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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.07.00*END* + + + + + +This etext was prepared by David Widger, <widger@cecomet.net> + + + + + +PLAYS + +FOURTH SERIES + +BY +JOHN GALSWORTHY + + + +PLAYS in the FOURTH SERIES + +A BIT O' LOVE + THE FOUNDATIONS + THE SKIN GAME + + + + +THE SKIN GAME + +(A TRAGI-COMEDY) + +"Who touches pitch shall be defiled" + + + + +CHARACTERS + +HILLCRIST ...............A Country Gentleman +AMY .....................His Wife +JILL ....................His Daughter +DAWKER ..................His Agent +HORNBLOWER ..............A Man Newly-Rich +CHARLES .................His Elder Son +CHLOE ...................Wife to Charles +ROLF ....................His Younger Son +FELLOWS .................Hillcrist's Butler +ANNA ....................Chloe's Maid +THE JACKMANS ............Man and Wife + +AN AUCTIONEER +A SOLICITOR +TWO STRANGERS + + + + +ACT I. HILLCRIST'S Study + +ACT II. + SCENE I. A month later. An Auction Room. + SCENE II. The same evening. CHLOE'S Boudoir. + +ACT III + + SCENE I. The following day. HILLCRIST'S Study. Morning. + SCENE II. The Same. Evening. + + + + +ACT I + + HILLCRIST'S study. A pleasant room, with books in calf + bindings, and signs that the HILLCRIST'S have travelled, such + as a large photograph of the Taj Mahal, of Table Mountain, and + the Pyramids of Egypt. A large bureau [stage Right], devoted + to the business of a country estate. Two foxes' masks. + Flowers in bowls. Deep armchairs. A large French window open + [at Back], with a lovely view of a slight rise of fields and + trees in August sunlight. A fine stone fireplace [stage Left]. + A door [Left]. A door opposite [Right]. General colour + effect--stone, and cigar-leaf brown, with spots of bright + colour. + + [HILLCRIST sits in a swivel chair at the bureau, busy with + papers. He has gout, and his left foot is encased accord: He + is a thin, dried-up man of about fifty-five, with a rather + refined, rather kindly, and rather cranky countenance. Close + to him stands his very upstanding nineteen-year-old daughter + JILL, with clubbed hair round a pretty, manly face.] + +JILL. You know, Dodo, it's all pretty good rot in these days. + +HILLCRIST. Cads are cads, Jill, even in these days. + +JILL. What is a cad? + +HILLCRIST. A self-assertive fellow, without a sense of other +people. + +JILL. Well, Old Hornblower I'll give you. + +HILLCRIST. I wouldn't take him. + +JILL. Well, you've got him. Now, Charlie--Chearlie--I say--the +importance of not being Charlie---- + +HILLCRIST. Good heavens! do you know their Christian names? + +JILL. My dear father, they've been here seven years. + +HILLCRIST. In old days we only knew their Christian names from +their tombstones. + +JILL. Charlie Hornblower isn't really half a bad sport. + +HILLCRIST. About a quarter of a bad sport I've always thought out +hunting. + +JILL. [Pulling his hair] Now, his wife--Chloe--- + +HILLCRIST. [Whimsical] Gad! your mother'd have a fit if she knew +you called her Chloe. + +JILL. It's a ripping name. + +HILLCRIST. Chloe! H'm! I had a spaniel once---- + +JILL. Dodo, you're narrow. Buck up, old darling, it won't do. +Chloe has seen life, I'm pretty sure; THAT'S attractive, anyway. +No, mother's not in the room; don't turn your uneasy eyes. + +HILLCRIST. Really, my dear, you are getting---- + +JILL. The limit. Now, Rolf---- + +HILLCRIST. What's Rolf? Another dog? + +JILL. Rolf Hornblower's a topper; he really is a nice boy. + +HILLCRIST. [With a sharp look] Oh! He's a nice boy? + +JILL. Yes, darling. You know what a nice boy is, don't you? + +HILLCRIST. Not in these days. + +JILL. Well, I'll tell you. In the first place, he's not amorous. + +HILLCRIST. What! Well, that's some comfort. + +JILL. Just a jolly good companion. + +HILLCRIST. To whom? + +JILL. Well, to anyone--me. + +HILLCRIST. Where? + +JILL. Anywhere. You don't suppose I confine myself to the home +paddocks, do you? I'm naturally rangey, Father. + +HILLCRIST. [Ironically] You don't say so! + +JILL. In the second place, he doesn't like discipline. + +HILLCRIST. Jupiter! He does seem attractive. + +JILL. In the third place, he bars his father. + +HILLCRIST. Is that essential to nice girls too? + +JILL. [With a twirl of his hair] Fish not! Fourthly, he's got +ideas. + +HILLCRIST. I knew it! + +JILL. For instance, he thinks--as I do---- + +HILLCRIST. Ah! Good ideas. + +JILL. [Pulling gently] Careful! He thinks old people run the show +too much. He says they oughtn't to, because they're so damtouchy. +Are you damtouchy, darling? + +HILLCRIST. Well, I'm----! I don't know about touchy. + +JILL. He says there'll be no world fit to live in till we get rid +of the old. We must make them climb a tall tree, and shake them off +it. + +HILLCRIST. [Drily] Oh! he says that! + +JILL. Otherwise, with the way they stand on each other's rights, +they'll spoil the garden for the young. + +HILLCRIST. Does his father agree? + +JILL. Oh! Rolf doesn't talk to him, his mouth's too large. Have +you ever seen it, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. Of course. + +JILL. It's considerable, isn't it? Now yours is--reticent, +darling. [Rumpling his hair.] + +HILLCRIST. It won't be in a minute. Do you realise that I've got +gout? + +JILL. Poor ducky! How long have we been here, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. Since Elizabeth, anyway. + +JILL. [Looking at his foot] It has its drawbacks. D'you think +Hornblower had a father? I believe he was spontaneous. But, Dodo, +why all this--this attitude to the Hornblowers? + + [She purses her lips and makes a gesture as of pushing persons + away.] + +HILLCRIST. Because they're pushing. + +JILL. That's only because we are, as mother would say, and they're +not--yet. But why not let them be? + +HILLCRIST. You can't. + +JILL. Why? + +HILLCRIST. It takes generations to learn to live and let live, +Jill. People like that take an ell when you give them an inch. + +JILL. But if you gave them the ell, they wouldn't want the inch. +Why should it all be such a skin game? + +HILLCRIST. Skin game? Where do you get your lingo? + +JILL. Keep to the point, Dodo. + +HILLCRIST. Well, Jill, all life's a struggle between people at +different stages of development, in different positions, with +different amounts of social influence and property. And the only +thing is to have rules of the game and keep them. New people like +the Hornblowers haven't learnt those rules; their only rule is to +get all they can. + +JILL. Darling, don't prose. They're not half as bad as you think. + +HILLCRIST. Well, when I sold Hornblower Longmeadow and the +cottages, I certainly found him all right. All the same, he's got +the cloven hoof. [Warming up] His influence in Deepwater is +thoroughly bad; those potteries of his are demoralising--the whole +atmosphere of the place is changing. It was a thousand pities he +ever came here and discovered that clay. He's brought in the modern +cutthroat spirit. + +JILL. Cut our throat spirit, you mean. What's your definition of a +gentleman, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. [Uneasily] Can't describe--only feel it. + +JILL. Oh! Try! + +HILLCRIST. Well--er--I suppose you might say--a man who keeps his +form and doesn't let life scupper him out of his standards. + +JILL. But suppose his standards are low? + +HILLCRIST. [With some earnestness] I assume, of course, that he's +honest and tolerant, gentle to the weak, and not self-seeking. + +JILL. Ah! self-seeking? But aren't we all, Dodo? I am. + +HILLCRIST. [With a smile] You! + +JILL. [Scornfully] Oh! yes--too young to know. + +HILLCRIST. Nobody knows till they're under pretty heavy fire, Jill. + +JILL. Except, of course, mother. + +HILLCRIST. How do you mean--mother? + +JILL. Mother reminds me of England according to herself--always +right whatever she does. + +HILLCRIST. Ye-es. Your mother it perhaps--the perfect woman. + +JILL. That's what I was saying. Now, no one could call you +perfect, Dodo. Besides, you've got gout. + +HILLCRIST. Yes; and I want Fellows. Ring that bell. + +JILL. [Crossing to the bell] Shall I tell you my definition of a +gentleman? A man who gives the Hornblower his due. [She rings the +bell] And I think mother ought to call on them. Rolf says old +Hornblower resents it fearfully that she's never made a sign to +Chloe the three years she's been here. + +HILLCRIST. I don't interfere with your mother in such matters. She +may go and call on the devil himself if she likes. + +JILL. I know you're ever so much better than she is. + +HILLCRIST. That's respectful. + +JILL. You do keep your prejudices out of your phiz. But mother +literally looks down her nose. And she never forgives an "h." +They'd get the "hell" from her if they took the "hinch." + +HILLCRIST. Jill-your language! + +JILL. Don't slime out of it, Dodo. I say, mother ought to call on +the Hornblowers. [No answer.] Well? + +HILLCRIST. My dear, I always let people have the last word. It +makes them--feel funny. Ugh! My foot![Enter FELLOWS, Left.] +Fellows, send into the village and get another bottle of this stuff. + +JILL. I'll go, darling. + + [She blow him a kiss, and goes out at the window.] + +HILLCRIST. And tell cook I've got to go on slops. This foot's +worse. + +FELLOWS. [Sympathetic] Indeed, sir. + +HILLCRIST. My third go this year, Fellows. + +FELLOWS. Very annoying, sir. + +HILLCRIST. Ye-es". Ever had it? + +FELLOWS. I fancy I have had a twinge, sir. + +HILLCRIST. [Brightening] Have you? Where? + +FELLOWS. In my cork wrist, sir. + +HILLCRIST. Your what? + +FELLOWS. The wrist I draw corks with. + +HILLCRIST. [With a cackle] You'd have had more than a twinge if +you'd lived with my father. H'm! + +FELLOWS. Excuse me, sir--Vichy water corks, in my experience, are +worse than any wine. + +HILLCRIST. [Ironically] Ah! The country's not what it was, is it, +Fellows? + +FELLOWS. Getting very new, sir. + +HILLCRIST. [Feelingly] You're right. Has Dawker come? + +FELLOWS. Not yet, sir. The Jackmans would like to see you, sir. + +HILLCRIST. What about? + +FELLOWS. I don't know, sir. + +HILLCRIST. Well, show them in. + +FELLOWS. [Going] Yes, sir. + + [HILLCRIST turns his swivel chair round. The JACKMANS come in. + He, a big fellow about fifty, in a labourer's dress, with eyes + which have more in then than his tongue can express; she, a + little woman with a worn face, a bright, quick glance, and a + tongue to match.] + +HILLCRIST. Good morning, Mrs. Jackman! Morning, Jackman! Haven't +seen you for a long time. What can I do? + + [He draws in foot, and breath, with a sharp hiss.] + +HILLCRIST. [In a down-hearted voice] We've had notice to quit, +sir. + +HILLCRIST. [With emphasis] What! + +JACKMAN. Got to be out this week. + +MRS. J. Yes, sir, indeed. + +HILLCRIST. Well, but when I sold Longmeadow and the cottages, it +was on the express understanding that there was to be no disturbance +of tenancies: + +MRS. J. Yes, sir; but we've all got to go. Mrs. 'Arvey, and the +Drews, an' us, and there isn't another cottage to be had anywhere in +Deepwater. + +HILLCRIST. I know; I want one for my cowman. This won't do at all. +Where do you get it from? + +JACKMAN. Mr. 'Ornblower, 'imself, air. Just an hour ago. He come +round and said: "I'm sorry; I want the cottages, and you've got to +clear." + +MRS. J. [Bitterly] He's no gentleman, sir; he put it so brisk. We +been there thirty years, and now we don't know what to do. So I +hope you'll excuse us coming round, sir. + +HILLCRIST. I should think so, indeed! H'm! [He rises and limps +across to the fireplace on his stick. To himself] The cloven hoof. +By George! this is a breach of faith. I'll write to him, Jackman. +Confound it! I'd certainly never have sold if I'd known he was +going to do this. + +MRS. J. No, sir, I'm sure, sir. They do say it's to do with the +potteries. He wants the cottages for his workmen. + +HILLCRIST. [Sharply] That's all very well, but he shouldn't have +led me to suppose that he would make no change. + +JACKMAN. [Heavily] They talk about his havin' bought the Centry to +gut up more chimneys there, and that's why he wants the cottages. + +HINT. The Centry! Impossible! + + [Mrs. J. Yes, air; it's such a pretty spot-looks beautiful + from here. [She looks out through the window] Loveliest spot + in all Deepwater, I always say. And your father owned it, and + his father before 'im. It's a pity they ever sold it, sir, + beggin' your pardon.] + +HILLCRIST. The Centry! [He rings the bell.] + +Mrs. J. [Who has brightened up] I'm glad you're goin' to stop it, +sir. It does put us about. We don't know where to go. I said to +Mr. Hornblower, I said, "I'm sure Mr. Hillcrist would never 'eve +turned us out." An' 'e said: "Mr. Hillcrist be ---- " beggin' your +pardon, sir. "Make no mistake," 'e said, "you must go, missis." He +don't even know our name; an' to come it like this over us! He's a +dreadful new man, I think, with his overridin notions. And sich a +heavyfooted man, to look at. [With a sort of indulgent contempt] +But he's from the North, they say. + + [FELLOWS has entered, Left.] + +HILLCRIST. Ask Mrs. Hillcrist if she'll come. + +FELLOWS. Very good, sir. + +HILLCRIST. Is Dawker here? + +FELLOWS. Not yet, sir. + +HILLCRIST. I want to see him at once. + + [FELLOWS retires.] + +JACKMAN. Mr. Hornblower said he was comin' on to see you, sir. So +we thought we'd step along first. + +HILLCRIST. Quite right, Jackman. + +MRS. J. I said to Jackman: "Mr. Hillcrist'll stand up for us, I +know. He's a gentleman," I said. "This man," I said, "don't care +for the neighbourhood, or the people; he don't care for anything so +long as he makes his money, and has his importance. You can't +expect it, I suppose," I said; [Bitterly] "havin' got rich so +sudden." The gentry don't do things like that. + +HILLCRIST. [Abstracted] Quite, Mrs. Jackman, quite! +[To himself] The Centry! No! + + [MRS. HILLCRIST enters. A well-dressed woman, with a firm, + clear-cut face.] + +Oh! Amy! Mr. and Mrs. Jackman turned out of their cottage, and +Mrs. Harvey, and the Drews. When I sold to Hornblower, I stipulated +that they shouldn't be. + +MRS. J. Our week's up on Saturday, ma'am, and I'm sure I don't know +where we shall turn, because of course Jackman must be near his +work, and I shall lose me washin' if we have to go far. + +HILLCRIST. [With decision] You leave it to me, Mrs. Jackman. Good +morning! Morning, Jackman! Sorry I can't move with this gout. + +MRS. J. [For them both] I'm sure we're very sorry, sir. Good +morning, sir. Good morning, ma'am; and thank you kindly. [They go +out. + +HILLCRIST. Turning people out that have been there thirty years. I +won't have it. It's a breach of faith. + +MRS. H. Do you suppose this Hornblower will care two straws about +that Jack? + +HILLCRIST. He must, when it's put to him, if he's got any decent +feeling. + +MRS. H. He hasn't. + +HILLCRIST. [Suddenly] The Jackmans talk of his having bought the +Centry to put up more chimneys. + +MRS. H. Never! [At the window, looking out] Impossible! It would +ruin the place utterly; besides cutting us off from the Duke's. Oh, +no! Miss Mullins would never sell behind our backs. + +HILLCRIST. Anyway I must stop his turning these people out. + +Mrs. H. [With a little smile, almost contemptuous] You might have +known he'd do something of the sort. You will imagine people are +like yourself, Jack. You always ought to make Dawker have things in +black and white. + +HILLCRIST. I said quite distinctly: "Of course you won't want to +disturb the tenancies; there's a great shortage of cottages." +Hornblower told me as distinctly that he wouldn't. What more do you +want? + +Mrs. H. A man like that thinks of nothing but the short cut to his +own way. [Looking out of the window towards the rise] If he buys +the Centry and puts up chimneys, we simply couldn't stop here. + +HILLCRIST. My father would turn in his grave. + +MRS. H. It would have been more useful if he'd not dipped the +estate, and sold the Centry. This Hornblower hates us; he thinks we +turn up our noses at him. + +HILLCRIST. As we do, Amy. + +MRS. H. Who wouldn't? A man without traditions, who believes in +nothing but money and push. + +HILLCRIST. Suppose he won't budge, can we do anything for the +Jackmans? + +MRS. H. There are the two rooms Beaver used to have, over the +stables. + +FELLOWS. Mr. Dawker, sir. + + [DAWKERS is a short, square, rather red-faced terrier of a man, + in riding clothes and gaiters.] + +HILLCRIST. Ah! Dawker, I've got gout again. + +DAWKER. Very sorry, sir. How de do, ma'am? + +HILLCRIST. Did you meet the Jackmans? + +DAWKERS. Yeh. + + [He hardly ever quite finishes a word, seeming to snap of their + tails.] + +HILLCRIST. Then you heard? + +DAWKER. [Nodding] Smart man, Hornblower; never lets grass grow. + +HILLCRIST. Smart? + +DAWKER. [Grinning] Don't do to underrate your neighbours. + +MRS. H. A cad--I call him. + +DAWKER. That's it, ma'am-got all the advantage. + +HILLCRIST. Heard anything about the Centry, Dawker? + +DAWKER. Hornblower wants to buy. + +HILLCRIST. Miss Mullins would never sell, would she? + +DAWKER. She wants to. + +HILLCRIST. The deuce she does! + +DAWKER. He won't stick at the price either. + +MRS. H. What's it worth, Dawker? + +DAWKER. Depends on what you want it for. + +MRS. H. He wants it for spite; we want it for sentiment. + +DAWKER. [Grinning] Worth what you like to give, then; but he's a +rich man. + +MRS. H. Intolerable! + +DAWKER. [To HILLCRIST] Give me your figure, sir. I'll try the old +lady before he gets at her. + +HILLCRIST. [Pondering] I don't want to buy, unless there's nothing +else for it. I should have to raise the money on the estate; it +won't stand much more. I can't believe the fellow would be such a +barbarian. Chimneys within three hundred yards, right in front of +this house! It's a nightmare. + +MRS. H. You'd much better let Dawker make sure, Jack. + +HILLCRIST. [Uncomfortable] Jackman says Hornblower's coming round +to see me. I shall put it to him. + +DAWKER. Make him keener than ever. Better get in first. + +HILLCRIST. Ape his methods!--Ugh! Confound this gout! [He gets +back to his chair with difficulty] Look here, Dawker, I wanted to +see you about gates---- + +FELLOWS. [Entering] Mr. Hornblower. + + [HORNBLOWER enters-a man of medium, height, thoroughly + broadened, blown out, as it were, by success. He has thick, + coarse, dark hair, just grizzled, wry bushy eyebrow, a wide + mouth. He wears quite ordinary clothes, as if that department + were in charge of someone who knew about such, things. He has + a small rose in his buttonhole, and carries a Homburg hat, + which one suspects will look too small on his head.] + +HORNBLOWER. Good morning! good morning! How are ye, Dawker? Fine +morning! Lovely weather! + + [His voice has a curious blend in its tone of brass and oil, + and an accent not quite Scotch nor quite North country.] + +Haven't seen ye for a long time, Hillcrist. + +HILLCRIST. [Who has risen] Not since I sold you Longmeadow and +those cottages, I believe. + +HORNBLOWER. Dear me, now! that's what I came about. + +HILLCRIST. [Subsiding again into his chair] Forgive me! Won't you +sit down? + +HORNBLOWER. [Not sitting] Have ye got gout? That's unfortunate. +I never get it. I've no disposition that way. Had no ancestors, +you see. Just me own drinkin' to answer for. + +HILLCRIST. You're lucky. + +HORNBLOWER. I wonder if Mrs. Hillcrist thinks that! Am I lucky to +have no past, ma'am? Just the future? + +MRS. H. You're sure you have the future, Mr. Hornblower? + +HORNBLOWER. [With a laugh] That's your aristocratic rapier thrust. +You aristocrats are very hard people underneath your manners. Ye +love to lay a body out. But I've got the future all right. + +HILLCRIST. [Meaningly] I've had the Dackmans here, Mr. Hornblower. + +HORNBLOWER. Who are they--man with the little spitfire wife? + +HILLCRIST. They're very excellent, good people, and they've been in +that cottage quietly thirty years. + +HORNBLOWER. [Throwing out his forefinger--a favourite gesture] Ah! +ye've wanted me to stir ye up a bit. Deepwater needs a bit o' go +put into it. There's generally some go where I am. I daresay you +wish there'd been no "come." [He laughs]. + +MRS. H. We certainly like people to keep their word, Mr. +Hornblower. + +HILLCRIST. Amy! + +HORNBLOWER. Never mind, Hillcrist; takes more than that to upset +me. + + [MRS. HILLCRIST exchanges a look with DAWKER who slips out + unobserved.] + +HILLCRIST. You promised me, you know, not to change the tenancies. + +HORNBLOWER. Well, I've come to tell ye that I have. I wasn't +expecting to have the need when I bought. Thought the Duke would +sell me a bit down there; but devil a bit he will; and now I must +have those cottages for my workmen. I've got important works, ye +know. + +HILLCRIST. [Getting heated] The Jackmans have their importance +too, sir. Their heart's in that cottage. + +HORNBLOWER. Have a sense of proportion, man. My works supply +thousands of people, and my, heart's in them. What's more, they +make my fortune. I've got ambitions--I'm a serious man. Suppose I +were to consider this and that, and every little potty objection-- +where should I get to?--nowhere! + +HILLCRIST. All the same, this sort of thing isn't done, you know. + +HORNBLOWER. Not by you because ye've got no need to do it. Here ye +are, quite content on what your fathers made for ye. Ye've no +ambitions; and ye want other people to have none. How d'ye think +your fathers got your land? + +HILLCRIST. [Who has risen] Not by breaking their word. + +HORNBLOWER. [Throwing out his, finger] Don't ye believe it. They +got it by breaking their word and turnin' out Jackmans, if that's +their name, all over the place. + +MRS. H. That's an insult, Mr. Hornblower. + +HORNBLOWER. No; it's a repartee. If ye think so much of these +Jackmans, build them a cottage yourselves; ye've got the space. + +HILLCRIST. That's beside the point. You promised me, and I sold on +that understanding. + +HORNBLOWER. And I bought on the understandin' that I'd get some +more land from the Duke. + +HILLCRIST. That's nothing to do with me. + +HORNBLOWER. Ye'll find it has; because I'm going to have those +cottages. + +HILLCRIST. Well, I call it simply---- + + [He checks himself.] + +HORNBLOWER. Look here, Hillcrist, ye've not had occasion to +understand men like me. I've got the guts, and I've got the money; +and I don't sit still on it. I'm going ahead because I believe in +meself. I've no use for sentiment and that sort of thing. Forty of +your Jackmans aren't worth me little finger. + +HILLCRIST. [Angry] Of all the blatant things I ever heard said! + +HORNBLOWER. Well, as we're speaking plainly, I've been thinkin'. +Ye want the village run your oldfashioned way, and I want it run +mine. I fancy there's not room for the two of us here. + +MRS. H. When are you going? + +HORNBLOWER,. Never fear, I'm not going. + +HILLCRIST. Look here, Mr. Hornblower--this infernal gout makes me +irritable--puts me at a disadvantage. But I should be glad if you'd +kindly explain yourself. + +HORNBLOWER. [With a great smile] Ca' canny; I'm fra' the North. + +HILLCRIST. I'm told you wish to buy the Centry and put more of your +chimneys up ,there, regardless of the fact [He Points through the +window] that it would utterly ruin the house we've had for +generations, and all our pleasure here. + +HORNBLOWER. How the man talks! Why! Ye'd think he owned the sky, +because his fathers built him a house with a pretty view, where he's +nothing to do but live. It's sheer want of something to do that +gives ye your fine sentiments, Hillcrist. + + +HILLCRIST. Have the goodness not to charge me with idleness. +Dawker--where is he?----[He shows the bureau] When you do the +drudgery of your works as thoroughly as I do that of my estate---- +Is it true about the Centry? + +HORNBLOWER. Gospel true. If ye want to know, my son Chearlie is +buyin' it this very minute. + +MRS. H. [Turning with a start] What do you say? + +HORNBLOWER. Ay, he's with the old lady she wants to sell, an' +she'll get her price, whatever it is. + +HILLCRIST. [With deep anger] If that isn't a skin game, Mr. +Hornblower, I don't know what is. + +HORNBLOWER. Ah! Ye've got a very nice expression there. "Skin +game!" Well, bad words break no bones, an' they're wonderful for +hardenin' the heart. If it wasn't for a lady's presence, I could +give ye a specimen or two. + +MRS. H. Oh! Mr. Hornblower, that need not stop you, I'm sure. + +HORNBLOWER. Well, and I don't know that it need. Ye're an +obstruction--the like of you--ye're in my path. And anyone in my +path doesn't stay there long; or, if he does, he stays there on my +terms. And my terms are chimneys in the Centry where I need 'em. +It'll do ye a power of good, too, to know that ye're not almighty. + +HILLCRIST. And that's being neighbourly! + +HORNBLOWER. And how have ye tried bein' neighbourly to me? If I +haven't a wife, I've got a daughter-in-law. Have Ye celled on her, +ma'am? I'm new, and ye're an old family. Ye don't like me, ye +think I'm a pushin' man. I go to chapel, an' ye don't like that. +I make things and I sell them, and ye don't like that. I buy land, +and ye don't like that. It threatens the view from your windies. +Well, I don't lie you, and I'm not goin' to put up with your +attitude. Ye've had things your own way too long, and now ye're not +going to have them any longer. + +HILLCRIST. Will you hold to your word over those cottages? + +HORNBLOWER. I'm goin' to have the cottages. I need them, and more +besides, now I'm to put up me new works. + +HILLCRIST. That's a declaration of war. + +HORNBLOWER. Ye never said a truer word. It's one or the other of +us, and I rather think it's goin' to be me. I'm the risin' and +you're the settin' sun, as the poet says. + +HILLCRIST. [Touching the bell] We shall see if you can ride rough- +shod like this. We used to have decent ways of going about things +here. You want to change all that. Well, we shall do our damnedest +to stop you. [To FELLOWS at the door] Are the Jackmans still in +the house? Ask them to be good enough to come in. + +HORNBLOWER. [With the first sign of uneasiness] I've seen these +people. I've nothing more to say to them. I told 'em I'd give 'em +five pounds to cover their moving. + +HILLCRIST. It doesn't occur to you that people, however humble, +like to have some say in their own fate? + +HORNBLOWER. I never had any say in mine till I had the brass, and +nobody ever will. It's all hypocrisy. You county folk are fair +awful hypocrites. Ye talk about good form and all that sort o' +thing. It's just the comfortable doctrine of the man in the saddle; +sentimental varnish. Ye're every bit as hard as I am, underneath. + +MRS. H. [Who had been standing very still all this time] You +flatter us. + +HORNBLOWER. Not at all. God helps those who 'elp themselves-- +that's at the bottom of all religion. I'm goin' to help meself, and +God's going to help me. + +MRS. H. I admire your knowledge. + +HILLCRIST. We are in the right, and God helps---- + +HORNBLOWER. Don't ye believe it; ye 'aven't got the energy. + +MRS. H. Nor perhaps the conceit. + +HORNBLOWER. [Throwing out his forefinger] No, no; 'tisn't conceit +to believe in yourself when ye've got reason to. [The JACKMAN'S +have entered.] + +HILLCRIST. I'm very sorry, Mrs. Jackman, but I just wanted you to +realise that I've done my best with this gentleman. + +MRS. J. [Doubtfully] Yes, sir. I thought if you spoke for us, +he'd feel different-like. + +HORNBLOWER. One cottage is the same as another, missis. I made ye +a fair offer of five pounds for the moving. + +JACKMAN. [Slowly] We wouldn't take fifty to go out of that 'ouse. +We brought up three children there, an' buried two from it. + +MRS. J. [To MRS. HILLCRIST] We're attached to it like, ma'am. + +HILLCRIST. [To HORNBLOWER. How would you like being turned out of +a place you were fond of? + +HORNBLOWER. Not a bit. But little considerations have to give way +to big ones. Now, missis, I'll make it ten pounds, and I'll send a +wagon to shift your things. If that isn't fair--! Ye'd better +accept, I shan't keep it open. + + [The JACKMANS look at each other; their faces show deep anger-- + and the question they ask each other is which will speak.] + +MRS. J. We won't take it; eh, George? + +JACKMAN. Not a farden. We come there when we was married. + +HORNBLOWER. [Throwing out his finger] Ye're very improvident folk. + +HILLCRIST. Don't lecture them, Mr. Hornblower; they come out of +this miles above you. + +HORNBLOWER. [Angry] Well, I was going to give ye another week, but +ye'll go out next Saturday; and take care ye're not late, or your +things'll be put out in the rain. + +MRS. H. [To MRS. JACKMAN] We'll send down for your things, and you +can come to us for the time being. + + [MRS. JACKMAN drops a curtsey; her eyes stab HORNBLOWERS.] + +JACKMAN. [Heavily, clenching his fists] You're no gentleman! +Don't put temptation in my way, that's all, + +HILLCRIST. [In a low voice] Jackman! + +HORNBLOWER. [Triumphantly] Ye hear that? That's your protegee! +Keep out o' my way, me man, or I'll put the police on to ye for +utterin' threats. + +HILLCRIST. You'd better go now, Jackman. + + [The JACKMANS move to the door.] + +MRS. J. [Turning] Maybe you'll repent it some day, sir. + + [They go out, MRS. HILLCRIST following.] + +HORNBLOWER. We-ell, I'm sorry they're such unreasonable folk. I +never met people with less notion of which side their bread was +buttered. + +HILLCRIST. And I never met anyone so pachydermatous. + +HORNBLOWER. What's that, in Heaven's name? Ye needn' wrap it up in +long words now your good lady's gone. + +HILLCRIST. [With dignity] I'm not going in for a slanging match. +I resent your conduct much too deeply. + +HORNBLOWER. Look here, Hillcrist, I don't object to you personally; +ye seem to me a poor creature that's bound to get left with your +gout and your dignity; but of course ye can make yourself very +disagreeable before ye're done. Now I want to be the movin' spirit +here. I'm full of plans. I'm goin' to stand for Parliament; I'm +goin' to make this a prosperous place. I'm a good-matured man if +you'll treat me as such. Now, you take me on as a neighbour and all +that, and I'11 manage without chimneys on the Centry. Is it a +bargain? [He holds out his hand.] + +HILLCRIST. [Ignoring it] I thought you said you didn't keep your +word when it suited you to break it? + +HORNBLOWER. Now, don't get on the high horse. You and me could be +very good friends; but I can be a very nasty enemy. The chimneys +will not look nice from that windie, ye know. + +HILLCRIST. [Deeply angry] Mr. Hornblower, if you think I'll take +your hand after this Jackman business, you're greatly mistaken. You +are proposing that I shall stand in with you while you tyrannise +over the neighbourhood. Please realise that unless you leave those +tenancies undisturbed as you said you would, we don't know each +other. + +HORNBLOWER. Well, that won't trouble me much. Now, ye'd better +think it over; ye've got gout and that makes ye hasty. I tell ye +again: I'm not the man to make an enemy of. Unless ye're friendly, +sure as I stand here I'll ruin the look of your place. + + [The toot of a car is heard.] + +There's my car. I sent Chearlie and his wife in it to buy the +Centry. And make no mistake--he's got it in his packet. It's your +last chance, Hillcrist. I'm not averse to you as a man; I think +ye're the best of the fossils round here; at least, I think ye can +do me the most harm socially. Come now! + + [He holds out his hand again.] + +HILLCRIST. Not if you'd bought the Centry ten times over. Your +ways are not mine, and I'll have nothing to do with you. + +HORNBLOWER. [Very angry] Really! Is that so? Very well. Now +ye're goin' to learn something, an' it's time ye did. D'ye realise +that I'm 'very nearly round ye? [He draws a circle slowly in the +air] I'm at Uphill, the works are here, here's Longmeadow, here's +the Centry that I've just bought, there's only the Common left to +give ye touch with the world. Now between you and the Common +there's the high road. + +I come out on the high road here to your north, and I shall come out +on it there to your west. When I've got me new works up on the +Centry, I shall be makin' a trolley track between the works up to +the road at both ends, so any goods will be running right round ye. +How'll ye like that for a country place? + + [For answer HILLCRIST, who is angry beyond the power of speech, + walks, forgetting to use his stick, up to the French window. + While he stands there, with his back to HORNBLOWER, the door L. + is flung open, and Jim enters, preceding CHARLES, his wife + CHLOE, and ROLF. CHARLES is a goodish-looking, moustached + young man of about twenty-eight, with a white rim to the collar + of his waistcoat, and spats. He has his hand behind CHLOE'S + back, as if to prevent her turning tail. She is rather a + handsome young woman, with dark eyes, full red lips, and a + suspicion of powder, a little under-dressed for the country. + ROLF, mho brings up the rear, is about twenty, with an open + face and stiffish butter-coloured hair. JILL runs over to her + father at the window. She has a bottle. + +JILL. [Sotto voce] Look, Dodo, I've brought the lot! Isn't it a +treat, dear Papa? And here's the stuff. Hallo! + + [The exclamation is induced by the apprehension that there has + been a row. HILLCRIST gives a stiff little bow, remaining + where he is in the window. JILL, stays close to him, staring + from one to the other, then blocks him off and engages him in + conversation. CHARLES has gone up to his father, who has + remained maliciously still, where he delivered his last speech. + CHLOE and ROLF stand awkwardly waiting between the fireplace + and the door.] + +HORNBLOWER. Well, Chearlie? + +CHARLES. Not got it. + +HORNBLOWER. Not! + +CHARLES. I'd practically got her to say she'd sell at three +thousand five hundred, when that fellow Dawker turned up. + +HORNBLOWER. That bull-terrier of a chap! Why, he was here a while +ago. Oh--ho! So that's it! + +CHARLES. I heard him gallop up. He came straight for the old lady, +and got her away. What he said I don't know; but she came back +looking wiser than an owl; said she'd think it over, thought she had +other views. + +HORNBLOWER. Did ye tell her she might have her price? + +CHARLES. Practically I did. + +HORNBLOWER. Well? + +CHARLES. She thought it would be fairer to put it up to auction. +There were other enquiries. Oh! She's a leery old bird--reminds me +of one of those pictures of Fate, don't you know. + +HORNBLOWER. Auction! Well, if it's not gone we'll get it yet. +That damned little Dawker! I've had a row with Hillcrist. + +CHARLES. I thought so. + + [They are turning cautiously to look at HILLCRIST, when JILL + steps forward.] + +JILL. [Flushed and determined] That's not a bit sporting of you, +Mr. Hornblower. + + [At her words ROLE comes forward too.] + +HORNBLOWER. Ye should hear both sides before ye say that, missy. + +JILL. There isn't another side to turning out the Jackmans after +you'd promised. + +HORNBLOWER. Oh! dear me, yes. They don't matter a row of +gingerbread to the schemes I've got for betterin' this +neighbourhood. + +JILL. I had been standing up for you; now I won't. + +HOUNBLOWER. Dear, dear! What'll become of me? + +JILL. I won't say anything about the other thing because I think +it's beneath, dignity to notice it. But to turn poor people out of +their cottages is a shame. + +HORNBLOWER. Hoity me! + +ROLF. [Suddenly] You haven't been doing that, father? + +CHARLES. Shut up, Rolf! + +HORNBLOWER. [Turning on ROLF] Ha! Here's a league o' Youth! My +young whipper-snapper, keep your mouth shut and leave it to your +elders to know what's right. + + [Under the weight of this rejoinder ROLF stands biting his + lips. Then he throws his head up.] + +ROLF. I hate it! + +HORNBLOWER. [With real venom] Oh! Ye hate it? Ye can get out of +my house, then. + +JILL. Free speech, Mr. Hornblower; don't be violent. + +HORNBLOWER. Ye're right, young lady. Ye can stay in my house, +Rolf, and learn manners. Come, Chearlie! + +JILL. [Quite softly] Mr. Hornblower! + +HILLCRIST. [From the window] Jill! + +JILL. [Impatiently] Well, what's the good of it? Life's too short +for rows, and too jolly! + +ROLF. Bravo! + +HORNBLOWER. [Who has shown a sign of weakening] Now, look here! +I will not have revolt in my family. Ye'll just have to learn that +a man who's worked as I have, who's risen as I have, and who knows +the world, is the proper judge of what's right and wrong. I'll +answer to God for me actions, and not to you young people. + +JILL. Poor God! + +HORNBLOWER. [Genuinely shocked] Ye blasphemous young thing! [To +ROLF] And ye're just as bad, ye young freethinker. I won't have +it. + +HILLCRIST. [Who has come down, Right] Jill, I wish you would +kindly not talk. + +JILL. I can't help it. + +CHARLES. [Putting his arm through HORNBLOWER'S] Come along, +father! Deeds, not words. + +HORNBLOWER. Ay!, Deeds! + + [MRS. HILLCRIST and DAWKERS have entered by the French window.] + +MRS. H. Quite right! + + [They all turn and look at her.] + +HORNBLOWER. Ah! So ye put your dog on to it. [He throws out his +finger at DAWKERS] Very smart, that--I give ye credit. + +MRS. H. [Pointing to CHLOE, who has stood by herself, forgotten and +uncomfortable throughout the scene] +May I ask who this lady is? + + [CHLOE turns round startled, and her vanity bag slips down her + dress to the floor.] + +HORNBLOWER. No, ma'am, ye may not, for ye know perfectly well. + +JILL. I brought her in, mother [She moves to CHLOE's side.] + +MRS. H. Will you take her out again, then. + +HILLCRIST. Amy, have the goodness to remember---- + +MRS. H. That this is my house so far as ladies are concerned. + +JILL. Mother! + + [She looks astonished at CHLOE, who, about to speak, does not, + passing her eyes, with a queer, half-scarred expression, from + MRS. HILLCRIST to DAWKER.] + + [To CHLOE] I'm awfully sorry. Come on! + + [They go out, Left. ROLF hurries after them.] + +CHARLES. You've insulted my wife. Why? What do you mean by it? + + [MRS. HILLCRIST simply smiles.] + +HILLCRIST. I apologise. I regret extremely. There is no reason +why the ladies of your family or of mine should be involved in our +quarrel. For Heaven's sake, let's fight like gentlemen. + +HORNBLOWER. Catchwords--sneers! No; we'll play what ye call a skin +game, Hillcrist, without gloves on; we won't spare each other. Ye +look out for yourselves, for, begod, after this morning I mean +business. And as for you, Dawker, ye sly dog, ye think yourself +very clever; but I'll have the Centry yet. Come, Chearlie! + + [They go out, passing JILL, who is coming in again, in the + doorway.] + +HILLCRIST. Well, Dawker? + +DAWKER. [Grinning] Safe for the moment. The old lady'll put it up +to auction. Couldn't get her to budge from that. Says she don't +want to be unneighbourly to either. But, if you ask me, it's money +she smells! + +JILL. [Advancing] Now, mother + +MRS. H. Well? + +JILL. Why did you insult her? + +MRS. H. I think I only asked you to take her out. + +JILL. Why? Even if she is Old Combustion's daughter-in-law? + +MRS. H. My dear Jill, allow me to judge the sort of acquaintances I +wish to make. [She looks at DAWKER.] + +JILL. She's all right. Lots of women powder and touch up their +lips nowadays. I think she's rather a good sort; she was awfully +upset. + +MRS. H. Too upset. + +JILL. Oh! don't be so mysterious, mother. If you know something, +do spit it out! + +MRS. H. Do you wish me to--er--"spit it out," Jack? + +HILLCRIST. Dawker, if you don't mind---- + + [DAWKER, with a nod, passes away out of the French window.] + +Jill, be respectful, and don't talk like a bargee. + +JILL. It's no good, Dodo. It made me ashamed. It's just as--as +caddish to insult people who haven't said a word, in your own house, +as it is to be--old Hornblower. + +MRS. H. You don't know what you're talking about. + +HILLCRIST. What's the matter with young Mrs. Hornblower? + +MRS. H. Excuse me, I shall keep my thoughts to myself at present. + + [She looks coldly at JILL, and goes out through the French + window.] + +HILLCRIST. You've thoroughly upset your mother, Jill. + +JILL. It's something Dawker's told her; I saw them. I don't like +Dawker, father, he's so common. + +HILLCRIST. My dear, we can't all be uncommon. He's got lots of go, +You must apologise to your mother. + +JILL. [Shaking-her clubbed hair] They'll make you do things you +don't approve of, Dodo, if you don't look out. Mother's fearfully +bitter when she gets her knife in. If old Hornblower's disgusting, +it's no reason we should be. + +HILLCRIST. So you think I'm capable--that's nice, Jill! + +JILL. No, no, darling! I only want to warn you solemnly that +mother'll tell you you're fighting fair, no matter what she and +Dawker do. + +HILLCRIST. [Smiling] Jill, I don't think I ever saw you so +serious. + +JILL. No. Because--[She swallows a lump in her throat] Well--I +was just beginning to enjoy, myself; and now--everything's going to +be bitter and beastly, with mother in that mood. That horrible old +man! Oh, Dodo! Don't let them make you horrid! You're such a +darling. How's your gout, ducky? + +HILLCRIST. Better; lot better. + +JILL. There, you see! That shows! It's going to be half- +interesting for you, but not for--us. + +HILLCRIST. Look here, Jill--is there anything between you and young +what's-his-name--Rolf? + +JILL. [Biting her lip] No. But--now it's all spoiled. + +HILLCRIST. You can't expect me to regret that. + +JILL. I don't mean any tosh about love's young dream; but I do like +being friends. I want to enjoy things, Dodo, and you can't do that +when everybody's on the hate. You're going to wallow in it, and so +shall I--oh! I know I shall!--we shall all wallow, and think of +nothing but "one for his nob." + +HILLCRIST. Aren't you fond of your home? + +JILL. Of course. I love it. + +HILLCRIST. Well, you won't be able to live in it unless we stop +that ruffian. Chimneys and smoke, the trees cut down, piles of +pots. Every kind of abomination. There! [He points] Imagine! +[He points through the French window, as if he could see those +chimneys rising and marring the beauty of the fields] I was born +here, and my father, and his, and his, and his. They loved those +fields, and those old trees. And this barbarian, with his +"improvement" schemes, forsooth! I learned to ride in the Centry +meadows--prettiest spring meadows in the world; I've climbed every +tree there. Why my father ever sold----! But who could have +imagined this? And come at a bad moment, when money's scarce. + +JILL. [Cuddling his arm] Dodo! + +HILLCRIST. Yes. But you don't love the place as I do, Jill. You +youngsters don't love anything, I sometimes think. + +JILL. I do, Dodo, I do! + +HILLCRIST. You've got it all before you. But you may live your +life and never find anything so good and so beautiful as this old +home. I'm not going to have it spoiled without a fight. + + [Conscious of batting betrayed Sentiment, he walks out at the + French window, passing away to the right. JILL following to + the window, looks. Then throwing back her head, she clasps her + hands behind it.] + +JILL. Oh--oh-oh! + + [A voice behind her says, "JILL!" She turns and starts back, + leaning against the right lintel of the window. ROLF appears + outside the window from Left.] + +Who goes there? + +ROLE. [Buttressed against the Left lintel] Enemy--after Chloe's +bag. + +JILL. Pass, enemy! And all's ill! + + [ROLF passes through the window, and retrieves the vanity bag + from the floor where CHLOE dropped it, then again takes his + stand against the Left lintel of the French window.] + +ROLF. It's not going to make any difference, is it? + +JILL. You know it is. + +ROLF. Sins of the fathers. + +JILL. Unto the third and fourth generations. What sin has my +father committed? + +ROLF. None, in a way; only, I've often told you I don't see why you +should treat us as outsiders. We don't like it. + +JILL. Well, you shouldn't be, then; I mean, he shouldn't be. + +ROLF. Father's just as human as your father; he's wrapped up in us, +and all his "getting on" is for us. Would you like to be treated as +your mother treated Chloe? Your mother's set the stroke for the +other big-wigs about here; nobody calls on Chloe. And why not? Why +not? I think it's contemptible to bar people just because they're +new, as you call it, and have to make their position instead of +having it left them. + +JILL. It's not because they're new, it's because--if your father +behaved like a gentleman, he'd be treated like one. + +ROLF. Would he? I don't believe it. My father's a very able man; +he thinks he's entitled to have influence here. Well, everybody +tries to keep him down. Oh! yes, they do. That makes him mad and +more determined than ever to get his way. You ought to be just, +Jill. + +JILL. I am just. + +ROLF. No, you're not. Besides, what's it got to do with Charlie +and Chloe? Chloe's particularly harmless. It's pretty sickening +for her. Father didn't expect people to call until Charlie married, +but since---- + +JILL. I think it's all very petty. + +ROLF. It is--a dog-in-the-manger business; I did think you were +above it. + +JILL. How would you like to have your home spoiled? + +ROLE. I'm not going to argue. Only things don't stand still. +Homes aren't any more proof against change than anything else. + +JILL. All right! You come and try and take ours. + +ROLF. We don't want to take your home. + +JILL. Like the Jackmans'? + +ROLF. All right. I see you're hopelessly prejudiced. + + [He turns to go.] + +JILL. [Just as he is vanishing--softly] Enemy? + +ROLF. [Turning] Yes, enemy. + +JILL. Before the battle--let's shake hands. + + [They move from the lintels and grasp each other's hands in the + centre of the French window.] + + + CURTAIN + + + + +ACT II + + +SCENE I + + A billiard room in a provincial hotel, where things are bought + and sold. The scene is set well forward, and is not very + broad; it represents the auctioneer's end of the room, having, + rather to stage Left, a narrow table with two chairs facing the + audience, where the auctioneer will sit and stand. The table, + which is set forward to the footlights, is littered with green- + covered particulars of sale. The audience are in effect public + and bidders. There is a door on the Left, level with the + table. Along the back wall, behind the table, are two raised + benches with two steps up to them, such as billiard rooms often + have, divided by a door in the middle of a wall, which is + panelled in oak. Late September sunlight is coming from a + skylight (not visible) on to these seats. The stage is empty + when the curtain goes up, but DAWKERS, and MRS. HILLCRIST are + just entering through the door at the back. + +DAWKER. Be out of their way here, ma'am. See old Hornblower with +Chearlie? + + [He points down to the audience.] + +MRS. H. It begins at three, doesn't it? + +DAWKER. They won't be over-punctual; there's only the Centry +selling. There's young Mrs. Hornblower with the other boy-- +[Pointing] over at the entrance. I've got that chap I told you of +down from town. + +MRS. H. Ah! make sure quite of her, Dawker. Any mistake would be +fatal. + +DAWKER. [Nodding] That's right, ma'am. Lot of peopled--always +spare time to watch an auction--ever remark that? The Duke's +agent's here; shouldn't be surprised if he chipped in. + +MRS. H. Where did you leave my husband? + +DAWKER. With Miss Jill, in the courtyard. He's coming to you. In +case I miss him; tell him when I reach his limit to blow his nose if +he wants me to go on; when he blows it a second time, I'll stop for +good. Hope we shan't get to that. Old Hornblower doesn't throw his +money away. + +MRS. H. What limit did you settle? + +DAWKER. Six thousand! + +MRS. H. That's a fearful price. Well, good luck to you, Dawker! + +DAWKER. Good luck, ma'am. I'll go and see to that little matter of +Mrs. Chloe. Never fear, we'll do them is somehow. + + [He winks, lays his finger on the side of his nose, and goes + out at the door.] + + [MRS. HILLCRIST mounts the two steps, sits down Right of the + door, and puts up a pair of long-handled >gdaases. Through the + door behind her come CHLOE and ROLF. She makes a sign for him + to go, and shuts the door. + +CHLOE. [At the foot of the steps in the gangway--with a slightly +common accent] Mrs. Hillcrist! + +MRS. H. [Not quite starting] I beg your pardon? + +CHLOE. [Again] Mrs. Hillcrist---- + +MRS. H. Well? + +CHLOE. I never did you any harm. + +MRS. H. Did I ever say you did? + +CHLOE. No; but you act as if I had. + +MRS. H. I'm not aware that I've acted at all--as yet. You are +nothing to me, except as one of your family. + +CHLOE. 'Tisn't I that wants to spoil your home. + +MRS. H. Stop them then. I see your husband down there with his +father. + +CHLOE. I--I have tried. + +MRS. H. [Looking at her] Oh! I suppose such men don't pay +attention to what women ask them. + +CHLOE. [With a flash of spirit] I'm fond of my husband. I---- + +MRS. H. [Looking at her steadily] I don't quite know why you spoke +to me. + +CHLOE. [With a sort of pathetic sullenness] I only thought perhaps +you'd like to treat me as a human being. + +MRS. H. Really, if you don't mind, I should like to be left alone +just now. + +CHLOE. [Unhappily acquiescent] Certainly! I'll go to the other +end. + + [She moves to the Left, mounts the steps and sits down.] + + [ROLF, looking in through the door, and seeing where she is, + joins her. MRS. HILLCRIST resettles herself a little further + in on the Right.] + +ROLF. [Bending over to CHLOE, after a glance at MRS. HILLCRIST.] +Are you all right? + +CHLOE. It's awfully hot. + + [She fans herself wide the particulars of sale.] + +ROLF. There's Dawker. I hate that chap! + +CHLOE. Where? + +ROLF. Down there; see? + + [He points down to stage Right of the room.] + +CHLOE. [Drawing back in her seat with a little gasp] Oh! + +ROLF. [Not noticing] Who's that next him, looking up here? + +CHLOE. I don't know. + + [She has raised her auction programme suddenly, and sits + fanning herself, carefully screening her face.] + +ROLE. [Looking at her] Don't you feel well? Shall I get you some +water? [He gets up at her nod.] + + [As he reaches the door, HILLCRIST and JILL come in. HILLCRIST + passes him abstractedly with a nod, and sits down beside his + wife.] + +JILL. [To ROLF] Come to see us turned out? + +ROLF. [Emphatically] No. I'm looking after Chloe; she's not well. + +JILL. [Glancing at her] Sorry. She needn't have come, I suppose? + [RALF deigns no answer, and goes out.] + + [JILL glances at CHLOE, then at her parents talking in low + voices, and sits down next her father, who makes room for her.] + +MRS. H. Can Dawker see you there, Jack? + + [HILLCRIST nods.] + +What's the time? + +HILLCRIST. Three minutes to three. + +JILL. Don't you feel beastly all down the backs of your legs. +Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. Yes. + +JILL. Do you, mother? + +MRS. H. No. + +JILL. A wagon of old Hornblower's pots passed while we were in the +yard. It's an omen. + +MRS. H. Don't be foolish, Jill. + +JILL. Look at the old brute! Dodo, hold my hand. + +MRS. H. Make sure you've got a handkerchief, Jack. + +HILLCRIST. I can't go beyond the six thousand; I shall have to +raise every penny on mortgage as it is. The estate simply won't +stand more, Amy. + + [He feels in his breast pocket, and pulls up the edge of his + handkerchief.] + +JILL. Oh! Look! There's Miss Mullins, at the back; just come in. +Isn't she a spidery old chip? + +MRS. H. Come to gloat. Really, I think her not accepting your +offer is disgusting. Her impartiality is all humbug. + +HILLCRIST. Can't blame her for getting what she can--it's human +nature. Phew! I used to feel like this before a 'viva voce'. +Who's that next to Dawker? + +JILL. What a fish! + +MRS. H. [To herself] Ah! yes. + + [Her eyes slide round at CHLOE, silting motionless and rather + sunk in her seat, slowly fanning herself with they particulars + of the sale. Jack, go and offer her my smelling salts.] + +HILLCRIST. [Taking the salts] Thank God for a human touch! + +MRS. H. [Taken aback] Oh! + +JILL. [With a quick look at her mother, snatching the salts] I +will. [She goes over to CHLOE with the salts] Have a sniff; you +look awfully white. + +CHLOE. [Looking up, startled] Oh! no thanks. I'm all right. + +JILL. No, do! You must. [CHLOE takes them.] + +JILL. D'you mind letting me see that a minute? + + [She takes the particulars of the sale and studies it, but + CHLOE has buried the lower part of her face in her hand and the + smelling salts bottle.] + +Beastly hot, isn't it? You'd better keep that. + +CHLOE. [Her dark eyes wandering and uneasy] Rolf's getting me some +water. + +JILL. Why do you stay? You didn't want to come, did you? + + [CHLOE shakes her head.] + +All right! Here's your water. + + [She hands back the particulars and slides over to her seat, + passing ROLF in the gangway, with her chin well up.] + + [MRS. HILLCRIST, who has watched CHLOE and JILL and DAWKER, and + his friend, makes an enquiring movement with her hand, but gets + a disappointing answer.] + +JILL. What's the time, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. [Looking at his watch] Three minutes past. + +JILL. [Sighing] Oh, hell! + +HILLCRIST. Jill! + +JILL. Sorry, Dodo. I was only thinking. Look! Here he is! +Phew!--isn't he----? + +MRS. H. 'Sh! + + The AUCTIONEER comes in Left and goes to the table. He is a + square, short, brown-faced, common looking man, with clipped + grey hair fitting him like a cap, and a clipped grey moustache. + His lids come down over his quick eyes, till he can see you + very sharply, and you can hardly see that he can see you. He + can break into a smile at any moment, which has no connection + with him, as it were. By a certain hurt look, however, when + bidding is slow, he discloses that he is not merely an + auctioneer, but has in him elements of the human being. He can + wink with anyone, and is dressed in a snug-brown suit, with a + perfectly unbuttoned waistcoat, a low, turned down collar, and + small black and white sailor knot tie. While he is settling + his papers, the HILLCRISTS settle themselves tensely. CHLOE + has drunk her water and leaned back again, with the smelling + salts to her nose. ROLF leans forward in the seat beside her, + looking sideways at JILL. A SOLICITOR, with a grey beard, has + joined the AUCTIONEER, at his table. + +AUCTIONEER. [Tapping the table] Sorry to disappoint you, +gentlemen, but I've only one property to offer you to-day, No. 1, +The Centry, Deepwater. The second on the particulars has been +withdrawn. The third that's Bidcot, desirable freehold mansion and +farmlands in the Parish of Kenway--we shall have to deal with next +week. I shall be happy to sell it you then with out reservation. +[He looks again through the particulars in his hand, giving the +audience time to readjust themselves to his statements] Now, +gen'lemen, as I say, I've only the one property to sell. Freehold +No. 1--all that very desirable corn and stock-rearing and parklike +residential land known as the Centry, Deepwater, unique property an +A.1. chance to an A.1. audience. [With his smile] Ought to make +the price of the three we thought we had. Now you won't mind +listening to the conditions of sale; Mr. Blinkard'll read 'em, and +they won't wirry you, they're very short. + + [He sits down and gives two little tape on the table.] + + [The SOLICITOR rises and reads the conditions of sale in a + voice which no one practically can hear. Just as he begins to + read these conditions of sale, CHARLES HORNBLOWER enters at + back. He stands a moment, glancing round at the HILLCRIST and + twirling his moustache, then moves along to his wife and + touches her.] + +CHARLES. Chloe, aren't you well? + + [In the start which she gives, her face is fully revealed to + the audience.] + +CHARLES. Come along, out of the way of these people. + + [He jerks his head towards the HILLCRISTS. CHLOE gives a swift + look down to the stage Right of the audience.] + +CHLOE. No; I'm all right; it's hotter there. + +CHARLES. [To ROLF] Well, look after her--I must go back. + + [ROLF node. CHARLES, slides bank to the door, with a glance at + the HILLCRISTS, of whom MRS. HILLCRIST has been watching like a + lynx. He goes out, just as the SOLICITOR, finishing, sits + down.] + +AUCTIONEER. [Rising and tapping] Now, gen'lemen, it's not often a +piece of land like this comes into the market. What's that? [To a +friend in front of him] No better land in Deepwater--that's right, +Mr. Spicer. I know the village well, and a charming place it is; +perfect locality, to be sure. Now I don't want to wirry you by +singing the praises of this property; there it is--well-watered, +nicely timbered--no reservation of the timber, gen'lemen--no tenancy +to hold you up; free to do what you like with it to-morrow. You've +got a jewel of a site there, too; perfect position for a house. It +lies between the Duke's and Squire Hillcrist's--an emerald isle. +[With his smile] No allusion to Ireland, gen'lemen--perfect peace +in the Centry. Nothing like it in the county--a gen'leman's site, +and you don't get that offered you every day. [He looks down +towards HORNBLOWER, stage Left] Carries the mineral rights, and as +you know, perhaps, there's the very valuable Deepwater clay there. +What am I to start it at? Can I say three thousand? Well, anything +you like to give me. I'm sot particular. Come now, you've got more +time than me, I expect. Two hundred acres of first-rate grazin' and +cornland, with a site for a residence unequalled in the county; and +all the possibilities! Well, what shall I say? + + [Bid from SPICER.] + +Two thousand? [With his smile] That won't hurt you, Mr. Spicer. +Why, it's worth that to overlook the Duke. For two thousand? + + [Bid from HORNBLOWER, stage Left.] + +And five. Thank you, sir. Two thousand five hundred bid. + + [To a friend just below him.] + +Come, Mr. Sandy, don't scratch your head over it. + + [Bid from DAWKER, Stage Right.] + +And five. Three thousand bid for this desirable property. Why, +you'd think it wasn't desirable. Come along, gen'lemen. A little +spirit. + + [A alight pause.] + +JILL. Why can't I see the bids, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. The last was Dawker's. + +AUCTIONEER. For three thousand. [HORNBLOWER] Three thousand five +hundred? May I say--four? [A bid from the centre] No, I'm not +particular; I'll take hundreds. Three thousand six hundred bid. +[HORNBLOWER] And seven. Three thousand seven hundred, and---- + + [He pauses, quartering the audience.] + +JILL. Who was that, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. Hornblower. It's the Duke in the centre. + +AUCTIONEER. Come, gen'lemen, don't keep me all day. Four thousand +may I say? [DAWKER] Thank you. We're beginning. And one? [A bid +from the centre] Four thousand one hundred. [HORNBLOWER] Four +thousand two hundred. May I have yours, sir? [To DAWKER] And +three. Four thousand three hundred bid. No such site in the +county, gen'lemen. I'm going to sell this land for what it's worth. +You can't bid too much for me. [He smiles] [HORNBLOWER] Four +thousand five hundred bid. [Bid from the centre] And six. [DAWKER] +And seven. [HORNBLOWER] And eight. Nine, may I say? [But the +centre has dried up] [DAWKER] And nine. [HORNBLOWER] Five +thousand. Five thousand bid. That's better; there's some spirit in +it. For five thousand. + + [He pauses while he speak& to the SOLICITOR] + +HILLCRIST. It's a duel now. + +AUCTIONEER. Now, gen'lemen, I'm not going to give this property +away. Five thousand bid. [DAWKER] And one. [HORNBLOWER] And two. +[DAWKER] And three. Five thousand three hundred bid. And five, +did you say, sir? [HORNBLOWER] Five thousand five hundred bid. + + [He looks at hip particulars.] + +JILL. [Rather agonised] Enemy, Dodo. + +AUCTIONEER. This chance may never come again. + + "How you'll regret it + If you don't get it," + +as the poet says. May,I say five thousand six hundred, sir? +[DAWKER] Five thousand six hundred bid. [HORNBLOWER] And seven. +[DAWKER] And eight. For five thousand eight hundred pounds. We're +gettin' on, but we haven't got the value yet. + +A slight pause, while he wipes his brow at the suttees of his own +efforts. + +JILL. Us, Dodo? + + [HILLCRIST nods. JILL looks over at ROLF, whose face is + grimly set. CHLOE has never moved. MRS. HILLCRIST whispers to + her husband.] + +AUCTIONEER. Five thousand eight hundred bid. For five thousand +eight hundred. Come along, gen'lemen, come along. We're not +beaten. Thank you, sir. [HORNBLOWER] Five thousand nine hundred. +And--? [DAWKER] Six thousand. Six thousand bid. Six thousand +bid. For six thousand! The Centry--most desirable spot in the +county--going for the low price of six thousand. + +HILLCRIST. [Muttering] Low! Heavens! + +AUCTIONEER. Any advance on six thousand? Come, gen'lemen, we +haven't dried up? A little spirit. Six thousand? For six +thousand? For six thousand pounds? Very well, I'm selling. For +six thousand once--[He taps] For six thousand twice--[He taps]. + +JILL. [Low] Oh! we've got it! + +AUCTIONEER. And one, sir? [HORNBLOWER] Six thousand one hundred +bid. + + [The SOLICITOR touches his arm and says something, to which the + AUCTIONEER responds with a nod.] + +MRS. H. Blow your nose, Jack. + + [HILLCRIST blows his nose.] + +AUCTIONEER. For six thousand one hundred. [DAWKER] And two. +Thank you. [HORNBLOWER] And three. For six thousand three +hundred. [DAWKER] And four. For six thousand four hundred pounds. +This coveted property. For six thousand four hundred pounds. Why, +it's giving it away, gen'lemen. [A pause.] + +MRS. H. Giving! + +AUCTIONEER. Six thousand four hundred bid. [HORNBLOWER] And five. +[DAWKER] And six. [HORNBLOWER] And seven. [DAWKER] And eight. + + [A pause, during which, through the door Left, someone beckons + to the SOLICITOR, who rises and confers.] + +HILLCRIST. [Muttering] I've done if that doesn't get it. + +AUCTIONEER. For six thousand eight hundred. For six thousand eight +hundred-once--[He taps] twice--[He tape] For the last time. This +dominating site. [HORNBLOWER] And nine. Thank you. For six +thousand nine hundred. + + [HILLCRIST has taken out his handkerchief.] + +JILL. Oh! Dodo! + +MRS. H. [Quivering] Don't give in! + +AUCTIONEER. Seven thousand may I say? [DAWKER] Seven thousand. + +MRS. H. [Whispers] Keep it down; don't show him. + +AUCTIONEER. For seven-thousand--going for seven thousand--once-- +[Taps] twice [Taps] [HORNBLOWER] And one. Thank you, sir. + + [HILLCRIST blows his nose. JILL, with a choke, leans back in + her seat and folds her arms tightly on her chest. MRS. + HILLCRIST passes her handkerchief over her lips, sitting + perfectly still. HILLCRIST, too, is motionless.] + + [The AUCTIONEER, has paused, and is talking to the SOLICITOR, + who has returned to his seat.] + +MRS. H. Oh! Jack. + +JILL. Stick it, Dodo; stick it! + +AUCTIONEER. Now, gen'lemen, I have a bid of seven thousand one +hundred for the Centry. And I'm instructed to sell if I can't get +more. It's a fair price, but not a big price. [To his friend MR. +SPICER] A thumpin' price? [With his smile] Well, you're a judge +of thumpin', I admit. Now, who'll give me seven thousand two +hundred? What, no one? Well, I can't make you, gen'lemen. For +seven thousand one hundred. Once--[Taps] Twice--[Taps]. + + [JILL utters a little groan.] + +HILLCRIST. [Suddenly, in a queer voice) Two. + +AUCTIONEER. [Turning with surprise and looking up to receive +HILLCRIST'S nod] Thank you, sir. And two. Seven thousand two +hundred. [He screws himself round so as to command both HILLCRIST +and HORNBLOWER] May I have yours, sir? [HORNBLOWER] And three. +[HILLCRIST] And four. Seven thousand four hundred. For seven +thousand four hundred. [HORNBLOWER] Five. [HILLCRIST] Six. For +seven thousand six hundred. [A pause] Well, gen'lemen, this is. +better, but a record property shid fetch a record price. The +possibilities are enormous. [HORNBLOWER] Eight thousand did you +say, sir? Eight thousand. Going for eight thousand pounds. +[HILLCRIST] And one. [HORNBLOWER] And two. [HILLCRIST] And +three. [HORNBLOWER] And four. [HILLCRIST] And five. For eight +thousand five hundred. A wonderful property for eight thousand five +hundred. + +[He wipes his brow.] + +JILL. [Whispering) Oh, Dodo! + +MRS. H. That's enough, Jack, we must stop some time. + +AUCTIONEER. For eight thousand five hundred. Once--[Taps]--twice-- +[Taps] [HORNBLOWER] Six hundred. [HILLCRIST] Seven. May I have +yours, sir? [HORNBLOWER] Eight. + +HILLCRIST. Nine thousand. + + [MRS. HILLCRIST looks at him, biting her lips, but he is quite + absorbed.] + +AUCTIONEER. Nine thousand for this astounding property. Why, the +Duke would pay that if he realised he'd be overlooked. Now, Sir? +[To HORNBLOWER. No response]. Just a little raise on that. [No +response.] For nine thousand. The Centry, Deepwater, for nine +thousand. Once--[Taps] Twice----[Taps]. + +JILL. [Under her breath] Ours! + +A VOICE. [From far back in the centre] And five hundred. + +AUCTIONEER. [Surprised and throwing out his arms towards the voice] +And five hundred. For nine thousand five hundred. May I have +yours, sir? [He looks at HORNBLOWER. No response.] + + [The SOLICITOR speaks to him. MRS. H. [Whispering] It must + be the Duke again.] + +HILLCRIST. [Passing his hand over his brow] That's stopped him, +anyway. + +AUCTIONEER. [Looking at HILLCRIST] For nine thousand five hundred? +[HILLCRIST shakes his head.] Once more. The Centry, Deepwater, for +nine thousand five hundred. Once--[Taps] Twice--[Taps] [He pauses +and looks again at HORNBLOWER and HILLCRIST] For the last time--at +nine thousand five hundred. [Taps] [With a look towards the +bidder] Mr. Smalley. Well! [With great satisfaction] That's +that! No more to-day, gen'lemen. + + [The AUCTIONEER and SOLICITOR busy themselves. The room begins + to empty.] + +MRS. H. Smalley? Smalley? Is that the Duke's agent? Jack! + +HILLCRIST. [Coming out of a sort of coma, after the excitement he +has been going through] What! What! + +JILL. Oh, Dodo! How splendidly you stuck it! + +HILLCRIST. Phew! What a squeak! I was clean out of my depth. A +mercy the Duke chipped in again. + +MRS. H. [Looking at ROLF and CHLOE, who are standing up as if about +to go] Take care; they can hear you. Find DAWKER, Jack. + + [Below, the AUCTIONEER and SOLICITOR take up their papers, and + move out Left.] + + [HILLCRIST stretches himself, standing up, as if to throw off + the strain. The door behind is opened, and HORNBLOWER + appears.] + +HORNBLOWER. Ye ran me up a pretty price. Ye bid very pluckily, +Hillcrist. But ye didn't quite get my measure. + +HILLCRIST. Oh! It was my nine thousand the Duke capped. Thank +God, the Centry's gone to a gentleman! + +HORNBLOWER. The Duke? [He laughs] No, the Gentry's not gone to a +gentleman, nor to a fool. It's gone to me. + +HILLCRIST. What! + +HOUNBLOWER. I'm sorry for ye; ye're not fit to manage these things. +Well, it's a monstrous price, and I've had to pay it because of your +obstinacy. I shan't forget that when I come to build. + +HILLCRIST. D'you mean to say that bid was for you? + +HORNBLOWER. Of course I do. I told ye I was a bad man to be up +against. Perhaps ye'll believe me now. + +HILLCRIST. A dastardly trick! + +HORNBLOWER. [With venom] What did ye call it--a skin game? +Remember we're playin' a skin game, Hillcrist. + +HILLCRIST. [Clenching his fists] If we were younger men---- + +HORNBLOWER. Ay! 'Twouldn't Look pretty for us to be at fisticuffs. +We'll leave the fightin' to the young ones. [He glances at ROLF and +JILL; suddenly throwing out his finger at ROLF] No makin' up to +that young woman! I've watched ye. And as for you, missy, you +leave my boy alone. + +JILL. [With suppressed passion] Dodo, may I spit in his eye or +something? + +HILLCRIST. Sit down. + + [JILL sits down. He stands between her and HORNBLOWER.] + + [Yu've won this round, sir, by a foul blow. We shall see + whether you can take any advantage of it. I believe the law + can stop you ruining my property.] + +HORNBLOWER. Make your mind easy; it can't. I've got ye in a noose, +and I'm goin' to hang ye. + +MRS. H. [Suddenly] Mr. Hornblower, as you fight foul--so shall we. + +HILLCRIST. Amy! + +MRS. H. [Paying no attention] And it will not be foul play towards +you and yours. You are outside the pale. + +HORNBLOWER. That's just where I am, outside your pale all round ye. +Ye're not long for Deepwater, ma'am. Make your dispositions to go; +ye'll be out in six months, I prophesy. And good riddance to the +neighbourhood. [They are all down on the level now.] + +CHLOE. [Suddenly coming closer to MRS. HILLCRIST] Here are your +salts, thank you. Father, can't you----? + +HORNBLOWER. [Surprised] Can't I what? + +CHLOE. Can't you come to an arrangement? + +MRS. H. Just so, Mr. Hornblower. Can't you? + +HORNBLOWER. [Looking from one to the other] As we're speakin' out, +ma'am, it's your behaviour to my daughter-in-law--who's as good as +you--and better, to my thinking--that's more than half the reason +why I've bought this property. Ye've fair got my dander up. Now +it's no use to bandy words. It's very forgivin' of ye, Chloe, but +come along! + +MRS. H. Quite seriously, Mr. Hornblower, you had better come to an +arrangement. + +HORNBLOWER. Mrs. Hillcrist, ladies should keep to their own +business. + +MRS. H. I will. + +HILLCRIST. Amy, do leave it to us men. You young man [He speaks to +ROLF] do you support your father's trick this afternoon? + + [JILL looks round at ROLF, who tries to speak, when HORNBLOWER + breaks in.] + +HORNBLOWER. My trick? And what dye call it, to try and put me own +son against me? + +JILL. [To ROLF] Well? + +ROLF. I don't, but---- + +HORNBLOWER. Trick? Ye young cub, be quiet. Mr. Hillcrist had an +agent bid for him--I had an agent bid for me. Only his agent bid at +the beginnin', an' mine bid at the end. What's the trick in that? + +[He laughs. + +HILLCRIST. Hopeless; we're in different worlds. + +HORNBLOWER. I wish to God we were! Come you, Chloe. And you, +Rolf, you follow. In six months I'll have those chimneys up, and me +lorries runnin' round ye. + +MRS. H. Mr. Hornblower, if you build---- + +HORNBLOWER. [Looking at MRS. HILLCRIST] Ye know--it's laughable. +Ye make me pay nine thousand five hundred for a bit o' 1and not +worth four, and ye think I'm not to get back on ye. I'm goin' on +with as little consideration as if ye were a family of blackbeetles. +Good afternoon! + +ROLF. Father! + +JILL. Oh, Dodo! He's obscene. + +HILLCRIST. Mr. Hornblower, my compliments. + + [HORNBLOWER with a stare at HILLCRIST'S half-smiling face, + takes CHLOE'S arm, and half drags her towards the door on the + Left. But there, in the opened doorway, are standing DAWKER + and a STRANGER. They move just out of the way of the exit, + looking at CHLOE, who sways and very nearly falls.] + +HORNBLOWER. Why! Chloe! What's the matter? + +CHLOE. I don't know; I'm not well to-day. + + [She pulls herself together with a great, effort.] + +MRS. H. [Who has exchanged a nod with DAWKER and the STRANGER] Mr. +Hornblower, you build at your peril. I warn you. + +HORNBLOWER. [Turning round to speak] Ye think yourself very cool +and very smart. But I doubt this is the first time ye've been up +against realities. Now, I've been up against them all my life. +Don't talk to me, ma'am, about peril and that sort of nonsense; it +makes no impression. Your husband called me pachydermatous. I +don't know Greek, and Latin, and all that, but I've looked it out in +the , dictionary, and I find it means thick-skinned. And I'm none +the worse for that when I have to deal with folk like you. Good +afternoon. + + [He draws CHLOE forward, and they pass through the door, + followed quickly by ROLF.] + +MRS. H. Thank you; Dawker. + + [She moves up to DAWKER and the STRANGER, Left, and they + talk.] + +JILL. Dodo! It's awful! + +HILLCRIST. Well, there's nothing for it now but to smile and pay +up. Poor old home! It shall be his wash-pot. Over the Centry will +he cast his shoe. By Gad, Jill, I could cry! + +JILL. [Pointing] Look! Chloe's sitting down. She nearly fainted +just now. It's something to do with Dawker, Dodo, and that man with +him. Look at mother! Ask them! + +HILLCRIST. Dawker! + + [DAWKER comes to him, followed by MRS. HILLCRIST.] + +What's the mystery about young Mrs. Hornblower? + +DAWKER. No mystery. + +HILLCRIST. Well, what is it? + +MRS. H. You'd better not ask. + +HILLCRIST. I wish to know. + +MRS. H. Jill, go out and wait for us. + +JILL. Nonsense, mother! + +MRS. H. It's not for a girl to hear. + +JILL. Bosh! I read the papers every day. + +DAWKER. It's nothin' worse than you get there, anyway. + +MRS. H. Do you wish your daughter---- + +JILL. It's ridiculous, Dodo; you'd think I was mother at my age. + +MRS. H. I was not so proud of my knowledge. + +JILL. No, but you had it, dear. + +HILLCRIST. What is it----what is it? Come over here, Dawker. + + [DAWKER goes to him, Right, and speaks in a low voice.] + +What! [Again DAWKER speaks in, a low voice.] + +Good God! + +MRS. H. Exactly! + +JILL. Poor thing--whatever it is! + +MRS. H. Poor thing? + +JILL. What went before, mother? + +MRS. H. It's what's coming after that matters; luckily. + +HILLCRIST. How do you know this? + +DAWKER. My friend here [He points to the STRANGER] was one of the +agents. + +HILLCRIST. It's shocking. I'm sorry I heard it. + +MRS. H. I told you not to. + +HILLCRIST. Ask your friend to come here. + + [DAWKER beckons, and the STRANGER joins the group.] + +Are you sure of what you've said, sir? + +STRANGER. Perfectly. I remember her quite well; her name then +was---- + +HILLCRIST. I don't want to know, thank you. I'm truly sorry. I +wouldn't wish the knowledge of that about his womenfolk to my worst +enemy. This mustn't be spoken of. [JILL hugs his arm.] + +MRS. H. It will not be if Mr. Hornblower is wise. If he is not +wise, it must be spoken of. + +HILLCRIST. I say no, Amy. I won't have it. It's a dirty weapon. +Who touches pitch shall be defiled. + +MRS. H. Well, what weapons does he use against us? Don't be +quixotic. For all we can tell, they know it quite well already, and +if they don't they ought to. Anyway, to know this is our salvation, +and we must use it. + +JILL: [Sotto voce] Pitch! Dodo! Pitch! + +DAWKER. The threat's enough! J.P.--Chapel--Future member for the +constituency----. + +HILLCRIST. [A little more doubtfully] To use a piece of knowledge +about a woman--it's repugnant. I--I won't do it. + + [Mrs. H. If you had a son tricked into marrying such a woman, + would you wish to remain ignorant of it?] + +HILLCRIST. [Struck] I don't know--I don't know. + +MRS. H. At least, you'd like to be in a position to help him, if +you thought it necessary? + +HILLCRIST. Well--that perhaps. + +MRS. H. Then you agree that Mr. Hornblower at least should be told. +What he does with the knowledge is not our affair. + +HILLCRIST. [Half to the STRANGER and half to DAWKER] Do you realise +that an imputation of that kind may be ground for a criminal libel +action? + +STRANGER. Quite. But there's no shadow of doubt; not the faintest. +You saw her just now? + +HILLCRIST. I did. [Revolting again] No; I don't like it. + + [DAWKER has drawn the STRANGER a step or two away, and they + talk together.] + +MRS. H. [In a low voice] And the ruin of our home? You're +betraying your fathers, Jack. + +HILLCRIST. I can't bear bringing a woman into it. + +MRS. H. We don't. If anyone brings her in; it will be Hornblower +himself. + +HILLCRIST. We use her secret as a lever. + +MRS. H. I tell you quite plainly: I will only consent to holding my +tongue about her, if you agree to Hornblower being told. It's a +scandal to have a woman like that in the neighbourhood. + +JILL. Mother means that, father. + +HILLCRIST. Jill, keep quiet. This is a very bitter position. I +can't tell what to do. + +MRS. H. You must use this knowledge. You owe it to me--to us all. +You'll see that when you've thought it over. + +JILL. [Softly] Pitch, Dodo, pitch! + +MRS. H. [Furiously] Jill, be quiet! + +HILLCRIST. I was brought up never to hurt a woman. I can't do it, +Amy--I can't do it. I should never feel like a gentleman again. + +MRS. H. [Coldly] Oh! Very well. + +HILLCRIST. What d'you mean by that? + +MRS. H. I shall use the knowledge in my own way. + +HILLCRIST. [Staring at her] You would--against my wishes? + +MRS. H. I consider it my duty. + +HILLCRIST. If I agree to Hornblower being told---- + +MRS. H. That's all I want. + +HILLCRIST. It's the utmost I'll consent to, Amy; and don't let's +have any humbug about its being, morally necessary. We do it to +save our skins. + +MRS. H. I don't know what you mean by humbug? + +JILL. He means humbug; mother. + +HILLCRIST. It must stop at old Hornblower. Do you quite +understand? + +MRS. H. Quite. + +JILL. Will it stop? + +MRS. H. Jill, if you can't keep your impertinence to yourself---- + +HILLCRIST. Jill, come with me. + + [He turns towards door, Back.] + +JILL. I'm sorry, mother. Only it is a skin game, isn't it? + +MRS. H. You pride yourself on plain speech, Jill. I pride myself +on plain thought. You will thank me afterwards that I can see +realities. I know we are better people than these Hornblowers. +Here we are going to stay, and they--are not. + +JILL. [Looking at her with a sort of unwilling admiration] Mother, +you're wonderful! + +HILLCRIST. Jill! + +JILL. Coming, Dodo. + + [She turns and runs to the door. They go out.] + + [MRS. HILLCRIST, with a long sigh, draws herself up, fine and + proud.] + +MRS. H. Dawker! [He comes to her.] + + [I shall send him a note to-night, and word it so that + he will be bound to come and see us to-marrow morning. Will + you be in the study just before eleven o'clock, with this + gentleman?] + +DAWKER. [Nodding] We're going to wire for his partner. I'll bring +him too. Can't make too sure. + + [She goes firmly up the steps and out.] + +DAWKER. [To the STRANGER, with a wink] The Squire's squeamish--too +much of a gentleman. But he don't count. The grey mare's all +right. You wire to Henry. I'm off to our solicitors. We'll make +that old rhinoceros sell us back the Centry at a decent price. +These Hornblowers--[Laying his finger on his nose] We've got 'em + + + CURTAIN + + + + + +SCENE II + + CHLOE's boudoir at half-past seven the same evening. A pretty + room. No pictures on the walls, but two mirrors. A screen and + a luxurious couch an the fireplace side, stage Left. A door + rather Right of Centre Back; opening inwards. A French window, + Right forward: A writing table, Right Back. Electric light + burning. + + CHLOE, in a tea-gown, is standing by the forward end of the + sofa, very still, and very pale. Her lips are parted, and her + large eyes stare straight before them as if seeing ghosts: The + door is opened noiselessly and a WOMAN'S face is seen. It + peers at CHLOE, vanishes, and the door is closed. CHLOE raises + her hands, covers her eyes with them, drops them with a quick + gesture, and looks round her. A knock. With a swift movement + she slides on to the sofa, and lies prostrate, with eyes + closed. + +CHLOE. [Feebly] Come in! + + [Her Maid enters; a trim, contained figure of uncertain years, + in a black dress, with the face which was peering in.] + +Yes, Anna? + +ANNA. Aren't you going in to dinner, ma'am? + +CHLOE. [With closed eyes] No. + +ANNA. Will you take anything here, ma'am? + +CHLOE. I'd like a biscuit and a glass of champagne. + + [The MAID, who is standing between sofa and door, smiles. + CHLOE, with a swift look, catches the smile.] + +Why do you smile? + +ANNA. Was I, ma'am? + +CHLOE. You know you were. [Fiercely] Are you paid to smile at me? + +ANNA. [Immovable] No, ma'am, Would you like some eau de Cologne on +your forehead? + +CHLOE. Yes.--No.--What's the good? [Clasping her forehead] My +headache won't go. + +ANNA. To keep lying down's the best thing for it. + +CHLOE. I have been--hours. + +ANNA. [With the smile] Yes, ma'am. + +CHLOE. [Gathering herself up on the sofa] Anna! Why do you do it? + +ANNA. Do what, ma'am? + +CHLOE. Spy on me. + +ANNA. I--never! I----! + +CHLOE. To spy! You're a fool, too. What is there to spy on? + +ANNA. Nothing, ma'am. Of course, if you're not satisfied with me, +I must give notice. Only--if I were spying, I should expect to have +notice given me. I've been accustomed to ladies who wouldn't stand +such a thing for a minute. + +CHLOE: [Intently] Well, you'll take a month's wages and go +tomorrow. And that's all, now. + + [ANNA inclines her head and goes out.] + + [CHLOE, with a sort of moan, turns over and buries her face in + the cushion.] + +CHLOE. [Sitting up] If I could see that man--if only--or Dawker--- + + [She springs up and goes to the door, but hesitates, and comes + back to the head of the sofa, as ROLF comes in. During this + scene the door is again opened stealthily, an inch or too.] + +ROLF. How's the head? + +CHLOE. Beastly, thanks. I'm not going into dinner. + +ROLF. Is there anything I can do for you? + +CHLOE. No, dear boy. [Suddenly looking at him] You don't want +this quarrel with the Hillcrists to go on, do you, Rolf? + +ROLF. No; I hate it. + +CHLOE. Well, I think I might be able to stop it. Will you slip +round to Dawker's--it's not five minutes--and ask him to come and +see me. + +ROLF. Father and Charlie wouldn't---- + +CHLOE. I know. But if he comes to the window here while you're at +dinner, I'll let him in, and out, and nobody'd know. + +ROLF. [Astonished] Yes, but what I mean how---- + +CHLOE. Don't ask me. It's worth the shot that's all. [Looking at +her wrist-watch] To this window at eight o'clock exactly. First +long window on the terrace, tell him. + +ROLF. It's nothing Charlie would mind? + +CHLOE. No; only I can't tell him--he and father are so mad about it +all. + +ROLF. If there's a real chance---- + +CHLOE. [Going to the window and opening it] This way, Rolf. If +you don't come back I shall know he's coming. Put your watch by +mine. [Looking at his watch] It's a minute fast, see! + +ROLF. Look here, Chloe + +CHLOE. Don't wait; go on. + + [She almost pushes him out through the window, closes it after + him, draws the curtains again, stands a minute, thinking hard; + goes to the bell and rings it; then, crossing to the writing + table, Right Back, she takes out a chemist's prescription.] + + [ANNA comes in.] + +CHLOE. I don't want that champagne. Take this to the chemist and +get him to make up some of these cachets quick, and bring them back +yourself. + +ANNA. Yes, ma'am; but you have some. + +CHLOE. They're too old; I've taken two--the strength's out of them. +Quick, please; I can't stand this head. + +ANNA. [Taking the prescription--with her smile] Yes, ma'am. It'll +take some time--you don't want me? + +CHLOE. No; I want the cachets. + + [ANNA goes out.] + + [CHLOE looks at her wrist-watch, goes to the writing-table, + which is old-fashioned, with a secret drawer, looks round her, + dives at the secret drawer, takes out a roll of notes and a + tissue paper parcel. She counts the notes: "Three hundred." + Slips them into her breast and unwraps the little parcel. It + contains pears. She slips them, too, into her dress, looks + round startled, replaces the drawer, and regains her place on + the sofa, lying prostrate as the door opens, and HORNBLOWER + comes in. She does not open her ages, and he stands looking at + her a moment before speaking. + +HORNBLOWER. [Almost softly] How are ye feelin'. Chloe? + +CHLOE. Awful head! + +HORNBLOWER: Can ye attend a moment? I've had a note from that +woman. + + [CHLOE sits up.] + +HORNBLOWER. [Reading] "I have something of the utmost importance +to tell you in regard to your daughter-in-law. I shall be waiting +to see you at eleven o'clock to-morrow morning. The matter is so +utterly vital to the happiness of all your family, that I cannot +imagine you will fail to come." Now, what's the meaning of it? Is +it sheer impudence, or lunacy, or what? + +CHLOE. I don't know. + +HORNBLOWER. [Not unkindly] Chloe, if there's anything--ye'd better +tell me. Forewarned's forearmed. + +CHLOE. There's nothing; unless it's--[With a quick took at him,]-- +Unless it's that my father was a--a bankrupt. + +HORNBLOWER. Hech! Many a man's been that. Ye've never told us +much about your family. + +CHLOE. I wasn't very proud of him. + +HORNBLOWER. Well, ye're not responsible for your father. If that's +all, it's a relief. The bitter snobs! I'll remember it in the +account I've got with them. + +CHLOE. Father, don't say anything to Charlie; it'll only worry him +for nothing. + +HORNBLOWER. No, no, I'll not. If I went bankrupt, it'd upset +Chearlie, I've not a doubt. [He laugh. Looking at her shrewdly] +There's nothing else, before I answer her? + + [CHLOE shakes her head.] + +Ye're sure? + +CHLOE. [With an efort] She may invent things, of course. + +HORNBLOWER. [Lost in his feud feeling] Ah,! but there's such a +thing as the laws o' slander. If they play pranks, I'll have them +up for it. + +CHLOE. [Timidly] Couldn't you stop this quarrel; father? You said +it was on my account. But I don't want to know them. And they do +love their old home. I like the girl. You don't really need to +build just there, do you? Couldn't you stop it? Do! + +HORNBLOWER. Stop it? Now I've bought? Na, no! The snobs defied +me, and I'm going to show them. I hate the lot of them, and I hate +that little Dawker worst of all. + +CHLOE. He's only their agent. + +HORNBLOWER. He's a part of the whole dog-in-the-manger system that +stands in my way. Ye're a woman, and ye don't understand these +things. Ye wouldn't believe the struggle I've had to make my money +and get my position. These county folk talk soft sawder, but to get +anything from them's like gettin' butter out of a dog's mouth. If +they could drive me out of here by fair means or foul, would they +hesitate a moment? Not they! See what they've made me pay; and +look at this letter. Selfish, mean lot o' hypocrites! + +CHLOE. But they didn't begin the quarrel. + +HORNBLOWER. Not openly; but underneath they did--that's their way. +They began it by thwartin' me here and there and everywhere, just +because I've come into me own a bit later than they did. I gave 'em +their chance, and they wouldn't take it. Well, I'll show 'em what a +man like me can do when he sets his mind to it. I'll not leave much +skin on them. + + [In the intensity of his feeling he has lost sight of her face, + alive with a sort of agony of doubt, whether to plead with him + further, or what to do. Then, with a swift glance at her + wristwatch, she falls back on the sofa and closes her eyes.] + +It'll give me a power of enjoyment seein' me chimneys go up in front +of their windies. That was a bonnie thought--that last bid o' mine. +He'd got that roused up, I believe, he, never would a' stopped. +[Looking at her] I forgot your head. Well, well, ye'll be best +tryin' quiet. [The gong sounds.] Shall we send ye something in +from dinner? + +CHLOE. No; I'll try to sleep. Please tell them I don't want to be +disturbed. + +HORNBLOWER. All right. I'll just answer this note. + + [He sits down at her writing-table.] + + [CHLOE starts up from the sofa feverishly, looking at her + watch, at the window, at her watch; then softly crosses to the + window and opens it.] + +HORNBLOWER. [Finishing] Listen! [He turns round towards the sofa] +Hallo! Where are ye? + +CHLOE. [At the window] It's so hot. + +HORNBLOWER. Here's what I've said: + + "MADAM,--You can tell me nothing of my daughter-in-law which + can affect the happiness of my family. I regard your note as + an impertinence, and I shall not be with you at eleven o'clock + to-morrow morning. + + "Yours truly----" + +CHLOE. [With a suffering movement of her head] Oh!--Well!-- [The +gong is touched a second time.] + +HORNBLOWER. [Crossing to the door] Lie ye down, and get a sleep. +I'll tell them not to disturb ye; and I hope ye'll be all right to- +morrow. Good-night, Chloe. + +CHLOE. Good-night. [He goes out.] + + [After a feverish turn or two, CHLOE returns to the open window + and waits there, half screened by the curtains. The door is + opened inch by inch, and ANNA'S head peers round. Seeing where + CHLOE is, she slips in and passes behind the screen, Left. + Suddenly CHLOE backs in from the window.] + +CHLOE. [In a low voice] Come in. + + [She darts to the door and locks it.] + + [DAWKER has come in through the window and stands regarding her + with a half smile.] + +DAWKER. Well, young woman, what do you want of me? + + [In the presence of this man of her own class, there comes a + distinct change in CHLOE'S voice and manner; a sort of frank + commonness, adapted to the man she is dealing with, but she + keeps her voice low.] + +CHLOE. You're making a mistake, you know. + +DAWKER. [With a broad grin] No. I've got a memory for faces. + +CHLOE. I say you are. + +DAWKER. [Turning to go] If that's all, you needn't have troubled +me to come. + +CHLOE. No. Don't go! [With a faint smile] You are playing a game +with me. Aren't you ashamed? What harm have I done you? Do you +call this cricket? + +DAWKER. No, my girl--business. + +CHLOE. [Bitterly] What have I to do with this quarrel? I couldn't +help their falling out. + +DAWKER. That's your misfortune. + +CHLOE. [Clasping her hands] You're a cruel fellow if you can spoil +a woman's life who never did you an ounce of harm. + +DAWKER. So they don't know about you. That's all right. Now, look +here, I serve my employer. But I'm flesh and blood, too, and I +always give as good as I get. I hate this family of yours. There's +no name too bad for 'em to call me this last month, and no looks too +black to give me. I tell you frankly, I hate. + +CHLOE. There's good in them same as in you. + +DAWKER. [With a grin] There's no good Hornblower but a dead +Hornblower. + +CHLOE. But--but Im not one. + +DAWKER. You'll be the mother of some, I shouldn't wonder. + +CHLOE. [Stretching out her hand-pathetically] Oh! leave me alone, +do! I'm happy here. Be a sport! Be a sport! + +DAWKER. [Disconcerted for a second] You can't get at me, so don't +try it on. + +CHLOE. I had such a bad time in old days. + + [DAWKER shakes his head; his grin has disappeared and his face + is like wood.] + +CHLOE. [Panting] Ah! do! You might! You've been fond of some +woman, I suppose. Think of her! + +DAWKER. [Decisively] It won't do, Mrs. Chloe. You're a pawn in +the game, and I'm going to use you. + +CHLOE. [Despairingly] What is it to you? [With a sudden touch of +the tigress] Look here! Don't you make an enemy, of me. I haven't +dragged through hell for nothing. Women like me can bite, I tell +you. + +DAWKER. That's better. I'd rather have a woman threaten than +whine, any day. Threaten away! You'll let 'em know that you met me +in the Promenade one night. Of course you'll let 'em know that, +won't you?--or that---- + +CHLOE. Be quiet! Oh! Be quiet! [Taking from her bosom the notes +and the pearls] Look! There's my savings--there's all I've got! +The pearls'll fetch nearly a thousand. [Holding it out to him] +Take it, and drop me out--won't you? Won't you? + +DAWKER. [Passing his tongue over his lips with a hard little laugh] +You mistake your man, missis. I'm a plain dog, if you like, but I'm +faithful, and I hold fast. Don't try those games on me. + +CHLOE. [Losing control] You're a beast!--a beast! a cruel, +cowardly beast! And how dare you bribe that woman here to spy on +me? Oh! yes, you do; you know you do. If you drove me mad, you +wouldn't care. You beast! + +DAWKER. Now, don't carry on! That won't help you. + +CHLOE. What d'you call it--to dog a woman down like this, just +because you happen to have a quarrel with a man? + +DAWKER. Who made the quarrel? Not me, missis. You ought to know +that in a row it's the weak and helpless--we won't say the innocent- +that get it in the neck. That can't be helped. + +CHLOE. [Regarding him intently] I hope your mother or your sister, +if you've got any, may go through what I'm going through ever since +you got on my track. I hope they'll know what fear means. I hope +they'll love and find out that it's hanging on a thread, and--and-- +Oh! you coward, you persecuting coward! Call yourself a man! + +DAWKER. [With his grin] Ah! You look quite pretty like that. By +George! you're a handsome woman when you're roused. + + [CHLOE'S passion fades out as quickly as it blazed up. She + sinks down on the sofa, shudders, looks here and there, and + then for a moment up at him.] + +CHLOE. Is there anything you'll take, not to spoil my life? +[Clasping her hands on her breast; under her breath] Me? + +DAWKER. [Wiping his brow] By God! That's an offer. [He recoils +towards the window] You--you touched me there. Look here! I've +got to use you and I'm going to use you, but I'll do my best to let +you down as easy as I can. No, I don't want anything you can give +me--that is--[He wipes his brow again] I'd like it--but I won't +take it. + + [CHLOE buries her face in her hands.] + +There! Keep your pecker up; don't cry. Good-night! [He goes +through the window.] + +CHLOE. [Springing up] Ugh! Rat in a trap! Rat----! + + [She stands listening; flies to the door, unlocks it, and, + going back to the sofa, lies down and doses her eyes. CHARLES + comes in very quietly and stands over her, looking to see if + she is asleep. She opens her eyes.] + +CHARLES. Well, Clo! Had a sleep, old girl? + +CHLOE. Ye-es. + +CHARLES. [Sitting on the arm of the sofa and caressing her] Feel +better, dear? + +CHLOE. Yes, better, Charlie. + +CHARLES. That's right. Would you like some soup? + +CHLOE. [With a shudder] No. + +CHARLES. I say-what gives you these heads? You've been very on and +off all this last month. + +CHLOE. I don't know. Except that--except that I am going to have a +child, Charlie. + +CHARLES. After all! By Jove! Sure? + +CHLOE. [Nodding] Are you glad? + +CHARLES. Well--I suppose I am. The guv'nor will be mighty pleased, +anyway. + +CHLOE. Don't tell him--yet. + +CHARLES. All right! [Bending over and drawing her to him] My poor +girl, I'm so sorry you're seedy. Give us a kiss. + + [CHLOE puts up her face and kisses him passionately.] + +I say, you're like fire. You're not feverish? + + +CHLOE. [With a laugh] It's a wonder if I'm not. Charlie, are you +happy with me? + +CHARLES. What do you think? + +CHLOE. [Leaning against him] You wouldn't easily believe things +against me, would you? + +CHARLES. What! Thinking of those Hillcrists? What the hell that +woman means by her attitude towards you-- When I saw her there to- +day, I had all my work cut out not to go up and give her a bit of my +mind. + +CHLOE. [Watching him stealthily] It's not good for me, now I'm +like this. It's upsetting me, Charlie. + +CHARLES. Yes; and we won't forget. We'll make 'em pay for it. + +CHLOE. It's wretched in a little place like this. I say, must you +go on spoiling their home? + +CHARLES. The woman cuts you and insults you. That's enough for me. + +CHLOE. [Timidly] Let her. I don't care; I can't bear feeling +enemies about, Charlie, I--get nervous--I---- + +CHARLES. My dear girl! What is it? + + [He looks at her intently.] + +CHLOE. I suppose it's--being like this. [Suddenly] But, Charlie, +do stop it for my sake. Do, do! + +CHARLES. [Patting her arm] Come, come; I say, Chloe! You're +making mountains. See things in proportion. Father's paid nine +thousand five hundred to get the better of those people, and you +want him to chuck it away to save a woman who's insulted you. +That's not sense, and it's not business. Have some pride. + +CHLOE. [Breathless] I've got no pride, Charlie. I want to be +quiet--that's all. + +CHARLES. Well, if the row gets on your nerves, I can take you to +the sea. But you ought to enjoy a fight with people like that. + +CHLOE. [With calculated bitterness] No, it's nothing, of course-- +what I want. + +CHARLES. Hello! Hello! You are on the jump! + +CHLOE. If you want me to be a good wife to you, make father stop +it. + +CHARLES. [Standing up] Now, look here, Chloe, what's behind this? + +CHLOE. [Faintly] Behind? + +CHARLES. You're carrying on as if--as if you were really scared! +We've got these people: We'll have them out of Deepwater in six +months. It's absolute ruination to their beastly old house; we'll +put the chimneys on the very edge, not three hundred yards off, and +our smoke'll be drifting over them half the time. You won't have +this confounded stuck-up woman here much longer. And then we can +really go ahead and take our proper place. So long as she's here, +we shall never do that. We've only to drive on now as fast as we +can. + +CHLOE. [With a gesture] I see. + +CHARLES. [Again looking at her] If you go on like this, you know, +I shall begin to think there's something you---- + +CHLOE [softly] Charlie! [He comes to her.] Love me! + +CHARLES. [Embracing her] There, old girl! I know women are funny +at these times. You want a good night, that's all. + +CHLOE. You haven't finished dinner, have you? Go back, and I'll go +to bed quite soon. Charlie, don't stop loving me. + +CHARLES. Stop? Not much. + + [While he is again embracing her, ANNA steals from behind the + screen to the door, opens it noiselessly, and passes through, + but it clicks as she shuts it.] + +CHLOE. [Starting violently] Oh-h! + + [He comes to her.] + +CHARLES. What is it? What is it? You are nervy, my dear. + +CHLOE. [Looking round with a little laugh] I don't know. Go on, +Charlie. I'll be all right when this head's gone. + +CHARLES. [Stroking her forehead and, looking at her doubtfully] +You go to bed; I won't be late coming up. + + [He turn, and goes, blowing a kiss from the doorway. When he + is gone, CHLOE gets up and stands in precisely the attitude in + which she stood at the beginning of the Act, thinking, and + thinking. And the door is opened, and the face of the MAID + peers round at her.] + + + CURTAIN + + + + +ACT III + + +SCENE I + + HILLCRIST'S study next morning. + + JILL coming from Left, looks in at the open French window. + +JILL. [Speaking to ROLF, invisible] Come in here. There's no one. + + [She goes in. ROLF joins her, coming from the garden.] + +ROLF. Jill, I just wanted to say--Need we? + + [JILL. nodes.] + +Seeing you yesterday--it did seem rotten. + +JILL. We didn't begin it. + +ROLF. No; but you don't understand. If you'd made yourself, as +father has---- + +JILL. I hope I should be sorry. + +ROLF. [Reproachfully] That isn't like you. Really he can't help +thinking he's a public benefactor. + +JILL. And we can't help thinking he's a pig. Sorry! + +ROLF. If the survival of the fittest is right---- + +JILL. He may be fitter, but he's not going to survive. + +ROLF. [Distracted] It looks like it, though. + +JILL. Is that all you came to say? + +ROLF. Suppose we joined, couldn't we stop it? + +JILL. I don't feel like joining. + +ROLF. We did shake hands. + +JILL. One can't fight and not grow bitter. + +ROLF. I don't feel bitter. + +JILL. Wait; you'll feel it soon enough. + +ROLF. Why? [Attentively] About Chloe? I do think your mother's +manner to her is---- + +JILL. Well? + +ROLF. Snobbish. [JILL laughs.] +She may not be your class; and that's just why it's +snobbish. + +JILL. I think you'd better shut up. + +ROLF. What my father said was true; your mother's rudeness to her +that day she came here, has made both him and Charlie ever so much +more bitter. + + [JILL whistles the Habanera from "Carmen."] + + [Staring at her, rather angrily] + +Is it a whistling matter? + +JILL. No. + +ROLF. I suppose you want me to go? + +JILL. Yes. + +ROLF. All right. Aren't we ever going to be friends again? + +JILL. [Looking steadily at him] I don't expect so. + +ROLF. That's very-horrible. + +JILL. Lots of horrible things in the world. + +ROLF. It's our business to make them fewer, Jill. + +JILL. [Fiercely] Don't be moral. + +ROLF. [Hurt] That's the last thing I want to be. --I only want to +be friendly. + +JILL. Better be real first. + +ROLF. From the big point of view---- + +JILL. There isn't any. We're all out, for our own. And why not? + +ROLF. By jove, you have got---- + +JILL. Cynical? Your father's motto--"Every man for himself." +That's the winner--hands down. Goodbye! + +ROLF. Jill! Jill! + +JILL. [Putting her hands behind her back, hums]-- + "If auld acquaintance be forgot + And days of auld lang syne"---- + +ROLF. Don't! + + [With a pained gesture he goes out towards Left, through the + French window.] + + [JILL, who has broken off the song, stands with her hands + clenched and her lips quivering.] + + [FELLOWS enters Left.] + +FELLOWS. Mr. Dawker, Miss, and two gentlemen. + +JILL. Let the three gentlemen in, and me out. + + [She passes him and goes out Left. And immediately. DAWKER + and the two STRANGERS come in.] + +FELLOWS. I'll inform Mrs. Hillcrist, sir. The Squire is on his +rounds. [He goes out Left.] + + [The THREE MEN gather in a discreet knot at the big bureau, + having glanced at the two doors and the open French window.] + +DAWKER. Now this may come into Court, you know. If there's a screw +loose anywhere, better mention it. [To SECOND STRANGE] You knew +her personally? + +SECOND S. What do you think? I don't, take girls on trust for that +sort of job. She came to us highly recommended, too; and did her +work very well. It was a double stunt--to make sure--wasn't it, +George? + +FIRST S. Yes; we paid her for the two visits. + +SECOND S. I should know her in a minute; striking looking girl; had +something in her face. Daresay she'd seen hard times. + +FIRST S. We don't want publicity. + +DAWKER. Not Likely. The threat'll do it; but the stakes are heavy +--and the man's a slugger; we must be able to push it home. If you +can both swear to her, it'll do the trick. + +SECOND S. And about--I mean, we're losing time, you know, coming +down here. + +DAWKER. [With a nod at FIRST STRANGER] George here knows me. +That'll be all right. I'll guarantee it well worth your while. + +SECOND S. I don't want to do the girl harm, if she's married. + +DAWKER. No, no; nobody wants to hurt her. We just want a cinch on +this fellow till he squeals. + + [They separate a little as MRS. HILLCRIST enters from Right.] + +DAWKER. Good morning, ma'am. My friend's partner. Hornblower +coming? + +MRS. H. At eleven. I had to send up a second note, Dawker. + +DAWKER. Squire not in? + +MRS. H. I haven't told him. + +DAWKER. [Nodding] Our friends might go in here [Pointing Right] +and we can use 'em as the want 'em. + +MRS. H. [To the STRANGERS] Will you make yourselves comfortable? + + [She holds the door open, and they pass her into the room, + Right.] + +DAWKER. [Showing document] I've had this drawn and engrossed. +Pretty sharp work. Conveys the Centry, and Longmeadow; to the +Squire at four thousand five hundred: Now, ma'am, suppose Hornblower +puts his hand to that, hell have been done in the eye, and six +thousand all told out o' pocket.--You'll have a very nasty neighbour +here. + +MRS. H. But we shall still have the power to disclose that secret +at any time. + +DAWKER. Yeh! But things might happen here you could never bring +home to him. You can't trust a man like that. He isn't goin' to +forgive me, I know. + +MRS. H. [Regarding him keenly] But if he signs, we couldn't +honourably---- + +DAWKER. No, ma'am, you couldn't; and I'm sure I don't want to do +that girl a hurt. I just mention it because, of course, you can't +guarantee that it doesn't get out. + +MRS. H. Not absolutely, I suppose. + + [A look passes between them, which neither of them has quite + sanctioned.] + + [There's his car. It always seems to make more noise than any + other.] + +DAWKER. He'll kick and flounder--but you leave him to ask what you +want, ma'am; don't mention this [He puts the deed back into his +pocket]. The Centry's no mortal good to him if he's not going to +put up works; I should say he'd be glad to save what he can. + + [MRS. HILLCRIST inclines her head. FELLOWS enters Left.] + +FELLOWS. [Apologetically] Mr. Hornblower, ma'am; by appointment, +he says. + +MRS. H. Quite right, Fellows. + + [HORNBLOWER comes in, and FELLOWS goes out.] + +HORNBLOWER. [Without salutation] I've come to ask ye point bleak +what ye mean by writing me these letters. [He takes out two +letters. And we'll discus it in the presence of nobody, if ye, +please. + +MRS. H. Mr. Dawker knows all that I know, and more. + +HORNBLOWER. Does he? Very well! Your second note says that my +daughter-in-law has lied to me. Well, I've brought her, and what +ye've got to say--if it's not just a trick to see me again--ye'll +say to her face. [He takes a step towards the window.] + +MRS. H. Mr. Hornblower, you had better, decide that after hearing +what it is--we shall be quite ready to repeat it in her presence; +but we want to do as little harm as possible. + +HORNBLOWER. [Stopping] Oh! ye do! Well, what lies have ye been +hearin'? Or what have ye made up? You and Mr. Dawker? Of course +ye know there's a law of libel and slander. I'm, not the man to +stop at that. + +MRS. H. [Calmly] Are you familiar with the law of divorce, Mr. +Hornblower? + +HORNBLOWER. [Taken aback] No, I'm not. That is-----. + +MRS. H. Well, you know that misconduct is required. And I suppose +you've heard that cases are arranged. + +HORNBLOWER. I know it's all very shocking--what about it? + +MRS. H. When cases are arranged, Mr. Hornblower, the man who is to +be divorced often visits an hotel with a strange woman. I am +extremely sorry to say that your daughter-in-law, before her +marriage, was in the habit of being employed as such a woman. + +HORNBLOWER. Ye dreadful creature! + +DAWKER. [Quickly] All proved, up to the hilt! + +HORNBLOWER. I don't believe a word of it. Ye're lyin' to save your +skins. How dare ye tell me such monstrosities? Dawker, I'll have +ye in a criminal court. + +DAWKER. Rats! You saw a gent with me yesterday? Well, he's +employed her. + +HORNBLOWER. A put-up job! Conspiracy! + +MRS. H. Go and get your daughter-in-law. + +HORNBLOWER. [With the first sensation of being in a net] It's a +foul shame--a lying slander! + +MRS. H. If so, it's easily disproved. Go and fetch her. + +HORNBLOWER. [Seeing them unmoved] I will. I don't believe a word +of it. + +MRS. H. I hope you are right. + + [HORNBLOWER goes out by the French window, DAWKER slips to the + door Right, opens it, arid speaks to those within. MRS. + HILLCRIST stands moistening her lips, and passim her + handkerchief over them. HORNBLOWER returns, preceding CHLOE, + strung up to hardness and defiance.] + +HORNBLOWER. Now then, let's have this impudent story torn to rags. + +CHLOE. What story? + +HORNBLOWER. That you, my dear, were a woman--it's too shockin--I +don't know how to tell ye---- + +CHLOE. Go on! + +HORNBLOWER. Were a woman that went with men, to get them their +divorce. + +CHLOE. Who says that? + +HORNBLOWER. That lady [Sneering] there, and her bull-terrier here. + +CHLOE. [Facing MRS. HILLCRIST] That's a charitable thing to say, +isn't it? + +MRS. H. Is it true? + +CHLOE. No. + +HORNBLOWER. [Furiously] There! I'll have ye both on your knees to +her! + +DAWKER. [Opening the door, Right] Come in. + + [The FIRST STRANGER comes in. CHLOE, with a visible effort, + turns to face him.] + +FIRST S. How do you do, Mrs. Vane? + +CHLOE. I don't know you. + +FIRST S. Your memory is bad, ma'am: You knew me yesterday well +enough. One day is not a long time, nor are three years. + +CHLOE. Who are you? + +FIRST S. Come, ma'am, come! The Caster case. + +CHLOE. I don't know you, I say. [To MRS. HILLCRIST] How can you +be so vile? + +FIRST S. Let me refresh your memory, ma'am. [Producing a notebook] +Just on three years ago; "Oct.3. To fee and expenses Mrs. Vane with +Mr. C----, Hotel Beaulieu, Twenty pounds. Oct. 10, Do., Twenty +pounds." [To HORNBLOWER] Would you like to glance at this book, +sir? You'll see they're genuine entries. + + [HORNBLOWER makes a motion to do so, but checks himself and + looks at CHLOE.] + +CHLOE. [Hysterically] It's all lies--lies! + +FIRST S. Come, ma'am, we wish you no harm. + +CHLOE. Take me away. I won't be treated like this. + +MRS. H. [In a low voice] Confess. + +CHLOE. Lies! + +HORNBLOWER. Were ye ever called Vane? + +CHLOE. No, never. + + [She makes a movement towards the window, but DAWKER is in the + way, and she halts. FIRST S. [Opening the door, Right] + Henry.] + + [The SECOND STRANGER comes in quickly. At sight of him CHLOE + throws up her hands, gasps, breaks down, stage Left, and stands + covering her face with her hands. It is so complete a + confession that HORNBLOWER stands staggered; and, taking out a + coloured handkerchief, wipes his brow.] + +DAWKER. Are you convinced? + +HORNBLOWER. Take those men away. + +DAWKER. If you're not satisfied, we can get other evidence; plenty. + +HORNBLOWER. [Looking at CHLOE] That's enough. Take them out. +Leave me alone with her. + + [DAWKER takes them out Right. MRS. HILLCRIST passes HORNBLOWER + and goes out at the window. HORNBLOWER moves down a step or + two towards CHLOE.] + +HORNBLOWER. My God! + +CHLOE. [With an outburst] Don't tell Charlie! Don't tell Charlie! + +HORNBLOWER. Chearlie! So, that was your manner of life. + + [CHLOE utters a moaning sound.] + +So that's what ye got out of by marryin' into my family! Shame on +ye, ye Godless thing! + +CHLOE. Don't tell Charlie! + +HORNBLOWER. And that's all ye can say for the wreck ye've wrought. +My family, my works, my future! How dared ye! + +CHLOE. If you'd been me!---- + +HORNBLOWER. An' these Hillcrists. The skin game of it! + +CHLOE. [Breathless] Father! + +HORNBLOWER. Don't call me that, woman! + +CHLOE. [Desperate] I'm going to have a child. + +HORNBLOWER. God! Ye are! + +CHLOE. Your grandchild. For the sake of it, do what these people +want; and don't tell anyone--DON'T TELL CHARLIE! + +HORNBLOWER. [Again wiping his forehead] A secret between us. I +don't know that I can keep it. It's horrible. Poor Chearlie! + +CHLOE. [Suddenly fierce] You must keep it, you shall! I won't +have him told. Don't make me desperate! I can be--I didn't live +that life for nothing. + +HORNBLOWER. [Staring at her resealed in a new light] Ay; ye look a +strange, wild woman, as I see ye. And we thought the world of ye! + +CHLOE. I love Charlie; I'm faithful to him. I can't live without +him. You'll never forgive me, I know; but Charlie----! [Stretching +out her hands.] + + [HORNBLOWER makes a bewildered gesture with - his large hands.] + +HORNBLOWER. I'm all at sea here. Go out to the car and wait for +me. + + [CHLOE passes him and goes out, Left.] + +[Muttering to himself] So I'm down! Me enemies put their heels upon +me head! Ah! but we'll see yet! + + [He goes up to the window and beckons towards the Right.] + + [MRS. HILLCRIST comes in.] + +What d'ye want for this secret? + +MRS. H. Nothing. + +HORNBLOWER. Indeed! Wonderful!--the trouble ye've taken for-- +nothing. + +MRS. H. If you harm us we shall harm you. Any use whatever of the +Centry. + +HORNBLOWER. For which ye made me pay nine thousand five hundred +pounds. + +MRS. H. We will buy it from you. + +HORNBLOWER. At what price? + +MRS. H. The Centry at the price Miss Muffins would have taken at +first, and Longmeadow at the price you--gave us--four thousand five +hundred altogether. + +HORNBLOWER. A fine price, and me six thousand out of pocket. Na, +no! I'll keep it and hold it over ye. Ye daren't tell this secret +so long as I've got it. + +MRS. H. No, Mr. Hornblower. On second thoughts, you must sell. +You broke your word over the Jackmans. We can't trust you. We +would rather have our place here ruined at once, than leave you the +power to ruin it as and when you like. You will sell us the Centry +and Longmeadow now, or you know what will happen. + +HORNBLOWER. [Writhing] I'll not. It's blackmail. + +MRS. H. Very well then! Go your own way and we'll go ours. There +is no witness to this conversation. + +HORNBLOWER. [Venomously] By heaven, ye're a clever woman. Will ye +swear by Almighty God that you and your family, and that agent of +yours, won't breathe a word of this shockin' thing to mortal soul. + +MRS. H. Yes, if you sell. + +HORNBLOWER. Where's Dawker? + +MRS. H. [Going to the door, Right] Mr. Dawker + + [DAWKER comes in.] + +HORNBLOWER. I suppose ye've got your iniquity ready. + + [DAWKER grins and produces the document.] + +It's mighty near conspiracy, this. Have ye got a Testament? + +MRS. H. My word will be enough, Mr. Hornblower. + +HORNBLOWER. Ye'll pardon me--I can't make it solemn enough for you. + +MRS. H. Very well; here is a Bible. + + [She takes a small Bible from the bookshelf.] + +DAWKER. [Spreading document on bureau] This is a short conveyance +of the Centry and Longmeadow--recites sale to you by Miss Mulling, +of the first, John Hillcrist of the second, and whereas you have +agreed for the sale to said John Hillcrist, for the sum of four +thousand five hundred pounds, in consideration of the said sum, +receipt whereof, you hereby acknowledge you do convey all that, etc. +Sign here. I'll witness. + +HORNBLOWER [To MRS. HILLCRIST] Take that Book in your hand, and +swear first. I swear by Almighty God never to breathe a word of +what I know. concerning Chloe Hornblower to any living soul. + +MRS. H. No, Mr. Hornblower; you will please sign first. We are not +in the habit of breaking our word. + + [HORNBLOWER after a furious look at them, seizes a pen, runs + his eye again over the deed, and signs, DAWKER witnessing.] + +To that oath, Mr. Hornblower, we shall add the words, "So long as +the Hornblower family do us no harm. + +HORNBLOWER. [With a snarl] Take it in your hands, both of ye, and +together swear. + +MRS. H. [Taking the Book] I swear that I will breathe no word of +what I know concerning Chloe Hornblower to any living soul, so long +as the Hornblower family do us no harm. + +DAWKER. I swear that too. + +MRS. H. I engage for my husband. + +HORNBLOWER. Where are those two fellows? + +DAWKER. Gone. It's no business of theirs. + +HORNBLOWER. It's no business of any of ye what has happened to a +woman in the past. Ye know that. Good-day! + + [He gives them a deadly look, and goes out, left, followed by + DAWKER.] + +MRS. H. [With her hand on the Deed] Safe! + + [HILLCRIST enters at the French window, followed by JILL.] + +[Holding up the Deed] Look! He's just gone! I told you it was +only necessary to use the threat. He caved in and signed this; we +are sworn to say nothing. We've beaten him. + + [HILLCRIST studies the Deed.] + +JILL. [Awed] We saw Chloe in the car. How did she take it, +mother? + +MRS. H. Denied, then broke down when she saw our witnesses. I'm +glad you were not here, Jack. + +JILL. [Suddenly] I shall go and see her. + +MRS. H. Jill, you will not; you don't know what she's done. + +JILL. I shall. She must be in an awful state. + +HILLCRIST. My dear, you can do her no good. + +JILL. I think I can, Dodo. + +MRS. H. You don't understand human nature. We're enemies for life +with those people. You're a little donkey if you think anything +else. + +JILL. I'm going, all the same. + +MRS. H. Jack, forbid her. + +HILLCRIST. [Lifting an eyebrow] Jill, be reasonable. + +JILL. Suppose I'd taken a knock like that, Dodo, I'd be glad of +friendliness from someone. + +MRS. H. You never could take a knock like that. + +JILL. You don't know what you can do till you try, mother. + +HILLCRIST. Let her go, Amy. Im sorry for that young woman. + +MRS. H. You'd be sorry for a man who picked your pocket, I believe. + +HILLCRIST. I certainly should! Deuced little he'd get out of it, +when I've paid for the Centry. + +MRS. H. [Bitterly] Much gratitude I get for saving you both our +home! + +JILL. [Disarmed] Oh! Mother, we are grateful. Dodo, show your +gratitude. + +HILLCRIST. Well, my dear, it's an intense relief. I'm not good at +showing my feelings, as you know. What d'you want me to do? Stand +on one leg and crow? + +JILL. Yes, Dodo, yes! Mother, hold him while I [Suddenly she +stops, and all the fun goes out of her] No! I can't--I can't help +thinking of her. + + + CURTAIN falls for a minute. + + + +SCENE II + + + When it rises again, the room is empty and dark, same for + moonlight coming in through the French window, which is open. + + The figure of CHLOE, in a black cloak, appears outside in the + moonlight; she peers in, moves past, comes bank, hesitatingly + enters. The cloak, fallen back, reveals a white evening dress; + and that magpie figure stands poised watchfully in the dim + light, then flaps unhappily Left and Right, as if she could not + keep still. Suddenly she stands listening. + +ROLF'S VOICE. [Outside] Chloe! Chloe! + + [He appears] + +CHLOE. [Going to the window] What are you doing here? + +ROLF. What are you? I only followed you. + +CHLOE. Go away. + +ROLF. What's the matter? Tell me! + +CHLOE. Go away, and don't say anything. Oh! The roses! [She has +put her nose into some roses in a bowl on a big stand close to the +window] Don't they smell lovely? + +ROLF. What did Jill want this afternoon? + +CHLOE. I'll tell you nothing. Go away! + +ROLF. I don't like leaving you here in this state. + +CHLOE. What state? I'm all right. Wait for me down in the drive, +if you want to. + + [ROLF starts to go, stops, looks at her, and does go. CHLOE, + with a little moaning sound, flutters again, magpie-like, up + and down, then stands by the window listening. Voices are + heard, Left. She darts out of the window and away to the + Right, as HILLCRIST and JILL come in. They have turned up the + electric light, and come down in frond of the fireplace, where + HILLCRIST sits in an armchair, and JILL on the arm of it. They + are in undress evening adore. + +HILLCRIST. Now, tell me. + +JILL. There isn't much, Dodo. I was in an awful funk for fear I +should meet any of the others, and of course I did meet Rolf, but I +told him some lie, and he took me to her room-boudoir, they call it +--isn't boudoir a "dug-out" word? + +HILLCRIST. [Meditatively] The sulking room. Well? + +JILL. She was sitting like this. [She buries her chin in her +hands, wide her elbows on her knees] And she said in a sort of +fierce way: "What do you want?" And I said: "I'm awfully sorry, but +I thought you might like it." + +HILLCRIST. Well? + +JILL. She looked at me hard, and said: "I suppose you know all +about it." And I Said: "Only vaguely," because of course I don't. +And she said: "Well, it was decent of you to come." Dodo, she looks +like a lost soul. What has she done? + +HILLCRIST. She committed her real crime when she married young +Hornblower without telling him. She came out of a certain world to +do it. + +JILL. Oh! [Staring in front of her) Is it very awful in that +world, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. [Uneasy] I don't know, Jill. Some can stand it, I +suppose; some can't. I don't know which sort she is. + +JILL. One thing I'm sure of: she's awfully fond of Chearlie. + +HILLCRIST. That's bad; that's very bad. + +JILL. And she's frightened, horribly. I think she's desperate. + +HILLCRIST. Women like that are pretty tough, Jill; don't judge her +too much by your own feelings. + +JILL. No; only---- Oh! it was beastly; and of course I dried up. + +HILLCRIST. [Feelingly] H'm! One always does. But perhaps it was +as well; you'd have been blundering in a dark passage. + +JILL. I just said: "Father and I feel awfully sorry; if there's +anything we can do----" + +HILLCRIST. That was risky, Jill. + +JILL. (Disconsolately) I had to say something. I'm glad I went, +anyway. I feel more human. + +HILLCRIST. We had to fight for our home. I should have felt like a +traitor if I hadn't. + +JILL. I'm not enjoying home tonight, Dodo. + +HILLCRIST. I never could hate proper; it's a confounded nuisance. + +JILL. Mother's fearfully' bucked, and Dawker's simply oozing +triumph. I don't trust him. Dodo; he's too--not pugilistic--the +other one with a pug-naceous. + +HILLCRIST. He is rather. + +JILL. I'm sure he wouldn't care tuppence if Chloe committed +suicide. + +HILLCRIST. [Rising uneasily) Nonsense! Nonsense! + +JILL. I wonder if mother would. + +HILLCRIST. [Turning his face towards the window] What's that? I +thought I heard--[Louder]--Is these anybody out there? + + [No answer. JILL, springs up and runs to the window.] + +JILL. You! + + [She dives through to the Right, and returns, holding CHLOE'S + hand and drawing her forward] + +Come in! It's only us! [To HILLCRIST] Dodo! + +HILLCRIST. [Flustered, but making a show of courtesy] Good +evening! Won't you sit down? + +JILL. Sit down; you're all shaky. + + [She makes CHLOE sit down in the armchair, out of which they + have risen, then locks the door, and closing the windows, draws + the curtains hastily over them.] + +HILLCRIST. [Awkward and expectant] Can I do anything for you? + +CHLOE. I couldn't bear it he's coming to ask you---- + +HILLCRIST. Who? + +CHLOE. My husband. [She draws in her breath with a long shudder, +then seem to seize her courage in her hands] I've got to be quick. +He keeps on asking--he knows there's something.] + +HILLCRIST. Make your mind easy. We shan't tell him. + +CHLOE. [Appealing] Oh! that's not enough. Can't you tell him +something to put him back to thinking it's all right? I've done him +such a wrong. I didn't realise till after--I thought meeting him +was just a piece of wonderful good luck, after what I'd been +through. I'm not such a bad lot--not really. + + [She stops from the over-quivering of her lips. JILL, standing + beside the chair, strokes her shoulder. HILLCRIST stands very + still, painfully biting at a finger.] + +You see, my father went bankrupt, and I was in a shop---- + +HILLCRIST. [Soothingly, and to prevent disclosures] Yes, yes; Yes, +yes! + +CHLOE. I never gave a man away or did anything I was ashamed of--at +least--I mean, I had to make my living in all sorts of ways, and +then I met Charlie. + + [Again she stopped from the quivering of her lips.] + +JILL. It's all right. + +CHLOE. He thought I was respectable, and that was such a relief, +you can't think, so--so I let him. + +JILL. Dodo! It's awful + +HILLCRIST. It is! + +CHLOE. And after I married him, you see, I fell in love. If I had +before, perhaps I wouldn't have dared only, I don't know--you never +know, do you? When there's a straw going, you catch at it. + +JILL. Of course you do. + +CHLOE. And now, you see, I'm going to have a child. + +JILL. [Aghast] Oh! Are you? + +HILLCRIST. Good God! + +CHLOE. [Dully] I've been on hot bricks all this month, ever since +that day here. I knew it was in the wind. What gets in the wind +never gets out. [She rises and throws out her arms] Never! It +just blows here and there [Desolately] and then--blows home. [Her +voice changes to resentment] But I've paid for being a fool-- +'tisn't fun, that sort of life, I can tell you. I'm not ashamed and +repentant, and all that. If it wasn't for him! I'm afraid he'll +never forgive me; it's such a disgrace for him--and then, to have +his child! Being fond of him, I feel it much worse than anything I +ever felt, and that's saying a good bit. It is. + +JILL. [Energetically] Look here! He simply mustn't find out. + +CHLOE. That's it; but it's started, and he's bound to keep on +because he knows there's something. A man isn't going to be +satisfied when there's something he suspects about his wife, Charlie +wouldn't never. He's clever, and he's jealous; and he's coming +here. + + [She stops, and looks round wildly, listening.] + +JILL. Dodo, what can we say to put him clean off the scent? + +HILLCRIST. Anything--in reason. + +CHLOE. [Catching at this straw] You will! You see, I don't know +what I'll do. I've got soft, being looked after--he does love me. +And if he throws me off, I'll go under--that's all. + +HILLCRIST. Have you any suggestion? + +CHLOE. [Eagerly] The only thing is to tell him something positive, +something he'll believe, that's not too bad--like my having been a +lady clerk with those people who came here, and having been +dismissed on suspicion of taking money. I could get him to believe +that wasn't true. + +JILL. Yes; and it isn't--that's splendid! You'd be able to put +such conviction into it. Don't you think so, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. Anything I can. I'm deeply sorry. + +CHLOE. Thank you. And don't say I've been here, will you? He's +very suspicious. You see, he knows that his father has re-sold that +land to you; that's what he can't make out--that, and my coming here +this morning; he knows something's being kept from him; and he +noticed that man with Dawker yesterday. And my maid's been spying +on me. It's in the air. He puts two and two together. But I've +told him there's nothing he need worry about; nothing that's true. + +HILLCRIST. What a coil! + +CHLOE. I'm very honest and careful about money. So he won't +believe that about me, and the old man wants to keep it from +Charlie, I know. + +HILLCRIST. That does seem the best way out. + +CHLOE. [With a touch of defiance] I'm a true wife to him. + +CHLOE. Of course we know that. + +HILLCRIST. It's all unspeakably sad. Deception's horribly against +the grain--but---- + +CHLOE. [Eagerly] When I deceived him, I'd have deceived God +Himself--I was so desperate. You've never been right down in the +mud. You can't understand what I've been through. + +HILLCRIST. Yes, Yes. I daresay I'd have done the same. I should +be the last to judge + + [CHLOE covers her eyes with her hands.] + +There, there! Cheer up! [He puts his hand on her arm.] + +CHLOE. [To herself] Darling Dodo! + +CHLOE. [Starting] There's somebody at the door. I must go; I must +go. + + [She runs to the window and slips through the curtains.] + + [The handle of the door is again turned.] + +JILL. [Dismayed] Oh! It's locked--I forgot. + + [She spring to the door, unlocks and opens it, while HILLCRIST + goes to the bureau and sits down.] + +It's all right, Fellows; I was only saying something rather +important. + +FELLOWS. [Coming in a step or two and closing the door behind him] +Certainly, Miss. Mr. Charles 'Ornblower is in the hall. Wants to +see you, sir, or Mrs. Hillcrist. + +JILL. What a bore! Can you see him, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. Er--yes. I suppose so. Show him in here, Fellows. + + [As FELLOWS goes out, JILL runs to the window, but has no time + to do more than adjust the curtains and spring over to stand by + her father, before CHARLES comes in. Though in evening + clothes, he is white arid disheveled for so spruce a young + mean.] + +CHARLES. Is my wife here? + +HILLCRIST. No, sir. + +CHARLES. Has she been? + +HILLCRIST. This morning, I believe, Jill? + +JILL. Yes, she came this morning. + +CHARLES. [staring at her] I know that--now, I mean? + +JILL. No. + + [HILLCRIST shakes has head.] + +CHARLES. Tell me what was said this morning. + +HILLCRIST. I was not here this morning. + +CHARLES. Don't try to put me off. I know too much. [To JILL] +You. + +JILL. Shall I, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. No; I will. Won't you sit down? + +CHARLES. No. Go on. + +HILLCRIST. [Moistening his lips] It appears, Mr. Hornblower, that +my agent, Mr. Dawker-- + + [CHARLES, who is breathing hard, utters a sound of anger.] + +--that my agent happens to know a firm, who in old days employed +your wife. I should greatly prefer not to say any more, especially +as we don't believe the story. + +JILL. No; we don't. + +CHARLES. Go on! + +HILLCRIST. [Getting up] Come! If I were you, I should refuse to +listen to anything against my wife. + +CHARLES. Go on, I tell you. + +HILLCRIST. You insist? Well, they say there was some question +about the accounts, and your wife left them under a cloud. As I +told you, we don't believe it. + +CHARLES. [Passionately] Liars! + + [He makes a rush for the door.] + +HILLCRIST. [Starting] What did you say? + +JILL. [Catching his arm] Dodo! [Sotto voce] We are, you know. + +CHARLES. [Turning back to them] Why do you tell me that lie? When +I've just had the truth out of that little scoundrel! My wife's +been here; she put you up to it. + + [The face of CHLOE is seen transfixed between the curtains, + parted by her hands.] + +She--she put you up to it. Liar that she is--a living lie. For +three years a living lie! + + [HILLCRIST whose face alone is turned towards the curtains, + sees that listening face. His hand goes up from uncontrollable + emotion.] + +And hasn't now the pluck to tell me. I've done with her. I won't +own a child by such a woman. + + [With a little sighing sound CHLOE drops the curtain and + vanishes.] + +HILLCRIST. For God's sake, man, think of what you're saying. She's +in great distress. + +CHARLES. And what am I? + +JILL. She loves you, you know. + +CHARLES. Pretty love! That scoundrel Dawker told me--told me-- +Horrible! Horrible! + +HILLCRIST. I deeply regret that our quarrel should have brought +this about. + +CHARLES. [With intense bitterness] Yes, you've smashed my life. + + [Unseen by them, MRS. HILLCRIST has entered and stands by the + door, Left.] + +MRS. H. Would you have wished to live on in ignorance? [They all +turn to look at her.] + +CHARLES. [With a writhing movement] I don't know. But--you--you +did it. + +MRS. H. You shouldn't have attacked us. + +CHARLES. What did we do to you--compared with this? + +MRS. H. All you could. + +HILLCRIST. Enough, enough! What can we do to help you? + +CHARLES. Tell me where my wife is. + + [JILL draws the curtains apart--the window is open--JILL looks + out. They wait in silence.] + +JILL. We don't know. + +CHARLES. Then she was here? + +HILLCRIST. Yes, sir; and she heard you. + +CHARLES. All the better if she did. She knows how I feel. + +HILLCRIST. Brace up; be gentle with her. + +CHARLES. Gentle? A woman who--who---- + +HILLCRIST. A most unhappy creature. Come! + +CHARLES. Damn your sympathy! + + [He goes out into the moonlight, passing away.] + +JILL. Dodo, we ought to look for her; I'm awfully afraid. + +HILLCRIST. I saw her there--listening. With child! Who knows +where things end when they and begin? To the gravel pit, Jill; I'll +go to the pond. No, we'll go together. [They go out.] + + [MRS. HILLCRIST comes down to the fireplace, rings the bell + and stands there, thinking. FELLOWS enters.] + +MRS. H. I want someone to go down to Mr. Dawker's. + +FELLOWS. Mr. Dawker is here, ma'am, waitin' to see you. + +MRS. H. Ask him to come in. Oh! and Fellows, you can tell the +Jackmans that they can go back to their cottage. + +FELLOWS. Very good, ma'am. [He goes out.] + + [MRS. HILLCRIST searches at the bureau, finds and takes out the + deed. DAWKERS comes in; he has the appearance of a man whose + temper has been badly ruffled.] + +MRS. H. Charles Hornblower--how did it happen? + +DAWKER. He came to me. I said I knew nothing. He wouldn't take +it; went for me, abused me up hill and down dale; said he knew +everything, and then he began to threaten me. Well, I lost my +temper, and I told him. + +MRS. H. That's very serious, Dawker, after our promise. My husband +is most upset. + +DAWKER. [Sullenly] It's not my fault, ma'am; he shouldn't have +threatened and goaded me on. Besides, it's got out that there's a +scandal; common talk in the village--not the facts, but quite enough +to cook their goose here. They'll have to go. Better have done +with it, anyway, than have enemies at your door. + +MRS. H. Perhaps; but--Oh! Dawker, take charge of this. [She hands +him the deed] These people are desperate--and--I'm sot sure of my +husband when his feelings are worked on. + + [The sound of a car stopping.] + +DAWKER. [At the window, looking to the Left] Hornblower's, I +think. Yes, he's getting out. + +MRS. H. [Bracing herself] You'd better wait, then. + +DAWKER. He mustn't give me any of his sauce; I've had enough. + + [The door is opened and HORNBLOWER enters, pressing so on the + heels of FELLOWS that the announcement of his name is lost.] + +HORNBLOWER. Give me that deed! Ye got it out of me by false +pretences and treachery. Ye swore that nothing should be heard of +this. Why! me own servants know. + +MRS. H. That has nothing to do with us. Your son came and wrenched +the knowledge out of Mr. DAWKER by abuse and threats; that is all. +You will kindly behave yourself here, or I shall ask that you be +shown out. + +HORNBLOWER. Give me that deed, I say! [He suddenly turns on +DAWKER] Ye little ruffian, I see it in your pocket. + + [The end indeed is projecting from DAWKER'S breast pocket.] + +DAWKER. [Seeing red] Now, look 'ere, 'Ornblower, I stood a deal +from your son, and I'll stand no more. + +HORNBLOWER. [To MRS. HILLCRIST] I'll ruin your place yet! [To +DAWKER] Ye give me that deed, or I'll throttle ye. + + [He closes on DAWKER, and makes a snatch at the deed. DAWKER, + springs at him, and the two stand swaying, trying for a grip at + each other's throats. MRS. HILLCRIST tries to cross and reach + the bell, but is shut off by their swaying struggle.] + + [Suddenly ROLF appears in the window, looks wildly at the + struggle, and seizes DAWKER'S hands, which have reached + HORNBLOWER'S throat. JILL, who is following, rushes up to him + and clutches his arm.] + +JILL. Rolf! All of you! Stop! Look! + + [DAWKER'S hand relaxes, and he is swung round. HORNBLOWER + staggers and recovers himself, gasping for breath. All turn to + the window, outside which in the moonlight HILLCRIST and + CHARLES HORNBLOWER have CHLOE'S motionless body in their arms.] + +In the gravel pit. She's just breathing; that's all. + +MRS. H. Bring her in. The brandy, Jill! + +HORNBLOWER. No. Take her to the car. Stand back, young woman! I +want no help from any of ye. Rolf--Chearlie--take her up. + + [They lift and bear her away, Left. JILL follows.] + +Hillcrist, ye've got me beaten and disgraced hereabouts, ye've +destroyed my son's married life, and ye've killed my grandchild. +I'm not staying in this cursed spot, but if ever I can do you or +yours a hurt, I will. + +DAWKER. [Muttering] That's right. Squeal and threaten. You began +it. + +HILLCRIST. Dawker, have the goodness! Hornblower, in the presence +of what may be death, with all my heart I'm sorry. + +HORNBLOWER. Ye hypocrite! + + [He passes them with a certain dignity, and goes out at the + window, following to his car.] + + [HILLCRIST who has stood for a moment stock-still, goes slowly + forward and sits in his swivel chair.] + +MRS. H. Dawker, please tell Fellows to telephone to Dr. Robinson to +go round to the Hornblowers at once. + + [DAWKER, fingering the deed, and with a noise that sounds like + "The cur!" goes out, Left. [At the fireplace] + +Jack! Do you blame me? + +HILLCRIST. [Motionless] No. + +MRS. H. Or Dawker? He's done his best. + +HILLCRIST. No. + +MRS. H. [Approaching] What is it? + +HILLCRIST. Hypocrite! + + [JILL comes running in at the window.] + +JILL. Dodo, she's moved; she's spoken. It may not be so bad. + +HILLCRIST. Thank God for that! + + [FELLOWS enters, Left.] + +FELLOWS. The Jackmans, ma'am. + +HILLCRIST. Who? What's this? + + [The JACKMANS have entered, standing close to the door.] + +MRS. J. We're so glad we can go back, sir--ma'am, we just wanted to +thank you. + + [There is a silence. They see that they are not welcome.] + +Thank you kindly, sir. Good night, ma'am. + + [They shuffle out. ] + +HILLCRIST. I'd forgotten their existence. [He gets up] What is it +that gets loose when you begin a fight, and makes you what you think +you're not? What blinding evil! Begin as you may, it ends in this- +skin game! Skin game! + +JILL. [Rushing to him] It's not you, Dodo; it's not you, beloved +Dodo. + +HILLCRIST. It is me. For I am, or should be, master in this house! + +MRS. H. I don't understand. + +HILLCRIST. When we began this fight, we had clean hands--are they +clean' now? What's gentility worth if it can't stand fire? + + +CURTAIN + + + + + +End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of THE SKIN GAME, a play in +FOURTH SERIES by John Galsworthy. + diff --git a/old/skgam10.zip b/old/skgam10.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5dff0c2 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/skgam10.zip diff --git a/old/skgam11.txt b/old/skgam11.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fa36cd5 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/skgam11.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4519 @@ +Project Gutenberg Etext of The Skin Game (Play), by John Galsworthy +#30 in our series by John Galsworthy + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before distributing this or any other +Project Gutenberg file. + +We encourage you to keep this file, exactly as it is, on your +own disk, thereby keeping an electronic path open for future +readers. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.10/04/01*END* + + + + + +This etext was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net> + + + + + +PLAYS + +FOURTH SERIES + +By John Galsworthy + + + +PLAYS in the FOURTH SERIES + +A BIT O' LOVE + THE FOUNDATIONS + THE SKIN GAME + + + + +THE SKIN GAME + +(A TRAGI-COMEDY) + +"Who touches pitch shall be defiled" + + + + +CHARACTERS + +HILLCRIST ...............A Country Gentleman +AMY .....................His Wife +JILL ....................His Daughter +DAWKER ..................His Agent +HORNBLOWER ..............A Man Newly-Rich +CHARLES .................His Elder Son +CHLOE ...................Wife to Charles +ROLF ....................His Younger Son +FELLOWS .................Hillcrist's Butler +ANNA ....................Chloe's Maid +THE JACKMANS ............Man and Wife + +AN AUCTIONEER +A SOLICITOR +TWO STRANGERS + + + + +ACT I. HILLCRIST'S Study + +ACT II. + SCENE I. A month later. An Auction Room. + SCENE II. The same evening. CHLOE'S Boudoir. + +ACT III + + SCENE I. The following day. HILLCRIST'S Study. Morning. + SCENE II. The Same. Evening. + + + + +ACT I + + HILLCRIST'S study. A pleasant room, with books in calf + bindings, and signs that the HILLCRIST'S have travelled, such + as a large photograph of the Taj Mahal, of Table Mountain, and + the Pyramids of Egypt. A large bureau [stage Right], devoted + to the business of a country estate. Two foxes' masks. + Flowers in bowls. Deep armchairs. A large French window open + [at Back], with a lovely view of a slight rise of fields and + trees in August sunlight. A fine stone fireplace [stage Left]. + A door [Left]. A door opposite [Right]. General colour + effect--stone, and cigar-leaf brown, with spots of bright + colour. + + [HILLCRIST sits in a swivel chair at the bureau, busy with + papers. He has gout, and his left foot is encased accord: He + is a thin, dried-up man of about fifty-five, with a rather + refined, rather kindly, and rather cranky countenance. Close + to him stands his very upstanding nineteen-year-old daughter + JILL, with clubbed hair round a pretty, manly face.] + +JILL. You know, Dodo, it's all pretty good rot in these days. + +HILLCRIST. Cads are cads, Jill, even in these days. + +JILL. What is a cad? + +HILLCRIST. A self-assertive fellow, without a sense of other +people. + +JILL. Well, Old Hornblower I'll give you. + +HILLCRIST. I wouldn't take him. + +JILL. Well, you've got him. Now, Charlie--Chearlie--I say--the +importance of not being Charlie---- + +HILLCRIST. Good heavens! do you know their Christian names? + +JILL. My dear father, they've been here seven years. + +HILLCRIST. In old days we only knew their Christian names from +their tombstones. + +JILL. Charlie Hornblower isn't really half a bad sport. + +HILLCRIST. About a quarter of a bad sport I've always thought out +hunting. + +JILL. [Pulling his hair] Now, his wife--Chloe--- + +HILLCRIST. [Whimsical] Gad! your mother'd have a fit if she knew +you called her Chloe. + +JILL. It's a ripping name. + +HILLCRIST. Chloe! H'm! I had a spaniel once---- + +JILL. Dodo, you're narrow. Buck up, old darling, it won't do. +Chloe has seen life, I'm pretty sure; THAT'S attractive, anyway. +No, mother's not in the room; don't turn your uneasy eyes. + +HILLCRIST. Really, my dear, you are getting---- + +JILL. The limit. Now, Rolf---- + +HILLCRIST. What's Rolf? Another dog? + +JILL. Rolf Hornblower's a topper; he really is a nice boy. + +HILLCRIST. [With a sharp look] Oh! He's a nice boy? + +JILL. Yes, darling. You know what a nice boy is, don't you? + +HILLCRIST. Not in these days. + +JILL. Well, I'll tell you. In the first place, he's not amorous. + +HILLCRIST. What! Well, that's some comfort. + +JILL. Just a jolly good companion. + +HILLCRIST. To whom? + +JILL. Well, to anyone--me. + +HILLCRIST. Where? + +JILL. Anywhere. You don't suppose I confine myself to the home +paddocks, do you? I'm naturally rangey, Father. + +HILLCRIST. [Ironically] You don't say so! + +JILL. In the second place, he doesn't like discipline. + +HILLCRIST. Jupiter! He does seem attractive. + +JILL. In the third place, he bars his father. + +HILLCRIST. Is that essential to nice girls too? + +JILL. [With a twirl of his hair] Fish not! Fourthly, he's got +ideas. + +HILLCRIST. I knew it! + +JILL. For instance, he thinks--as I do---- + +HILLCRIST. Ah! Good ideas. + +JILL. [Pulling gently] Careful! He thinks old people run the show +too much. He says they oughtn't to, because they're so damtouchy. +Are you damtouchy, darling? + +HILLCRIST. Well, I'm----! I don't know about touchy. + +JILL. He says there'll be no world fit to live in till we get rid +of the old. We must make them climb a tall tree, and shake them off +it. + +HILLCRIST. [Drily] Oh! he says that! + +JILL. Otherwise, with the way they stand on each other's rights, +they'll spoil the garden for the young. + +HILLCRIST. Does his father agree? + +JILL. Oh! Rolf doesn't talk to him, his mouth's too large. Have +you ever seen it, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. Of course. + +JILL. It's considerable, isn't it? Now yours is--reticent, +darling. [Rumpling his hair.] + +HILLCRIST. It won't be in a minute. Do you realise that I've got +gout? + +JILL. Poor ducky! How long have we been here, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. Since Elizabeth, anyway. + +JILL. [Looking at his foot] It has its drawbacks. D'you think +Hornblower had a father? I believe he was spontaneous. But, Dodo, +why all this--this attitude to the Hornblowers? + + [She purses her lips and makes a gesture as of pushing persons + away.] + +HILLCRIST. Because they're pushing. + +JILL. That's only because we are, as mother would say, and they're +not--yet. But why not let them be? + +HILLCRIST. You can't. + +JILL. Why? + +HILLCRIST. It takes generations to learn to live and let live, +Jill. People like that take an ell when you give them an inch. + +JILL. But if you gave them the ell, they wouldn't want the inch. +Why should it all be such a skin game? + +HILLCRIST. Skin game? Where do you get your lingo? + +JILL. Keep to the point, Dodo. + +HILLCRIST. Well, Jill, all life's a struggle between people at +different stages of development, in different positions, with +different amounts of social influence and property. And the only +thing is to have rules of the game and keep them. New people like +the Hornblowers haven't learnt those rules; their only rule is to +get all they can. + +JILL. Darling, don't prose. They're not half as bad as you think. + +HILLCRIST. Well, when I sold Hornblower Longmeadow and the +cottages, I certainly found him all right. All the same, he's got +the cloven hoof. [Warming up] His influence in Deepwater is +thoroughly bad; those potteries of his are demoralising--the whole +atmosphere of the place is changing. It was a thousand pities he +ever came here and discovered that clay. He's brought in the modern +cutthroat spirit. + +JILL. Cut our throat spirit, you mean. What's your definition of a +gentleman, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. [Uneasily] Can't describe--only feel it. + +JILL. Oh! Try! + +HILLCRIST. Well--er--I suppose you might say--a man who keeps his +form and doesn't let life scupper him out of his standards. + +JILL. But suppose his standards are low? + +HILLCRIST. [With some earnestness] I assume, of course, that he's +honest and tolerant, gentle to the weak, and not self-seeking. + +JILL. Ah! self-seeking? But aren't we all, Dodo? I am. + +HILLCRIST. [With a smile] You! + +JILL. [Scornfully] Oh! yes--too young to know. + +HILLCRIST. Nobody knows till they're under pretty heavy fire, Jill. + +JILL. Except, of course, mother. + +HILLCRIST. How do you mean--mother? + +JILL. Mother reminds me of England according to herself--always +right whatever she does. + +HILLCRIST. Ye-es. Your mother it perhaps--the perfect woman. + +JILL. That's what I was saying. Now, no one could call you +perfect, Dodo. Besides, you've got gout. + +HILLCRIST. Yes; and I want Fellows. Ring that bell. + +JILL. [Crossing to the bell] Shall I tell you my definition of a +gentleman? A man who gives the Hornblower his due. [She rings the +bell] And I think mother ought to call on them. Rolf says old +Hornblower resents it fearfully that she's never made a sign to +Chloe the three years she's been here. + +HILLCRIST. I don't interfere with your mother in such matters. She +may go and call on the devil himself if she likes. + +JILL. I know you're ever so much better than she is. + +HILLCRIST. That's respectful. + +JILL. You do keep your prejudices out of your phiz. But mother +literally looks down her nose. And she never forgives an "h." +They'd get the "hell" from her if they took the "hinch." + +HILLCRIST. Jill-your language! + +JILL. Don't slime out of it, Dodo. I say, mother ought to call on +the Hornblowers. [No answer.] Well? + +HILLCRIST. My dear, I always let people have the last word. It +makes them--feel funny. Ugh! My foot![Enter FELLOWS, Left.] +Fellows, send into the village and get another bottle of this stuff. + +JILL. I'll go, darling. + + [She blow him a kiss, and goes out at the window.] + +HILLCRIST. And tell cook I've got to go on slops. This foot's +worse. + +FELLOWS. [Sympathetic] Indeed, sir. + +HILLCRIST. My third go this year, Fellows. + +FELLOWS. Very annoying, sir. + +HILLCRIST. Ye-es. Ever had it? + +FELLOWS. I fancy I have had a twinge, sir. + +HILLCRIST. [Brightening] Have you? Where? + +FELLOWS. In my cork wrist, sir. + +HILLCRIST. Your what? + +FELLOWS. The wrist I draw corks with. + +HILLCRIST. [With a cackle] You'd have had more than a twinge if +you'd lived with my father. H'm! + +FELLOWS. Excuse me, sir--Vichy water corks, in my experience, are +worse than any wine. + +HILLCRIST. [Ironically] Ah! The country's not what it was, is it, +Fellows? + +FELLOWS. Getting very new, sir. + +HILLCRIST. [Feelingly] You're right. Has Dawker come? + +FELLOWS. Not yet, sir. The Jackmans would like to see you, sir. + +HILLCRIST. What about? + +FELLOWS. I don't know, sir. + +HILLCRIST. Well, show them in. + +FELLOWS. [Going] Yes, sir. + + [HILLCRIST turns his swivel chair round. The JACKMANS come in. + He, a big fellow about fifty, in a labourer's dress, with eyes + which have more in then than his tongue can express; she, a + little woman with a worn face, a bright, quick glance, and a + tongue to match.] + +HILLCRIST. Good morning, Mrs. Jackman! Morning, Jackman! Haven't +seen you for a long time. What can I do? + + [He draws in foot, and breath, with a sharp hiss.] + +HILLCRIST. [In a down-hearted voice] We've had notice to quit, +sir. + +HILLCRIST. [With emphasis] What! + +JACKMAN. Got to be out this week. + +MRS. J. Yes, sir, indeed. + +HILLCRIST. Well, but when I sold Longmeadow and the cottages, it +was on the express understanding that there was to be no disturbance +of tenancies: + +MRS. J. Yes, sir; but we've all got to go. Mrs. 'Arvey, and the +Drews, an' us, and there isn't another cottage to be had anywhere in +Deepwater. + +HILLCRIST. I know; I want one for my cowman. This won't do at all. +Where do you get it from? + +JACKMAN. Mr. 'Ornblower, 'imself, air. Just an hour ago. He come +round and said: "I'm sorry; I want the cottages, and you've got to +clear." + +MRS. J. [Bitterly] He's no gentleman, sir; he put it so brisk. We +been there thirty years, and now we don't know what to do. So I +hope you'll excuse us coming round, sir. + +HILLCRIST. I should think so, indeed! H'm! [He rises and limps +across to the fireplace on his stick. To himself] The cloven hoof. +By George! this is a breach of faith. I'll write to him, Jackman. +Confound it! I'd certainly never have sold if I'd known he was +going to do this. + +MRS. J. No, sir, I'm sure, sir. They do say it's to do with the +potteries. He wants the cottages for his workmen. + +HILLCRIST. [Sharply] That's all very well, but he shouldn't have +led me to suppose that he would make no change. + +JACKMAN. [Heavily] They talk about his havin' bought the Centry to +gut up more chimneys there, and that's why he wants the cottages. + +HINT. The Centry! Impossible! + + [Mrs. J. Yes, air; it's such a pretty spot-looks beautiful + from here. [She looks out through the window] Loveliest spot + in all Deepwater, I always say. And your father owned it, and + his father before 'im. It's a pity they ever sold it, sir, + beggin' your pardon.] + +HILLCRIST. The Centry! [He rings the bell.] + +Mrs. J. [Who has brightened up] I'm glad you're goin' to stop it, +sir. It does put us about. We don't know where to go. I said to +Mr. Hornblower, I said, "I'm sure Mr. Hillcrist would never 'eve +turned us out." An' 'e said: "Mr. Hillcrist be----" beggin' your +pardon, sir. "Make no mistake," 'e said, "you must go, missis." He +don't even know our name; an' to come it like this over us! He's a +dreadful new man, I think, with his overridin notions. And sich a +heavyfooted man, to look at. [With a sort of indulgent contempt] +But he's from the North, they say. + + [FELLOWS has entered, Left.] + +HILLCRIST. Ask Mrs. Hillcrist if she'll come. + +FELLOWS. Very good, sir. + +HILLCRIST. Is Dawker here? + +FELLOWS. Not yet, sir. + +HILLCRIST. I want to see him at once. + + [FELLOWS retires.] + +JACKMAN. Mr. Hornblower said he was comin' on to see you, sir. So +we thought we'd step along first. + +HILLCRIST. Quite right, Jackman. + +MRS. J. I said to Jackman: "Mr. Hillcrist'll stand up for us, I +know. He's a gentleman," I said. "This man," I said, "don't care +for the neighbourhood, or the people; he don't care for anything so +long as he makes his money, and has his importance. You can't +expect it, I suppose," I said; [Bitterly] "havin' got rich so +sudden." The gentry don't do things like that. + +HILLCRIST. [Abstracted] Quite, Mrs. Jackman, quite! +[To himself] The Centry! No! + + [MRS. HILLCRIST enters. A well-dressed woman, with a firm, + clear-cut face.] + +Oh! Amy! Mr. and Mrs. Jackman turned out of their cottage, and +Mrs. Harvey, and the Drews. When I sold to Hornblower, I stipulated +that they shouldn't be. + +MRS. J. Our week's up on Saturday, ma'am, and I'm sure I don't know +where we shall turn, because of course Jackman must be near his +work, and I shall lose me washin' if we have to go far. + +HILLCRIST. [With decision] You leave it to me, Mrs. Jackman. Good +morning! Morning, Jackman! Sorry I can't move with this gout. + +MRS. J. [For them both] I'm sure we're very sorry, sir. Good +morning, sir. Good morning, ma'am; and thank you kindly. [They go +out.] + +HILLCRIST. Turning people out that have been there thirty years. I +won't have it. It's a breach of faith. + +MRS. H. Do you suppose this Hornblower will care two straws about +that Jack? + +HILLCRIST. He must, when it's put to him, if he's got any decent +feeling. + +MRS. H. He hasn't. + +HILLCRIST. [Suddenly] The Jackmans talk of his having bought the +Centry to put up more chimneys. + +MRS. H. Never! [At the window, looking out] Impossible! It would +ruin the place utterly; besides cutting us off from the Duke's. Oh, +no! Miss Mullins would never sell behind our backs. + +HILLCRIST. Anyway I must stop his turning these people out. + +Mrs. H. [With a little smile, almost contemptuous] You might have +known he'd do something of the sort. You will imagine people are +like yourself, Jack. You always ought to make Dawker have things in +black and white. + +HILLCRIST. I said quite distinctly: "Of course you won't want to +disturb the tenancies; there's a great shortage of cottages." +Hornblower told me as distinctly that he wouldn't. What more do you +want? + +Mrs. H. A man like that thinks of nothing but the short cut to his +own way. [Looking out of the window towards the rise] If he buys +the Centry and puts up chimneys, we simply couldn't stop here. + +HILLCRIST. My father would turn in his grave. + +MRS. H. It would have been more useful if he'd not dipped the +estate, and sold the Centry. This Hornblower hates us; he thinks we +turn up our noses at him. + +HILLCRIST. As we do, Amy. + +MRS. H. Who wouldn't? A man without traditions, who believes in +nothing but money and push. + +HILLCRIST. Suppose he won't budge, can we do anything for the +Jackmans? + +MRS. H. There are the two rooms Beaver used to have, over the +stables. + +FELLOWS. Mr. Dawker, sir. + + [DAWKERS is a short, square, rather red-faced terrier of a man, + in riding clothes and gaiters.] + +HILLCRIST. Ah! Dawker, I've got gout again. + +DAWKER. Very sorry, sir. How de do, ma'am? + +HILLCRIST. Did you meet the Jackmans? + +DAWKERS. Yeh. + + [He hardly ever quite finishes a word, seeming to snap of their + tails.] + +HILLCRIST. Then you heard? + +DAWKER. [Nodding] Smart man, Hornblower; never lets grass grow. + +HILLCRIST. Smart? + +DAWKER. [Grinning] Don't do to underrate your neighbours. + +MRS. H. A cad--I call him. + +DAWKER. That's it, ma'am-got all the advantage. + +HILLCRIST. Heard anything about the Centry, Dawker? + +DAWKER. Hornblower wants to buy. + +HILLCRIST. Miss Mullins would never sell, would she? + +DAWKER. She wants to. + +HILLCRIST. The deuce she does! + +DAWKER. He won't stick at the price either. + +MRS. H. What's it worth, Dawker? + +DAWKER. Depends on what you want it for. + +MRS. H. He wants it for spite; we want it for sentiment. + +DAWKER. [Grinning] Worth what you like to give, then; but he's a +rich man. + +MRS. H. Intolerable! + +DAWKER. [To HILLCRIST] Give me your figure, sir. I'll try the old +lady before he gets at her. + +HILLCRIST. [Pondering] I don't want to buy, unless there's nothing +else for it. I should have to raise the money on the estate; it +won't stand much more. I can't believe the fellow would be such a +barbarian. Chimneys within three hundred yards, right in front of +this house! It's a nightmare. + +MRS. H. You'd much better let Dawker make sure, Jack. + +HILLCRIST. [Uncomfortable] Jackman says Hornblower's coming round +to see me. I shall put it to him. + +DAWKER. Make him keener than ever. Better get in first. + +HILLCRIST. Ape his methods!--Ugh! Confound this gout! [He gets +back to his chair with difficulty] Look here, Dawker, I wanted to +see you about gates---- + +FELLOWS. [Entering] Mr. Hornblower. + + [HORNBLOWER enters-a man of medium, height, thoroughly + broadened, blown out, as it were, by success. He has thick, + coarse, dark hair, just grizzled, wry bushy eyebrow, a wide + mouth. He wears quite ordinary clothes, as if that department + were in charge of someone who knew about such, things. He has + a small rose in his buttonhole, and carries a Homburg hat, + which one suspects will look too small on his head.] + +HORNBLOWER. Good morning! good morning! How are ye, Dawker? Fine +morning! Lovely weather! + + [His voice has a curious blend in its tone of brass and oil, + and an accent not quite Scotch nor quite North country.] + +Haven't seen ye for a long time, Hillcrist. + +HILLCRIST. [Who has risen] Not since I sold you Longmeadow and +those cottages, I believe. + +HORNBLOWER. Dear me, now! that's what I came about. + +HILLCRIST. [Subsiding again into his chair] Forgive me! Won't you +sit down? + +HORNBLOWER. [Not sitting] Have ye got gout? That's unfortunate. +I never get it. I've no disposition that way. Had no ancestors, +you see. Just me own drinkin' to answer for. + +HILLCRIST. You're lucky. + +HORNBLOWER. I wonder if Mrs. Hillcrist thinks that! Am I lucky to +have no past, ma'am? Just the future? + +MRS. H. You're sure you have the future, Mr. Hornblower? + +HORNBLOWER. [With a laugh] That's your aristocratic rapier thrust. +You aristocrats are very hard people underneath your manners. Ye +love to lay a body out. But I've got the future all right. + +HILLCRIST. [Meaningly] I've had the Dackmans here, Mr. Hornblower. + +HORNBLOWER. Who are they--man with the little spitfire wife? + +HILLCRIST. They're very excellent, good people, and they've been in +that cottage quietly thirty years. + +HORNBLOWER. [Throwing out his forefinger--a favourite gesture] Ah! +ye've wanted me to stir ye up a bit. Deepwater needs a bit o' go +put into it. There's generally some go where I am. I daresay you +wish there'd been no "come." [He laughs]. + +MRS. H. We certainly like people to keep their word, Mr. +Hornblower. + +HILLCRIST. Amy! + +HORNBLOWER. Never mind, Hillcrist; takes more than that to upset +me. + + [MRS. HILLCRIST exchanges a look with DAWKER who slips out + unobserved.] + +HILLCRIST. You promised me, you know, not to change the tenancies. + +HORNBLOWER. Well, I've come to tell ye that I have. I wasn't +expecting to have the need when I bought. Thought the Duke would +sell me a bit down there; but devil a bit he will; and now I must +have those cottages for my workmen. I've got important works, ye +know. + +HILLCRIST. [Getting heated] The Jackmans have their importance +too, sir. Their heart's in that cottage. + +HORNBLOWER. Have a sense of proportion, man. My works supply +thousands of people, and my, heart's in them. What's more, they +make my fortune. I've got ambitions--I'm a serious man. Suppose I +were to consider this and that, and every little potty objection-- +where should I get to?--nowhere! + +HILLCRIST. All the same, this sort of thing isn't done, you know. + +HORNBLOWER. Not by you because ye've got no need to do it. Here ye +are, quite content on what your fathers made for ye. Ye've no +ambitions; and ye want other people to have none. How d'ye think +your fathers got your land? + +HILLCRIST. [Who has risen] Not by breaking their word. + +HORNBLOWER. [Throwing out his, finger] Don't ye believe it. They +got it by breaking their word and turnin' out Jackmans, if that's +their name, all over the place. + +MRS. H. That's an insult, Mr. Hornblower. + +HORNBLOWER. No; it's a repartee. If ye think so much of these +Jackmans, build them a cottage yourselves; ye've got the space. + +HILLCRIST. That's beside the point. You promised me, and I sold on +that understanding. + +HORNBLOWER. And I bought on the understandin' that I'd get some +more land from the Duke. + +HILLCRIST. That's nothing to do with me. + +HORNBLOWER. Ye'll find it has; because I'm going to have those +cottages. + +HILLCRIST. Well, I call it simply---- + + [He checks himself.] + +HORNBLOWER. Look here, Hillcrist, ye've not had occasion to +understand men like me. I've got the guts, and I've got the money; +and I don't sit still on it. I'm going ahead because I believe in +meself. I've no use for sentiment and that sort of thing. Forty of +your Jackmans aren't worth me little finger. + +HILLCRIST. [Angry] Of all the blatant things I ever heard said! + +HORNBLOWER. Well, as we're speaking plainly, I've been thinkin'. +Ye want the village run your oldfashioned way, and I want it run +mine. I fancy there's not room for the two of us here. + +MRS. H. When are you going? + +HORNBLOWER. Never fear, I'm not going. + +HILLCRIST. Look here, Mr. Hornblower--this infernal gout makes me +irritable--puts me at a disadvantage. But I should be glad if you'd +kindly explain yourself. + +HORNBLOWER. [With a great smile] Ca' canny; I'm fra' the North. + +HILLCRIST. I'm told you wish to buy the Centry and put more of your +chimneys up there, regardless of the fact [He Points through the +window] that it would utterly ruin the house we've had for +generations, and all our pleasure here. + +HORNBLOWER. How the man talks! Why! Ye'd think he owned the sky, +because his fathers built him a house with a pretty view, where he's +nothing to do but live. It's sheer want of something to do that +gives ye your fine sentiments, Hillcrist. + + +HILLCRIST. Have the goodness not to charge me with idleness. +Dawker--where is he?----[He shows the bureau] When you do the +drudgery of your works as thoroughly as I do that of my estate---- +Is it true about the Centry? + +HORNBLOWER. Gospel true. If ye want to know, my son Chearlie is +buyin' it this very minute. + +MRS. H. [Turning with a start] What do you say? + +HORNBLOWER. Ay, he's with the old lady she wants to sell, an' +she'll get her price, whatever it is. + +HILLCRIST. [With deep anger] If that isn't a skin game, Mr. +Hornblower, I don't know what is. + +HORNBLOWER. Ah! Ye've got a very nice expression there. "Skin +game!" Well, bad words break no bones, an' they're wonderful for +hardenin' the heart. If it wasn't for a lady's presence, I could +give ye a specimen or two. + +MRS. H. Oh! Mr. Hornblower, that need not stop you, I'm sure. + +HORNBLOWER. Well, and I don't know that it need. Ye're an +obstruction--the like of you--ye're in my path. And anyone in my +path doesn't stay there long; or, if he does, he stays there on my +terms. And my terms are chimneys in the Centry where I need 'em. +It'll do ye a power of good, too, to know that ye're not almighty. + +HILLCRIST. And that's being neighbourly! + +HORNBLOWER. And how have ye tried bein' neighbourly to me? If I +haven't a wife, I've got a daughter-in-law. Have Ye celled on her, +ma'am? I'm new, and ye're an old family. Ye don't like me, ye +think I'm a pushin' man. I go to chapel, an' ye don't like that. +I make things and I sell them, and ye don't like that. I buy land, +and ye don't like that. It threatens the view from your windies. +Well, I don't lie you, and I'm not goin' to put up with your +attitude. Ye've had things your own way too long, and now ye're not +going to have them any longer. + +HILLCRIST. Will you hold to your word over those cottages? + +HORNBLOWER. I'm goin' to have the cottages. I need them, and more +besides, now I'm to put up me new works. + +HILLCRIST. That's a declaration of war. + +HORNBLOWER. Ye never said a truer word. It's one or the other of +us, and I rather think it's goin' to be me. I'm the risin' and +you're the settin' sun, as the poet says. + +HILLCRIST. [Touching the bell] We shall see if you can ride rough- +shod like this. We used to have decent ways of going about things +here. You want to change all that. Well, we shall do our damnedest +to stop you. [To FELLOWS at the door] Are the Jackmans still in +the house? Ask them to be good enough to come in. + +HORNBLOWER. [With the first sign of uneasiness] I've seen these +people. I've nothing more to say to them. I told 'em I'd give 'em +five pounds to cover their moving. + +HILLCRIST. It doesn't occur to you that people, however humble, +like to have some say in their own fate? + +HORNBLOWER. I never had any say in mine till I had the brass, and +nobody ever will. It's all hypocrisy. You county folk are fair +awful hypocrites. Ye talk about good form and all that sort o' +thing. It's just the comfortable doctrine of the man in the saddle; +sentimental varnish. Ye're every bit as hard as I am, underneath. + +MRS. H. [Who had been standing very still all this time] You +flatter us. + +HORNBLOWER. Not at all. God helps those who 'elp themselves-- +that's at the bottom of all religion. I'm goin' to help meself, and +God's going to help me. + +MRS. H. I admire your knowledge. + +HILLCRIST. We are in the right, and God helps---- + +HORNBLOWER. Don't ye believe it; ye 'aven't got the energy. + +MRS. H. Nor perhaps the conceit. + +HORNBLOWER. [Throwing out his forefinger] No, no; 'tisn't conceit +to believe in yourself when ye've got reason to. [The JACKMAN'S +have entered.] + +HILLCRIST. I'm very sorry, Mrs. Jackman, but I just wanted you to +realise that I've done my best with this gentleman. + +MRS. J. [Doubtfully] Yes, sir. I thought if you spoke for us, +he'd feel different-like. + +HORNBLOWER. One cottage is the same as another, missis. I made ye +a fair offer of five pounds for the moving. + +JACKMAN. [Slowly] We wouldn't take fifty to go out of that 'ouse. +We brought up three children there, an' buried two from it. + +MRS. J. [To MRS. HILLCRIST] We're attached to it like, ma'am. + +HILLCRIST. [To HORNBLOWER.] How would you like being turned out of +a place you were fond of? + +HORNBLOWER. Not a bit. But little considerations have to give way +to big ones. Now, missis, I'll make it ten pounds, and I'll send a +wagon to shift your things. If that isn't fair--! Ye'd better +accept, I shan't keep it open. + + [The JACKMANS look at each other; their faces show deep anger-- + and the question they ask each other is which will speak.] + +MRS. J. We won't take it; eh, George? + +JACKMAN. Not a farden. We come there when we was married. + +HORNBLOWER. [Throwing out his finger] Ye're very improvident folk. + +HILLCRIST. Don't lecture them, Mr. Hornblower; they come out of +this miles above you. + +HORNBLOWER. [Angry] Well, I was going to give ye another week, but +ye'll go out next Saturday; and take care ye're not late, or your +things'll be put out in the rain. + +MRS. H. [To MRS. JACKMAN] We'll send down for your things, and you +can come to us for the time being. + + [MRS. JACKMAN drops a curtsey; her eyes stab HORNBLOWERS.] + +JACKMAN. [Heavily, clenching his fists] You're no gentleman! +Don't put temptation in my way, that's all, + +HILLCRIST. [In a low voice] Jackman! + +HORNBLOWER. [Triumphantly] Ye hear that? That's your protegee! +Keep out o' my way, me man, or I'll put the police on to ye for +utterin' threats. + +HILLCRIST. You'd better go now, Jackman. + + [The JACKMANS move to the door.] + +MRS. J. [Turning] Maybe you'll repent it some day, sir. + + [They go out, MRS. HILLCRIST following.] + +HORNBLOWER. We-ell, I'm sorry they're such unreasonable folk. I +never met people with less notion of which side their bread was +buttered. + +HILLCRIST. And I never met anyone so pachydermatous. + +HORNBLOWER. What's that, in Heaven's name? Ye needn' wrap it up in +long words now your good lady's gone. + +HILLCRIST. [With dignity] I'm not going in for a slanging match. +I resent your conduct much too deeply. + +HORNBLOWER. Look here, Hillcrist, I don't object to you personally; +ye seem to me a poor creature that's bound to get left with your +gout and your dignity; but of course ye can make yourself very +disagreeable before ye're done. Now I want to be the movin' spirit +here. I'm full of plans. I'm goin' to stand for Parliament; I'm +goin' to make this a prosperous place. I'm a good-matured man if +you'll treat me as such. Now, you take me on as a neighbour and all +that, and I'll manage without chimneys on the Centry. Is it a +bargain? [He holds out his hand.] + +HILLCRIST. [Ignoring it] I thought you said you didn't keep your +word when it suited you to break it? + +HORNBLOWER. Now, don't get on the high horse. You and me could be +very good friends; but I can be a very nasty enemy. The chimneys +will not look nice from that windie, ye know. + +HILLCRIST. [Deeply angry] Mr. Hornblower, if you think I'll take +your hand after this Jackman business, you're greatly mistaken. You +are proposing that I shall stand in with you while you tyrannise +over the neighbourhood. Please realise that unless you leave those +tenancies undisturbed as you said you would, we don't know each +other. + +HORNBLOWER. Well, that won't trouble me much. Now, ye'd better +think it over; ye've got gout and that makes ye hasty. I tell ye +again: I'm not the man to make an enemy of. Unless ye're friendly, +sure as I stand here I'll ruin the look of your place. + + [The toot of a car is heard.] + +There's my car. I sent Chearlie and his wife in it to buy the +Centry. And make no mistake--he's got it in his packet. It's your +last chance, Hillcrist. I'm not averse to you as a man; I think +ye're the best of the fossils round here; at least, I think ye can +do me the most harm socially. Come now! + + [He holds out his hand again.] + +HILLCRIST. Not if you'd bought the Centry ten times over. Your +ways are not mine, and I'll have nothing to do with you. + +HORNBLOWER. [Very angry] Really! Is that so? Very well. Now +ye're goin' to learn something, an' it's time ye did. D'ye realise +that I'm 'very nearly round ye? [He draws a circle slowly in the +air] I'm at Uphill, the works are here, here's Longmeadow, here's +the Centry that I've just bought, there's only the Common left to +give ye touch with the world. Now between you and the Common +there's the high road. + +I come out on the high road here to your north, and I shall come out +on it there to your west. When I've got me new works up on the +Centry, I shall be makin' a trolley track between the works up to +the road at both ends, so any goods will be running right round ye. +How'll ye like that for a country place? + + [For answer HILLCRIST, who is angry beyond the power of speech, + walks, forgetting to use his stick, up to the French window. + While he stands there, with his back to HORNBLOWER, the door L. + is flung open, and Jim enters, preceding CHARLES, his wife + CHLOE, and ROLF. CHARLES is a goodish-looking, moustached + young man of about twenty-eight, with a white rim to the collar + of his waistcoat, and spats. He has his hand behind CHLOE'S + back, as if to prevent her turning tail. She is rather a + handsome young woman, with dark eyes, full red lips, and a + suspicion of powder, a little under-dressed for the country. + ROLF, mho brings up the rear, is about twenty, with an open + face and stiffish butter-coloured hair. JILL runs over to her + father at the window. She has a bottle.] + +JILL. [Sotto voce] Look, Dodo, I've brought the lot! Isn't it a +treat, dear Papa? And here's the stuff. Hallo! + + [The exclamation is induced by the apprehension that there has + been a row. HILLCRIST gives a stiff little bow, remaining + where he is in the window. JILL, stays close to him, staring + from one to the other, then blocks him off and engages him in + conversation. CHARLES has gone up to his father, who has + remained maliciously still, where he delivered his last speech. + CHLOE and ROLF stand awkwardly waiting between the fireplace + and the door.] + +HORNBLOWER. Well, Chearlie? + +CHARLES. Not got it. + +HORNBLOWER. Not! + +CHARLES. I'd practically got her to say she'd sell at three +thousand five hundred, when that fellow Dawker turned up. + +HORNBLOWER. That bull-terrier of a chap! Why, he was here a while +ago. Oh--ho! So that's it! + +CHARLES. I heard him gallop up. He came straight for the old lady, +and got her away. What he said I don't know; but she came back +looking wiser than an owl; said she'd think it over, thought she had +other views. + +HORNBLOWER. Did ye tell her she might have her price? + +CHARLES. Practically I did. + +HORNBLOWER. Well? + +CHARLES. She thought it would be fairer to put it up to auction. +There were other enquiries. Oh! She's a leery old bird--reminds me +of one of those pictures of Fate, don't you know. + +HORNBLOWER. Auction! Well, if it's not gone we'll get it yet. +That damned little Dawker! I've had a row with Hillcrist. + +CHARLES. I thought so. + + [They are turning cautiously to look at HILLCRIST, when JILL + steps forward.] + +JILL. [Flushed and determined] That's not a bit sporting of you, +Mr. Hornblower. + + [At her words ROLE comes forward too.] + +HORNBLOWER. Ye should hear both sides before ye say that, missy. + +JILL. There isn't another side to turning out the Jackmans after +you'd promised. + +HORNBLOWER. Oh! dear me, yes. They don't matter a row of +gingerbread to the schemes I've got for betterin' this +neighbourhood. + +JILL. I had been standing up for you; now I won't. + +HOUNBLOWER. Dear, dear! What'll become of me? + +JILL. I won't say anything about the other thing because I think +it's beneath, dignity to notice it. But to turn poor people out of +their cottages is a shame. + +HORNBLOWER. Hoity me! + +ROLF. [Suddenly] You haven't been doing that, father? + +CHARLES. Shut up, Rolf! + +HORNBLOWER. [Turning on ROLF] Ha! Here's a league o' Youth! My +young whipper-snapper, keep your mouth shut and leave it to your +elders to know what's right. + + [Under the weight of this rejoinder ROLF stands biting his + lips. Then he throws his head up.] + +ROLF. I hate it! + +HORNBLOWER. [With real venom] Oh! Ye hate it? Ye can get out of +my house, then. + +JILL. Free speech, Mr. Hornblower; don't be violent. + +HORNBLOWER. Ye're right, young lady. Ye can stay in my house, +Rolf, and learn manners. Come, Chearlie! + +JILL. [Quite softly] Mr. Hornblower! + +HILLCRIST. [From the window] Jill! + +JILL. [Impatiently] Well, what's the good of it? Life's too short +for rows, and too jolly! + +ROLF. Bravo! + +HORNBLOWER. [Who has shown a sign of weakening] Now, look here! +I will not have revolt in my family. Ye'll just have to learn that +a man who's worked as I have, who's risen as I have, and who knows +the world, is the proper judge of what's right and wrong. I'll +answer to God for me actions, and not to you young people. + +JILL. Poor God! + +HORNBLOWER. [Genuinely shocked] Ye blasphemous young thing! [To +ROLF] And ye're just as bad, ye young freethinker. I won't have +it. + +HILLCRIST. [Who has come down, Right] Jill, I wish you would +kindly not talk. + +JILL. I can't help it. + +CHARLES. [Putting his arm through HORNBLOWER'S] Come along, +father! Deeds, not words. + +HORNBLOWER. Ay! Deeds! + + [MRS. HILLCRIST and DAWKERS have entered by the French window.] + +MRS. H. Quite right! + + [They all turn and look at her.] + +HORNBLOWER. Ah! So ye put your dog on to it. [He throws out his +finger at DAWKERS] Very smart, that--I give ye credit. + +MRS. H. [Pointing to CHLOE, who has stood by herself, forgotten and +uncomfortable throughout the scene] +May I ask who this lady is? + + [CHLOE turns round startled, and her vanity bag slips down her + dress to the floor.] + +HORNBLOWER. No, ma'am, ye may not, for ye know perfectly well. + +JILL. I brought her in, mother [She moves to CHLOE's side.] + +MRS. H. Will you take her out again, then. + +HILLCRIST. Amy, have the goodness to remember---- + +MRS. H. That this is my house so far as ladies are concerned. + +JILL. Mother! + + [She looks astonished at CHLOE, who, about to speak, does not, + passing her eyes, with a queer, half-scarred expression, from + MRS. HILLCRIST to DAWKER.] + + [To CHLOE] I'm awfully sorry. Come on! + + [They go out, Left. ROLF hurries after them.] + +CHARLES. You've insulted my wife. Why? What do you mean by it? + + [MRS. HILLCRIST simply smiles.] + +HILLCRIST. I apologise. I regret extremely. There is no reason +why the ladies of your family or of mine should be involved in our +quarrel. For Heaven's sake, let's fight like gentlemen. + +HORNBLOWER. Catchwords--sneers! No; we'll play what ye call a skin +game, Hillcrist, without gloves on; we won't spare each other. Ye +look out for yourselves, for, begod, after this morning I mean +business. And as for you, Dawker, ye sly dog, ye think yourself +very clever; but I'll have the Centry yet. Come, Chearlie! + + [They go out, passing JILL, who is coming in again, in the + doorway.] + +HILLCRIST. Well, Dawker? + +DAWKER. [Grinning] Safe for the moment. The old lady'll put it up +to auction. Couldn't get her to budge from that. Says she don't +want to be unneighbourly to either. But, if you ask me, it's money +she smells! + +JILL. [Advancing] Now, mother + +MRS. H. Well? + +JILL. Why did you insult her? + +MRS. H. I think I only asked you to take her out. + +JILL. Why? Even if she is Old Combustion's daughter-in-law? + +MRS. H. My dear Jill, allow me to judge the sort of acquaintances I +wish to make. [She looks at DAWKER.] + +JILL. She's all right. Lots of women powder and touch up their +lips nowadays. I think she's rather a good sort; she was awfully +upset. + +MRS. H. Too upset. + +JILL. Oh! don't be so mysterious, mother. If you know something, +do spit it out! + +MRS. H. Do you wish me to--er--"spit it out," Jack? + +HILLCRIST. Dawker, if you don't mind---- + + [DAWKER, with a nod, passes away out of the French window.] + +Jill, be respectful, and don't talk like a bargee. + +JILL. It's no good, Dodo. It made me ashamed. It's just as--as +caddish to insult people who haven't said a word, in your own house, +as it is to be--old Hornblower. + +MRS. H. You don't know what you're talking about. + +HILLCRIST. What's the matter with young Mrs. Hornblower? + +MRS. H. Excuse me, I shall keep my thoughts to myself at present. + + [She looks coldly at JILL, and goes out through the French + window.] + +HILLCRIST. You've thoroughly upset your mother, Jill. + +JILL. It's something Dawker's told her; I saw them. I don't like +Dawker, father, he's so common. + +HILLCRIST. My dear, we can't all be uncommon. He's got lots of go, +You must apologise to your mother. + +JILL. [Shaking-her clubbed hair] They'll make you do things you +don't approve of, Dodo, if you don't look out. Mother's fearfully +bitter when she gets her knife in. If old Hornblower's disgusting, +it's no reason we should be. + +HILLCRIST. So you think I'm capable--that's nice, Jill! + +JILL. No, no, darling! I only want to warn you solemnly that +mother'll tell you you're fighting fair, no matter what she and +Dawker do. + +HILLCRIST. [Smiling] Jill, I don't think I ever saw you so +serious. + +JILL. No. Because--[She swallows a lump in her throat] Well--I +was just beginning to enjoy, myself; and now--everything's going to +be bitter and beastly, with mother in that mood. That horrible old +man! Oh, Dodo! Don't let them make you horrid! You're such a +darling. How's your gout, ducky? + +HILLCRIST. Better; lot better. + +JILL. There, you see! That shows! It's going to be half- +interesting for you, but not for--us. + +HILLCRIST. Look here, Jill--is there anything between you and young +what's-his-name--Rolf? + +JILL. [Biting her lip] No. But--now it's all spoiled. + +HILLCRIST. You can't expect me to regret that. + +JILL. I don't mean any tosh about love's young dream; but I do like +being friends. I want to enjoy things, Dodo, and you can't do that +when everybody's on the hate. You're going to wallow in it, and so +shall I--oh! I know I shall!--we shall all wallow, and think of +nothing but "one for his nob." + +HILLCRIST. Aren't you fond of your home? + +JILL. Of course. I love it. + +HILLCRIST. Well, you won't be able to live in it unless we stop +that ruffian. Chimneys and smoke, the trees cut down, piles of +pots. Every kind of abomination. There! [He points] Imagine! +[He points through the French window, as if he could see those +chimneys rising and marring the beauty of the fields] I was born +here, and my father, and his, and his, and his. They loved those +fields, and those old trees. And this barbarian, with his +"improvement" schemes, forsooth! I learned to ride in the Centry +meadows--prettiest spring meadows in the world; I've climbed every +tree there. Why my father ever sold----! But who could have +imagined this? And come at a bad moment, when money's scarce. + +JILL. [Cuddling his arm] Dodo! + +HILLCRIST. Yes. But you don't love the place as I do, Jill. You +youngsters don't love anything, I sometimes think. + +JILL. I do, Dodo, I do! + +HILLCRIST. You've got it all before you. But you may live your +life and never find anything so good and so beautiful as this old +home. I'm not going to have it spoiled without a fight. + + [Conscious of batting betrayed Sentiment, he walks out at the + French window, passing away to the right. JILL following to + the window, looks. Then throwing back her head, she clasps her + hands behind it.] + +JILL. Oh--oh-oh! + + [A voice behind her says, "JILL!" She turns and starts back, + leaning against the right lintel of the window. ROLF appears + outside the window from Left.] + +Who goes there? + +ROLE. [Buttressed against the Left lintel] Enemy--after Chloe's +bag. + +JILL. Pass, enemy! And all's ill! + + [ROLF passes through the window, and retrieves the vanity bag + from the floor where CHLOE dropped it, then again takes his + stand against the Left lintel of the French window.] + +ROLF. It's not going to make any difference, is it? + +JILL. You know it is. + +ROLF. Sins of the fathers. + +JILL. Unto the third and fourth generations. What sin has my +father committed? + +ROLF. None, in a way; only, I've often told you I don't see why you +should treat us as outsiders. We don't like it. + +JILL. Well, you shouldn't be, then; I mean, he shouldn't be. + +ROLF. Father's just as human as your father; he's wrapped up in us, +and all his "getting on" is for us. Would you like to be treated as +your mother treated Chloe? Your mother's set the stroke for the +other big-wigs about here; nobody calls on Chloe. And why not? Why +not? I think it's contemptible to bar people just because they're +new, as you call it, and have to make their position instead of +having it left them. + +JILL. It's not because they're new, it's because--if your father +behaved like a gentleman, he'd be treated like one. + +ROLF. Would he? I don't believe it. My father's a very able man; +he thinks he's entitled to have influence here. Well, everybody +tries to keep him down. Oh! yes, they do. That makes him mad and +more determined than ever to get his way. You ought to be just, +Jill. + +JILL. I am just. + +ROLF. No, you're not. Besides, what's it got to do with Charlie +and Chloe? Chloe's particularly harmless. It's pretty sickening +for her. Father didn't expect people to call until Charlie married, +but since---- + +JILL. I think it's all very petty. + +ROLF. It is--a dog-in-the-manger business; I did think you were +above it. + +JILL. How would you like to have your home spoiled? + +ROLE. I'm not going to argue. Only things don't stand still. +Homes aren't any more proof against change than anything else. + +JILL. All right! You come and try and take ours. + +ROLF. We don't want to take your home. + +JILL. Like the Jackmans'? + +ROLF. All right. I see you're hopelessly prejudiced. + + [He turns to go.] + +JILL. [Just as he is vanishing--softly] Enemy? + +ROLF. [Turning] Yes, enemy. + +JILL. Before the battle--let's shake hands. + + [They move from the lintels and grasp each other's hands in the + centre of the French window.] + + + CURTAIN + + + + +ACT II + + +SCENE I + + A billiard room in a provincial hotel, where things are bought + and sold. The scene is set well forward, and is not very + broad; it represents the auctioneer's end of the room, having, + rather to stage Left, a narrow table with two chairs facing the + audience, where the auctioneer will sit and stand. The table, + which is set forward to the footlights, is littered with green- + covered particulars of sale. The audience are in effect public + and bidders. There is a door on the Left, level with the + table. Along the back wall, behind the table, are two raised + benches with two steps up to them, such as billiard rooms often + have, divided by a door in the middle of a wall, which is + panelled in oak. Late September sunlight is coming from a + skylight (not visible) on to these seats. The stage is empty + when the curtain goes up, but DAWKERS, and MRS. HILLCRIST are + just entering through the door at the back. + +DAWKER. Be out of their way here, ma'am. See old Hornblower with +Chearlie? + + [He points down to the audience.] + +MRS. H. It begins at three, doesn't it? + +DAWKER. They won't be over-punctual; there's only the Centry +selling. There's young Mrs. Hornblower with the other boy-- +[Pointing] over at the entrance. I've got that chap I told you of +down from town. + +MRS. H. Ah! make sure quite of her, Dawker. Any mistake would be +fatal. + +DAWKER. [Nodding] That's right, ma'am. Lot of peopled--always +spare time to watch an auction--ever remark that? The Duke's +agent's here; shouldn't be surprised if he chipped in. + +MRS. H. Where did you leave my husband? + +DAWKER. With Miss Jill, in the courtyard. He's coming to you. In +case I miss him; tell him when I reach his limit to blow his nose if +he wants me to go on; when he blows it a second time, I'll stop for +good. Hope we shan't get to that. Old Hornblower doesn't throw his +money away. + +MRS. H. What limit did you settle? + +DAWKER. Six thousand! + +MRS. H. That's a fearful price. Well, good luck to you, Dawker! + +DAWKER. Good luck, ma'am. I'll go and see to that little matter of +Mrs. Chloe. Never fear, we'll do them is somehow. + + [He winks, lays his finger on the side of his nose, and goes + out at the door.] + + [MRS. HILLCRIST mounts the two steps, sits down Right of the + door, and puts up a pair of long-handled glasses. Through the + door behind her come CHLOE and ROLF. She makes a sign for him + to go, and shuts the door.] + +CHLOE. [At the foot of the steps in the gangway--with a slightly +common accent] Mrs. Hillcrist! + +MRS. H. [Not quite starting] I beg your pardon? + +CHLOE. [Again] Mrs. Hillcrist---- + +MRS. H. Well? + +CHLOE. I never did you any harm. + +MRS. H. Did I ever say you did? + +CHLOE. No; but you act as if I had. + +MRS. H. I'm not aware that I've acted at all--as yet. You are +nothing to me, except as one of your family. + +CHLOE. 'Tisn't I that wants to spoil your home. + +MRS. H. Stop them then. I see your husband down there with his +father. + +CHLOE. I--I have tried. + +MRS. H. [Looking at her] Oh! I suppose such men don't pay +attention to what women ask them. + +CHLOE. [With a flash of spirit] I'm fond of my husband. I---- + +MRS. H. [Looking at her steadily] I don't quite know why you spoke +to me. + +CHLOE. [With a sort of pathetic sullenness] I only thought perhaps +you'd like to treat me as a human being. + +MRS. H. Really, if you don't mind, I should like to be left alone +just now. + +CHLOE. [Unhappily acquiescent] Certainly! I'll go to the other +end. + + [She moves to the Left, mounts the steps and sits down.] + + [ROLF, looking in through the door, and seeing where she is, + joins her. MRS. HILLCRIST resettles herself a little further + in on the Right.] + +ROLF. [Bending over to CHLOE, after a glance at MRS. HILLCRIST.] +Are you all right? + +CHLOE. It's awfully hot. + + [She fans herself wide the particulars of sale.] + +ROLF. There's Dawker. I hate that chap! + +CHLOE. Where? + +ROLF. Down there; see? + + [He points down to stage Right of the room.] + +CHLOE. [Drawing back in her seat with a little gasp] Oh! + +ROLF. [Not noticing] Who's that next him, looking up here? + +CHLOE. I don't know. + + [She has raised her auction programme suddenly, and sits + fanning herself, carefully screening her face.] + +ROLE. [Looking at her] Don't you feel well? Shall I get you some +water? [He gets up at her nod.] + + [As he reaches the door, HILLCRIST and JILL come in. HILLCRIST + passes him abstractedly with a nod, and sits down beside his + wife.] + +JILL. [To ROLF] Come to see us turned out? + +ROLF. [Emphatically] No. I'm looking after Chloe; she's not well. + +JILL. [Glancing at her] Sorry. She needn't have come, I suppose? + [RALF deigns no answer, and goes out.] + + [JILL glances at CHLOE, then at her parents talking in low + voices, and sits down next her father, who makes room for her.] + +MRS. H. Can Dawker see you there, Jack? + + [HILLCRIST nods.] + +What's the time? + +HILLCRIST. Three minutes to three. + +JILL. Don't you feel beastly all down the backs of your legs. +Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. Yes. + +JILL. Do you, mother? + +MRS. H. No. + +JILL. A wagon of old Hornblower's pots passed while we were in the +yard. It's an omen. + +MRS. H. Don't be foolish, Jill. + +JILL. Look at the old brute! Dodo, hold my hand. + +MRS. H. Make sure you've got a handkerchief, Jack. + +HILLCRIST. I can't go beyond the six thousand; I shall have to +raise every penny on mortgage as it is. The estate simply won't +stand more, Amy. + + [He feels in his breast pocket, and pulls up the edge of his + handkerchief.] + +JILL. Oh! Look! There's Miss Mullins, at the back; just come in. +Isn't she a spidery old chip? + +MRS. H. Come to gloat. Really, I think her not accepting your +offer is disgusting. Her impartiality is all humbug. + +HILLCRIST. Can't blame her for getting what she can--it's human +nature. Phew! I used to feel like this before a 'viva voce'. +Who's that next to Dawker? + +JILL. What a fish! + +MRS. H. [To herself] Ah! yes. + + [Her eyes slide round at CHLOE, silting motionless and rather + sunk in her seat, slowly fanning herself with they particulars + of the sale. Jack, go and offer her my smelling salts.] + +HILLCRIST. [Taking the salts] Thank God for a human touch! + +MRS. H. [Taken aback] Oh! + +JILL. [With a quick look at her mother, snatching the salts] I +will. [She goes over to CHLOE with the salts] Have a sniff; you +look awfully white. + +CHLOE. [Looking up, startled] Oh! no thanks. I'm all right. + +JILL. No, do! You must. [CHLOE takes them.] + +JILL. D'you mind letting me see that a minute? + + [She takes the particulars of the sale and studies it, but + CHLOE has buried the lower part of her face in her hand and the + smelling salts bottle.] + +Beastly hot, isn't it? You'd better keep that. + +CHLOE. [Her dark eyes wandering and uneasy] Rolf's getting me some +water. + +JILL. Why do you stay? You didn't want to come, did you? + + [CHLOE shakes her head.] + +All right! Here's your water. + + [She hands back the particulars and slides over to her seat, + passing ROLF in the gangway, with her chin well up.] + + [MRS. HILLCRIST, who has watched CHLOE and JILL and DAWKER, and + his friend, makes an enquiring movement with her hand, but gets + a disappointing answer.] + +JILL. What's the time, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. [Looking at his watch] Three minutes past. + +JILL. [Sighing] Oh, hell! + +HILLCRIST. Jill! + +JILL. Sorry, Dodo. I was only thinking. Look! Here he is! +Phew!--isn't he----? + +MRS. H. 'Sh! + + The AUCTIONEER comes in Left and goes to the table. He is a + square, short, brown-faced, common looking man, with clipped + grey hair fitting him like a cap, and a clipped grey moustache. + His lids come down over his quick eyes, till he can see you + very sharply, and you can hardly see that he can see you. He + can break into a smile at any moment, which has no connection + with him, as it were. By a certain hurt look, however, when + bidding is slow, he discloses that he is not merely an + auctioneer, but has in him elements of the human being. He can + wink with anyone, and is dressed in a snug-brown suit, with a + perfectly unbuttoned waistcoat, a low, turned down collar, and + small black and white sailor knot tie. While he is settling + his papers, the HILLCRISTS settle themselves tensely. CHLOE + has drunk her water and leaned back again, with the smelling + salts to her nose. ROLF leans forward in the seat beside her, + looking sideways at JILL. A SOLICITOR, with a grey beard, has + joined the AUCTIONEER, at his table. + +AUCTIONEER. [Tapping the table] Sorry to disappoint you, +gentlemen, but I've only one property to offer you to-day, No. 1, +The Centry, Deepwater. The second on the particulars has been +withdrawn. The third that's Bidcot, desirable freehold mansion and +farmlands in the Parish of Kenway--we shall have to deal with next +week. I shall be happy to sell it you then with out reservation. +[He looks again through the particulars in his hand, giving the +audience time to readjust themselves to his statements] Now, +gen'lemen, as I say, I've only the one property to sell. Freehold +No. 1--all that very desirable corn and stock-rearing and parklike +residential land known as the Centry, Deepwater, unique property an +A.1. chance to an A.1. audience. [With his smile] Ought to make +the price of the three we thought we had. Now you won't mind +listening to the conditions of sale; Mr. Blinkard'll read 'em, and +they won't wirry you, they're very short. + + [He sits down and gives two little tape on the table.] + + [The SOLICITOR rises and reads the conditions of sale in a + voice which no one practically can hear. Just as he begins to + read these conditions of sale, CHARLES HORNBLOWER enters at + back. He stands a moment, glancing round at the HILLCRIST and + twirling his moustache, then moves along to his wife and + touches her.] + +CHARLES. Chloe, aren't you well? + + [In the start which she gives, her face is fully revealed to + the audience.] + +CHARLES. Come along, out of the way of these people. + + [He jerks his head towards the HILLCRISTS. CHLOE gives a swift + look down to the stage Right of the audience.] + +CHLOE. No; I'm all right; it's hotter there. + +CHARLES. [To ROLF] Well, look after her--I must go back. + + [ROLF node. CHARLES, slides bank to the door, with a glance at + the HILLCRISTS, of whom MRS. HILLCRIST has been watching like a + lynx. He goes out, just as the SOLICITOR, finishing, sits + down.] + +AUCTIONEER. [Rising and tapping] Now, gen'lemen, it's not often a +piece of land like this comes into the market. What's that? [To a +friend in front of him] No better land in Deepwater--that's right, +Mr. Spicer. I know the village well, and a charming place it is; +perfect locality, to be sure. Now I don't want to wirry you by +singing the praises of this property; there it is--well-watered, +nicely timbered--no reservation of the timber, gen'lemen--no tenancy +to hold you up; free to do what you like with it to-morrow. You've +got a jewel of a site there, too; perfect position for a house. It +lies between the Duke's and Squire Hillcrist's--an emerald isle. +[With his smile] No allusion to Ireland, gen'lemen--perfect peace +in the Centry. Nothing like it in the county--a gen'leman's site, +and you don't get that offered you every day. [He looks down +towards HORNBLOWER, stage Left] Carries the mineral rights, and as +you know, perhaps, there's the very valuable Deepwater clay there. +What am I to start it at? Can I say three thousand? Well, anything +you like to give me. I'm sot particular. Come now, you've got more +time than me, I expect. Two hundred acres of first-rate grazin' and +cornland, with a site for a residence unequalled in the county; and +all the possibilities! Well, what shall I say? + + [Bid from SPICER.] + +Two thousand? [With his smile] That won't hurt you, Mr. Spicer. +Why, it's worth that to overlook the Duke. For two thousand? + + [Bid from HORNBLOWER, stage Left.] + +And five. Thank you, sir. Two thousand five hundred bid. + + [To a friend just below him.] + +Come, Mr. Sandy, don't scratch your head over it. + + [Bid from DAWKER, Stage Right.] + +And five. Three thousand bid for this desirable property. Why, +you'd think it wasn't desirable. Come along, gen'lemen. A little +spirit. + + [A alight pause.] + +JILL. Why can't I see the bids, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. The last was Dawker's. + +AUCTIONEER. For three thousand. [HORNBLOWER] Three thousand five +hundred? May I say--four? [A bid from the centre] No, I'm not +particular; I'll take hundreds. Three thousand six hundred bid. +[HORNBLOWER] And seven. Three thousand seven hundred, and---- + + [He pauses, quartering the audience.] + +JILL. Who was that, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. Hornblower. It's the Duke in the centre. + +AUCTIONEER. Come, gen'lemen, don't keep me all day. Four thousand +may I say? [DAWKER] Thank you. We're beginning. And one? [A bid +from the centre] Four thousand one hundred. [HORNBLOWER] Four +thousand two hundred. May I have yours, sir? [To DAWKER] And +three. Four thousand three hundred bid. No such site in the +county, gen'lemen. I'm going to sell this land for what it's worth. +You can't bid too much for me. [He smiles] [HORNBLOWER] Four +thousand five hundred bid. [Bid from the centre] And six. [DAWKER] +And seven. [HORNBLOWER] And eight. Nine, may I say? [But the +centre has dried up] [DAWKER] And nine. [HORNBLOWER] Five +thousand. Five thousand bid. That's better; there's some spirit in +it. For five thousand. + + [He pauses while he speak& to the SOLICITOR] + +HILLCRIST. It's a duel now. + +AUCTIONEER. Now, gen'lemen, I'm not going to give this property +away. Five thousand bid. [DAWKER] And one. [HORNBLOWER] And two. +[DAWKER] And three. Five thousand three hundred bid. And five, +did you say, sir? [HORNBLOWER] Five thousand five hundred bid. + + [He looks at hip particulars.] + +JILL. [Rather agonised] Enemy, Dodo. + +AUCTIONEER. This chance may never come again. + + "How you'll regret it + If you don't get it," + +as the poet says. May I say five thousand six hundred, sir? +[DAWKER] Five thousand six hundred bid. [HORNBLOWER] And seven. +[DAWKER] And eight. For five thousand eight hundred pounds. We're +gettin' on, but we haven't got the value yet. + +[A slight pause, while he wipes his brow at the success of his own +efforts.] + +JILL. Us, Dodo? + + [HILLCRIST nods. JILL looks over at ROLF, whose face is + grimly set. CHLOE has never moved. MRS. HILLCRIST whispers to + her husband.] + +AUCTIONEER. Five thousand eight hundred bid. For five thousand +eight hundred. Come along, gen'lemen, come along. We're not +beaten. Thank you, sir. [HORNBLOWER] Five thousand nine hundred. +And--? [DAWKER] Six thousand. Six thousand bid. Six thousand +bid. For six thousand! The Centry--most desirable spot in the +county--going for the low price of six thousand. + +HILLCRIST. [Muttering] Low! Heavens! + +AUCTIONEER. Any advance on six thousand? Come, gen'lemen, we +haven't dried up? A little spirit. Six thousand? For six +thousand? For six thousand pounds? Very well, I'm selling. For +six thousand once--[He taps] For six thousand twice--[He taps]. + +JILL. [Low] Oh! we've got it! + +AUCTIONEER. And one, sir? [HORNBLOWER] Six thousand one hundred +bid. + + [The SOLICITOR touches his arm and says something, to which the + AUCTIONEER responds with a nod.] + +MRS. H. Blow your nose, Jack. + + [HILLCRIST blows his nose.] + +AUCTIONEER. For six thousand one hundred. [DAWKER] And two. +Thank you. [HORNBLOWER] And three. For six thousand three +hundred. [DAWKER] And four. For six thousand four hundred pounds. +This coveted property. For six thousand four hundred pounds. Why, +it's giving it away, gen'lemen. [A pause.] + +MRS. H. Giving! + +AUCTIONEER. Six thousand four hundred bid. [HORNBLOWER] And five. +[DAWKER] And six. [HORNBLOWER] And seven. [DAWKER] And eight. + + [A pause, during which, through the door Left, someone beckons + to the SOLICITOR, who rises and confers.] + +HILLCRIST. [Muttering] I've done if that doesn't get it. + +AUCTIONEER. For six thousand eight hundred. For six thousand eight +hundred-once--[He taps] twice--[He tape] For the last time. This +dominating site. [HORNBLOWER] And nine. Thank you. For six +thousand nine hundred. + + [HILLCRIST has taken out his handkerchief.] + +JILL. Oh! Dodo! + +MRS. H. [Quivering] Don't give in! + +AUCTIONEER. Seven thousand may I say? [DAWKER] Seven thousand. + +MRS. H. [Whispers] Keep it down; don't show him. + +AUCTIONEER. For seven-thousand--going for seven thousand--once-- +[Taps] twice [Taps] [HORNBLOWER] And one. Thank you, sir. + + [HILLCRIST blows his nose. JILL, with a choke, leans back in + her seat and folds her arms tightly on her chest. MRS. + HILLCRIST passes her handkerchief over her lips, sitting + perfectly still. HILLCRIST, too, is motionless.] + + [The AUCTIONEER, has paused, and is talking to the SOLICITOR, + who has returned to his seat.] + +MRS. H. Oh! Jack. + +JILL. Stick it, Dodo; stick it! + +AUCTIONEER. Now, gen'lemen, I have a bid of seven thousand one +hundred for the Centry. And I'm instructed to sell if I can't get +more. It's a fair price, but not a big price. [To his friend MR. +SPICER] A thumpin' price? [With his smile] Well, you're a judge +of thumpin', I admit. Now, who'll give me seven thousand two +hundred? What, no one? Well, I can't make you, gen'lemen. For +seven thousand one hundred. Once--[Taps] Twice--[Taps]. + + [JILL utters a little groan.] + +HILLCRIST. [Suddenly, in a queer voice] Two. + +AUCTIONEER. [Turning with surprise and looking up to receive +HILLCRIST'S nod] Thank you, sir. And two. Seven thousand two +hundred. [He screws himself round so as to command both HILLCRIST +and HORNBLOWER] May I have yours, sir? [HORNBLOWER] And three. +[HILLCRIST] And four. Seven thousand four hundred. For seven +thousand four hundred. [HORNBLOWER] Five. [HILLCRIST] Six. For +seven thousand six hundred. [A pause] Well, gen'lemen, this is. +better, but a record property shid fetch a record price. The +possibilities are enormous. [HORNBLOWER] Eight thousand did you +say, sir? Eight thousand. Going for eight thousand pounds. +[HILLCRIST] And one. [HORNBLOWER] And two. [HILLCRIST] And +three. [HORNBLOWER] And four. [HILLCRIST] And five. For eight +thousand five hundred. A wonderful property for eight thousand five +hundred. + +[He wipes his brow.] + +JILL. [Whispering] Oh, Dodo! + +MRS. H. That's enough, Jack, we must stop some time. + +AUCTIONEER. For eight thousand five hundred. Once--[Taps]--twice-- +[Taps] [HORNBLOWER] Six hundred. [HILLCRIST] Seven. May I have +yours, sir? [HORNBLOWER] Eight. + +HILLCRIST. Nine thousand. + + [MRS. HILLCRIST looks at him, biting her lips, but he is quite + absorbed.] + +AUCTIONEER. Nine thousand for this astounding property. Why, the +Duke would pay that if he realised he'd be overlooked. Now, Sir? +[To HORNBLOWER. No response]. Just a little raise on that. [No +response.] For nine thousand. The Centry, Deepwater, for nine +thousand. Once--[Taps] Twice----[Taps]. + +JILL. [Under her breath] Ours! + +A VOICE. [From far back in the centre] And five hundred. + +AUCTIONEER. [Surprised and throwing out his arms towards the voice] +And five hundred. For nine thousand five hundred. May I have +yours, sir? [He looks at HORNBLOWER. No response.] + + [The SOLICITOR speaks to him. MRS. H. [Whispering] It must + be the Duke again.] + +HILLCRIST. [Passing his hand over his brow] That's stopped him, +anyway. + +AUCTIONEER. [Looking at HILLCRIST] For nine thousand five hundred? +[HILLCRIST shakes his head.] Once more. The Centry, Deepwater, for +nine thousand five hundred. Once--[Taps] Twice--[Taps] [He pauses +and looks again at HORNBLOWER and HILLCRIST] For the last time--at +nine thousand five hundred. [Taps] [With a look towards the +bidder] Mr. Smalley. Well! [With great satisfaction] That's +that! No more to-day, gen'lemen. + + [The AUCTIONEER and SOLICITOR busy themselves. The room begins + to empty.] + +MRS. H. Smalley? Smalley? Is that the Duke's agent? Jack! + +HILLCRIST. [Coming out of a sort of coma, after the excitement he +has been going through] What! What! + +JILL. Oh, Dodo! How splendidly you stuck it! + +HILLCRIST. Phew! What a squeak! I was clean out of my depth. A +mercy the Duke chipped in again. + +MRS. H. [Looking at ROLF and CHLOE, who are standing up as if about +to go] Take care; they can hear you. Find DAWKER, Jack. + + [Below, the AUCTIONEER and SOLICITOR take up their papers, and + move out Left.] + + [HILLCRIST stretches himself, standing up, as if to throw off + the strain. The door behind is opened, and HORNBLOWER + appears.] + +HORNBLOWER. Ye ran me up a pretty price. Ye bid very pluckily, +Hillcrist. But ye didn't quite get my measure. + +HILLCRIST. Oh! It was my nine thousand the Duke capped. Thank +God, the Centry's gone to a gentleman! + +HORNBLOWER. The Duke? [He laughs] No, the Gentry's not gone to a +gentleman, nor to a fool. It's gone to me. + +HILLCRIST. What! + +HOUNBLOWER. I'm sorry for ye; ye're not fit to manage these things. +Well, it's a monstrous price, and I've had to pay it because of your +obstinacy. I shan't forget that when I come to build. + +HILLCRIST. D'you mean to say that bid was for you? + +HORNBLOWER. Of course I do. I told ye I was a bad man to be up +against. Perhaps ye'll believe me now. + +HILLCRIST. A dastardly trick! + +HORNBLOWER. [With venom] What did ye call it--a skin game? +Remember we're playin' a skin game, Hillcrist. + +HILLCRIST. [Clenching his fists] If we were younger men---- + +HORNBLOWER. Ay! 'Twouldn't Look pretty for us to be at fisticuffs. +We'll leave the fightin' to the young ones. [He glances at ROLF and +JILL; suddenly throwing out his finger at ROLF] No makin' up to +that young woman! I've watched ye. And as for you, missy, you +leave my boy alone. + +JILL. [With suppressed passion] Dodo, may I spit in his eye or +something? + +HILLCRIST. Sit down. + + [JILL sits down. He stands between her and HORNBLOWER.] + + [Yu've won this round, sir, by a foul blow. We shall see + whether you can take any advantage of it. I believe the law + can stop you ruining my property.] + +HORNBLOWER. Make your mind easy; it can't. I've got ye in a noose, +and I'm goin' to hang ye. + +MRS. H. [Suddenly] Mr. Hornblower, as you fight foul--so shall we. + +HILLCRIST. Amy! + +MRS. H. [Paying no attention] And it will not be foul play towards +you and yours. You are outside the pale. + +HORNBLOWER. That's just where I am, outside your pale all round ye. +Ye're not long for Deepwater, ma'am. Make your dispositions to go; +ye'll be out in six months, I prophesy. And good riddance to the +neighbourhood. [They are all down on the level now.] + +CHLOE. [Suddenly coming closer to MRS. HILLCRIST] Here are your +salts, thank you. Father, can't you----? + +HORNBLOWER. [Surprised] Can't I what? + +CHLOE. Can't you come to an arrangement? + +MRS. H. Just so, Mr. Hornblower. Can't you? + +HORNBLOWER. [Looking from one to the other] As we're speakin' out, +ma'am, it's your behaviour to my daughter-in-law--who's as good as +you--and better, to my thinking--that's more than half the reason +why I've bought this property. Ye've fair got my dander up. Now +it's no use to bandy words. It's very forgivin' of ye, Chloe, but +come along! + +MRS. H. Quite seriously, Mr. Hornblower, you had better come to an +arrangement. + +HORNBLOWER. Mrs. Hillcrist, ladies should keep to their own +business. + +MRS. H. I will. + +HILLCRIST. Amy, do leave it to us men. You young man [He speaks to +ROLF] do you support your father's trick this afternoon? + + [JILL looks round at ROLF, who tries to speak, when HORNBLOWER + breaks in.] + +HORNBLOWER. My trick? And what dye call it, to try and put me own +son against me? + +JILL. [To ROLF] Well? + +ROLF. I don't, but---- + +HORNBLOWER. Trick? Ye young cub, be quiet. Mr. Hillcrist had an +agent bid for him--I had an agent bid for me. Only his agent bid at +the beginnin', an' mine bid at the end. What's the trick in that? + +[He laughs.] + +HILLCRIST. Hopeless; we're in different worlds. + +HORNBLOWER. I wish to God we were! Come you, Chloe. And you, +Rolf, you follow. In six months I'll have those chimneys up, and me +lorries runnin' round ye. + +MRS. H. Mr. Hornblower, if you build---- + +HORNBLOWER. [Looking at MRS. HILLCRIST] Ye know--it's laughable. +Ye make me pay nine thousand five hundred for a bit o' 1and not +worth four, and ye think I'm not to get back on ye. I'm goin' on +with as little consideration as if ye were a family of blackbeetles. +Good afternoon! + +ROLF. Father! + +JILL. Oh, Dodo! He's obscene. + +HILLCRIST. Mr. Hornblower, my compliments. + + [HORNBLOWER with a stare at HILLCRIST'S half-smiling face, + takes CHLOE'S arm, and half drags her towards the door on the + Left. But there, in the opened doorway, are standing DAWKER + and a STRANGER. They move just out of the way of the exit, + looking at CHLOE, who sways and very nearly falls.] + +HORNBLOWER. Why! Chloe! What's the matter? + +CHLOE. I don't know; I'm not well to-day. + + [She pulls herself together with a great, effort.] + +MRS. H. [Who has exchanged a nod with DAWKER and the STRANGER] Mr. +Hornblower, you build at your peril. I warn you. + +HORNBLOWER. [Turning round to speak] Ye think yourself very cool +and very smart. But I doubt this is the first time ye've been up +against realities. Now, I've been up against them all my life. +Don't talk to me, ma'am, about peril and that sort of nonsense; it +makes no impression. Your husband called me pachydermatous. I +don't know Greek, and Latin, and all that, but I've looked it out in +the dictionary, and I find it means thick-skinned. And I'm none +the worse for that when I have to deal with folk like you. Good +afternoon. + + [He draws CHLOE forward, and they pass through the door, + followed quickly by ROLF.] + +MRS. H. Thank you; Dawker. + + [She moves up to DAWKER and the STRANGER, Left, and they + talk.] + +JILL. Dodo! It's awful! + +HILLCRIST. Well, there's nothing for it now but to smile and pay +up. Poor old home! It shall be his wash-pot. Over the Centry will +he cast his shoe. By Gad, Jill, I could cry! + +JILL. [Pointing] Look! Chloe's sitting down. She nearly fainted +just now. It's something to do with Dawker, Dodo, and that man with +him. Look at mother! Ask them! + +HILLCRIST. Dawker! + + [DAWKER comes to him, followed by MRS. HILLCRIST.] + +What's the mystery about young Mrs. Hornblower? + +DAWKER. No mystery. + +HILLCRIST. Well, what is it? + +MRS. H. You'd better not ask. + +HILLCRIST. I wish to know. + +MRS. H. Jill, go out and wait for us. + +JILL. Nonsense, mother! + +MRS. H. It's not for a girl to hear. + +JILL. Bosh! I read the papers every day. + +DAWKER. It's nothin' worse than you get there, anyway. + +MRS. H. Do you wish your daughter---- + +JILL. It's ridiculous, Dodo; you'd think I was mother at my age. + +MRS. H. I was not so proud of my knowledge. + +JILL. No, but you had it, dear. + +HILLCRIST. What is it----what is it? Come over here, Dawker. + + [DAWKER goes to him, Right, and speaks in a low voice.] + +What! [Again DAWKER speaks in, a low voice.] + +Good God! + +MRS. H. Exactly! + +JILL. Poor thing--whatever it is! + +MRS. H. Poor thing? + +JILL. What went before, mother? + +MRS. H. It's what's coming after that matters; luckily. + +HILLCRIST. How do you know this? + +DAWKER. My friend here [He points to the STRANGER] was one of the +agents. + +HILLCRIST. It's shocking. I'm sorry I heard it. + +MRS. H. I told you not to. + +HILLCRIST. Ask your friend to come here. + + [DAWKER beckons, and the STRANGER joins the group.] + +Are you sure of what you've said, sir? + +STRANGER. Perfectly. I remember her quite well; her name then +was---- + +HILLCRIST. I don't want to know, thank you. I'm truly sorry. I +wouldn't wish the knowledge of that about his womenfolk to my worst +enemy. This mustn't be spoken of. [JILL hugs his arm.] + +MRS. H. It will not be if Mr. Hornblower is wise. If he is not +wise, it must be spoken of. + +HILLCRIST. I say no, Amy. I won't have it. It's a dirty weapon. +Who touches pitch shall be defiled. + +MRS. H. Well, what weapons does he use against us? Don't be +quixotic. For all we can tell, they know it quite well already, and +if they don't they ought to. Anyway, to know this is our salvation, +and we must use it. + +JILL: [Sotto voce] Pitch! Dodo! Pitch! + +DAWKER. The threat's enough! J.P.--Chapel--Future member for the +constituency----. + +HILLCRIST. [A little more doubtfully] To use a piece of knowledge +about a woman--it's repugnant. I--I won't do it. + + [Mrs. H. If you had a son tricked into marrying such a woman, + would you wish to remain ignorant of it?] + +HILLCRIST. [Struck] I don't know--I don't know. + +MRS. H. At least, you'd like to be in a position to help him, if +you thought it necessary? + +HILLCRIST. Well--that perhaps. + +MRS. H. Then you agree that Mr. Hornblower at least should be told. +What he does with the knowledge is not our affair. + +HILLCRIST. [Half to the STRANGER and half to DAWKER] Do you realise +that an imputation of that kind may be ground for a criminal libel +action? + +STRANGER. Quite. But there's no shadow of doubt; not the faintest. +You saw her just now? + +HILLCRIST. I did. [Revolting again] No; I don't like it. + + [DAWKER has drawn the STRANGER a step or two away, and they + talk together.] + +MRS. H. [In a low voice] And the ruin of our home? You're +betraying your fathers, Jack. + +HILLCRIST. I can't bear bringing a woman into it. + +MRS. H. We don't. If anyone brings her in; it will be Hornblower +himself. + +HILLCRIST. We use her secret as a lever. + +MRS. H. I tell you quite plainly: I will only consent to holding my +tongue about her, if you agree to Hornblower being told. It's a +scandal to have a woman like that in the neighbourhood. + +JILL. Mother means that, father. + +HILLCRIST. Jill, keep quiet. This is a very bitter position. I +can't tell what to do. + +MRS. H. You must use this knowledge. You owe it to me--to us all. +You'll see that when you've thought it over. + +JILL. [Softly] Pitch, Dodo, pitch! + +MRS. H. [Furiously] Jill, be quiet! + +HILLCRIST. I was brought up never to hurt a woman. I can't do it, +Amy--I can't do it. I should never feel like a gentleman again. + +MRS. H. [Coldly] Oh! Very well. + +HILLCRIST. What d'you mean by that? + +MRS. H. I shall use the knowledge in my own way. + +HILLCRIST. [Staring at her] You would--against my wishes? + +MRS. H. I consider it my duty. + +HILLCRIST. If I agree to Hornblower being told---- + +MRS. H. That's all I want. + +HILLCRIST. It's the utmost I'll consent to, Amy; and don't let's +have any humbug about its being, morally necessary. We do it to +save our skins. + +MRS. H. I don't know what you mean by humbug? + +JILL. He means humbug; mother. + +HILLCRIST. It must stop at old Hornblower. Do you quite +understand? + +MRS. H. Quite. + +JILL. Will it stop? + +MRS. H. Jill, if you can't keep your impertinence to yourself---- + +HILLCRIST. Jill, come with me. + + [He turns towards door, Back.] + +JILL. I'm sorry, mother. Only it is a skin game, isn't it? + +MRS. H. You pride yourself on plain speech, Jill. I pride myself +on plain thought. You will thank me afterwards that I can see +realities. I know we are better people than these Hornblowers. +Here we are going to stay, and they--are not. + +JILL. [Looking at her with a sort of unwilling admiration] Mother, +you're wonderful! + +HILLCRIST. Jill! + +JILL. Coming, Dodo. + + [She turns and runs to the door. They go out.] + + [MRS. HILLCRIST, with a long sigh, draws herself up, fine and + proud.] + +MRS. H. Dawker! [He comes to her.] + + [I shall send him a note to-night, and word it so that + he will be bound to come and see us to-marrow morning. Will + you be in the study just before eleven o'clock, with this + gentleman?] + +DAWKER. [Nodding] We're going to wire for his partner. I'll bring +him too. Can't make too sure. + + [She goes firmly up the steps and out.] + +DAWKER. [To the STRANGER, with a wink] The Squire's squeamish--too +much of a gentleman. But he don't count. The grey mare's all +right. You wire to Henry. I'm off to our solicitors. We'll make +that old rhinoceros sell us back the Centry at a decent price. +These Hornblowers--[Laying his finger on his nose] We've got 'em + + + CURTAIN + + + + + +SCENE II + + CHLOE's boudoir at half-past seven the same evening. A pretty + room. No pictures on the walls, but two mirrors. A screen and + a luxurious couch an the fireplace side, stage Left. A door + rather Right of Centre Back; opening inwards. A French window, + Right forward: A writing table, Right Back. Electric light + burning. + + CHLOE, in a tea-gown, is standing by the forward end of the + sofa, very still, and very pale. Her lips are parted, and her + large eyes stare straight before them as if seeing ghosts: The + door is opened noiselessly and a WOMAN'S face is seen. It + peers at CHLOE, vanishes, and the door is closed. CHLOE raises + her hands, covers her eyes with them, drops them with a quick + gesture, and looks round her. A knock. With a swift movement + she slides on to the sofa, and lies prostrate, with eyes + closed. + +CHLOE. [Feebly] Come in! + + [Her Maid enters; a trim, contained figure of uncertain years, + in a black dress, with the face which was peering in.] + +Yes, Anna? + +ANNA. Aren't you going in to dinner, ma'am? + +CHLOE. [With closed eyes] No. + +ANNA. Will you take anything here, ma'am? + +CHLOE. I'd like a biscuit and a glass of champagne. + + [The MAID, who is standing between sofa and door, smiles. + CHLOE, with a swift look, catches the smile.] + +Why do you smile? + +ANNA. Was I, ma'am? + +CHLOE. You know you were. [Fiercely] Are you paid to smile at me? + +ANNA. [Immovable] No, ma'am, Would you like some eau de Cologne on +your forehead? + +CHLOE. Yes.--No.--What's the good? [Clasping her forehead] My +headache won't go. + +ANNA. To keep lying down's the best thing for it. + +CHLOE. I have been--hours. + +ANNA. [With the smile] Yes, ma'am. + +CHLOE. [Gathering herself up on the sofa] Anna! Why do you do it? + +ANNA. Do what, ma'am? + +CHLOE. Spy on me. + +ANNA. I--never! I----! + +CHLOE. To spy! You're a fool, too. What is there to spy on? + +ANNA. Nothing, ma'am. Of course, if you're not satisfied with me, +I must give notice. Only--if I were spying, I should expect to have +notice given me. I've been accustomed to ladies who wouldn't stand +such a thing for a minute. + +CHLOE: [Intently] Well, you'll take a month's wages and go +tomorrow. And that's all, now. + + [ANNA inclines her head and goes out.] + + [CHLOE, with a sort of moan, turns over and buries her face in + the cushion.] + +CHLOE. [Sitting up] If I could see that man--if only--or Dawker--- + + [She springs up and goes to the door, but hesitates, and comes + back to the head of the sofa, as ROLF comes in. During this + scene the door is again opened stealthily, an inch or too.] + +ROLF. How's the head? + +CHLOE. Beastly, thanks. I'm not going into dinner. + +ROLF. Is there anything I can do for you? + +CHLOE. No, dear boy. [Suddenly looking at him] You don't want +this quarrel with the Hillcrists to go on, do you, Rolf? + +ROLF. No; I hate it. + +CHLOE. Well, I think I might be able to stop it. Will you slip +round to Dawker's--it's not five minutes--and ask him to come and +see me. + +ROLF. Father and Charlie wouldn't---- + +CHLOE. I know. But if he comes to the window here while you're at +dinner, I'll let him in, and out, and nobody'd know. + +ROLF. [Astonished] Yes, but what I mean how---- + +CHLOE. Don't ask me. It's worth the shot that's all. [Looking at +her wrist-watch] To this window at eight o'clock exactly. First +long window on the terrace, tell him. + +ROLF. It's nothing Charlie would mind? + +CHLOE. No; only I can't tell him--he and father are so mad about it +all. + +ROLF. If there's a real chance---- + +CHLOE. [Going to the window and opening it] This way, Rolf. If +you don't come back I shall know he's coming. Put your watch by +mine. [Looking at his watch] It's a minute fast, see! + +ROLF. Look here, Chloe + +CHLOE. Don't wait; go on. + + [She almost pushes him out through the window, closes it after + him, draws the curtains again, stands a minute, thinking hard; + goes to the bell and rings it; then, crossing to the writing + table, Right Back, she takes out a chemist's prescription.] + + [ANNA comes in.] + +CHLOE. I don't want that champagne. Take this to the chemist and +get him to make up some of these cachets quick, and bring them back +yourself. + +ANNA. Yes, ma'am; but you have some. + +CHLOE. They're too old; I've taken two--the strength's out of them. +Quick, please; I can't stand this head. + +ANNA. [Taking the prescription--with her smile] Yes, ma'am. It'll +take some time--you don't want me? + +CHLOE. No; I want the cachets. + + [ANNA goes out.] + + [CHLOE looks at her wrist-watch, goes to the writing-table, + which is old-fashioned, with a secret drawer, looks round her, + dives at the secret drawer, takes out a roll of notes and a + tissue paper parcel. She counts the notes: "Three hundred." + Slips them into her breast and unwraps the little parcel. It + contains pears. She slips them, too, into her dress, looks + round startled, replaces the drawer, and regains her place on + the sofa, lying prostrate as the door opens, and HORNBLOWER + comes in. She does not open her ages, and he stands looking at + her a moment before speaking.] + +HORNBLOWER. [Almost softly] How are ye feelin'. Chloe? + +CHLOE. Awful head! + +HORNBLOWER: Can ye attend a moment? I've had a note from that +woman. + + [CHLOE sits up.] + +HORNBLOWER. [Reading] "I have something of the utmost importance +to tell you in regard to your daughter-in-law. I shall be waiting +to see you at eleven o'clock to-morrow morning. The matter is so +utterly vital to the happiness of all your family, that I cannot +imagine you will fail to come." Now, what's the meaning of it? Is +it sheer impudence, or lunacy, or what? + +CHLOE. I don't know. + +HORNBLOWER. [Not unkindly] Chloe, if there's anything--ye'd better +tell me. Forewarned's forearmed. + +CHLOE. There's nothing; unless it's--[With a quick took at him,]-- +Unless it's that my father was a--a bankrupt. + +HORNBLOWER. Hech! Many a man's been that. Ye've never told us +much about your family. + +CHLOE. I wasn't very proud of him. + +HORNBLOWER. Well, ye're not responsible for your father. If that's +all, it's a relief. The bitter snobs! I'll remember it in the +account I've got with them. + +CHLOE. Father, don't say anything to Charlie; it'll only worry him +for nothing. + +HORNBLOWER. No, no, I'll not. If I went bankrupt, it'd upset +Chearlie, I've not a doubt. [He laugh. Looking at her shrewdly] +There's nothing else, before I answer her? + + [CHLOE shakes her head.] + +Ye're sure? + +CHLOE. [With an efort] She may invent things, of course. + +HORNBLOWER. [Lost in his feud feeling] Ah! but there's such a +thing as the laws o' slander. If they play pranks, I'll have them +up for it. + +CHLOE. [Timidly] Couldn't you stop this quarrel; father? You said +it was on my account. But I don't want to know them. And they do +love their old home. I like the girl. You don't really need to +build just there, do you? Couldn't you stop it? Do! + +HORNBLOWER. Stop it? Now I've bought? Na, no! The snobs defied +me, and I'm going to show them. I hate the lot of them, and I hate +that little Dawker worst of all. + +CHLOE. He's only their agent. + +HORNBLOWER. He's a part of the whole dog-in-the-manger system that +stands in my way. Ye're a woman, and ye don't understand these +things. Ye wouldn't believe the struggle I've had to make my money +and get my position. These county folk talk soft sawder, but to get +anything from them's like gettin' butter out of a dog's mouth. If +they could drive me out of here by fair means or foul, would they +hesitate a moment? Not they! See what they've made me pay; and +look at this letter. Selfish, mean lot o' hypocrites! + +CHLOE. But they didn't begin the quarrel. + +HORNBLOWER. Not openly; but underneath they did--that's their way. +They began it by thwartin' me here and there and everywhere, just +because I've come into me own a bit later than they did. I gave 'em +their chance, and they wouldn't take it. Well, I'll show 'em what a +man like me can do when he sets his mind to it. I'll not leave much +skin on them. + + [In the intensity of his feeling he has lost sight of her face, + alive with a sort of agony of doubt, whether to plead with him + further, or what to do. Then, with a swift glance at her + wristwatch, she falls back on the sofa and closes her eyes.] + +It'll give me a power of enjoyment seein' me chimneys go up in front +of their windies. That was a bonnie thought--that last bid o' mine. +He'd got that roused up, I believe, he, never would a' stopped. +[Looking at her] I forgot your head. Well, well, ye'll be best +tryin' quiet. [The gong sounds.] Shall we send ye something in +from dinner? + +CHLOE. No; I'll try to sleep. Please tell them I don't want to be +disturbed. + +HORNBLOWER. All right. I'll just answer this note. + + [He sits down at her writing-table.] + + [CHLOE starts up from the sofa feverishly, looking at her + watch, at the window, at her watch; then softly crosses to the + window and opens it.] + +HORNBLOWER. [Finishing] Listen! [He turns round towards the sofa] +Hallo! Where are ye? + +CHLOE. [At the window] It's so hot. + +HORNBLOWER. Here's what I've said: + + "MADAM,--You can tell me nothing of my daughter-in-law which + can affect the happiness of my family. I regard your note as + an impertinence, and I shall not be with you at eleven o'clock + to-morrow morning. + + "Yours truly----" + +CHLOE. [With a suffering movement of her head] Oh!--Well!--[The +gong is touched a second time.] + +HORNBLOWER. [Crossing to the door] Lie ye down, and get a sleep. +I'll tell them not to disturb ye; and I hope ye'll be all right to- +morrow. Good-night, Chloe. + +CHLOE. Good-night. [He goes out.] + + [After a feverish turn or two, CHLOE returns to the open window + and waits there, half screened by the curtains. The door is + opened inch by inch, and ANNA'S head peers round. Seeing where + CHLOE is, she slips in and passes behind the screen, Left. + Suddenly CHLOE backs in from the window.] + +CHLOE. [In a low voice] Come in. + + [She darts to the door and locks it.] + + [DAWKER has come in through the window and stands regarding her + with a half smile.] + +DAWKER. Well, young woman, what do you want of me? + + [In the presence of this man of her own class, there comes a + distinct change in CHLOE'S voice and manner; a sort of frank + commonness, adapted to the man she is dealing with, but she + keeps her voice low.] + +CHLOE. You're making a mistake, you know. + +DAWKER. [With a broad grin] No. I've got a memory for faces. + +CHLOE. I say you are. + +DAWKER. [Turning to go] If that's all, you needn't have troubled +me to come. + +CHLOE. No. Don't go! [With a faint smile] You are playing a game +with me. Aren't you ashamed? What harm have I done you? Do you +call this cricket? + +DAWKER. No, my girl--business. + +CHLOE. [Bitterly] What have I to do with this quarrel? I couldn't +help their falling out. + +DAWKER. That's your misfortune. + +CHLOE. [Clasping her hands] You're a cruel fellow if you can spoil +a woman's life who never did you an ounce of harm. + +DAWKER. So they don't know about you. That's all right. Now, look +here, I serve my employer. But I'm flesh and blood, too, and I +always give as good as I get. I hate this family of yours. There's +no name too bad for 'em to call me this last month, and no looks too +black to give me. I tell you frankly, I hate. + +CHLOE. There's good in them same as in you. + +DAWKER. [With a grin] There's no good Hornblower but a dead +Hornblower. + +CHLOE. But--but Im not one. + +DAWKER. You'll be the mother of some, I shouldn't wonder. + +CHLOE. [Stretching out her hand-pathetically] Oh! leave me alone, +do! I'm happy here. Be a sport! Be a sport! + +DAWKER. [Disconcerted for a second] You can't get at me, so don't +try it on. + +CHLOE. I had such a bad time in old days. + + [DAWKER shakes his head; his grin has disappeared and his face + is like wood.] + +CHLOE. [Panting] Ah! do! You might! You've been fond of some +woman, I suppose. Think of her! + +DAWKER. [Decisively] It won't do, Mrs. Chloe. You're a pawn in +the game, and I'm going to use you. + +CHLOE. [Despairingly] What is it to you? [With a sudden touch of +the tigress] Look here! Don't you make an enemy, of me. I haven't +dragged through hell for nothing. Women like me can bite, I tell +you. + +DAWKER. That's better. I'd rather have a woman threaten than +whine, any day. Threaten away! You'll let 'em know that you met me +in the Promenade one night. Of course you'll let 'em know that, +won't you?--or that---- + +CHLOE. Be quiet! Oh! Be quiet! [Taking from her bosom the notes +and the pearls] Look! There's my savings--there's all I've got! +The pearls'll fetch nearly a thousand. [Holding it out to him] +Take it, and drop me out--won't you? Won't you? + +DAWKER. [Passing his tongue over his lips with a hard little laugh] +You mistake your man, missis. I'm a plain dog, if you like, but I'm +faithful, and I hold fast. Don't try those games on me. + +CHLOE. [Losing control] You're a beast!--a beast! a cruel, +cowardly beast! And how dare you bribe that woman here to spy on +me? Oh! yes, you do; you know you do. If you drove me mad, you +wouldn't care. You beast! + +DAWKER. Now, don't carry on! That won't help you. + +CHLOE. What d'you call it--to dog a woman down like this, just +because you happen to have a quarrel with a man? + +DAWKER. Who made the quarrel? Not me, missis. You ought to know +that in a row it's the weak and helpless--we won't say the innocent- +that get it in the neck. That can't be helped. + +CHLOE. [Regarding him intently] I hope your mother or your sister, +if you've got any, may go through what I'm going through ever since +you got on my track. I hope they'll know what fear means. I hope +they'll love and find out that it's hanging on a thread, and--and-- +Oh! you coward, you persecuting coward! Call yourself a man! + +DAWKER. [With his grin] Ah! You look quite pretty like that. By +George! you're a handsome woman when you're roused. + + [CHLOE'S passion fades out as quickly as it blazed up. She + sinks down on the sofa, shudders, looks here and there, and + then for a moment up at him.] + +CHLOE. Is there anything you'll take, not to spoil my life? +[Clasping her hands on her breast; under her breath] Me? + +DAWKER. [Wiping his brow] By God! That's an offer. [He recoils +towards the window] You--you touched me there. Look here! I've +got to use you and I'm going to use you, but I'll do my best to let +you down as easy as I can. No, I don't want anything you can give +me--that is--[He wipes his brow again] I'd like it--but I won't +take it. + + [CHLOE buries her face in her hands.] + +There! Keep your pecker up; don't cry. Good-night! [He goes +through the window.] + +CHLOE. [Springing up] Ugh! Rat in a trap! Rat----! + + [She stands listening; flies to the door, unlocks it, and, + going back to the sofa, lies down and doses her eyes. CHARLES + comes in very quietly and stands over her, looking to see if + she is asleep. She opens her eyes.] + +CHARLES. Well, Clo! Had a sleep, old girl? + +CHLOE. Ye-es. + +CHARLES. [Sitting on the arm of the sofa and caressing her] Feel +better, dear? + +CHLOE. Yes, better, Charlie. + +CHARLES. That's right. Would you like some soup? + +CHLOE. [With a shudder] No. + +CHARLES. I say-what gives you these heads? You've been very on and +off all this last month. + +CHLOE. I don't know. Except that--except that I am going to have a +child, Charlie. + +CHARLES. After all! By Jove! Sure? + +CHLOE. [Nodding] Are you glad? + +CHARLES. Well--I suppose I am. The guv'nor will be mighty pleased, +anyway. + +CHLOE. Don't tell him--yet. + +CHARLES. All right! [Bending over and drawing her to him] My poor +girl, I'm so sorry you're seedy. Give us a kiss. + + [CHLOE puts up her face and kisses him passionately.] + +I say, you're like fire. You're not feverish? + + +CHLOE. [With a laugh] It's a wonder if I'm not. Charlie, are you +happy with me? + +CHARLES. What do you think? + +CHLOE. [Leaning against him] You wouldn't easily believe things +against me, would you? + +CHARLES. What! Thinking of those Hillcrists? What the hell that +woman means by her attitude towards you--When I saw her there to- +day, I had all my work cut out not to go up and give her a bit of my +mind. + +CHLOE. [Watching him stealthily] It's not good for me, now I'm +like this. It's upsetting me, Charlie. + +CHARLES. Yes; and we won't forget. We'll make 'em pay for it. + +CHLOE. It's wretched in a little place like this. I say, must you +go on spoiling their home? + +CHARLES. The woman cuts you and insults you. That's enough for me. + +CHLOE. [Timidly] Let her. I don't care; I can't bear feeling +enemies about, Charlie, I--get nervous--I---- + +CHARLES. My dear girl! What is it? + + [He looks at her intently.] + +CHLOE. I suppose it's--being like this. [Suddenly] But, Charlie, +do stop it for my sake. Do, do! + +CHARLES. [Patting her arm] Come, come; I say, Chloe! You're +making mountains. See things in proportion. Father's paid nine +thousand five hundred to get the better of those people, and you +want him to chuck it away to save a woman who's insulted you. +That's not sense, and it's not business. Have some pride. + +CHLOE. [Breathless] I've got no pride, Charlie. I want to be +quiet--that's all. + +CHARLES. Well, if the row gets on your nerves, I can take you to +the sea. But you ought to enjoy a fight with people like that. + +CHLOE. [With calculated bitterness] No, it's nothing, of course-- +what I want. + +CHARLES. Hello! Hello! You are on the jump! + +CHLOE. If you want me to be a good wife to you, make father stop +it. + +CHARLES. [Standing up] Now, look here, Chloe, what's behind this? + +CHLOE. [Faintly] Behind? + +CHARLES. You're carrying on as if--as if you were really scared! +We've got these people: We'll have them out of Deepwater in six +months. It's absolute ruination to their beastly old house; we'll +put the chimneys on the very edge, not three hundred yards off, and +our smoke'll be drifting over them half the time. You won't have +this confounded stuck-up woman here much longer. And then we can +really go ahead and take our proper place. So long as she's here, +we shall never do that. We've only to drive on now as fast as we +can. + +CHLOE. [With a gesture] I see. + +CHARLES. [Again looking at her] If you go on like this, you know, +I shall begin to think there's something you---- + +CHLOE [softly] Charlie! [He comes to her.] Love me! + +CHARLES. [Embracing her] There, old girl! I know women are funny +at these times. You want a good night, that's all. + +CHLOE. You haven't finished dinner, have you? Go back, and I'll go +to bed quite soon. Charlie, don't stop loving me. + +CHARLES. Stop? Not much. + + [While he is again embracing her, ANNA steals from behind the + screen to the door, opens it noiselessly, and passes through, + but it clicks as she shuts it.] + +CHLOE. [Starting violently] Oh-h! + + [He comes to her.] + +CHARLES. What is it? What is it? You are nervy, my dear. + +CHLOE. [Looking round with a little laugh] I don't know. Go on, +Charlie. I'll be all right when this head's gone. + +CHARLES. [Stroking her forehead and, looking at her doubtfully] +You go to bed; I won't be late coming up. + + [He turn, and goes, blowing a kiss from the doorway. When he + is gone, CHLOE gets up and stands in precisely the attitude in + which she stood at the beginning of the Act, thinking, and + thinking. And the door is opened, and the face of the MAID + peers round at her.] + + + CURTAIN + + + + +ACT III + + +SCENE I + + HILLCRIST'S study next morning. + + JILL coming from Left, looks in at the open French window. + +JILL. [Speaking to ROLF, invisible] Come in here. There's no one. + + [She goes in. ROLF joins her, coming from the garden.] + +ROLF. Jill, I just wanted to say--Need we? + + [JILL. nodes.] + +Seeing you yesterday--it did seem rotten. + +JILL. We didn't begin it. + +ROLF. No; but you don't understand. If you'd made yourself, as +father has---- + +JILL. I hope I should be sorry. + +ROLF. [Reproachfully] That isn't like you. Really he can't help +thinking he's a public benefactor. + +JILL. And we can't help thinking he's a pig. Sorry! + +ROLF. If the survival of the fittest is right---- + +JILL. He may be fitter, but he's not going to survive. + +ROLF. [Distracted] It looks like it, though. + +JILL. Is that all you came to say? + +ROLF. Suppose we joined, couldn't we stop it? + +JILL. I don't feel like joining. + +ROLF. We did shake hands. + +JILL. One can't fight and not grow bitter. + +ROLF. I don't feel bitter. + +JILL. Wait; you'll feel it soon enough. + +ROLF. Why? [Attentively] About Chloe? I do think your mother's +manner to her is---- + +JILL. Well? + +ROLF. Snobbish. [JILL laughs.] +She may not be your class; and that's just why it's +snobbish. + +JILL. I think you'd better shut up. + +ROLF. What my father said was true; your mother's rudeness to her +that day she came here, has made both him and Charlie ever so much +more bitter. + + [JILL whistles the Habanera from "Carmen."] + + [Staring at her, rather angrily] + +Is it a whistling matter? + +JILL. No. + +ROLF. I suppose you want me to go? + +JILL. Yes. + +ROLF. All right. Aren't we ever going to be friends again? + +JILL. [Looking steadily at him] I don't expect so. + +ROLF. That's very-horrible. + +JILL. Lots of horrible things in the world. + +ROLF. It's our business to make them fewer, Jill. + +JILL. [Fiercely] Don't be moral. + +ROLF. [Hurt] That's the last thing I want to be.--I only want to +be friendly. + +JILL. Better be real first. + +ROLF. From the big point of view---- + +JILL. There isn't any. We're all out, for our own. And why not? + +ROLF. By jove, you have got---- + +JILL. Cynical? Your father's motto--"Every man for himself." +That's the winner--hands down. Goodbye! + +ROLF. Jill! Jill! + +JILL. [Putting her hands behind her back, hums]-- + "If auld acquaintance be forgot + And days of auld lang syne"---- + +ROLF. Don't! + + [With a pained gesture he goes out towards Left, through the + French window.] + + [JILL, who has broken off the song, stands with her hands + clenched and her lips quivering.] + + [FELLOWS enters Left.] + +FELLOWS. Mr. Dawker, Miss, and two gentlemen. + +JILL. Let the three gentlemen in, and me out. + + [She passes him and goes out Left. And immediately. DAWKER + and the two STRANGERS come in.] + +FELLOWS. I'll inform Mrs. Hillcrist, sir. The Squire is on his +rounds. [He goes out Left.] + + [The THREE MEN gather in a discreet knot at the big bureau, + having glanced at the two doors and the open French window.] + +DAWKER. Now this may come into Court, you know. If there's a screw +loose anywhere, better mention it. [To SECOND STRANGE] You knew +her personally? + +SECOND S. What do you think? I don't, take girls on trust for that +sort of job. She came to us highly recommended, too; and did her +work very well. It was a double stunt--to make sure--wasn't it, +George? + +FIRST S. Yes; we paid her for the two visits. + +SECOND S. I should know her in a minute; striking looking girl; had +something in her face. Daresay she'd seen hard times. + +FIRST S. We don't want publicity. + +DAWKER. Not Likely. The threat'll do it; but the stakes are heavy +--and the man's a slugger; we must be able to push it home. If you +can both swear to her, it'll do the trick. + +SECOND S. And about--I mean, we're losing time, you know, coming +down here. + +DAWKER. [With a nod at FIRST STRANGER] George here knows me. +That'll be all right. I'll guarantee it well worth your while. + +SECOND S. I don't want to do the girl harm, if she's married. + +DAWKER. No, no; nobody wants to hurt her. We just want a cinch on +this fellow till he squeals. + + [They separate a little as MRS. HILLCRIST enters from Right.] + +DAWKER. Good morning, ma'am. My friend's partner. Hornblower +coming? + +MRS. H. At eleven. I had to send up a second note, Dawker. + +DAWKER. Squire not in? + +MRS. H. I haven't told him. + +DAWKER. [Nodding] Our friends might go in here [Pointing Right] +and we can use 'em as the want 'em. + +MRS. H. [To the STRANGERS] Will you make yourselves comfortable? + + [She holds the door open, and they pass her into the room, + Right.] + +DAWKER. [Showing document] I've had this drawn and engrossed. +Pretty sharp work. Conveys the Centry, and Longmeadow; to the +Squire at four thousand five hundred: Now, ma'am, suppose Hornblower +puts his hand to that, hell have been done in the eye, and six +thousand all told out o' pocket.--You'll have a very nasty neighbour +here. + +MRS. H. But we shall still have the power to disclose that secret +at any time. + +DAWKER. Yeh! But things might happen here you could never bring +home to him. You can't trust a man like that. He isn't goin' to +forgive me, I know. + +MRS. H. [Regarding him keenly] But if he signs, we couldn't +honourably---- + +DAWKER. No, ma'am, you couldn't; and I'm sure I don't want to do +that girl a hurt. I just mention it because, of course, you can't +guarantee that it doesn't get out. + +MRS. H. Not absolutely, I suppose. + + [A look passes between them, which neither of them has quite + sanctioned.] + + [There's his car. It always seems to make more noise than any + other.] + +DAWKER. He'll kick and flounder--but you leave him to ask what you +want, ma'am; don't mention this [He puts the deed back into his +pocket]. The Centry's no mortal good to him if he's not going to +put up works; I should say he'd be glad to save what he can. + + [MRS. HILLCRIST inclines her head. FELLOWS enters Left.] + +FELLOWS. [Apologetically] Mr. Hornblower, ma'am; by appointment, +he says. + +MRS. H. Quite right, Fellows. + + [HORNBLOWER comes in, and FELLOWS goes out.] + +HORNBLOWER. [Without salutation] I've come to ask ye point bleak +what ye mean by writing me these letters. [He takes out two +letters.] And we'll discus it in the presence of nobody, if ye, +please. + +MRS. H. Mr. Dawker knows all that I know, and more. + +HORNBLOWER. Does he? Very well! Your second note says that my +daughter-in-law has lied to me. Well, I've brought her, and what +ye've got to say--if it's not just a trick to see me again--ye'll +say to her face. [He takes a step towards the window.] + +MRS. H. Mr. Hornblower, you had better, decide that after hearing +what it is--we shall be quite ready to repeat it in her presence; +but we want to do as little harm as possible. + +HORNBLOWER. [Stopping] Oh! ye do! Well, what lies have ye been +hearin'? Or what have ye made up? You and Mr. Dawker? Of course +ye know there's a law of libel and slander. I'm, not the man to +stop at that. + +MRS. H. [Calmly] Are you familiar with the law of divorce, Mr. +Hornblower? + +HORNBLOWER. [Taken aback] No, I'm not. That is-----. + +MRS. H. Well, you know that misconduct is required. And I suppose +you've heard that cases are arranged. + +HORNBLOWER. I know it's all very shocking--what about it? + +MRS. H. When cases are arranged, Mr. Hornblower, the man who is to +be divorced often visits an hotel with a strange woman. I am +extremely sorry to say that your daughter-in-law, before her +marriage, was in the habit of being employed as such a woman. + +HORNBLOWER. Ye dreadful creature! + +DAWKER. [Quickly] All proved, up to the hilt! + +HORNBLOWER. I don't believe a word of it. Ye're lyin' to save your +skins. How dare ye tell me such monstrosities? Dawker, I'll have +ye in a criminal court. + +DAWKER. Rats! You saw a gent with me yesterday? Well, he's +employed her. + +HORNBLOWER. A put-up job! Conspiracy! + +MRS. H. Go and get your daughter-in-law. + +HORNBLOWER. [With the first sensation of being in a net] It's a +foul shame--a lying slander! + +MRS. H. If so, it's easily disproved. Go and fetch her. + +HORNBLOWER. [Seeing them unmoved] I will. I don't believe a word +of it. + +MRS. H. I hope you are right. + + [HORNBLOWER goes out by the French window, DAWKER slips to the + door Right, opens it, arid speaks to those within. MRS. + HILLCRIST stands moistening her lips, and passim her + handkerchief over them. HORNBLOWER returns, preceding CHLOE, + strung up to hardness and defiance.] + +HORNBLOWER. Now then, let's have this impudent story torn to rags. + +CHLOE. What story? + +HORNBLOWER. That you, my dear, were a woman--it's too shockin--I +don't know how to tell ye---- + +CHLOE. Go on! + +HORNBLOWER. Were a woman that went with men, to get them their +divorce. + +CHLOE. Who says that? + +HORNBLOWER. That lady [Sneering] there, and her bull-terrier here. + +CHLOE. [Facing MRS. HILLCRIST] That's a charitable thing to say, +isn't it? + +MRS. H. Is it true? + +CHLOE. No. + +HORNBLOWER. [Furiously] There! I'll have ye both on your knees to +her! + +DAWKER. [Opening the door, Right] Come in. + + [The FIRST STRANGER comes in. CHLOE, with a visible effort, + turns to face him.] + +FIRST S. How do you do, Mrs. Vane? + +CHLOE. I don't know you. + +FIRST S. Your memory is bad, ma'am: You knew me yesterday well +enough. One day is not a long time, nor are three years. + +CHLOE. Who are you? + +FIRST S. Come, ma'am, come! The Caster case. + +CHLOE. I don't know you, I say. [To MRS. HILLCRIST] How can you +be so vile? + +FIRST S. Let me refresh your memory, ma'am. [Producing a notebook] +Just on three years ago; "Oct.3. To fee and expenses Mrs. Vane with +Mr. C----, Hotel Beaulieu, Twenty pounds. Oct. 10, Do., Twenty +pounds." [To HORNBLOWER] Would you like to glance at this book, +sir? You'll see they're genuine entries. + + [HORNBLOWER makes a motion to do so, but checks himself and + looks at CHLOE.] + +CHLOE. [Hysterically] It's all lies--lies! + +FIRST S. Come, ma'am, we wish you no harm. + +CHLOE. Take me away. I won't be treated like this. + +MRS. H. [In a low voice] Confess. + +CHLOE. Lies! + +HORNBLOWER. Were ye ever called Vane? + +CHLOE. No, never. + + [She makes a movement towards the window, but DAWKER is in the + way, and she halts. FIRST S. [Opening the door, Right] + Henry.] + + [The SECOND STRANGER comes in quickly. At sight of him CHLOE + throws up her hands, gasps, breaks down, stage Left, and stands + covering her face with her hands. It is so complete a + confession that HORNBLOWER stands staggered; and, taking out a + coloured handkerchief, wipes his brow.] + +DAWKER. Are you convinced? + +HORNBLOWER. Take those men away. + +DAWKER. If you're not satisfied, we can get other evidence; plenty. + +HORNBLOWER. [Looking at CHLOE] That's enough. Take them out. +Leave me alone with her. + + [DAWKER takes them out Right. MRS. HILLCRIST passes HORNBLOWER + and goes out at the window. HORNBLOWER moves down a step or + two towards CHLOE.] + +HORNBLOWER. My God! + +CHLOE. [With an outburst] Don't tell Charlie! Don't tell Charlie! + +HORNBLOWER. Chearlie! So, that was your manner of life. + + [CHLOE utters a moaning sound.] + +So that's what ye got out of by marryin' into my family! Shame on +ye, ye Godless thing! + +CHLOE. Don't tell Charlie! + +HORNBLOWER. And that's all ye can say for the wreck ye've wrought. +My family, my works, my future! How dared ye! + +CHLOE. If you'd been me!---- + +HORNBLOWER. An' these Hillcrists. The skin game of it! + +CHLOE. [Breathless] Father! + +HORNBLOWER. Don't call me that, woman! + +CHLOE. [Desperate] I'm going to have a child. + +HORNBLOWER. God! Ye are! + +CHLOE. Your grandchild. For the sake of it, do what these people +want; and don't tell anyone--DON'T TELL CHARLIE! + +HORNBLOWER. [Again wiping his forehead] A secret between us. I +don't know that I can keep it. It's horrible. Poor Chearlie! + +CHLOE. [Suddenly fierce] You must keep it, you shall! I won't +have him told. Don't make me desperate! I can be--I didn't live +that life for nothing. + +HORNBLOWER. [Staring at her resealed in a new light] Ay; ye look a +strange, wild woman, as I see ye. And we thought the world of ye! + +CHLOE. I love Charlie; I'm faithful to him. I can't live without +him. You'll never forgive me, I know; but Charlie----! [Stretching +out her hands.] + + [HORNBLOWER makes a bewildered gesture with his large hands.] + +HORNBLOWER. I'm all at sea here. Go out to the car and wait for +me. + + [CHLOE passes him and goes out, Left.] + +[Muttering to himself] So I'm down! Me enemies put their heels upon +me head! Ah! but we'll see yet! + + [He goes up to the window and beckons towards the Right.] + + [MRS. HILLCRIST comes in.] + +What d'ye want for this secret? + +MRS. H. Nothing. + +HORNBLOWER. Indeed! Wonderful!--the trouble ye've taken for-- +nothing. + +MRS. H. If you harm us we shall harm you. Any use whatever of the +Centry. + +HORNBLOWER. For which ye made me pay nine thousand five hundred +pounds. + +MRS. H. We will buy it from you. + +HORNBLOWER. At what price? + +MRS. H. The Centry at the price Miss Muffins would have taken at +first, and Longmeadow at the price you--gave us--four thousand five +hundred altogether. + +HORNBLOWER. A fine price, and me six thousand out of pocket. Na, +no! I'll keep it and hold it over ye. Ye daren't tell this secret +so long as I've got it. + +MRS. H. No, Mr. Hornblower. On second thoughts, you must sell. +You broke your word over the Jackmans. We can't trust you. We +would rather have our place here ruined at once, than leave you the +power to ruin it as and when you like. You will sell us the Centry +and Longmeadow now, or you know what will happen. + +HORNBLOWER. [Writhing] I'll not. It's blackmail. + +MRS. H. Very well then! Go your own way and we'll go ours. There +is no witness to this conversation. + +HORNBLOWER. [Venomously] By heaven, ye're a clever woman. Will ye +swear by Almighty God that you and your family, and that agent of +yours, won't breathe a word of this shockin' thing to mortal soul. + +MRS. H. Yes, if you sell. + +HORNBLOWER. Where's Dawker? + +MRS. H. [Going to the door, Right] Mr. Dawker + + [DAWKER comes in.] + +HORNBLOWER. I suppose ye've got your iniquity ready. + + [DAWKER grins and produces the document.] + +It's mighty near conspiracy, this. Have ye got a Testament? + +MRS. H. My word will be enough, Mr. Hornblower. + +HORNBLOWER. Ye'll pardon me--I can't make it solemn enough for you. + +MRS. H. Very well; here is a Bible. + + [She takes a small Bible from the bookshelf.] + +DAWKER. [Spreading document on bureau] This is a short conveyance +of the Centry and Longmeadow--recites sale to you by Miss Mulling, +of the first, John Hillcrist of the second, and whereas you have +agreed for the sale to said John Hillcrist, for the sum of four +thousand five hundred pounds, in consideration of the said sum, +receipt whereof, you hereby acknowledge you do convey all that, etc. +Sign here. I'll witness. + +HORNBLOWER [To MRS. HILLCRIST] Take that Book in your hand, and +swear first. I swear by Almighty God never to breathe a word of +what I know. concerning Chloe Hornblower to any living soul. + +MRS. H. No, Mr. Hornblower; you will please sign first. We are not +in the habit of breaking our word. + + [HORNBLOWER after a furious look at them, seizes a pen, runs + his eye again over the deed, and signs, DAWKER witnessing.] + +To that oath, Mr. Hornblower, we shall add the words, "So long as +the Hornblower family do us no harm." + +HORNBLOWER. [With a snarl] Take it in your hands, both of ye, and +together swear. + +MRS. H. [Taking the Book] I swear that I will breathe no word of +what I know concerning Chloe Hornblower to any living soul, so long +as the Hornblower family do us no harm. + +DAWKER. I swear that too. + +MRS. H. I engage for my husband. + +HORNBLOWER. Where are those two fellows? + +DAWKER. Gone. It's no business of theirs. + +HORNBLOWER. It's no business of any of ye what has happened to a +woman in the past. Ye know that. Good-day! + + [He gives them a deadly look, and goes out, left, followed by + DAWKER.] + +MRS. H. [With her hand on the Deed] Safe! + + [HILLCRIST enters at the French window, followed by JILL.] + +[Holding up the Deed] Look! He's just gone! I told you it was +only necessary to use the threat. He caved in and signed this; we +are sworn to say nothing. We've beaten him. + + [HILLCRIST studies the Deed.] + +JILL. [Awed] We saw Chloe in the car. How did she take it, +mother? + +MRS. H. Denied, then broke down when she saw our witnesses. I'm +glad you were not here, Jack. + +JILL. [Suddenly] I shall go and see her. + +MRS. H. Jill, you will not; you don't know what she's done. + +JILL. I shall. She must be in an awful state. + +HILLCRIST. My dear, you can do her no good. + +JILL. I think I can, Dodo. + +MRS. H. You don't understand human nature. We're enemies for life +with those people. You're a little donkey if you think anything +else. + +JILL. I'm going, all the same. + +MRS. H. Jack, forbid her. + +HILLCRIST. [Lifting an eyebrow] Jill, be reasonable. + +JILL. Suppose I'd taken a knock like that, Dodo, I'd be glad of +friendliness from someone. + +MRS. H. You never could take a knock like that. + +JILL. You don't know what you can do till you try, mother. + +HILLCRIST. Let her go, Amy. Im sorry for that young woman. + +MRS. H. You'd be sorry for a man who picked your pocket, I believe. + +HILLCRIST. I certainly should! Deuced little he'd get out of it, +when I've paid for the Centry. + +MRS. H. [Bitterly] Much gratitude I get for saving you both our +home! + +JILL. [Disarmed] Oh! Mother, we are grateful. Dodo, show your +gratitude. + +HILLCRIST. Well, my dear, it's an intense relief. I'm not good at +showing my feelings, as you know. What d'you want me to do? Stand +on one leg and crow? + +JILL. Yes, Dodo, yes! Mother, hold him while I [Suddenly she +stops, and all the fun goes out of her] No! I can't--I can't help +thinking of her. + + + CURTAIN falls for a minute. + + + +SCENE II + + + When it rises again, the room is empty and dark, same for + moonlight coming in through the French window, which is open. + + The figure of CHLOE, in a black cloak, appears outside in the + moonlight; she peers in, moves past, comes bank, hesitatingly + enters. The cloak, fallen back, reveals a white evening dress; + and that magpie figure stands poised watchfully in the dim + light, then flaps unhappily Left and Right, as if she could not + keep still. Suddenly she stands listening. + +ROLF'S VOICE. [Outside] Chloe! Chloe! + + [He appears] + +CHLOE. [Going to the window] What are you doing here? + +ROLF. What are you? I only followed you. + +CHLOE. Go away. + +ROLF. What's the matter? Tell me! + +CHLOE. Go away, and don't say anything. Oh! The roses! [She has +put her nose into some roses in a bowl on a big stand close to the +window] Don't they smell lovely? + +ROLF. What did Jill want this afternoon? + +CHLOE. I'll tell you nothing. Go away! + +ROLF. I don't like leaving you here in this state. + +CHLOE. What state? I'm all right. Wait for me down in the drive, +if you want to. + + [ROLF starts to go, stops, looks at her, and does go. CHLOE, + with a little moaning sound, flutters again, magpie-like, up + and down, then stands by the window listening. Voices are + heard, Left. She darts out of the window and away to the + Right, as HILLCRIST and JILL come in. They have turned up the + electric light, and come down in frond of the fireplace, where + HILLCRIST sits in an armchair, and JILL on the arm of it. They + are in undress evening attire.] + +HILLCRIST. Now, tell me. + +JILL. There isn't much, Dodo. I was in an awful funk for fear I +should meet any of the others, and of course I did meet Rolf, but I +told him some lie, and he took me to her room-boudoir, they call it +--isn't boudoir a "dug-out" word? + +HILLCRIST. [Meditatively] The sulking room. Well? + +JILL. She was sitting like this. [She buries her chin in her +hands, wide her elbows on her knees] And she said in a sort of +fierce way: "What do you want?" And I said: "I'm awfully sorry, but +I thought you might like it." + +HILLCRIST. Well? + +JILL. She looked at me hard, and said: "I suppose you know all +about it." And I Said: "Only vaguely," because of course I don't. +And she said: "Well, it was decent of you to come." Dodo, she looks +like a lost soul. What has she done? + +HILLCRIST. She committed her real crime when she married young +Hornblower without telling him. She came out of a certain world to +do it. + +JILL. Oh! [Staring in front of her] Is it very awful in that +world, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. [Uneasy] I don't know, Jill. Some can stand it, I +suppose; some can't. I don't know which sort she is. + +JILL. One thing I'm sure of: she's awfully fond of Chearlie. + +HILLCRIST. That's bad; that's very bad. + +JILL. And she's frightened, horribly. I think she's desperate. + +HILLCRIST. Women like that are pretty tough, Jill; don't judge her +too much by your own feelings. + +JILL. No; only----Oh! it was beastly; and of course I dried up. + +HILLCRIST. [Feelingly] H'm! One always does. But perhaps it was +as well; you'd have been blundering in a dark passage. + +JILL. I just said: "Father and I feel awfully sorry; if there's +anything we can do----" + +HILLCRIST. That was risky, Jill. + +JILL. (Disconsolately) I had to say something. I'm glad I went, +anyway. I feel more human. + +HILLCRIST. We had to fight for our home. I should have felt like a +traitor if I hadn't. + +JILL. I'm not enjoying home tonight, Dodo. + +HILLCRIST. I never could hate proper; it's a confounded nuisance. + +JILL. Mother's fearfully' bucked, and Dawker's simply oozing +triumph. I don't trust him. Dodo; he's too--not pugilistic--the +other one with a pug-naceous. + +HILLCRIST. He is rather. + +JILL. I'm sure he wouldn't care tuppence if Chloe committed +suicide. + +HILLCRIST. [Rising uneasily] Nonsense! Nonsense! + +JILL. I wonder if mother would. + +HILLCRIST. [Turning his face towards the window] What's that? I +thought I heard--[Louder]--Is these anybody out there? + + [No answer. JILL, springs up and runs to the window.] + +JILL. You! + + [She dives through to the Right, and returns, holding CHLOE'S + hand and drawing her forward] + +Come in! It's only us! [To HILLCRIST] Dodo! + +HILLCRIST. [Flustered, but making a show of courtesy] Good +evening! Won't you sit down? + +JILL. Sit down; you're all shaky. + + [She makes CHLOE sit down in the armchair, out of which they + have risen, then locks the door, and closing the windows, draws + the curtains hastily over them.] + +HILLCRIST. [Awkward and expectant] Can I do anything for you? + +CHLOE. I couldn't bear it he's coming to ask you---- + +HILLCRIST. Who? + +CHLOE. My husband. [She draws in her breath with a long shudder, +then seem to seize her courage in her hands] I've got to be quick. +He keeps on asking--he knows there's something. + +HILLCRIST. Make your mind easy. We shan't tell him. + +CHLOE. [Appealing] Oh! that's not enough. Can't you tell him +something to put him back to thinking it's all right? I've done him +such a wrong. I didn't realise till after--I thought meeting him +was just a piece of wonderful good luck, after what I'd been +through. I'm not such a bad lot--not really. + + [She stops from the over-quivering of her lips. JILL, standing + beside the chair, strokes her shoulder. HILLCRIST stands very + still, painfully biting at a finger.] + +You see, my father went bankrupt, and I was in a shop---- + +HILLCRIST. [Soothingly, and to prevent disclosures] Yes, yes; Yes, +yes! + +CHLOE. I never gave a man away or did anything I was ashamed of--at +least--I mean, I had to make my living in all sorts of ways, and +then I met Charlie. + + [Again she stopped from the quivering of her lips.] + +JILL. It's all right. + +CHLOE. He thought I was respectable, and that was such a relief, +you can't think, so--so I let him. + +JILL. Dodo! It's awful + +HILLCRIST. It is! + +CHLOE. And after I married him, you see, I fell in love. If I had +before, perhaps I wouldn't have dared only, I don't know--you never +know, do you? When there's a straw going, you catch at it. + +JILL. Of course you do. + +CHLOE. And now, you see, I'm going to have a child. + +JILL. [Aghast] Oh! Are you? + +HILLCRIST. Good God! + +CHLOE. [Dully] I've been on hot bricks all this month, ever since +that day here. I knew it was in the wind. What gets in the wind +never gets out. [She rises and throws out her arms] Never! It +just blows here and there [Desolately] and then--blows home. [Her +voice changes to resentment] But I've paid for being a fool-- +'tisn't fun, that sort of life, I can tell you. I'm not ashamed and +repentant, and all that. If it wasn't for him! I'm afraid he'll +never forgive me; it's such a disgrace for him--and then, to have +his child! Being fond of him, I feel it much worse than anything I +ever felt, and that's saying a good bit. It is. + +JILL. [Energetically] Look here! He simply mustn't find out. + +CHLOE. That's it; but it's started, and he's bound to keep on +because he knows there's something. A man isn't going to be +satisfied when there's something he suspects about his wife, Charlie +wouldn't never. He's clever, and he's jealous; and he's coming +here. + + [She stops, and looks round wildly, listening.] + +JILL. Dodo, what can we say to put him clean off the scent? + +HILLCRIST. Anything--in reason. + +CHLOE. [Catching at this straw] You will! You see, I don't know +what I'll do. I've got soft, being looked after--he does love me. +And if he throws me off, I'll go under--that's all. + +HILLCRIST. Have you any suggestion? + +CHLOE. [Eagerly] The only thing is to tell him something positive, +something he'll believe, that's not too bad--like my having been a +lady clerk with those people who came here, and having been +dismissed on suspicion of taking money. I could get him to believe +that wasn't true. + +JILL. Yes; and it isn't--that's splendid! You'd be able to put +such conviction into it. Don't you think so, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. Anything I can. I'm deeply sorry. + +CHLOE. Thank you. And don't say I've been here, will you? He's +very suspicious. You see, he knows that his father has re-sold that +land to you; that's what he can't make out--that, and my coming here +this morning; he knows something's being kept from him; and he +noticed that man with Dawker yesterday. And my maid's been spying +on me. It's in the air. He puts two and two together. But I've +told him there's nothing he need worry about; nothing that's true. + +HILLCRIST. What a coil! + +CHLOE. I'm very honest and careful about money. So he won't +believe that about me, and the old man wants to keep it from +Charlie, I know. + +HILLCRIST. That does seem the best way out. + +CHLOE. [With a touch of defiance] I'm a true wife to him. + +CHLOE. Of course we know that. + +HILLCRIST. It's all unspeakably sad. Deception's horribly against +the grain--but---- + +CHLOE. [Eagerly] When I deceived him, I'd have deceived God +Himself--I was so desperate. You've never been right down in the +mud. You can't understand what I've been through. + +HILLCRIST. Yes, Yes. I daresay I'd have done the same. I should +be the last to judge + + [CHLOE covers her eyes with her hands.] + +There, there! Cheer up! [He puts his hand on her arm.] + +CHLOE. [To herself] Darling Dodo! + +CHLOE. [Starting] There's somebody at the door. I must go; I must +go. + + [She runs to the window and slips through the curtains.] + + [The handle of the door is again turned.] + +JILL. [Dismayed] Oh! It's locked--I forgot. + + [She spring to the door, unlocks and opens it, while HILLCRIST + goes to the bureau and sits down.] + +It's all right, Fellows; I was only saying something rather +important. + +FELLOWS. [Coming in a step or two and closing the door behind him] +Certainly, Miss. Mr. Charles 'Ornblower is in the hall. Wants to +see you, sir, or Mrs. Hillcrist. + +JILL. What a bore! Can you see him, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. Er--yes. I suppose so. Show him in here, Fellows. + + [As FELLOWS goes out, JILL runs to the window, but has no time + to do more than adjust the curtains and spring over to stand by + her father, before CHARLES comes in. Though in evening + clothes, he is white arid disheveled for so spruce a young + mean.] + +CHARLES. Is my wife here? + +HILLCRIST. No, sir. + +CHARLES. Has she been? + +HILLCRIST. This morning, I believe, Jill? + +JILL. Yes, she came this morning. + +CHARLES. [staring at her] I know that--now, I mean? + +JILL. No. + + [HILLCRIST shakes has head.] + +CHARLES. Tell me what was said this morning. + +HILLCRIST. I was not here this morning. + +CHARLES. Don't try to put me off. I know too much. [To JILL] +You. + +JILL. Shall I, Dodo? + +HILLCRIST. No; I will. Won't you sit down? + +CHARLES. No. Go on. + +HILLCRIST. [Moistening his lips] It appears, Mr. Hornblower, that +my agent, Mr. Dawker-- + + [CHARLES, who is breathing hard, utters a sound of anger.] + +--that my agent happens to know a firm, who in old days employed +your wife. I should greatly prefer not to say any more, especially +as we don't believe the story. + +JILL. No; we don't. + +CHARLES. Go on! + +HILLCRIST. [Getting up] Come! If I were you, I should refuse to +listen to anything against my wife. + +CHARLES. Go on, I tell you. + +HILLCRIST. You insist? Well, they say there was some question +about the accounts, and your wife left them under a cloud. As I +told you, we don't believe it. + +CHARLES. [Passionately] Liars! + + [He makes a rush for the door.] + +HILLCRIST. [Starting] What did you say? + +JILL. [Catching his arm] Dodo! [Sotto voce] We are, you know. + +CHARLES. [Turning back to them] Why do you tell me that lie? When +I've just had the truth out of that little scoundrel! My wife's +been here; she put you up to it. + + [The face of CHLOE is seen transfixed between the curtains, + parted by her hands.] + +She--she put you up to it. Liar that she is--a living lie. For +three years a living lie! + + [HILLCRIST whose face alone is turned towards the curtains, + sees that listening face. His hand goes up from uncontrollable + emotion.] + +And hasn't now the pluck to tell me. I've done with her. I won't +own a child by such a woman. + + [With a little sighing sound CHLOE drops the curtain and + vanishes.] + +HILLCRIST. For God's sake, man, think of what you're saying. She's +in great distress. + +CHARLES. And what am I? + +JILL. She loves you, you know. + +CHARLES. Pretty love! That scoundrel Dawker told me--told me-- +Horrible! Horrible! + +HILLCRIST. I deeply regret that our quarrel should have brought +this about. + +CHARLES. [With intense bitterness] Yes, you've smashed my life. + + [Unseen by them, MRS. HILLCRIST has entered and stands by the + door, Left.] + +MRS. H. Would you have wished to live on in ignorance? [They all +turn to look at her.] + +CHARLES. [With a writhing movement] I don't know. But--you--you +did it. + +MRS. H. You shouldn't have attacked us. + +CHARLES. What did we do to you--compared with this? + +MRS. H. All you could. + +HILLCRIST. Enough, enough! What can we do to help you? + +CHARLES. Tell me where my wife is. + + [JILL draws the curtains apart--the window is open--JILL looks + out. They wait in silence.] + +JILL. We don't know. + +CHARLES. Then she was here? + +HILLCRIST. Yes, sir; and she heard you. + +CHARLES. All the better if she did. She knows how I feel. + +HILLCRIST. Brace up; be gentle with her. + +CHARLES. Gentle? A woman who--who---- + +HILLCRIST. A most unhappy creature. Come! + +CHARLES. Damn your sympathy! + + [He goes out into the moonlight, passing away.] + +JILL. Dodo, we ought to look for her; I'm awfully afraid. + +HILLCRIST. I saw her there--listening. With child! Who knows +where things end when they and begin? To the gravel pit, Jill; I'll +go to the pond. No, we'll go together. [They go out.] + + [MRS. HILLCRIST comes down to the fireplace, rings the bell + and stands there, thinking. FELLOWS enters.] + +MRS. H. I want someone to go down to Mr. Dawker's. + +FELLOWS. Mr. Dawker is here, ma'am, waitin' to see you. + +MRS. H. Ask him to come in. Oh! and Fellows, you can tell the +Jackmans that they can go back to their cottage. + +FELLOWS. Very good, ma'am. [He goes out.] + + [MRS. HILLCRIST searches at the bureau, finds and takes out the + deed. DAWKERS comes in; he has the appearance of a man whose + temper has been badly ruffled.] + +MRS. H. Charles Hornblower--how did it happen? + +DAWKER. He came to me. I said I knew nothing. He wouldn't take +it; went for me, abused me up hill and down dale; said he knew +everything, and then he began to threaten me. Well, I lost my +temper, and I told him. + +MRS. H. That's very serious, Dawker, after our promise. My husband +is most upset. + +DAWKER. [Sullenly] It's not my fault, ma'am; he shouldn't have +threatened and goaded me on. Besides, it's got out that there's a +scandal; common talk in the village--not the facts, but quite enough +to cook their goose here. They'll have to go. Better have done +with it, anyway, than have enemies at your door. + +MRS. H. Perhaps; but--Oh! Dawker, take charge of this. [She hands +him the deed] These people are desperate--and--I'm sot sure of my +husband when his feelings are worked on. + + [The sound of a car stopping.] + +DAWKER. [At the window, looking to the Left] Hornblower's, I +think. Yes, he's getting out. + +MRS. H. [Bracing herself] You'd better wait, then. + +DAWKER. He mustn't give me any of his sauce; I've had enough. + + [The door is opened and HORNBLOWER enters, pressing so on the + heels of FELLOWS that the announcement of his name is lost.] + +HORNBLOWER. Give me that deed! Ye got it out of me by false +pretences and treachery. Ye swore that nothing should be heard of +this. Why! me own servants know. + +MRS. H. That has nothing to do with us. Your son came and wrenched +the knowledge out of Mr. DAWKER by abuse and threats; that is all. +You will kindly behave yourself here, or I shall ask that you be +shown out. + +HORNBLOWER. Give me that deed, I say! [He suddenly turns on +DAWKER] Ye little ruffian, I see it in your pocket. + + [The end indeed is projecting from DAWKER'S breast pocket.] + +DAWKER. [Seeing red] Now, look 'ere, 'Ornblower, I stood a deal +from your son, and I'll stand no more. + +HORNBLOWER. [To MRS. HILLCRIST] I'll ruin your place yet! [To +DAWKER] Ye give me that deed, or I'll throttle ye. + + [He closes on DAWKER, and makes a snatch at the deed. DAWKER, + springs at him, and the two stand swaying, trying for a grip at + each other's throats. MRS. HILLCRIST tries to cross and reach + the bell, but is shut off by their swaying struggle.] + + [Suddenly ROLF appears in the window, looks wildly at the + struggle, and seizes DAWKER'S hands, which have reached + HORNBLOWER'S throat. JILL, who is following, rushes up to him + and clutches his arm.] + +JILL. Rolf! All of you! Stop! Look! + + [DAWKER'S hand relaxes, and he is swung round. HORNBLOWER + staggers and recovers himself, gasping for breath. All turn to + the window, outside which in the moonlight HILLCRIST and + CHARLES HORNBLOWER have CHLOE'S motionless body in their arms.] + +In the gravel pit. She's just breathing; that's all. + +MRS. H. Bring her in. The brandy, Jill! + +HORNBLOWER. No. Take her to the car. Stand back, young woman! I +want no help from any of ye. Rolf--Chearlie--take her up. + + [They lift and bear her away, Left. JILL follows.] + +Hillcrist, ye've got me beaten and disgraced hereabouts, ye've +destroyed my son's married life, and ye've killed my grandchild. +I'm not staying in this cursed spot, but if ever I can do you or +yours a hurt, I will. + +DAWKER. [Muttering] That's right. Squeal and threaten. You began +it. + +HILLCRIST. Dawker, have the goodness! Hornblower, in the presence +of what may be death, with all my heart I'm sorry. + +HORNBLOWER. Ye hypocrite! + + [He passes them with a certain dignity, and goes out at the + window, following to his car.] + + [HILLCRIST who has stood for a moment stock-still, goes slowly + forward and sits in his swivel chair.] + +MRS. H. Dawker, please tell Fellows to telephone to Dr. Robinson to +go round to the Hornblowers at once. + + [DAWKER, fingering the deed, and with a noise that sounds like + "The cur!" goes out, Left.] + + [At the fireplace] + +Jack! Do you blame me? + +HILLCRIST. [Motionless] No. + +MRS. H. Or Dawker? He's done his best. + +HILLCRIST. No. + +MRS. H. [Approaching] What is it? + +HILLCRIST. Hypocrite! + + [JILL comes running in at the window.] + +JILL. Dodo, she's moved; she's spoken. It may not be so bad. + +HILLCRIST. Thank God for that! + + [FELLOWS enters, Left.] + +FELLOWS. The Jackmans, ma'am. + +HILLCRIST. Who? What's this? + + [The JACKMANS have entered, standing close to the door.] + +MRS. J. We're so glad we can go back, sir--ma'am, we just wanted to +thank you. + + [There is a silence. They see that they are not welcome.] + +Thank you kindly, sir. Good night, ma'am. + + [They shuffle out. ] + +HILLCRIST. I'd forgotten their existence. [He gets up] What is it +that gets loose when you begin a fight, and makes you what you think +you're not? What blinding evil! Begin as you may, it ends in this- +skin game! Skin game! + +JILL. [Rushing to him] It's not you, Dodo; it's not you, beloved +Dodo. + +HILLCRIST. It is me. For I am, or should be, master in this house! + +MRS. H. I don't understand. + +HILLCRIST. When we began this fight, we had clean hands--are they +clean' now? What's gentility worth if it can't stand fire? + + +CURTAIN + + + + +End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of THE SKIN GAME (Play) +by John Galsworthy. + diff --git a/old/skgam11.zip b/old/skgam11.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4e8b2bb --- /dev/null +++ b/old/skgam11.zip |