended to do as she pleased + and would not allow herself to be dictated to or coerced. And + thus it was that on the following morning she came down to + breakfast with it must be confessed a forbidding look upon her + pretty face and a defiant air about her bearing. But all her + newly formed resolves were put to flight when Jack came towards + her and deliberately kissed the lips which she vainly tried to + withhold. + </p> + <p> + "Bella, you and I love each other too well to quarrel," he said + kindly; "let us forget all that happened last night." + </p> + <p> + What could she say? In spite of herself she felt that she was + yielding; and though she did not meet him half way as he had + fondly anticipated she would do, still she allowed him to draw + her into his arms and did not repulse his caresses. + </p> + <p> + She might have shown a more generous spirit, it is true. Since he + had tacitly acknowledged that they had been mutually to blame, + she might have offered something in the shape of an expression of + regret; but peace in any shape and at any cost Chetwynd felt he + must have. + </p> + <p> + But Bella had by no means surrendered her determination of going + on the stage again, and was already with Saidie's assistance on + the look-out for an engagement. It would be difficult to define + her feelings towards her husband at this juncture. That there was + still a veiled hostility John Chetwynd could not fail to see; but + in his newly formed resolution to be patient and forbearing, he + simply ignored it and diligently cultivated a kindly, gentle + bearing, interesting himself in her little domesticities and the + general routine of her everyday life. This amused Bella + intensely, and although she would not have acknowledged it, + perhaps touched her a little. + </p> + <p> + Why had he not done this before? And having been careless and + indifferent once, why was he not so still? For this is how it was + with Bella; she was learning to compare her husband with her + lover, and be very sure the former suffered by comparison. + </p> + <p> + "Les absents ont toujours tort" and Saidie found so much to say + and said it in such a contemptuous, scornful way to Howard + Astley, about her sister's husband, that perhaps there was some + little excuse for the young man's impression that Bella Chetwynd + would be vastly better off under his protection than amid her + present surroundings. + </p> + <p> + "The man was a brute," Miss Blackall declared. + </p> + <p> + Poor John Chetwynd! Not only was he far removed from being a + brute, but he was also miles above the man whom Saidie delighted + to honour, and whose addresses and attentions she thrust upon + Bella at every turn. + </p> + <p> + At first, to do her justice, the young wife shrank back dismayed. + Beyond his handsome face, Howard Astley had but little to + recommend him, and after listening to his commonplaces and + enduring the fulsome compliments it pleased him to pay, she would + hurry home with tingling pulses and a shamed heart to + Jack—Jack, who had once been all the world to her. + </p> + <p> + Once! Oh, and such a little time ago! After all, how little she + had to complain of in the man who had made her his wife! + </p> + <p> + He was "uninteresting," wrapped up in his profession, "dull." + That was all, but it meant a very great deal to Bella. It meant + everything; and the sluggish conscience which just at first had a + word or two to say in his defence, gradually went to sleep again + and troubled its owner no longer. + </p> + <p> + Why should she not enjoy herself as other women of her age did? + </p> + <p> + Why, indeed? She did not intend to do anything that was really + wrong, or even unbecoming in her position as Jack's wife; but + still she was resolved on extracting the utmost amount of + amusement possible out of life, and thus with slow, subtle + drifting and unconscious eyes—eyes that would not see their + peril—she reached the point where temptation steps in. + </p> + <p> + It was his wealth that dazzled her. + </p> + <p> + She did so long to be rich. John was apt to be mean about + trifles, but this man—the man she allowed to make love to + her—was a very prodigal in his liberality. He spent money + like water. He rarely came empty-handed. Probably he knew the + manner of woman he had to deal with, and Bella hid the trinkets + away with a guilty blush; they were not much good to her after + all, for she did not dare to wear them, lest Jack should ask + awkward questions concerning the source from whence they came. + </p> + <p> + "I never can do anything I like," said Bella with a pout. + </p> + <p> + And then there came a night when John Chetwynd found the pretty + drawing-room deserted and his wife flown. + </p> + <p> + The hours went by and as she did not return he grew seriously + uneasy. + </p> + <p> + Where could she be? When eleven o'clock struck he put on his hat + and, terribly though it went against the grain, started for Holly + Street—she might be at her mother's. + </p> + <p> + No, Mrs. Blackall had not seen her, she said; and she looked + searchingly into her son-in-law's face as she spoke. "Did Dr. + Chetwynd really not know where she was?" + </p> + <p> + "No, madam, or assuredly I should not be here." + </p> + <p> + The doctor spoke with some heat; that there was something behind + all this was very evident, and he naturally objected to being + made a fool of. + </p> + <p> + "You don't know, then, that Bella is on at the Tivoli?" + </p> + <p> + John Chetwynd sat down suddenly. This news literally took his + breath away. + </p> + <p> + It was not possible that Bella had taken such a step without his + knowledge or sanction. He looked up with such hopeless misery + written in his white face that Mrs. Blackall could not help a + certain pity for her son-in-law, although in her opinion he had + brought the thing upon himself, and the very compassion she felt + for his suffering had the effect of making her more harsh and + unsympathetic. + </p> + <p> + "What did you expect?" she asked. "As a man of the world could + you really imagine that a young, high-spirited girl like my + daughter would content herself with the life you tried to chain + her down to? She had had just taste enough of the admiration and + applause of a public life to get a liking for it, and in an + instant it is all taken away and nothing given her in its place. + It ain't commonsense, it—" + </p> + <p> + "It may not be," said Chetwynd wearily; "but there are women + nevertheless to whom home and husband are all-sufficient and who + ask for nothing beyond." + </p> + <p> + "You made a great mistake, Mr. Chetwynd, when you—" + </p> + <p> + "I did," he interrupted quickly; "you are perfectly right; I did + when I believed my wife and your daughter to be one of these. + Well," and he rose wearily, "she has put a barrier between us + to-night that can never be broken down." + </p> + <p> + "Tut, tut, man; you have got your duty to do by her, and I'll + take good care you do it. She is doing no wrong to join her + profession again." + </p> + <p> + "Our ideas as to right and wrong probably differ. I am certainly + not going to argue the point, nor do I wish to shirk what + responsibility I took on my shoulders when I married. But if it + is upon your advice she has acted in this matter, ask God to + forgive you for the cruel wrong you have done us both!" + </p> + <p> + Then he picked up his hat and went out of the house. It was long + past midnight when Bella returned; but late though it was, she + knew by the lights in the drawing room that her husband was + waiting up for her, and with an impatient sigh, determined to get + her lecture over, she ran lightly up-stairs. + </p> + <p> + He was there, sitting in her own cosy armchair, and he looked + round expectantly as the door opened. + </p> + <p> + "Well," she said nervously, stripping off her gloves, and + avoiding meeting his stern, sad gaze. "I daresay you wonder where + I have been and what has kept me so late; but, my dear old Jack, + you will have to give up the bad habit of sitting up to all hours + for me, for I'm likely to be late most nights now." + </p> + <p> + She paused for a reply, but none came. Her easy assurance + staggered him; he could hardly believe that this self-composed, + glib-spoken young woman had been at one time his diffident, shy + little love. The unhappy man found it very hard to reconcile the + two. "Why don't you speak?" she asked impatiently, facing him in + a defiant manner; and as he looked up at her he noticed for the + first time that she had grown older and had lost all at + once—at least, so it seemed to him—the rounded, + childish look from her sweet face and involuntarily a sigh broke + from him. + </p> + <p> + "One would think I had committed a crime," cried she in disdain, + and then, catching her skirts up, she broke into a step dance, + humming a popular music-hall air. + </p> + <p> + "Stop—do you hear me?—this instant stop!" the devil + in him burst out; he could restrain himself no longer. + </p> + <p> + "Woman! What are you made of?" he cried in a voice of thunder, + and she, shrinking back a little, fell half frightened into a + chair. He never could quite remember afterwards what he did say. + He tried with rough eloquence, that might have moved a heart of + stone, to show her what it was she was doing, to appeal to her + better, nobler self, to her love for him; he implored and + entreated her to give up this new life—for his sake. + </p> + <p> + He had nothing better to urge than that, poor fool! It weighed + with her as just so much chaff. The time had gone by when his + words would have touched her; they glided lightly over what she + called her "heart" now and left no impression there. + </p> + <p> + And then he went on his knees beside her and prayed her to grant + him this one boon; he poured out a flood of feverish words, + hardly pausing to think; he tried to paint an alluring picture of + their life in the future: they would leave Camberwell, he said; + she should go where she liked if she would but listen to reason; + it would ruin him in his profession, he pleaded, if she persisted + in returning to the stage. As he talked the pretty face grew + harder and older. Bella had made up her mind, and the man beside + her had not the faintest power to sway her by his reproaches or + entreaties. + </p> + <p> + And then he stumbled to his feet and stood waiting for his + answer. + </p> + <p> + It came at last, clear and cold, falling like pellets of ice upon + his impatient fervour. + </p> + <p> + "The thing is done now, and all the talking in the world will not + alter it." + </p> + <p> + "And that is your last word to me—your husband?" + </p> + <p> + Finding she did not speak, he walked across the floor, turning at + the door, hoping against hope, but she lay back as still as if + she were dead. + </p> + <p> + When he had gone, Bella opened her eyes and held up her hand + curiously. It was wet with—what?—tears. + </p> + <p> + Her eyes were bright and dry. + </p> + <p> + For a moment something of the old feeling swept over her. + </p> + <p> + Poor Jack! She half rose, then sank back again. + </p> + <p> + It was too late, she was thinking; as if it were ever too late to + make amends, to atone, while we have still breath and life! + </p> + <p> + "It is all for the best, anyhow," she murmured after awhile, and + when philosophy is well to the fore, love hides its diminished + head. + </p> + <h2 class="chp"> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + Six months wore themselves away; six months in every day of which + John Chetwynd lived a year, measured by the anxiety and misery it + held for him. He could no longer delude himself into the belief + that Bella loved him, for all her actions went to prove the + contrary. But her end just once gained, there were no more + bickerings and disputes—she even condescended to consider + her husband's wishes, when they did not clash or interfere with + her own. But night after night he sat alone with the hateful + consciousness that the woman who bore his name was parading her + charms to Dick, Tom and Harry; in fact, to anybody who chose to + pay his shilling for the privilege of contemplating them. It was + in moments such as these that the iron entered his soul and there + was no escape from it; he must bear his burden as many a better + man had borne it before him. And thus it was he buried himself in + his profession, working with a will and vigour that astonished no + one so much as himself. He was rapidly becoming a popular man. + Through sheer good luck (as he really believed it to be) he had + diagnosed one or two cases with an ease and accuracy which not + only filled his purse beyond his utmost expectations, but helped + him up the ladder of fame at an amazing rate. But when emboldened + by success, and always remembering the fact that however wilful + and oblivious she might be, she was still to all intents and + purposes the wife of his bosom and equally interested with + himself in all his undertakings, he recounted his triumphs and + declared his intention of leaving Camberwell forthwith and + settling in Camelot Square, Bella smiled, yet proved in no way + elated at the intelligence. + </p> + <p> + "So, my dear, you can go as soon as you like and fix upon a + house," he said. + </p> + <p> + Bella yawned and stretched her arms above her head. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you will know much better than I what is required," she + replied. + </p> + <p> + "Have you, then, no interest in our new home?" he asked, more + hurt than he could well have expressed. + </p> + <p> + "Do you ever show the slightest interest in what concerns me?" + she retorted. + </p> + <p> + He winced. "This is a mutual interest, surely, since we must + occupy it together." + </p> + <p> + "Must?" she echoed dreamily. + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" he asked sharply. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing, except that 'must' is the word I have banished from my + vocabulary," and she smiled at him—actually smiled, though + she must have known she was stabbing him to the very heart. + </p> + <p> + He said no more; and indeed, words seemed to be useless. + </p> + <p> + So he chose the house himself,—one that could not fail to + please Bella, he felt exultantly. She would be less than woman if + she were not glad to exchange the second-rate little dwelling in + the Camberwell New Road for the substantial residence, with its + modern improvements and embellishments in such a neighbourhood as + Camelot Square. + </p> + <p> + It was not perhaps a palace, but it was a very great deal more + imposing than anything they had dreamt of in the early days of + their married life, and yet John Chetwynd told himself with a + sigh that he would gladly give up fame and prosperity to win back + the old love-light in his wife's eyes. + </p> + <p> + And there are some among us who cannot love for so + little—"Of man's love a thing apart." Perhaps John Chetwynd + would have been a happier man had he been one of these. + </p> + <p> + Even the task of furnishing fell to the doctor's lot. Bella did + not refuse, nor did she object to accompany him on what he might + have naturally supposed would be a congenial task for her, but + she showed herself so indifferent throughout that, after an + effort or two to make her contented, he gave it up, and it ended + in his carrying the whole thing through himself. + </p> + <p> + And he was not sorry when at length it was completed. On the + morrow he would bring Bella to her new home. + </p> + <p> + He stood under the bright lighted chandelier and looked round + him. The carpet was thick and soft. Bella liked carpets her feet + could sink into, she had once said. There by the fireplace was + the most luxurious easy chair he could purchase, upholstered in + her favourite colour, pale blue. He pictured the dainty figure + nestling in it, and a little glow stirred at his heart. After + all, she was his wife, his fondly loved wife, and who could tell? + Perhaps with the old life, old feuds would die out and with the + new, joy and happiness dawn for them both once more. + </p> + <p> + John Chetwynd was not a religious man; he rarely went to church + and he never prayed; but now he covered his face with his hands, + and his lips moved inaudibly. + </p> + <p> + He was asking for a blessing on the new life, and there was + something like a tear in his eye and a suspicious huskiness in + his voice as he called out "Come in" in answer to a hurried knock + at the door and flung open the lid of a grand piano which was + littered with music and songs, running his hands over the keys + and smiling a little. + </p> + <p> + The piano was to be a surprise: Bella knew nothing about it. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it would keep her more at home, for she was very fond of + music. + </p> + <p> + It had cost more than he ought to have paid, but still it was for + her. + </p> + <p> + "Come in, Mrs. Brewer—what is it? I'm just off. You will + have us both here to-morrow at this time for good and all, I + hope." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed, sir, and I'm glad to hear it. Things do look most + beautiful, and no mistake." + </p> + <p> + The good soul shambled across the floor and held out a letter + wrapped in the corner of her apron. + </p> + <p> + "A boy brought it, sir, half an hour ago, but I clean forgot it, + and that's a fact." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind. It is probably of no importance." + </p> + <p> + But it was. By-and-by his eyes fell on it as it lay where Mrs. + Brewer's hard-working fingers had placed it, on the edge of a + little gaily-lined work table destined to hold Bella Chetwynd's + cotton and needles, and to his astonishment he observed it was in + his wife's handwriting. + </p> + <p> + Ah! written just before she started for the——.He + caught it up and tore it open. The next instant it fluttered from + his hold. + </p> + <p> + For fully ten seconds John Chetwynd sat spell-bound, and then he + broke into a laugh—mirthless, hollow. + </p> + <p> + "And I prayed to my God to send his blessing + on—our—future," he said in a dull, mechanical manner. + "Well, the last act is played out and they may ring the curtain + down. From to-night I believe neither in woman, Heaven, nor hell, + save that which each man makes for himself." + </p> + <p> + Bella had turned her shapely back on the apotheosis of + respectability for a life of excitement and the protection of + another man. Nobody was surprised but John himself. + </p> + <p> + Everybody had predicted it months ago. The only astonishing + feature of the scandal was, that it had not occurred before. + </p> + <p> + The one other thing people found surprising was the callousness + with which the injured husband took it. + </p> + <p> + It had always been believed that what love there was, was on his + side, but now— + </p> + <p> + Well, it is indeed an ill wind that blows us no good. If + notoriety was what John Chetwynd desired, he got it in full + measure, well pressed down and brimming over; his waiting room + was besieged, for many patients flocked there, wide eyed in + scrutiny, martyrs to symptoms discovered or invented for the + occasion. + </p> + <p> + Of course he would divorce her. And he did. + </p> + <p> + In due course he obtained his decree <i>nisi</i>, which later on + was made absolute. + </p> + <p> + Bella's picture no longer stared him in the face from every + hoarding, and the newspaper advertisements knew her no more. She + had gone back to the States, and by-and-by was forgotten on this + side the Atlantic. + </p> + <p> + Now and then he was disagreeably reminded of her existence. + </p> + <p> + Once in the Club a young fellow to whom Chetwynd was personally + unknown stretched himself behind a newspaper and muttered, "Bella + Blackall Wasn't that the name of Dr. Somebody's wife who ran away + with another fellow?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Bella Blackall was my wife," John Chetwynd answered with + unruffled equanimity, picking up the paper which the other had + thrown down. "She used to be rather a clever dancer, too." + </p> + <p> + And he calmly perused the line which included her name among some + well known American stars touring in the provinces. + </p> + <p> + "And he never turned a grizzled hair! I give you my word I felt + more over the thing than he did," remarked Captain Hetherington + afterwards; "without exception the most cold-blooded individual + ever met." + </p> + <p> + But John Chetwynd was far from being this. He had felt his wife's + desertion far too deeply to show his scars, nor was he a man to + wear his heart upon his sleeve; but as time went by and the utter + callousness of Bella's conduct came home to him, he realised to + the full that she was unworthy of a single pang, and he became + reconciled to the inevitable. His profession claimed every spare + moment, and for a man ill at ease there is no specific like hard + work. By-and-by as the years rolled on, another distraction + presented itself. He became interested in one of his patients, + the only daughter of the Duke of Huddersfield, Lady Ethel + Claremont, and this interest blossomed into something stronger + and warmer—something that at last he dignified by the name + of love, though he was by no means without misgivings as to + whether it could ever really lay claim to the title. + </p> + <p> + Certain it was that there was no more of the old exultation about + his heart that had formed so large a part of his former + courtship; there were no extravagances, no quickened + pulses—rapture's warmth had yielded to the mildest of + after-glows; but there was no reason that it should not prove as + satisfactory in the long run. It is an open question whether the + doctor, popular though he undoubtedly was, would have been + considered an eligible suitor from the maternal point of view, + had it not been that just about this time fortune elected to + bestow another favour upon him; his career had reached its apex, + and (again through sheer good luck, as John Chetwynd modestly + declared) he was offered a baronetcy. + </p> + <p> + Now, every man is flattered and gratified that his merits should + be recognised, and Chetwynd was no exception to the general rule, + but there were a good many bitters mingled with the sweets, and + the hidden thorn among the rose-leaves had a nasty trick of + obtruding itself. This step in social advancement materially + helped his cause with Lady Ethel, and the Duchess of Huddersfield + deigned to smile graciously upon her future son-in-law. + </p> + <p> + Ethel Claremont was an excellent girl, precisely the type he + ought to marry. Decorous, with an ease and repose about her + manner that were eminently patrician, she would be even more + admirable as a wife than as a <i>fiancée</i>, but he could have + found it in him to wish that she were just a little less + faultless, a little more "human," he would have said, only that + the word has not a pleasant ring; yet it was not easy to + substitute another unless it were "womanly." + </p> + <p> + "Pshaw!" he cried angrily, "who am I that I should be exacting, + with such a past, such a history? and yet I am ready to quarrel + with perfection, I who can never be grateful enough! A little + wealth and the love of a charming woman—what more can I + possibly desire? It is strange how soon one becomes accustomed to + changes in life, and how quickly an emotion fades into a memory. + If I could but feel as I felt when I was struggling along + battling with the hundred and one difficulties which beset the + path of a poor man, instead of having to remind myself + perpetually what my emotions were then, there would be some + excitement in the contrast. I—I wonder—what she is + doing? Is she alive or is she dead? What does it matter? But at + times the doubt will come whether—no, no; it is + wicked—I was always good to her. I loved her, and she + dishonoured me. The book is closed for ever, and I am weak when I + reopen it." + </p> + <h2 class="chp"> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + Since the thing was to be, there was nothing to be gained by + postponement. So decided the Duchess, and however fond of airing + her own sentiments and securing her own way Lady Ethel might be, + on ordinary occasions, for once she raised no objection. She was + perfectly willing that her marriage with Sir John Chetwynd should + take place at once. Perhaps in her home Lady Ethel was not quite + the plastic lay figure she was wont to appear in public, and the + Duchess had spoken to her most intimate and confidential friends + of the approaching nuptials with almost a sigh of relief, and a + whispered word. + </p> + <p> + "She has indeed been very difficult to manage, and really, though + I am speaking of my own daughter, I never can quite understand + Ethel; she is not like other girls. It will be a huge + responsibility shifted from my shoulders when she is married." + </p> + <p> + And everybody had wondered what the girl had seen in Sir John, + that he should have taken her fancy. To the outside world and to + those who had not come within the immediate charm of his manner + and bearing, it did offer food for speculation, and since his + engagement he had grown greyer and stiffer and more + professionally precise than ever. + </p> + <p> + But he suited Lady Ethel, or she fancied he did; which answered + the purpose quite as well. She had always detested very young + men; she liked a man whom she could look up to and lean upon, and + certainly this she could do with perfect faith as regarded her + <i>fiancé</i>. Now Duchesses are no more exempt from the weary + ills which weak flesh is heir to than their less favoured + brothers and sisters, and in the early summer the Duchess began + to complain of certain aches and pains and to bethink her that + Sir John's advice might be worth following; so she drove over to + Camelot Square and was shown into the waiting room with the rest + of his patients. She had some little time to wait, and while the + Duchess sat tapping her foot impatiently at the delay, Ethel + looked round the spacious apartment and decided on certain + improvements she would effect when she should preside over John's + establishment. + </p> + <p> + And then the door was flung open, and Soames, the eminently + correct footman, ushered them into his master's presence. + </p> + <p> + The Duchess advanced gushing a little. + </p> + <p> + "So good of you to see us so soon! I was positively timid at + coming without an appointment, even with Ethel." + </p> + <p> + "It is you who are good, Duchess, to give me such an unexpected + pleasure." + </p> + <p> + Sir John touched Ethel's cheek lightly with his lips and motioned + his visitors to be seated. + </p> + <p> + "Now is not that a pretty speech from a professional man! Ah, you + lovers, you are all alike, and when you are married—Ah! + then you are all the same." + </p> + <p> + "What an accusation! I hope Ethel does not credit it, or I shall + never be permitted an opportunity of refuting such a calumny." + </p> + <p> + "I know too well how highly Mamma thinks of you, John," said + Ethel, prettily. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I admit it—I do admire you immensely—I admire + your power, your position, your ability to make an income—a + large income, sitting comfortably in an arm chair. And then there + is such solidity in a doctor's profession—people are always + ill." + </p> + <p> + "Mamma is ill herself," broke in Lady Ethel, "and that is why we + have intruded to-day." + </p> + <p> + "I hope it is nothing serious, my dear Duchess." + </p> + <p> + "How sweet of you! Ah, I am a martyr! I have hay fever to such a + distressing extent that I am positively ashamed to go into + society." + </p> + <p> + Her daughter laughed. + </p> + <p> + "We were at the Opera last night, and Mamma's sneezes were most + <i>mal-à-propos.</i> It was very embarrassing." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I am convinced that Romeo glowered at me, and at church on + Sunday it was such a charming sermon, so encouraging and tactful, + I sneezed violently in the man's best moments. At my age I cannot + consent to become a public infliction, yet I feel I am a + nuisance." + </p> + <p> + "Mamma said, as soon as we got home—'I shall go and consult + Sir John,'" cooed Ethel. + </p> + <p> + "And now you can cure me?" The Duchess looked anxiously into the + grave face opposite. + </p> + <p> + "I have not the slightest doubt you will be entirely recovered in + a few days at most," said Sir John reassuringly; "you have caught + a severe cold." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing of the sort, I assure you. I have had colds before, and + I know better." + </p> + <p> + "What, better than your doctor?" The stern face relaxed, and Sir + John laughed. + </p> + <p> + "Well, better than my future son-in-law. Now I beg you not to be + obstinate. Give me something potent—one of those drugs that + work such instantaneous wonders." + </p> + <p> + "I fear they are not in the Pharmacopoeia." + </p> + <p> + "I don't think it is kind of you to discourage me." + </p> + <p> + "But if I make you well in a week, will not that satisfy your + Grace?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall be radiant." + </p> + <p> + "I will write you a prescription." + </p> + <p> + "Thanks! What an invaluable husband you will make with all that + knowledge at your finger ends! I need have no misgivings as to + Ethel's health, and she has always been so subject to chills. The + risk of entrusting one's daughter to an unobservant man is + shocking, but to a physician! To have for one's daily companion a + great and renowned doctor, what an advantage—what a + security!" + </p> + <p> + "Really, mamma, to hear you talk one would suppose that I was an + invalid, and I never remember to have suffered from anything + worse than the measles." + </p> + <p> + "When Ethel comes to me she will be guarded as sacredly as a girl + can be." + </p> + <p> + Sir John smiled kindly at his betrothed. + </p> + <p> + "I have made but a few protestations of what I feel for her; + perhaps I am more reserved than I should be, but I am no longer a + boy. I doubt whether I ever was very romantic, even in my younger + days, but I think that she and I understand each other, and if we + don't tiff and 'make it up,' if we have been engaged three months + and have never had a quarrel, that does not mean that my + affection is not most sincere and deep." + </p> + <p> + "I should hope we like each other too well to quarrel," said Lady + Ethel haughtily. + </p> + <p> + Like! After all, was it love on either side? Sir John asked + himself. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Sir John," broke in the Duchess pompously. "A few words + from such a man as yourself impress me more profoundly than + rhapsodies from another. Ethel, just look out of the window and + see if the carriage is waiting. We are going to take the + Lancaster girls to the Academy, and Payne has driven round to + fetch them while we had our consultation with you." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, mamma, it is there." + </p> + <p> + "I will follow you in a minute, Ethel; say good-bye to + John—," and when the door had closed upon her daughter, she + began hurriedly: + </p> + <p> + "It is hardly the time and place perhaps, but you will pardon + that. I—really, it is very awkward. Can you not help me, + Sir John? The weeks are slipping by, and I should, I confess, + like to make my arrangements for leaving home, but until I know + definitely what yours are—." + </p> + <p> + "Mine?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; yours and Ethel's." + </p> + <p> + A light broke in upon Sir John's somewhat obtuse mind. He had no + desire to expedite matters, but then he was not the principal + person to be consulted, and it certainly was not for him to raise + any objection, so he acted immediately on the hint given him. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Duchess, what can I say? The matter rests entirely in + your hands. Let it be when you please. In another month I shall + be comparatively free, and we can visit Switzerland if Ethel + wishes." + </p> + <p> + The Duchess smiled. "That you must arrange with Ethel herself, + and perhaps you had better broach the subject yourself to her. + Girls are apt to be a little curious on these points." + </p> + <p> + "Then I will ask her to fix the day for our marriage." He bowed + with old-fashioned gallantry over the pearl-grey suede, held out + in farewell, and the Duchess rustled away with Soames, the + deferential, in close attendance. + </p> + <p> + Soames did not like the idea of a mistress, but these "accidents" + he was well aware, would happen in the best regulated families, + so he was now bent on making friends with the Mammon of + Unrighteousness in the shape of the Duchess of Huddersfield and + the bride elect. + </p> + <p> + Left alone, Sir John stood upright, his hand on the back of his + chair and his brows tightly drawn together. + </p> + <p> + Well, why not? What possible excuse could he make to his own + heart for the delay? + </p> + <p> + None, none. And yet he felt a good deal as if a thunderbolt had + fallen from the skies at his feet, and it was more or less of a + shock to him. + </p> + <p> + Presently he rang his bell. + </p> + <p> + "Who comes next, Soames?" + </p> + <p> + "Lady Rutherven, Sir John, but—but a lady who has no + appointment has been waiting for more than an hour, and I thought + perhaps you would see her first. She seems very ill." + </p> + <p> + "Show her in!" + </p> + <p> + A second later the door swung open again and Soames announced: + </p> + <p> + "Miss Blackall!" + </p> + <p> + Sir John started, but recovered himself in the next instant. + </p> + <p> + "Take a seat, madam." + </p> + <p> + He waved her to a chair and for several minutes they looked at + each other without speaking. The woman was the first to break the + silence. + </p> + <p> + "I have come back," she said with a nervous laugh. "I am ill; I + thought you might try to cure me." + </p> + <p> + She had seated herself, but he remained standing. + </p> + <p> + What a handsome woman she had become, he was thinking, and how + expensively dressed! There was something strange in the very + familiarity of the countenance presented to him. It had altered + much from what he remembered it, but curiously enough he + remembered it the more vividly because of that very alteration. + </p> + <p> + "What is your trouble?" he asked huskily—"Why have you + consulted—me?" + </p> + <p> + "It is my lungs. I don't know—let us call it a whim. I + thought you would do me good if anyone could." She paused a + second: "You used to be my husband once." + </p> + <p> + "Once! Well, I am willing to be your doctor." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you would do your best for a dog if it were dying, + wouldn't you? though you might not care if it recovered." + </p> + <p> + "I have a very faithful dog," he said significantly. + </p> + <p> + Bella winced. + </p> + <p> + "Dogs ask so little for their love. Oh, I didn't come here + without a struggle. And I knew you would speak like this. But I + have been abroad so long, and on the voyage home I got worse, and + women—women of your sort who had taken no notice of me, + suddenly grew kind. I said to myself, 'Bella, it looks bad for + you when ladies forget how common you are,' and then the thought + struck me, London meant you! As a patient I might come to your + house and be let in. You are clever and you are great; if I had + any self-respect I could not ask you; but I have not, you know; I + never had any and'—and—I am—frightened! It + keeps me awake at nights, the fear. I—I am not going + to—die?" + </p> + <p> + "I have said I will do what I can for you." + </p> + <p> + "You will sound me?" + </p> + <p> + "Loosen your dress." + </p> + <p> + As he bent over her she raised her hand as if to smoothe his + hair, and the colour came into her face, but she did not touch + him. + </p> + <p> + Her fingers, from which she had drawn her gloves, were laden with + rings—rings which he had not given her. His breath came a + little faster as he stooped over her neck. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be scared to tell me the truth," she said; "I guess I'm + pretty bad. You need not take the trouble to lie about it." + </p> + <p> + He examined her thoroughly and replaced the stethoscope before he + spoke. + </p> + <p> + "Your lungs are not right. They used to be." + </p> + <p> + "Oh," she replied bitterly, "I used to be. I have come too + late—is that what you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "I mean that you must exercise great care and avoid excitement. + Don't brood—don't worry yourself by misgivings, which will + only do you harm. Go away from England when the summer is over; + go where the sun shines and the air is mild. Lead a life of ease + and indolence. I can say no more." + </p> + <p> + "And then?" + </p> + <p> + "And then I see no reason why you should not live for years to + come." + </p> + <p> + Bella flung her hands out with a sort of despair. + </p> + <p> + "Your prescription is impossible," she said dully. + </p> + <p> + "Impossible?" + </p> + <p> + "I have only just come over from the States. I have an engagement + at the Empire for six months. I have got to stay." + </p> + <p> + "You will be very unwise. The laws of health demand that you + should cancel any such contract." + </p> + <p> + "Beggars can't be choosers. I must sing to live. It is my trade + now." + </p> + <p> + He sighed. "You do not look as if you were in pecuniary + difficulties." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I make money easily enough, but it melts like ice cream; + everything is so beastly dear." + </p> + <p> + "Are you not with—him?" + </p> + <p> + "Him? Oh no; he left me years ago. I am alone—very much + alone. It seems sometimes as if I had spent the best part of my + life alone. I am so dull I—I wonder why I dread to die. + There! I can follow your advice so far as this; I'll take the + greatest care of myself—in London. I am glad I came to you, + though it does not seem to have delighted you much. I suppose + if—if I had run straight and stayed with you, I might have + been quite well, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "That is difficult to say. Bella, have you—it is a foolish + question, but—have you ever regretted?" + </p> + <p> + She laughed recklessly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, as to that—what is the good of looking back, anyhow? I + have and I haven't—when I have been sick it has been awful + lonesome. You didn't grieve much, that's certain. And you got + your title soon after I went. It was lucky for you. Scot! I + should have been Lady Chetwynd if I had stopped with you, + wouldn't I?" + </p> + <p> + "You would have been an honest woman." + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" She rose from her chair and looked curiously round the + room. "I remember those bronzes," she said; "they used to hang in + your little library in the old house. You are a good deal changed + in the face; your manner is just the same. You were always a good + fellow, I will say that. I know it better than I used to now I + have had so—since I have been—" + </p> + <p> + "Hush—the past is dead. I was not so patient and tender + with you as I should have been." + </p> + <p> + "You saw that—you had made a mistake, but you tried to hide + how sorry you were—I know you did that and I—well, I + didn't marry you to make you sorry. Do you know how we + lived—he and I, when I left you? He took me to Paris; and + didn't we make the dollars spin, the pair of us—rather; and + then one fine morning we heard a beastly bank had gone smash and + he had lost pretty well all he had got." + </p> + <p> + "And you left him?" + </p> + <p> + A smile curled the corners of her mouth. + </p> + <p> + "No," she said, slowly; "I didn't. We took two little rooms over + a baker's shop in the High Street, Islington, and I stuck to him. + I used to go out in an evening and do the marketing with a hand + basket, to get it cheap. When we wanted a change we would take a + bus to the Park and look at the swells across the railings; and + sometimes Saidie gave us tickets for the theatres. Seems odd, + don't it? but it's a fact. I was livelier then than ever I've + been in my life. While he was fond of me—he showed me he + was fond of me, you see." + </p> + <p> + "You were capable of love, then, after all?" he said bitterly. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know. I loved the freedom I think, anyway, and perhaps I + took him with it. I don't know! what does it matter? It was a + release for you and you are glad that it happened, eh? now that + the shame of it is forgotten? We were never suited to each other, + were we?" + </p> + <p> + "Why speak of what is past?" + </p> + <p> + "You see, if I had remained with you I should have been no + happier," said Bella, reflectively; "you expected too much from + me." + </p> + <p> + "I did my best to make you happy." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, perhaps! then if I had been more grateful and different, + would you be glad if I was with you still?" + </p> + <p> + "I cannot answer that question. I loved you—I had no + thought for any human being outside yourself." + </p> + <p> + "But now," she persisted, "now that the wound is old, do you not + say to yourself, 'it was better so'? Suppose that you and I were + still what we were once to each other, would you be happy to know + that I was your wife to-day?" + </p> + <p> + "I beg you to be silent. It is impossible that we can discuss + such a question." + </p> + <p> + She came close to his chair. + </p> + <p> + "I am," she said with a sort of feverish eagerness, "no more of a + lady now than I was then. I am just what I used to be when I made + you ashamed of my ignorance and my mistakes. But if I were pure, + if I had never been divorced, if I were standing here your + faithful wife, would you be glad?" + </p> + <p> + "Hush! You are paining yourself and me." + </p> + <p> + "Jack!" + </p> + <p> + "For God's sake be still!" + </p> + <p> + She fell on her knees beside him. + </p> + <p> + "Jack, say you would be glad." + </p> + <p> + "If you had never left me, if you had remained my faithful wife, + heaven knows that I should be a happier man!" + </p> + <p> + Bella burst into tears and sobbed convulsively, then pressed her + handkerchief to her mouth. It was bright with blood when she + withdrew it. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, be careful of yourself," said John Chetwynd, terribly moved; + "you must do what I advise." + </p> + <p> + "I'll try. I wonder why you should care one way or the other. It + is more than I deserve—you make me so sorry and ashamed. I + shall never see you any more, shall I?" + </p> + <p> + "I cannot." + </p> + <p> + "No; I understand, I ought not to ask you. Well, good-bye. There + is my address if you should take a notion to come. It is only a + six months' engagement over here, and if I'm not long for this + wicked world, I may not live to finish it. Keep my card. If one + day you should feel that you could come—just once. You + don't hate me?" + </p> + <p> + "Hate you? No." + </p> + <p> + "I dare not ask you to forgive; but I begin to know and feel what + my action towards you really meant. Jack, see I am on my knees. + Forgive me!" + </p> + <p> + "I do. I forgive. If I was hard to you; if, as you say, I + expected and exacted too much from you, may God forgive me." + </p> + <p> + The tears were still raining down Bella's cheeks. + </p> + <p> + "Kiss me, Jack." + </p> + <p> + He shrank back. "You must not ask me that. I cannot." + </p> + <p> + "Is it that you despise me so utterly?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no; you don't understand. I—" + </p> + <p> + "Kiss me." + </p> + <p> + "Why do you make me speak? I am going to be married again. I + kissed her—a young girl—in this room half an hour + ago. I could not outrage her trust in me." + </p> + <p> + A sort of stung expression came into the face of the kneeling + woman and she staggered to her feet. + </p> + <p> + "You are going to take another wife! My God! I never + thought—I never dreamt. It seemed + so—so—impossible. I hope she will make you happier + than I did." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, hush, hush!" + </p> + <p> + "She is one of your own class—a lady? What is her name?" + </p> + <p> + "I would rather not mention it. Give me your hand and let us part + in peace." + </p> + <p> + "Tell it me," she pleaded. "What name do you call her by?" + </p> + <p> + "Ethel." + </p> + <p> + "Ethel and Bella. Ah, Ethel is far the nicer name. We didn't + think once that you would ever be telling me you were going to be + married to someone else, did we? It feels queer, and it hurts + me—a little, I think. Good-bye, Jack. I see now why you + could not kiss me—it would not be right of you. She is a + young girl and she might find it hard to forgive you if she knew. + I am going. You used to have a bell on your table, I recollect, + with a little white knob that you pressed when Mary was to go to + the hall door. Do you use it still? Oh, I see. Let me press it + instead of you, may I? I sha'n't feel so much as if you were + turning me out. Good-bye." She said the word lingeringly, + tenderly. "Say 'Bella' once again, for the sake of old times." + </p> + <p> + Jack Chetwynd took the slender trembling hand in his with God + knows what of anguish and pity stirring at his heart. + </p> + <p> + "Good-bye—Bella." + </p> + <p> + And the door fell to. + </p> + <p> + She was gone. + </p> + <p> + He could hear her hollow cough as she passed down the tesselated + corridor. + </p> + <h2 class="chp"> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + It was two days later. Sir John Chetwynd sat in his big easy + chair with an open letter before him. "We are surprised to have + seen and heard nothing of you," wrote the Duchess; "more + especially as after the few words we had in private upon a + certain important matter, I fully anticipated an early visit from + you. But such a busy man as yourself and one so much in request, + both socially and professionally, must not be judged by the rules + which govern the common herd, I suppose; at the same time + (although I assure you she has not said a word upon the subject) + I can say that dear Ethel feels herself a wee bit neglected. You + must have been <i>professionally</i> engaged last night, I + presume, since we were obliged to dine without you and go to see + Sarah Bernhardt alone." + </p> + <p> + He had spent the whole evening in his consulting rooms, totally + forgetting his promise to escort his <i>fiancée</i> and her + mother to the theatre. + </p> + <p> + Well, he would see them both on the morrow and make his peace, + and then—he dropped his head on his hands and fairly + groaned. It was useless to argue with himself, to bring + commonsense to bear upon the point, to count up the advantages to + be derived from this union with Lady Ethel; look at it which way + he would, the fact remained the same, that he had no longer the + remotest desire to marry again. + </p> + <p> + The knowledge had certainly come tardily, but not the less + surely. + </p> + <p> + He did not, he told himself, love Lady Ethel as a man should love + the wife of his bosom. Middle-aged, worn, and unemotional though + he might be, he knew that he was yet capable of a much deeper + feeling than she had evoked and he had wakened to a realisation + of this since he had again seen Bella. + </p> + <p> + He was no fool; he was, on the contrary, a shrewd, clever, + quick-witted man of the world and it was impossible to shut his + eyes to the trouble. He thought of Bella as she was when he had + first married her; he recalled their courtship, her pretty half + shy, half tender ways—the girlish prettiness which time had + turned into shame. + </p> + <p> + She had left a scrap of lace on his table for her throat or her + veil—Heaven knew what—and his eyes grew blurred and + dim as he gazed at it. He repeated mentally phrases which had + fallen from her, piecing them together and trying to weave the + pattern of her life out of the fragments. + </p> + <p> + She had changed pathetically. She had acquired the manner that + her sister used to have, and which he had so strenuously objected + to—the slangy, devil-may-care tone, the total absence of + which in the old days had made his little sweetheart so + conspicuously different from her environment. She wore now the + impress of evil, from her Regent Street hat to her Paris gown. + Manifestly she had risen in her vocation, but he knew that her + salary alone had never supplied the costume or the rings, and his + heart ached. + </p> + <p> + That night he sat at the Duchess of Huddersfield's table facing + his <i>fiancée</i>, and for the first time he wondered if + sang-froid or perfect equanimity were all that a man such as + himself might desire. She was, as Bella had put it, "One of his + own class—a lady," which she had never been, poor Bella! + but he did wonder just a little how much of real heart beat under + the dainty laces that shrouded Lady Ethel's bosom. He had + reflected once and not so long ago that that portion of a woman's + anatomy was superfluous, but he wavered in his belief now. He + could stake his professional honour, his hopes of + eternity—of—everything—on the absolute purity + of this girl; nothing would ever tempt Lady Ethel to swerve ever + so little from the path of rectitude and decorum. The cold, proud + patrician face spoke for itself, and yet—he was in a brown + study when the voice of his prospective mother-in-law brought him + out of the clouds. + </p> + <p> + "And now," she said in a significant tone and with a glance full + of meaning, "now I suppose you young people have lots to talk + about, and will forgive me if I run away." + </p> + <p> + And the silken draperies swept themselves across the floor and + the door closed softly upon her Grace. + </p> + <p> + Ethel lay back in a low, lounging chair with a big ostrich + feather fan in her hand, and she looked up expectantly into her + lover's face. There was nothing else for it, and he took the + plunge valiantly—and with precisely the correct amount of + maidenly hesitancy, Lady Ethel named a day for their marriage. + And then—somehow there seemed nothing more to be said; each + sat silent. + </p> + <p> + Sir John felt rather than saw his companion yawn behind her fan, + and realised desperately that he must break the silence. + </p> + <p> + "Ethel," he said gently; "I am old compared with yourself, and + grave and sad even beyond my years; are you sure I can make your + future happy?" + </p> + <p> + She looked at him with a good deal of surprise, and a frown + puckered her smooth brow. + </p> + <p> + "Why not? Why should we wish for rhapsodies and commonplace + love-making? We can leave all that to the Chloes and Daphnes of a + by-gone age. It would be boring to the last degree. One must take + pleasure just as much as sorrow, with a certain amount of + equanimity. If there is one thing more than another that I hate, + it is to be ruffled. Emotion of any sort ages a girl so + terribly." + </p> + <p> + The sword would never wear out the scabbard so far as Lady Ethel + was concerned! He doubted if she were capable of any great depth + of feeling. But he did not say now as he would have done a week + ago—"So much the better;" he no longer felt that it was + altogether desirable. + </p> + <p> + He looked at her more scrutinisingly than he had ever done + before, and for the first time he told himself that the + beautifully moulded mouth was hard and unloving, and that the + chin spoke of self-will and an amount of resolution unusual in + such a young girl. + </p> + <p> + He hastened to change the subject. + </p> + <p> + "You would like to visit Switzerland or Italy?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "No; I don't care for scenery much, or nature! I like human + nature best; it is much more interesting, I consider. I should + prefer Paris or Vienna." + </p> + <p> + "Then Paris or Vienna let it be, by all means," he hastened to + reply, and Lady Ethel smiled, well pleased. + </p> + <p> + "Mamma," said Sir John's <i>fiancée</i> an hour or two later, + when mother and daughter were alone. "Do you know who Mrs. + Chetwynd was?" + </p> + <p> + "My dear Ethel, it is much better that subject should not be + discussed." + </p> + <p> + "I don't agree with you. Since I am going to marry John it can + only be right and proper that I should be made aware of every + detail connected with his former marriage." + </p> + <p> + When Lady Ethel adopted that tone, her mother knew by past + experience that it was a saving of time and temper to yield. + </p> + <p> + "I only know that she was beneath him in position—a dancer, + I believe, and she ran away with someone else. Really + providential, I consider; it must have been a happy release for + poor Sir John." + </p> + <p> + "He was plain Mr. Chetwynd." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; but already very popular. It was exceedingly fortunate that + he did not get his baronetcy earlier, for had he done so, she + would probably have refused to be faithless." + </p> + <p> + "I wonder if he felt her desertion much?" + </p> + <p> + "The world says not; they had lived unhappily for some time + before, and the general impression was that he did not care in + the least." + </p> + <p> + "But you spoke of her to him when he asked your consent to our + marriage?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Ethel, I did; I referred to it as delicately as possible, + of course. I believe I said, 'your early misfortune,' or + something to that effect." + </p> + <p> + "And what did he say?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, he spoke very nicely; he said he was aware that it added + to the disparity between a man in his position and my daughter." + </p> + <p> + "And you?" + </p> + <p> + "I believe I replied that because a bad woman had caused him + misery and suffering in the past, it was no reason why he should + not win and hold the love of a good girl, and that because of the + sorrow he had endured, I felt the more assured in trusting my + child's happiness into his keeping." + </p> + <p> + "That was sweet of you, mother; but did it not occur to you that + there was just—a little risk?" + </p> + <p> + "How?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't think that John is a man who would forget easily." + </p> + <p> + "Good Heavens, child! what do you mean? you cannot doubt the + sincerity of his protestations of affection for you, surely?" + </p> + <p> + Her daughter laughed. + </p> + <p> + "I certainly do not wish him to be more demonstrative, mother + dear; love-making is the most boring process imaginable; but + still, I should prefer, I must confess, that there was no + under-current of feeling for wife number one." + </p> + <p> + "You amaze me, Ethel, by suggesting such a horrible idea. The + woman may be dead for anything I know; at all events, she left + England before he obtained his divorce, and no one has heard + anything of her since. It is extremely improbable that she will + ever return to this country." + </p> + <p> + But in this, as we know, the Duchess was in grave error. + </p> + <p> + At that very moment Bella was sitting by the open piano in her + cosy apartments in a street off the Strand, idly striking a note + here and there and humming the air of a new song; but her cough, + which was incessant, made singing almost out of the question. + </p> + <p> + "I believe I'm getting worse," she cried, rising and flinging + herself on the sofa, "I'm sure I was not so bad as this three + months ago—not so bad when—he never came. Ah! why + should he? How could I expect it? Perhaps to-day may have been + his wedding day! Come in." + </p> + <p> + The door opened noisily, and Saidie Blackall, very much + over-dressed and distinctly rouged and made up, entered, followed + by Mr. and Mrs. Doss, looking precisely the same as on that + memorable night when they had been the innocent cause of so much + trouble to Bella's husband. The old music-hall singer and his + wife had lost no time in looking her up when she returned from + the States, and were really well-meaning, kindly folk. + </p> + <p> + "Hallo, Bella, you look done up!" + </p> + <p> + "I am," admitted the girl wearily. "It was as much as I could do + to pull through to-night, and I have got a beastly new song to + tackle." + </p> + <p> + "I don't like your cough, my dear," said Mrs. Doss, looking + distressed; "it shakes you to bits." + </p> + <p> + "I've got a little more cold, I fancy; but I'll be all right in a + day or two." + </p> + <p> + "You're not looking the thing—I saw you from the front + to-night—and—well, I guess it was a bit of a heffort + to sing at all, eh?" + </p> + <p> + Bella turned quickly and looked sharply into Mr. Doss's face. + </p> + <p> + "If you have got anything disagreeable to say, don't be afraid, + out with it. I suppose you have jumped to the notion that I'm + dying?" + </p> + <p> + She tried to laugh, but it was a piteous attempt, and ended in a + fit of coughing which left her white and trembling in every limb. + </p> + <p> + "There, there!" cried Mrs. Doss, compassionately; "you must not + excite yourself; we will do the talking, and you keep quiet." + </p> + <p> + Bella lay back on her cushions, weak and exhausted, and when the + Dosses at length went away she gave a sigh of relief. + </p> + <p> + "What did they come for to-night?" she said thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Bella, Doss had heard a bit of bad news and thought it as + well to put you on your guard; but finding you like this put it + out of his head, I suppose." + </p> + <p> + "Bad news? What do you mean? He's not married, is he?" + </p> + <p> + Saidie stared at her. + </p> + <p> + "Not that I know of—why, he would have you to-morrow; you + know that as well as I do! you are treating him in a rough way; + there's no mistake about it." + </p> + <p> + Bella fell back again relievedly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you're talking about Charlie, are you?" she said. + </p> + <p> + "Who should I be talking about? There isn't no one else as wants + to make an honest woman of you, is there?" + </p> + <p> + The shaft fell short of its mark. Bella did not even wince. + </p> + <p> + "Well, it strikes me, my girl, you'll have to fall in with his + views," Saidie continued presently; "for if what has come to + Doss's ears is true, you'll be out of a berth before you can say + Christopher Columbus." + </p> + <p> + "What on earth do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "The management are getting dissatisfied, and we know what that + means." + </p> + <p> + The pale face flushed poppy red. + </p> + <p> + "They can't help themselves," she said eagerly. "I have a + contract for six months. They cannot cancel it, you must know + they can't, and it's not very likely I shall allow myself to be + played fast and loose with as the fancy takes them." + </p> + <p> + "But if you're not able to fulfil your share of the + contract—" + </p> + <p> + "Who says I am not?" cried Bella fiercely. "Old Robertson is a + fool, and if he thinks I'm going to put up with any hanky-panky, + he's jolly well mistaken. Let him try it on, that's all! I should + immediately take steps to enforce my rights, the law is on my + side, that's clear enough." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know! You heard what Doss said—about how you + looked from the front; and others have got their eyesight as well + as him, and can see you are not well and not—" + </p> + <p> + "Not fit to sing—that's what you are driving at?" + </p> + <p> + Saidie was silent. + </p> + <p> + "I tell you I will sing. Nothing and no one shall stop me. I + shall just defy them all, and go on, and there's no law in + England to stop me." + </p> + <p> + "If you are not a goose, Bella, I never saw one! What in all the + world keeps you on the boards, I cannot see. Here's a man come + over from N'York with the intention of marrying you; a man who is + earning his hundred dollars a week, and you turn up your nose at + him. I can't understand you. You seemed proud enough of him a + week or two back; but now all on a sudden, for no earthly reason, + you show him the cold shoulder." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose I can please myself," answered Bella, and her lip + quivered, and the tears began to roll down her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + "I wish to God I had never left—Jack," she said weakly. + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Saidie gave her what she was pleased to call a "piece + of her mind" as to the insane folly of any such speech, the + result of which was that Bella wept and coughed herself into a + state of collapse, and had to be carried off to bed. + </p> + <p> + Things did not mend. Bella persisted, ill though she was, in + appearing night after night in public until at length what Saidie + had predicted came to pass, and she received a formal notice + cancelling her engagement at the Empire on the ground of the + extreme delicacy of her health. + </p> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Doss happened to be with her at the time she + received the notice, and Bella partially appealed to them. + </p> + <p> + "You will help me, won't you? You won't allow them to impose upon + me so shamefully. They have no right to do it. It's + infamous—'annul my engagement' indeed! They shall find out + who they are dealing with. It would be ruin for me, it would + simply spoil my career. I shall go down at once and see + Robertson. It's a likely thing that I'm going to sit down calmly + and quietly and accept my dismissal. Not if I know it. I'll give + Robertson beans." + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't do it if I were you," said Mrs. Doss quietly. + </p> + <p> + "Not do it; what do you mean? You must be dreaming. It is the + only thing to be done." + </p> + <p> + And now Mr. Doss, obeying a pathetic glance of his better half, + put in his oar. + </p> + <p> + "Be a bit patient; wait and see how things turn out; don't do + anything in a 'urry—that's our advice—the old gal's + and mine." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, take things heasy, I say," chimed in the "Rabbit Queen." + </p> + <p> + "I don't see what there is to wait for. Show me what is to be + gained by waiting, and I will consider it." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Bella; Doss here will tell you what we was thinking of; he + puts things clear like." + </p> + <p> + "What was in our mind was to talk the thing over first. Allus + talk the matter well over, was my motto as a boy. It saves a peck + o' bother and a deal o' doing. Don't flare out about it, but take + it gently and conversational." + </p> + <p> + "Fussing over things won't make you no better," echoed Mrs. Doss. + "Lor', bless me, didn't I have a sister what killed herself + fussing! Fussed herself into the grave, she did! And might have + been here, leastways in Camberwell—alive and hearty at this + minute." + </p> + <p> + "The question is—am I too ill to fulfil my engagement? and + I say 'no,'" cried Bella, angrily. + </p> + <p> + "And me, the missis and me—we says, certainly you are, and + so heverybody says. You want a thorough rest, and then you will + pick up again." + </p> + <p> + "That may be your opinion; it is not mine! you may talk till + doomsday; you won't convince me. I may surely be allowed to be + the best judge of my own state of health. I shall not wait a + day—not an hour. I'm going at once down to Robertson to + have the matter out with him." + </p> + <p> + The distressed pair exchanged glances, and then Mrs. Doss said in + a coaxing way, "If you must go, you will let me come with you, my + dear." + </p> + <p> + Bella hesitated. + </p> + <p> + "If you're on my side and mean to stick up for me, all right; but + if you're going to hum and haw and look grave, and take the part + of the management, you had best stay away." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Doss tucked Bella's arm within her own and trotted upstairs + to the bedroom, where Bella arrayed herself in total silence, and + her friend, beyond a vigorous sigh or two, was mute also. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Robertson was disengaged, and the ladies were at once ushered + into his presence. + </p> + <p> + "Now then," began Bella, dashing into her subject, "I have come + to know what all this means. You cannot dismiss me at a moment's + notice, and you know it just as well as I do. Ain't you satisfied + with me?" + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly. It is no question of that sort—but in your + present state of health you are not up to your work, and there + was no other alternative." + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" said Bella disagreeably, "does anybody else say I am not up + to work except you?" + </p> + <p> + "My dear Miss Blackall, I regret that this has been necessary. I + am exceedingly sorry that we brought you over from America and + then are compelled to terminate your engagement so soon, but in + your present condition—" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Robertson flung out his hands with an eloquent gesture. + </p> + <p> + "Well, look here; I'll give up my dance—that does shake me + a bit, I'll grant; but you must let me sing the new + song—you really must; I'm a nailer at it and I'll wrap up! + My cough will soon go: give me another chance!" + </p> + <p> + Her cheeks were flushed with excitement and her eyes were + sparkling—she really did not look so very ill this morning; + perhaps after all, things had been exaggerated. Mr. Robertson + wavered. Bella was quick to see her advantage and to press it. + </p> + <p> + "Withdraw your notice," she said, "and let me come on for one + song only for a week or two." + </p> + <p> + "It would really be better, I think, if you were to have an + entire rest for a month or so." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, for someone else to step into my shoes! Thank you for + nothing." + </p> + <p> + "I will pay you a fortnight's salary in lieu of longer notice; + and if you are desirous of returning to your friends in the + States, perhaps something might be arranged." + </p> + <p> + "I have no friends here or there," said Bella simply; "my + profession is all I have." + </p> + <p> + "Well, well, we'll give it a week's trial. If at the end of that + time you are sufficiently recovered to do your work properly, + well and good; but if not, you must really consider your + engagement at an end." + </p> + <p> + All this time Mrs. Doss had said nothing. Bella had talked so + volubly and so fast, there had really been no chance of getting + in a word; and when the manager rose to his feet to intimate that + the interview was at an end, there was nothing to be done but to + follow Bella out into the street. + </p> + <p> + "There!" she cried triumphantly, "I told you I would bring him to + his senses. You saw how soon he caved in. It is not a question of + my health at all; you may bet your bottom dollar I have an enemy, + but I flatter myself I've routed him." + </p> + <p> + Her breath was coming in gasps and she spoke with difficulty. Now + that the excitement was over and the necessity for bearing up at + an end, there came the reaction. + </p> + <p> + "I think I had better go home and lie down," she said, "or I + shall not be at my post to-night, and I must, you know, I must." + </p> + <p> + "Poor child, I could fairly have cried," said kindly Mrs. Doss to + her spouse after Bella had been safely escorted home. + </p> + <p> + "I'm not satisfied with you, old girl," said Mr. Doss, shaking + his head mournfully. "I can't 'elp thinking you might ha' managed + things better. If Bella Blackall goes on a singing at the + Hempire, you mark my words, she'll sing herself into 'eaven." + </p> + <h2 class="chp"> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + A week went by slowly: the hours crept like snails, and yet the + days were surely slipping away, bringing nearer and nearer the + one which was to give Sir John Chetwynd his second wife. + </p> + <p> + He had hardly seen Lady Ethel since the evening when she had + yielded a coy assent to his not (it must be confessed) very + amorous request that she would fix an early day for their + nuptials, and his state of mind was anything but an enviable one. + If ever a man was torn two ways, halting between prudence and + worldly consideration on one side and the force and power of a + love which he had honestly believed was laid for ever in its + grave, that man was Sir John. The idea of seeing Bella again did + not occur to him for some days, but when it fastened on him he + could not shake it off. It was stronger than himself. He excused + his temptation by the condition of her health, though in his + heart of hearts he knew well enough that this was not + sufficiently critical to serve for a reason. + </p> + <p> + Twice he seized his hat with the intention of going to her, then + laid it aside, angry and disgusted with his own weakness. + </p> + <p> + His profession no longer occupied his thoughts to the exclusion + of every other topic. He sat for hours buried in the newly + awakened memories that that one brief glimpse of her had conjured + up, unable, unwilling to rouse himself. + </p> + <p> + And then he made a compromise with his own weakness and + irresolution. He would not go to Cecil Street, since by so doing + he would be offering a tacit insult to the woman he had pledged + himself to marry, but he would, he must see Bella, himself unseen + and his presence unsuspected, and this he could effect easily by + going to the Empire. + </p> + <p> + The notion pleased him, and that self-same evening he carried it + out. + </p> + <p> + Bella was worse. She could no longer deceive herself. It was only + by a superhuman effort that she could pull herself together + sufficiently to sing the one song which was all her part + consisted of now. + </p> + <p> + After she had got into her pretty sea-green skirts of lace and + tulle and shimmering silk, like so much sea foam, she had to lie + still and, let the poor over-strained lungs and heart recover + themselves, and then, when the summons came she called up a smile + to her wan face and pluckily did her best. + </p> + <p> + But that night she looked up at Saidie after the last ribbon was + in its place. + </p> + <p> + "I'll have to throw up the sponge, after all," she said wearily; + "it is beyond me. They are right and I was wrong,—I must + have a rest." + </p> + <p> + Saidie muttered something in reply, but when the door closed upon + her sister, she sighed. + </p> + <p> + "She <i>is</i> bad; there is no denying it," remarked the + dresser, who was busily stroking out the roses which were to + garland Saidie's dress. "It gives me a turn every time I see her + go on the stage." + </p> + <p> + "She looks worse than she really is," returned Saidie; "sometimes + she is as brisk and lively as you like—she so soon gets + tired." + </p> + <p> + "She is a tidy sight worse than 'tired,' and it strikes me her + voice was weak like to-night. Did you notice it, Miss?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, she varies so. I guess she would be as right as any of us + the moment she was on the boards." + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, although she was not going to confess it, Saidie + was troubled and uneasy. There was something in Bella's face she + had not seen before, and it frightened her—a little. She + stood at the wings with a quick-beating heart, but the next + moment laughed at her own fears. + </p> + <p> + Bella was singing her very best. Not a falter in the clear, + bell-like tones, and her face was smiling and radiant. + </p> + <p> + And then—her eyes fastened themselves on a box in the grand + tier; with a scared expression she shrank back a little, and her + lip quivered, but with a mighty effort she controlled herself and + caught up the refrain again—carolled a word or two, + faltered, swayed helplessly, uncertainly forward, and fell + headlong on the stage. + </p> + <p> + They were round her in a second, lifting her gently and tenderly. + Her head had fallen back and a thin stream of blood was welling + over the laces at her bosom. + </p> + <p> + "She is dead!" cried Saidie. "Oh, will someone fetch a doctor, + quick!" + </p> + <p> + But almost before the words were spoken he was there, and when + Bella opened her eyes they fell on the grave, anxious, kindly + face of the man whose wife she had been. + </p> + <p> + "Jack! Jack! is this—the end?" + </p> + <p> + "Hush—no—no! Keep still—perfectly + still—you must not move." + </p> + <p> + "I am not—in pain—a little dizzy—nothing more, + and my head feels light." + </p> + <p> + "Drink this and don't talk. As soon as you are a little recovered + we will go home." + </p> + <p> + "Home! Jack!" + </p> + <p> + Oh, the wistful look in the deep blue eyes—the prophetic + droop about the perfect mouth! It was almost more than he could + bear. + </p> + <p> + "I will go with you myself if you will do what I tell you, keep + absolutely quiet—your life depends upon it." + </p> + <p> + She looked up tremulously. + </p> + <p> + "I don't care—a—cent <i>now</i>," she whispered. + </p> + <p> + She bore the journey to Cecil Street better than they could hope, + and the bleeding from the lungs had ceased. + </p> + <p> + Downstairs Saidie expressed a wish to remain all night with her + sister. + </p> + <p> + "She ought not to be left," she said. + </p> + <p> + "Most decidedly she must not be left," replied Sir John—"I + intend remaining with your sister." + </p> + <p> + "You! Well, this beats all, upon my word!" + </p> + <p> + So great was Miss Blackall's surprise that when she found herself + ousted from the position of head nurse and the door + metaphorically closed upon her, she had not a word to say, but + called a hansom and had herself driven to Bayswater, where she + had been living since her mother's death, now nearly a year ago. + </p> + <p> + "And I used to think he didn't amount to a row of pins," she + murmured with an odd sort of penitence. "Well, I guess I was + wrong, that's all." + </p> + <p> + Through the long hours of that never-ending night John Chetwynd + watched by Bella's bedside. For the most part, she lay mute and + inert, but towards morning she grew restless. + </p> + <p> + "I must talk," she cried excitedly—"to see you sit there + and to think—to remember—oh! if only I had run + straight, Jack—I don't think I was meant for this, do you?" + </p> + <p> + He had no words with which to answer her. He folded his arms + across his chest and looked out vaguely into the slant of room + beyond. The folding doors were open and on the sideboard he could + see a basket full of peaches, at this season an extravagance + denied his own table. On the mantelshelf to his right hand were + some exquisite hot-house flowers, carelessly crushed into a + cracked, cheap little vase, and a penny packet of stationery and + a powder puff in a sprinkling of chalk. + </p> + <p> + She stretched out her arms so that her fingers touched him, and + he held them tightly in his own—rings and all. + </p> + <p> + She was never meant for the life she had chosen! + </p> + <p> + His heart felt breaking. + </p> + <p> + The delicate features, the sweet, wistful, childish face, the + pathos in her regretful cry—the past with its load of gall + and shame and misery—which could never be obliterated. + Never! + </p> + <p> + "Why do you look at me like that? I am better. I know I am + better. I thought—I feared—I was going to die; if I + had there was no one to care but—Saidie." + </p> + <p> + "Do you not think what it would mean to—me?" + </p> + <p> + The words broke from him against his will. + </p> + <p> + "To—you, Jack! then you care—still!" + </p> + <p> + "Care!" + </p> + <p> + He drew his hand away and walked over to the window. The morning + was breaking: morning in the Strand; and already there was a busy + hum without. + </p> + <p> + Her eyes followed him wistfully, with a little wonderment in + them—and then the lids fell over them. + </p> + <p> + "I feel strangely weak—but—so—happy, Jack," she + said. Her breath came more easily and she slept. + </p> + <p> + Sir John Chetwynd was in his accustomed place at the accustomed + hour, grave, attentive and professional as was his wont; but + after his consulting hours were over, he went back to Cecil + Street, leaving word with Soames where he was to be found, if + wanted, prepared for another night's vigil. + </p> + <p> + "She seems neither better nor worse," said Saidie, meeting him in + the little sitting-room and carefully pulling to the door behind + her. "She is very, very weak. Is there a chance for her?" + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid to say—it depends so much on what recuperative + power she has. If the bleeding can be stopped, I shall be more + hopeful." + </p> + <p> + "What is she to do, poor Bella? She will never be able to sing + again, I suppose?" + </p> + <p> + "Never." He spoke curtly, almost cruelly. Saidie burst into + tears. + </p> + <p> + At that moment came a smart tap at the door. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Bolingbroke, Miss," said a voice from without. + </p> + <p> + "He can't come up." Saidie sprang from her chair. But she was too + late. The handle turned, and a tall, distinctly good-looking man + walked in. + </p> + <p> + "Miss Blackhall—how unkind to deny me admittance. You must + know how fearfully anxious I am. How is she?" + </p> + <p> + "There's the doctor—ask him." + </p> + <p> + The stranger turned eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "This is not serious, I trust. She was always delicate, + but—it is wonderful how she pulls together when the worst + is over." + </p> + <p> + For almost the first time in his life John Chetwynd was + tongue-tied. + </p> + <p> + Who and what was this man, and what was he to Bella? He forced + himself to give a professional opinion, and answered mechanically + a string of questions Mr. Bolingbroke poured forth, but he hardly + knew what he was saying. + </p> + <p> + "If only she gets over this she shall never be bothered any more, + poor darling," he said brokenly. "I suppose I can go in, eh?" + </p> + <p> + His hand was on the door—John Chetwynd sprang to his feet. + </p> + <p> + "No one must see her," he cried excitedly. "I absolutely forbid + it. It would be most dangerous—most improper." + </p> + <p> + The two men looked into each other's faces for the space of + several seconds; then Mr. Bolingbroke turned away with a sigh and + an impatient word. "Absurd! As if I could do her any harm," he + said. "Well, I will be round again later in the day," he added + with a nod to Saidie, and a minute later the hall door shut upon + him. + </p> + <p> + "Who is that man?" asked Sir John sternly. + </p> + <p> + Saidie shrugged her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + "You shall tell me—what is he to Bella?" + </p> + <p> + "He is a good and noble man, and let me tell you there ain't too + many knocking around. If she lives to get over this he will make + her his wife." + </p> + <p> + And there was silence—a silence in which John Chetwynd read + clearly his own heart at last, and stood face to face with + facts—facts stripped of false adornments—naked, + convincing. + </p> + <p> + Then he strode across the room and entered that in which Bella + lay. + </p> + <p> + She was asleep, and he drew his chair close to the bedside and + fixed his eyes on the wan, thin face, fever flushed, and fought + the fiercest battle of his life with his inner self; and when the + struggle was over, Pride lay in tatters and Love was conqueror. + </p> + <p> + She slept at intervals almost the whole of that day. Waking late + in the afternoon, her eyes fell on the silent watcher by her + side, and she smiled happily, contentedly. + </p> + <p> + Saidie bent over her and whispered a word or two. + </p> + <p> + "No—no," cried Bella vehemently; "send him away. I don't + want to see him." + </p> + <p> + "But he is so anxious, dear." + </p> + <p> + "Is he?—poor Charlie! Tell him I am in no pain, and I + should like to think he will never quite forget me." + </p> + <p> + "He will never do that," said Saidie, going away with her message + but half satisfied, and Bella turned a flushed cheek to her + pillow. + </p> + <p> + And then, for the second time, John Chetwynd asked, "Who is that + man?" + </p> + <p> + And Bella tried feebly to tell him. He had been attached to her + for a long time, and had come over with her from the States. + </p> + <p> + "And you—did you mean to marry him, Bella?" + </p> + <p> + "I had thought of it—it seemed suicidal to say no to such + an offer, and then I—oh, Jack, when I saw you I knew I + could never love any other man!" + </p> + <p> + He poured out a draught and held it to her trembling lips. + </p> + <p> + "I feel so strangely weak," she said; "you are going to marry + Ethel, and I am nothing to you now?" + </p> + <p> + John Chetwynd drew her close to him, so that the tired head + rested on his shoulder with the sweet familiarity of long ago. + </p> + <p> + "Listen," he said. "I have been a coward, frightened of the + truth. The world was dearer to me than happiness, or I thought + so, and I hesitated, afraid of its contempt. But amid my weakness + was one thought, one impulse, which no amount of worldly prudence + or consideration could stifle, and Bella—my wife—that + was my love for you." + </p> + <p> + "Jack, Jack, is it true?" + </p> + <p> + "I have loved you always, through all my life, you and no other. + I see now how hard I must have seemed to you and how wild and + unreasonable I was in my expectation from you and how at last it + drove you from my side. The shame of it is not more yours than + mine. We both erred, we both sinned; but I was older and should + have been wiser; the burden of it should fall on me. The world is + nothing to me now—less than nothing. Let us take up life + where we broke it off. Give me back the past, which held for me + all of happiness I have ever known." + </p> + <p> + She lay with a smile of peace upon her face, both hands clinging + to his. + </p> + <p> + "I have communed with myself and thought it well out, and I + believe that to bind my life, with its memories of you, to the + girl to whom I am engaged, would be a cruel wrong and an + injustice to her. She deserves a better fate, and I honestly feel + that the rupture will not grieve her much. We will remarry, you + and I. I will take you away from England, I will guard and + cherish you, and in my love for you, you will grow stronger. Oh! + my darling, my darling, if you knew what life has been to me + since you went; how I have blamed myself,—I who ought to + have shielded you against yourself, and have been a moral + backbone to your weakness. Then as time went on I persuaded + myself that I had succeeded in putting you out of my + heart,—that I had forgotten you,—and then—you + came back to me, and the past leapt living from the years that + had no power to bury it, and I knew that you were more to me than + honour or fame or anything the world held. Hence-forth I will be + so gentle with you, so tender—so loving." + </p> + <p> + "Will you—kiss me—Jack?" + </p> + <p> + She had gradually pulled herself upright on the pillows. + </p> + <p> + "Will you kiss me—and say—once more, as you used + to—'God bless you—wifie'?" + </p> + <p> + Their lips met and clung together. + </p> + <p> + "God bless you—wifie." + </p> + <p> + And there was silence, a long silence, broken by a gasp, a sigh, + and a gentle unloosening of the clasping arms. + </p> + <p> + "Bella—Bella—speak to me, my beloved." + </p> + <p> + But the passionate cry fell on ears that heard not. + </p> + <p> + The tempest-tossed soul was at rest; above were the pitying + Angels' wings, and over all the solemn hush of Death. + </p> + <hr /> + <h2 class="chp"> + <a id="one" name="one">ONE CAN'T ALWAYS TELL.</a> + </h2> + <p class="ctr"> + <i>From Miss Rose Dacre, Southampton, to Miss Amy Conway, 30, + Alford Street, Park Lane</i>. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + YACHT "MARIE," + <br /> + SOUTHAMPTON. + <br /> + <i>July 15th, 1901.</i> + </p> + <p> + Dearest Amy, + </p> + <p> + Here am I on Jack's yacht, anchored in Southampton waters. The + weather is perfect, and I am having a very good time. Jack's + mother is on board, and is really devoted to me. I am a lucky + girl to have such a sweet mother-in-law in prospective. She is + the dearest old lady in the world. The wedding has been decided + upon for the last week in September, so I suppose that I shall + have to come back to town before very long to see about my + trousseau. + </p> + <p> + There is really nothing so bewildering to anyone who sees it for + the first time as the exquisite order and dainty perfection of a + yacht in which its owner takes a pride, and can afford to gratify + his whim. And this is the case with Jack. The deck shines like + polished parquet. The sails and ropes are faultlessly clean, and + Jack says that the masts have just been scraped and the funnel + repainted. The brass nails and the binnacle are as perfectly in + order as if they were costly instruments in an optician's window. + There is a small deck cargo of coal in white canvas sacks, with + leather straps and handles. And there is the deck-house with its + plate-glass windows and velvet fittings and spring-blinds. + </p> + <p> + Soon after I arrived I went down into the engine-room, where I + saw machinery as scrupulously clean as if it were part of some + gigantic watch which a grain of dust might throw out of gear. On + the deck are delightful P. and O. lounges with their arms doing + duty for small tables. All around the wheel and upon the roof of + the deck-house, and here and there on stands against the + bulwarks, there are ranged in pots, bright red geraniums + contrasted with the yellow calceolaria, and the deliriously + scented heliotrope. Altogether, everything is charming. + </p> + <p> + We go delightful trips every day, and it doesn't matter whether + there is a favourable wind or not, as Jack's is a steam yacht. We + have slept on board except one night when it was rather rough, + and then Mrs. Vivian and I stayed at the South Western Hotel. + </p> + <p> + Altogether I am enjoying myself more than I have ever done in my + life. Jack is an angel and adores me, the darling. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + Fond love, + <br /> + From your affectionate + <br /> + ROSE. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—There is a Mrs. Tenterden, a widow, coming down to the + yacht on Thursday to stay for a few days. Mrs. Vivian tells me + that she is very good-looking. + </p> + <p class="break"> + <i>From the Same to the Same.</i> + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + YACHT "MARIE," + <br /> + SOUTHAMPTON. + <br /> + <i>July 22nd, 1901.</i> + </p> + <p> + Dearest Amy, + </p> + <p> + We are still here. Mrs. Tenterden, the lady I spoke about in my + last letter, arrived here on Thursday. + </p> + <p> + I hate her! I hate her!! I hate her!!! + </p> + <p> + You will doubtless wonder why I, who am, as a rule, a quiet, + harmless little dove, should indulge in such sinful feelings, but + you will cease doing so when I tell you the truth. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Tenterden has set her cap at Jack! He has—I know + it—fallen under the spell of the enchantress. And she is an + enchantress. She is a woman of about thirty, tall, fair, with + striking features, lovely eyes, and the most superb complexion I + have ever seen. The best complexion I ever recollect was that of + a peasant girl's at Ivy Bridge in Devonshire, but hers was + nothing to compare with Mrs. Tenterden's. It is perfect. I can + say no more. + </p> + <p> + Then she is extremely amusing, being a brilliant talker (for I + heard Jack say so) and very witty (for he is constantly laughing + at the things she says, and which for the most part I don't + understand). + </p> + <p> + But this I know, that since her advent I have changed from the + happiest girl in the world into one of the most miserable. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Tenterden is the widow of Colonel Tenterden, who was a + brother officer of Jack's father, Colonel Vivian. Her husband + died in India about six months ago, and she has lately returned + to England. Jack had never seen her before, but Mrs. Vivian, who + knew her as a young girl, asked her down here. + </p> + <p> + She has made a dead set at Jack, and I feel (I can't help it) + that he has fallen a captive to her bow and spear, for his manner + towards me has entirely changed. He is not my darling, loving + Jack, at all, but merely a polite friend. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Vivian must be blind not to see what is going on. But I + cannot enlighten her, and what am I to do? Do give me your + advice, dear Amy? + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + Ever your affectionate + <br /> + ROSE. + </p> + <p class="break"> + <i>From Miss Amy Conway to Miss Rose Dacre</i>. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + ALFORD STREET. + <br /> + TUESDAY. + </p> + <p> + My dearest Child, + </p> + <p> + Just got yours. You ask my advice, and to use a phrase of my + brother Tom's, "I give it you in once." Don't be a little goose + and bother your pretty little head. I am older than you, and I + understand women of the Mrs. Tenterden type. They amuse men for a + time, and very often take them captive, but in nineteen cases out + of twenty the prisoner escapes. In other words, they are not the + women who men care to marry. Fancy your Jack, for instance, + preferring a <i>rusée</i> garrison hack, like Mrs. Tenterden, to + your own sweet self. It is absolutely ridiculous. + </p> + <p> + Do nothing and say nothing. Don't worry yourself and all will + come right. The temporary infatuation will pass away, and Mr. + Vivian will love you all the better afterwards. You will see if I + am not right. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + So be comforted, darling Rose. + <br /> + Ever your loving + <br /> + AMY. + </p> + <p class="break"> + <i>From Mrs. Tenterden to Mrs. Montague Mount</i>, 170A, <i>Ebury + Street, S.W.</i> + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + YACHT "MARIE," + <br /> + SOUTHAMPTON. + <br /> + <i>July 23rd</i>, 1901. + </p> + <p> + DEAREST LILY, + </p> + <p> + I promised to let you know how I got on, and to write as soon as + there was anything to write about. So here goes. I am on board + Jack Vivian's yacht, and a ripper it is. That is to say, I am on + the yacht in the day, but sleep at the South Western Hotel. I + hate sleeping on board a yacht, and never do so if I can help it. + It may benefit one's health—daresay that it does—but + I do like to take my rest on shore. Well, now, as to my news. I + have made a great impression on Mr. Vivian. He is the easiest man + to deal with I ever met in my life, and he is as putty in my + hands. That stupid girl, Miss Dacre, to whom he is supposed to be + engaged—I say supposed because he does not seem to be quite + clear about it himself—hasn't got a chance with me. What + Jack Vivian could have ever seen in her I can't guess. She is the + usual type of English Miss who can say "Papa and Mamma," and that + is about all. I can see that she loathes me, and I don't wonder + at it. But I am perfectly charming to her, and affect not to + notice her palpable dislike. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Vivian—Jack's mother—seems not to have the + remotest idea how matters are shaping, and fondly imagines that + her beloved son is going to marry Miss Dacre. My dear Lily, as + the Americans say, "it will be a cold day in August before that + event comes off." The fact is that Jack pays her only the + slightest attention and is absolutely engrossed with me. If I, + therefore, don't pull off this <i>coup</i> I deserve to be + hanged. When I have actually landed my fish I shall take my + departure for a day while he breaks matters off with + mademoiselle. You may not perhaps approve of this, but I know + what I am about. + </p> + <p> + More in a day or two. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + Ever yours, + <br /> + ALICE. + </p> + <p class="break"> + <i>From Mrs. Montague Mount to Mrs. Tenterden</i>. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + 170A, EBURY STREET, + <br /> + <i>24th July</i> 1901. + </p> + <p> + DEAREST ALICE, + </p> + <p> + I was much interested in your letter. Needless to say that I wish + you the success that you are sure to attain. One word of advice. + If I were you, while you are at Southampton, I should manage to + be a good deal more at the hotel than you appear to be. You + cannot have much opportunity for conversation on board the yacht, + but at the hotel you can have Mr. Vivian all to yourself. And you + can easily make excuses to get off the yacht, and as he is + evidently so <i>épris</i>, he will follow you to the hotel, when + you will have him more or less at your mercy. I shall be longing + to hear how the plot thickens. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + With fond love, + <br /> + Believe me, + <br /> + Your devoted friend, + <br /> + LILY. + </p> + <p class="break"> + <i>From Mrs. Tenterden to Mrs. Montague Mount</i>. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + <i>July 29th,</i> 1901. + </p> + <p> + DEAREST LILY, + </p> + <p> + Thanks for yours. My dear child, I have taken your excellent + advice and am very glad that I did so. Your plan of campaign has + proved most successful. I have had Jack with me for hours in the + smoking room at the hotel, where the ladies staying in the hotel + as well as the men always resort. It is a large room and affords + ample opportunity for a <i>tête-à-tête</i>. Of these + opportunities I have availed myself to the fullest possible + extent. And with what result, you will naturally ask? With the + result, my dear, of making this man absolutely mad about me. He + has become an utter imbecile. <i>C'est tout dit</i>. His + incoherent raving would only bore you, so, like the kindhearted + little person I am, I spare you this infliction. Suffice it to + say that he is mine body and soul. I say nothing about his + fortune, because that naturally goes with the other two. + </p> + <p> + Let me thank you sincerely for your wise counsels, + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + And, believe me, + <br /> + Ever affectionately yours, + <br /> + ALICE. + </p> + <p class="break"> + <i>Miss Amy Conway to Miss Rose Dacre</i>. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + ALFORD STREET. + <br /> + THURSDAY. + </p> + <p> + DEAREST ROSE, + </p> + <p> + I have been anxiously expecting to hear from you, but you have + not sent me a single line. I say "anxiously," not that I really + feel the least anxiety about you, being perfectly positive, as I + am, that all will be right. But, my dearest girl, I am so deeply + interested in this affair that, of course, I am anxious to hear + how matters are going on. And you are a very naughty child not to + have written to me before. Repair your sin of omission as soon as + possible, and let me have a full account of all your proceedings. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + With much love, + <br /> + Yours ever, + <br /> + AMY. + </p> + <p class="break"> + <i>From Miss Rose Dacre to Miss Amy Conway,</i> 30, <i>Alford + Street, Park Lane</i>. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + YACHT "MARIE," + <br /> + COWES. + <br /> + <i>August 2nd</i>, 1901. + </p> + <p> + DEAREST AMY, + </p> + <p> + Pray forgive me for not having written sooner. But as the French + say, <i>tout savoir est tout pardonner.</i> And having been for + many days in the depth of despair, worried out of my life, and + half dead with anxiety, I have not really been able to put pen to + paper. But now all is changed, and I am able to address you with + a light heart. + </p> + <p> + I am sure, Amy, that you will be longing to know why, and for + this reason I will not for a moment leave you a victim to the + most terrible ailment that can attack our sex—unsatisfied + feminine curiosity. + </p> + <p> + Two days ago we were still at Southampton, and it was proposed + that after lunch we should take a little trip down the river + Hamble—a river which runs into Southampton Water. Well, we + started—Jack, and a friend of his, Captain Cleland, Mrs. + Vivian, Mrs. Tenterden, and myself. All went well for about an + hour, when a breeze sprang up which soon developed into half a + gale. At least I understood the captain of the yacht to say so. I + didn't mind it in the least, but Mrs. Vivian, poor old lady, was + dreadfully ill and nervous, and though I did all I could to + comfort and reassure her, it was not of much use. As for Mrs. + Tenterden, she absolutely collapsed. In abject terror she uttered + incoherent cries, and no one could make out what she wished to be + done. Jack seemed very upset and tried to soothe her as well as + he could, but it was all to no effect, and indeed she once turned + on him just like a virago, saying, + </p> + <p> + "I never wanted to come on your horrid yacht, but you would make + me, and see what has happened to me now." + </p> + <p> + Poor Jack—I call him "Poor Jack" although he has behaved + like a very naughty boy—seemed to wince, but made no reply. + </p> + <p> + Eventually we arrived opposite the village of Hamble, and there + the anchor was weighed—if that is the right expression. + Jack suggested that the three ladies, including myself, should go + ashore in the dingey and stay at the hotel. Mrs. Vivian said that + she did not want to do this, and Mrs. Tenterden positively + refused. + </p> + <p> + "Do you think that I am going to risk my life that jim-crack + boat?" she asked. "I am not quite an imbecile. Though I think I + must be after all, otherwise I should not have come on this + idiotic cruise." + </p> + <p> + Jack again made no reply, but there was something in his face + that told me that he was becoming disillusioned. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after that he sent the skipper and a boy ashore, who + returned with some marvellous looking lobsters and a huge crab. + It seems that this place is famous for its shell-fish, and I can + only say that I never tasted anything more delicious than the + crab in question. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Vivian managed to eat a little dinner, but Mrs. Tenterden + retired to her cabin and contented herself with some soup. + </p> + <p> + I for my part, ate a most capital dinner, and I fancied that Jack + seemed sorry for the way he has been treating me lately; + treatment which I should never have put up with, except from a + man whom I love so devotedly—a man whom I meant to rescue + (selfishly, I admit) from that siren's clutches. In all I have + done I have been guided by your advice, and therefore to you + remains all the credit, coupled with the life-long devotion of + your little friend. + </p> + <p> + Well, we slept on board the yacht, and the morning brought its + revelations. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Tenterden was not present at breakfast, and came on deck + very late. And only imagine, my dear, how she had changed. That + beautiful pink complexion that I had admired so much, and even + envied, had disappeared altogether. Her face was of a greyish + hue, and possessed no shade of pink. Those beautiful pencilled + eyebrows seemed to have strangely altered, and to have + unaccountably thinned down. The charming woman-of-the-world + manner had entirely disappeared, and, later on, when we descended + to the cabin, at luncheon time, Mrs. Tenterden cast furtive and + certainly not reassuring glances at the little mirror hanging + there. + </p> + <p> + I confess that at first I was a wee bit sorry for her, but after + all, this Nemesis was thoroughly deserved, and when I saw the + impression that the metamorphosis had made on Jack—the + darling goose can't conceal his feelings—I must own to + having been overjoyed. + </p> + <p> + "The Enchantress" left for London the same evening, looking in + her war paint quite a different being. But this made no + difference, for Jack, I need scarcely say, had evidently altered + his mind. + </p> + <p> + Since her departure, everything has gone back to its old state. + Jack, poor fickle boy, is devotion itself, and I have not thought + proper to resist his entreaties to consent to an immediate + marriage. You will not blame me, darling, will you? + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + Ever your affectionate and + <br /> + Happy friend, + <br /> + ROSE. + </p> + <h2 class="chp"> + <a id="songs" name="songs">SONGS.</a> + </h2> + <p> + AFTER VICTOR HUGO, ARMAND SILVESTRE, CHARLES ROUSSEAU AND THE + VICOMTE DE BORELLI. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <h4> + DARLING ARISE. + </h4> + <p> + (AFTER VICTOR HUGO.) + </p> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Pretty one, tho' the morning is breaking + </p> + <p> + Thy lattice is fasten'd close + </p> + <p> + How is it that thou art not waking + </p> + <p> + When awake is the rose? + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Darling, arise! for I am he + </p> + <p> + Thy lover who sighs and sings to thee, + </p> + <p> + Thy lover who sighs and sings to thee. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Nature loud at thy lattice is beating: + </p> + <p> + I am Day says the morning above + </p> + <p> + I am music the bird sings repeating, + </p> + <p> + And my heart cries "I am Love." + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Darling, arise! for I am he, + </p> + <p> + Thy lover who sighs and sings to thee, + </p> + <p> + Thy lover who sighs and sings to thee. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <div class="poem"> + <h4> + ROSE. + </h4> + <p> + (VIELLE CHANSON DU JEUNE TEMPS.) + </p> + <p> + (AFTER VICTOR HUGO.) + </p> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I never thought at all of Rose, + </p> + <p> + As Rose and I went through the dell, + </p> + <p> + We fell a talking I suppose, + </p> + <p> + But yet of what I cannot tell. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Pebbles below and mosses over, + </p> + <p> + Rippled a cool and limpid rill; + </p> + <p> + Nature lay sleeping like a lover + </p> + <p> + In the embrace of the woods so still. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Shoes and stockings off she slipped, + </p> + <p> + And with her sweetly innocent air + </p> + <p> + Into the stream her feet she dipped, + </p> + <p> + Yet I never saw her feet were bare. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I only talked, the time beguiling + </p> + <p> + As we wandered, she and I; + </p> + <p> + And sometimes I saw her smiling, + </p> + <p> + But now and then I heard her sigh. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Only her beauty dawned on me + </p> + <p> + When silent woods were left behind, + </p> + <p> + "Never mind that now!" said she + </p> + <p> + And now I shall always mind. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <div class="poem"> + <h4> + REGRETS. + </h4> + <p> + (AFTER CHARLES ROUSSEAU.) + </p> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Let me cherish in my sadness + </p> + <p> + Those fair days of youth and gladness! + </p> + <p> + Moments of delightful madness + </p> + <p> + Gone, alas, for evermore! + </p> + <p> + Vain regrets for misspent powers, + </p> + <p> + Wasted chances, faded flowers, + </p> + <p> + Vex my lonely spirit sore. + </p> + <p> + Had I only known before! + </p> + <p> + Let me cherish in my sadness + </p> + <p> + Those fair days of youth and gladness! + </p> + <p> + Moments of delightful madness + </p> + <p> + Gone, alas, for evermore! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <div class="poem"> + <h4> + TOO LATE. + </h4> + <p> + (PEINE D'AMOUR.) + </p> + <p> + (AFTER ARMAND SILVESTRE.) + </p> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + When your hand was laid upon mine + </p> + <p> + 'Twas in painful dread that I grasped it, + </p> + <p> + For some hesitation malign, + </p> + <p> + Made tremble the fingers that clasped it. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + When you turned your forehead so near, + </p> + <p> + 'Twas in painful dread that I kissed it, + </p> + <p> + For some cruel prompting of fear + </p> + <p> + Made me timidly seek to resist it. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Ah!—and my life thenceforward approved + </p> + <p> + Sorrow's bitterness had o'ercome me, + </p> + <p> + I only knew how I loved + </p> + <p> + The day that had taken you from me. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <div class="poem"> + <h4> + IF THERE BE A GARDEN GAY. + </h4> + <p> + (S'IL EST UN CHARMANT GAZON.) + </p> + <p> + (AFTER VICTOR HUGO.) + </p> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + If there be a garden gay + </p> + <p> + Man has not molested, + </p> + <p> + Where blaze through the summer day + </p> + <p> + Flowers golden crested, + </p> + <p> + Where tallest lilies grow, + </p> + <p> + And honeysuckles blow + </p> + <p> + There, oh there I fain would go + </p> + <p> + Where thy foot, thy foot has rested! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + If there be a rosy dream + </p> + <p> + By true love invested, + </p> + <p> + Where all things delightful seem + </p> + <p> + Close together nested + </p> + <p> + Where soul to soul may tell + </p> + <p> + The joy they know so well + </p> + <p> + 'Tis there, oh there I fain would dwell + </p> + <p> + Where thy heart, thy heart has rested. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <div class="poem"> + <h4> + THE MESSAGE OF THE ROSES. + </h4> + <p> + (ENVOI DE ROSES.) + </p> + <p> + (AFTER VICOMTE DE BORELLI.) + </p> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Oh, if the fairest of these roses + </p> + <p> + With its red lips to thee shall tell + </p> + <p> + Such things as language knows not of, + </p> + <p> + As in thy bosom it reposes, + </p> + <p> + Then keep it well + </p> + <p> + It is my love! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But if the sweetest of the roses + </p> + <p> + With its red lips shall silent be, + </p> + <p> + And only seek instead the bliss + </p> + <p> + Which thy delightful mouth discloses, + </p> + <p> + Return it me + </p> + <p> + It is my kiss! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h2 class="chp"> + <a id="love" name="love">LOVE WENT OUT WHEN MONEY WAS + INVENTED.</a> + </h2> + <p> + "You're a very foolish man, John," said my sister Ruth. "You're + worse than foolish. A man never gets any happiness by marrying + out of his station." + </p> + <p> + "You may be right," I answered, "but after all I have something + to offer. I am rich, and Marie is poor. I admit that she is a + patrician and that I am a plebeian. But money, after all, counts + for something, especially in these days. I don't see how Marie + can spend a very happy existence now, but I am determined to make + her life a dream of happiness. You will see, my dear Ruth, that + my marriage will be a success." + </p> + <p> + "I think not," replied my sister, "and I therefore give you my + warning before it is too late. If you don't heed it and decide on + marrying Miss Dalmayne, I shall naturally do any little thing in + my power to endeavour to prove that I have been a false + prophetess; but, mark my words, John, I shan't succeed. And, to + tell you the truth, my dear brother, I tremble for the future." + </p> + <p> + "You're a sweet little silly goose," I answered. "You let your + affection for me run away with your better judgment. Why in + heaven's name should I not be happy with Marie? She is beautiful, + and I admit that it was her rare beauty that first commended her + to me, and she has a sweet nature and character; and after all, + goodness of character outweighs even good looks. Then, too, she + is very clever and bright, and altogether she is exactly the sort + of girl calculated to make a man happy." + </p> + <p> + "I hope that I may be wrong, and that you may be right, John," + said Ruth; "but I don't think that I am wrong, and, of course, + time will only show. At present we need say no more. Your mind is + evidently made up, and I shall urge nothing further to prevent + you from following your own inclinations. But in the time to + come, don't forget that your sister warned you." And with that + last shaft Ruth left the room. + </p> + <p> + My name is John Gardner, my age is thirty-six, and I am what is + generally known as "a self-made man." But had I really had the + making of myself I should have endeavoured to produce a different + being. I recollect at the grammar school in Cambridgeshire, where + I received a plain education, hearing one of the masters, Mr. + Ruddock, mention a Greek proverb, "Know thyself," and advise the + boys in his form to act upon the advice given by the Greek sage + who pronounced these words. I was not, as a rule, struck with + much that fell from Mr. Ruddock's lips, for he was a dull, + stupid, and pompous man, possessing much more force of manner + than of character. But I did take this advice to heart and + endeavoured to act up to it, with the result that I know as much + about my own uninteresting self as most other human beings know + about themselves. + </p> + <p> + Well, this is how I appear in my own eyes. A strong, healthy man + with an active disposition, and capable of, and a lover of hard + work. A blunt manner, and with an entire absence of tact in + anything in which strict business is not concerned. I know that I + am truthful, for, in addition to a natural hatred of lying which + I must have inherited from my dear parents, I have always + recognised the fact that in business and in everything else the + truth always pays the best. During the sixteen years that I have + devoted to business I have endeavoured to act squarely and fairly + with everyone with whom I have been brought in contact, and I may + say without conceit that I have earned a good name in addition to + the three hundred thousand pounds that I have been able to save. + </p> + <p> + I have never got on particularly well with the other sex, partly, + I suppose, from my manners, which, to say the least, are not + attractive, and partly to the fact that up to the time I met + Marie Dalmayne I have never cared for a woman. I came across the + girl that I have grown to love so well in this fashion. I am + interested in a West Australian mine to the extent of about a + hundred thousand pounds, and am one of the three partners who + control the concern. One of them is a member of the great City + house of Bleichopsheim, and the other is Mr. Ross, a wealthy + iron-master. It was at the latter's house in St. James's Square + that I met my fate. + </p> + <p> + I took Miss Dalmayne down to dinner, and I think that my heart + went out to her from the first. I found her clever and sensible, + and with apparently little of the frivolity which characterises + most of the young women with whom I have been brought in contact. + Her conversation, if not absolutely brilliant, was at any rate + bright and amusing, and possessed a considerable amount of + shrewdness. + </p> + <p> + Miss Dalmayne was about twenty-three, tall and fair,' possessing + a perfect figure and the most beautiful and expressive hazel + eyes. Her hair was nut brown with a warm reddish sun-kissed + glint, and her features were regular and aristocratic. Her smile + was delightful. In short, I fell in love. + </p> + <p> + Next morning I ascertained from Adam Ross full particulars in + reference to Miss Dalmayne. She is the only daughter of the + Honourable George Dalmayne, and is related to many of the highest + English families. Mr. Dalmayne and his wife are not well off, and + the former is very much in debt and has taxed the generosity of + my friend Ross to a very considerable extent. The Dalmaynes live + in a small house in Eaton Terrace. They have only one other + child, and that is a son who is in the Army and is at present + with his regiment in India. + </p> + <p> + There are some people that one feels one can confide in in + matters of a delicate nature, and there are others to whom one + could never open one's mouth. Now, Ross and I have been friends + for ten years, during which time we have never had the least + difference. He is a man absolutely to be trusted. I told him + during this interview what a deep impression Miss Dalmayne had + made upon me. He said that he did not in the least wonder at it, + for she was greatly admired, and added that if it were not for + her father she would no doubt have made a brilliant marriage + already. I told my friend that I cared nothing about her father, + that I was not marrying him but his daughter—that is to + say, if I were fortunate enough to induce her to become my wife. + </p> + <p> + "I don't think that there is much fear of a failure," answered + Ross, "old Dalmayne is looking out for a rich husband for Marie. + Indeed, in a confidential mood one day recently he told me almost + as much himself. And he is not likely in a hurry to find one so + rich as yourself." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I shall call upon him to-morrow," said I, "and ask his + permission to speak to his daughter." + </p> + <p> + "I wish you every success, my dear friend," said Ross, "and I + have no doubt as to the result of your interview. And I don't see + why you should not be very happy. After all, as you say, you are + not marrying the father. You are marrying Marie, who is a very + high-principled girl, who is beautiful, who is accomplished, and + who would, I am certain, do everything to make her husband + happy." + </p> + <p> + And so it was settled, and next morning I called on Mr. Dalmayne. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dalmayne, a tall, aristocratic man of about sixty, received + me with great cordiality. Whether Ross, who had dined with him on + the previous night, had mentioned anything of my matter to him I + don't know, but the old gentleman did not seem to be the least + surprised when I told him what the object of my visit was. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Dalmayne," said I, "you will doubtless be wondering why I + have called to see you"—Mr. Dalmayne's face assumed a + sphinx-like expression—I will not keep you waiting for an + explanation. The truth is that I have fallen in love with your + daughter. Our mutual friend Adam Ross can tell you all about me, + and I don't think that his report would be an unfavourable one. + My position is this. I have saved three hundred thousand pounds, + which produces an income of about twelve thousand a year. And I + am making at least another twenty thousand a year from my share + of our mine and other sound enterprises. Should you permit me to + address Miss Dalmayne, and should I be happy and fortunate enough + to induce her to become my wife, I should propose to settle two + hundred thousand pounds upon her for her exclusive use." + </p> + <p> + "Your proposals are most generous," said Mr. Dalmayne, "and do + you credit. But in matters of this kind I should never dream of + attempting to control my daughter. You have, however, my full + permission to speak to her, and if she is willing to marry you, + you both have my full consent. My wife shares my views entirely. + Marie is out with her mother at the present moment, but she will + be in all the afternoon, and if you will call about four I will + see that you have the opportunity for which you are seeking." + </p> + <p> + I thanked Mr. Dalmayne most cordially and promised to return in + the afternoon. When I again arrived at Eaton Terrace I was shown + into the drawing-room, where I found Mrs. and Miss Dalmayne and a + sister of Mrs. Dalmayne's. Tea was brought in, and shortly + afterwards the visitor took her departure. A few minutes later + Mrs. Dalmayne made some excuse for leaving the room, and I was + left alone with Marie. My heart had beaten hard from excitement + as I had knocked at the door, but strange to say I felt no + nervousness now. I plunged into the matter that brought me + without delay. I told Miss Dalmayne of the wonderful effect + produced upon me by her beauty and charm, and in the fewest words + possible I asked her to be my wife, promising that she would + never repent it. + </p> + <p> + "You have done me a great honour," said Miss Dalmayne, "but I + must have a little time to think over what you have said and to + consult my parents. You shall hear from me at latest the day + after tomorrow." + </p> + <p> + I shortly afterwards took my leave, and departed buoyed up by the + strong hope that the desire of my heart would be obtained. + </p> + <p> + Nor was I disappointed. On the day she had promised I received a + letter from Miss Dalmayne saying that she was willing to accept + me, but frankly confessing that she had no love for me as yet, + though admitting that she liked me. "If," she continued, "you are + willing to take me on this understanding, I am ready to be your + wife." + </p> + <p> + Needless to say I was willing to accept these terms, and three + months afterwards we were man and wife. + </p> + <p> + It was in the month of July that we were married, and we went to + Aix-les-Bains for the honeymoon. A few days previously Mr. + Dalmayne asked me to lend him a thousand pounds, which I did + cheerfully, for after what my friend Ross had told me I was fully + prepared for such a request. + </p> + <p> + My wife had never been to Aix before, and seemed to amuse herself + very much. She played a little at the tables, and with a + considerable amount of success. I must admit that she was very + kind to me, and though of course I easily saw that I did not at + present possess her real affection, I was not discontented, and + hoped for the time to come when we should be all in all to each + other. We had met very few acquaintances at Aix, for it was not a + good season as far as English visitors were concerned, owing to + attacks on our country and Government by the French papers. But + when we had been there about three weeks a Captain Morland came + upon the scene. Captain Morland, who was an officer in the + Grenadier Guards, had known my wife since she was a child. They + seemed very pleased to see each other again, but there was a + certain sadness that I noticed in the young officer's manner. He + had just been invalided home from South Africa, where he had been + on active service during the time with which my narrative deals. + He was a handsome young man, tall and well built, and with kind + and expressive blue eyes. He was singularly reticent as to his + exploits during the war, though I heard from a friend of his who + was with him at Aix that he had been mentioned in despatches and + had been recommended for the D.S.O. He was a man to whom the + merest chance acquaintance was certain to take a fancy. I am + bound to say that I did so myself, and I hope that in what I am + calmly relating I shall not be considered to have intentionally + failed to do him justice. + </p> + <p> + It was the second week in August, and as the weather was very + hot, my wife and I had determined to leave Aix and go to + Trouville for a little sea air and bathing. Three days before our + departure I returned to the hotel to dress for dinner. I was just + going through the corridor when I heard voices in our + sitting-room. They were the voices of my wife and Captain + Morland. + </p> + <p> + I don't think that I am naturally a mean man, but I was mean + enough to listen on this occasion. + </p> + <p> + "You mustn't blame me, Hubert," said my wife, "we were all on the + verge of ruin, and I was bound to marry him." + </p> + <p> + "How could you consent to do such a thing? You don't care for him + in the least." + </p> + <p> + "No," said my wife; "nor shall I ever do so if I live for fifty + years. I care for no one but you. But I shall always do my duty + to my husband, who is a kind and good man and lives entirely for + me." + </p> + <p> + "If he died, you would marry me?" asked Captain Morland. + </p> + <p> + "Of course I would, and, as the children's storybooks say, 'live + happily ever afterwards.' But don't let us discuss deplorable + futurities." + </p> + <p> + This was enough for me. I saw, now that it was too late, how wise + my sister Ruth had been, and how foolishly I had acted. There was + nothing to be done, however, to remedy matters, in view of the + words spoken by my wife, and words which breathed of truth. I + went out quietly into the garden of the hotel and came back a few + minutes later. I asked Captain Morland to dine with us, and he + accepted my invitation. I carefully watched him and my wife + during the evening, and clearly saw that the case was hopeless + from my point of view. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow I made my will, and left everything to my wife with + the exception of fifty thousand pounds for my sister Ruth. I then + wrote the little history of my mistake, and am posting it from + the top of Mont Revard to my friend Ross, and have asked him to + act as he thinks best. It is hard to die, but, in my position, it + is still harder to live. + </p> + <p> + Having set my entire affections in one direction, and having been + hopelessly unsuccessful, there is only one thing to be done, and + that is to end matters. And I shall end them to-night. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Extract from an Aix-les-Bains newspaper:— + </p> + <p> + "The body of a rich Englishman, named Gardner, who was staying at + the Hotel de l'Europe, was found lying at the bottom of the + precipice between Aix and Mont Revard. It is, of course, pure + conjecture how the unfortunate gentleman met his fate, but no + foul play is suspected, as his money and valuables were found + upon his body. We anxiously await developments. The police are + maintaining a strict reserve." + </p> + <hr /> + <h2 class="chp"> + <a id="puzzle" name="puzzle">A PUZZLED PAINTER.</a> + </h2> + <h3> + WRITTEN IN COLLABORATION WITH THE LATE SIR AUGUSTUS HARRIS. + </h3> + <hr /> + <div class="ctr"> + <p class="break"> + CAST. + </p> + <p> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY, an Artist. + </p> + <p> + MRS. TEMPENNY, his Wife. + </p> + <p> + CHARLES SYLVESTER, an Artist. + </p> + <p> + MRS. SYLVESTER, his Wife. + </p> + <p> + ROSALINE, a Model. + </p> + <p> + HENRICH SCHERCL, an Art Dealer. + </p> + <p> + ROBERT ADDISON, a Sporting Man. + </p> + <p> + SARAH ANN, a Maid-of-all-Work. + </p> + <p> + SUSAN, Parlourmaid at the Tempenny's. + </p> + <p> + GROGGINS, a Sheriff's Officer. + </p> + </div> + <h3 class="act"> + A PUZZLED PAINTER. + </h3> + <h3 class="act"> + ACT I. + </h3> + <h4 class="scn"> + (SCENE I. TEMPENNY'S <i>Studio Doors R.L. and in Flat. As Curtain + rises a knocking is heard at D.R</i>.) + </h4> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>off</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Rembrandt—Rembrandt! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Door opens, enter</i> MRS. TEMPENNY; <i>followed by</i> MRS. + SYLVESTER.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He isn't here. Come in, dear; I am sure he will be pleased to see + you—we will wait. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + <i>My</i> husband hates to be disturbed in his studio. He says he + can never work again all day. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Artists are so different; Mr. Sylvester is more highly strung + than Rembrandt, I sometimes think. Rembrandt likes to see his + friends in his studio. I wonder where he has gone. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Gone to have a drink, I daresay. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Adelaide! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He does drink, doesn't he—when he's thirsty anyhow? And + artists are so often thirsty. Charles is often thirsty. He says + it is a characteristic feature of the artistic temperament. Ah! + my dear. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Why that sigh? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>sighing again</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Heigh ho! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>affectionately</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Adelaide? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Eugenia! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>They touch each other's hands sympathetically</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Aren't you happy, Adelaide? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am married to an artist, Euna! I wouldn't say as much to + anybody else, but we were girls at school together. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + But, dear Addie, everybody knows you are married to an artist. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I mean I would not say to anybody else that I am not entirely + happy. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>enthusiastically</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Do tell me all about it. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am jealous. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Of whom? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh no one—of everybody; of my husband's past, which I + know—of his life to-day, which is too circumspect to be + sincere. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>with misgiving</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + But—but Rembrandt's life is also circumspect. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Poor child. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You pity me? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Horribly. To be married to a painter—what a fate! To have a + husband who is shut up alone all day with a creature + who—who wears— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Rembrandt's models <i>do</i>—. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Wear—? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Plenty! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>gloomily</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Clothes sometimes cover a multitude of sins. They are no + guarantee. Rosaline wore them! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Rosaline? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You have not heard of Rosaline? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No. A model? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + A serpent! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The wretch. Pretty of course? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Serpents are always pretty. One day, not long after we were + married, I came across her photograph—I was tidying up an + old desk of Charles', a photo, my dear, with an inscription that + left no doubt what their relations had been. I tore it up before + his face; and for a time, excepting for the girlish illusions he + had shattered, that was an end of the matter. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + But only for a time? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>impressively</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Two years ago I went into his studio, and found her there. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Horrible. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You may well say so. She was sitting on a table drinking brandy + and soda as bold as brass. Of course he swore that he needed her + for a picture he was going to work on—and, I don't know, + perhaps it was true. Still considering what had been, her + presence there was an outrage, and I shall never forget the + quarrel there was between Charles and me. That was the last I + have seen of Rosaline—she went flying. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + And was it the last that Mr. Sylvester has seen of her? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + So far as I know. But there is always the lurking, horrid doubt. + You know now why I am not the light-hearted girl you remember, + and why I distrust artists as a class. + </p> + <p class="sdn"> + <i>Pause</i>. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>meditatively</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I don't see why you should distrust Mr. Tempenny because Mr. + Sylvester is not steady. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Are you quite contented? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No—we are too hard up, but I believe Rembrandt loves me, + and I love him. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>heavily</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Poor child. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> REMBRANDT TEMPENNY <i>door in flat. He wears long + hair, and a brown velveteen jacket, and is smoking a short + pipe</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Eugenia? And Mrs. Sylvester? Why, bless my soul, how nice, what a + surprise! Don't move—don't. (<i>Stands peering at them with + his hands over his eyes.</i>) What a charming effect of light on + your profile, Mrs. Sylvester—how rich—how + transcendental! Glorious! (<i>Comes down.</i>) Well, well, well, + and so you ladies have come to pay me a visit. Can I offer you + anything? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I called on Mrs. Tempenny to inquire whether you would dine with + us to-night, and she said she could not answer without consulting + you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You have no engagement, Rembrandt? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am quite at liberty, Eugenia, quite. I shall be most pleased + and delighted. (<i>Aside.</i>) Another confoundedly dull evening, + I know! (<i>Aloud.</i>) Sylvester is well? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Sylvester is always well. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Happy Sylvester! Myself, I am a wreck. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I want some money, Rembrandt. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>disconcerted.</i>) + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Eh? Oh! (<i>To</i> MRS. SYLVESTER.) And working hard I have no + doubt. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I believe so—he is out all day. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Admirable—what industry! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.) Rembrandt, I want some + money—have you got a couple of pounds you can let me have? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>affecting not to hear</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The hardest working people under the sun are artists, I always + say so. Hard worked—hard worked! (<i>Fills his pipe</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + May I look round your studio, Mr. Tempenny? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>waving his hand</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Charmed, positively! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (MRS. SYLVESTER <i>moves up</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>insistently</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Rembrandt, all the neighbourhood knows the butcher summoned us, + and none of the tradespeople will serve us with anything unless + we pay cash. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, we're going out to dinner. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh, you drive me wild with your improvident, Bohemian ways. + There's to-morrow. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Sufficient for the day is the dinner thereof. Don't be greedy. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>looking round</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You have sold most of your canvasses, I see, Mr. Tempenny. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I thought she wouldn't find the gallery extensive, I must really + do something to-day, I must indeed! (<i>Aloud</i>.) Sold? Yes, + yes. I am starting on a fresh commission now. There's a little + sketch up there you may fancy;—a mere impression, but full + of tenderness, I think, and rapture. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Rapture? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It is the newest word by which we explain the inexplicable. + "Rapture!" It says everything, does it not? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>vaguely</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes—yes, indeed. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I made it up myself on the spot. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Laying her hand on his arm earnestly</i>). Rembrandt— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, dear, I know what you're going to say. The other + tradespeople know we haven't paid the butcher and you want two + pounds. I'll give it you this evening—(<i>Aside</i>.) If I + can borrow it. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>coming down</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Then we shall see you this evening at seven sharp, Mr. Tempenny? + I am going to take Eugenia round to the house with me now, to + spend the afternoon. You'll find her there when you come. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Good. (<i>Aside</i>.) I wish they'd go! (<i>Aloud</i>.) You don't + mean to run away yet? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>doubtfully</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I think so. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>with alacrity</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, if you really must— + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Opens door</i> D.F.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Till seven o'clock. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Till seven. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Au revoir, dear. (<i>Aside to him</i>.) You won't forget + the—? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> MRS. TEMPENNY.) The two pounds, and the butcher; + I won't forget 'em. I only hope the <i>butcher</i> may forget + <i>me</i>. + </p> + <p class="sdr"> + (<i>Exit</i> MRS. SYLVESTER.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + By-bye, sweetheart. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ta, ta, Duckie. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Don't do too much—remember your precious health. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + All right, my love. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>blowing a kiss</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + There. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>blowing a kiss</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + There. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + My own darling husband! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + My angel. + </p> + <p class="sdr"> + (<i>Exit</i> MRS. TEMPENNY.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>with a deep sigh of relief</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Thank heaven! (<i>Sinks into armchair, and puts his feet on the + mantelpiece</i>) The corner is getting tight, Rembrandt. This + sort of thing won't boil the pot. It won't, sonny, I assure you! + Where's the sketch of my <i>magnum opus</i>. 'Pon my word, I + haven't seen the thing for a month or more. (<i>Gets up and + rummages in a portfolio</i>.) Ah, here we have it! (<i>Holds up + and contemplates a small charcoal sketch</i>.) "Susannah before + the Elders" beautiful! composition charming! Rembrandt, old + pal,—I congratulate you! But where's the picture of it? "Oh + where, and oh where!" Rembrandt, you're developing into a + thorough-paced loafer. You always had a talent that way, but of + late you've broken your own record. I'll turn over a new leaf; I + will, I'll be a new man. Why not? We've the new woman; why not + the new man? Excellent idea. Rembrandt Tempenny, the new + man—the coming man—by George the GREAT man! I'm in + earnest, I'm in a fever. I bubble over with noble resolutions. I + wish the tradespeople didn't want cash—tradespeople who + want cash are so damping to noble resolutions! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Gets out Easel and canvas, and takes off coat</i>.) + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Door in Flat is kicked open. Enter</i> ROBERT ADDISON.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Hullo! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Hullo! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + How are you, old chap? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I'm the new man. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The devil you are! What does it feel like? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Unfamiliar—like somebody's else's boots. I say, dear boy, + can you lend me a couple of thick 'uns. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Eh? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It's for the tradespeople. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh really—on principle you know—I never pay + tradespeople. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, not to put too fine a point upon it, it's for my wife. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I warned you not to marry. Now you see how right I was—she + wants two thick 'uns. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I know it's rough on you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It is. I'm a sociable chap by nature, and I'm rapidly being left + without a friend to bless myself with. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I don't grasp! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + They all borrow my money, and then they say they're out the next + time I call. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I have got a big thing on, only temporarily I'm in a hole. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I never knew a fellow in a hole who hadn't a big thing on. What + is it? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The hole? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, the big thing—the stable tip? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It's nothing to do with the turf. Look here, Schercl—you + know Schercl? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I know him. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He gave me a commission for a picture six weeks ago; he's going + to pay three hundred for it. He advanced a century when I + accepted the offer. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + They are wonderful terms, Tempenny, for <i>you</i>. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Seems rather funny, doesn't it,—but it's a fact. "Nobody + more astonished than the striker," I confess. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDIS ON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, where's the picture? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Turning round the big blank canvas</i>). There! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON (<i>with a whistle</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh my sainted mother! How does Schercl like it? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It's good work, isn't it? Fine colour and tone! How do the + harmonies strike you—correct? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Unbosom, what does it mean? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Dear boy, it means it was a royal order, and that I've been on + the royal loaf on the strength of it; and, now that I repent me, + I haven't got a model. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No model? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The subject is to be Susannah—Susannah before the Elders. + You know the kind of thing—(<i>whispers</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, of course, and I suppose—? (<i>whispers</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, and—(<i>touches his arms and chest, signifying a fine + woman</i>—<i>whispers</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Exactly. I think I can recommend the very model you want. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You? Where did you meet her—on a racecourse? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I know her—and she's worth backing. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + My dear friend, you have saved me! Where is she? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I'll look her up. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + To-day? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Now if you like. Her name is Rosaline, and she's a ripper. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + "Rosaline the Ripper," Robert, fetch her. No wait a moment, I + can't do the picture here; I daren't. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Why not? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, you see, my wife wouldn't approve, and I blush to say that + in the exuberance of early matrimony I encouraged her in an + inconvenient habit of running into my studio at all hours. I'll + have to work in a pal's. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + All right, I'll send her there. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, you might bring her now, if you can, and I'll arrange the + sittings with her. Does she hang out in the neighbourhood? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Over a coffee-shop in Golden Street. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Go! And I'll stand you a swagger supper when the picture's done, + and Schercl parts. By the way— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Touching the two quid? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON (<i>giving the money</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Here you are. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I do touch 'em. Ecstasy! Bob, you're a brick; now cut along and + get back with the damsel sharp. (<i>Knock heard at</i> D.F.) + Hullo, whom have we here? Come in. (<i>Knock repeated</i>.) Come + in. (<i>Knock again</i>.) Come in, you fat-headed, lop-sided, + splay-footed, bandy-legged jay; come in! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> SCHERCL). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Schercl! Good Lord! He's come to see the work. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> REMBRANDT TEMPENNY). I'm off. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> ROBERT ADDISON). No, I say, Bob, wait and see me + through it. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Rosaline may go out—I must hurry. See you again in half an + hour. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> ROBERT ADDISON). What shall I do? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> REMBRANDT TEMPENNY). Lie! Ta-ta. I say—! + You don't think it possible old Schercl has made a mistake and + taken you for Tempenny the R.A.? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>staggered</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What!! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROBERT ADDISON. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It would explain the terms, that's all, dear boy. Au revoir. + <span class="sdr">(<i>Exit</i> ROBERT ADDISON D.F.)</span> + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Good Lord! (<i>Aloud, blandly</i>). My dear Mr. Schercl, this is + a pleasure indeed. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I do not know dat it is a great bleasure, but pusiness must be + attended to, hein? Vell, my friendt, and how is the bicture, eh! + Let us see how it has brogressed. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The picture is going well—well, very + well,—excellently. I am a modest man— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Humph! (<i>Aside</i>.) This is a very boor blace for zo famous a + bainter. I do not understand it! But I have certainly done goot + business mid him! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>disconcerted</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I say I am a modest man, Mr. Schercl, but I feel safe in + declaring that you will be satisfied with your bargain. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + "Bargain?" I do not tink dat ven I pay tree hundred bounds for a + bicture it should be called a "pargain." Tree hundred bounds is + very large brice; I shall have not made a pargain. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Er—quite so. You misunderstand me. I should have said your + "contract"—you will be satisfied with your contract. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + If you should have said "gontract," vy did you say "Pargain." + Vell, vell, let us see the bicture. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>With a desperate attempt to throw enthusiasm in his + voice</i>.) It is the best work I have done. I look to "Susannah" + to advance my position enormously. People will talk about + "Susannah." It is—er—full of rapture. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + "Rapture?" Vat is "Rapture?" + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + <i>You</i> know what "rapture" is. It is the term best understood + by the movement of to-day. It is our watchword, our ideal. + "Rapture!" + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Puzzled, but not wishing to appear ignorant</i>.) Oh + "Rapture," I did not understand you. Of course I know what + rapture is. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Of course you do. Well, "Susannah" brims over with it. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Goot, goot. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It is the very apotheosis of rapture. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I gongratulate you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It exudes with rapture. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Is dat so? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It is bathed in rapture. (<i>Aside</i>.) I can't go on much + longer. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Now show it to me. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>with feigned surprise</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Show it to you? I can't show it to you—it isn't here. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Vat is dat you say? Not here? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Certainly not. I am working on it in a friend's studio, not my + own. The light here is not nearly good enough for a work like + that. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You have always found it goot enough, I pelieve? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>with enthusiasm</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + But not for "Susannah"—not nearly good enough for + "Susannah," "Susannah" demands so much; she is exacting—she + must be humoured. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Vell, I am very disappointed; I came expressly to see how you had + brogressed. Will you make me an abbointment? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Certainly I will. I will write you to-morrow. I am anxious to + have your opinion. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Who is the friend in whose studio you vork? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Eh? In Mr. Sylvester's—Charles Sylvester. You should hear + him talk about it. By Jove, he does think a lot of it. I blush to + repeat what he says. He considers it magnificent. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> SYLVESTER.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Afternoon, Rembrandt. Ah, Mr. Schercl, how-d'ye do. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Sylvester himself—the devil. (<i>Aloud</i>.) Dear old man, + we were talking of you! I was just telling Mr. Schercl what you + are kind enough to say of "Susannah." + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Kicks him aside</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You think it goot, Mr. Sylvester, yes? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He thinks it superb, so far as it has gone. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Kicks him again</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What's that? Who is "Susannah?" + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + "Who is Susannah!" (<i>With a sickly laugh</i>.) What a chap to + chaff you are. "Who is Susannah?" Ha, ha, ha. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + But in pusiness I do not like the chokes. Let us be serious if + you please. What is your opinion, Mr. Sylvester, of the vork? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>desperately</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, I quite agree with you, Mr. Schercl, I quite + agree—there is a time for all things. Tell Mr. Schercl what + you think of it, Charlie, do. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Kicks him savagely</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER (<i>aside to</i> TEMPENNY). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You'll break my ankle directly, hang you. What do you want? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside to</i> SYLVESTER). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Intelligence. I'll break your neck in another minute, you born + fool! (<i>Aloud suavely</i>.) Mr. Schercl is naturally anxious to + hear how the picture he had given me a commission for is getting + along. I was telling him how much you think of it but he would + like to hear your views from your own mouth. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh—oh!—now I know what you're talking about! Well, I + have a very high opinion of the work indeed, Mr. Schercl—a + very high opinion. (<i>Aside to</i> TEMPENNY.) What's the + subject? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside to</i> SYLVESTER). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + "Susannah before the Elders"—pitch it strong. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The conception of Susannah, and in fact the entire treatment if I + may say so, is bold in the extreme. He makes a school, our friend + here. You will be surprised when you see the work, and impressed. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Vell, we will make the abbointment soon, Mr. Tempenny. I am sorry + I could not see it to-day. So I shall be imbressed? That is goot. + Gootday, gentlemen. We will make the abbointment very soon. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Exit</i> SCHERCL.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Calling after him from open door</i>.) Mind the bottom step, + it's awkward. Got it? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL (<i>off</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It is so dark your staircase. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, it is dark, isn't it? Good afternoon. (<i>Closes + door.)(To</i> SYLVESTER.) Phew! You couldn't have arrived at a + worse time. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Thanks. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I don't mean to be inhospitable, but the ice was thin. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Have you done anything to "Susannah?" + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Not a stroke, but I commence to-morrow in earnest. I've a model + coming this afternoon, and if you'll let me use your studio, I + shall knock in enough in a week for old Schercl to see when he + calls again. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Why do you want my studio—what's the matter with this? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, the fact is my wife is always popping in here, and if she + found me with a model posed as Susannah she'd go into hysterics. + You understand me? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Understand you. I'm a married man. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (TEMPENNY <i>looks at him silently, and then puts out his + hand</i>. SYLVESTER <i>grasps it</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I don't want to gush, but—I feel for you, old chap. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER (<i>gratefully</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I know—I know. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>offering pouch</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Smoke? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER (<i>producing pipe</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Thanks. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>They fill their pipes without speaking and puff + sympathetically</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Not but what she is a good sort—I don't want to say + anything against her. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Of course not. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + But—I suppose she's too fond of me. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It's a way wives have—they repay the superabundance of your + devotion during the courtship. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Exactly. She's jealous. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Of whom? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Of nobody—of everyone. Of my past, which was rather more + decent than most fellows—of my life to-day, which is a + pattern for a County Councillor. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Poor beggar. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You're sorry for me? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Devilishly. To be married to a jealous woman!—what a fate. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER (<i>with a groan</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ah! Tempenny, there was a girl I used to know when I was a + bachelor—she was a model. My wife found her likeness one + day after we were married. A likeness, nothing more—I + thought I had destroyed it. Well, if you'd have heard the + ructions she made; you'd have thought she'd found a harem. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ah! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + A year or two ago the girl turned up again—walked into my + studio, and wanted to sit to me. As it happened I could have used + her very well. Just as I had given her a drink who should march + in too, but my wife. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The devil. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I <i>said</i> my wife—but— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, go on. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + She recognised my visitor in a moment from the + photograph—abused her, insulted me, and raised a royal row. + The girl cleared out like a shot, and I pledge you my word I have + never seen her since, but from that hour to this not a day passes + without Mrs. Sylvester making some allusion to the incident. I am + the most moral man alive, and I'm watched and suspected as if I + were a criminal. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + We must see more of each other than we have of late. When I work + in your studio we shall be company for each other. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I shall be very glad. Well, I'll be off, now. See you to-morrow + then? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + To-morrow! Au revoir, dear boy. + </p> + <p class="sdr"> + (<i>Exit</i> SYLVESTER.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Poor old Sylvester! Had no idea Mrs. Sylvester was such a + termagant. I must cheer him up a bit. So there was a girl, was + there, and Mrs. Sylvester is jealous of her? Wonder who she was! + Nice girl I daresay—Sylvester's taste was always good + excepting when he married. Where is Bob with my model?—time + he was back! (<i>Goes to window</i>.) There goes + Sylvester—funny thing you can always tell a married man by + his walk. There is a solidity about it—a sort of + resignation. (<i>Turns looking off the other way</i>.) And here + comes a pretty girl.—What a pretty girl—Funny thing + you can always tell a pretty girl by her walk. There is a + consciousness about it—a thanksgiving. She is stopping + here. Lovely woman stopping here! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Throws up window, and leans out more and more till gradually + only a small section of his legs remain on the stage</i>) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>off</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Is this Mr. Tempenny's studio? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It is. I am Mr. Tempenny. Come up do. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No kid? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Not yet—I am recently married. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I mean you are really Mr. Tempenny. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Really and truly. (<i>Withdraws from window, wreathed in + smiles</i>.) How do I look? (<i>Smoothes his hair before + mirror</i>.) Perhaps she is a buyer—I had better appear + busy—or inspired. (<i>Seats himself and adopts a far-away + engrossed expression</i>.) "Rembrandt Tempenny at Home." + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + <i>Knock at door. Enter</i> ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + May I come in? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Enter pray. An idea has struck me. May I beg you to sit down a + moment,—In a moment I shall be at your service. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE <i>sits</i>. REMBRANDT TEMPENNY <i>stares raptly before + him as if lost in composition. (Business.) He starts up and + rushes to small canvas, making violent sketch upon it. Then + brushes his hand across his brow, and turns to her</i>. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I dared not lose it—my idea! Forgive me—I have it + down now, it is saved. What can I do for you? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MR. Addison sent me. He said you wanted a model. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh—you are Rosaline? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You have guessed it in once. He could not come back with me, so + he sent me here alone. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What do you think of me? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I think you a charming young lady. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Then what is the matter? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, I thought you were somebody else, that is all. So you are + Rosaline. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You keep telling me I am Rosaline—I know I am. The question + is how do I do? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + How do you do? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You misunderstand me. The question is how do I suit you? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Quite so—you bring me to the point. You suit me entirely. + Mr. Addison perhaps explained to you the subject of my picture? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + "Susannah." Susannah is a very ugly name—. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + But she will be a very pretty girl, won't she? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh, go away with you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Humour, only my humour! You musn't think any familiarity was + intended. I am not that sort of man at all. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Not a bit. As I told you out of the window, I'm married. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, I am sorry to hear it. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Now you are flattering me—now <i>I</i> must say, "go away + with you." + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am sorry to hear it because I prefer sitting to single artists. + Wives sometimes make rumpuses. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh, you have found that? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I have indeed. I shall never forget one of my experiences as long + as I live. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Really? You interest me. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE <i>(sentimentally)</i>. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I loved a man with all my soul, and <i>he</i> loved <i>me</i>. He + married! No, you must not blame him for it—he was weak, and + the temptation came. "To err is human,"—he married. Oh, my + heart! (<i>She presses her hand to her side</i>.) Forgive me + while I shed a tear. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Shed two. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I forgave him; I struggled to subdue the rage within me. I + forgave him, and went to see him again. I had conquered my + scorn—my better nature had triumphed—I went to him + with all the old tenderness that I had lavished on him in the + days gone by. He was startled, even cold, but still I feel I + should have won him back to me had not something happened. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Something so often happens. It is an aggravating way of + something. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + His wife came between us. All was over. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Designing wretch! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I have never seen him since; I have banished his image from my + mind. But that time has left its mark on me for ever. It + transformed a simple credulous girl into a hardened worldly + woman. I shall never feel a liking for wives again. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + One cannot blame you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I felt you would say that. (<i>Presses her handkerchief to her + eyes</i>.) It was cruel. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + But in my case you will not be troubled by my wife. The sittings + won't take place here, and so she will not see you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + How is that? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, it is very odd, but Mrs. Tempenny has the same objection to + models that you have to wives. It is ridiculous, in fact it is + wicked of her, but I find it best to humour her prejudices. Will + you go to-morrow to Sycamore Place, Number five? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I'll be there—on one condition. No wives, or I throw up the + job. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>alarmed</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + For Heaven's sake don't talk of doing that—my whole life + hangs on the picture. If you don't sit to me I'm a ruined man. + Rosaline, I swear to you no wives shall cross your path. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>off</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Rembrandt, Rembrandt. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Who's that? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Mrs. Tempenny, but I won't let her in. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>angrily</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Wives already!—Everywhere—wives. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>off</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Rembrandt, I must see you. Where are you—quick! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Here, I know the pattern of this! Let me go! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>alarmed</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No. No. I'll get rid of her. (<i>Runs to window, and leans + out—calling</i>.) Don't wait, my dear. I'm busy. I'll be + with you soon. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>contemptuously</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Why, you're scared out of your life of her I can see! I have had + enough of this,—I don't want the job. (<i>As if to go</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Leaving window and running back to her</i>). I tell you if + you don't sit to me I'm a ruined man. Rosaline, I implore you! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>off</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am coming up at once. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>rushing to window again</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + On no account, my darling, I can't be disturbed. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I'm off. Ta-ta. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>back to her again</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You shan't go—I'll lock you in first. There! (<i>Locks + door, and takes out key</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>off</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Rembrandt, I must come up. Something is the matter. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, no, no. Go home, and see the tradespeople, catch! (<i>Takes + out the two sovereigns, and runs to window again: in his + excitement he throws with the wrong hand—throwing out + key</i>.) Good Lord! I've thrown her the key. (<i>Leans out of + the window</i>.) She is coming upstairs. Skip inside there till + she goes. Hurry! (<i>Motions</i> ROSALINE <i>off R</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>scornfully</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Wives, wives, wives! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Exit Rosaline</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Rembrandt! Why did you keep me waiting—there's a sheriff's + officer on his way here with a warrant. He has been at the house, + and the servant ran round to Sylvester's to tell me. You must + escape. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Escape? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Fly! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I can't fly—I am not built for flying. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Then you must hide. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Where? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Pointing to room where Rosaline is concealed</i>.) There! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, no, Hark! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Very heavy steps are heard ascending stairs</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I hear a footfall. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>in terror</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Hide yourself—quick. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>in terror</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I can't. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Why not? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>loftily</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + A hero never hides. Ah, I have it. I'll jump from the window. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Struggles into his coat and hat</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + There is the conservatory underneath. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I'll jump clear of it. Don't let him in for a minute. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>He plants a lay-figure in front of canvas, with its back to + door in flat, then proceeds to dress it up to resemble himself at + work. Brush in hand, etc</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + GROGGINS (<i>off</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MR. Tempenny! + </p> + <p class="sdn"> + (<i>Knocks at door</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Who's there? + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>She goes to door, half opening it, so that</i> GROGGINS + <i>has a partial view of lay-figure</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + GROGGINS. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I have a warrant here for Mr. Rembrandt Tempenny—matter of + forty pun'. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Sh! He is painting. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + GROGGINS. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I can't help whether he's painting or not, marm. The question is + whether he is paying or not. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Man, my husband cannot be disturbed. Don't you see?—he is + inspired. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + GROGGINS. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, he'll be in—Wandsworth if he don't part. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Sh! talk softly. Your voice will jar upon him. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Now for it. (<i>At window</i>.) One—two—three—I + don't like the look of that glass-house much. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + <i>(Hesitates).</i> + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + GROGGINS (<i>decisively</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I must come in, marm—out of the way if <i>you</i> please. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh! It's now or never. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Jumps out. A tremendous crash of broken glass is heard</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>with a shriek</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ah! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + GROGGINS (<i>pushing her aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What's that? (<i>Aside</i>.) Oh, there he is. (<i>Aloud</i>.) + Here you Mr. Tempenny, sir, I've a warrant 'ere on a judgment + summons.—Suit of Cole the butcher. (<i>Addressing + lay-figure</i>.) Do you pay up, or come along o' me? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>at window—aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He's picked himself up—he waves his hand—all is well. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + GROGGINS. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Which is it, sir? I allus likes to do business pleasant, only you + must make up your mind, you know. Pay up, or lock up—take + your choice. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>At window. Excitedly aside</i>.) He disappears—he's + lost to view—the danger's past. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + GROGGINS. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, if you <i>won't</i> speak, you <i>won't</i>, of course! + I've done my 'umble best to do my dooty affable, and since you're + sulky, why—(<i>Going up to lay-figure</i>) Mr. Rembrandt + Tempenny, I've a warrant for your arrest. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>He slaps the lay-figure on the shoulder, it collapses with a + crash</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + GROGGINS (<i>falling back in terror</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Got 'em again, as I'm a sinner! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (MRS. TEMPENNY <i>runs to</i> D.F. <i>as if to go</i>. ROSALINE + <i>half opens</i> R.D. <i>and pops her head out with an + ejaculation</i>.) + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + <i>Act drop, quick</i>. + </p> + <h3 class="act"> + ACT II. + </h3> + <h4 class="scn"> + SCENE:—SYLVESTER'S <i>Studio</i>. (<i>The next day</i>.) + <i>Doors R. and L. At back cupboard</i>. TEMPENNY <i>discovered + painting</i>, ROSALINE <i>posed</i>. + </h4> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I'm getting tired. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Sh! (<i>goes on working frenziedly</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I say I'm getting tired. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Wait a minute, and you shall rest. There! now you can move if you + like. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>stretching herself</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Thank goodness. Let us look! (<i>Looks at canvas</i>.) Oh! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What do you think of it? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Not much. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ah, that shows your profound ignorance of the School. It promises + to be a superb example. (<i>Contemplates it sideways</i>.) + Exquisite! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I say, where is your friend? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Who? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Didn't you say this studio belonged to a friend of yours? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh yes; he hasn't come yet. I expect he will be here this + afternoon. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What's this? (<i>picking up Mandarin's Wig</i>.) One of his + props? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + That? That is a Mandarin's wig. Yes, of course it is one of his + props. He has just been engaged on a great work: "The + Decapitation of a Mandarin after a Chinese Reverse." The + gentleman who sat for the Mandarin wore that wig. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What a funny subject to choose. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Rather playful, isn't it? He likes 'em like that. That's his + forte. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What is his name—do I know him? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Charlie Sylvester; and a rattling good chap he is, let me tell + you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>with a shriek</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh, my heart! This is fate! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>alarmed</i>.) + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I beg your pardon? Don't go off like that. What's the matter? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It is <i>He</i>—<i>He</i> who—! Oh, I am going to + faint. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No,—no, for goodness' sake, don't do that. What do you mean + by "he?" Here, I say, compose yourself. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It is the man I love. The finger of Fate is in it. Where is he? + Bring him to me! Charlie, my own! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>very flustered</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh I say—look here, you know—? (<i>Aside</i>.) This + is the devil and all—Charlie will never forgive me! + (<i>Aloud</i>.) My dear good girl, he <i>isn't</i> your "own," I + assure you he isn't. There is a Mrs. Sylvester, as you know very + well. (<i>Aside</i>.) If he comes in and finds her here, there's + an end of all my sittings. What a piece of infernal luck to be + sure! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE <i>(resolutely).</i> + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Where is he? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>sullenly</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I don't know—I suppose he is at home. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Fetch him then—let me see his dear face again. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What??? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Bring him to me—now, this instant! We have been divided too + long already. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You have, have you? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Far, far too long. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I must humour her. (<i>Aloud</i>.) Well, perhaps you <i>have</i>, + on second thoughts. Yes, it is a long time. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I have never forgotten him. I have always treasured his memory in + my soul. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>soothingly</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + That was very nice of you. You are a very nice girl—I saw + it at once. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + <i>He</i> used to say that—he used to call me his + "Toppett." + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + His little "Toppett?" It is a pretty name, and I am sure he will + be delighted to find you here, when he comes. It will be a + surprise for him, won't it; quite a surprise! (<i>Aside</i>.) A + perfect devil of a surprise! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + For all he knows I might be dead—dead with the violets + blooming over my tomb. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, yes,—buttercups and daisies. (<i>Aside</i>.) I shall + get the giddy push from here when he does come; I see it sticking + out a foot. (<i>Aloud</i>.) I say, Poppett—I mean + "Rosaline," do you feel equal to going on with the sitting till + he arrives? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>passively</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + As you please—I must live. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside.</i>) + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It is doubtful whether Sylvester will see it in the same light. + (<i>Aloud</i>.) Well, then, suppose you take up your position + again. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>He poses her with much difficulty, as each time he places her + arms in the required attitude, she moves to wipe away a + tear</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + There, now we've got it at last. (<i>He goes back to the easel, + and commences to work</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Bursting into sobs, and collapsing altogether</i>.) + Boo—hoo—hoo! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>despairingly</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh, great Jupiter! This is too much! Can't you contain your + emotion? I know it is very praiseworthy, but can't you bottle it + up? How on earth am I to paint you while you keep going on like + this. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>The street-door bell rings</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>joyously</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He! (<i>She clasps her hands and listens</i>.) My heart tells me + so! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>disagreeably</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It <i>ain't</i> he—because he never rings. So your heart's + told you a lie. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>off</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Mr. Sylvester—is he in? Not in? What do you mean? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Snakes!—it's his Missus. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>passionately</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + <i>Another</i> wife? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, it is the same one—do you think he is the Grand + Mogul?—but she will be enough for <i>you</i> if she finds + you here, and for <i>me</i> too! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I do not fear her. I am doing no harm—I am your Model, + brought here by you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>in terror</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Now look here, you know, don't say that; I won't be mixed up in + it! I tell you I'll have nothing to do with the matter! I didn't + know who you were, or I wouldn't have brought you within a + hundred miles of the place. Hark. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>off</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I will wait in his studio till he comes. He ought to have been + here long ago. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>in terror</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + <i>Ought</i> he! I won't be seen here—I can't. She is a + friend of my wife's. I won't be found in your company. I'm a + moral man, and she knows you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>indignantly</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Here, hi, I will be a lay-figure. By George, I've got it—I + will be the Mandarin, see! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>He disguises himself with Rosaline's assistance as a + Mandarin, and sits cross-legged at back, wagging his head</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + How is that? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Beautiful. Hush! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Am I sufficiently impregnated with the Chinese sentiment? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I don't know what you mean. Sh! Here she is. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> MRS. SYLVESTER <i>L</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + A young woman—who is this? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Good morning, madam. Who do you wish to see? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>with a start</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Can I be deceived? Is it possible you are + the—ahem—the person I take you for? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I really don't know who you take me for. My name is Rosaline, and + I'm a model. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I knew it! How dare you come here—how dare you? Two years + ago I forbade you ever to enter my husband's studio again. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I did not know it was your husband's studio when I came. I am + here to sit to a friend of his. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I'm the friend. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>to</i> ROSALINE). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What did you say? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I did not speak. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Now let me quite understand you. Do you mean to say that it was + not Mr. Sylvester who brought you here? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Certainly I do. I came to Mr.— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>in terror aside to</i> ROSALINE). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MR. Brown. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Who did you say? Who is Mr. Brown? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I did not say "Mr. Brown." A gentleman engaged me to sit to him, + and told me to come here this morning at ten o'clock. He said he + was a friend of Mr. Sylvester's. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Then you did know that this was Mr. Sylvester's studio! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I did not. He said it belonged to a friend of his, but did not + mention his name. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>impatiently</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Whose name? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + His friend's name. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>passionately</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Who was this friend, girl? Who told you to come? Answer me. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh, that is very easy. I was engaged by Mr.— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside to</i> ROSALINE). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MR. Smith. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I do not know any Mr. Smith. Where has he gone? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I never said "Mr. Smith." + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Certainly not. I have no reason to mind telling the truth. I am + naturally a truthful girl. His name was— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside to</i> ROSALINE). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Robinson. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Once and for all—will you tell me the man's name? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside to</i> ROSALINE). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, never! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You refuse? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLYESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Then why did you say "never?" + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I never said "Never." + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I warn you, girl, my patience is nearly exhausted. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + So am I. My legs ache at the joints. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You will either make a clean breast of it, or I shall take + steps— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside to</i> ROSALINE). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Let her take steps—that's what I want her to do. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ah, wait—doubtless my husband is in hiding. I will see. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>She opens</i> R.D. <i>and exit</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>going up to</i> REMBRANDT TEMPENNY <i>angrily</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What do you mean by getting me into all this trouble? What do you + mean by it? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh, you be hanged—you're a perfect nuisance. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>She slaps his face</i>. MRS. SYLVESTER <i>re-enters</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I heard a noise. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I was playing with the idol, that is all. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (REMBRANDT TEMPENNY <i>wags his head mechanically</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + This is a dignified position for a husband and a + ratepayer!—the butt of a bad girl! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Your frivolity will avail you nothing. If you were indeed brought + here by a friend of Mr. Sylvester's, I can guess who he is. His + name is Tempenny, and I shall enquire into the matter at once. + (<i>Going</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Of course his name is Tempenny—I never denied it. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY and MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am nobody's accomplice—I am an honest woman earning a + living. I will tell lies for no one. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The cat! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh, this is infamous! So Mr. Tempenny assists my husband to + deceive me, does he? We will see what his wife has to say to it. + Birds of a feather—as I always thought. Abandoned wretches + both! + </p> + <p class="sdr"> + (<i>Exit L</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>springing up</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You mischief-making little beast—what have you done? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Don't you talk to me like that—I won't have it! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>furiously</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You won't have it! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, I won't. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You—you—! You smacked my face! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + And I'll smack it again if you aggravate me. If it weren't that + <i>he</i> will be here later on, I'd walk straight out of the + studio, and never come into it again. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I've a good mind to bundle you out neck and crop, I can tell you. + That woman has gone off to complain to my wife. Here, get me out + of these things. (<i>He divests himself of the Chinese wig and + costume</i>.) I think I had better go. I don't know how I'll do + the picture—I'll <i>never</i> do the picture. I think + <i>you</i> had better go—if Charlie Sylvester finds you + here after this, he will murder you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER (<i>off</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Tempenny!—Tempenny—are you upstairs? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>agitated</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He! Oh, I say, you know—don't yer know—this is awful! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>rapturously</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I know his voice. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>dancing with terror</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, so do I! He'll kill you—I warn you he will make a + corse of you—or <i>me</i>. I won't meet him. I can't. Get + rid of him for the Lord's sake—I'll hide in there till he + has gone. + </p> + <p class="sdr"> + (<i>Exit R</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>taking out powder puff</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + After years we meet again! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> SYLVESTER <i>L</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Why the devil couldn't you answer, Tempenny, I say— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>turning</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Charles! Ah! once more! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Great Scott! My dear girl, what on earth are you here for? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It is like that you greet me? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + "Greet" you? Well, upon my word I don't quite know what you + expect. I thought it was understood between us last time we met + that—that—we weren't to meet? You see I've got a + wife, and— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I know. I have just seen her. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What's that you say? You have just seen my wife? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>nodding</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + She has been here. She has only just gone. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The devil! What did she say to you—what did she think? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + She thought you knew about it—she was angry! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER (<i>furiously</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + And very rightly too. You have no business here—why did you + come? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + MR. Tempenny brought me. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What? Are <i>you</i> his model? This is really too bad. Where is + he? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>pointing R</i>.). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He has gone in there. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What for? (<i>Calling</i>.) Tempenny! I say, Tempenny, I want + you! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> REMBRANDT TEMPENNY <i>very nervously</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ah—er—good morning, dear boy. What weather, eh? What + weather we're having to be sure. (<i>Aside to</i> ROSALINE.) You + malicious, base-hearted—(<i>Shakes his fist at her</i>.) + Oh! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Look here, you know, Tempenny, this won't do. You have no right + to bring the girl here. I don't think it was at all friendly of + you. I—I consider it a damned liberty of you in fact. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>shrinking</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I was afraid you would be vexed, but don't be cross, dear old + man; don't be "put out" about it. (<i>Trying to laugh</i>.) There + are worse troubles at sea, as they say—worse troubles at + sea! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>With rising indignation</i>.) But I <i>am</i> put out. Damn + the sea—what's that got to do with it. Mrs. Sylvester has + been in and seen her, I understand? You have served me a very + shabby trick, Tempenny—I am very sorry about it! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Still trying to laugh it off</i>.) All comes out in the wash, + old chap—all comes out in the wash, I assure you! (<i>Slaps + him on the shoulder</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Don't do that—I don't like it! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>nervously</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ha, ha, ha! (<i>Does it again</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER (<i>shouting</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Don't! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>collapsing</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + All right, I won't. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>advancing</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Charlie! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Don't call me "Charlie"—I don't like it. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Once— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, then, I don't like it twice—do you hear! This is all + your fault, Tempenny. You have got me into a pretty mess upon my + word. My wife won't believe me, and I shall never hear the end of + it. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + And what about mine? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yours? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, she has gone to tell her. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER (<i>roaring with laughter</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ha, ha, ha! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>miserably</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Remarkably funny, isn't it? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ha, ha, ha! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ha, ha, ha! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>To</i> CHARLES SYLVESTER; <i>pointing to</i> ROSALINE.) That + girl is a perfect devil. She smacked my face just now when I was + posing as a mandarin. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER (<i>staring</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + As a what! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I was a mandarin when your wife came in—I thought it + best—and this ex-mash of yours took advantage of me, and + smacked my face. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>To</i> ROSALINE.) I tell you what it is,—I think you + had better go. You had better be off—I can't have you here. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I quite agree. <i>I</i> don't want her—she is more trouble + than she is worth. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You are very rude to me, both of you. (<i>To</i> CHARLES + SYLVESTER.) Your manners have not improved with matrimony, my + friend. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am not going to discuss my manners— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, he is not going to discuss his manners. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The point is— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The point is—git! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The point is that if you don't ask me properly, I shall do + nothing of the kind. Now you've got it. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>To</i> REMBRANDT TEMPENNY <i>angrily</i>.) What the devil do + you mean by bringing such a firebrand here? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Now don't lose your temper again. (<i>To</i> ROSALINE.) Will you + go? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, I won't. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + That settles it. (<i>The two men look at each other + helplessly</i>.) + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> SARAH ANN.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + SARAH ANN. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + If you please, sir, there is a gentleman downstairs who wants to + see Mr. Tempenny. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Me? What's his name? What does he want? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + SARAH ANN. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He says his name is Mr. Schercl. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I'm out. Go and tell him so. It only wanted this to complete my + happiness. I won't see him, do you hear? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + SARAH ANN. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + If you please the gentleman said he must see you, but if you was + engaged, he'd wait. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You won't get rid of old Schercl in a hurry, if he has advanced + you any of the "ready." + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Tell him I'm out. Then let him come up if he likes. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What are you going to do? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am going to dissemble. I am going to be an Eastern potentate, + and I am going to spoof the old boy. (<i>To</i> SARAH ANN.) + Menial, slope! (<i>To</i> CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Help me. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + This is the rummiest studio that ever I was in! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, originality is what we pride ourselves on. (<i>He disguises + himself as the Maharajah of Slamthedoor</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + And what am <i>I</i> to do? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You must be very deferential. I think you had better salaam when + you speak to me. Try it. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Like this? (<i>Salaams</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + That's it, only more so. And mind, if he wants to see Susannah, + you don't let him look at it. It's only just begun. How do I + look? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You look like a Guy Fawkes. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Dear child! how pretty she talks! Where did you originally find + such a treasure? + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> HENRICH SCHERCL <i>L</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ah, Mr. Sylvester, how do you do? Where is Mr. Tempenny? I hoped + to see him. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He has been compelled to go out on most important business. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The business of you gentlemen is always "most important" + excepting when it concerns them that find you the wherewithal. + (<i>Aside</i>.) What a nice girl! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (ROSALINE <i>smiles at him</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SILVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I don't think, my dear Schercl, that you have much cause to + complain. You don't lose by us; now confess! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + My dear sir, if I lost by you how do you think I should garry on + my business? One must live. But you artists don't give us much + chance. You are always bleeding us for what you call "a bit on + aggount." + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>coming down</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Your conversation is very interesting, but I wish to see Mr. + Tempenny. He is not here, and if he is not coming I shall go. + Allah Bismillah Remdazzlegefoo! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> CHARLES SYLVESTER.) What does he say? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> HENRICH SCHERCL.) He's swearing because Tempenny + is out. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I wanted to buy some of his great works. The Maharajah of + Battledore told me that he was one of your most favourite + painters. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Good old Rembrandt Tempenny. What larks! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Let <i>me</i> deal with this + sportsman. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> HENRICH SCHERCL.) Bosh, why should you? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Do you want to sell your "Battle of Agincourt?" + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Of course I do. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + How much? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Two hundred—you know that! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + A hundred ready? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You will have a jeque to-night. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + On your word? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + On my word. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + An open one? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, my dear young friend. Now oblige me by skipping. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Right you are. Allow me to introduce to your Highness, Mr. + Schercl—Mr. Schercl, the Maharajah of Slamthedoor. + </p> + <p class="sdr"> + (<i>Exit R</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Allah Bismillah Pottamarmala Goo! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He's swearing again. (<i>Aloud</i>.) I am sorry your Royal + Highness has been kept waiting. These artists are such gurious + people. Your Highness broboses to buy bictures, yes? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I have built a new palace at Slamthedoor, and I must have, of + course, some pictures for my galleries. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Does your Highness want any slaves too? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> ROSALINE.) Go away, girl—go away! One deal + at a time! (<i>Aloud</i>) May I make so bold as to enquire the + size of the new palace, Oh glorious One? (<i>Salaams</i>.) + (<i>Aside</i>.) I think that is right! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The size? It is no bigger than my other one—it is about + four times as large as your Buckingham Palace. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Great heavens! And you will have a vast picture gallery, Oh Light + of my Eyes! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Five—five picture galleries, and I desire to fill them. + That is why I am looking up these artists. My cousin the + Maharajah of Battledore has given me several introductions. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + <i>Doesn't</i> your Royal Highness want any slaves? Ye before + whose radiance the sun pales and the stars grow dim—no + slaves? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Can you dance, damsel, as I would see you? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> ROSALINE.) Go away—go away—go away. + Oh, demmit, will you go away! (<i>Salaaming</i>.) Most Serene + One— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Proceed. But be quick—I am impatient to be gone. Allah + Bismillah, be quick! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What a temper he's got! (<i>Aloud</i>.) Be guided by your + servant. I have your Royal Highness's interest at heart. + (<i>Aside</i>.) Also my own. (<i>Aloud</i>.) These bainters are + so queer—they do not understand business at all, at all. + Nach, they know nothing about it—at least very few of them. + The less you have to do with them directly the better for your + Royal Highness. If your Royal Highness wishes to fill the picture + galleries of your new palace I'll take on the job at contract. + I'll save you sixty per cent, s'welp me! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + That is very kind of you. Why should you do it? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, your Royal Highness, I was struck by your demeanour and to + tell your Royal Highness the truth, except with the Brince of + Westphalia I have never done any business with royal families + before. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>aside</i>.) + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Modest violet! There's nothing like being frank! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You do not advise me then to see this Mr. Tempenny, or the other + painters whose names I have? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Certainly not, your Royal Highness. Let <i>me</i> arrange + everything. Here's my card—Heinrich Schercl, 41 Golden + Square. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> HENRICH SCHERCL). Look here, what am I to have + for this. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> ROSALINE). For what? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> HENRICH SCHERCL). I can queer your pitch. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> ROSALINE). We will talk later—we will talk + later. Don't bother me! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + My dear Mr. Schercl, I am delighted to have met you. You are + quite confident you can <i>fill</i> my galleries? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + With genuine works of art. (<i>Aside</i>.) Poor Gamboge died last + week; I am sure he hasn't sold more than three pictures during + the last ten years—I can get the lot cheap. Only there must + be 200 at least. What with all the other stony devils I can lay + hands on, I'll soon decorate the old josser's walls. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well then, I shall wait no longer—there is no need now. I + shall call upon you, and settle our business together. Good-bye, + miss, for the present. This is your daughter, I suppose? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Eh—oh, yes, my youngest—my ewe lamb. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I congratulate you. She is worthy to be a Princess. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + This man's a flyer! I thought he was a mild young mug, but he + fairly takes the merry little bun! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Good day, sir. My time in London is short. If I cannot call upon + you, I will ask you to come to me at Claridge's. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Charmed, your Royal Highness. I shall be entirely at your + disposition. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + That is well. + </p> + <p class="sdr"> + (<i>Exit R</i>. SCHERCL <i>and</i> ROSALINE <i>salaam</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Skipping with ecstasy</i>). Jampagne! Little girl, I will + stand you jampagne to zelebrate the deal. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Good biz! (<i>Opens L.D. and calls</i>). Here Mary, Matilda, + Susan, or whatever your name is, you're wanted. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + And you are a very charming girl, that is a fact. (<i>Lighting a + cigarette</i>). I think I must give you a sovereign, yes? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I don't mind if I do. (<i>Taking cigarette from his case</i>). A + "sovereign?" What are you talking about? My commission on this is + a tenner—and I'm cheap at that! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> SARAH ANN <i>L</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Giving her money</i>). Fetch me a bottle of jampagne, and + bring two glasses, eh? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + SARAH ANN. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yessir. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + And look slippy. Go on, I'm parched. Mind, the <i>best</i> + champagne. (<i>To</i> HENRICH SCHERCL.) Got a light? + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Exit</i> SARAH ANN <i>L</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What is your name, my dear? (<i>Gives her light</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Rosaline—you may call me "Rosie" if you like. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + May I—why? (<i>Chuckles</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, I was struck by your demeanour, and to tell your Royal + Highness the truth I have never done business with such a nice + gentleman as you before. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ha, ha, ha! You are a sharp girl too! You are too good to go to + India to be a slave. You could do better in London. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Coquettishly</i>). Think so? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You shall have a slave of your own—a slave who would love + you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It sounds very well. In the meantime what about the tenner? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Taking out his notebook</i>). You shall have it. There! Will + you give me a kiss for that, my Rosie, with your rosy-posy lips? + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> SARAH ANN <i>L. with champagne and glasses</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Not before the child! Put it down, my girl, that'll do—Come + on, Heinrich of the Golden Square, come and pour out the fluid. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Exit</i> SARAH ANN <i>L</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Lifting his glass</i>). Gezunteit! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Very likely. (<i>Aside</i>.) This is the best day's sitting I've + ever done. (<i>Aloud</i>.) Now this is what I call comfortable: a + bottle of the boy, a cigarette, and a cosy chat. I am very glad + to have met you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Putting his arm round her waist</i>). Really—is that + so? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + That is really so. But mind you, an hour ago, I should not have + let you do this. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am so blessed we did not meet an hour ago. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It is true. An hour ago I was in love, but I have been treated + very badly. Just now my heart is at the rebound. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Leedle heart—let me gatch it! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Now you are making fun of me. I am not so simple as you think. + Why, we have only just met. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + But we can meet again. Besides, I am not going yet—I will + stop and talk to you. You shall tell me all about your + love-trouble, and I will gonsole you. Hark, what is that? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Somebody is coming upstairs. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Then I will step into the next room. It would not look vell that + I should be found trinking jampagne mid a pretty girl like you. + When they are gone I will come back. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MR. Sylvester is in there. Here, if you don't want to be seen, + get into this cupboard. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Is it glean? Are you sure? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Clean as a new pin. Come on if you mean it, there's no time to + waste. Now or never? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Going into cupboard, gingerly</i>). I am certain it is not + glean. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (ROSALINE <i>shuts the door and turns as</i> MRS. SYLVESTER + <i>re-enters with</i> MRS. TEMPENNY). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I told you so! Here she is as bold as brass. Now what do you say + to that? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + If indeed my husband brought her here—if he has really + assisted Mr. Sylvester to deceive you— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Scornfully</i>). "IF!" The creature does not deny it. Speak, + girl. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Good afternoon. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + "Good afternoon?" It isn't a "good afternoon" I want you to say. + Speak, I tell you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What shall we talk about? + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>R.D. slowly opens a little</i>—<i>showing</i> REMBRANDT + TEMPENNY <i>and</i> CHARLES SYLVESTER <i>listening</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> CHARLES SYLVESTER). Can you do it, do you think? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I can do it. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Threaten to punch my head. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, yes—and you had better be very violent too. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I twig. Wait a moment. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>They withdraw</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Bursting into tears</i>). I will never forgive him as long as + I live. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I should think not. When I see Charles—! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Oh, and when I see Rembrandt—! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I <i>will</i> see him, if I stop till midnight! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + And <i>I'll</i> see him, if I don't go home for a week! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> REMBRANDT TEMPENNY <i>backwards, very disordered + attire</i>—<i>his entrance to suggest that he has been + flung in</i>. CHARLES SYLVESTER <i>follows</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>With affected fury</i>). If you did not bring this person + here, sir, how did she come? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + How? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, sir—how? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + How do I know? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER and MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What is all this? Oh, good gracious, the men have been fighting! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + <i>I</i> know what it is—it's spoof. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Rushing to</i> CHARLES SYLVESTER). Charles—Charles, + compose yourself! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Rushing to</i> REMBRANDT TEMPENNY). Rembrandt, be calm. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Don't interfere, Adelaide. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Eugenia, this concerns us alone. Mr. Sylvester accuses me— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, sir, I accuse you— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Throwing himself upon him</i>). Ah! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (CHARLES SYLVESTER <i>throws him off</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The best of wives— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Don't you dare to mention Mrs. Sylvester's name, sir! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am talking about Mrs. Tempenny. I say you would lead the best + of wives to suppose that I—I—introduced this creature + into your room. (<i>Weeps</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + And through you I may be falsely suspected by Adelaide. + (<i>Weeps</i>.) + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (ROSALINE <i>whispers to</i> REMBRANDT TEMPENNY <i>aside</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> ROSALINE.) Great Jupiter! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + All this is very fine—but who <i>is</i> the man who brought + her here if you didn't? Answer that. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, if neither of <i>you</i> did it, who did? Where <i>is</i> + the man? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Throwing open cupboard triumphantly and disclosing</i> + SCHERCL <i>covered with paint</i>.) There! + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + <i>Curtain</i>. + </p> + <h3 class="act"> + ACT III. + </h3> + <h4 class="scn"> + SCENE:—<i>Drawing-room at Tempenny's house.</i> + </h4> + <p class="sdm"> + TIME:—<i>Next day</i>. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (SUSAN <i>discovered dusting. As Curtain goes up bell is heard + off</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + SUSAN. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Was that the bell again? It is not the sort of place I am used + to, this—where the master's afraid to see half the people + who calls for him. I only hopes my wages is right. They was + precious particular about <i>my</i> references when they took me. + Was I sober, honest and industrious, and the Lord knows what? + Wish I'd been equal particular about theirs. The master ain't + remarkably industrious, that I do know, for he often don't paint + nothing for a week at a time; and he frequently ain't sober. + Whether or not he is honest I shall find out at the end of my + month. (<i>Bell rings again</i>.) It <i>was</i> the + bell—I'd better go and see who it is. + </p> + <p class="sdr"> + (<i>Exit L</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL (<i>heard off</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Mr. Tempenny in? Nonsense. Then I'll wait till he is. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + SUSAN (<i>expostulating</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + But, sir, if you please, sir, really— + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> HENRICH SCHERCL <i>followed by</i> SUSAN.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I tell you I mean to see him. Now let us have the truth, girl, + where is he? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + SUSAN. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Mr. Tempenny, sir? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + "Mr. Tempenny, sir?" Yes, ma'am, who else? Now, is he at home? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + SUSAN. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, sir, he isn't; he has gone out. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Not to his studio, for I've just been there. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + SUSAN. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, sir, he has gone to his dentist. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Then I'll just sit down here till he comes back. You may go in + and tell him so. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + SUSAN (<i>confused</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I hope you don't think I tell stories, sir? If Mr. Tempenny's out + how can I take him your message? + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> REMBRANDT TEMPENNY <i>R</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>briskly</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Now, you understand, Susan, I am out to everyone, and if a Mr. + Schercl calls—(<i>seeing</i> HENRICH + SCHERCL—<i>aside</i>). Good gracious! (<i>Aloud</i>.) Beg + him to wait till I return—I want to see him. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL (<i>sardonically</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He <i>is</i> waiting, sir. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>affecting surprise</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + My dear friend, how glad I am—how very glad! + (<i>Aside</i>.) This is the very devil! (<i>Aloud</i>.) All + right, Susan, you can go. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I want a leedle talk with you, my friend, without delay. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + SUSAN (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I hope the master'll enjoy himself, I'm sure! I did <i>my</i> + best for him anyhow! + </p> + <p class="sdr"> + (<i>Exit L</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Mr. Tempenny, I am here to demand an exblanation, sir—an + exblanation of your strange behaviour of yesterday. And there is + something else, sir. I find you are not Mr. Tempenny at all, sir, + you are an imposter. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He did take me for Tempenny R.A., Addison was right! + (<i>Aloud</i>.) An imposter, Mr. Schercl? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Zertainly, sir. I took you for <i>the</i> Mr. Tempenny—it + was to <i>the</i> Mr. Tempenny, I brobosed to give my commission. + You 'ave cheated me, you fellow. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Now, now, take care! How was <i>I</i> to know you took me for + somebody else? You came to me, and you made me an offer, and I + accepted it. How could I tell you thought I was another—I + may say an <i>inferior</i>—Tempenny? I say how could I know + you were making a mistake? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You knew it very well. I would not pay tree 'undred pounds to + <i>you</i>! What do you think I am—a fool? You 'ave + obtained an order from me under false pretences, do you hear. I + say you 'ave robbed me. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Gently! gently! this is slander, old gentleman. It will cost you + a good deal <i>more</i> than three hundred pounds if you aren't + more guarded in your remarks. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL (<i>spluttering</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It will really. I shall owe it to myself to have you up for + slander, and it would be a very good advertisement for me too. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What! what! what! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + A really excellent advertisement. And what a fool you'd look! + Come, come, you don't suppose your other Tempenny would have done + you a work of this size for three hundred, do you? Nor as good + either? No, no! As to the affair of yesterday, my wife was very + much to blame—I am very angry with her. You see she has + such curious ideas, and when she found you hidden in a cupboard + with a paint-pot upset over you she thought it strange. It + <i>wasn't</i> strange, of course—(<i>airily</i>) most + natural thing in the world, but she couldn't see it. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I felt very hurt to be so misunderstood. The only person who + abbeared to have any zympathy for me was your model—the + Miss Rosaline. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Nice girl! charming girl, isn't she? Full of feeling, and—I + say, Schercl, you've made a conquest there, and no error. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Nonsense—go away mid your rubbidge! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, you have, you know! She made an awful scene after you + left—said you were the only man she ever saw look dignified + with a pot of paint upset over him. It is a pity in one way she + <i>is</i> so taken with you—I feel for her. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL (<i>flattered</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Vat rot you talk. Why should you feel for her? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Because you meant nothing by your attentions, Schercl, and the + poor girl doesn't know that. She is thinking about you—not + to put too fine a point upon it, she has fallen in love with you; + and what do <i>you</i> care?—you laugh! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, I do not laff—I have a 'eart, have I not? I have the + emotions and sensibilities. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You have, you have. But you do not realise how serious an + impression you have made. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Well, now about Susannah. You can do it as well as your namesake. + Yes? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ah! (<i>Enthusiastically</i>.) Wait till you see it! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It still progresses? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Superbly. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + "Zuperbly!" But I do not see it, and to me you never abbear to + paint. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + My dear friend, how can you doubt the success of the picture + after you have seen the model who is sitting for it? + Fair—beautiful form—exquisite arms—er— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, yes, yes. So Miss Rosaline sits for your Susannah, eh? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Won't it be worth the three hundred—won't it be a dream. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL (<i>eagerly</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I will come in one morning when you are at work! Yes, I am + satisfied with the gontract—I say no more. I will come in + when she is sitting. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNV. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, you don't, my boy—oh no, you don't! The picture is what + you get for your money—the real, living, breathing woman + ain't included. Not much! Oh, no, Schercl, you old + rogue—only the picture, sonny, no more. Ha, ha, ha! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL (<i>confused</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You misunderstood me quite—I had no idea but of my + business. I do not think of other things. Er—when will the + picture be done, Tempenny, I would like it soon? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ha, ha, ha! Control yourself, Romeo, it's coming on. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + But according to our contract, it should be done in a week's + time. If you disappoint me, my friend, we shall fall out again. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + It strikes me you'll be precious lucky if you get it at all. The + infernal "contract" is the bane of my life. (<i>Aloud</i>.) All + right, Schercl, I will push on with it—I want the other two + hundred, you know. I shan't delay for my own sake. (<i>Enter</i> + CHARLES SYLVESTER <i>L</i>.) Hallo, Charlie, how d'ye do. How are + things at home? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I see another of yesterday's gulprits. However I have forgiven + you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + That's all right. (<i>Aside to</i> REMBRANDT TEMPENNY:) + Rosaline's downstairs—wanting to see you. Where is your + wife? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Out. (<i>To</i> HENRICH SCHERCL.) That poor girl has followed you + here. Perhaps out of pity you ought to go down to her and say a + kind word. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Miss Rosaline—she is here? Well, I never! Yes, I will go + down and speak to her. Where is she? + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> ROSALINE <i>L</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Damn it, in the drawing-room! Look here, Schercl, you can't go + till <i>she</i> does. If my wife comes in and finds her, she is + your affair. Don't leave her for Heaven's sake. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Good morning, gentlemen. Oh, Mr. Schercl! What a + pleasure—how <i>do</i> you do? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am very well, I thank you. And you?—I need not ask, you + look most beautiful. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Dear man! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Why is Tempenny so afraid + his wife should see her? You too—why are <i>you</i> so + afraid? Is she not of a good character, this Miss Rosaline? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> HENRICH SCHERCL.) The girl is a paragon. They + are jealous of her, that's all. She is too good-looking for 'em. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ha, ha, I see! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I think we'll leave you, old man. Rosaline, Mr. Schercl, has + something to say to you—we shall be in the way. (<i>Aside + to</i> CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Come on, old chap—I wouldn't + risk being found in the room again with the girl for a monkey. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, I have some business to discuss with Mr. Tempenny. If you + will excuse us— + </p> + <p class="sdr"> + (<i>Exit R.</i>) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + (<i>Aside to</i> HENRICH SCHERCL.) Take her away soon, there's a + trump, or there will be another row. I give you five minutes to + get her out of the house, Take her to + breakfast—or—or—wherever you like, only hurry! + <span class="sdr">(<i>Exit L.</i>)</span> + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + How funny to be left alone like this, isn't it, I really called + to know when Mr. Tempenny proposed to continue the sittings. Do + you know? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, I have no idea. But I am very glad you called—our + conversation yesterday was so inderrupted. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, and we were getting on so nicely too, weren't we? Do you + like my new hat? I bought it out of the tenner you gave me. What + do you think of the bow—isn't it a duck? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You do not sit to Mr. Tempenny in a hat, I think. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + In a—? Oh no, not in—. The subject is classical. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Zo I understand (<i>he sighs</i>). + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>sighing</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ah! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Why do you sigh? You are not happy? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Did I sigh? I was thinking. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL (<i>sighing</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Heigho! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + But now it is <i>you</i> who sighs. Aren't <i>you</i> happy? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I alzo, I was thinking. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Of what? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + If I was to tell you, you would call me "sentimental old fool." + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Not <i>old</i>. Never a <i>fool</i>. (<i>With sudden + persuasiveness</i>.) <i>Tell</i> me! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I was thinking then, of you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Of little me? What of me. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I was wishing I was this Mr. Tempenny. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Why? (<i>Realising reason, and covering her face bashfully</i>.) + Oh! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I mean you go to him every day, and your zociety is very + fascinating. That is all. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Of course, if you were Mr. Tempenny, you would see more of me. I + should have said you would see me "<i>oftener</i>." + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Heigho! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Heigho! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + The little that I <i>have</i> seen has made a great impression on + me, Rosie—I shall never forget your face. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Really? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL (<i>eagerly</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, yes, really—it is true. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am only a model, you know—a poor girl. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You are a model of perfection. I zympathise with you. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You do not think the less of me because? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I assure you I think of you the more. Nevertheless I do not like + the idea. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + And why? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You must find it zo chilly in the winter. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I have got used to it. And besides I am fortunately of a warm + temperament. The wind is tempered to the shorn lamb. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I have not ever in my life seen a young lady who did make me feel + for her the strange attraction that I feel for you, Rosie. I am + jealous of this Mr. Tempenny. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Jealous! Do you mean you are in love with me? (<i>Aside</i>.) Oh, + my goodness, what a joke! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + And if I did, would you laugh at me? Supposing I was to say to + you—"Rosie, I would like to marry you," what would you + answer? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Say it, and see. (<i>Aside</i>.) He's in earnest. I do believe. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am a very rich man. I could give you lots of such hats, and + jewellery, and a big house. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>sentimentally</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I wish that you were poor. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL (<i>in a fright</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, no, for goodness sake, don't say that! Why? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You would not doubt my sincerity then. Now, you may think— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + No, no, I do believe you. Do you care for me a little, Rosie? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>archly</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Perhaps I do—a little. No, you are making game of me! + (<i>Turns up</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I am not—I am not! I love you desperately. Rosie, will you + be my wife. Say "yes" my darling. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes. Now you may kiss me. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL (<i>kissing her</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + This is paradise. And Rosie— + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes, Mr. Schercl. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ah, no, you must say Heinrich. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Yes—Heinrich? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + You will not sit to Mr. Tempenny any more? It is not fit, now + that you are to be Mrs. Schercl, that you should earn your living + in such a way. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE (<i>doubtfully</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + He will be very disappointed. He can't finish "Susannah" without + me, and if he don't finish it, he won't get the two hundred + pounds. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> MRS. SYLVESTER <i>and</i> MRS. TEMPENNY. <i>L. + dressed for walking</i>.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Sir! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Ah, my friend Tempenny's wife. And Mrs. Sylvester—how do + you do? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + This creature again? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + By what right, sir, do you bring this person again—and into + my private house. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + ROSALINE. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Creature! Stand up for me, Heinrich. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I will, my treasure. (<i>To</i> MRS. TEMPENNY.) I must trouble + you, my good madam, to speak in terms of more respect of a lady + who will shortly be my wife. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="ctr"> + <table> + <tr> + <td> + MRS. TEMPENNY + </td> + <td> + } + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + } (<i>aside</i>). + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + MRS. SYLVESTER + </td> + <td> + } + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <p class="dlg"> + Schercl's wife! We must be very civil to her! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Let me introduce you: Mrs. Tempenny, Mrs. Sylvester—the + future Mrs. Heinrich Schercl. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>The two women gush up to her and shake her hands</i>.) + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> TEMPENNY <i>and</i> SYLVESTER. <i>L.</i>) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + What's this I see, do I dream? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + CHARLES SYLVESTER. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Are visions about? + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. TEMPENNY (<i>aside to</i> TEMPENNY). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Why on earth didn't you tell me? They are engaged—I might + have offended him for life! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + MRS. SYLVESTER (<i>aside to</i> SYLVESTER). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + How stupid you were! They are going to be married. Why, you might + never have got an order from him again! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Dear, dear, dear, but my very good friend, if this lady is going + to be your wife, how about "Susannah?" + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Forgive me, "Susannah" cannot be. I release you from the + contract. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>aside</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Tidings of joy! (<i>Aloud</i>.) But—but—this is very + hard on me. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I release you, and I pay you just the same. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TFMPENNY. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + But she has had the money for a dozen sittings. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I pay. + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Enter</i> SUSAN.) + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + SUSAN. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + If you please, sir, there's a hofficer of the law downstairs and + he wants Mr. Tempenny or forty pun', sixteen shillings and + ninepence. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>waving his hand</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Schercl! + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + HENRICH SCHERCL. + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + I pay—and I gif you the balance by a jeque. + </p> + <p class="cnm"> + REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (<i>with mock despair</i>). + </p> + <p class="dlg"> + Pay—you pay? But the work of my life unfinished.—What + money can compensate for that? + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + (<i>Sinks forlornly into chair</i>.) + </p> + <p class="sdm"> + <i>Curtain</i>. + </p> + <p> + THE END. + </p> + <p> + PRINTING OFFICE OF THE PUBLISHER. + </p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of If Only etc. +by Francis Clement Philips and Augustus Harris + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IF ONLY ETC. *** + +***** This file should be named 15219-h.htm or 15219-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/2/1/15219/ + +Produced by Martin Agren, Leonard Johnson and the PG Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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