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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of If Only etc.
+by Francis Clement Philips and Augustus Harris
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  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: ASCII
+
+*** 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.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+IF ONLY
+
+ETC.
+
+BY
+
+F.C. PHILIPS
+
+AUTHOR OF "AS IN A LOOKING GLASS," ETC. ETC.
+
+
+
+LEIPZIG
+
+BERNHARD TAUCHNITZ
+
+1904.
+
+
+
+
+TO
+
+MY OLD FRIEND AND COLLABORATOR,
+
+SYDNEY GRUNDY,
+
+I DEDICATE THESE PAGES.
+
+F.C. PHILIPS.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+
+IF ONLY
+
+ONE CAN'T ALWAYS TELL
+
+SONGS. AFTER VICTOR HUGO, ARMAND SILVESTRE,
+CHARLES ROUSSEAU AND THE VICOMTE DE BORELLI
+
+LOVE WENT OUT WHEN MONEY WAS INVENTED
+
+A PUZZLED PAINTER. (WRITTEN IN COLLABORATION
+WITH THE LATE SIR AUGUSTUS HARRIS)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+IF ONLY.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+She was prettier off the stage than on, and her manner was charming,
+and her voice delicious with its racy accent.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+Saidie was distributing small pieces of wedding cake, laughing and
+screaming at the top of her voice.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"It wouldn't satisfy me," returned Saidie, turning up her nose
+disdainfully; "but he isn't my style, anyway."
+
+"Bit of a prig, eh?"
+
+Saidie nodded.
+
+"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".
+
+Saidie lay back in the chair and laughed till the tears ran down her
+cheeks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"Oh! Saidie, he doesn't grudge me anything." The young wife felt a
+little compunction in her heart.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"Have you read this?" he asked.
+
+"No; it is one of Saidie's. Is it interesting?"
+
+John Chetwynd's answer was to hurl the volume under the grate with an
+angry word.
+
+Bella flushed.
+
+"Why did you do that? I want to read it."
+
+"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!"
+
+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.
+
+"Why should you be less pure because you have a husband, my child?
+Don't run away with any such notion."
+
+"Well, I will read it and give you my opinion of it."
+
+"You will do no such thing. I forbid it, Bella."
+
+"In a matter like this I shall judge for myself." Her cheeks were
+scarlet, and she kept her eyes downbent.
+
+"I will not--"
+
+"Bella!"
+
+It was the first time in their married life that she had defied him,
+and he looked at her in utter astonishment.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"And you think that--you mean to imply that--"
+
+"That your sister has her own ends to serve? Undoubtedly I do."
+
+"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.
+
+"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?"
+
+"Yes, I hear."
+
+"And you will respect my wishes in the matter?"
+
+"I don't know," she spoke uncertainly.
+
+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?
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+And he walked quickly across the floor and the next moment the door
+closed upon him.
+
+"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."
+
+"Putting her foot down," certainly had one effect, namely, that of
+making life anything but a bed of roses for the unfortunate doctor.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"Why, Meynell, old chap, where have you dropped from?" he exclaimed,
+grasping the outstretched hand.
+
+"Where have _you_ hidden yourself? is more to the purpose. No one
+ever sees you nowadays."
+
+Dr. Chetwynd smiled.
+
+"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."
+
+"Doing pretty well?"
+
+"Yes, I think I may say I am. Uphill work, of course, but still--"
+
+"And where are you living?"
+
+Chetwynd hesitated.
+
+"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."
+
+And they walked on side by side.
+
+"You have dined? I am afraid--"
+
+"My dear fellow, I have this moment left the club."
+
+Dr. Chetwynd put his latch-key into the lock and ushered his friend
+upstairs to his wife's pretty drawing-room.
+
+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.
+
+"No, sir, that I'm sure I don't. My mistress never said anything to
+me."
+
+"Well, she is not likely to be away long," remarked the doctor
+philosophically. "Have a cigar, Meynell."
+
+"Thanks, no. Your wife spoils you, Jack, if she allows you to smoke
+in her pretty little room."
+
+"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."
+
+"No, indeed I hadn't." Gus Meynell looked a good deal surprised.
+
+"Well, I mention it because perhaps she is not quite like the
+ordinary run of women."
+
+Meynell could no longer be blind to the want of ease in his host's
+manner, and in his turn became proportionately uncomfortable.
+
+"Hang it all! A man marries to please himself," he said awkwardly.
+
+"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--"
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"Hallo, Jack! You are home before me, then."
+
+"Bella, my dear, I must introduce you to an old friend of mine:
+Meynell, my wife."
+
+Bella bowed a little coldly.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"Glad to know you, sir--not one of us--not in the profession, I
+think?"
+
+"No--er--no," responded Chetwynd feebly.
+
+"And the 'appier you, take my tip for it. The wear and tear of the
+'alls, sir, no one but a pro can estimate."
+
+Here his wife, an over-dressed, showy individual a shade more of a
+cockney than himself, interposed with a coarse laugh.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"How soon are your friends going to take their leave, Bella?" asked
+Chetwynd in an undertone to his wife.
+
+But Bella turned her back upon him without deigning to give him so
+much as a word.
+
+"I think I had the pleasure of seeing you perform the other night,
+Mrs. Doss," remarked Mr. Meynell.
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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!"
+
+"Saidie, why don't you sit down? We will have some supper directly,"
+said Bella.
+
+"Oh, my dear, I'm dying for a drink!" cried Miss Blackall, flinging
+herself in an attitude more easy than graceful into an armchair.
+
+Bella opened the chiffonier and produced glasses and a spirit stand.
+
+"Saves the trouble of ringing for the servant," she said archly to
+Meynell.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Good for you, Bella! All right, dear! I'm not one to tell tales out
+of school."
+
+"Are you a married man, sir, may I ask?"
+
+Doss put his thumbs under his arm-pits and looked scrutinisingly into
+Meynell's face. "I should say not."
+
+"No, I'm a bachelor, and likely to continue one."
+
+"Well," remarked Mrs. Doss sentimentally, "I don't know nothing
+jollier than courting time. Such little ordinary things seem sweet
+like, then."
+
+"Hark at the old girl," chuckled Doss.
+
+"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."
+
+All this was gall and wormwood to John Chetwynd, and he approached
+his wife again and whispered.
+
+"It is getting late--are these people never going?"
+
+"Not until they have had supper, most certainly."
+
+"And do you expect my friend to join you?"
+
+"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."
+
+John Chetwynd could stand it no longer.
+
+"Madam," he said, addressing Mrs. Doss; "I must really apologise, but
+Mr. Meynell and I have important business to discuss, and--"
+
+Mrs. Doss might be vulgar, but she was not obtuse. Seeing she and her
+husband were not wanted, she sprang to her feet.
+
+"Sam--right about face; we must be off 'ome."
+
+"Nonsense, you must have some supper before you go," said Bella.
+
+"Oh, I think we will be toddling, thanks. Are you coming with us,
+Saidie?"
+
+"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?"
+
+"Not I. I can't imagine what Jack means by behaving so inhospitably.
+I hope you will all stop."
+
+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.
+
+"Good night, gents. My best respects to you, Mrs. Chetwynd, but we
+knows who wants us and who doesn't."
+
+Bella turned indignantly to her husband. "And you call yourself a
+gentleman!" she cried.
+
+"For heaven's sake remember we are not alone!" whispered Chetwynd in
+distress, "you have distinguished yourself quite enough."
+
+"I don't care--you have insulted my friends."
+
+"Friends!"
+
+"Yes, and as good as you or I. What did you marry me for if you are
+ashamed of my connections?"
+
+"I did not marry the whole variety stage."
+
+At this juncture Meynell rose.
+
+"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.
+
+"I have given you a very enjoyable evening, Meynell," he said
+bitterly.
+
+"My dear fellow, what ought I to say?"
+
+"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."
+
+The hall door shut, and Chetwynd went slowly, sorrowfully back to the
+drawing-room.
+
+"I hope you have disgraced me enough to-night," he said stormily.
+
+"Where's the disgrace, I should like to know, in inviting a couple of
+old friends into one's own house?" demanded Saidie aggressively.
+
+Chetwynd promptly turned his back upon her. "I am addressing my
+wife," he said frigidly.
+
+"Yes; I would like to see you talking to _me_ in that tone of voice,"
+returned his sister-in-law.
+
+"Bella, what have you to say for yourself? Have you no self-respect
+whatever, and no consideration for your husband's position?"
+
+"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 _me_ good enough for you, myself."
+
+"Bella, Bella!"
+
+"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."
+
+"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?"
+
+There was a little break in his voice, but Bella was too incensed to
+heed it.
+
+"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."
+
+Chetwynd passed his hand over his brow dreamily. The whole thing was
+such a shock to him, he could hardly realise it.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"Well, you can't go back from your word now," said Saidie; "You said
+you would do it."
+
+"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."
+
+"Don't talk like that," cried Saidie disdainfully, "You make me
+tired!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+Thus, out of his love for his young wife, he made excuses for her and
+took her back to his heart again.
+
+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.
+
+"Bella, you and I love each other too well to quarrel," he said
+kindly; "let us forget all that happened last night."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"The man was a brute," Miss Blackall declared.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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!
+
+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.
+
+Why should she not enjoy herself as other women of her age did?
+
+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.
+
+It was his wealth that dazzled her.
+
+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.
+
+"I never can do anything I like," said Bella with a pout.
+
+And then there came a night when John Chetwynd found the pretty
+drawing-room deserted and his wife flown.
+
+The hours went by and as she did not return he grew seriously uneasy.
+
+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.
+
+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?"
+
+"No, madam, or assuredly I should not be here."
+
+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.
+
+"You don't know, then, that Bella is on at the Tivoli?"
+
+John Chetwynd sat down suddenly. This news literally took his breath
+away.
+
+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.
+
+"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--"
+
+"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."
+
+"You made a great mistake, Mr. Chetwynd, when you--"
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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!"
+
+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.
+
+He was there, sitting in her own cosy armchair, and he looked round
+expectantly as the door opened.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Stop--do you hear me?--this instant stop!" the devil in him burst
+out; he could restrain himself no longer.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+And then he stumbled to his feet and stood waiting for his answer.
+
+It came at last, clear and cold, falling like pellets of ice upon his
+impatient fervour.
+
+"The thing is done now, and all the talking in the world will not
+alter it."
+
+"And that is your last word to me--your husband?"
+
+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.
+
+When he had gone, Bella opened her eyes and held up her hand
+curiously. It was wet with--what?--tears.
+
+Her eyes were bright and dry.
+
+For a moment something of the old feeling swept over her.
+
+Poor Jack! She half rose, then sank back again.
+
+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!
+
+"It is all for the best, anyhow," she murmured after awhile, and when
+philosophy is well to the fore, love hides its diminished head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+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.
+
+"So, my dear, you can go as soon as you like and fix upon a house,"
+he said.
+
+Bella yawned and stretched her arms above her head.
+
+"Oh, you will know much better than I what is required," she replied.
+
+"Have you, then, no interest in our new home?" he asked, more hurt
+than he could well have expressed.
+
+"Do you ever show the slightest interest in what concerns me?" she
+retorted.
+
+He winced. "This is a mutual interest, surely, since we must occupy
+it together."
+
+"Must?" she echoed dreamily.
+
+"What do you mean?" he asked sharply.
+
+"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.
+
+He said no more; and indeed, words seemed to be useless.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+And he was not sorry when at length it was completed. On the morrow
+he would bring Bella to her new home.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The piano was to be a surprise: Bella knew nothing about it.
+
+Perhaps it would keep her more at home, for she was very fond of
+music.
+
+It had cost more than he ought to have paid, but still it was for
+her.
+
+"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."
+
+"Indeed, sir, and I'm glad to hear it. Things do look most beautiful,
+and no mistake."
+
+The good soul shambled across the floor and held out a letter wrapped
+in the corner of her apron.
+
+"A boy brought it, sir, half an hour ago, but I clean forgot it, and
+that's a fact."
+
+"Never mind. It is probably of no importance."
+
+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.
+
+Ah! written just before she started for the----.He caught it up and
+tore it open. The next instant it fluttered from his hold.
+
+For fully ten seconds John Chetwynd sat spell-bound, and then he
+broke into a laugh--mirthless, hollow.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+Everybody had predicted it months ago. The only astonishing feature
+of the scandal was, that it had not occurred before.
+
+The one other thing people found surprising was the callousness with
+which the injured husband took it.
+
+It had always been believed that what love there was, was on his
+side, but now--
+
+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.
+
+Of course he would divorce her. And he did.
+
+In due course he obtained his decree _nisi_, which later on was made
+absolute.
+
+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.
+
+Now and then he was disagreeably reminded of her existence.
+
+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?"
+
+"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."
+
+And he calmly perused the line which included her name among some
+well known American stars touring in the provinces.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 _fiancee_, 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."
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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 _fiance_. 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.
+
+And then the door was flung open, and Soames, the eminently correct
+footman, ushered them into his master's presence.
+
+The Duchess advanced gushing a little.
+
+"So good of you to see us so soon! I was positively timid at coming
+without an appointment, even with Ethel."
+
+"It is you who are good, Duchess, to give me such an unexpected
+pleasure."
+
+Sir John touched Ethel's cheek lightly with his lips and motioned his
+visitors to be seated.
+
+"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."
+
+"What an accusation! I hope Ethel does not credit it, or I shall
+never be permitted an opportunity of refuting such a calumny."
+
+"I know too well how highly Mamma thinks of you, John," said Ethel,
+prettily.
+
+"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."
+
+"Mamma is ill herself," broke in Lady Ethel, "and that is why we have
+intruded to-day."
+
+"I hope it is nothing serious, my dear Duchess."
+
+"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."
+
+Her daughter laughed.
+
+"We were at the Opera last night, and Mamma's sneezes were most
+_mal-a-propos._ It was very embarrassing."
+
+"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."
+
+"Mamma said, as soon as we got home--'I shall go and consult Sir
+John,'" cooed Ethel.
+
+"And now you can cure me?" The Duchess looked anxiously into the
+grave face opposite.
+
+"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."
+
+"Nothing of the sort, I assure you. I have had colds before, and I
+know better."
+
+"What, better than your doctor?" The stern face relaxed, and Sir John
+laughed.
+
+"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."
+
+"I fear they are not in the Pharmacopoeia."
+
+"I don't think it is kind of you to discourage me."
+
+"But if I make you well in a week, will not that satisfy your Grace?"
+
+"I shall be radiant."
+
+"I will write you a prescription."
+
+"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!"
+
+"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."
+
+"When Ethel comes to me she will be guarded as sacredly as a girl can
+be."
+
+Sir John smiled kindly at his betrothed.
+
+"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."
+
+"I should hope we like each other too well to quarrel," said Lady
+Ethel haughtily.
+
+Like! After all, was it love on either side? Sir John asked himself.
+
+"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."
+
+"Yes, mamma, it is there."
+
+"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:
+
+"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--."
+
+"Mine?"
+
+"Yes; yours and Ethel's."
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+Left alone, Sir John stood upright, his hand on the back of his chair
+and his brows tightly drawn together.
+
+Well, why not? What possible excuse could he make to his own heart
+for the delay?
+
+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.
+
+Presently he rang his bell.
+
+"Who comes next, Soames?"
+
+"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."
+
+"Show her in!"
+
+A second later the door swung open again and Soames announced:
+
+"Miss Blackall!"
+
+Sir John started, but recovered himself in the next instant.
+
+"Take a seat, madam."
+
+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.
+
+"I have come back," she said with a nervous laugh. "I am ill; I
+thought you might try to cure me."
+
+She had seated herself, but he remained standing.
+
+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.
+
+"What is your trouble?" he asked huskily--"Why have you
+consulted--me?"
+
+"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."
+
+"Once! Well, I am willing to be your doctor."
+
+"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."
+
+"I have a very faithful dog," he said significantly.
+
+Bella winced.
+
+"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?"
+
+"I have said I will do what I can for you."
+
+"You will sound me?"
+
+"Loosen your dress."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+He examined her thoroughly and replaced the stethoscope before he
+spoke.
+
+"Your lungs are not right. They used to be."
+
+"Oh," she replied bitterly, "I used to be. I have come too late--is
+that what you mean?"
+
+"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."
+
+"And then?"
+
+"And then I see no reason why you should not live for years to come."
+
+Bella flung her hands out with a sort of despair.
+
+"Your prescription is impossible," she said dully.
+
+"Impossible?"
+
+"I have only just come over from the States. I have an engagement at
+the Empire for six months. I have got to stay."
+
+"You will be very unwise. The laws of health demand that you should
+cancel any such contract."
+
+"Beggars can't be choosers. I must sing to live. It is my trade now."
+
+He sighed. "You do not look as if you were in pecuniary
+difficulties."
+
+"Well, I make money easily enough, but it melts like ice cream;
+everything is so beastly dear."
+
+"Are you not with--him?"
+
+"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?"
+
+"That is difficult to say. Bella, have you--it is a foolish question,
+but--have you ever regretted?"
+
+She laughed recklessly.
+
+"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?"
+
+"You would have been an honest woman."
+
+"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--"
+
+"Hush--the past is dead. I was not so patient and tender with you as
+I should have been."
+
+"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."
+
+"And you left him?"
+
+A smile curled the corners of her mouth.
+
+"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."
+
+"You were capable of love, then, after all?" he said bitterly.
+
+"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?"
+
+"Why speak of what is past?"
+
+"You see, if I had remained with you I should have been no happier,"
+said Bella, reflectively; "you expected too much from me."
+
+"I did my best to make you happy."
+
+"Yes, perhaps! then if I had been more grateful and different, would
+you be glad if I was with you still?"
+
+"I cannot answer that question. I loved you--I had no thought for any
+human being outside yourself."
+
+"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?"
+
+"I beg you to be silent. It is impossible that we can discuss such a
+question."
+
+She came close to his chair.
+
+"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?"
+
+"Hush! You are paining yourself and me."
+
+"Jack!"
+
+"For God's sake be still!"
+
+She fell on her knees beside him.
+
+"Jack, say you would be glad."
+
+"If you had never left me, if you had remained my faithful wife,
+heaven knows that I should be a happier man!"
+
+Bella burst into tears and sobbed convulsively, then pressed her
+handkerchief to her mouth. It was bright with blood when she withdrew
+it.
+
+"Oh, be careful of yourself," said John Chetwynd, terribly moved;
+"you must do what I advise."
+
+"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?"
+
+"I cannot."
+
+"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?"
+
+"Hate you? No."
+
+"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!"
+
+"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."
+
+The tears were still raining down Bella's cheeks.
+
+"Kiss me, Jack."
+
+He shrank back. "You must not ask me that. I cannot."
+
+"Is it that you despise me so utterly?"
+
+"No, no; you don't understand. I--"
+
+"Kiss me."
+
+"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."
+
+A sort of stung expression came into the face of the kneeling woman
+and she staggered to her feet.
+
+"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."
+
+"Oh, hush, hush!"
+
+"She is one of your own class--a lady? What is her name?"
+
+"I would rather not mention it. Give me your hand and let us part in
+peace."
+
+"Tell it me," she pleaded. "What name do you call her by?"
+
+"Ethel."
+
+"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."
+
+Jack Chetwynd took the slender trembling hand in his with God knows
+what of anguish and pity stirring at his heart.
+
+"Good-bye--Bella."
+
+And the door fell to.
+
+She was gone.
+
+He could hear her hollow cough as she passed down the tesselated
+corridor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+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 _professionally_
+engaged last night, I presume, since we were obliged to dine without
+you and go to see Sarah Bernhardt alone."
+
+He had spent the whole evening in his consulting rooms, totally
+forgetting his promise to escort his _fiancee_ and her mother to the
+theatre.
+
+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.
+
+The knowledge had certainly come tardily, but not the less surely.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+That night he sat at the Duchess of Huddersfield's table facing his
+_fiancee_, 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.
+
+"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."
+
+And the silken draperies swept themselves across the floor and the
+door closed softly upon her Grace.
+
+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.
+
+Sir John felt rather than saw his companion yawn behind her fan, and
+realised desperately that he must break the silence.
+
+"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?"
+
+She looked at him with a good deal of surprise, and a frown puckered
+her smooth brow.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+He hastened to change the subject.
+
+"You would like to visit Switzerland or Italy?" he asked.
+
+"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."
+
+"Then Paris or Vienna let it be, by all means," he hastened to reply,
+and Lady Ethel smiled, well pleased.
+
+"Mamma," said Sir John's _fiancee_ an hour or two later, when mother
+and daughter were alone. "Do you know who Mrs. Chetwynd was?"
+
+"My dear Ethel, it is much better that subject should not be
+discussed."
+
+"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."
+
+When Lady Ethel adopted that tone, her mother knew by past experience
+that it was a saving of time and temper to yield.
+
+"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."
+
+"He was plain Mr. Chetwynd."
+
+"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."
+
+"I wonder if he felt her desertion much?"
+
+"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."
+
+"But you spoke of her to him when he asked your consent to our
+marriage?"
+
+"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."
+
+"And what did he say?"
+
+"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."
+
+"And you?"
+
+"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."
+
+"That was sweet of you, mother; but did it not occur to you that
+there was just--a little risk?"
+
+"How?"
+
+"I don't think that John is a man who would forget easily."
+
+"Good Heavens, child! what do you mean? you cannot doubt the
+sincerity of his protestations of affection for you, surely?"
+
+Her daughter laughed.
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+But in this, as we know, the Duchess was in grave error.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"Hallo, Bella, you look done up!"
+
+"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."
+
+"I don't like your cough, my dear," said Mrs. Doss, looking
+distressed; "it shakes you to bits."
+
+"I've got a little more cold, I fancy; but I'll be all right in a day
+or two."
+
+"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?"
+
+Bella turned quickly and looked sharply into Mr. Doss's face.
+
+"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?"
+
+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.
+
+"There, there!" cried Mrs. Doss, compassionately; "you must not
+excite yourself; we will do the talking, and you keep quiet."
+
+Bella lay back on her cushions, weak and exhausted, and when the
+Dosses at length went away she gave a sigh of relief.
+
+"What did they come for to-night?" she said thoughtfully.
+
+"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."
+
+"Bad news? What do you mean? He's not married, is he?"
+
+Saidie stared at her.
+
+"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."
+
+Bella fell back again relievedly.
+
+"Oh, you're talking about Charlie, are you?" she said.
+
+"Who should I be talking about? There isn't no one else as wants to
+make an honest woman of you, is there?"
+
+The shaft fell short of its mark. Bella did not even wince.
+
+"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."
+
+"What on earth do you mean?"
+
+"The management are getting dissatisfied, and we know what that
+means."
+
+The pale face flushed poppy red.
+
+"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."
+
+"But if you're not able to fulfil your share of the contract--"
+
+"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."
+
+"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--"
+
+"Not fit to sing--that's what you are driving at?"
+
+Saidie was silent.
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"I suppose I can please myself," answered Bella, and her lip
+quivered, and the tears began to roll down her cheeks.
+
+"I wish to God I had never left--Jack," she said weakly.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Doss happened to be with her at the time she received
+the notice, and Bella partially appealed to them.
+
+"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."
+
+"I wouldn't do it if I were you," said Mrs. Doss quietly.
+
+"Not do it; what do you mean? You must be dreaming. It is the only
+thing to be done."
+
+And now Mr. Doss, obeying a pathetic glance of his better half, put
+in his oar.
+
+"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."
+
+"Yes, take things heasy, I say," chimed in the "Rabbit Queen."
+
+"I don't see what there is to wait for. Show me what is to be gained
+by waiting, and I will consider it."
+
+"Well, Bella; Doss here will tell you what we was thinking of; he
+puts things clear like."
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"The question is--am I too ill to fulfil my engagement? and I say
+'no,'" cried Bella, angrily.
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+Bella hesitated.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+Mr. Robertson was disengaged, and the ladies were at once ushered
+into his presence.
+
+"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?"
+
+"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."
+
+"Oh!" said Bella disagreeably, "does anybody else say I am not up to
+work except you?"
+
+"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--"
+
+Mr. Robertson flung out his hands with an eloquent gesture.
+
+"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!"
+
+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.
+
+"Withdraw your notice," she said, "and let me come on for one song
+only for a week or two."
+
+"It would really be better, I think, if you were to have an entire
+rest for a month or so."
+
+"Yes, for someone else to step into my shoes! Thank you for nothing."
+
+"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."
+
+"I have no friends here or there," said Bella simply; "my profession
+is all I have."
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"Poor child, I could fairly have cried," said kindly Mrs. Doss to her
+spouse after Bella had been safely escorted home.
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Twice he seized his hat with the intention of going to her, then laid
+it aside, angry and disgusted with his own weakness.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The notion pleased him, and that self-same evening he carried it out.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+But that night she looked up at Saidie after the last ribbon was in
+its place.
+
+"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."
+
+Saidie muttered something in reply, but when the door closed upon her
+sister, she sighed.
+
+"She _is_ 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."
+
+"She looks worse than she really is," returned Saidie; "sometimes she
+is as brisk and lively as you like--she so soon gets tired."
+
+"She is a tidy sight worse than 'tired,' and it strikes me her voice
+was weak like to-night. Did you notice it, Miss?"
+
+"Oh, she varies so. I guess she would be as right as any of us the
+moment she was on the boards."
+
+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.
+
+Bella was singing her very best. Not a falter in the clear, bell-like
+tones, and her face was smiling and radiant.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"She is dead!" cried Saidie. "Oh, will someone fetch a doctor,
+quick!"
+
+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.
+
+"Jack! Jack! is this--the end?"
+
+"Hush--no--no! Keep still--perfectly still--you must not move."
+
+"I am not--in pain--a little dizzy--nothing more, and my head feels
+light."
+
+"Drink this and don't talk. As soon as you are a little recovered we
+will go home."
+
+"Home! Jack!"
+
+Oh, the wistful look in the deep blue eyes--the prophetic droop about
+the perfect mouth! It was almost more than he could bear.
+
+"I will go with you myself if you will do what I tell you, keep
+absolutely quiet--your life depends upon it."
+
+She looked up tremulously.
+
+"I don't care--a--cent _now_," she whispered.
+
+She bore the journey to Cecil Street better than they could hope, and
+the bleeding from the lungs had ceased.
+
+Downstairs Saidie expressed a wish to remain all night with her
+sister.
+
+"She ought not to be left," she said.
+
+"Most decidedly she must not be left," replied Sir John--"I intend
+remaining with your sister."
+
+"You! Well, this beats all, upon my word!"
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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?"
+
+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.
+
+She stretched out her arms so that her fingers touched him, and he
+held them tightly in his own--rings and all.
+
+She was never meant for the life she had chosen!
+
+His heart felt breaking.
+
+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!
+
+"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."
+
+"Do you not think what it would mean to--me?"
+
+The words broke from him against his will.
+
+"To--you, Jack! then you care--still!"
+
+"Care!"
+
+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.
+
+Her eyes followed him wistfully, with a little wonderment in
+them--and then the lids fell over them.
+
+"I feel strangely weak--but--so--happy, Jack," she said. Her breath
+came more easily and she slept.
+
+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.
+
+"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?"
+
+"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."
+
+"What is she to do, poor Bella? She will never be able to sing again,
+I suppose?"
+
+"Never." He spoke curtly, almost cruelly. Saidie burst into tears.
+
+At that moment came a smart tap at the door.
+
+"Mr. Bolingbroke, Miss," said a voice from without.
+
+"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.
+
+"Miss Blackhall--how unkind to deny me admittance. You must know how
+fearfully anxious I am. How is she?"
+
+"There's the doctor--ask him."
+
+The stranger turned eagerly.
+
+"This is not serious, I trust. She was always delicate, but--it is
+wonderful how she pulls together when the worst is over."
+
+For almost the first time in his life John Chetwynd was tongue-tied.
+
+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.
+
+"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?"
+
+His hand was on the door--John Chetwynd sprang to his feet.
+
+"No one must see her," he cried excitedly. "I absolutely forbid it.
+It would be most dangerous--most improper."
+
+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.
+
+"Who is that man?" asked Sir John sternly.
+
+Saidie shrugged her shoulders.
+
+"You shall tell me--what is he to Bella?"
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+Then he strode across the room and entered that in which Bella lay.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Saidie bent over her and whispered a word or two.
+
+"No--no," cried Bella vehemently; "send him away. I don't want to see
+him."
+
+"But he is so anxious, dear."
+
+"Is he?--poor Charlie! Tell him I am in no pain, and I should like to
+think he will never quite forget me."
+
+"He will never do that," said Saidie, going away with her message but
+half satisfied, and Bella turned a flushed cheek to her pillow.
+
+And then, for the second time, John Chetwynd asked, "Who is that
+man?"
+
+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.
+
+"And you--did you mean to marry him, Bella?"
+
+"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!"
+
+He poured out a draught and held it to her trembling lips.
+
+"I feel so strangely weak," she said; "you are going to marry Ethel,
+and I am nothing to you now?"
+
+John Chetwynd drew her close to him, so that the tired head rested on
+his shoulder with the sweet familiarity of long ago.
+
+"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."
+
+"Jack, Jack, is it true?"
+
+"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."
+
+She lay with a smile of peace upon her face, both hands clinging to
+his.
+
+"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."
+
+"Will you--kiss me--Jack?"
+
+She had gradually pulled herself upright on the pillows.
+
+"Will you kiss me--and say--once more, as you used to--'God bless
+you--wifie'?"
+
+Their lips met and clung together.
+
+"God bless you--wifie."
+
+And there was silence, a long silence, broken by a gasp, a sigh, and
+a gentle unloosening of the clasping arms.
+
+"Bella--Bella--speak to me, my beloved."
+
+But the passionate cry fell on ears that heard not.
+
+The tempest-tossed soul was at rest; above were the pitying Angels'
+wings, and over all the solemn hush of Death.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ONE CAN'T ALWAYS TELL.
+
+
+_From Miss Rose Dacre, Southampton, to Miss Amy Conway, 30, Alford
+Street, Park Lane_.
+
+YACHT "MARIE,"
+SOUTHAMPTON.
+_July 15th, 1901._
+
+Dearest Amy,
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Altogether I am enjoying myself more than I have ever done in my life.
+Jack is an angel and adores me, the darling.
+
+Fond love,
+From your affectionate
+ROSE.
+
+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.
+
+
+_From the Same to the Same._
+
+YACHT "MARIE,"
+SOUTHAMPTON.
+_July 22nd, 1901._
+
+Dearest Amy,
+
+We are still here. Mrs. Tenterden, the lady I spoke about in my last
+letter, arrived here on Thursday.
+
+I hate her! I hate her!! I hate her!!!
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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).
+
+But this I know, that since her advent I have changed from the happiest
+girl in the world into one of the most miserable.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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?
+
+Ever your affectionate
+ROSE.
+
+
+_From Miss Amy Conway to Miss Rose Dacre_.
+
+ALFORD STREET.
+TUESDAY.
+
+My dearest Child,
+
+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 _rusee_ garrison hack, like Mrs.
+Tenterden, to your own sweet self. It is absolutely ridiculous.
+
+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.
+
+So be comforted, darling Rose.
+Ever your loving
+AMY.
+
+
+_From Mrs. Tenterden to Mrs. Montague Mount_, 170A, _Ebury Street,
+S.W._
+
+YACHT "MARIE,"
+SOUTHAMPTON.
+_July 23rd_, 1901.
+
+DEAREST LILY,
+
+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.
+
+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 _coup_ 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.
+
+More in a day or two.
+
+Ever yours,
+ALICE.
+
+
+_From Mrs. Montague Mount to Mrs. Tenterden_.
+
+170A, EBURY STREET,
+_24th July_ 1901.
+
+DEAREST ALICE,
+
+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 _epris_, 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.
+
+With fond love,
+Believe me,
+Your devoted friend,
+LILY.
+
+
+_From Mrs. Tenterden to Mrs. Montague Mount_.
+
+_July 29th,_ 1901.
+
+DEAREST LILY,
+
+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
+_tete-a-tete_. 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. _C'est tout dit_. 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.
+
+Let me thank you sincerely for your wise counsels,
+
+And, believe me,
+Ever affectionately yours,
+ALICE.
+
+
+_Miss Amy Conway to Miss Rose Dacre_.
+
+ALFORD STREET.
+THURSDAY.
+
+DEAREST ROSE,
+
+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.
+
+With much love,
+Yours ever,
+AMY.
+
+
+_From Miss Rose Dacre to Miss Amy Conway,_ 30, _Alford Street, Park
+Lane_.
+
+YACHT "MARIE,"
+COWES.
+_August 2nd_, 1901.
+
+DEAREST AMY,
+
+Pray forgive me for not having written sooner. But as the French say,
+_tout savoir est tout pardonner._ 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.
+
+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.
+
+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,
+
+"I never wanted to come on your horrid yacht, but you would make me,
+and see what has happened to me now."
+
+Poor Jack--I call him "Poor Jack" although he has behaved like a very
+naughty boy--seemed to wince, but made no reply.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+Jack again made no reply, but there was something in his face that told
+me that he was becoming disillusioned.
+
+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.
+
+Mrs. Vivian managed to eat a little dinner, but Mrs. Tenterden retired
+to her cabin and contented herself with some soup.
+
+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.
+
+Well, we slept on board the yacht, and the morning brought its
+revelations.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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?
+
+Ever your affectionate and
+Happy friend,
+ROSE.
+
+
+
+
+SONGS.
+
+AFTER VICTOR HUGO, ARMAND SILVESTRE, CHARLES ROUSSEAU AND THE VICOMTE
+DE BORELLI.
+
+
+DARLING ARISE.
+
+(AFTER VICTOR HUGO.)
+
+  Pretty one, tho' the morning is breaking
+  Thy lattice is fasten'd close
+  How is it that thou art not waking
+  When awake is the rose?
+
+  Darling, arise! for I am he
+  Thy lover who sighs and sings to thee,
+  Thy lover who sighs and sings to thee.
+
+  Nature loud at thy lattice is beating:
+  I am Day says the morning above
+  I am music the bird sings repeating,
+  And my heart cries "I am Love."
+
+  Darling, arise! for I am he,
+  Thy lover who sighs and sings to thee,
+  Thy lover who sighs and sings to thee.
+
+
+ROSE.
+
+(VIELLE CHANSON DU JEUNE TEMPS.)
+
+(AFTER VICTOR HUGO.)
+
+  I never thought at all of Rose,
+  As Rose and I went through the dell,
+  We fell a talking I suppose,
+  But yet of what I cannot tell.
+
+  Pebbles below and mosses over,
+  Rippled a cool and limpid rill;
+  Nature lay sleeping like a lover
+  In the embrace of the woods so still.
+
+  Shoes and stockings off she slipped,
+  And with her sweetly innocent air
+  Into the stream her feet she dipped,
+  Yet I never saw her feet were bare.
+
+  I only talked, the time beguiling
+  As we wandered, she and I;
+  And sometimes I saw her smiling,
+  But now and then I heard her sigh.
+
+  Only her beauty dawned on me
+  When silent woods were left behind,
+  "Never mind that now!" said she
+  And now I shall always mind.
+
+
+REGRETS.
+
+(AFTER CHARLES ROUSSEAU.)
+
+  Let me cherish in my sadness
+  Those fair days of youth and gladness!
+  Moments of delightful madness
+  Gone, alas, for evermore!
+  Vain regrets for misspent powers,
+  Wasted chances, faded flowers,
+  Vex my lonely spirit sore.
+  Had I only known before!
+  Let me cherish in my sadness
+  Those fair days of youth and gladness!
+  Moments of delightful madness
+  Gone, alas, for evermore!
+
+
+TOO LATE.
+
+(PEINE D'AMOUR.)
+
+(AFTER ARMAND SILVESTRE.)
+
+  When your hand was laid upon mine
+  'Twas in painful dread that I grasped it,
+  For some hesitation malign,
+  Made tremble the fingers that clasped it.
+
+  When you turned your forehead so near,
+  'Twas in painful dread that I kissed it,
+  For some cruel prompting of fear
+  Made me timidly seek to resist it.
+
+  Ah!--and my life thenceforward approved
+  Sorrow's bitterness had o'ercome me,
+  I only knew how I loved
+  The day that had taken you from me.
+
+
+IF THERE BE A GARDEN GAY.
+
+(S'IL EST UN CHARMANT GAZON.)
+
+(AFTER VICTOR HUGO.)
+
+  If there be a garden gay
+  Man has not molested,
+  Where blaze through the summer day
+  Flowers golden crested,
+  Where tallest lilies grow,
+  And honeysuckles blow
+  There, oh there I fain would go
+  Where thy foot, thy foot has rested!
+
+  If there be a rosy dream
+  By true love invested,
+  Where all things delightful seem
+  Close together nested
+  Where soul to soul may tell
+  The joy they know so well
+  'Tis there, oh there I fain would dwell
+  Where thy heart, thy heart has rested.
+
+
+THE MESSAGE OF THE ROSES.
+
+(ENVOI DE ROSES.)
+
+(AFTER VICOMTE DE BORELLI.)
+
+  Oh, if the fairest of these roses
+  With its red lips to thee shall tell
+  Such things as language knows not of,
+  As in thy bosom it reposes,
+  Then keep it well
+  It is my love!
+
+  But if the sweetest of the roses
+  With its red lips shall silent be,
+  And only seek instead the bliss
+  Which thy delightful mouth discloses,
+  Return it me
+  It is my kiss!
+
+
+
+
+LOVE WENT OUT WHEN MONEY WAS INVENTED.
+
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"Well, I shall call upon him to-morrow," said I, "and ask his
+permission to speak to his daughter."
+
+"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."
+
+And so it was settled, and next morning I called on Mr. Dalmayne.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+I shortly afterwards took my leave, and departed buoyed up by the
+strong hope that the desire of my heart would be obtained.
+
+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."
+
+Needless to say I was willing to accept these terms, and three months
+afterwards we were man and wife.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+I don't think that I am naturally a mean man, but I was mean enough to
+listen on this occasion.
+
+"You mustn't blame me, Hubert," said my wife, "we were all on the verge
+of ruin, and I was bound to marry him."
+
+"How could you consent to do such a thing? You don't care for him in
+the least."
+
+"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."
+
+"If he died, you would marry me?" asked Captain Morland.
+
+"Of course I would, and, as the children's storybooks say, 'live
+happily ever afterwards.' But don't let us discuss deplorable
+futurities."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Extract from an Aix-les-Bains newspaper:--
+
+"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."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+A PUZZLED PAINTER.
+
+WRITTEN IN COLLABORATION WITH THE LATE SIR AUGUSTUS HARRIS.
+
+
+CAST.
+
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY, an Artist.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY, his Wife.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER, an Artist.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER, his Wife.
+
+ROSALINE, a Model.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL, an Art Dealer.
+
+ROBERT ADDISON, a Sporting Man.
+
+SARAH ANN, a Maid-of-all-Work.
+
+SUSAN, Parlourmaid at the Tempenny's.
+
+GROGGINS, a Sheriff's Officer.
+
+
+
+
+A PUZZLED PAINTER.
+
+
+
+
+ACT I.
+
+
+(SCENE I. TEMPENNY'S _Studio Doors R.L. and in Flat. As Curtain rises a
+knocking is heard at D.R_.)
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_off_).
+
+Rembrandt--Rembrandt!
+
+(_Door opens, enter_ MRS. TEMPENNY; _followed by_ MRS. SYLVESTER.)
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+He isn't here. Come in, dear; I am sure he will be pleased to see
+you--we will wait.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+_My_ husband hates to be disturbed in his studio. He says he can never
+work again all day.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+Gone to have a drink, I daresay.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Adelaide!
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+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.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Why that sigh?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_sighing again_).
+
+Heigh ho!
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_affectionately_).
+
+Adelaide?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+Eugenia!
+
+(_They touch each other's hands sympathetically_.)
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Aren't you happy, Adelaide?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+I am married to an artist, Euna! I wouldn't say as much to anybody
+else, but we were girls at school together.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+But, dear Addie, everybody knows you are married to an artist.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+I mean I would not say to anybody else that I am not entirely happy.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_enthusiastically_).
+
+Do tell me all about it.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+I am jealous.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Of whom?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+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.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_with misgiving_).
+
+But--but Rembrandt's life is also circumspect.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+Poor child.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+You pity me?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+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--
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Rembrandt's models _do_--.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+Wear--?
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Plenty!
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_gloomily_).
+
+Clothes sometimes cover a multitude of sins. They are no guarantee.
+Rosaline wore them!
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Rosaline?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+You have not heard of Rosaline?
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+No. A model?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+A serpent!
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+The wretch. Pretty of course?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+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.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+But only for a time?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_impressively_).
+
+Two years ago I went into his studio, and found her there.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Horrible.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+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.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+And was it the last that Mr. Sylvester has seen of her?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+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.
+
+_Pause_.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_meditatively_).
+
+I don't see why you should distrust Mr. Tempenny because Mr. Sylvester
+is not steady.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+Are you quite contented?
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+No--we are too hard up, but I believe Rembrandt loves me, and I love
+him.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_heavily_).
+
+Poor child.
+
+(_Enter_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _door in flat. He wears long
+hair, and a brown velveteen jacket, and is smoking a short pipe_.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Eugenia? And Mrs. Sylvester? Why, bless my soul, how nice, what a
+surprise! Don't move--don't. (_Stands peering at them with his hands
+over his eyes._) What a charming effect of light on your profile, Mrs.
+Sylvester--how rich--how transcendental! Glorious! (_Comes down._)
+Well, well, well, and so you ladies have come to pay me a visit. Can I
+offer you anything?
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+You have no engagement, Rembrandt?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I am quite at liberty, Eugenia, quite. I shall be most pleased and
+delighted. (_Aside._) Another confoundedly dull evening, I know!
+(_Aloud._) Sylvester is well?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+Sylvester is always well.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Happy Sylvester! Myself, I am a wreck.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+I want some money, Rembrandt.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_disconcerted._)
+
+Eh? Oh! (_To_ MRS. SYLVESTER.) And working hard I have no doubt.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+I believe so--he is out all day.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Admirable--what industry!
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Aside to_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.) Rembrandt, I want some money--have you
+got a couple of pounds you can let me have?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_affecting not to hear_).
+
+The hardest working people under the sun are artists, I always say so.
+Hard worked--hard worked! (_Fills his pipe_).
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+May I look round your studio, Mr. Tempenny?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_waving his hand_).
+
+Charmed, positively!
+
+(MRS. SYLVESTER _moves up_.)
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_insistently_).
+
+Rembrandt, all the neighbourhood knows the butcher summoned us, and
+none of the tradespeople will serve us with anything unless we pay
+cash.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Well, we're going out to dinner.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Oh, you drive me wild with your improvident, Bohemian ways. There's
+to-morrow.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Sufficient for the day is the dinner thereof. Don't be greedy.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_looking round_).
+
+You have sold most of your canvasses, I see, Mr. Tempenny.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+I thought she wouldn't find the gallery extensive, I must really do
+something to-day, I must indeed! (_Aloud_.) 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.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+Rapture?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+It is the newest word by which we explain the inexplicable. "Rapture!"
+It says everything, does it not?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_vaguely_).
+
+Yes--yes, indeed.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+I made it up myself on the spot.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Laying her hand on his arm earnestly_). Rembrandt--
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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--(_Aside_.) If I can borrow it.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_coming down_).
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Good. (_Aside_.) I wish they'd go! (_Aloud_.) You don't mean to run
+away yet?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_doubtfully_).
+
+I think so.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_with alacrity_).
+
+Well, if you really must--
+
+(_Opens door_ D.F.)
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+Till seven o'clock.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Till seven.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Au revoir, dear. (_Aside to him_.) You won't forget the--?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Aside to_ MRS. TEMPENNY.) The two pounds, and the butcher; I won't
+forget 'em. I only hope the _butcher_ may forget _me_.
+
+(_Exit_ MRS. SYLVESTER.)
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+By-bye, sweetheart.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Ta, ta, Duckie.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Don't do too much--remember your precious health.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+All right, my love.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_blowing a kiss_).
+
+There.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_blowing a kiss_).
+
+There.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+My own darling husband!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+My angel.
+
+(_Exit_ MRS. TEMPENNY.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_with a deep sigh of relief_).
+
+Thank heaven! (_Sinks into armchair, and puts his feet on the
+mantelpiece_) 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 _magnum opus_. 'Pon my word, I haven't seen the thing for
+a month or more. (_Gets up and rummages in a portfolio_.) Ah, here we
+have it! (_Holds up and contemplates a small charcoal sketch_.)
+"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!
+
+(_Gets out Easel and canvas, and takes off coat_.)
+
+(_Door in Flat is kicked open. Enter_ ROBERT ADDISON.)
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+Hullo!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Hullo!
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+How are you, old chap?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I'm the new man.
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+The devil you are! What does it feel like?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Unfamiliar--like somebody's else's boots. I say, dear boy, can you lend
+me a couple of thick 'uns.
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+Eh?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+It's for the tradespeople.
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+Oh really--on principle you know--I never pay tradespeople.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Well, not to put too fine a point upon it, it's for my wife.
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+I warned you not to marry. Now you see how right I was--she wants two
+thick 'uns.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I know it's rough on you.
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+It is. I'm a sociable chap by nature, and I'm rapidly being left
+without a friend to bless myself with.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I don't grasp!
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+They all borrow my money, and then they say they're out the next time I
+call.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I have got a big thing on, only temporarily I'm in a hole.
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+I never knew a fellow in a hole who hadn't a big thing on. What is it?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+The hole?
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+No, the big thing--the stable tip?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+It's nothing to do with the turf. Look here, Schercl--you know Schercl?
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+I know him.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+They are wonderful terms, Tempenny, for _you_.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Seems rather funny, doesn't it,--but it's a fact. "Nobody more
+astonished than the striker," I confess.
+
+ROBERT ADDIS ON.
+
+Well, where's the picture?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Turning round the big blank canvas_). There!
+
+ROBERT ADDISON (_with a whistle_).
+
+Oh my sainted mother! How does Schercl like it?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+It's good work, isn't it? Fine colour and tone! How do the harmonies
+strike you--correct?
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+Unbosom, what does it mean?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+No model?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+The subject is to be Susannah--Susannah before the Elders. You know the
+kind of thing--(_whispers_).
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+Yes, of course, and I suppose--? (_whispers_).
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Yes, and--(_touches his arms and chest, signifying a fine
+woman_--_whispers_).
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+Exactly. I think I can recommend the very model you want.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+You? Where did you meet her--on a racecourse?
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+I know her--and she's worth backing.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+My dear friend, you have saved me! Where is she?
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+I'll look her up.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+To-day?
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+Now if you like. Her name is Rosaline, and she's a ripper.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+"Rosaline the Ripper," Robert, fetch her. No wait a moment, I can't do
+the picture here; I daren't.
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+Why not?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+All right, I'll send her there.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Well, you might bring her now, if you can, and I'll arrange the
+sittings with her. Does she hang out in the neighbourhood?
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+Over a coffee-shop in Golden Street.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Go! And I'll stand you a swagger supper when the picture's done, and
+Schercl parts. By the way--
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+Yes?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Touching the two quid?
+
+ROBERT ADDISON (_giving the money_).
+
+Here you are.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I do touch 'em. Ecstasy! Bob, you're a brick; now cut along and get
+back with the damsel sharp. (_Knock heard at_ D.F.) Hullo, whom have we
+here? Come in. (_Knock repeated_.) Come in. (_Knock again_.) Come in,
+you fat-headed, lop-sided, splay-footed, bandy-legged jay; come in!
+
+(_Enter_ SCHERCL).
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+Schercl! Good Lord! He's come to see the work.
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+(_Aside to_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY). I'm off.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Aside to_ ROBERT ADDISON). No, I say, Bob, wait and see me through
+it.
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+Rosaline may go out--I must hurry. See you again in half an hour.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Aside to_ ROBERT ADDISON). What shall I do?
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+(_Aside to_ 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.?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_staggered_).
+
+What!!
+
+ROBERT ADDISON.
+
+It would explain the terms, that's all, dear boy. Au revoir. (_Exit_
+ROBERT ADDISON D.F.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+Good Lord! (_Aloud, blandly_). My dear Mr. Schercl, this is a pleasure
+indeed.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+The picture is going well--well, very well,--excellently. I am a modest
+man--
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Humph! (_Aside_.) 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!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_disconcerted_).
+
+I say I am a modest man, Mr. Schercl, but I feel safe in declaring that
+you will be satisfied with your bargain.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+"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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Er--quite so. You misunderstand me. I should have said your
+"contract"--you will be satisfied with your contract.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+If you should have said "gontract," vy did you say "Pargain." Vell,
+vell, let us see the bicture.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_With a desperate attempt to throw enthusiasm in his voice_.) 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.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+"Rapture?" Vat is "Rapture?"
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+_You_ know what "rapture" is. It is the term best understood by the
+movement of to-day. It is our watchword, our ideal. "Rapture!"
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Puzzled, but not wishing to appear ignorant_.) Oh "Rapture," I did
+not understand you. Of course I know what rapture is.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Of course you do. Well, "Susannah" brims over with it.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Goot, goot.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+It is the very apotheosis of rapture.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I gongratulate you.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+It exudes with rapture.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Is dat so?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+It is bathed in rapture. (_Aside_.) I can't go on much longer.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Now show it to me.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_with feigned surprise_).
+
+Show it to you? I can't show it to you--it isn't here.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Vat is dat you say? Not here?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+You have always found it goot enough, I pelieve?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_with enthusiasm_).
+
+But not for "Susannah"--not nearly good enough for "Susannah,"
+"Susannah" demands so much; she is exacting--she must be humoured.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Vell, I am very disappointed; I came expressly to see how you had
+brogressed. Will you make me an abbointment?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Certainly I will. I will write you to-morrow. I am anxious to have your
+opinion.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Who is the friend in whose studio you vork?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+(_Enter_ SYLVESTER.)
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Afternoon, Rembrandt. Ah, Mr. Schercl, how-d'ye do.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Sylvester himself--the devil. (_Aloud_.) Dear old man, we were talking
+of you! I was just telling Mr. Schercl what you are kind enough to say
+of "Susannah."
+
+(_Kicks him aside_.)
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+You think it goot, Mr. Sylvester, yes?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+He thinks it superb, so far as it has gone.
+
+(_Kicks him again_.)
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+What's that? Who is "Susannah?"
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+"Who is Susannah!" (_With a sickly laugh_.) What a chap to chaff you
+are. "Who is Susannah?" Ha, ha, ha.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_desperately_).
+
+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.
+
+(_Kicks him savagely_.)
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER (_aside to_ TEMPENNY).
+
+You'll break my ankle directly, hang you. What do you want?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside to_ SYLVESTER).
+
+Intelligence. I'll break your neck in another minute, you born fool!
+(_Aloud suavely_.) 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.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+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. (_Aside
+to_ TEMPENNY.) What's the subject?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside to_ SYLVESTER).
+
+"Susannah before the Elders"--pitch it strong.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+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.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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.
+
+(_Exit_ SCHERCL.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Calling after him from open door_.) Mind the bottom step, it's
+awkward. Got it?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL (_off_).
+
+It is so dark your staircase.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Yes, it is dark, isn't it? Good afternoon. (_Closes door.)(To_
+SYLVESTER.) Phew! You couldn't have arrived at a worse time.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Thanks.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I don't mean to be inhospitable, but the ice was thin.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Have you done anything to "Susannah?"
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Why do you want my studio--what's the matter with this?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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?
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Understand you. I'm a married man.
+
+(TEMPENNY _looks at him silently, and then puts out his hand_.
+SYLVESTER _grasps it_.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I don't want to gush, but--I feel for you, old chap.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER (_gratefully_).
+
+I know--I know.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_offering pouch_).
+
+Smoke?
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER (_producing pipe_).
+
+Thanks.
+
+(_They fill their pipes without speaking and puff sympathetically_.)
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Not but what she is a good sort--I don't want to say anything against
+her.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Of course not.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+But--I suppose she's too fond of me.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+It's a way wives have--they repay the superabundance of your devotion
+during the courtship.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Exactly. She's jealous.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Of whom?
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Poor beggar.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+You're sorry for me?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Devilishly. To be married to a jealous woman!--what a fate.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER (_with a groan_).
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Ah!
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+The devil.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+I _said_ my wife--but--
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Yes, go on.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+I shall be very glad. Well, I'll be off, now. See you to-morrow then?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+To-morrow! Au revoir, dear boy.
+
+(_Exit_ SYLVESTER.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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! (_Goes to window_.)
+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. (_Turns
+looking off the other way_.) 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!
+
+(_Throws up window, and leans out more and more till gradually only a
+small section of his legs remain on the stage_)
+
+ROSALINE (_off_).
+
+Is this Mr. Tempenny's studio?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+It is. I am Mr. Tempenny. Come up do.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+No kid?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Not yet--I am recently married.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I mean you are really Mr. Tempenny.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Really and truly. (_Withdraws from window, wreathed in smiles_.) How do
+I look? (_Smoothes his hair before mirror_.) Perhaps she is a buyer--I
+had better appear busy--or inspired. (_Seats himself and adopts a
+far-away engrossed expression_.) "Rembrandt Tempenny at Home."
+
+_Knock at door. Enter_ ROSALINE.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+May I come in?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+ROSALINE _sits_. REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _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_.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I dared not lose it--my idea! Forgive me--I have it down now, it is
+saved. What can I do for you?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Mr. Addison sent me. He said you wanted a model.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Oh--you are Rosaline?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+You have guessed it in once. He could not come back with me, so he sent
+me here alone.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Oh!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+What do you think of me?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I think you a charming young lady.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Then what is the matter?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Well, I thought you were somebody else, that is all. So you are
+Rosaline.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+You keep telling me I am Rosaline--I know I am. The question is how do
+I do?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+How do you do?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+You misunderstand me. The question is how do I suit you?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Quite so--you bring me to the point. You suit me entirely. Mr. Addison
+perhaps explained to you the subject of my picture?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+"Susannah." Susannah is a very ugly name--.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+But she will be a very pretty girl, won't she?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Oh, go away with you.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Humour, only my humour! You musn't think any familiarity was intended.
+I am not that sort of man at all.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+No?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Not a bit. As I told you out of the window, I'm married.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Well, I am sorry to hear it.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Now you are flattering me--now _I_ must say, "go away with you."
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I am sorry to hear it because I prefer sitting to single artists. Wives
+sometimes make rumpuses.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Oh, you have found that?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I have indeed. I shall never forget one of my experiences as long as I
+live.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Really? You interest me.
+
+ROSALINE _(sentimentally)_.
+
+I loved a man with all my soul, and _he_ loved _me_. 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! (_She presses her hand to
+her side_.) Forgive me while I shed a tear.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Shed two.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Something so often happens. It is an aggravating way of something.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+His wife came between us. All was over.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Designing wretch!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+One cannot blame you.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I felt you would say that. (_Presses her handkerchief to her eyes_.) It
+was cruel.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+How is that?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I'll be there--on one condition. No wives, or I throw up the job.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_alarmed_).
+
+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.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_off_).
+
+Rembrandt, Rembrandt.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Who's that?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Mrs. Tempenny, but I won't let her in.
+
+ROSALINE (_angrily_).
+
+Wives already!--Everywhere--wives.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_off_).
+
+Rembrandt, I must see you. Where are you--quick!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Here, I know the pattern of this! Let me go!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_alarmed_).
+
+No. No. I'll get rid of her. (_Runs to window, and leans
+out--calling_.) Don't wait, my dear. I'm busy. I'll be with you soon.
+
+ROSALINE (_contemptuously_).
+
+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. (_As if to go_.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Leaving window and running back to her_). I tell you if you don't sit
+to me I'm a ruined man. Rosaline, I implore you!
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_off_).
+
+I am coming up at once.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_rushing to window again_).
+
+On no account, my darling, I can't be disturbed.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I'm off. Ta-ta.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_back to her again_).
+
+You shan't go--I'll lock you in first. There! (_Locks door, and takes
+out key_.)
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_off_).
+
+Rembrandt, I must come up. Something is the matter.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+No, no, no. Go home, and see the tradespeople, catch! (_Takes out the
+two sovereigns, and runs to window again: in his excitement he throws
+with the wrong hand--throwing out key_.) Good Lord! I've thrown her the
+key. (_Leans out of the window_.) She is coming upstairs. Skip inside
+there till she goes. Hurry! (_Motions_ ROSALINE _off R_.)
+
+ROSALINE (_scornfully_).
+
+Wives, wives, wives!
+
+(_Exit Rosaline_.)
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Escape?
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Fly!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I can't fly--I am not built for flying.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Then you must hide.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Where?
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Pointing to room where Rosaline is concealed_.) There!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+No, no, Hark!
+
+(_Very heavy steps are heard ascending stairs_.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I hear a footfall.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_in terror_).
+
+Hide yourself--quick.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_in terror_).
+
+I can't.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Why not?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_loftily_).
+
+A hero never hides. Ah, I have it. I'll jump from the window.
+
+(_Struggles into his coat and hat_.)
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+There is the conservatory underneath.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I'll jump clear of it. Don't let him in for a minute.
+
+(_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_.)
+
+GROGGINS (_off_).
+
+Mr. Tempenny!
+
+(_Knocks at door_.)
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Who's there?
+
+(_She goes to door, half opening it, so that_ GROGGINS _has a partial
+view of lay-figure_.)
+
+GROGGINS.
+
+I have a warrant here for Mr. Rembrandt Tempenny--matter of forty pun'.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Sh! He is painting.
+
+GROGGINS.
+
+I can't help whether he's painting or not, marm. The question is
+whether he is paying or not.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Man, my husband cannot be disturbed. Don't you see?--he is inspired.
+
+GROGGINS.
+
+Well, he'll be in--Wandsworth if he don't part.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Sh! talk softly. Your voice will jar upon him.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+Now for it. (_At window_.) One--two--three--I don't like the look of
+that glass-house much.
+
+_(Hesitates)._
+
+GROGGINS (_decisively_).
+
+I must come in, marm--out of the way if _you_ please.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+Oh! It's now or never.
+
+(_Jumps out. A tremendous crash of broken glass is heard_.)
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_with a shriek_).
+
+Ah!
+
+GROGGINS (_pushing her aside_).
+
+What's that? (_Aside_.) Oh, there he is. (_Aloud_.) Here you Mr.
+Tempenny, sir, I've a warrant 'ere on a judgment summons.--Suit of Cole
+the butcher. (_Addressing lay-figure_.) Do you pay up, or come along o'
+me?
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_at window--aside_).
+
+He's picked himself up--he waves his hand--all is well.
+
+GROGGINS.
+
+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.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+(_At window. Excitedly aside_.) He disappears--he's lost to view--the
+danger's past.
+
+GROGGINS.
+
+Well, if you _won't_ speak, you _won't_, of course! I've done my 'umble
+best to do my dooty affable, and since you're sulky, why--(_Going up to
+lay-figure_) Mr. Rembrandt Tempenny, I've a warrant for your arrest.
+
+(_He slaps the lay-figure on the shoulder, it collapses with a crash_).
+
+GROGGINS (_falling back in terror_).
+
+Got 'em again, as I'm a sinner!
+
+(MRS. TEMPENNY _runs to_ D.F. _as if to go_. ROSALINE _half opens_ R.D.
+_and pops her head out with an ejaculation_.)
+
+_Act drop, quick_.
+
+
+
+
+ACT II.
+
+
+SCENE:--SYLVESTER'S _Studio_. (_The next day_.) _Doors R. and L. At
+back cupboard_. TEMPENNY _discovered painting_, ROSALINE _posed_.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I'm getting tired.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Sh! (_goes on working frenziedly_).
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I say I'm getting tired.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Wait a minute, and you shall rest. There! now you can move if you like.
+
+ROSALINE (_stretching herself_).
+
+Thank goodness. Let us look! (_Looks at canvas_.) Oh!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+What do you think of it?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Not much.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Ah, that shows your profound ignorance of the School. It promises to be
+a superb example. (_Contemplates it sideways_.) Exquisite!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I say, where is your friend?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Who?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Didn't you say this studio belonged to a friend of yours?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Oh yes; he hasn't come yet. I expect he will be here this afternoon.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+What's this? (_picking up Mandarin's Wig_.) One of his props?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+What a funny subject to choose.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Rather playful, isn't it? He likes 'em like that. That's his forte.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+What is his name--do I know him?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Charlie Sylvester; and a rattling good chap he is, let me tell you.
+
+ROSALINE (_with a shriek_).
+
+Oh, my heart! This is fate!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_alarmed_.)
+
+I beg your pardon? Don't go off like that. What's the matter?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+It is _He_--_He_ who--! Oh, I am going to faint.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+No,--no, for goodness' sake, don't do that. What do you mean by "he?"
+Here, I say, compose yourself.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+It is the man I love. The finger of Fate is in it. Where is he? Bring
+him to me! Charlie, my own!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_very flustered_).
+
+Oh I say--look here, you know--? (_Aside_.) This is the devil and
+all--Charlie will never forgive me! (_Aloud_.) My dear good girl, he
+_isn't_ your "own," I assure you he isn't. There is a Mrs. Sylvester,
+as you know very well. (_Aside_.) 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!
+
+ROSALINE _(resolutely)._
+
+Where is he?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_sullenly_).
+
+I don't know--I suppose he is at home.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Fetch him then--let me see his dear face again.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+What???
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Bring him to me--now, this instant! We have been divided too long
+already.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+You have, have you?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Far, far too long.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+I must humour her. (_Aloud_.) Well, perhaps you _have_, on second
+thoughts. Yes, it is a long time.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I have never forgotten him. I have always treasured his memory in my
+soul.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_soothingly_).
+
+That was very nice of you. You are a very nice girl--I saw it at once.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+_He_ used to say that--he used to call me his "Toppett."
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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! (_Aside_.) A perfect devil of a
+surprise!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+For all he knows I might be dead--dead with the violets blooming over
+my tomb.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Yes, yes,--buttercups and daisies. (_Aside_.) I shall get the giddy
+push from here when he does come; I see it sticking out a foot.
+(_Aloud_.) I say, Poppett--I mean "Rosaline," do you feel equal to
+going on with the sitting till he arrives?
+
+ROSALINE (_passively_).
+
+As you please--I must live.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside._)
+
+It is doubtful whether Sylvester will see it in the same light.
+(_Aloud_.) Well, then, suppose you take up your position again.
+
+(_He poses her with much difficulty, as each time he places her arms in
+the required attitude, she moves to wipe away a tear_).
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+There, now we've got it at last. (_He goes back to the easel, and
+commences to work_).
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+(_Bursting into sobs, and collapsing altogether_.) Boo--hoo--hoo!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_despairingly_).
+
+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.
+
+(_The street-door bell rings_).
+
+ROSALINE (_joyously_).
+
+He! (_She clasps her hands and listens_.) My heart tells me so!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_disagreeably_).
+
+It _ain't_ he--because he never rings. So your heart's told you a lie.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_off_).
+
+Mr. Sylvester--is he in? Not in? What do you mean?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Snakes!--it's his Missus.
+
+ROSALINE (_passionately_).
+
+_Another_ wife?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+No, it is the same one--do you think he is the Grand Mogul?--but she
+will be enough for _you_ if she finds you here, and for _me_ too!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I do not fear her. I am doing no harm--I am your Model, brought here by
+you.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_in terror_).
+
+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.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_off_).
+
+I will wait in his studio till he comes. He ought to have been here
+long ago.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_in terror_).
+
+_Ought_ 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.
+
+ROSALINE (_indignantly_).
+
+What?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Here, hi, I will be a lay-figure. By George, I've got it--I will be the
+Mandarin, see!
+
+(_He disguises himself with Rosaline's assistance as a Mandarin, and
+sits cross-legged at back, wagging his head_.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+How is that?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Beautiful. Hush!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Am I sufficiently impregnated with the Chinese sentiment?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I don't know what you mean. Sh! Here she is.
+
+(_Enter_ MRS. SYLVESTER _L_.)
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_aside_).
+
+A young woman--who is this?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Good morning, madam. Who do you wish to see?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_with a start_).
+
+Can I be deceived? Is it possible you are the--ahem--the person I take
+you for?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I really don't know who you take me for. My name is Rosaline, and I'm a
+model.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+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.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I did not know it was your husband's studio when I came. I am here to
+sit to a friend of his.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I'm the friend.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_to_ ROSALINE).
+
+What did you say?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I did not speak.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+Now let me quite understand you. Do you mean to say that it was not Mr.
+Sylvester who brought you here?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Certainly I do. I came to Mr.--
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_in terror aside to_ ROSALINE).
+
+Mr. Brown.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+Who did you say? Who is Mr. Brown?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+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.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+Then you did know that this was Mr. Sylvester's studio!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I did not. He said it belonged to a friend of his, but did not mention
+his name.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_impatiently_).
+
+Whose name?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+His friend's name.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_passionately_).
+
+Who was this friend, girl? Who told you to come? Answer me.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Oh, that is very easy. I was engaged by Mr.--
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside to_ ROSALINE).
+
+Mr. Smith.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+I do not know any Mr. Smith. Where has he gone?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I never said "Mr. Smith."
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+What?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Certainly not. I have no reason to mind telling the truth. I am
+naturally a truthful girl. His name was--
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside to_ ROSALINE).
+
+Robinson.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+Once and for all--will you tell me the man's name?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside to_ ROSALINE).
+
+No, never!
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+You refuse?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+No.
+
+MRS. SYLYESTER.
+
+Then why did you say "never?"
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I never said "Never."
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+I warn you, girl, my patience is nearly exhausted.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+So am I. My legs ache at the joints.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+You will either make a clean breast of it, or I shall take steps--
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside to_ ROSALINE).
+
+Let her take steps--that's what I want her to do.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+Ah, wait--doubtless my husband is in hiding. I will see.
+
+(_She opens_ R.D. _and exit_.)
+
+ROSALINE (_going up to_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _angrily_).
+
+What do you mean by getting me into all this trouble? What do you mean
+by it?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Oh, you be hanged--you're a perfect nuisance.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+What!
+
+(_She slaps his face_. MRS. SYLVESTER _re-enters_.)
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+I heard a noise.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I was playing with the idol, that is all.
+
+(REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _wags his head mechanically_.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+This is a dignified position for a husband and a ratepayer!--the butt
+of a bad girl!
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+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. (_Going_.)
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Of course his name is Tempenny--I never denied it.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY and MRS. SYLVESTER (_aside_).
+
+What?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I am nobody's accomplice--I am an honest woman earning a living. I will
+tell lies for no one.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+The cat!
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+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!
+
+(_Exit L_.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_springing up_).
+
+You mischief-making little beast--what have you done?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Don't you talk to me like that--I won't have it!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_furiously_).
+
+You won't have it!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+No, I won't.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+You--you--! You smacked my face!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+And I'll smack it again if you aggravate me. If it weren't that _he_
+will be here later on, I'd walk straight out of the studio, and never
+come into it again.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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. (_He divests himself of the Chinese wig and costume_.) I think
+I had better go. I don't know how I'll do the picture--I'll _never_ do
+the picture. I think _you_ had better go--if Charlie Sylvester finds
+you here after this, he will murder you.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER (_off_).
+
+Tempenny!--Tempenny--are you upstairs?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_agitated_).
+
+He! Oh, I say, you know--don't yer know--this is awful!
+
+ROSALINE (_rapturously_).
+
+I know his voice.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_dancing with terror_).
+
+Yes, so do I! He'll kill you--I warn you he will make a corse of
+you--or _me_. 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.
+
+(_Exit R_.)
+
+ROSALINE (_taking out powder puff_).
+
+After years we meet again!
+
+(_Enter_ SYLVESTER _L_.)
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Why the devil couldn't you answer, Tempenny, I say--
+
+ROSALINE (_turning_).
+
+Charles! Ah! once more!
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Great Scott! My dear girl, what on earth are you here for?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+It is like that you greet me?
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+"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--
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I know. I have just seen her.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+What's that you say? You have just seen my wife?
+
+ROSALINE (_nodding_).
+
+She has been here. She has only just gone.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+The devil! What did she say to you--what did she think?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+She thought you knew about it--she was angry!
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER (_furiously_).
+
+And very rightly too. You have no business here--why did you come?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Mr. Tempenny brought me.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+What? Are _you_ his model? This is really too bad. Where is he?
+
+ROSALINE (_pointing R_.).
+
+He has gone in there.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+What for? (_Calling_.) Tempenny! I say, Tempenny, I want you!
+
+(_Enter_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _very nervously_.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Ah--er--good morning, dear boy. What weather, eh? What weather we're
+having to be sure. (_Aside to_ ROSALINE.) You malicious,
+base-hearted--(_Shakes his fist at her_.) Oh!
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_shrinking_).
+
+I was afraid you would be vexed, but don't be cross, dear old man;
+don't be "put out" about it. (_Trying to laugh_.) There are worse
+troubles at sea, as they say--worse troubles at sea!
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+(_With rising indignation_.) But I _am_ 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!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Still trying to laugh it off_.) All comes out in the wash, old
+chap--all comes out in the wash, I assure you! (_Slaps him on the
+shoulder_.)
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Don't do that--I don't like it!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_nervously_).
+
+Ha, ha, ha! (_Does it again_.)
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER (_shouting_).
+
+Don't!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_collapsing_).
+
+All right, I won't.
+
+ROSALINE (_advancing_).
+
+Charlie!
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Don't call me "Charlie"--I don't like it.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Once--
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+And what about mine?
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Yours?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Yes, she has gone to tell her.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER (_roaring with laughter_).
+
+Ha, ha, ha!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_miserably_).
+
+Remarkably funny, isn't it?
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Ha, ha, ha!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Ha, ha, ha!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_To_ CHARLES SYLVESTER; _pointing to_ ROSALINE.) That girl is a
+perfect devil. She smacked my face just now when I was posing as a
+mandarin.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER (_staring_).
+
+As a what!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+(_To_ ROSALINE.) I tell you what it is,--I think you had better go. You
+had better be off--I can't have you here.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I quite agree. _I_ don't want her--she is more trouble than she is
+worth.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+You are very rude to me, both of you. (_To_ CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Your
+manners have not improved with matrimony, my friend.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+I am not going to discuss my manners--
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+No, he is not going to discuss his manners.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+The point is--
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+The point is--git!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+The point is that if you don't ask me properly, I shall do nothing of
+the kind. Now you've got it.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+(_To_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _angrily_.) What the devil do you mean by
+bringing such a firebrand here?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Now don't lose your temper again. (_To_ ROSALINE.) Will you go?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+No, I won't.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+That settles it. (_The two men look at each other helplessly_.)
+
+(_Enter_ SARAH ANN.)
+
+SARAH ANN.
+
+If you please, sir, there is a gentleman downstairs who wants to see
+Mr. Tempenny.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Me? What's his name? What does he want?
+
+SARAH ANN.
+
+He says his name is Mr. Schercl.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I'm out. Go and tell him so. It only wanted this to complete my
+happiness. I won't see him, do you hear?
+
+SARAH ANN.
+
+If you please the gentleman said he must see you, but if you was
+engaged, he'd wait.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+You won't get rid of old Schercl in a hurry, if he has advanced you any
+of the "ready."
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Tell him I'm out. Then let him come up if he likes.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+What are you going to do?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I am going to dissemble. I am going to be an Eastern potentate, and I
+am going to spoof the old boy. (_To_ SARAH ANN.) Menial, slope! (_To_
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Help me.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+This is the rummiest studio that ever I was in!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Yes, originality is what we pride ourselves on. (_He disguises himself
+as the Maharajah of Slamthedoor_.)
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+And what am _I_ to do?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+You must be very deferential. I think you had better salaam when you
+speak to me. Try it.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Like this? (_Salaams_.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+You look like a Guy Fawkes.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Dear child! how pretty she talks! Where did you originally find such a
+treasure?
+
+(_Enter_ HENRICH SCHERCL _L_.)
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Ah, Mr. Sylvester, how do you do? Where is Mr. Tempenny? I hoped to see
+him.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+He has been compelled to go out on most important business.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+The business of you gentlemen is always "most important" excepting when
+it concerns them that find you the wherewithal. (_Aside_.) What a nice
+girl!
+
+(ROSALINE _smiles at him_.)
+
+CHARLES SILVESTER.
+
+I don't think, my dear Schercl, that you have much cause to complain.
+You don't lose by us; now confess!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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."
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_coming down_).
+
+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!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Aside to_ CHARLES SYLVESTER.) What does he say?
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+(_Aside to_ HENRICH SCHERCL.) He's swearing because Tempenny is out.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I wanted to buy some of his great works. The Maharajah of Battledore
+told me that he was one of your most favourite painters.
+
+ROSALINE (_aside_).
+
+Good old Rembrandt Tempenny. What larks!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Aside to_ CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Let _me_ deal with this sportsman.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+(_Aside to_ HENRICH SCHERCL.) Bosh, why should you?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Do you want to sell your "Battle of Agincourt?"
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Of course I do.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+How much?
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Two hundred--you know that!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+A hundred ready?
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Yes.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+You will have a jeque to-night.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+On your word?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+On my word.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+An open one?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Yes, my dear young friend. Now oblige me by skipping.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Right you are. Allow me to introduce to your Highness, Mr. Schercl--Mr.
+Schercl, the Maharajah of Slamthedoor.
+
+(_Exit R_.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Allah Bismillah Pottamarmala Goo!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL (_aside_).
+
+He's swearing again. (_Aloud_.) I am sorry your Royal Highness has been
+kept waiting. These artists are such gurious people. Your Highness
+broboses to buy bictures, yes?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I have built a new palace at Slamthedoor, and I must have, of course,
+some pictures for my galleries.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Does your Highness want any slaves too?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Aside to_ ROSALINE.) Go away, girl--go away! One deal at a time!
+(_Aloud_) May I make so bold as to enquire the size of the new palace,
+Oh glorious One? (_Salaams_.) (_Aside_.) I think that is right!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+The size? It is no bigger than my other one--it is about four times as
+large as your Buckingham Palace.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Great heavens! And you will have a vast picture gallery, Oh Light of my
+Eyes!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+_Doesn't_ your Royal Highness want any slaves? Ye before whose radiance
+the sun pales and the stars grow dim--no slaves?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Can you dance, damsel, as I would see you?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Aside to_ ROSALINE.) Go away--go away--go away. Oh, demmit, will you
+go away! (_Salaaming_.) Most Serene One--
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Proceed. But be quick--I am impatient to be gone. Allah Bismillah, be
+quick!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL (_aside_).
+
+What a temper he's got! (_Aloud_.) Be guided by your servant. I have
+your Royal Highness's interest at heart. (_Aside_.) Also my own.
+(_Aloud_.) 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!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+That is very kind of you. Why should you do it?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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.
+
+ROSALINE (_aside_.)
+
+Modest violet! There's nothing like being frank!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+You do not advise me then to see this Mr. Tempenny, or the other
+painters whose names I have?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Certainly not, your Royal Highness. Let _me_ arrange everything. Here's
+my card--Heinrich Schercl, 41 Golden Square.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+(_Aside to_ HENRICH SCHERCL). Look here, what am I to have for this.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Aside to_ ROSALINE). For what?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+(_Aside to_ HENRICH SCHERCL). I can queer your pitch.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Aside to_ ROSALINE). We will talk later--we will talk later. Don't
+bother me!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+My dear Mr. Schercl, I am delighted to have met you. You are quite
+confident you can _fill_ my galleries?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+With genuine works of art. (_Aside_.) 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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Eh--oh, yes, my youngest--my ewe lamb.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I congratulate you. She is worthy to be a Princess.
+
+ROSALINE (_aside_).
+
+This man's a flyer! I thought he was a mild young mug, but he fairly
+takes the merry little bun!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Charmed, your Royal Highness. I shall be entirely at your disposition.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+That is well.
+
+(_Exit R_. SCHERCL _and_ ROSALINE _salaam_).
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Skipping with ecstasy_). Jampagne! Little girl, I will stand you
+jampagne to zelebrate the deal.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Good biz! (_Opens L.D. and calls_). Here Mary, Matilda, Susan, or
+whatever your name is, you're wanted.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+And you are a very charming girl, that is a fact. (_Lighting a
+cigarette_). I think I must give you a sovereign, yes?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I don't mind if I do. (_Taking cigarette from his case_). A
+"sovereign?" What are you talking about? My commission on this is a
+tenner--and I'm cheap at that!
+
+(_Enter_ SARAH ANN _L_.)
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Giving her money_). Fetch me a bottle of jampagne, and bring two
+glasses, eh?
+
+SARAH ANN.
+
+Yessir.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+And look slippy. Go on, I'm parched. Mind, the _best_ champagne. (_To_
+HENRICH SCHERCL.) Got a light?
+
+(_Exit_ SARAH ANN _L_.)
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+What is your name, my dear? (_Gives her light_).
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Rosaline--you may call me "Rosie" if you like.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+May I--why? (_Chuckles_).
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+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.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+(_Coquettishly_). Think so?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+You shall have a slave of your own--a slave who would love you.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+It sounds very well. In the meantime what about the tenner?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Taking out his notebook_). You shall have it. There! Will you give me
+a kiss for that, my Rosie, with your rosy-posy lips?
+
+(_Enter_ SARAH ANN _L. with champagne and glasses_).
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+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.
+
+(_Exit_ SARAH ANN _L_.)
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Lifting his glass_). Gezunteit!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Very likely. (_Aside_.) This is the best day's sitting I've ever done.
+(_Aloud_.) 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.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Putting his arm round her waist_). Really--is that so?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+That is really so. But mind you, an hour ago, I should not have let you
+do this.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I am so blessed we did not meet an hour ago.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+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.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Leedle heart--let me gatch it!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Now you are making fun of me. I am not so simple as you think. Why, we
+have only just met.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Somebody is coming upstairs.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Mr. Sylvester is in there. Here, if you don't want to be seen, get into
+this cupboard.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Is it glean? Are you sure?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Clean as a new pin. Come on if you mean it, there's no time to waste.
+Now or never?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Going into cupboard, gingerly_). I am certain it is not glean.
+
+(ROSALINE _shuts the door and turns as_ MRS. SYLVESTER _re-enters with_
+MRS. TEMPENNY).
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+I told you so! Here she is as bold as brass. Now what do you say to
+that?
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+If indeed my husband brought her here--if he has really assisted Mr.
+Sylvester to deceive you--
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+(_Scornfully_). "IF!" The creature does not deny it. Speak, girl.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Good afternoon.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+"Good afternoon?" It isn't a "good afternoon" I want you to say. Speak,
+I tell you.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+What shall we talk about?
+
+(_R.D. slowly opens a little_--_showing_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _and_
+CHARLES SYLVESTER _listening_).
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Aside to_ CHARLES SYLVESTER). Can you do it, do you think?
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+I can do it.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Threaten to punch my head.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Yes, yes--and you had better be very violent too.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I twig. Wait a moment.
+
+(_They withdraw_).
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Bursting into tears_). I will never forgive him as long as I live.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+I should think not. When I see Charles--!
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Oh, and when I see Rembrandt--!
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+I _will_ see him, if I stop till midnight!
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+And _I'll_ see him, if I don't go home for a week!
+
+(_Enter_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _backwards, very disordered attire_--_his
+entrance to suggest that he has been flung in_. CHARLES SYLVESTER
+_follows_).
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+(_With affected fury_). If you did not bring this person here, sir, how
+did she come?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+How?
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Yes, sir--how?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+How do I know?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER and MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+What is all this? Oh, good gracious, the men have been fighting!
+
+ROSALINE (_aside_).
+
+_I_ know what it is--it's spoof.
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+(_Rushing to_ CHARLES SYLVESTER). Charles--Charles, compose yourself!
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Rushing to_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY). Rembrandt, be calm.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Don't interfere, Adelaide.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Eugenia, this concerns us alone. Mr. Sylvester accuses me--
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Yes, sir, I accuse you--
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Throwing himself upon him_). Ah!
+
+(CHARLES SYLVESTER _throws him off_).
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+The best of wives--
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Don't you dare to mention Mrs. Sylvester's name, sir!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+(_Weeps_.)
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+And through you I may be falsely suspected by Adelaide. (_Weeps_.)
+
+(ROSALINE _whispers to_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _aside_.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Aside to_ ROSALINE.) Great Jupiter!
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+All this is very fine--but who _is_ the man who brought her here if you
+didn't? Answer that.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Yes, if neither of _you_ did it, who did? Where _is_ the man?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Throwing open cupboard triumphantly and disclosing_ SCHERCL _covered
+with paint_.) There!
+
+_Curtain_.
+
+
+
+
+ACT III.
+
+
+SCENE:--_Drawing-room at Tempenny's house._
+
+TIME:--_Next day_.
+
+(SUSAN _discovered dusting. As Curtain goes up bell is heard off_.)
+
+SUSAN.
+
+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
+_my_ 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. (_Bell rings again_.) It _was_ the bell--I'd better go and see
+who it is.
+
+(_Exit L_.)
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL (_heard off_).
+
+Mr. Tempenny in? Nonsense. Then I'll wait till he is.
+
+SUSAN (_expostulating_).
+
+But, sir, if you please, sir, really--
+
+(_Enter_ HENRICH SCHERCL _followed by_ SUSAN.)
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I tell you I mean to see him. Now let us have the truth, girl, where is
+he?
+
+SUSAN.
+
+Mr. Tempenny, sir?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+"Mr. Tempenny, sir?" Yes, ma'am, who else? Now, is he at home?
+
+SUSAN.
+
+No, sir, he isn't; he has gone out.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Not to his studio, for I've just been there.
+
+SUSAN.
+
+No, sir, he has gone to his dentist.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Then I'll just sit down here till he comes back. You may go in and tell
+him so.
+
+SUSAN (_confused_).
+
+I hope you don't think I tell stories, sir? If Mr. Tempenny's out how
+can I take him your message?
+
+(_Enter_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _R_.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_briskly_).
+
+Now, you understand, Susan, I am out to everyone, and if a Mr. Schercl
+calls--(_seeing_ HENRICH SCHERCL--_aside_). Good gracious! (_Aloud_.)
+Beg him to wait till I return--I want to see him.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL (_sardonically_).
+
+He _is_ waiting, sir.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_affecting surprise_).
+
+My dear friend, how glad I am--how very glad! (_Aside_.) This is the
+very devil! (_Aloud_.) All right, Susan, you can go.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I want a leedle talk with you, my friend, without delay.
+
+SUSAN (_aside_).
+
+I hope the master'll enjoy himself, I'm sure! I did _my_ best for him
+anyhow!
+
+(_Exit L_.)
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+He did take me for Tempenny R.A., Addison was right! (_Aloud_.) An
+imposter, Mr. Schercl?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Zertainly, sir. I took you for _the_ Mr. Tempenny--it was to _the_ Mr.
+Tempenny, I brobosed to give my commission. You 'ave cheated me, you
+fellow.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Now, now, take care! How was _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 _inferior_--Tempenny? I
+say how could I know you were making a mistake?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+You knew it very well. I would not pay tree 'undred pounds to _you_!
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Gently! gently! this is slander, old gentleman. It will cost you a good
+deal _more_ than three hundred pounds if you aren't more guarded in
+your remarks.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL (_spluttering_).
+
+What?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+What! what! what!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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 _wasn't_ strange, of course--(_airily_) most natural thing
+in the world, but she couldn't see it.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Nice girl! charming girl, isn't she? Full of feeling, and--I say,
+Schercl, you've made a conquest there, and no error.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Nonsense--go away mid your rubbidge!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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 _is_ so taken with you--I
+feel for her.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL (_flattered_).
+
+Vat rot you talk. Why should you feel for her?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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 _you_
+care?--you laugh!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+No, I do not laff--I have a 'eart, have I not? I have the emotions and
+sensibilities.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+You have, you have. But you do not realise how serious an impression
+you have made.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Well, now about Susannah. You can do it as well as your namesake. Yes?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Ah! (_Enthusiastically_.) Wait till you see it!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+It still progresses?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Superbly.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+"Zuperbly!" But I do not see it, and to me you never abbear to paint.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+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--
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Yes, yes, yes. So Miss Rosaline sits for your Susannah, eh?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Won't it be worth the three hundred--won't it be a dream.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL (_eagerly_).
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNV.
+
+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!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL (_confused_).
+
+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?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Ha, ha, ha! Control yourself, Romeo, it's coming on.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+It strikes me you'll be precious lucky if you get it at all. The
+infernal "contract" is the bane of my life. (_Aloud_.) 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. (_Enter_ CHARLES SYLVESTER _L_.)
+Hallo, Charlie, how d'ye do. How are things at home?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I see another of yesterday's gulprits. However I have forgiven you.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+That's all right. (_Aside to_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY:) Rosaline's
+downstairs--wanting to see you. Where is your wife?
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Out. (_To_ 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.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Miss Rosaline--she is here? Well, I never! Yes, I will go down and
+speak to her. Where is she?
+
+(_Enter_ ROSALINE _L_.)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+Damn it, in the drawing-room! Look here, Schercl, you can't go till
+_she_ does. If my wife comes in and finds her, she is your affair.
+Don't leave her for Heaven's sake.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Good morning, gentlemen. Oh, Mr. Schercl! What a pleasure--how _do_ you
+do?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I am very well, I thank you. And you?--I need not ask, you look most
+beautiful.
+
+ROSALINE (_aside_).
+
+Dear man!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+(_Aside to_ CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Why is Tempenny so afraid his wife
+should see her? You too--why are _you_ so afraid? Is she not of a good
+character, this Miss Rosaline?
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+(_Aside to_ HENRICH SCHERCL.) The girl is a paragon. They are jealous
+of her, that's all. She is too good-looking for 'em.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Ha, ha, I see!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+I think we'll leave you, old man. Rosaline, Mr. Schercl, has something
+to say to you--we shall be in the way. (_Aside to_ CHARLES SYLVESTER.)
+Come on, old chap--I wouldn't risk being found in the room again with
+the girl for a monkey.
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Yes, I have some business to discuss with Mr. Tempenny. If you will
+excuse us--
+
+(_Exit R._)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+(_Aside to_ 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! (_Exit L._)
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+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?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+No, I have no idea. But I am very glad you called--our conversation
+yesterday was so inderrupted.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+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?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+You do not sit to Mr. Tempenny in a hat, I think.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+In a--? Oh no, not in--. The subject is classical.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Zo I understand (_he sighs_).
+
+ROSALINE (_sighing_).
+
+Ah!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Why do you sigh? You are not happy?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Did I sigh? I was thinking.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL (_sighing_).
+
+Heigho!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+But now it is _you_ who sighs. Aren't _you_ happy?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I alzo, I was thinking.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Of what?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+If I was to tell you, you would call me "sentimental old fool."
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Not _old_. Never a _fool_. (_With sudden persuasiveness_.) _Tell_ me!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I was thinking then, of you.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Of little me? What of me.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I was wishing I was this Mr. Tempenny.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Why? (_Realising reason, and covering her face bashfully_.) Oh!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I mean you go to him every day, and your zociety is very fascinating.
+That is all.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Of course, if you were Mr. Tempenny, you would see more of me. I should
+have said you would see me "_oftener_."
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Heigho!
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Heigho!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+The little that I _have_ seen has made a great impression on me,
+Rosie--I shall never forget your face.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Really?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL (_eagerly_).
+
+Yes, yes, really--it is true.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I am only a model, you know--a poor girl.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+You are a model of perfection. I zympathise with you.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+You do not think the less of me because?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I assure you I think of you the more. Nevertheless I do not like the
+idea.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+And why?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+You must find it zo chilly in the winter.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+I have got used to it. And besides I am fortunately of a warm
+temperament. The wind is tempered to the shorn lamb.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Jealous! Do you mean you are in love with me? (_Aside_.) Oh, my
+goodness, what a joke!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Say it, and see. (_Aside_.) He's in earnest. I do believe.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I am a very rich man. I could give you lots of such hats, and
+jewellery, and a big house.
+
+ROSALINE (_sentimentally_).
+
+I wish that you were poor.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL (_in a fright_).
+
+No, no, for goodness sake, don't say that! Why?
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+You would not doubt my sincerity then. Now, you may think--
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+No, no, I do believe you. Do you care for me a little, Rosie?
+
+ROSALINE (_archly_).
+
+Perhaps I do--a little. No, you are making game of me! (_Turns up_.)
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I am not--I am not! I love you desperately. Rosie, will you be my wife.
+Say "yes" my darling.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Yes. Now you may kiss me.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL (_kissing her_).
+
+This is paradise. And Rosie--
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Yes, Mr. Schercl.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Ah, no, you must say Heinrich.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Yes--Heinrich?
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+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.
+
+ROSALINE (_doubtfully_).
+
+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.
+
+(_Enter_ MRS. SYLVESTER _and_ MRS. TEMPENNY. _L. dressed for walking_.)
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+Sir!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Ah, my friend Tempenny's wife. And Mrs. Sylvester--how do you do?
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER.
+
+This creature again?
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY.
+
+By what right, sir, do you bring this person again--and into my private
+house.
+
+ROSALINE.
+
+Creature! Stand up for me, Heinrich.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I will, my treasure. (_To_ 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.
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY  }
+               } (_aside_).
+MRS. SYLVESTER }
+
+Schercl's wife! We must be very civil to her!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Let me introduce you: Mrs. Tempenny, Mrs. Sylvester--the future Mrs.
+Heinrich Schercl.
+
+(_The two women gush up to her and shake her hands_.)
+
+(_Enter_ TEMPENNY _and_ SYLVESTER. _L._)
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+What's this I see, do I dream?
+
+CHARLES SYLVESTER.
+
+Are visions about?
+
+MRS. TEMPENNY (_aside to_ TEMPENNY).
+
+Why on earth didn't you tell me? They are engaged--I might have
+offended him for life!
+
+MRS. SYLVESTER (_aside to_ SYLVESTER).
+
+How stupid you were! They are going to be married. Why, you might never
+have got an order from him again!
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
+
+Dear, dear, dear, but my very good friend, if this lady is going to be
+your wife, how about "Susannah?"
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+Forgive me, "Susannah" cannot be. I release you from the contract.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
+
+Tidings of joy! (_Aloud_.) But--but--this is very hard on me.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I release you, and I pay you just the same.
+
+REMBRANDT TFMPENNY.
+
+But she has had the money for a dozen sittings.
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I pay.
+
+(_Enter_ SUSAN.)
+
+SUSAN.
+
+If you please, sir, there's a hofficer of the law downstairs and he
+wants Mr. Tempenny or forty pun', sixteen shillings and ninepence.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_waving his hand_).
+
+Schercl!
+
+HENRICH SCHERCL.
+
+I pay--and I gif you the balance by a jeque.
+
+REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_with mock despair_).
+
+Pay--you pay? But the work of my life unfinished.--What money can
+compensate for that?
+
+(_Sinks forlornly into chair_.)
+
+_Curtain_.
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+PRINTING OFFICE OF THE PUBLISHER.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of If Only etc.
+by Francis Clement Philips and Augustus Harris
+
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